Chapter 68 Family Theory: The Importance of Having a Good Father

Qianhong Pavilion

【“Beep—”】

Ah Zhu, who was holding a willow branch and teasing the koi in the pond, was startled by the sudden notification sound.

Upon hearing the familiar noise, Ah Zhu immediately realized what was happening. She tightly closed her eyes, covered her mouth with lingering fear, and gritted her teeth, preparing to endure the pain.

But unexpectedly, the excruciating, tearing pain did not come.

On the contrary, the sound that was usually just a 'buzzing' noise was exceptionally clear this time—

"Things shouldn't happen more than three times; we've exhausted our anomaly detection attempts."

"After repeated anomaly detection, the bound host 'Jiang Zhu' has been confirmed. As there are currently no other external requests, a forced release cannot be performed."

"System functions have been activated normally, and all distributed gift packs can be used normally."

"Host, please keep up the good work, collect your life's highlights, and reach the pinnacle of success."

A-Zhu: ......

They were speaking human language, and it was rare for her to understand them so clearly.

However, when each word is put together, it is difficult to understand.

"Your Majesty."

Qingliu stepped forward and said softly with a smile, "Lady Lu has already been sent away."

A-Zhu slowly nodded, dropped the willow branch in her hand, and returned to Guanju Palace with a head full of questions.

Once inside the inner palace, A-Zhu and Consort Feng began examining this unfortunate object together—

"System...?"

【"I am here."】

"You, you, what do you do?"

"To identify development paths for all those with great potential who face obstacles on their path, helping you smoothly become winners in life—and to record your shining moments."

"What can you do?"

"To help all those with great potential who face obstacles in their future..."

I asked the same question several times, but the system seemed to only repeat the same sentence.

It can answer any question by referring to this topic.

After struggling for half a day, Ah Zhu had no choice but to give up on the idea of ​​communicating normally with this strange thing.

The thing that had been tormenting her for so long suddenly stopped hurting her...

To put it bluntly, it doesn't matter if you don't understand it or say that this thing is useless.

She would be grateful if it stopped torturing Azhu like a madman trying to rip open her skull.

Originally worried and having tried countless methods to no avail, Ah Zhu was happy to eat a few more bites at lunchtime once the "really headache-inducing" problem was solved.

While some are happy, others are sad.

Jangrye Palace

Lu Yinyue had made numerous plans before entering the palace, and everything seemed to be going smoothly, but she never expected that... she wouldn't even be able to see Azhu.

It's not that Lu Yinyue can't do anything without Azhu's help.

But the feeling that the plan was out of control as soon as they entered the palace always cast a shadow over their hearts.

If A-Zhu doesn't cooperate at all, Lu Yin-Yue will find it difficult to even say a word to her.

"beauty."

Seeing that Lu Yinyue was sitting at the table but not eating, Lianxin, who was also feeling uneasy, said softly, "You've only just entered the palace... You should at least have something to eat first."

Feeling suffocated, Lu Yinyue had no appetite.

Lianxin also learned a lesson because of what happened to Azhu.

Seeing Lu Yinyue's gloomy face and worried expression, Lianxin gritted her teeth, her face full of indignation.

"My lady, you have seen for yourself today just how arrogant and domineering Consort Jiang really is."

"She doesn't just mean you..."

"If she dares to be so presumptuous in Kunning Palace, in front of the Empress and the other ladies, wouldn't she be even more arrogant in private?"

"When I was little, I often heard the elders say that such arrogant and proud people don't last long, and even the heavens will take them away!"

Hearing Lianxin's particularly indignant curses, Lu Yinyue came back to her senses.

She gently patted Lianxin's hand, a smile appearing on her face, and whispered, "I'm fine... This won't happen again."

Human nature is inherently fickle.

And Ah Zhu is a complete villain.

She should have thought of this situation earlier, but she just subconsciously didn't think about it.

After forcing herself to eat properly, Lu Yinyue went to the small study that had been partitioned off to copy poems and calm her mind.

After her anger subsided, Lu Yinyue took out a rather old-fashioned longevity lock that wasn't particularly exquisite.

She stared at the longevity lock quietly for a while, and finally put it back in the box.

It's not the right time yet... no rush.

She had already waited for so many years, she couldn't be impatient, after all, she hadn't even seen the emperor's face since entering the palace.

Sooner or later we'll need Ah Zhu's help, so let her be smug for a while.

Lu Yinyue, having packed away her things, glanced at the time—it was time for these newly arrived concubines to serve the emperor tonight, and she wondered who would be the first to be summoned.

There are only a few things in the harem that can truly capture the attention of everyone.

The newly arrived concubines were burdened with the heavy responsibility of "putting down" Jiang's arrogance.

Therefore, everyone in the palace listened to the emperor's whispers.

And so they waited until it was time to light the lamps.

*

Hanyuan Hall

It was already dusk.

Eunuch Miao, who had been waiting outside the palace for a long time, led the eunuchs in charge of the bedroom, and a hint of anxiety could be seen on their faces.

Since A-Zhu gained favor, the duties of managing the imperial bedchamber suddenly became less important, and they were not summoned to the emperor's presence for ten days or half a month at a time.

For tonight's errand, not only did Granny Li from Shou Kang Palace make the trip herself, but even the head maid from Kun Ning Palace came to the bedroom...

If they don't even get to see the Emperor tonight, and His Majesty still goes to Guanju Palace, they're sure to end up in trouble.

Miao Gonggong, who was extremely anxious, looked at Chen Gonggong with a bitter expression, and was just short of kneeling on the ground to beg.

"Steward, it's getting late... We can't be careless in serving His Majesty, and each palace must be prepared."

Logically, the emperor should be pleased to have a young and beautiful woman serving him.

But after serving Emperor Xuanpei for so many years and witnessing all sorts of things about Consort Jiang in Guanju Palace, Eunuch Chen had absolutely no desire to go in and invite trouble.

Seeing Eunuch Chen's actions, Eunuch Miao immediately knelt down.

Manager Chen quickly helped him up, asking, "What are you doing?"

"Master Steward, this servant has no other choice."

Grandpa Miao looked distressed and pleaded in a low voice, almost as if he were wiping away tears.

“Even Shou Kang Palace and Kun Ning Palace sent people to oversee the emperor’s bedchamber earlier… If this servant can’t even see the emperor, I really can’t explain myself.”

Hearing the name of Shou Kang Palace, Eunuch Chen hesitated for a moment before finally entering the hall again.

"Your Majesty," Eunuch Chen bowed and said, "the people in charge of the bedchamber are already waiting outside the palace."

"Eunuch Miao also said that Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is truly concerned about this matter, and had previously instructed her maids to take good care of the Emperor..."

Emperor Xuanpei sat quietly on his throne, looking at the few remaining memorials on the imperial table.

Finally, Eunuch Miao entered the hall.

"Clatter."

Shu Yunya's tooth tag was turned over among the Shu sisters.

Eunuch Miao, eager to report back, left with great joy and hurried off to deliver the good news.

Just as Eunuch Chen was about to leave, he suddenly heard Emperor Xuanpei's voice.

"Leading them to the side hall."

Historically, imperial concubines would spend their nights in the rear hall.

But tonight... thinking about who had served in Chonghua Hall and the rear hall, Eunuch Chen, knowing the rules, didn't have the slightest objection and hurriedly bowed in agreement.

*

As they approached the palace gates and heard the news that the Shu family had been summoned by the Emperor, they couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief despite their disappointment.

"I thought she could bewitch the Emperor for life."

Consort Tang clapped her hands and laughed, "Your Majesty's favor... I knew this day would come sooner or later."

After laughing for a while, Consort Tang quickly stopped laughing after regaining her senses.

"His Majesty only summoned other people; why would I be happy to attend?"

Consort Tang's face immediately fell.

Ultimately, the reason came down to A-Zhu—A-Zhu's attitude was simply too unpleasant, ruining her mood.

......

Guanju Palace

Although they knew that the day when a new concubine entered the palace would come sooner or later, the palace servants serving in the hall were still quite nervous upon hearing the news.

Green Lotus, who returned with the news, kept a close eye on A-Zhu's expression, ready to offer words of comfort at any time.

Not only Green Lotus, but all the other palace maids were like this.

Seeing the expressions on the faces of the palace servants, A-Zhu sighed at the opportune moment, waved her hand, lowered her eyes slightly, and said softly, "Everyone, please leave. Let me have some peace and quiet."

Si Xi wanted to say something, but San Cai tugged at her sleeve.

At this point, nothing anyone else says will work; in fact, it might backfire. Ultimately, it's up to the Empress herself to figure it out.

After all the palace servants had left, A-Zhu rubbed her face and returned to her inner chamber.

“A-Zhu”.

Hearing Consort Feng's voice, A-Zhu responded, "Your Majesty?"

Consort Feng gently comforted her, saying, "Women in the palace... all go through this."

Seeing that A-Zhu lowered her head and rubbed her eyes as if wiping away tears, even Consort Feng sighed.

“A-Zhu, these concubines who have entered the palace are all young women from various households who have participated in the imperial selection process.”

"If you don't choose, then don't choose."

“If someone is chosen to enter the palace, there is absolutely no reason to just leave them there unattended.”

"If it were you..."

It was rare to hear the usually sarcastic Consort Feng speak so softly and gently to comfort someone, and A-Zhu, who was trying to keep her head down, couldn't hold back for a moment.

She chuckled.

Consort Feng suddenly fell silent.

Ah Zhu quickly put his hands together and begged for mercy in the direction of the voice.

"Your Majesty, please don't be angry. It's just that I really couldn't help it... cough cough cough, Ah Zhu won't dare to do it again next time."

That slight annoyance quickly turned into laughter. Consort Feng shook her head, looked at A-Zhu's expression, and couldn't help but feel a little curious.

"A-Zhu, don't you think...?"

What do you think?

Feeling lost, sad, jealous, with a sour feeling welling up inside?

Ah Zhu rubbed her face and smiled softly.

"Your Majesty."

"What kind of 'I can't live without you' feelings of love and affection you have for your pet raccoon or greyhound, spending every day with it?"

No, it won't.

Ah Zhu, who spent his days cuddling with the emperor and was so arrogant and domineering that he seemed to have no brains, remained remarkably calm.

"The emperor sits high in the imperial court, looking down on all living beings; he gets everything he wants too easily."

"Anyone can become that so-called special person."

"Your Majesty, have you carefully observed the expression on His Majesty's face when he looks at me?"

Ah Zhu slowly said, "He was looking at something that completely belonged to him."

"Could this be a beloved trinket? Or a familiar cushion?"

"What I think is not important. What is important is that His Majesty feels that I need everything he gives me."

"To be honest, Your Majesty..."

Ah Zhu shrank back into the corner of the bed and said rather pathetically, "Even now, I'm still a little afraid of him."

"When the emperor has a cold face, he looks like an overwhelming shadow that can swallow a person whole."

Because of fear, one has to get even closer; this hellish joke is not contradictory.

"He just had a slight thought of playing with you."

"It can make you wish you were dead, and condemn you to eternal damnation."

The incident at Kowloon Garden was like a lesson etched firmly on Ah Zhu's spine and a shadow in his heart.

“Your Majesty, I’m not afraid of you laughing at me… As long as His Majesty can still open his eyes, no, even if he can only breathe with his eyes closed, I will never disobey him.”

“If he wants to listen, I will keep saying the most beautiful words in the world. If he reaches out, I will hug him the most intimately and lie on his knees in the most tender way, constantly telling him that I long for his company.”

“Ah Zhu, this is not ridiculous at all.”

Consort Feng sighed, “Patience is the most exhausting and difficult struggle against oneself in this world... If I had even a fraction of your patience back then, I might be the one living in Cining Palace now.”

"These days aren't so unbearable, Your Majesty, really."

Ah Zhu smiled and said softly, "If I were to live in a dilapidated thatched hut with drafts coming from all sides, eating coarse food that tastes like swill..."

"He gets up earlier than the rooster and goes to bed later than the dog every day, and there's always work to do and endless beatings and scoldings... Whoever he is, does he think he can get a single kind word from me?"

"The only reason I would run away without causing a ruckus is because I'm already lying in my coffin, dying with my eyes wide open."

Consort Feng shook her head and laughed repeatedly; their Ah Zhu was truly a treasure.

......

Zhongcui Palace

The sisters of the Shu family were settled in a palace courtyard, living in the left and right side halls respectively. The main seat was occupied by Consort Zhou, who was ill all year round and rarely left the house. She was the mother of Prince An.

But she was like a shadow, making no sound in the palace.

The same goes for Prince An. Although he was older than Prince Qi, he remained silent and followed Prince Qi without saying a word.

Once the main hall's gates were closed, they acted as if the Empress Dowager didn't exist.

Shu Yunhui watched as Shu Yunya was picked up by the phoenix carriage—

She was quiet and reserved, unlike her younger sister Yunya who was outgoing and lively. It was understandable that the Emperor preferred her sister.

The carriage that everyone in the palace was watching quickly arrived at Hanyuan Hall. Shu Junya, her face slightly flushed, was helped out of the carriage and led into a side hall by Eunuch Chen.

Even after all the lamps on the table had been replaced with new ones, Emperor Xuanpei in the front hall still did not set off.

A heartfelt agreement is priceless—not only have the people in the palace become accustomed to A-Zhu's favoritism, but even Emperor Xuanpei himself has grown accustomed to A-Zhu's companionship.

Emperor Xuanpei only slowly rose when the lights had dimmed again.

Seeing Emperor Xuanpei heading towards the rear hall, Eunuch Chen hurriedly stepped forward, "Your Majesty, as you instructed, Consort Shu is already waiting in the side hall."

Emperor Xuanpei glanced at Eunuch Chen, who had only said this one sentence, but did not say anything more and stepped aside.

Finally, Emperor Xuanpei entered the side hall, and Shu Junya, who had been waiting for a long time, hurriedly stepped forward to pay her respects.

"This concubine greets Your Majesty."

No need for formalities.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

It's only interesting if people look alike but have very different personalities.

Therefore, the two sisters in the Shu family were quite different: one was exceptionally quiet, and the other was very outgoing and lively.

During this period, Shu Junya, who had been well instructed by Azhu, was all smiles and boldly raised her head to take the initiative to serve.

But unexpectedly, he saw Emperor Xuanpei's cold and aloof expression in the dim candlelight.

Shu Junya bit her lip, the words stuck in her mouth, and she couldn't say them no matter what.

The silence inside the hall was unsettling.

Looking at the unusually quiet and deserted palace, devoid of any playful, cute little girls laughing and joking around, Emperor Xuanpei was momentarily lost in thought.

What was Ah Zhu doing at this time?

Was she secretly reading some more storybooks? Or was she sighing and complaining about him? Or was she quietly shedding tears?

Although the weather has warmed up a bit, it's still a bit cold. Will she be able to sleep soundly alone at night?

"Your Majesty."

Hearing the voice beside him, Emperor Xuanpei subconsciously turned his head and said, "A-Zhu..."

Shu Junya was stunned for a moment.

She stared blankly at Emperor Xuanpei, whose expression was gentle and whose eyes were soft.

Emperor Xuanpei also snapped out of his daze.

He looked at Shu Junya in front of him.

The noble ladies in the capital were all beautiful. The sisters who were sent out by the Shu family and even wholeheartedly pushed into the palace by Empress Dowager Shu to be entrusted with important responsibilities were certainly not lacking in beauty.

Shu Junya was young and beautiful, with bright eyes and white teeth, and she was very charming when her face flushed.

But Emperor Xuanpei felt no ripples in his heart.

Those joyful and tender feelings, the kind of happiness and elation that one wishes they could keep close to their body and take with them wherever they go;

In those moments of hatred, the clenched teeth and gritted teeth made me want to strangle her in a fit of rage and resentment...

All the unexpected, absurdly intense emotions—both expected and unexpected—burned away in A-Zhu.

Emperor Xuanpei truly did not want to touch anyone else.

All he wanted to do was hold that soft, clingy little thing who would snuggle up to his heart, rub against him, and secretly shed tears.

If this succeeds... there will be no need for a selection of concubines in the palace from now on.

Looking at Shu Junya, Emperor Xuanpei suddenly asked, "At your age, have you entered the palace with someone you like?"

"Your Majesty!"

Upon hearing this, Shu Junya immediately knelt down.

"I've lived in the palace since childhood and rarely ventured out. I only saw Your Majesty at Shou Kang Palace. I... I..."

In this world, people like Ah Zhu, who would shamelessly abandon everything for survival and wealth, are ultimately a minority.

Shu Junya blushed and repeatedly said "concubine" several times, but only said, "...This concubine wishes to serve Your Majesty well."

"Tonight, you will sleep alone in the side hall."

Emperor Xuanpei was indeed not a person who could easily wrong himself; he naturally chose to wrong others.

He looked at Shu Junya and said, "I don't want anyone else to know that I'm spending the night in the back palace."

Shu Junya stared at Emperor Xuanpei in astonishment, remaining silent for a long while.

Emperor Xuanpei, with his heart of stone, didn't even change his expression.

He said calmly, "I just don't want to cause any more trouble. If you have any objections, I can send someone to take you back."

Judging from Emperor Xuanpei's expression, Shu Junya realized with absolute certainty that the Emperor was not joking with her.

Either she admits to it and keeps quiet, she will be the first to "receive favor".

Alternatively, she could risk enraging Empress Dowager Shu and becoming the laughingstock of the entire palace.

"Your Majesty..."

Shu Junya looked up, tears welling in her eyes.

But seeing Emperor Xuanpei's unwavering and indifferent expression, she closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face, and kowtowed to the ground.

"Your Majesty is busy with state affairs, and I dare not disturb you any further. Please rest early."

Looking at the exceptionally perceptive and understanding Shu Yunya, Emperor Xuanpei's expression softened slightly; he always showed more patience towards useful people.

"If Empress Dowager Shu has any instructions, you may speak them to me plainly."

"I will inform the six palaces early tomorrow morning that you will be promoted in rank."

Shu Junya remained bowed.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace."

Emperor Xuanpei said no more and went straight to the rear hall.

Inside the empty hall, Shu Junya was still kneeling on the ground.

She laughed very softly, but as she laughed, the laughter sounded like crying.

No wonder the Empress Dowager, no wonder all the women in the palace wish they could get rid of the remnants of the Jiang family, hahaha, she really deserves to die.

With her alive, everyone else became a joke.

No one in the palace slept well that night. Even Emperor Xuanpei in the rear hall of Hanyuan Hall tossed and turned, feeling quite uncomfortable.

As soon as it was light, Ah Zhu, who couldn't wait to pester Emperor Xuanpei every day, and who vowed through her teary eyes to stay with him for the rest of her life, didn't even go to Kunning Palace, but instead claimed to be sick and didn't leave.

Nonsense, knowing full well that many people would watch her make a fool of herself, Ah Zhu wasn't going to suffer this humiliation for nothing.

Upon hearing the news of Shu Junya's promotion, Azhu couldn't help but feel a little envious.

No wonder the Imperial Concubine said that when she was living in seclusion, she needed a good father.

See? It's definitely better to be born into a prominent family.

The palace is fixated on her status as a convicted slave and will not let go of the fact that she was promoted despite being an exception. This member of the Shu family has only been in the palace for three days, and they have already rightfully earned the same rank as her.

After lunch, Ah Zhu lay comfortably by the window, basking in the sun.

Just as he was about to fall asleep, Consort Feng reminded him, and A-Zhu quickly summoned someone into the palace.

"Three Treasures".

Hearing the commotion, San Cai hurriedly entered the palace, "Your Majesty."

"I will personally prepare some tea and snacks in a little while... You will then personally deliver them to Hanyuan Hall."

"yes."

Regardless of whether the emperor eats it or wants to eat it, Ah Zhu, this "jealous pot," has to perform convincingly.

Ah Zhu didn't dare to take this kind gesture lightly, and actually got up and went to the small kitchen.

While steaming the pastries, A-Zhu was still making plans in her mind—

Five new concubines entered the palace.

Emperor Xuanpei would issue the summons intermittently, which would take about ten days.

Ten days later... no, eight days. Never mind, Emperor Xuanpei is too petty. Let's make it six days.

If Emperor Xuanpei doesn't visit Guanju Palace even once in these six days, she'll have to quickly get ready and go before the emperor to properly express her loyalty.

......