Qiao Xuan couldn’t help but vent about Consort Su.

She needed to provide Shao Yunduan with a detailed account of the situation, whenever she could.

Shao Yunduan was left speechless. Consort Su truly believed herself to be an imperial concubine! Yet, with three princes vying for power, each in dubious standing, the loyalty of the people was divided. None could gain unanimous approval or support.

An emperor who claimed sovereignty and sought to expand his territory might eventually unite the realm under his rule. But residing in obscurity, claiming dominion over the entire world was simply ludicrous. It invited ridicule rather than respect.

What could he possibly gain, besides mockery?

Most absurdly, he seemed oblivious to his folly. Allowing someone like Consort Su to exploit his authority for her own arrogant whims only further diminished her reputation.

Upon hearing Qiao Xuan’s account, Shao Yunduan smiled gratefully. He kissed the woman in his arms and said, “Thankfully, you’re not disadvantaged!”

Those lacking courage and burdened with too many scruples would surely fare worse.

Qiao Xuan smiled in agreement. “Indeed, as expected of my wife. She managed to resolve everything by confining her to the inn.”

Shao Yunduan nodded thoughtfully. “The Third Prince’s indulgence towards her reveals his father and brother’s influence. Placing her family in such a prominent role suggests a lack of capable advisors. Those with real talent won’t align with them, likely opting for the other princes. It seems the Third Prince may face the most challenging path of the three!”

Glancing teasingly at Shao Yunduan, Qiao Xuan quipped, “I’m grateful you have no interest in siding with the Third Prince. Otherwise, I’d have to endure Consort Su’s grandstanding in Huaixi!”

That would have been a trying and humiliating ordeal.

Though, if they did seek refuge with the Third Prince, Consort Su would have no choice but to obey, despite her current superiority.

At least Qiao Xuan wouldn’t dismiss her like others might. If she dared to step out of line, she’d swiftly feel the consequences.

The thought of enduring Consort Su’s antics for the sake of their future was unbearable to Qiao Xuan.

Shao Yunduan tightened his embrace, chuckling softly. “What are you worrying about? Even if I were inclined, I’d reconsider. You’re right about the Third Prince elevating the Su Family– it blocks the path for genuine talent seeking refuge. His downfall seems inevitable.”

Did the Su family truly understand how to govern? Even if they excelled in warfare now, their eventual defeat seemed inevitable.

Moreover, once such a figure fell from grace, regaining power was unlikely.

Yet, the Third Prince had no alternative. He was the least formidable among his brothers. Despite the late Emperor’s discontent with the Crown Prince, he remained the designated heir. The late Emperor had deliberately appointed Empress Qi, who lacked capability and came from a modest family background, to solidify the Crown Prince’s position.

This circumstance also explained why the Third Prince’s maternal lineage lacked influence and ancestral support.