Chapter 30: Seeking Power for Survival

“Those with matters to report, do so now… Others, leave the court…” A female official’s voice rang out, signaling the end of the morning court.

Zhao Xian walked alongside the civil and military officials, heading towards the exit of the palace. But halfway there, she was suddenly intercepted.

“Prime Minister, Her Majesty requests your presence.”

A female official approached Zhao Xian respectfully.

Zhao Xian arched her eyebrows, wondering why she was being summoned. But she didn’t need to ponder much; it was clear that her influence overpowered the monarch, and the young Empress was probably particularly wary of her.

As long as they didn’t trouble her, she had no interest in her position at all, and the same was true for the previous owner of her body. The pursuit of power was merely for survival!

She is no exception.

Following the female official through the corridors, Zhao Xian finally entered the Empress’s sleeping chamber.

“I pay my respects to Your Majesty…” Zhao Xian bowed, but she remained standing without kneeling. The previous owner never kneel, so neither would she.

From a distance, the young Empress came over with a smile.

“No need for formalities, Teacher.”

Hearing the young Empress’s words, Zhao Xian searched her memory. It seemed that the late Empress had instructed her to acknowledge Zhao Xian as her Mentor. Although the original owner had coldly denied it, she dutifully taught her both civil and martial skills.

“The proper etiquette must be observed. Your Majesty, may I ask why you have summoned me?” Zhao Xian inquired, looking at the girl before her, who seemed too young.

In the novel, the original Zhao Xian died at the hands of the male lead and another princess.

With the original owner gone, the untrustworthy reborn male lead would undoubtedly help his beloved secure power. It was clear that the young Empress’s fate wouldn’t end well.

Thinking of this, Zhao Xian arched an eyebrow. This was a real world, after all, and many things were different. She now had to live in this world, so naturally, she wanted to live a peaceful life. And under such stability, there must be a wise ruler in charge.

Looking at the young girl, who seemed to carefully probe with every word, Zhao Xian couldn’t help but think of herself. They both were children without mothers.

“Teacher, how have you been lately?” The empress politely stood before her.

“Your Majesty didn’t summon me to discuss this, did you?” Zhao Xian recalled the previous interactions between the original Zhao Xian and the young Empress. Then she calmly said, “Your Majesty, if you have something to say, please speak. As the Empress, there’s no need to beat around the bush.”

“Teacher, please sit. I just wanted to ask about the follow-up work for digging the long river.” Hearing Zhao Xian’s cold response, the young Empress could only tentatively continue the conversation.

“Your Majesty, the people’s desires are simple—they want to be well-fed, clothed, and live comfortably. Digging the long river doesn’t intend for everyone to labor without compensation. Therefore, we can allocate some wages and provide meals accordingly. Surely, those affected by disasters will readily lend their hands. Of course, to prevent any deceitful behavior, those who work more can receive more, both in terms of food and wages. With this, Your Majesty need not worry about a lack of laborers.”

After Zhao Xian finished speaking, the young Empress suddenly became enlightened. Indeed, she had thought before that the project was so big, what if no one wanted to dig it, but now the problem was solved directly.

It seemed that what the empress mother said was true—this person truly possessed extraordinary talent.

Thinking of this, the young Empress bit her lip and knelt down. “Teacher, please teach me earnestly.”

Her wings were not yet fully grown, so she needed to learn—or rather, she had to learn a lot.

Sitting in her position, the slightest mistake could lead to irreversible consequences. So, she wanted to take a gamble.

Seeing the serious girl before her, Zhao Xian felt embarrassed. Was this exaggerated gesture really necessary?

Actually, her thoughts were quite simple—just like earning commission, if you want to earn more money, you naturally have to work hard. It’s the same everywhere.