dognovel Chapter 1691 It's not time for me to personally intervene.
Chapter 1691 It's not time for me to personally intervene.
"Especially in teahouses, taverns, and docks, where all sorts of people mingle, see if there are any unfamiliar faces deliberately leading the conversation, or who is talking particularly enthusiastically."
"I've also had a few clever stewards in our household mention, under the guise of purchasing and visiting, to the servants of other familiar residences, that matters in the palace are not something outsiders can speculate about."
"Why Lady Feng suffered a miscarriage and why Lady Chu was deposed are matters of palace rules and national law. What do they have to do with the Imperial Noble Consort's good fortune?"
"On the contrary, I must say that since entering the palace, the Imperial Noble Consort has been virtuous and kind, treating the palace servants well and managing the six palaces in an orderly manner. His Majesty has praised her, and this pregnancy is a blessing from Heaven for the Great Zhou Dynasty, an auspicious omen!"
"I think we shouldn't directly refute the rumors, as that would only make us seem guilty. Instead, we should point out the absurdity of the rumors from the sidelines, and then emphasize the Imperial Noble Consort's virtuous reputation and the auspiciousness of this pregnancy. We should mix the truth with the lies and let the listeners figure it out for themselves."
"At the same time, we are also investigating the source. As long as we grasp one or two key clues and follow the clues, we may be able to find out the mastermind behind it."
Shen Maoxue listened to Xia Lingshu's well-organized and effective report, his eyes full of praise.
This young second wife, though born into a family of imperial merchants, managed the Shen household to great success. She also possessed a keen mind and decisive skills in interpersonal relationships and crisis management.
With her in charge of the household, she was indeed a great help to him.
"You've done very well, Madam!"
Shen Maoxue praised, "His thinking is clear and his judgment is appropriate."
"It is not advisable to make a big fuss right now and alert the enemy. The best approach is to conduct a covert investigation and control public opinion. This two-pronged approach is the best strategy."
"However... this matter cannot be handled by the Shen and Xia families alone; the court also needs to make some moves."
"After the morning court session tomorrow, I will find an opportunity to briefly mention the rumors circulating in the streets to Your Majesty. There is no need to go into details; just feign concern, and Your Majesty will understand."
"Since the rumors involve the reputation of the imperial family and the auspicious omens of the imperial heir, His Majesty will certainly not sit idly by. At that time, the Prefect of the Capital and the Military Command of the Five Cities will take care of it."
Xia Lingshu's eyes lit up: "Master, you've thought this through perfectly!"
"His Majesty's involvement in this matter is perfectly legitimate, and his influence far surpasses that of us."
"However... Her Highness the Imperial Noble Consort is in the palace, and she has probably already heard the rumors, so she must be feeling depressed."
"I was thinking, should I send a message to the palace to let Your Majesty know that things are being handled at home? Your Majesty need not worry too much, and should focus on resting and taking care of your pregnancy."
Shen Maoxue nodded: "That's how it should be."
"Draft a letter yourself. It doesn't need to be too detailed. Just say that everything is fine at home. I've heard some minor discordant news, but it's being dealt with. Tell the Imperial Noble Consort not to worry. Taking care of yourself and the imperial heir is the most important thing."
Xia Lingshu replied, "Yes, I understand."
With the master strategizing in the court and the Xia family exerting influence in the marketplace, the combined efforts from both inside and outside the court will surely suppress this sinister wind.
Shen Maoxue's eyes were deep and unfathomable.
The tree wants to be calm and the wind does not stop.
The higher the Imperial Noble Consort and the Shen family stand, the more sneaky arrows they will receive from the shadows.
The Shen family's fortunes are now intertwined with those of the Imperial Noble Consort; they must be even more vigilant!
"lady."
Shen Maoxue then instructed, "Have your men be more thorough in investigating the source."
"Pay special attention to whether anyone of special status has been coming and going in the capital recently? Or which residences have been interacting with which master in the palace more frequently?"
Xia Lingshu felt a chill run down her spine, realizing that her master suspected that there might be someone from the palace behind the rumors, or even the involvement of other forces.
She nodded solemnly and said, "I have remembered this, and I will make sure they pay extra attention."
Next, the couple discussed a few details.
Xia Lingshu had just left the study to arrange matters such as sending messages.
Shen Maoxue sat alone behind his desk, his face solemn.
Rumors are like knives; they kill without drawing blood.
This time, he came for the Imperial Noble Consort and his unborn grandson.
Protecting them is protecting the future of the Shen family!
……
Yongshou Palace.
Xiao Mingzi reported all the various rumors circulating in the city to Shen Zhinian.
"...Your Majesty, this is roughly what I've heard."
Upon hearing this, Han Dan's face immediately darkened, and she angrily exclaimed, "Absurd!"
"Isn't this nonsense?"
"Her Majesty's pregnancy is a joyous occasion, what does it have to do with Lady Feng and Lady Chu? They were unlucky enough to not be able to protect the imperial heir, and their families were executed for colluding with the rebellious king. How dare they implicate Her Majesty?"
"Too much good fortune turn into misfortune? How dare you spread such absurd rumors? Aren't you afraid of being beheaded?!"
Qiuyue frowned slightly and said thoughtfully, "Sister Handan, don't be angry."
"These are just rumors. If Your Majesty were to make a big fuss to refute them, it would only make you seem guilty and confirm the rumors."
"But... the person behind this is incredibly malicious. Not only did they imply that the Empress is jealous, ruthless, and intolerant of others, but they also used the guise of good fortune to actually carry out a curse..."
"This is an attempt to damage Your Majesty's reputation and undermine the auspicious name of the imperial heir in your womb!"
Shen Zhinian sneered, "The rumors have come at just the right time."
"The moment the imperial heir in my womb was associated with auspicious omens, rumors began to circulate."
Han Dan said urgently, "Your Highness, I think this matter must not be tolerated. We must thoroughly investigate the source and severely punish those who spread rumors!"
"Otherwise, if it is allowed to circulate, it may damage the Empress's reputation and disturb the good fortune of the imperial heirs."
Fuqu pondered for a moment and said, "This matter came from the streets and alleys, so I'm afraid it will be difficult to investigate."
"Rumors are like water, seeping into every crevice. The more you try to block them, the more dirty water splashes up."
"Moreover, Your Majesty's pregnancy is a blessing bestowed by Heaven, praised by His Majesty himself. In my opinion, it cannot be slandered by a few petty words."
Shen Zhinian nodded: "That's right."
"It is not the time for me to personally intervene."
"Such underhanded tactics are too petty. The person behind this is simply trying to anger me, make me lose my composure, or arouse His Majesty's suspicion."
Han Dan asked doubtfully, "Then what does Your Highness mean..."
"Ignore it."
Shen Zhinian said calmly, "No one in the palace dares to openly discuss this matter."
"Everything at Yongshou Palace is as usual; do what needs to be done."
"When the waters are murky, people will try to fish for free. I'd like to see if the rumors will lead to something even more interesting..."
Fuqu and Handan exchanged a glance, and they began to understand the Empress's deeper meaning.
Your Majesty intends to remain calm and observe.
Shen Zhinian looked at Xiao Mingzi and changed the subject, saying, "Tell your men to be more careful and see who first spread these words into the palace. Don't alert them; just remember who they were."
"Furthermore, if any gossipy servants join in the discussion, regardless of whose servants are from the palace, find a pretext to severely punish a few of them as a warning to others."
Xiao Mingzi perked up and quickly replied, "Yes, this servant understands!"