frightfiction Chapter 1672 The Dealer's Scheme
Chapter 1672 The Dealer's Scheme
"Nowadays, who inside or outside the palace doesn't know about the filth of Fatu Temple?"
"That wicked monk Xingchen appeared to be a highly virtuous monk on the surface, but in reality, he colluded with traitors. His Majesty was furious and uprooted Fatu Temple. Xingchen was torn apart by five horses... Tsk tsk, it's terrifying just to think about it."
As she said this, Consort Mei patted her chest lightly, showing a look of lingering fear. Then she changed the subject and said, "In such a tense situation, His Majesty must be very annoyed by anything related to Buddhist temples."
“My cousin has always been known for her kindness and Buddhist faith, and the small Buddhist shrine in Changchun Palace is well-known throughout the palace. If we continue as before, wouldn’t we be needlessly attracting His Majesty’s attention, or even making him dislike us?”
"Therefore, I believe that my cousin's handling of the matter could not have been more correct!"
"Sealing off the Buddhist hall, collecting those items, and changing their clothes and jewelry—that's the wise move to discern the divine will!"
"What's so important about those empty reputations of piety compared to real imperial favor? I truly admire my cousin's decisiveness!"
Consort Zhuang listened quietly to Consort Mei's flattery and said in a low voice, "It's just some minor adjustments to the inner chambers."
Consort Mei said, "I was just thinking that since we are in the palace, we should naturally prioritize His Majesty's wishes in everything we do. Those things that are out of step with the times should be let go or changed."
Consort Zhuang subtly changed the subject: "Have you heard about Uncle's visit to the palace today, sister?"
"In Puyang, Yuzhou, auspicious omens have appeared in the sky, with characters appearing on a giant stone. The Ministry of Rites has already submitted a report, and His Majesty attaches great importance to it."
Consort Mei, of course, knew about the Zhuang family's plan. A hint of anticipation flashed in her bright eyes: "This is truly an auspicious sign!"
"Your Majesty's civil and military achievements have won you the submission of the entire world; it is only fitting that such auspicious omens have appeared!"
Consort Zhuang's gaze fell on Consort Mei's beautiful face, and she solemnly said, "The appearance of auspicious omens is certainly a sign of national prosperity, but for the harem, is it not also a rare opportunity?"
"Especially at times like this..."
The Emperor is in low spirits due to the scandal surrounding the "Awakening Dust Case" and needs some auspicious events to dispel the gloom. If one could cleverly link the auspicious omens bestowed by heaven with a particular concubine…
Consort Mei's heart skipped a beat, but she knew she needed Consort Zhuang's help in the palace, so she humbly replied, "Such an auspicious omen concerning the fate of the nation, what virtue or ability do I possess to receive it..."
Why should my sister belittle herself?
Consort Zhuang knew that these were all planned, and that Consort Mei's modesty was just an act, but she did not expose her.
“You are the daughter of the Zhuang family, and my cousin. Auspicious omens may be just icing on the cake for others, but if you are connected with the daughter of the Zhuang family, the meaning is quite different.”
"The family has put in a lot of effort and made preparations for this. The opportunity is fleeting, so we must seize it. Let the auspicious blessings fall firmly upon my sister!"
The so-called auspicious omens from heaven were undoubtedly orchestrated by people. The organizers had been secretly working to create momentum for Consort Mei.
Consort Mei's eyes flickered slightly as she looked at Consort Zhuang, still speaking humbly, "Cousin, why do you call me 'Your Majesty'? You are a Noble Consort; wouldn't it be better if blessings were bestowed upon you?"
Consort Zhuang remained silent, a hint of self-mockery flashing in her eyes.
She could hardly remember the last time she had been intimate with His Majesty...
His Majesty treated her with more respect and gave the Zhuang family a dignified air.
Without imperial favor, how can there be an heir?
The Zhuang family needs a prince with their own bloodline, and clearly, Consort Zhuang is not the best candidate.
Consort Mei is young, beautiful, and charming; she is also likely to become pregnant by the emperor's favor.
Consort Mei understood perfectly well that the Zhuang family didn't value her more; it was simply a matter of circumstance.
The imperial concubine was also using her.
But so what?
She wasn't entirely without resentment at being used, but in the deep palace, who wasn't using each other?
The important thing is what benefits this will bring her.
She had a chance to greatly enhance her prestige, attract the emperor's attention, and perhaps even conceive a royal child. It would be truly foolish of her not to seize this opportunity.
"I understand my cousin's good intentions."
Consort Mei did not refuse again, and her expression became serious: "I am deeply grateful for the kindness of my family and the support of my cousin! I will definitely seize this opportunity and never let it go to waste!"
Consort Zhuang nodded and said, "It's good that you understand, sister."
"The family has already made arrangements on how to proceed. We just need your cooperation; the best approach is to let things flow naturally."
They said they were paving the way for her, but the Zhuang family only told Consort Zhuang the important matters. Consort Mei couldn't help but say, "Please give me some pointers, cousin."
Consort Zhuang said, "The Zhuang family sent a remarkable person from the south to the palace through reliable channels the day before yesterday. She has been close to birds since childhood and can imitate the sounds of hundreds of birds, especially magpies."
"With a little training and preparation, tomorrow morning, the sky above Xianfu Palace will surely be filled with the sight of hundreds of magpies paying homage!"
Hearing this, Consort Mei's expression grew even more fervent: "I will listen to my cousin!"
At that time, as the sun rises, its rays spread across the sky. Hundreds and thousands of magpies circle and sing above the halls of Xianfu Palace, lingering for a long time!
Such extraordinary phenomena, combined with the auspicious omens from the heavens... anyone would think that this signifies the continuous blessings and good fortune bestowed upon Xianfu Palace!
The uneasy discussions among the people caused by the Xingchen case need such an auspicious omen to calm their minds. His Majesty, in order to comply with Heaven's will and appease the people, will surely show her even greater favor.
Consort Zhuang looked at the excitement in Consort Mei's eyes but remained silent.
This cousin is ambitious and resourceful. She knows how to leverage existing resources and, more importantly, how to maximize her own advantages.
If used well, it can be a sharp sword; if used poorly, it can also harm oneself.
Consort Zhuang continued, "I have already had the news of the auspicious events in Yuzhou spread throughout the palace. We are just waiting for the auspicious occasion at Xianfu Palace to begin tomorrow morning."
"At that time, with the two complementing each other, my sister will be able to firmly inherit the title of the blessed woman of destiny!"
Consort Mei nodded cautiously and said, "Magpies are auspicious birds, so they naturally bring good fortune. As for the person who attracted the magpie... Cousin, you must clean things up afterwards, leaving no trace!"
Consort Zhuang replied, "Of course I know."
……
The auspicious omens that appeared in Puyang, Yuzhou, were bound to attract attention. With the help of those with ulterior motives, the news spread throughout the palace in an instant.
"Even Heaven is praising His Majesty!"
"That's right! I heard that rock is several meters tall, and the characters on it grew naturally!"
"Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, and naturally has the protection of Heaven!"
"..."
When these whispers reached Chuxiu Palace, Consort Kang's eyes were filled with sorrow.
Auspicious omens, destiny...
Master Xingchen's blood hasn't even dried yet... What real auspicious omens are there in the world?
It's nothing more than a trick by those in power to whitewash the truth and fool the world.