frightfiction Chapter 1696 Why Doesn't the Empress Win Over This Ally?
Chapter 1696 Why Doesn't the Empress Win Over This Ally?
"If he fails to fulfill his duties..."
At this point, Shen Zhinian's tone turned slightly somber: "Then it is a case of unworthy virtue, and His Majesty should deal with it according to the law. This is not something that you or I can interfere with, nor should we interfere with it."
Seeing the momentary dimming in Consort Tang's eyes, Shen Zhinian's tone softened slightly: "Now that you are in the palace, the most important thing is to be dutiful and serve His Majesty with peace of mind. Do not worry too much about the affairs of the previous dynasty, lest you disturb your peace of mind."
"Your Majesty is benevolent, and Lord Tang is a veteran minister who has served the country for many years. As long as he performs his duties diligently, he should be fine."
Consort Tang understood.
The Imperial Noble Consort was politely declining her offer and admonishing her not to overstep her bounds.
She was extremely disappointed, but dared not argue, so she could only lower her head and say, "Yes... I understand, thank you for your teachings, Your Highness."
"It was my oversight that led me to disturb Your Majesty."
Shen Zhinian smiled slightly: "It's alright."
"You're just trying to be filial, so go back and rest. Don't overthink it."
This means to see the guest off.
"I'll take my leave..."
Consort Tang rose dejectedly and, led by Qiu Yue, left Yongshou Palace.
The glimmer of hope we had when we arrived has been completely extinguished.
Shen Zhinian watched her departing figure and gently shook her head.
Consort Tang is still young and too naive.
How could the concubines of the harem easily comment on the affairs of the previous dynasty?
The Prefect of the Capital, in his post, planned his administration and shouldered his responsibilities.
If he can find out the truth, that's his skill; if he can't, that's his dereliction of duty.
Shen Zhinian would not, and could not, bring it up.
This is not only about the rules, but also about her position and safety.
The rumors were directed at Shen Zhinian. If she were to plead for officials who had failed to investigate properly, what would others think of her?
Moreover, Shen Zhinian believed that Nangong Xuanyu knew what he was doing.
Consort Tang was really grasping at straws this time because she was desperate.
After Qiuyue returned, she asked curiously, "Your Majesty, there is something I don't understand and would like to ask you about."
Shen Zhinian raised her eyes and looked at her gently: "What is it?"
Qiuyue carefully considered her words before saying, "When Consort Tang came earlier, I felt that Consort Tang's father was, after all, the Prefect of the Capital, a proper third-rank official who was in charge of the security and criminal matters of the capital region. His position was very important."
"Consort Tang seems to have a simple and straightforward personality, with no scheming."
"If Your Majesty were to appease her or win her over at this time, she might become an asset to Your Majesty in the palace in the future."
"Why... did Your Highness politely decline Consort Tang's offer just now?"
After Qiu Yue finished speaking, she looked at Shen Zhinian somewhat nervously, afraid that she had asked something presumptuous.
Han Dan, standing nearby, also perked up her ears, clearly puzzled as well.
Shen Zhinian did not answer immediately upon hearing this.
She had always believed that men who held high positions were not necessarily a thousand times more intelligent than women. It was simply that women were confined to their homes and had too few opportunities to study, understand principles, and broaden their horizons.
Given the opportunity and guidance, women are no less intelligent or resilient than men.
Therefore, Shen Zhinian was always very patient with her confidantes and was willing to teach them to see through the intricacies of the harem and even the court, as well as the hearts of the people.
"The fact that you can think of this level is already an improvement."
Shen Zhinian first affirmed Qiu Yue's thoughts, and then slowly analyzed: "It is perhaps true that Consort Tang is innocent and simple-minded. People with such a mindset are unlikely to want to or actively harm others."
Qiuyue and Handan nodded.
"but……"
Shen Zhinian changed the subject, saying, "This kind of personality is a double-edged sword in the palace."
"Consort Tang is simple, so she is easy to see through; she is straightforward, so she is prone to speaking without restraint; she lacks cunning, so she is more easily seduced and used. She may even become a knife in someone else's hand without realizing it."
At this point, Shen Zhinian looked at Qiu Yue: "You thought that winning over Consort Tang would be an advantage, but you never thought that she might be a huge loophole."
"Today, Consort Tang impulsively came to me to plead for her father. What might she do if someone tries to tempt or coerce her with something else tomorrow?"
"At that time, will I intervene or not?"
Qiu Yue was taken aback, and vaguely understood something.
Shen Zhinian continued, "Furthermore, think carefully about what happened today. His Majesty gave the Prefect of the Capital three days to investigate the case. This is pressure, but it is also an opportunity."
"If the Prefect of the Capital is truly capable, he can uncover some clues within three days, even if it's just to find a few scapegoats and temporarily appease the Emperor's anger. Then there will be room for maneuver in this matter."
"If the Prefect of the Capital still has nothing after three days, His Majesty will be furious and punish him. At that time, Consort Tang will have nowhere else to turn and will come to me for help again."
"For the sake of both sentiment and reason, I might say a few words of pleading on her behalf, considering we are both in the harem. Even if it's useless, it will still be the best I can do, and she will remember this kindness even more."
"But actually?"
Shen Zhinian shook her head: "His Majesty issued the edict only half a day ago, and Consort Tang rushed to Yongshou Palace in a panic for help. If this gets out, what will others think?"
"It just makes you think that even the Prefect of the Capital's own daughter has no confidence in his abilities and believes that if he can't find out the results within three days, he's destined to be punished. Isn't this just making things worse and indirectly confirming the Prefect of the Capital's incompetence?"
"What Consort Tang did may seem like filial piety, but in reality, it showed a lack of composure."
"How can someone who can't even control their own emotions and easily exposes their weaknesses be a reliable ally?"
Qiu Yue felt a chill run down her spine.
Han Dan also opened her eyes wide.
They only thought of Consort Tang's family background and simple personality, which they might be able to take advantage of, but they didn't expect the hidden risks behind it.
And the fatal flaw revealed by Consort Tang's actions.
She is impatient, short-sighted, and easily swayed by her emotions.
"Allies, quality over quantity."
Shen Zhinian patiently instructed: "If you are greedy for quantity and bring in some people who are unstable and easily exploited, it may seem like your power is growing, but in reality it is like building a tower on sand, with an unstable foundation."
“If anyone makes a mistake or is used to betray the alliance, the entire alliance could be implicated and tarnished.”
"By then, the effort required to clean up the mess will far exceed the meager assistance."
"With Consort Tang's temperament, if she truly becomes my ally, what trouble might she cause in the palace due to her naivety and straightforwardness? Or perhaps she'll be schemed against and dragged into some kind of trouble..."
"If I help her, I might end up getting into trouble myself, wasting resources to fill a bottomless pit. I might even be dragged down by her and harm myself."
“If we don’t help, others will think that even if you’ve sided with the Imperial Noble Consort, you’re nothing special and won’t protect your subordinates when it matters.”
"How can I command respect and authority in the future?"
Fuqu nodded knowingly: "Your Majesty is right."