I’m an Xiao Too. Who Says I Can’t Help Liang Flourish?

(Strong female lead + seizing power and the throne + empress + palace intrigue) Xiao Xingjian, on the verge of death, rasped, “Zhao’er... whose bastard is she, really?” Xiao Shenyao replied with a faint smile, “Your Majesty’s surname is Xiao, and so is mine. We share the same blood, and Zhao’er...” She paused, smiling meaningfully. “Naturally, she bears the surname Xiao too. Your Majesty need only know that much.” Xiao Shenyao slowly approached the bed, grinning smugly and brazenly. “Xiao Shenyao!” Xiao Xingjian understood at once. His face darkened with fury. “You shameless woman!” He reached out, but Xiao Shenyao dodged him with a look of disgust. Truthfully, just look at Xiao Xingjian in his current state. Ugh. She wasn't the least bit offended by his words. He was already at the end of his rope, so why bother arguing with him? “What are you planning? Are you going to put Xiao Xingyuan on the throne?” Xiao Xingjian looked utterly shocked. Xiao Shenyao shook her head slightly and replied nonchalantly, “No. Why would it be him?” “Then... then who? Yong’er...” Xiao Xingjian had not finished speaking before Xiao Shenyao cut him off. “Not him either.” “If not Yong’er, then who else?” Xiao Xingjian couldn't think of anyone. “Me. I, Xiao Shenyao. Your Majesty has forgotten that my surname is Xiao too. My imperial grandmother had a share in the Great Liang Empire, my mother had a share, and now I have a share as well. So naturally, no one is more fit for the throne than I am.” Xiao Shenyao was visibly exhilarated, her eyes brimming with ambition. “You...” Xiao Xingjian was stunned. He had never imagined she could harbor such thoughts.