Free Web NovelChapter 559: Chapter 61: Iron-Fisted Tactics, Establishing Empress Wu Zhao
There was no other way, in the original history, the reason he doted on Wu Zetian wasn’t merely due to physical and emotional affection.
The most crucial reason was that Wu Zetian was his most relied-upon ally.
At that time, with Zhangsun Wuji dominating the court alone.
Wu Zetian not only provided him with many ideas but also gave him a lot of security.
But now it’s completely different.
Li Zhi would not be at any risk, so his affection for Wu Zetian would naturally not be the same as in the original history.
The power of Consort Xiao’s maternal family was evident, and making Consort Xiao the Empress seemed feasible.
The power of Consort Xiao’s maternal family was strong, making her Empress seemed reasonable. freewёbnoνel.com
But just when the dust was about to settle—an earth-shattering change occurred in the harem!
——Lady Zhaoyi was poisoned, unconscious, and her life was hanging by a thread!
This was completely unexpected by everyone.
Empress Wang had long been tightly restricted, so this incident was definitely unrelated to her. And at this delicate moment, Lady Zhaoyi was poisoned...
It suddenly complicated matters once again.
Investigate!
Once again, the Gu Clan was to investigate.
The series of events in the harem had thoroughly unnerved Li Zhi.
It gave him a feeling of being completely out of control.
This would make any Emperor extremely uneasy.
And as the investigation proceeded, the various matters concerning Consort Xiao were also uncovered, with various palace maids and attendants saying how domineering Consort Xiao was, and how many times she had said she wanted to kill Lady Zhaoyi.
Under this array of testimonies, some even recalled the previous incident of Li Lian being poisoned — could it have been orchestrated by Consort Xiao to frame Empress Wang?
But this speculation seemed too shocking for everyone.
After all, how could a mother harm... her own child?
Champion Marquis Mansion.
A group of Gu Clan members who had just returned from the investigation were reporting today’s situation to Gu Jing. After the report, one of them couldn’t help but sigh:
"Now there are even rumors in the court saying the Prince Yong case... is a play directed by Consort Xiao herself!"
He scoffed disdainfully and shook his head: "This is nonsense."
"How could a mother harm her own child?"
As the rising new generation of the Gu Clan, each of them was vibrant and full of hope for the future.
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.
Yet, some furrowed their brows slightly, with one among them showing a suspicious face, cupping his hands as he said, "Uncle, the testimonies of the palace people are too consistent, which is indeed puzzling."
"Not to mention others, even the servants in Consort Xiao’s palace said the same..."
"Is there perhaps another hidden secret?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the Gu Clan members present instantly became serious, directing their gaze towards Gu Jing, silently waiting for his explanation.
Gu Jing remained calm, sweeping his gaze over the crowd, and slowly said:
"Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it. The Xiao family has always been overbearing in the harem, strict on those below."
"In the past, relying on favor, she would often flog the palace people and attendants..."
"Long since lost the people’s hearts."
He did not fully express his thoughts, only making a slight reminder, then looked back at the young clan members, his voice indifferent, "For a mother, it is hard to hurt her flesh and blood..."
"However, consider: if one is determined enough to achieve their aim, could they injure themselves to frame others?"
The hall instantly fell into dead silence.
As members of the Gu Clan, they could immediately detect the meaning in Gu Jing’s words.
Yet, their expressions were extremely complicated, as if they found it hard to believe.
Would someone harm themselves?
If all this were true, how ruthless must this person be!
A series of events over the past year suddenly rose in their minds. Perhaps because their thinking had been opened up, the more they thought about it, the more terrified they felt.
"Uncle... what should we do?"
Finally, after a long while, one of the clan members couldn’t help but directly ask.
"You all need not worry." Gu Jing’s expression remained calm, saying lightly, "Just investigate as usual."
Gu Jing still had no plans to interfere.
It’s merely a harem struggle.
The Gu Clan doesn’t aspire for every Empress to be like Deng Sui or Empress Zhangsun, but neither should they be too lacking.
Whether it’s Empress Wang or Consort Xiao.
These two... seem to ultimately lack the temperament of an Empress.
Unable to hold the harem steady.
Losing their standing is quite normal.
If all is truly as he guessed, then not only has Wu Zetian won over the entire harem, but her thoughts are also so deep.
Having her as Empress seems quite acceptable.
The Gu Clan is the bottom line of all Kyushu, and naturally, it’s impossible for them to intervene in this harem struggle.
This matter caused a great commotion in the entire court, with Li Zhi almost sending all of his offspring to the Gu Clan, to study and indirectly protect them.
And following the testimonies of those palace maids and attendants, Li Zhi’s newfound affection for Consort Xiao quickly vanished.
In its place was the company of Wu Zetian.
He even voluntarily fasted, praying for Wu Zetian’s well-being.
Gu Yi was also quietly watching everything, having to admit that Wu Zetian was indeed ruthless.
Even though history had changed significantly.
But her political skills are definitely incomparable to those of Empress Wang and Consort Xiao.
Even wiser than many ministers.
She knows too well the bottom line of the Gu Clan.
Moreover, compared to others, her heart is truly ruthless!
Whether it’s towards her offspring or herself, she is always ruthless, willing to pay any price to achieve her goals.
