I Can Control My Ancestors

Chapter 564 - 62: Glorious Flourishing Age, Wu Zetian’s Probe (Part 4)

This all speaks to her character.

Although she appeared quite obedient after becoming Empress, Gu Jing wouldn’t change his judgment of her.

In just a brief moment, Gu Jing immediately made his decision.

He cupped his hands towards Li Zhi and said, "Your Majesty, the position of Deputy Minister of Agriculture overseeing the Grand Granary is critical in the Capital City. I propose appointing a family member to it...."

Wasn’t Li Zhi convinced that Wu Sansi was trustworthy!

Then I’ll recommend someone even more trustworthy!

Sure enough, before Gu Jing even finished speaking, Li Zhi’s eyes lit up, and he nodded immediately without any hesitation: "Then let it be as the Grand Tutor says."

Gu Jing smiled slightly and then said, "As for the clerk of the Office of the Director of Affairs...I have also heard of his wisdom and eloquence; he is quite suitable for an important position."

Li Zhi didn’t even have the mind to ask about the position, casually waving his hand: "All shall be as the Grand Tutor decides."

He truly is becoming more and more nonchalant.

Li Zhi’s character was always like this; although he had some ambition and the cunning of an emperor, he didn’t need to use them before those he absolutely trusted.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Gu Jing smiled, bowed once more to Li Zhi, and then promptly left.

...

The next day, at Li Zheng Hall.

"Aunt, please save your nephew!"

"The Grand Tutor wants to send your nephew to the Western Regions to communicate with various nations; your nephew can’t bear to be away from you!"

Wu Sansi knelt in front of Wu Zetian, tears streaming down his face.

Though the Western Regions have long been freely accessible...

Yet for people of their status, it still remains a remote place; going there to serve is almost akin to exile.

Wu Zetian’s expression was equally grim.

Gu Jing guessed correctly.

This indeed was her attempt, aimed at leveraging the fame of the Gu Clan to allow the Wu family members to handle some power.

She had no choice but to be discreet about it.

Zhangsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang were still alive. Although they hadn’t shown anything yet, with their relationship, they would certainly act whenever she attempted to interfere.

There was resentment involved in this.

As well as the Gu Clan.

So Wu Zetian sought a small official position to intervene within power and gradually accumulate.

But to her surprise, such a cautious attempt was met with such strong resistance.

They even intended to cut off her most trusted nephew by sending him away.

Nominally, it might be considered a promotion, but in every aspect, it was a loss for her.

What is this?

A warning from the Gu Clan?

Advising her to just be a good Empress and not meddle in court power?

Outrage!

An unnamed anger rose gradually from her heart.

She felt Gu Jing’s warning, but it only fueled her anger.

Too ruthless!

From ancient times to present, when have members of an Empress’s family not been allowed to touch even a bit of real power?

Though Wu Zetian didn’t even know why she wanted to do this, she wanted to control power, and her ambition grew with her rank.

Countless thoughts surged through her mind, making her expression increasingly grim.

"Aunt~~~"

Beside her, Wu Sansi continued his pleas.

But the more Wu Zetian listened, the more annoyed she became.

How could she save him?

After all, this was a promotion in name, something she proposed to Li Zhi herself, and was personally pointed out by Gu Jing.

What could she do?

Fight against Gu Jing?

Even though Wu Zetian had immense faith in her abilities, in truth, she still didn’t have the courage.

Not only because of the Gu Clan’s status, but also because Li Zhi had mentioned to her the imperial edict that Li Shimin had left for Gu Jing. As long as he had that, Gu Jing even had the power to confront the Emperor, not to mention her as Empress!

Listening to the constant weeping, Wu Zetian’s annoyance only grew.

After a moment of silence in the hall, she suddenly slapped the table, her eyes full of authority, and sternly said to Wu Sansi, "What use is wailing!"

"Since the Grand Tutor has made the decision, you must comply dutifully."

"This journey will indeed bolster your resolve!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Sansi was stunned, looking up at Wu Zetian’s anger-laden expression, wanting to say something but not daring to speak.

Only feeling that his usually doting aunt seemed unfamiliar.

How could he understand that Wu Zetian was capable of acting against even her own children, let alone a nephew?

Wu Zetian couldn’t risk conflict with the Gu Clan over this.

For Wu Zetian.

Since the attempt had failed, staying quiet would be her course of action; she wouldn’t dare make any risky ventures until an opportunity presented itself....

.....

(Ps: At the beginning of the month, begging for monthly votes, asking for your supportive hands, I am immensely grateful! The Fish thanks you profusely!)