Indeed, Gu Lingzhi had wondered about this before. Even if the Emperor doted on Consort Rong, there was still the Empress in the background. Strangely, the Third Prince’s marriage matters were all unilaterally determined by Consort Rong. She never seemed to need to consult the Empress about it, which would normally be the case.

“Could it be that Consort Rong is also one of those people that helps to keep the Emperor in power?”

“Call her Mother,” Rong Yuan corrected. As he brought Gu Lingzhi to his own residence in the Royal Palace, he ruffled her hair and said, “My mother doesn’t belong to royalty by blood, so she cannot be one of those people behind the scenes.”

Gu Lingzhi was confused. Since Consort Rong wasn’t one of those people behind the scenes, why did she have so much authority?

Seeing her look of confusion, Rong Yuan laughed and explained, “Did you forget about me? I’m the most talented prince in the Royal Family in many years. Naturally, my mother’s authority would rise because of that.”

Seeing the smug look on Rong Yuan’s face, Gu Lingzhi averted her gaze.

With...