"The Yang Family sticking their necks out isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If they go too far, we give them a warning; if they overstep, then we kill a chicken to scare the monkeys. Court politics and power plays have existed in every era. How well it’s balanced depends on the Emperor’s skill in managing people. After all, isn’t the skill of utilizing people precisely the Emperor’s skill?"

As she spoke, she took out a large phoenix hairpin and compared it against Fu Zhen’s bun.

Fu Zhen cooperated by leaning her head out a little, showing her agreement. Then she smiled and said, "Mother, even though you’re outside the court, you have quite deep insights into court affairs."

Mrs. Pei wrapped the phoenix hairpin and pushed it in front of her, a hint of pride in her expression: "Don’t think I do nothing all day, back when I was with the Zhou Army, I was among the top ranks of the female soldiers. Every time there were wounded, I followed the military doctors to carry the injured soldiers and mix herbs. The men fought battles, and when they returned to their rooms, they still talked about those things. If I didn’t understand, I certainly did by then.

"Besides, do you think there was no open and covert strife during those battles? It was always there. Why did the Guo Family only receive Second Rank? It’s because Guo Su used to exclude other leaders in the camp, causing unnecessary casualties. His magnanimity wasn’t enough.

"Wherever there’s power and profit involved, how can it ever be clean?

"The reason our four families are so determined to support the Emperor is that we’ve seen too much of these matters along the way.

"Moreover, the Emperor is indeed a wise ruler. His reign honors the fallen soldiers, so we all respect him. Otherwise, considering the chaos in historical dynasties, Great Zhou wouldn’t have any less if not for him."

Mrs. Pei’s expression was rarely so deep and intense, clearly hiding many past events unknown to the younger generation like Fu Zhen.

Fu Zhen said, "I’ve never heard you talk about these things. Why don’t you tell me properly?"

Mrs. Pei laughed and said, "What’s there to say? It’s all in the past."

Fu Zhen tugged on her arm: "I’ve been bored lately, always feeling restless. You can tell me stories for a change."

Only then did Mrs. Pei pause in her task of selecting a jade bracelet, glanced at her with a smile, and said, "That must be left for another day. Let’s finish what’s at hand today. As for the Yi Family, since His Highness is already paying attention, he should take action. Let’s see what his attitude is toward this."

With that, she slipped a vibrant green bracelet onto Fu Zhen’s wrist, studying it from side to side, saying, "It looks beautiful. Indeed, such nice things are most suited for young girls like you."

...

The dusk enveloped the land. Over at the Yang Family, He Zhao also brought out the set of attire prepared for the banquet for Yang Yi. Yet, Yang Yi paid it no heed.

Chen Song had been closely watching the Yi Family for days. Perhaps he was confident in his plan, as the two Yang family descendants found from the Emperor’s birthplace had not only been entering and exiting the Yi Family openly these days but had also been taught etiquette by someone hired by the Yi Family at a relay station.

Of course, this alone isn’t enough. To meet the Empress, there must be a qualification to enter the palace for an audience.

Thus, the Yi Family had these two individuals report to the Ministry of Rites with travel passes and household registration documents, under the pretense of being distant royal relatives entering the capital specifically to celebrate Empress He’s birthday, seeking prior registration.

Such an obvious plot, and the Emperor actually approved it!

Early in the morning, the Ministry of Rites gave their approval and even sent officials from the Ministry of Imperial Clan Affairs to verify the two’s identities at the relay station, confirming that they were indeed descendants from thirteen generations back of the Emperor’s ancestor.

"Thirteen generations," Yang Yi couldn’t help but laugh upon hearing this, "thirteen generations is more than a hundred years ago. He knows exactly what the Yi Family is up to, yet he doesn’t stop it. Could it be that he truly wants the Yi Family to disrupt the birthday feast tomorrow?"

Chen Song bowed his head deeply: "But those two do have some connection with the Yang Family, and under the guise of coming to celebrate, perhaps the Emperor can’t openly refuse.

"The Empress’s reputation is virtuous, and rejecting them at such a time would also harm her reputation."

Yang Yi took a deep breath: "So the Yi Family assessed that the palace would give face at this time, which is why they dared to send these people up."

"I believe so. After all, entering the palace, even if unsuccessful once, it won’t matter. Having appeared once in palace and before the civil and military officials, they will naturally be remembered when needed in the future."

Yang Yi glanced at him.

At that moment, He Zhao hurriedly came in, reporting, "Master, the matter you asked us to inquire about last time has some leads now.

"Back when you and I were in the northwest, the troops led by Guo Su were precisely responsible for guarding outside the Emperor’s main tent."