dognovel Chapter 198 Taking Care of the Ill
Chapter 198 Taking Care of the Ill
Because Empress Wang was ill, the responsibility of managing the inner palace naturally fell to Consort Qin, who held a higher rank and had been in the palace for longer.
On this day, Qin Rong'er specially invited all the concubines in the palace to her palace, and even Lu Mingzhu, who had been under house arrest for a long time, was released.
When Chu Qingyin arrived, all the palace concubines were already in place.
When Qiao Qingling saw her arrive, she quickly got up to greet her.
"Sister, you've finally arrived! We've been waiting for you."
Chu Qingyin ignored Qiao Qingling's attempt to strike up a conversation, a perfectly timed smile on her face, and slowly walked into the hall, looking directly at Consort Qin.
"Please don't be offended, Sister Qin Fei. We were delayed on the way."
She glanced around and saw that everyone had different expressions.
Qin Rong'er sat upright in the main seat, a hint of smugness flashing in her eyes.
"It's alright, it's good that Consort Liang is here."
Qin Rong'er stood up, her tone carrying a hint of deliberate enthusiasm, "We've gathered everyone together today for two reasons. First, Her Majesty the Empress is unwell, and we sisters want to discuss how to pray for her well-being. Second, it's been a long time since we've all gathered like this, so it'll be quite lively."
Chu Qingyin sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm: "Sister Qinfei is very kind, but this matter of praying for blessings still needs to be carefully planned. After all, the Empress's health is related to the peace of the entire harem. I wonder if you have any plans?"
Before Consort Qin could speak, Lu Mingzhu spoke first: "Hmph, some people don't seem to care much about Her Majesty the Empress usually, but now they're spouting nonsense."
Since being released from confinement, Lu Mingzhu has become much more restrained, but her inherent arrogance still cannot be hidden.
"What makes you say that, Lady Lu?"
Chu Qingyin looked up at her, her gaze calm yet imposing: "I have always respected Her Majesty the Empress, how could I speak such empty words?"
Lu Mingzhu felt inexplicably guilty under her gaze and turned her head away without saying a word.
Seeing this, Consort De quickly tried to smooth things over: "Everyone is doing this for the Empress's good, so let's not let this ruin the harmony."
If it weren't for the reason of praying for the Empress's well-being, Consort De would never have stepped out of her palace to get involved here.
Qin Rong'er smiled and agreed, "What Consort De said is right. We should focus on discussing important matters."
After that, everyone started discussing it, each offering their own opinion.
Chu Qingyin listened quietly, occasionally offering a few innocuous comments, and the atmosphere was quite harmonious.
She knew in her heart that Qin Rong'er's gathering of everyone was not simply to pray for the Empress's well-being.
He probably wanted to take advantage of the empress's illness to establish his authority in the harem.
After all, the imperial harem has been suppressed by the royal family for many years, so such opportunities are rare.
"Her Majesty the Empress has been having nightmares lately and can't sleep well. The medicine hasn't helped. My suggestion is that all of you sisters take turns caring for Her Majesty."
As soon as Qin Rong'er said this, the once lively hall fell silent instantly, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
"This...I'm afraid that's inappropriate."
The higher-ranking Consort De spoke first, saying with concern, "Her Majesty the Empress's illness is strange, and the imperial physicians are helpless. We, the women of the inner palace, not only do not know medicine, but if we accidentally offend someone, wouldn't that just cause more trouble?"
She was always cautious and did not want to get involved in any unnecessary disputes in the deep palace.
Serving the Empress during her illness is one's duty if done well, but a sin if done poorly.
Qin Rong'er's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered and chuckled, "What Consort De is saying. We're not going to attend to Her Majesty's illness for treatment, but mainly to keep her company and alleviate her boredom. Her Majesty the Empress is always the most doting on us, and now that she's ill, how can we stand idly by?"
Qin Rong'er spoke sincerely, but her eyes revealed an undeniable firmness.
Seeing that the matter was about to be finalized, Chu Qingyin coughed lightly.
When everyone looked at her, she slowly said, "Sister Qinfei's intentions are good, but we still need to consider the matter of attending to her illness more carefully."
"Her Majesty the Empress is of noble status, and every move she makes is related to the stability of the harem. If we rashly go to attend to her illness, and if someone with ulterior motives takes advantage of us and spreads bad rumors, it will be detrimental to Her Majesty."
Chu Qingyin's voice wasn't loud, but it struck everyone's hearts like a heavy hammer.
Moreover, Empress Wang might not be willing to see her now.
Lu Mingzhu pouted and muttered under her breath, "Hmph, I knew you would object. The Empress has treated you well, yet you won't even attend to her when she's ill."
He treated her well?
Chu Qingyin scoffed inwardly. Was a cup of poisoned wine really that generous?
"If that's what Lady Lu thinks, then so be it."
Chu Qingyin glanced at Lu Mingzhu, too lazy to explain further to this fool: "I am just stating the facts. Right and wrong are clear in people's hearts."
Lu Mingzhu was speechless, and could only sit aside angrily.
At this moment, Qiao Qingling, who had been silent all along, blinked and said cautiously, "Why don't we ask His Majesty for his opinion? His Majesty and the Empress are husband and wife, so his idea must be right."
Upon hearing this, everyone agreed that it made sense and expressed their approval.
Qin Rong'er's face was somewhat unpleasant. She had hoped to take this opportunity to establish her authority in front of everyone, but unexpectedly, very few people were willing to agree with her.
Since His Majesty has granted her the authority to manage palace affairs, surely she can't even make decisions on such a small matter?
Qin Rong'er narrowed her eyes slightly and said softly, "What Consort Qiao said is true, but His Majesty is so busy with state affairs, do we really need to bother him with such trivial matters?"
"This……"
Qiao Qingling's expression froze, and she shrank back, not daring to say anything more.
"I will not force you to do this. If any of you sisters do not wish to take care of me while I am ill, that is fine. I will go myself."
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment.
Consort Qin's words were tantamount to putting all the concubines on the hot seat of fire.
If they refuse to serve the sick, wouldn't that show they are not sincere enough? How would they explain that to the Empress later?
"Your Majesty, I am naturally willing to serve you when you are ill. As for others, I do not know."
Lu Mingzhu raised her voice, glancing at Chu Qingyin sitting in front of her, and said sarcastically, "Sister Liangfei, Her Majesty the Empress fell ill because she was preparing a banquet for your promotion. If you ask me, you should be the first to attend to her. Why are you making such excuses? Are you not willing?"
"When did I ever say I was unwilling?"
Chu Qingyin glanced at Lu Mingzhu calmly: "Lady Lu, please don't take things out of context and distort my meaning. I was just saying that this matter needs to be considered carefully, not that I refuse to serve you while you are ill."
"Alright, since all of you sisters have this intention, there's no need to argue anymore."
Qin Rong'er's lips curled up slightly, and she decisively said, "Tonight, I will go to Fengyi Palace first to attend to the Empress's illness, so that the Empress may know the filial piety of us younger sisters."
After saying that, she began to instruct the palace maids and eunuchs beside her to prepare the items needed to go to the Phoenix Palace, looking as if she couldn't wait to go to the Empress to serve her and show her loyalty.
The matter of attending to the sick was thus settled, and although everyone was unhappy, they did not show it on their faces.
They sat in Consort Qin's palace for a while longer before leaving one after another.
"Sister, wait a minute."
Before Chu Qingyin could go far, Qiao Qingling hurriedly caught up with her, a flattering smile on her face, "Your sister has something to tell you."