frightfiction Chapter 1655 The Emperor Needs Time to Adjust His Mindset
Chapter 1655 The Emperor Needs Time to Adjust His Mindset
But Li Changde felt that things weren't that simple...
He then asked, "Who else did you tell about this?"
"Nothing."
Liu Shixiu shook his head: "During the time I was locked in the ascetic cave, I didn't even have anyone to talk to. Besides, no one would believe me if I told them this."
After all, who would believe that the world-renowned holy monk would be associated with the rebel Liu family?
Li Changde nodded.
That's true.
“I’ve remembered what Young Master Liu said today. As for your life… I’ll spare it for now. But if I find out you’ve lied or are hiding anything…”
At this point, Li Changde snorted coldly.
After he left, Liu Shixiu closed his eyes.
He didn't think too much when he said those words. He just felt that since he was going to die anyway, why cling to these old stories?
But after he finished speaking, Liu Shixiu regretted it a little.
What would those words bring? Who would be implicated? He didn't know.
In the corridor.
Li Changde recalled the things Liu Shixiu had told him.
Empress Dowager Gongsu, Xingchen, the Liu family...
What exactly is the relationship between them?
If Xingchen Bao Liu Shixiu did so to repay the kindness of Empress Dowager Gongsu, then what was his purpose in approaching Lady Chu and Lady Feng?
Li Changde stopped and said to the eunuch behind him, "Immediately investigate all the records of Empress Dowager Gongsu during her lifetime, focusing on her dealings with Fatu Temple. See how many people know about the incident where she saved Xingchen."
"This matter is confidential and must not be publicized. Tell the outside world that... it is an investigation into old events from the late emperor's reign, which may be related to the case of the rebellious prince."
The young eunuch replied respectfully, "This servant understands!"
……
The Hall of Nourishing Heart.
Xiao Huizi came in and reported, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Noble Consort has sent ginseng soup."
During this period, although the emperor did not enter the harem, the concubines and ladies-in-waiting in the harem would send various things to the Hall of Mental Cultivation every now and then.
They claimed to care about the Emperor's health, but in reality, they wanted to make His Majesty remember them.
This naturally includes Shen Zhinian.
She wasn't trying to curry favor.
Everyone else is giving gifts, but Shen Zhinian isn't. Wouldn't Nangong Xuanyu think that she doesn't care about him at all?
Nangong Xuanyu stopped reviewing the memorials, his expression complex: "Bring it up."
"Yes!"
After Xiao Huizi tested the poison, she placed the ginseng soup on the imperial table.
Then he lowered his head and stood aside, looking down at his nose and contemplating his own thoughts.
This is the third bowl of soup delivered to the Hall of Mental Cultivation today.
The first bowl was a chicken soup with poria cocos sent by the Imperial Concubine, which was said to be warming, nourishing, and calming.
His Majesty bestowed it upon him without even looking at it.
The second bowl was a stewed pear with fritillaria cirrhosa sent by Consort Yue, meant to moisturize His Majesty's lungs and relieve dryness.
The same food went into Xiao Huizi's belly, and he was already round and full.
Fortunately, His Majesty drank the ginseng soup that the Imperial Noble Consort had sent, otherwise he really wouldn't have been able to drink any more...
The thoughts of the various concubines and ladies-in-waiting were laid bare in the soup.
His Majesty has not entered the inner palace for a long time, and so many things have happened in the court. Who would not want to show their face in front of His Majesty at this time?
Even if it's just a bowl of soup or a greeting, at least it will remind His Majesty that there is such a person in the harem.
Nangong Xuanyu slowly scooped up a spoonful of ginseng soup and put it in his mouth.
The soup was warm, just right for drinking.
The ginseng flavor is not strong, clearly indicating that it was simmered for a long time with high-quality old ginseng to remove its dryness, leaving only its mild and nourishing properties. A few red dates and a few slices of astragalus were also added, both of which are calming and invigorating.
The person who made the soup put their heart into it.
Nangong Xuanyu asked, "Did the Imperial Noble Consort say anything else?"
Xiao Huizi bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the one who came to deliver the soup is Sister Fuqu, who serves the Imperial Noble Consort."
"She said that the Empress was concerned about His Majesty's health, and knowing that His Majesty was busy with state affairs recently, she did not dare to disturb him, so she asked the kitchen to stew ginseng soup for His Majesty to soothe his throat."
"The Imperial Noble Consort also said that His Majesty need not worry about Yongshou Palace, as she and the Fourth Prince are doing well."
Nangong Xuanyu pursed his lips and remained silent.
Niannian is always so considerate.
Unlike other concubines, who would always add a few words like "I hope Your Majesty will have mercy" when serving soup, she was different.
Shen Zhinian simply told him not to worry, and that she and A-Xu were doing well.
But the more this happened, the more uneasy the emperor felt...
He hasn’t been going to the harem lately, partly because of the Xingchen incident, which makes him annoyed whenever he sees those women!
Secondly, because... he didn't know how to face Nian Nian.
He is the emperor, the ruler of this vast land!
He should have been wise and resourceful, with flawless strategies.
But one incident after another occurred in the harem. Lady Feng and Lady Chu had affairs with the lecherous monk and even became pregnant with illegitimate children... One thing after another, it was like a slap in the face to Nangong Xuanyu!
He was an emperor, but also a man. How could he easily digest the humiliation of being cuckolded multiple times?
Therefore, he didn't want Niannian to see him in such a pathetic state, being completely manipulated by the women of the harem, to the point that even his bloodline could be confused...
He must always remember His Majesty, who is all-powerful!
He should be the husband she looks up to and relies on!
Instead of being a loser who can't even be controlled by a woman...
Nangong Xuanyu needs time to deal with these matters, and even more time to adjust his mindset.
"His Majesty……"
Xiao Huizi asked cautiously, "Should we reciprocate the gifts sent from the various palaces as usual?"
This is customary.
His Majesty, having received the favors of the harem, would always bestow something in return as a sign of his favor.
The amount and generosity of the reward are quite significant.
Nangong Xuanyu's eyes darkened slightly.
Changchun Palace's intentions were too obvious, so obvious that he found them repulsive.
As soon as Lady Feng got into trouble, the Imperial Concubine was eager to show her compassion and even used the eldest princess to test his attitude.
There was also stewed snow pear with fritillaria cirrhosa sent by Consort Yue.
Her personality has always been aloof and proud, so why is she suddenly being so attentive? Is there no ulterior motive behind it?
Nangong Xuanyu rubbed his temples.
These women were all eyeing him, scheming against him, hoping to gain his favor and status.
Only Nian Nian didn't want anything in return; she genuinely cared about his health.
The emperor ordered, "Select a few bolts of soft silk from Jiangnan, as well as pearls from the South Seas, which are tributes from foreign lands, and send them to Yongshou Palace."
Xiao Huizi knew that soft gauze was the most suitable material for making underwear. South Sea pearls were even rarer, each one worth a fortune!
This reward is too generous!
It seems that the person His Majesty cares about most is still the Imperial Noble Consort.
"Yes, sir. I'll take care of it right away!"
"and many more."
Nangong Xuanyu added, "Tell the Imperial Noble Consort that when I have some free time, I will go to Yongshou Palace to see her and the Fourth Prince."
"Slave understands!"
Not long after Xiao Huizi left, Li Changde returned.
After he finished bowing, he took out a booklet from his sleeve and presented it with both hands: "...Your Majesty, this servant had the Imperial Household Department retrieve the records of the concubines and ladies-in-waiting in the harem, and also sent people to secretly inquire at each household. They are all here."
Nangong Xuanyu took the booklet but did not immediately open it: "Speak."
Li Changde lowered his head and said, "Nine out of ten of the ladies and concubines in the palace went to Fatu Temple to offer incense and pray for blessings before entering the palace..."