dognovel Chapter 1636 This crime is too much for Consort Zhuang to bear (256 million reward points)
Chapter 1636 This crime is too much for Consort Zhuang to bear (256 million reward points)
Looking at Consort Xuan's appearance, Shen Zhinian couldn't help but shake her head and chuckle, a hint of helpless amusement flashing in her eyes: "If she's willing to test us, then let her be."
"Whether His Majesty enters the inner palace or not is not something I can control."
Consort Zhuang thought that bringing people to Yongshou Palace would give her a definite answer, or that she wanted to use Shen Zhinian's words to advise the emperor. She was mistaken.
Consort Xuan nodded: "I saw today that the eagerness in the eyes of those newlyweds was almost impossible to hide."
"The Noble Consort wanted to use them to remind the Imperial Noble Consort that the hearts of people in the harem were unstable, but she did not know that what was truly unstable was the hearts of those newcomers themselves."
"If Imperial Noble Consort were to agree to something today, or reveal any speculation about His Majesty, it would be a bad omen if it reached His Majesty's ears. It would make the concubines in the harem seem tactless and disturb His Majesty's peace of mind."
Pearl nodded in agreement.
you do not say!
His Majesty's feet are his own; he can come to the inner palace whenever he wants, and if he doesn't want to, who can go to the Hall of Mental Cultivation and drag His Majesty here?
The Imperial Concubine was also in a state of panic and confusion.
Or perhaps she herself wasn't sure, which is why she brought so many ladies-in-waiting and concubines along to test the Imperial Noble Consort.
The virtuous concubine's clear, cool voice slowly rang out: "It's just that everyone has different desires."
The Imperial Noble Consort sits firmly in Yongshou Palace, possessing both virtue and grace. There is no need to trouble the Emperor with this matter, nor is there any need to concern herself with the probing of others.
Consort Zhuang cared that the favor she received would continue with Consort Mei.
They care about newcomers attaching themselves to them.
They care about family honor and future security.
When one's mind is cluttered, it is easy to lose one's sense of proportion in one's actions.
Although Consort Xian did not spell it out, Consort Xuan understood her meaning.
The Imperial Noble Consort's position is secure, so she has no need to rely on guessing the Emperor's intentions or vying for his favor to consolidate her own position.
Consort Zhuang, though seemingly the most powerful person below the Imperial Noble Consort, actually had too many concerns and could not truly remain detached from the affairs of the world.
Consort Xuan clapped her hands and laughed, "Your Highness, Consort Xian, is absolutely right!"
"Spending all day long hoping for a little bit of rain and favor, scheming and calculating, isn't it exhausting?"
"Let's eat and drink as we please, and raising our children well is more important than anything else!"
This statement, though blunt and seemingly unambitious, perfectly captures the relationship between the three.
Consort Xian and Consort Xuan, one aloof and the other open-minded. Although not best friends, they understood each other's temperaments.
After entering the palace, Shen Zhinian rose through the ranks, and instead of suppressing them, she took good care of them.
The fourth prince, the sixth prince, and the second princess were all around the same age and often played together, so their relationship was naturally different.
Under Shen Zhinian's protection, the two of them indeed viewed the emperor's elusive and unpredictable favor with much less seriousness than others.
As long as Shen Zhinian is there, they have the confidence to stand firm and don't need to squeeze onto the narrow bridge of vying for favor.
Consort Xian asked for little: that her daughter be safe and well, and that she have a peaceful place to herself.
The Imperial Noble Consort could provide her with peace and security, so she naturally sided with the Imperial Noble Consort.
Hearing Xuanfei's childish words, Shen Zhinian scolded, "You have such a sharp tongue!"
Neither Consort Xian nor Consort Xuan cared about the Emperor's favor, and they quickly changed the subject to their children.
Shen Zhinian smiled and said, "...The day before yesterday, the Imperial Household Department sent a new batch of soft silk from Jiangnan. The patterns are elegant, and it is breathable and absorbent, which is perfect for making clothes for children."
"I see a few horses with bright but not garish colors. I'll have two sent over to each of you later."
"There are also milk candies made in my small kitchen. They are small and sweet but not greasy. Let Nannan and Jin'er try them too. Just don't let them eat too many, lest they rot their teeth."
Consort Xuan immediately perked up: "Oh dear, thank you so much, Imperial Noble Consort!"
"You don't know, that boy Jin'er is rolling around on the ground all day long, which wears out clothes the most."
"He's a real troublemaker. A few days ago in the Imperial Garden, he was chasing something and ended up falling headfirst into a flowerbed, getting covered in mud."
The Consort Xian said gently, "It's better for boys to be more lively, as they'll be healthier. Nannan is sometimes... just too quiet."
She was worried.
Shen Zhinian said gently, "Children have different temperaments, so it's best to let nature take its course."
"As long as they are safe, happy, and of good character, that is the greatest blessing for a mother."
The three chatted about the children's diet, daily life, and funny stories, creating a very warm atmosphere.
As the sun rose higher outside the window, Consort Xian was the first to rise: "It's getting late, I should go back and check on Nannan's afternoon nap."
"I have troubled Her Highness the Imperial Noble Consort for quite some time today."
Consort Xuan also stood up, still feeling unsatisfied: "I must also go back and keep an eye on that rascal taking his medicine; he's been coughing a bit these past two days."
Shen Zhinian didn't linger and said to Handan, "Go and prepare everything we just mentioned, and have the two younger sisters take it back."
Han Dan curtsied and said, "Yes."
Shen Zhinian then smiled at Consort Xian and Consort Xuan and said, "When you have time, bring the children over for a visit often. A-Xu is always talking about his younger brother and sister."
Both men smiled and agreed, then bowed and took their leave.
……
After leaving Yongshou Palace, the group of worried concubines huddled around Consort Zhuang, their hearts filled with unease.
"The royal concubine..."
The first to lose her composure was Consort Tang.
She quickened her pace and reached Consort Zhuang's side, her almond-shaped eyes filled with longing: "We concubines understand His Majesty's diligence in governing. But... but are we just going to wait here like this?"
Another noblewoman frowned and hurriedly added, "Yes, Your Highness."
"Judging from the Imperial Noble Consort's attitude today, she is powerless to do anything about this matter..."
The more she thought about it, the more terrified she became.
If even the Imperial Noble Consort, who enjoys the greatest favor from the Emperor, remains silent on this matter, wouldn't the prospects of these newcomers be even bleaker?
Consort Jiang said, “What the Imperial Noble Consort said is all correct and reasonable. We concubines will naturally listen to her teachings.”
"However... the concubines are truly terrified... If this continues, the six palaces will be silent, which will not only be detrimental to the offspring, but will also cause discussion in the court."
The other nobles, attendants, and concubines also chimed in with their own opinions.
On each young and beautiful face, there was a similar worry and confusion.
They entered the palace either to advance their careers, for the glory of their families, or because they loved the emperor deeply.
It wasn't for wasting one's youth in the harem.
The Imperial Noble Consort has the confidence to sit back and relax, but what about them?
Consort Zhuang was no exception, her heart was filled with turmoil.
But the Imperial Noble Consort's reaction today was impeccable.
If she continues to be oblivious and insists on pressing the questions with the group of newcomers, or shows dissatisfaction or urges them on, what will that make her?
As a Noble Consort, she did not appreciate His Majesty's hard work for the country. Instead, she led the other concubines in scheming to curry favor with the emperor, disregarding the overall situation of the court.
Consort Zhuang cannot bear this charge.
With a few light words, the Imperial Noble Consort deflected her attack and conveniently labeled her as a leader of the palace concubines who were causing trouble.