Chapter 1345: To some extent, this matter is also related to Nian Nian
Chapter 1345: To some extent, this matter is also related to Nian Nian
She nodded and said, "Sister Xianfei is very considerate."
"Since there's no excessive increase, we'll allow them to do so. Let the Ministry of Internal Affairs purchase the goods according to the regulations."
The virtuous concubine responded: "Yes."
Next, she reported several trivial matters one after another.
Such as the collection, washing, drying and storage of light door curtains and felt carpets used in the palaces in summer, and the preparation of ice storage in ice cellars in summer.
Everything was handled in an orderly manner and with proper instructions.
Throughout the entire report, Concubine Xian's tone remained calm. She neither sought credit nor shirked responsibility, maintaining a perfect balance in her role as assistant palace administrator.
She fully demonstrated her abilities and always stayed within her responsibilities without overstepping the boundaries.
Shen Zhinian listened quietly, occasionally asking questions or nodding, and in her heart she couldn't help but look up to this virtuous concubine who was cold and taciturn, but thoughtful and methodical in her work.
Concubine Xuan was quietly teasing the three children without interrupting them, and the atmosphere was harmonious and natural.
After all matters were reported, Concubine Xian stopped talking and bowed her head slightly: "...This is the general outline of the palace affairs for the past few days. Please give your instructions, Your Majesty the Imperial Concubine."
Shen Zhinian said gently, "Thank you, Sister Xianfei, for your concern. Everything has been arranged very well."
The virtuous concubine stood up and said, "This is all within my responsibility."
"If the Imperial Noble Consort has no other instructions, I will take my leave."
Seeing this, Concubine Xuan also stood up and said, "Sister Imperial Concubine, it's time for me to take Jin'er back to feed her."
Shen Zhinian nodded with a smile: "Go ahead."
The virtuous concubine took the second princess's hand and said, "Nannan, let's go back."
"Say goodbye to my two royal brothers."
The Second Princess seemed a little reluctant to leave. She turned around to look at the Fourth and Sixth Princes and whispered, "Fourth Brother... Sixth Brother... Good-bye..."
The Fourth Prince raised his head upon hearing the voice, waved his little hand and said, "Second Sister, see you again..."
The virtuous concubine looked down at the light in the second princess' eyes, and her heart moved slightly.
She nodded to Shen Zhinian and Concubine Xuan again before leaving with the Second Princess, who kept looking back.
Concubine Xuan also took her leave while holding the Sixth Prince.
Peace returned to the palace, with only the Fourth Prince still playing with his small ball with great interest.
the other side.
On the way back to Chengqian Palace, the sunlight shone through the palace wall and fell on Concubine Xuan's slightly dazed face.
She sat on the sedan chair, holding the sleepy Sixth Prince in her arms. Her fingers gently patted his back, but her eyes were a little distant, and there was a hint of sadness between her brows.
Zhu'er was keenly aware of Concubine Xuan's abnormality. When the sedan chair reached a secluded part of the palace, she lowered her voice and asked with concern, "Your Majesty, what's wrong with you?"
"Coming out of Yongshou Palace, I noticed you seemed to be worried."
Concubine Xuan came back to her senses upon hearing the voice, and sighed softly, with a rare hint of self-doubt in her voice: "Zhu'er, I used to only assist in the palace affairs, which was a very stressful and tiring job."
"After listening to the detailed report from the virtuous concubine today, I finally understood how complicated and intricate things are..."
"Allocations, equipment repairs, personnel deployments, festival preparations, even the replacement of flowers and trees... every single one of these complicated matters was handled so neatly and without a single detail messed up."
Concubine Xuan paused, her tone growing increasingly depressed, with a hint of insecurity: "Sister Imperial Noble Concubine has always placed high hopes on me, hoping that I can get started soon and share her worries."
"But this palace... this palace, after listening to those things, just felt like a mess in my head."
"I'm so stupid, I'm afraid... I'm afraid I'm really going to disappoint the Imperial Noble Consort..."
The more she spoke, the more discouraged she felt. She couldn't help but rub her forehead with her fingers, as if this could help clear the chaotic thoughts in her mind.
The Sixth Prince in his mother's arms seemed to sense his mother's emotions and twisted his body uncomfortably.
Concubine Xuan quickly patted him gently.
Zhu Er looked at her own queen's sad face, feeling both distressed and amused. She quickly said in a gentle voice, "My queen, please stop being so self-deprecating."
"Your Highness, the Virtuous Consort has been assisting with palace affairs for a long time, so practice makes perfect. You haven't even started yet, so it's only natural that you find it complicated."
"The Imperial Noble Consort asked you to listen and prepare for the future because she values your character and potential, not because she wants you to become as experienced as the Virtuous Consort right away."
Zhu'er said, her tone more firm: "Besides, no one is born knowing how to do it."
"Have you forgotten, Madam? When you first started learning the pipa in the Qiandi Residence, didn't you always complain that your fingers wouldn't obey you and you couldn't remember the music?"
"But now? Even His Majesty praised your playing!"
"Everything must be approached slowly, learning step by step. With the guidance of the Imperial Noble Consort, and the support of the capable maids and palace maids, you will definitely be able to do it!"
When Concubine Xuan listened to Zhu'er's words, the scene of her hard practice of pipa emerged in her mind, and her frown relaxed a little.
Yes, everything is difficult at the beginning. She can't give up before she even tries.
"you're right."
Concubine Xuan took a deep breath, as if to encourage herself: "I can't scare myself. I have to try it to know."
Seeing her expression ease up a bit, Zhu Er immediately agreed with a smile: "That's right!"
"You are so smart, my lady. As long as you put your heart into it, you will surely be able to master it quickly."
"Then I will be able to truly relieve Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine of her worries!"
Xuan Fei nodded. Although the heavy pressure in her heart had not completely dissipated, she was at least no longer so confused and helpless.
She looked down at the Sixth Prince who was already sleeping in her arms, and her eyes became soft and firm again.
For Jin'er, and in order not to disappoint the trust of her sister, the Imperial Noble Consort, she has to work hard to hold on!
……
The night is dark.
Yongshou Palace.
The candlelight illuminated the inner room as bright as day.
Nangong Xuanyu took off his court robes, wearing only a dark-patterned casual suit, and leaned leisurely on the soft couch by the window.
Shen Zhinian sat opposite him.
There was a small table between the two of them, on which was a chessboard with black and white pieces scattered around, and the battle was in full swing.
Shen Zhinian held the white piece, with a warm jade stone on his fingertips, but he did not put it down immediately. Instead, he looked up at the emperor opposite him.
The candlelight fell between his deep eyebrows and eyes. At this moment, Nangong Xuanyu was less imposing and majestic than usual, more relaxed, and there was even a faint curve at the corner of his lips.
"Your Majesty, you seem to be in a particularly good mood today?"
Shen Zhinian dropped a child and said softly, "But what's the good news?"
If she were in another concubine's palace, Nangong Xuanyu would never discuss state affairs.
But facing Shen Zhinian at this moment, he couldn't help but feel happy about the smooth government affairs and wanted to share it with others.
What's more, this matter is related to Nian Nian to some extent.
The emperor picked up a black piece, but did not put it down immediately. His eyes were still on the chessboard, but his tone was full of obvious pleasure: "Hmm."
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