RPAGF Chapter 328 Concubine Zhou’s Plan
Chapter 328 Concubine Zhou’s Plan
Previously, because the fifth prince was young and Shun Guipin was a palace maid, Xie Qian'an had never thought of such a possibility.
Because the emperor didn't care so much about the fifth prince since he was born.
When Shun Guipin was pregnant, she was just a minor noble lady, timid and out of favor.
Therefore, after the fifth prince was born, the emperor did not love him much except for promoting him to be a noble concubine.
On the contrary, the emperor treated the fifth prince as nothing.
Only when she remembered occasionally would she go to Shun Guipin to visit the Fifth Prince, but that was only a few times.
At that time, the emperor looked down upon other princes. Only Xie Nanyuan, who was personally taught by him, could catch the emperor's eye.
Even he was able to be taken into consideration by the emperor while checking Xie Nanyuan's studies because he was close in age to Xie Nanyuan and because his mother still had some favor left in her.
When did the emperor start to care about the fifth prince?
Xie Qian'an thought about it carefully in his mind.
It seems that when the fourth prince was twelve years old, he got drunk and favored a palace maid at a palace banquet and was caught by someone.
The emperor was somewhat disappointed with his fourth brother, thinking that he was still young and should not be so addicted to women so early.
He also realized that he had been too negligent towards his fourth younger brother, so he began to ask about his schoolwork, only to find that his schoolwork was a mess.
So he strictly ordered him to cultivate his character and study hard. However, the fourth prince could not control himself and even flirted with the palace maids in the study. When the emperor found out, he was furious.
At this moment, another palace maid knelt at the door of Taiji Hall, claiming that she was pregnant with the fourth prince's child and begged the emperor to decide for her.
The fourth prince, who was only twelve years old, had become a father. The emperor was furious and ordered a thorough investigation.
Only then did they discover that not only some of the palace maids were involved with the Fourth Prince, but even the maids around him had had relationships with him.
Since then, the emperor completely gave up on the fourth prince and turned to take care of the fifth prince.
He claimed that even if the fifth prince did not have outstanding talents in the future, he would never be allowed to be as absurd as the fourth prince.
In this way, so many years have passed, and apart from Xie Nanyuan, the fifth prince can be said to be the prince on whom the emperor has spent the most effort.
Some things cannot stand careful consideration, especially for someone like Xie Qian'an who is narrow-minded and vindictive.
After Concubine Zhou's reminder, Xie Qian'an also felt that the Fifth Prince posed a great threat to him.
There is no doubt that the emperor's most beloved prince is Xie Nanyuan.
It goes without saying which side your heart will lean towards, the son you raised with your own hands or the son you visit occasionally.
But if he gets rid of Xie Nanyuan, will the emperor really make him the crown prince?
Even if he is named the crown prince, if the emperor lives longer and the fifth prince grows up in a few years, will the emperor consider deposing the crown prince and appointing another one?
After all, Shun Guipin was of humble origin, but as long as the emperor didn't mind, it wouldn't be a big deal. What's more... the queen was watching covetously from the side and was happy to take the fifth prince under her name.
Xie Qian'an suddenly realized that his fifth brother, whom he had always looked down upon, seemed to have become the second obstacle to him after Xie Nanyuan.
Xie Qian'an stood there quietly, but a storm was brewing in his eyes.
After a long while, he spoke in a hoarse voice, "Then what does mother think? If I attack the fifth prince after Xie Nanyuan, I'm afraid father will become suspicious."
Seeing that Xie Qian'an agreed, Concubine Zhou slowly curled up the corners of her mouth into a smile.
She knew that An'er would never let her down.
Concubine Zhou opened her red lips slightly, and the words she uttered were as cold as the snow outside the window. "Isn't there a perfect opportunity right now?"
Seeing Xie Qian'an's puzzled expression, Concubine Zhou slowly asked, "Did you see the Fifth Prince's red and swollen eyes just now?"
Xie Qi'an nodded slowly. "He and Xie Nanyuan have always had a close relationship. Knowing that Xie Nanyuan's whereabouts are unknown and whether he is alive or dead, he is naturally heartbroken."
Concubine Zhou chuckled and said, "Yes, the Fifth Prince is still a little young, and he has always been close to the humble... Prince Rui. Knowing that Prince Rui's whereabouts are unknown, she is heartbroken and frightened, unable to sleep at night."
"The Fifth Prince had to study during the day, and at night he couldn't sleep because he was worried about Prince Rui. His meals were tasteless, and the winter weather was cold. After this day after day, his body couldn't bear it and he fell ill."
"While recuperating in bed, he heard the tragic news of Prince Rui's death. Deeply moved by the love between brothers, he gave up and followed Prince Rui."
"An'er, what do you think of this result?" Concubine Zhou raised her almond-shaped eyes slightly, her eyes full of malice.
Xie Qian'an pondered, "Mother, do you mean to blame Xie Nanyuan for the Fifth Prince's death?"
Concubine Zhou nodded slowly. "Don't you think that taking action against the Fifth Prince is a bit too obvious? Everyone knows that these two brothers are deeply in love. Now that Prince Rui is missing, the Fifth Prince will surely be heartbroken for a long time."
"If the Fifth Prince fell ill out of worry over Prince Rui's disappearance, then that's none of our business, and your father wouldn't be able to trace it back to us."
"As for his death later, it was because he himself could not bear the bad news, so it has nothing to do with us."
After hearing this, Xie Qianan exchanged a glance with Concubine Zhou and said, "Mother, you are indeed a good planner. I will do it now."
"Go ahead, but remember to do it discreetly." Concubine Zhou waved her hand.
Xie Qian'an left the Yanxi Palace quickly.
Princess Anle heard the entire conversation between Concubine Zhou and her son, and was now happily pulling Concubine Zhou's sleeve and acting coquettishly.
"Mother, good mother, your plan is really great. If the fifth prince dies, I wonder how that bitch Yongle can still be so arrogant in front of me!"
Yongle and the Queen wanted to raise the Fifth Prince under their knees and help him ascend the throne in the future without having to rely on his elder brother, so they dared to be so arrogant in front of her.
If Xie Nanyuan and the fifth prince were both dead, then my father would have no choice but to pass the throne to my elder brother.
When the time comes, she will definitely torture Yongle severely and take back double the humiliation she has suffered over the years.
Princess Anle thought so, and her pretty face was full of schadenfreude and joy, as if she had already seen Princess Yongle kneeling before her, repenting and begging for mercy.
When Concubine Zhou heard this, she didn't reprimand her daughter. Instead, she caressed her daughter's cheek with a look of heartache and said, "Don't worry. When your brother ascends the throne, we mother and daughter won't have to cater to others' wishes anymore. By then, you will be the most honorable queen of Dayue."
"You can have whatever you want, and no one can take it away from you."
So what if she is the queen or the legitimate princess? In the end, you have to live by her mood.
She has endured for so many years, and it's her turn to win.
No one can stop the way of the mother and her two children.
Princess Anle listened to Concubine Zhou's words, her eyes flashed, and the figure of Fu Chen appeared in her mind.
Is there no one who can compete with her?