Yin Renshu clears his throat and changes the topic. "What's my next duty for today?"

"Ah, right!" Mingming quickly grabs the booklet underneath his sleeve. He took a short glimpse at it before responding to the emperor. "Your majesty, you're scheduled to greet the Grand Empress Dowager today."

"Is it that time of the month again already?" Yin Renshu let out a deep sigh. For some reason, both Yin Renshu and Yin Wenyan dislike visiting the sickly old woman in her hall. Yin Xiulan, on the other hand, doesn't dislike it however she doesn't like it either, just neutral.

"Xiulan!" He calls. "We're going to the grand empress dowager's place."

"You reminded me." Yin Xiulan is still at the doorway of the hall with her subordinate. "Alright, I have an effective alibi. We won't be staying there for too long. Thank me later."

The emperor laughs. "Did I say you're reliable yet?"

Yin Xiulan opens her fan and slowly fans herself. With her chin up, she said, "No, not yet. Tell me I'm the best."

"You're the best after me." Yin Renshu smirked that made his sister roll her eyes. He then tells everyone, "Let's go."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Xu Zhengming and the rest of his servants responded with their heads lie low.

×××

"It's been a couple of years since the empress ascended into the throne. Why is it that you haven't produced a successor yet? The legacy of our clan shall not end!" The Grand Empress Dowager nags at Yin Renshu and Yin Wenyan. With her weak body, she can't get out of her bed. She could only sit as she faces the royal triplets.

"Grand Empress Dowager, please calm down. Your health is our top priority." Yin Wenyan said in a soothing voice.

Though it's still broad daylight and his twin brother is outside, Yin Wenyan managed to go to the Grand Empress Dowager's Hall without anyone noticing.

"You... Prince Yin Wenyan, you're not doing any better to his majesty!"

"Eh?" Yin Wenyan forced a smile despite having a confused look on his face.

"In everyone's eyes, you are also the emperor. You share burdens and victories with your brother. If your brother is not capable of producing a successor, you should do so on behalf of him."

"Uhm..." Yin Wenyan is out of words. He feels too uncomfortable to defend himself.

Yin Renshu blinked twice. "Is it just me or the Grand Empress Dowager made it sound like I am impotent?"

Yin Xiulan just shrugged at him and slowly fans herself.

The empress dowager that was sitting silently at the side speaks in a serene voice. "Your majesty, Prince Yin Wenyan, the grand empress dowager is only worried for the future of our clan. She does not mean to pressure you very much, she's your grandmother after all. Please do not take it to the heart. Just do what she advises you, she knows what's best for all."

The grand empress dowager raised her hand and the empress dowager halted.

"Sweet talks don't work on these youngsters. We tried that one already."

The old woman then looks at the triplets and said, "For today's conference with the high-ranking eunuchs, I am quite sure that the incident yesterday will be discussed. Order them not to do anything. That applies to you as well, do not involve yourselves in this matter anymore."

Upon hearing this, the three have a puzzled look on their faces. Why would an incident this grave be left as it is?

Yin Renshu was the first to react. "Grand Empress Dowager, why would we not take action? Please reconsider."

"What is there to reconsider?" The Grand Empress Dowager answered indifferently.

This time, it's Yin Wenyan's turn to talk. "With all due respect, Grand Empress Dowager, the victims are our people. It is already given that we should extend their hands on them. Not doing so will surely rise issues."

The Princess General also voices out her opinion. "Grand Empress Dowager, we already have some information regarding the incident. A little more investigation is all we need to solve the matter."

Disappointment filled the Grand Empress Dowager's face as she let out a deep sigh. "Why are you three so eager to dirty your hands over this trivial matter? This is obviously out of our hands, why would you be so concerned over an insignificant issue? We have problems that we should deal with first."

The Empress Dowager speaks again, "I suggest that we will ask the nearest sect in the area to investigate the incident yesterday."

"Mn. That will do." The old woman nods.

"There is no need, Empress Dowager. The Wan Moli Hua Palace is willing to extend their hands to us." Yin Wenyan sternly declined the idea.

The triplets aren't so sure if they are just imagining it or the Grand Empress Dowager gives off a dark aura. Her voice isn't as calm as it was a moment ago.

"The one you went to? We caused enough trouble to Sect Leader Zhao and the sect elders for raising you three." The Empress Dowager said. "Your majesty, we could not trouble him any further."

The Grand Empress Dowager agrees, "The Empress Dowager is right. We will ask the Liaodong Xue Sect since that sect is managed by one of our most influential clans."

"..."

The three of them were speechless. They know that even if they argue further with these two women, their order won't bend an inch.

This is the very reason why they don't like seeing her royal highness. Even though Yin Renshu already ascended to the throne, the Grand Empress Dowager still doesn't want to give up her political powers. She still wants to control the royal court by making the emperor her puppet.

Unfortunately, even the emperor himself can't disobey the Grand Empress Dowager's will. Her political influence over the high-ranking palace officials is still much greater than their combined authority.