698 The Yan Family <2>

Empress Dowager Yan is only in her twenties. She's the second Empress after the first Empress died in Emperor Yang Zhou's father's era. At that time, the Yan Family was both remorseful and proud for being picked as the Empress.

It was just that…

The reputation of the Emperor was not good.

No one didn't know the fact that Emperor Xuan favored Imperial Concubine Mei so greatly because of her beauty. Everyone who had seen her would know that she was so beautiful that the Emperor would want to have her as his main wife.

But the officials strongly protested against it.

It was not like they didn't know the Emperor's favor and taste, but it was because Imperial Concubine Mei was so beautiful that they were afraid.

Afraid that the Emperor would follow Imperial Concubine Mei's wishes unconditionally.

Afraid that the Emperor would follow Imperial Concubine Mei's whim all the time.

Afraid that the Emperor would follow Imperial Concubine Mei and abandoned his work as the Emperor.

Even though Emperor Xuan was mocked by many officials in private, they still needed him as the figurehead. And it was also the truth that his decision would affect the way the politic was done.

Thus, the officials were all one voice.

They should never let Imperial Concubine Mei rise to become the Empress!

And with Imperial Concubine Mei's poor background as a dancer, it was inevitable that many other officials also supported this notion. The fact that Imperial Concubine Mei would be humiliated because she was unfamiliar with the etiquette and the work as the Empress was clear for them to see.

With that fierce movement, Emperor Xuan could only pick other girls from outside as his Empress.

And the person picked was the weak Yan Family's daughter.

Thus, Empress Dowager Yan become the second Empress in Emperor Xuan's era, which didn't last long. After that, she become the Empress Dowager and hold the highest power alongside Empress Dowager Mei as Emperor Yang Zhou was still too young.

The battles in the harem has always been fierce and this didn't change even up until now.

"Your Highness, as you might have known, Ah Di is participating in the Empress Selection." The Second Madam Yan looked around carefully. "I want you to help her to be able to pass easily."

Empress Dowager Yan's expression was still as impassive as ever. "Second Aunt, I'm afraid that it's not possible. The one who decided who will pass or not is based on the standard that His Majesty had set up. I can't possibly change the standard he had set up."

Second Madam Yan's face was ugly. "You're the one in charge of this selection. Why can't you make any decision?"

"Second Aunt, His Majesty entrusted me with this task because he believed in my capabilities and fairness." Empress Dowager Yan's expression was calm and indifferent. "If it's about any other matter, I might be able to help you. However, this matter is not only concerning me but also many other people. I can't do anything about it."

"Think about it once more, Your Highness. You're part of the Yan Family and naturally, you should help us to be able to stabilize our position."

"Would becoming an Empress stabilize Yan Family position or your position, Second Aunt?" Empress Dowager Yan was clear of the situation at home. She looked at her aunt sharply. "The one who can become an Empress had to be someone who suited His Majesty's requirement. There's no other choice!"

"Are you going to turn away from me just like what you did to your brother?"

At this sentence, Empress Dowager Yan's eyes light faltered a bit. However, her tone was still as firm as ever. "What happened back then had happened and couldn't be changed. Even if I had made a mistake, it's a matter between me and my brother. As an Aunt, do you want to interfere in my matter, Second Aunt?"

Second Madam Yan was furious. "Are you not treating Yan Family as your family members anymore, Your Highness?"

"Did you know how you call me?" Empress Dowager Yan looked at her aunt with a mocking smile. There was a ridicule within her tone when she asked this question that should have been very clear for them.

Second Madam Yan still didn't realize that the current Empress Dowager Yan was not the weak young girl who couldn't do anything by herself. She had risen in the harsh battlefield in the harem and sharpened her sword with countless battles against countless women.

"Your Highness?"

Empress Dowager Yan's eyes glinted in ruthlessness. "As you said, I'm the Empress Dowager Yan and naturally no longer part of the Yan Family. A married woman is like a thrown water, isn't that what you always said to me before, Second Aunt?"

"You're still part of the Yan Family!" Second Madam Yan was dissatisfied and tried to refute once more.

However, Empress Dowager Yan merely let out a faint laugh. "Yan Family and the Imperial Family has always been different, Second Aunt. Do you really think that just because I'm now part of the Imperial Family, it meant that the Imperial Family will follow your bidding?"

"That's…"

"The Imperial Family's honor is not to be tarnished. If people were to listen to your words today, Second Aunt, they will think that the Yan Family is higher than the Imperial Family." Empress Dowager Yan showed a faint smile.

But it was such a cold smile that caused chills to spread on Second Madam Yan's back. She felt that the current Empress Dowager Yan was so scary.

It was a completely contrasting picture compared to the young, soft, and undecided little girl back then.

"You…"

"Send the guest off." Empress Dowager Yan turned around, not paying attention to these two anymore. "From now on, no member of Yan Family aside from my father and my brother is allowed to enter the palace. As for that woman who participated in the Empress Selection, she's eliminated."