frightfiction Chapter 1631 Let the Imperial Noble Consort remind His Majesty
Chapter 1631 Let the Imperial Noble Consort remind His Majesty
If Huichen could think of it, how could Li Changde not?
However, he didn't show it to Huichen.
It's possible that things are really as Huichen said, and that Madam Chu deliberately showed this reaction to protect the real adulterer.
It's also possible that Chu's lover was Huichen, but both of them were putting on an act in order to clear Huichen of suspicion.
Li Changde stopped looking at Huichen and turned to instruct his men: "Investigate thoroughly whether Lady Chu had any private contact with Huichen before entering the palace."
"Are there any connections between Huichen's records of lecturing and receiving pilgrims over the past few years and the Chu family...?"
"Not a single detail can be overlooked!"
The subordinate immediately replied, "Yes!"
……
Days passed by, and before we knew it, it was early March.
Many of the concubines in the harem were extremely anxious.
Because His Majesty hasn't entered the inner palace for a long time!
Previously, the emperor was busy with the affairs of the court and visited the inner palace less often. At least he would occasionally go to Yongshou Palace to see the Imperial Noble Consort and the Fourth Prince.
But recently, His Majesty has not only failed to select any concubines, but has also stopped visiting Yongshou Palace altogether.
This situation not only made the older palace women, who had been in the palace for many years, uneasy, but also made the newcomers who had just entered the palace through the imperial selection last year as anxious as ants on a hot pan.
They were in the prime of their youth, beautiful and from distinguished families, entering the palace full of dreams. Who wouldn't want to receive imperial favor, bear imperial offspring, and climb the social ladder step by step?
I had originally thought that while the newcomer was still fresh in everyone's eyes, I could at least get some favor from him. Even if it was just once or twice, it would be good if I could leave an impression on His Majesty.
Now, things have gotten even worse; His Majesty has stopped coming to the inner palace altogether...
They can't even see His Majesty, so what favor can they expect?
Among the newcomers, only Consort Mei is charming and lovely, while Consort Yue has a cool and aloof temperament. Having received a title, she has begun to stand out.
The rest rarely even had the chance to meet the emperor alone.
As time flies by, if we can't seize the opportunity, will we really wither away in obscurity in the deep palace?
In their eagerness, some people began to have ulterior motives.
Even if they had ten times the courage, they wouldn't dare to directly ask to see the Imperial Noble Consort.
That woman is the most favored in the harem, incomparably noble. These newcomers, without favor or heirs, would likely do more harm than good if they were to disturb her rashly.
Therefore, everyone's attention turned to the other high-ranking concubines.
The Noble Consort's rank is second only to the Imperial Noble Consort, and she is known for her kindness and benevolence; perhaps she can speak on his behalf.
Consort Xian and Consort Xuan, who assisted in managing the six palaces, also had the responsibility of managing the harem. It was reasonable to convey the concerns of the concubines to them.
Consort Wei, who lived in Tingzhu Pavilion, was born to a father who was a reader in the Hanlin Academy. She came from a family of scholars and was strictly disciplined.
She inherited her father's temperament, being steady and dignified, and acted very cautiously after entering the palace.
No matter how cautious she was, she saw that Consort Mei and Consort Yue, who had entered the palace at the same time, had already received titles, while she was still only a Noble Lady, and His Majesty had not visited the inner palace for a long time.
Consort Wei couldn't help but feel anxious.
Just then, a personal maid entered and whispered, "Your Highness, Consort Tang from Shuixi Pavilion and Consort Jiang from Lingyan Pavilion have sent messengers to ask if you are free this afternoon and would like to come over for a visit."
Consort Wei pondered for a moment.
Consort Tang was lively and talkative.
Jiang Changzai received little favor.
The two of them came to see her together... most likely because of the matter that all the concubines in the palace were concerned about.
Consort Wei said, "Please ask them to come over at Shenshi (3-5 PM)."
"Yes."
Just after 3 PM, Consort Tang and Consort Jiang arrived at Tingzhu Pavilion one after the other.
Today, Consort Tang wore a pale yellow jacket with snow-white fur trim around the collar and cuffs, which made her round face look even more delicate and sweet.
As soon as she entered, she brought a lively energy with her. She first greeted Consort Wei, then sat down next to her, saying repeatedly, "...Sister Wei, it's so warm here!"
Jiang Changzai, dressed in a light green robe with a moon-white cloak, bowed and sat down in a chair.
Consort Wei had the palace maids serve hot tea and snacks. After exchanging a few pleasantries, the conversation naturally turned to business.
“...Sister Wei”.
Consort Tang, with her impatient nature, was the first to lose her temper and asked in distress, "Tell me, how long has it been since His Majesty entered the inner palace?"
"At least His Majesty used to visit Yongshou Palace occasionally, but now he doesn't even go there anymore. Does that mean we have even less hope?"
She loves His Majesty terribly; she's been lovesick to the point of almost falling ill these days...
Jiang Changzai replied in a soft voice, "Your Majesty's diligence in governing is a blessing to all the people. However... we have only been in the palace for a short time and have not been able to serve you wholeheartedly, which makes us truly uneasy."
Consort Wei said slowly, "What my two sisters have said is all too familiar to me. But how can we presume to know or comment on His Majesty's actions?"
"Or maybe we should just wait patiently..."
Consort Tang said sadly, "But when will we be able to go..."
She really missed him, she really missed His Majesty...
Jiang Changzai sighed softly: "We are not like those old people, who have princes and princesses to rely on. Nor are we like Consort Mei and Consort Yue, who at least have titles."
"If we wait any longer, the daylilies will get cold!"
"But... what can we, in our lowly positions, do?"
Consort Tang's eyes darted around, and she leaned forward slightly: "I've heard that the Imperial Concubine of Changchun Palace is the most kind and benevolent, and always thinks of the sisters in the six palaces."
"How about... we go together and plead with the Noble Consort? Ask her to put in a good word for us with the Imperial Noble Consort? Let the Imperial Noble Consort remind His Majesty that there are still people like us in the harem!"
Consort Wei frowned: "Is this... appropriate?"
"To beg the Imperial Concubine for favor would likely annoy her..."
"How could it be for the sake of currying favor?"
Consort Tang argued, "We are concerned about His Majesty's health and the harmony of the inner palace!"
"His Majesty's prolonged absence from the palace is not a good thing for the offspring or the peace of the harem. We are thinking of the bigger picture!"
Jiang Changzai raised her eyes, looked at Consort Wei, and said softly, "Although Sister Tang spoke hastily, there is some truth to her words."
"Her rank as Consort Gui is second only to that of Imperial Noble Consort. If there is unrest in the harem, I'm sure Consort Gui would not want to see it. We have informed Consort Gui of our concerns and asked her to let Imperial Noble Consort make the decision. This is our duty."
The two of them sang in unison, and Consort Wei's already wavering heart tilted even further in their favor.
She pondered for a moment and said, "The three of us alone are a bit too few. Perhaps... we should ask the other sisters what they think?"
"If there are more people, going to Changchun Palace together will not only appear more solemn, but also avoid anyone standing out alone."
Consort Tang immediately clapped her hands in agreement: "Sister Wei is right!"
"I'll send someone to invite the other sisters right away; many hands make light work!"
Jiang Changzai nodded slightly: "That's very good."
Soon, five or six newly arrived concubines, attendants, and ladies-in-waiting were persuaded.
Who wouldn't want to seize the opportunity, just in case it works?