frightfiction Chapter 1059 What the Assistant Sixth Palace Should Do
Chapter 1059 What the Assistant Sixth Palace Should Do
Of course there is a big happy event, and it is a big happy event!
It seems that all her efforts for so long were worth it, as Nangong Xuanyu finally plans to confer the title of Imperial Consort on her on New Year’s Eve this year!
The Imperial Noble Consort is definitely the Queen.
The position of Empress is within her grasp!
Even though Shen Zhinian has always been calm, he couldn't help but show his joy at this moment.
Of course, this was because Handan and Fuqiu were both her most trusted confidants. Outside, Shen Zhinian would not show any abnormality that would give people clues.
However, things are accomplished through secrecy, and failure is caused by leaks. The imperial edict had not yet been issued, so Shen Zhinian did not reveal it. Instead, he looked at Fuqiu and asked, "Did the Zhou family reply?"
Fuqiu is responsible for all matters outside the palace.
Hearing Shen Zhinian's question, Fuqiu's face suddenly turned red: "Your Majesty, early this morning, the Zhou family sent someone to deliver a letter to the palace."
Handan joked, "Madam, you just sent the message yesterday, and the Zhou family couldn't wait to reply. You can imagine how anxious they are."
Fuqiu's face turned even redder, but she still felt a little uneasy...
In order to be a good wife to Zhou Hanlin, she wanted to learn for two more years in the palace, how to manage household affairs and greet guests. But she didn't know whether Zhou Hanlin was willing to wait for these two years...
After washing up, Shen Zhinian said, "Bring the letter here."
"Yes."
After reading it, she didn't look surprised at all: "...Mrs. Zhou Er said in the letter that Zhou Hanlin had just entered the officialdom and was at the right time to serve the country loyally, so there was no rush for marriage."
“Two years is just right.”
When Shen Zhinian said this, he handed the letter in his hand to Fuqiu.
Fuqiu looked at it and her eyes couldn't help but feel a little hot.
There were happy smiles on everyone's faces.
Because everyone understands that given how much Zhou Hanlin likes Fuqiu, how could he not be anxious?
These words were merely a way of respecting Fuqiu's wishes and taking her interests into consideration.
For a moment, Handan and the others surrounded Fuqiu, talking in unison and saying words of congratulations.
Fuqiu and Zhou Yuhu officially began the engagement process.
After the news spread, which palace maid did not envy Fuqiu for having such good fortune?
The most important thing is that Concubine Chen is willing to make plans for her and support her!
……
Changchun Palace.
Ruoli's face had already healed.
After all, she understood Concubine Zhuang's thoughts better than Ruoji. After her face recovered, she went back to serve Concubine Zhuang.
But Ruo Ji also stayed.
Listening to the rumors in the palace, Ruoli curled her lips and said disdainfully: "Which man in the world is better than your Majesty?"
"If Concubine Chen really loves Fuqiu, why not find a way to make her your Majesty's woman and share the wealth and honor with her, instead of sending her out of the palace?"
"It's obviously very hypocritical!"
Unlike Concubine Zhuang, who has been planning for her, just waiting for the opportunity to let her dance for His Majesty. If she can catch His Majesty's eye, she will be the mistress!
Even if Fuqiu became Zhou Hanlin's first wife, what would it matter? When you see her, you still have to bow.
So, Concubine Zhuang is a hundred times better than Concubine Chen.
Even if the palace maids envied Fuqiu, Ruoli didn't have to be envious.
Thinking of this, Ruoli glanced at Ruoji with a half-smile: "Ruoji, don't you think so?"
It was no longer a secret in Changchun Palace that Concubine Zhuang wanted to present Ruoli to His Majesty. Ruoji naturally knew about it, and Ruoli asked about the deep meaning of this sentence.
It's just showing off.
Ruoji's face showed no extra expression, and he just said, "I dare not make up stories about Concubine Chen and Fuqiu."
"Ruoli, you should also say less."
Last time, Ruoli was slapped in the face by Shen Zhinian because of his careless mouth. His face was slapped like a pig's head, which gave Ruji the opportunity to take the position.
Even though Ruojiu was trying to persuade her with good intentions, Ruoli still felt that there was something else behind his words, and a hint of anger flashed across her face.
However, as they were both Concubine Zhuang's dowry, Ruoli couldn't do anything to Ruoji in public, so she just snorted coldly.
Wait!
When she becomes a mistress, her status will be totally different from Ruoji's. By then, it will be easy for her to deal with this little bitch!
……
Zhongcui Palace.
The four words "Assistant Manager of the Six Palaces" sound simple, but in fact, Shen Zhinian holds great power and has countless things to deal with every day.
She was originally a high-ranking concubine trusted by the emperor, assisting the queen in managing the affairs of the harem. But now there is no queen in the palace, and although Shen Zhinian said she was an assistant, in fact, she had the final say on all matters.
First, we must handle daily government affairs and coordinate the operations of the six palaces.
Every now and then, Shen Zhinian would summon the managing maids, female officials, and managing eunuchs from various places in the early morning to listen to their reports on affairs.
Such as personnel movements, equipment loss, etc. And issue the day's instructions, such as a palace needs to be repaired, and prepare for a major festival.
Then he looked at the account books and reviewed the documents in the palace.
The expense lists and personnel transfer applications submitted by each palace must be approved by Shen Zhinian.
If there are expenses beyond the norm, for example, a concubine applies for exceptional silk, charcoal, etc., Shen Zhinian's approval is required before the Ministry of Internal Affairs will release them.
Then, special personnel were assigned to inspect key areas every afternoon, such as the imperial kitchen, warehouses, and the gates of each palace, to check food safety and material storage to prevent poisoning and mildew.
Second, you must manage the personnel and order in the harem.
If any concubine violated the palace rules, they would be reprimanded and punished. In serious cases, they would be reported to the emperor for judgment.
Mediate conflicts among concubines, such as jealousy, conflicts in material distribution, etc., to maintain harmony in the harem and avoid scandals that would affect the reputation of the royal family.
The deployment and rewards and punishments of palace maids and eunuchs are also under the jurisdiction of Shen Zhinian.
Although it was not uncommon for a high-ranking concubine to ask a eunuch or palace maid to serve her in her own palace if she liked them, she had to report the matter to Shen Zhinian and get her consent.
Of course, Shen Zhinian would generally not refuse such a small matter.
She also assigned maids to regularly assess the maids' skills in needlework, etiquette, etc. She would promote or reward those who performed well and punish those who failed in their duties.
Third, you must manage the finances and resources of the harem.
This is also the most important.
After all, you need money no matter where you live.
Why do concubines crave for power in the palace? Because no one likes to live under someone else's control!
The first is the expenses and audit of each palace.
Every month, the people in the Ministry of Internal Affairs would distribute the monthly allowances of silver, silk, food, etc. to the concubines in each palace according to their positions. They would also check the application records of each palace to prevent waste or corruption. For example, they would strictly check the consumption of rouge, powder, charcoal, etc.
During festivals, such as the emperor's birthday and New Year, they are also responsible for rewarding and distributing items to the harem.
Finally, the account book was presented to Concubine Chen for review.
Fourth, serve the emperor.
Although the emperor's daily meal menu is prepared by the imperial kitchen, they also need to report important matters to Shen Zhinian.