Chapter 2291: Control

“Is it necessary to say she doesn’t know the rules? Who in the palace doesn’t know them?! I sent someone to instruct her, but she drove him away. Did she show any willingness to learn?”

“Lord Su is being unreasonable! Are you blaming me for not educating her?”

The Third Prince was left speechless by the Empress’s words, feeling a mix of anger and embarrassment.

One must realize, without his leniency, how could Concubine Su have become so audacious in the palace? But that was all in the past!

He was already irritated enough. Who cared about her!

Whatever. It was just a matter within the harem. What could Su Huai do about it?

Reluctantly, the Third Prince apologized, “Empress, you’ve misunderstood. I didn’t mean anything else. You are the mistress of the harem. Naturally, you will make decisions in the palace.”

Only then did the Empress calm down slightly, her tone softening from its earlier sharpness. She reassured gently, “Don’t worry, Emperor. I will manage the harem diligently for you. I’m not singling out Concubine Su, but her behavior is truly outrageous! Even the prominent families outside the palace don’t cause such commotions, let alone within it. If General Su and Madam Su fail to understand this, they are not fit to be ministers.”

Without Jun Wei, the Third Prince, who struggled to control the pirates, coughed awkwardly. “That’s true…”

Upon hearing this, the Empress was resolute in not letting Concubine Su off the hook. The following day, she summoned Madam Su to the palace.

The Empress knew she had to act swiftly. She needed to discipline Concubine Su’s family, whose behavior was so unruly that it tarnished the Emperor’s reputation.

Madam Su entered the palace with pride, convinced that her husband had spoken to the Emperor. Surely, he had respectfully arranged for her to visit their daughter?

To her surprise, the palace servant guiding her bypassed any reunion with her daughter and led her straight to the Empress. Madam Su felt a wave of unease. Something didn’t seem right.

Growing more anxious, she forced a smile and inquired, “Empress, may I ask why Consort Su—Concubine Su isn’t present?”

The Empress sneered in silence.

She was the dignified Empress, yet she was linked to someone from such a family. It was truly distasteful!

The nanny beside the Empress snapped in a hushed tone, “How dare you! Quickly greet the Empress. How can you ask such a thing in her presence?”

Only the Empress could ask questions. Who was she to question the Empress?

Madam Su seethed with anger, grinding her teeth.

In moments like this, so many nonsensical rules surfaced. Back when her husband had built a vast empire for the Emperor and made countless contributions, such rigid protocols hadn’t existed.

Back then, she had the freedom to do as she pleased, yet she had held her tongue.

Now, every little issue arose.

In truth, it all boiled down to discarding someone once they were no longer useful! Their husband’s efforts had truly not been worth it!

What had they gained from serving the Emperor?

“Greetings to Your Majesty, the Empress.”

Madam Su grumbled angrily under her breath as she suppressed her frustration and bent her knees.

She had never been taught such protocols. Since Su Huai had pledged allegiance to the Third Prince and earned numerous accolades, his reputation had soared, and their status had risen significantly. No one dared to criticize Madam Su’s manners or etiquette.

Madam Su didn’t believe she had done anything wrong.

She had never been instructed on how to kneel and greet properly. She had only observed it in passing. Now, faced with the Empress’s presence, she awkwardly attempted to replicate what she had seen, finding it extremely rigid and uncomfortable.

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