My Aloof Lord Ex-Husband Begs for Remarriage
Chapter 505: An Audience at the Palace

Chapter 505: Chapter 505: An Audience at the Palace

Bai Wuheng might or might not do as he had claimed, but Chu Nanli didn’t care.

She wouldn’t forgive anyone who had hurt her on behalf of the original owner.

However, she also wouldn’t deny them the opportunity to actively seek redemption.

On the other hand, the Vassal King of Lingnan and Lu Xinyue had also made preparations to enter the palace for an audience.

"Father, these past few days I have become friends with Chu Nanli, and I believe that after a bit more time, I’ll be able to get close to the Regent King through her."

Lu Xinyue recounted her progress to the Vassal King of Lingnan in detail.

She was utterly confident in her plan and felt that as long as she took action, she would definitely succeed in establishing a connection with Ye Jiuxiao.

"That’s very good, I did say that Ye Jiuxiao is a man, and what man could possibly resist the charm of a beautiful woman?"

The eyes of the Vassal King of Lingnan brimmed with confidence, and just by looking at them, one could tell how alike this father and daughter were.

"As long as we can secure Ye Jiuxiao, the Emperor is hardly a threat!"

Lu Xinyue’s eyes lit up, and although she wanted to say more, they had arrived at the palace gate where it was clearly not appropriate to continue speaking.

She followed behind the Vassal King of Lingnan, respectfully performed a curtsey to the Emperor.

The Emperor looked at her with a smile, "Xinyue girl, you’ve grown more and more splendid over the years, good thing you haven’t inherited your young impatience, you truly act like a lady from a noble family!"

"Your Majesty truly flatters Xinyue, she is only well-behaved in front of you. In my presence, she can be incredibly lively!"

The face of the Vassal King of Lingnan was filled with a smile, looking completely satisfied with his daughter.

It was a stark contrast to how he was inside the carriage just a moment ago.

"Then We shouldn’t keep you here any longer, the Empress Dowager has prepared some refreshments, We will have someone take you to her."

The Emperor intentionally sent Lu Xinyue away, and naturally, she could hear the implication in his words.

After Lu Xinyue left, the Emperor then allowed the Vassal King of Lingnan to take a seat.

"Is everything alright in Lingnan?"

The Emperor did not rebuke him for coming to the palace only now, but instead showed magnanimity and inquired about the Vassal King’s recent situation.

"We heard that you wanted to designate your legitimate son as the heir, but why did you then revoke that decision later on?"

"My son is still young, I want him to spend a few more years learning the ways of loyalty and patriotism, so that he may serve you better in the future!"

The Vassal King of Lingnan opened his mouth humbly, as if willing to wear his submission on his very face.

His words warmed the Emperor’s heart.

The Emperor had already intended to use the vassal kings’ visit to the capital as an opportunity to either ally with or suppress them, especially the Vassal King of Lingnan.

Lingnan had become significantly wealthier over the past two years, flourishing under the administration of the Vassal King.

If he could gain control over such a vast region, his chances of overthrowing Ye Jiuxiao would naturally be much greater.

"Your loyal heart towards Us is clear in Our mind."

The Emperor was utterly satisfied with the attitude of the Vassal King of Lingnan at the moment, his gaze towards him softened as well.

He even put on a display of utter sincerity, "As long as you are loyal to Us, We will naturally remember your good deeds."

He completely missed the Vassal King’s facade and thought it was his imperial aura that had intimidated him, also quelling the other vassal kings.

As long as he could gather these powers under his control and unite the land, he would certainly be regarded by future generations as a wise ruler!

"Thank you for Your Majesty’s recognition!"

In the hall, both of them actually harbored their own cunning schemes.

Yet neither had shown their true feelings in the presence of the other.

Meanwhile, Lu Xinyue had successfully met with the Empress Dowager and had also won her affection.

"Our memory serves us right, you have not been betrothed yet, child," said the Empress Dowager.

With a shy expression, Lu Xinyue spoke, "In response to Your Majesty’s words, my father said last year that he would find a husband for me, but there are too few suitable young men in Lingnan compared to the capital, which is why it has not been settled yet."

"There are indeed many eligible young men in the capital. I will ask the Empress to keep a lookout for you. If you can find a husband here, you might as well stay in the capital from now on."

"I take a liking to you, child. Come visit me more often in the palace," the Empress Dowager added.

The Empress Dowager had her own reasons for saying this.

Though Lu Xinyue was only the daughter of the Vassal King of Lingnan, the Empress Dowager had heard about the favor she enjoyed from him even in the capital.

If she could keep Lu Xinyue in the capital through marriage, it would naturally also become a piece in counterbalancing the power of the Vassal King of Lingnan.

Presently, the Empress Dowager had started to scheme quietly in her heart.

Her ideas were aligned with those of the Emperor; both wished to win over the Vassal King of Lingnan.

However, the Emperor did it for power, while the Empress Dowager did it more for stability.

The Empress, who stood by, silently agreed without voicing any objections.

She was accustomed to concealing her sharpness in front of others, presenting an image of peace and non-contention.

Yet, looking at her demeanor, the Empress Dowager could not help but feel a touch of dissatisfaction.

She had already reprimanded the Emperor for favoring the Consort Yang Shu too much, reminding him not to be too partial and to maintain the dignity of the Empress as the main consort.

But what could she do if the Empress was not assertive?

She neither vied for favor nor thought of scheming for the Crown Prince, spending her days in nothing but prayer and devotion. It’s no wonder the Emperor did not favor her.

Consort Yang Shu, who was nearby, brightened up upon hearing the Empress Dowager’s words.

If she could arrange for Ye Yunting to marry Lu Xinyue, wouldn’t she gain the support of the Vassal King of Lingnan?

Of course, Consort Yang Shu would not disclose her inner thoughts directly, but her gaze towards Lu Xinyue became significantly more eager.

"The Empress Dowager has Xinyue’s best interests at heart—how could I refuse?"

When it came to her marriage, Lu Xinyue did not show the usual shyness of a noble lady; instead, there was a sense of forthrightness about her.

"If you find someone suitable, just speak to my father; he has been longing to marry me off!" she said.

In fact, the Empress Dowager preferred lively girls over those who were always proper and rigid.

Lu Xinyue’s words had clearly struck a chord with her.

"Well then, that’s settled. I shall have someone start making arrangements for you right away!" the Empress Dowager declared.

"Mother, why bother looking elsewhere? Isn’t there a suitable match right before us?"

"Yunting and Jiuxiao are both unmarried; why not let the Commandery Princess take a look at them?"

Consort Yang Shu, keen on securing an advantage for her son, reluctantly included the fifth Prince, who had only recently set up his own residence after leaving the palace.

Yet her scheme was immediately obvious to the Empress Dowager.

In front of everyone, the Empress Dowager did not make a scene but responded coolly.

"We would not indulge in creating indiscriminate matches. If you have someone in mind, simply tell us, and we will ensure your happiness," she said.

The words of the Empress Dowager made Lu Xinyue’s smile even more radiant: "Then Xinyue thanks the Empress Dowager in advance."