Five years after her death, she awoke on the dragon bed.

Chapter 209 The undercurrent is surging
The question posed by Consort De was precisely the purpose of everyone's trip. Everyone stared intently at Empress Dowager Chen, holding their breath as they awaited her answer.

Empress Dowager Chen seemed oblivious to the eager gazes of the crowd, and continued drinking her tea.

Ever since her health-preserving teapot was laced with drugs, she has lost interest in health-preserving tea.

Seeing so many young and beautiful women in front of her reminded her of that unpleasant incident.

"Your Majesty, is this something that can't be discussed?" Consort De asked tentatively when she saw that Empress Dowager Chen didn't respond.

Empress Dowager Chen took another sip of tea, striking a pose with perfect poise.

Seeing this, Consort Tao could no longer sit still: "Your Majesty, I am also curious which elder sister is so fortunate as to be able to enter the Empress's Palace."

Empress Dowager Chen looked at her and finally stopped keeping her in suspense: "This matter needs to be decided by the Emperor. When the time comes, everyone will know who the Emperor will marry. As for the rest, I cannot say more."

Everyone was silent.

Empress Dowager Chen's words implied that she could not reveal anything further, meaning that they would have to wait for the final imperial edict to be issued.

If they had known beforehand who Empress Dowager Chen had chosen, perhaps they could have sabotaged the matter before it was settled.

If an imperial decree is truly issued, then everything will be set in stone, and it will be too late for them to do anything.

Everyone had their own thoughts, but they could not ask any further questions.

Unable to extract any information from Empress Dowager Chen, the group returned empty-handed.

Those of higher rank no longer rode in palanquins; after leaving Shou'an Palace, they discussed who would be chosen.

At this point, people stopped trying to hide it.

Who doesn't yearn to become Empress? Of all the concubines, only Consort Hui is currently under house arrest.

Furthermore, given Empress Dowager Chen's extreme dislike of Liang Wanying, her chances of becoming empress were slim. The only remaining option was to choose from the remaining concubines, but it was truly difficult to say who had the best chance.

Consort De looked at the dozen or so people present and felt that none of them seemed to have much of a chance; some even had little chance of meeting Empress Dowager Chen.

On the contrary, Consort Tao seems to have a deeper connection with Empress Dowager Chen, and with the addition of Princess Guangyi, isn't Consort Tao more likely to win?

Judging from Consort Tao's appearance, she certainly couldn't guess what Empress Dowager Chen was thinking.

"Could the news be fake?" Wu Meiren was also looking at everyone, feeling confused.

She felt that the Empress might not be chosen from within the harem. Looking at the crowd before her, she felt that Consort De had the highest rank, and in terms of probability, Consort De was definitely the most likely to catch Empress Dowager Chen's eye.

However, judging from Empress Dowager Chen's previous reactions, it did not seem like she favored Consort De.

"The Empress Dowager's attitude is ambiguous, but the choice of Empress has probably been decided. Now we just need to wait for His Majesty to issue the imperial edict. This news came from the Qianqing Palace, so it can't be wrong." It was Consort Xiao who spoke.

As for who it is, not only does Empress Dowager Chen know, but His Majesty must have also made a decision.

"Isn't Consort De the most favored by His Majesty? Why don't you go and sound out His Majesty's opinion, and we'll all wait for Consort De's good news? Who knows, His Majesty might just be going to bestow a title upon Consort De," Consort Tao said with a smile.

Consort De thought Consort Tao was very wicked. She sent her to gather information, so what would Murong think of her?

“I also think Consort De has the best chance of being chosen. I heard that before His Majesty ascended the throne, Consort De was the only one who enjoyed his favor. His Majesty is also a man who cherishes old friendships, otherwise he wouldn’t have conferred the title of Consort Hui on her,” Consort Xiao echoed Consort Tao.

"Yes, why don't you go to Qianqing Palace, Consort De? We sisters are waiting for your good news." Fang Cairen chimed in from the side.

Consort De could easily see through their intentions; they simply wanted her to be the scapegoat. But what if she really was the Empress candidate? Wouldn't that be a slap in the face to these women?

"Alright, I'll go then. But His Majesty is very busy with official duties, and I don't know if he'll have time to see me." Consort De left herself a way out, fearing that she might not even be able to enter the Qianqing Palace.

Immediately, everyone spoke highly of Consort De.

And so, under the eager gaze of everyone, Consort De turned and went to Qianqing Palace.

She was stopped as soon as she arrived in front of the Qianqing Palace.

She came prepared and said calmly, "I have important matters to discuss with His Majesty. Please inform him."

Before long, she successfully entered the Qianqing Palace and met Murong in the Imperial Study.

"What does my beloved consort wish to discuss with me?" Murong dismissed Consort De's formalities.

Consort De uttered the prepared statement: "I have heard that Your Majesty intends to establish an Empress, and I would like to know if this is true."

She figured that instead of trying to hide it, she might as well just ask directly.

Someone like Murong would definitely see through her purpose. If she were to be vague, she would only make a fool of herself in Murong's eyes.

Besides, she's a time-traveling woman, inherently different from these ancient native women. Wouldn't it be better for her to be open and honest?

Murong glanced at Consort De and replied slowly, "It is indeed true."

"Has that person been chosen yet? Just now, my sisters and I went to visit the Empress Dowager, and she said that we need to see His Majesty's decree."

The implication was that Murong had no reason to beat around the bush.

Murong was quite frank: "It's settled."

Consort De's eyes lit up: "May I inquire which sister has been fortunate enough to enter the Empress's Palace? I am particularly curious, and I'm sure that sister must have something special about her!"

Murong recalled Lou Suyi's silly appearance, his face expressionless: "Whether it is unique or not, I do not know, but since everyone is concerned about my marriage, I will find someone to take that position. My beloved consort, do not be anxious, I will soon issue an imperial decree, and you will soon know who that person is."

Consort De's heart sank lower and lower.

One thing is certain from Murong's tone: the empress is definitely not her.

Therefore, whoever it is, is an enemy she must eliminate.

Seeing Murong's indifferent demeanor, it seemed that who the empress was did not matter at all. It seems that the rumors were true; it was Empress Dowager Chen who decided on the empress, and Murong only followed Empress Dowager Chen's advice because of the mourning period.

This confirms that the selection of the Empress has absolutely nothing to do with Liang Wanying.

Although she was heartbroken, she forced a smile and said, "No matter who becomes Empress, I will get along well with her and not cause Your Majesty any worry."

Murong was satisfied with Consort De's answer. He chatted with her for a few minutes and then dismissed her.

When Consort De left Qianqing Palace, her straight back bent. The thought of having to deal with those hypocritical women later filled her with even more resentment.

When Consort De returned to Changqiu Palace, she found that her so-called good sisters were indeed waiting for her.

Upon her return, everyone greeted her warmly, this time even skipping the insincere pleasantries. Consort Tao was the first to ask, "Has His Majesty announced who will be named Empress?"

Consort De forced a smile: "His Majesty has already chosen someone, but hasn't said who it is. It may be announced soon."