The Ming Dynasty: The Iron-Blooded Martial Emperor, Who Slaughtered the World

Chapter 22 The Brutal Emperor!

With Empress Dowager Wang's approval, Empress Dowager Zhang's confidence increased greatly.

As long as the two of them join forces, there is nothing they cannot accomplish in this harem.

When Empress Dowager Zhang gave Liu Jian this affirmative answer, Liu Jian felt much more at ease.

The fact that both the Empress Dowager and the Grand Empress Dowager were involved in this matter proves that everything in the inner palace is now foolproof.

The only thing to worry about is the previous dynasty.

These past two days, Li Dongyang suddenly claimed to be sick and took leave, and has not come to Wenyuan Pavilion to perform his duties for two consecutive days.

Liu Jian and Xie Qian both knew perfectly well that Li Dongyang must have deliberately asked for leave to avoid getting involved in this matter.

Liu Jian and Xie Qian naturally had some opinions about Li Dongyang's self-preservation behavior.

Unfortunately, Zhu Houzhao has not yet harmed Li Dongyang's interests, so it is understandable that Li Dongyang is not making any effort.

Inside the Wenyuan Pavilion, Liu Jian asked Xie Qian beside him, "How are things going with those people I asked you to contact?"

A hint of excitement flashed across Xie Qian's face: "Officials in various regions have been suffering from the eunuchs for too long. I don't even need to say anything; these impeachment memorials are coming in like snowflakes."

That's good.

Liu Jian took a deep breath, his eyes filled with determination: "The next grand court assembly will be the time for us to make our move!"

"This time, it's all or nothing!"

Perhaps influenced by Liu Jian's emotions, Xie Qian's face also became serious.

No one knew better than them how dangerous this battle was, but they had no room to back down!

"Where you sit determines where you look." People in this position have to do what's expected of them.

Even if they fail, there will still be thousands upon thousands of them, one after another, continuing their unfinished work!

Go ahead to dangers!

……

Qianqing Palace.

Gu Dayong brought over a tray and knelt before Zhu Houzhao.

"Your Majesty, it's time to choose a concubine."

Zhu Houzhao thought of Shangguan Haitang, whom he had met earlier that day, and felt a little tempted: "Bring it closer."

"Yes."

Zhu Houzhao looked at the eighteen concubines on the tray. Apart from Xia Tianxin, who was a Zhaoyi, the others were just Xuanshi.

Zhu Houzhao moved Xia Tianxin's name tag aside, shuffled the remaining name tags, and randomly drew one.

"Select a concubine, Lady Liu, to serve you in bed!"

After noting down the name, Gu Dayong immediately went to Chuxiu Palace to inform Lady Liu to bathe and change her clothes in preparation for serving him in bed.

Liu's maiden name was Liu Ningwei. After receiving the notice that she would be chosen to serve the emperor, she trembled with excitement.

She knew all too well the benefits of serving the emperor in bed.

After Xia Tianxin served the emperor, not only did her rank rise significantly, but she was also able to move out of Chuxiu Palace and live alone in a separate courtyard.

It is said that there were as many as six eunuchs and maids serving her alone.

His Majesty also bestowed so many treasures upon her in one go, which is truly the envy of everyone.

Now, the heavens have finally smiled upon her, and she must do everything in her power to win His Majesty's favor!

Considering that the position of Empress is still vacant, Liu Ningwei felt that she could also compete for the position of the head of the six palaces!

After taking a rose petal bath and carefully dressing up, Liu Ningwei rode in a bridal sedan chair to the Qianqing Palace.

After Gu Dayong announced the news, Liu Ningwei followed the palace maid into the bedroom.

"This concubine greets Your Majesty."

Get up.

Liu Ningwei got up and saw Zhu Houzhao lying diagonally on the bed.

Upon seeing Zhu Houzhao's appearance, Liu Ningwei felt a surge of emotion.

Your Majesty, you are so young and handsome!

Zhu Houzhao looked at Liu Ningwei and nodded slightly.

Liu Ningwei is tall and slender with a graceful figure and stunningly beautiful features. Her large, watery eyes are particularly captivating.

"come over."

Zhu Houzhao extended a hand to Liu Ningwei.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Liu Ningwei bit her lip, took light steps forward, and grasped Zhu Houzhao's hand.

Her body felt limp, as if she had no bones, and she nestled into Zhu Houzhao's arms.

"Your Majesty must be exhausted from working so hard for the country. Let me take good care of you."

Liu Ningwei breathed softly and used her foot to lower the bed curtains, taking a particularly proactive approach.

Zhu Houzhao lay on the bed, sighed comfortably, and let Liu Ningwei do as she pleased.

……

The next day.

The sky was still barely light.

When Liu Ningwei opened her eyes, Zhu Houzhao had already dressed in his imperial robes with the help of palace maids.

Today is the day of the grand court assembly, and he will be attending court soon.

"You're awake. You must have been exhausted yesterday. Why didn't you sleep a little longer?"

Zhu Houzhao saw Liu Ningwei get off the dragon bed and casually remarked.

Liu Ningwei took the clothes from the palace maid and dressed Zhu Houzhao, smoothing out the wrinkles at the collar.

"Your Majesty, I am not tired. I enjoy serving you."

"Compared to Your Majesty's tireless efforts for the Ming Dynasty, I have already enjoyed countless blessings."

Zhu Houzhao chuckled and pinched Liu Ningwei's cheek.

"You, you have such a sweet tongue."

Zhu Houzhao pressed down on Liu Ningwei's neck and kissed her lips, his actions extremely rough.

"Mmm~"

Liu Ningwei closed her eyes, not daring to resist, and let Zhu Houzhao conquer and seize territory. She could only give in to his demands.

The palace maids around them turned their backs, lowered their heads, and stared at their toes, not daring to look around.

After Zhu Houzhao finished kissing her and let go, Liu Ningwei's body went limp, and she couldn't even stand up. She fell into Zhu Houzhao's arms.

"I've ordered the Imperial Kitchen to send some food over. You can eat before you leave. Take a rest; there's no rush."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Zhu Houzhao straightened his clothes and turned to leave the Qianqing Palace.

Watching Zhu Houzhao's departing figure, Liu Ningwei sat back on the bed, feeling utterly lost.

Zhu Houzhao did not bestow any honors upon her, which means that she will have to return to Chuxiu Palace later and squeeze in with the other sixteen concubines?

Liu Ningwei felt melancholy and deeply envied Xia Tianxin.

Why is there such a big difference between those who both serve the emperor in bed?

Liu Ningwei sighed. The next moment, a female official entered the room and read out the imperial edict.

"By order of His Majesty, Lady Liu, a selected concubine, is promoted to the rank of Beauty and moved to the Wusong Garden of Yanxi Palace."

"Award him ten bolts of brocade and a box of jewelry."

In an instant, Liu Ningwei's initial frustration was replaced by joy.

This feeling of thinking her wish had been dashed, only to have it take a dramatic turn for the better, filled her with immense excitement.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your kindness!"

Liu Ningwei wept with joy, her heart filled with gratitude towards Zhu Houzhao.

A casual remark by Zhu Houzhao could truly change their fate in the palace.

Liu Ningwei stood up, and the palace maids and eunuchs around her immediately bowed to her.

"This servant greets Your Majesty."

Seeing the respectful manner of the palace maids and eunuchs, Liu Ningwei could not suppress the joy in her heart.

At that moment, she finally felt the changes that power brought!

At this moment, Zhu Houzhao had already arrived at Chengtian Gate, sat on the dragon throne, and was preparing to convene a grand court assembly!