At this moment, He Zhiran no longer knew what to say.
A jade seal could only temporarily restrain the empress's faction. Given enough time, they would eventually find a way to counter it.
Such situations had occurred in history before. Once power was firmly in hand, what did a jade seal amount to?
"I advise you to consider more practical methods. With a skilled craftsman, a single jade seal could be replicated entirely."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Shunwu was stunned, staring blankly at He Zhiran. "Then what do you suggest we do?"
"What to do? Do you not admit your own incompetence?
Under your rule, the people suffer in abject poverty, their lives a bitter struggle.
As for the border conflicts, were it not for the Mo Family, the enemy would have invaded and consumed Da Shun long ago, annexing it into their realm."
He Zhiran should not have said that last part at this juncture, but she could not help voicing her grievance for the Mo Family.
In the dark room, though Mo Jiuye's night vision was excellent, he could not make out Emperor Shunwu's expression.
Yet both He Zhiran and he could sense the emperor's body tremble slightly upon hearing those words.
This indicated that regardless of whether the Mo Family's exile was unjust, it had greatly impacted him.
"The matter of the Mo Family is already settled in Our heart. It is not for you to lecture Us."
It was clear Emperor Shunwu did not wish to discuss the Mo Family.
He Zhiran also knew it was not an opportune time to bring up their wrongful treatment. Having vented her frustration, she felt much calmer.
"I only ask if you have any good plan to turn the situation around?
If so, whom must you notify and what must be done? We can act as your messengers."
He Zhiran and Mo Jiuye's main purpose for coming to the capital was to eliminate future threats against the Mo Family, to kill anyone who might endanger them. Their act of rescuing Emperor Shunwu today was purely for Nan Yu's sake, or more broadly, for the common people.
"None of Our sons are fit to take on the great responsibility. Otherwise, We would not have delayed naming an heir for so long.
As We can now see, it proves Our judgment correct. Nan Heng's disappearance aside, Nan Rui is meek and utterly lacks the bearing of an emperor, while Nan Qi is arrogant and lacks wisdom."
Neither He Zhiran nor Mo Jiuye expected Emperor Shunwu to speak such words.
Especially Mo Jiuye, who had always viewed Emperor Shunwu as incompetent and easily swayed by sycophants' slander.
He never imagined the emperor would utter such words today. Could being locked away by the empress have suddenly cleared his mind?
But that was impossible. The matter of choosing an heir had long been discussed in court. If he truly deemed any son qualified, the position would not have remained vacant for so long.
As Mo Jiuye wondered, He Zhiran shared his doubts.
Just as they speculated on the possibilities, Emperor Shunwu spoke again.
"We had no hope for those three sons, which is why We allowed the empress to adopt the fourth prince, thinking she could guide him from a young age. Now it seems Our expectations were too naive.
Between Nan Rui and Nan Qi, We can only pin Our hopes on Nan Qi, for at least he possesses more fortitude than Nan Rui.
We hope you can find a way for Nan Qi to see Us, so We may give him something to help turn the tide."
Though Emperor Shunwu did not specify what he wished to give Nan Qi in front of these two strangers, He Zhiran and Mo Jiuye both understood it must be his final trump card.
And judging from his words, they had overestimated Emperor Shunwu's wisdom earlier.
They thought he had seen through the true natures of his three sons and was not as incompetent as he seemed, but he had again placed his trust in the empress, allowing her to raise the fourth prince.
Regardless of Emperor Shunwu's true character, that was not He Zhiran and Mo Jiuye's concern.
After exchanging a glance, they knew how to respond.
"In fact, you may not know this, but you have a very talented son. However, this person has been cast out among the commoners since birth, enduring immense hardship..."
For a moment, Emperor Shunwu was stunned, then glared wide-eyed at the two before him.
Though he could not make out their appearances, he felt a sense of unease.
"Who are you? Are you sent by that vile Xue to lure the jade seal's location from Our lips?"
He Zhiran scoffed disdainfully.
"Hmph! We have no interest in the whereabouts of your jade seal. What I said was true.
If you do not believe me, you can inquire with Concubine Yuan yourself."
"What does this have to do with Concubine Yuan?" Emperor Shunwu grew increasingly bewildered.
"Because this son of yours was born to Concubine Yuan..." He Zhiran lacked the patience to recount the full tale and only briefly explained Nan Yu's situation.
For more details, she felt it best if Concubine Yuan explained in person.
Upon hearing the gist, Emperor Shunwu flew into a rage.
"Preposterous!" He wanted to sweep the objects off the table as he often did in fits of anger.
Yet his actions met only air...
Emperor Shunwu fumed, his chest heaving.
He Zhiran could not help but remind him, "If you do not wish to draw the empress's men here, feel free to vent loudly."
Though Emperor Shunwu had reigned for decades, his long-ingrained habits of disregarding others remained unchanged despite his current plight.
"How dare a lowly slave lecture Us!"
He Zhiran folded her arms, scoffing coldly, "Do not forget, it is we who saved your life. Is this how the mighty Emperor of Da Shun treats his life-savers?"
Even Emperor Shunwu possessed enough sense to realize his life was in their hands.
Considering this, his attitude became much more restrained.
"As long as you preserve Our life, We shall not fail to reward you upon returning to power."
Reward us? Hmph! Not interested!
He Zhiran had no desire to go in circles with him.
"If you wish to uncover the truth, wait obediently here. I can find a way to bring Concubine Yuan to you. Once she arrives, you can judge for yourself whether my words are true or not."
Emperor Shunwu raised his head again, disbelieving. "You can bring her here?"
Though he had not witnessed the situation outside, he understood that after being rescued by these two, that vile Xue would undoubtedly send many to search for him.
No doubt the palace was swarming with guards at this very moment, scouring every corner.
