The Empress Dowager snorted coldly, unwilling to look at the Empress and her son any longer. She turned her face away, her imposing aura undiminished.
Even though the Empress was now in a favorable position, she still lacked any confidence when facing the Empress Dowager, her heart trembling with fear. Just a glance at the Empress Dowager made her tremble.
"Get out quickly, this place cannot tolerate you and your son running amok!"
Seated on her chair, the Empress Dowager cast a disdainful glance at the Empress and the Third Prince. The annoyance in her eyes was undisguised. This mother and son had lived in the imperial palace for so many years and had witnessed many grand occasions, yet they were still not up to par. It was truly disgraceful for the royal family to have such individuals.
"Imperial Grandmother, the entire palace is now under my control. I advise you to remain quiet. As long as you are willing to announce before the ministers that Father Emperor had long established me as Crown Prince, you will still be the Grand Empress Dowager after I ascend the throne."
Even though the entire palace was under his control and half the ministers in court had already pledged allegiance to him, these were not as important as a single word from the Empress Dowager.
As long as the Empress Dowager was willing to say this one sentence, his claim to the throne would be legitimate. Otherwise, even if he sat on the throne, people would still call him a rebel, and his reign would be illegitimate, with countless individuals opposing him.
He had come here in a subservient manner precisely because he wanted the Empress Dowager to agree to his request.
The Empress Dowager let out a cold laugh, her laughter filled with mockery. "I thought you were fearless, but it turns out there is something you fear. This is truly surprising!"
Chu Yanxi's face instantly lost all composure, blushing deeply. He took a deep breath, trying his best to appear calm.
"Imperial Grandmother, this is the last time I ask you. Are you willing to write this imperial edict or not!"
"Rebel! What need do you have for dignity? To try and coerce me into playing along is utter delusion and wishful thinking!"
The Empress Dowager berated him angrily, grabbing a teacup and hurling it fiercely at Chu Yanxi.
Unable to dodge, he was struck hard. Instantly, bright red blood flowed from Chu Yanxi's forehead.
"Xi'er!" the Empress cried out in alarm, rushing forward to support Chu Yanxi. Seeing her precious son's head bleeding, her heart ached.
Angrily, she strode towards the Empress Dowager, raising her hand as if to strike. Fortunately, Feng Jin was quick-witted and immediately stepped forward, seizing the Empress's descending hand. With a forceful shove, she sent the Empress flying backward.
Feng Jin directly shielded the Empress Dowager, "Empress, don't push it. If you lay a hand on the Empress Dowager today, I guarantee you will die a terrible death!"
The Empress, with the help of her maids, stood up. Her face was instantly contorted with rage, devoid of its previous grace and elegance. Her elaborate hairstyle was slightly disheveled, and a lock of hair dangled over her forehead.
Her makeup was no longer as neat as before, and she appeared much more disheveled. The Empress steadied herself, her eyes burning with fury as she glared at Feng Jin. She, who was a mere young girl, had dared to defy her.
"How audacious! To dare lay hands on me! Guards, bind this wench and beat her severely!"
At the Empress's command, the surrounding individuals moved towards Feng Jin. Chu Yanxi quickly spoke to stop them, "Stop, get down!"
Feng Jin was his most crucial trump card right now, and he could not allow her to be harmed in any way. He was counting on her to control Ling Mo Han.
"Xi'er, this bitch dared to lay hands on me! Kill her for me!"
She was about to become the most honored Empress Dowager, the most powerful woman in the harem, and she could not tolerate Feng Jin acting presumptuously before her. Today, she would make an example of Feng Jin.
"Mother, she is still useful to me. You cannot touch her for now. Once our great plan succeeds, she will be at your mercy!"
Although the Empress was furious, the most important thing now was for Chu Yanxi to ascend the throne as soon as possible. Since Feng Jin was still useful to Chu Yanxi, she suppressed her anger.
Once Chu Yanxi ascended the throne, it would be as easy as crushing an ant for her, as the Empress Dowager, to kill Feng Jin.
"I will spare your life for now. You had better behave yourself, and I might allow you to live for a few more days. Otherwise, I have plenty of ways to make you wish you were dead but unable to die!"
"Empress, your words are indeed grand. It seems the Third Prince has truly inherited your mantle, as arrogant and conceited, as ruthless and ambitious as you are. Truly, the apple does not fall far from the tree!"
Feng Jin found the Empress utterly repulsive. How could someone be so malicious, yet so foolish? Chu Yanxi was just like his mother, carved from the same mold.
"Your mouth is truly glib, just like that concubine, that lowly Imperial Consort. It would be fitting for you two to travel together to the underworld. At least you'll have someone to talk to. What do you say, Empress Dowager?"
"What have you done to the Imperial Consort?" The Empress Dowager's expression darkened further, and she berated the Empress.
The Empress stood up, a mocking smile on her lips. "The Empress Dowager has always favored the Imperial Consort. Naturally, I must let her accompany you. Bring the Imperial Consort in, let her have a good reunion with the Empress Dowager!"
As her words fell, the palace doors were once again opened from the outside. Several eunuchs escorted a richly dressed woman in, pushing her forcefully. She stumbled and fell to the ground.
"You slut Liu, you damned bitch... you'll die a terrible death, you slut!"
Upon seeing the Empress's face, the Imperial Consort immediately began to curse, struggling to stand up and lunging towards the Empress with her arms flailing. She was immediately stopped by the guards beside the Empress and kicked to the ground.
The Empress Dowager quickly rose and shielded the Imperial Consort behind her. "You've gone too far! If you truly have the guts, kill me with your sword!"
"This humble subject would naturally not dare to act presumptuously towards the Empress Dowager. After all, keeping your life is still useful. As for these concubines, merely looking at them is an eyesore. You, Empress Dowager, have always been benevolent and compassionate, and surely you cannot bear to watch them die tragically!"
"What exactly do you want to do!" The Empress Dowager's heart suddenly jolted, feeling that things were far more complicated than they appeared. The Empress was ruthless, malicious, and utterly foolish.