strictlysupreme Chapter 386 Li Che's Question
Chapter 386 Li Che's Question
Chapter 386 Li Che's Question
Consort Zheng had expected to be condemned by the court because of the imperial physician incident, but the court made almost no comment on the matter. This made her, who had been worried for several days, immediately become flamboyant again.
The imperial physicians were dispatched to the Zheng family with even greater impunity, and dared not neglect their duties.
In the pavilion of the Imperial Garden, Consort Zheng was still dressed in her finest clothes, looking radiant with bright eyes, and did not appear to be in her forties.
Sitting opposite her was the younger and more beautiful Zheng Yanran, who was equally spirited, as her wedding to Gu Chang'an was less than two months away.
She was finally able to marry the best man in the world, a man who was both capable and caring towards women. She had never met another like him.
With her cousin's immense power, she wasn't afraid of being outmatched by Shen Li.
"You may be happy, but don't underestimate your enemy. Shen Li's scheming is far superior to yours. After you marry into the family, you must be cautious and find out her background first. Don't deal with her unless you are absolutely certain of victory," Consort Zheng instructed.
She wasn't a cautious person, and the reason she said that was because she had suffered greatly. Although she had no evidence, she was certain that Zheng Youwei's death, the burning of Wanbaoge, and even the snake's sudden attack on her were all related to Shen Li.
What's terrifying is that she still can't figure out how Shen Li, with just a maid, could commit murder and arson and stir up such a huge storm in her palace.
After that, she never volunteered to scheme against Shen Li again, nor did she believe that her niece could be a match for Shen Li.
The best way to win is not to fight, at least you can remain undefeated.
“Aunt overestimates her. Perhaps she has more insight into matters of the court, but she doesn’t understand romance and charm. The most important thing in the inner quarters is to capture a man’s heart.” Zheng Yanran smiled brightly and confidently: “I have a way to beat her.”
Consort Zheng felt that this angle wasn't without merit; Shen Li looked rather indifferent and aloof.
She knew that men might like this kind of woman, but they would gradually find that such a woman could not bring any novelty, and they would still fall into the gentle embrace of a woman who knew how to charm and seduce.
Her niece was very much like herself; getting along with men was their natural talent, and in this respect, they could indeed surpass Shen Li.
Therefore, this struggle for control of the inner quarters may not necessarily be without its advantages.
"Then you should focus your attention on Gu Chang'an, but you shouldn't make any rash moves before Gu Chang'an falls for you." Consort Zheng was not blinded by her advantage.
"Why is my aunt so wary of her?" Zheng Yanran asked, puzzled.
From childhood to adulthood, she had never seen her aunt be afraid of anyone, not even the Empress and Empress Dowager.
Consort Zheng was unwilling to say more, only saying, "In short, just be careful. Your aunt also hopes you will never know how ruthless she is."
Seeing that her aunt was speaking seriously, Zheng Yanran could only obediently nod, but she didn't take it seriously in her heart. She was determined to show her aunt her abilities.
In Fengxiang Palace, Shen Li was demonstrating to Li Che how to paint in the meticulous style in the study. A fish in a fish tank was painted lifelike on the paper. After she finished painting, she explained while looking at Li Che beside her, only to find that he seemed to be lost in thought.
"Your Highness?" Shen Li called out. She wasn't angry because Li Che was obsessed with painting and had always been focused on it. He had never been so lost in thought before.
Li Che then looked at Shen Li, realizing he hadn't been listening to what she said, and immediately bowed respectfully: "This student has not been focused and has failed Master's expectations. Please punish me, Master."
"If Your Highness trusts me, why not tell me what's on your mind?" Shen Li said, putting down her paintbrush.
She knew Li Che would say it.
After pondering for a while, Li Che dismissed the eunuchs attending him and then asked, "The legitimacy of the court is now in grave danger. What are your thoughts, Master?"
Shen Li was somewhat surprised that he would have such thoughts. Although the Empress's suppression had inevitably stirred up his desire to fight, the current situation in the court was almost one-sided. Even Emperor Cheng was so suppressed that he was unwilling to attend court. How could a child who was only thirteen years old want to rebel?
They certainly have guts.
“It is naturally an unhealthy trend. If this continues, future generations of the Great Zhao will be caught in a vortex of succession struggles, which can be described as a devastating act that disrupts the court,” Shen Li replied.
"Then what does Master think is the solution?" A light gleamed in Li Che's eyes, but his expression remained calm.
"The Empress's position is secure, and the legitimate successor is assured." Shen Li looked at her as well, her voice resolute.
Li Che did not show any excitement upon hearing these words that clearly coincided with his own; instead, his eyes darkened: "Then Master thinks we might have a chance?"
"I believe that with Your Highness's talent, it's only a matter of time," Shen Li said sincerely.
Li Che took two steps back, clasped his hands, bowed deeply, and said in a sincere and earnest voice, "Please help me, Master, to drive out the treacherous party and restore the nation."