Chapter 92 Xie's Talk About "Recommended Admission"

Although Consort Zhang and Azhu are temporarily managing palace affairs, Consort Zhang entered the palace many years earlier than Azhu.

In addition, A-Zhu did not like a large group of people disturbing Guanju Palace, so the concubines of each palace usually paid their respects and held most meetings in Nianfu Palace.

Early in the morning, as the imperial concubines were making their way to Nianfu Palace as usual, the Shu sisters encountered Wang Xihui again on their way.

They entered the palace together through the imperial concubine selection, but neither of them could win the emperor's favor. From struggling with resentment and bitterness but failing to win, to finally giving up and having no will to fight anymore... how similar they are.

The Shu family's situation was not as good as before, and Empress Dowager Shu no longer pressured and urged them in the palace. The Shu sisters completely gave up and simply closed the palace gates to live their own lives.

Empress Wang claimed to be ill and did not wish to leave Kunning Palace, but in reality, apart from the Crown Prince Rui, no one could enter Kunning Palace, and it was even more impossible for those inside to get out.

No matter how hard the Wang family tried, how many "brilliant plans" they had, and how many beautiful girls they wanted to send to the palace, it was all in vain.

Perhaps because they shared a similar plight, the Shu sisters and Wang Xihui's relationship improved considerably.

The three of them often spent their time together in the palace, doing embroidery, reading books, playing chess, or simply doing other things.

"After the Ninth Prince left, Consort Jiang stayed in Guanju Palace for several days, feeling depressed and unwilling to come out."

Consort Shu looked at Wang Xihui.

"Next year is another election year, and as is customary, the palace should start preparations now. I imagine Consort Jiang will also be here today to discuss this with Consort Zhang."

"I'm afraid my sister will have to be patient for a while today."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xihui sighed and smiled helplessly.

"An unexpected disaster... what can I do?"

"I really don't want to provoke her."

"Let her vent her anger if she wants to, so she won't hold a grudge and cause trouble for others."

Ah Zhu isn't some kind of troublemaker, so naturally she wouldn't waste her good life by constantly complaining and provoking others.

On the contrary, after she became a Noble Consort, she was not as arrogant and domineering as others in the palace had imagined. Instead, she smiled more and stopped being sarcastic and mocking.

When there's a festival or celebration in the palace, all the concubines and palace servants receive double the rewards. And every now and then there's a flower-viewing banquet or a lantern festival... All of this is on the condition that you don't offend her.

But if anyone tries to "pinch the persimmon" when Consort Jiang changes her mind and is eager to cause trouble, Consort Jiang will not hesitate to show them what it means to bewitch the emperor's heart and become the most favored concubine in the palace.

The concubines entered Nianfu Palace one after another, and then bowed to the two people at the head of the table.

"We, your humble servants, pay our respects to Consort Zhang and Consort Jiang."

May Your Majesty be blessed with good fortune and endless happiness.

Seeing that A-Zhu still looked somewhat down and seemed unmotivated, Consort Zhang had no choice but to speak up and tell the other concubines to excuse themselves and take their seats.

Seated at the lower level were Consort Sheng and Consort Xian, followed by Consort Tang and Consort Zhou, and then some Jieyu and Pin.

There seemed to be fewer people sitting inside the hall.

Over the years, three imperial concubine selections have been held, but no new women have entered the palace; it's always the same old women coming and going.

Consort Zhang looked around and, seeing that everyone who was supposed to come had arrived, said, "The summer heat is getting stronger, and the capital is becoming increasingly sweltering."

"His Majesty intends to depart for Ganming Garden to escape the summer heat in three days. You should go back today and start packing and preparing."

"yes."

After giving her instructions, and seeing that A-Zhu still did not intend to speak, Consort Zhang dismissed the other concubines and let them go home.

"Sister Jiang".

Consort Zhang kept A-Zhu for a while, and seeing that she was depressed about the Ninth Prince leaving the palace, she comforted her.

"Back when Mao'er established her own household, I was also depressed and worried for a long time."

"It was his first time leaving the capital on official business, and I wished I could pack everything from the palace and the mansion into his bag for him to take with him."

Seeing that A-Zhu was looking over, Consort Zhang smiled and shook her head.

"Then the child ran off like a whirlwind, leaving behind that pile of stuff."

Ah Zhu was no different, which caused the old chief priest to run directly to Emperor Xuanpei and beg for mercy.

“Sister Jiang, children and grandchildren have their own blessings.”

"I still find Mao'er annoying, but I'm really looking forward to the little grandson born to the concubine."

"It's so hot and humid in Beijing right now, I want to take them to Ganming Garden."

Consort Zhang had also met the young imperial grandson, Azhu.

She looks like a "pink bun," and her speech is still a bit unclear, but her smile is both sweet and endearing.

While talking about the children, A-Zhu and Consort Zhang began to chat, and naturally the conversation turned to next year's talent show.

At this age, Consort Zhang no longer bothered to beg for the emperor's favor.

Emperor Xuanpei would sometimes visit the palaces of Consort Zhang or other concubines, and even when he rested there, he would simply sleep under the covers.

According to the unspoken rules in the palace, older concubines would prepare maids to warm their beds, or young and beautiful concubines such as Baolin and Shunu to serve the emperor.

But Emperor Xuanpei didn't like it, so gradually no one bothered to offend him anymore.

Consort Zhang looked at A-Zhu and said softly, "His Majesty is still in good health, but there has been no new addition to the family in the palace for many years."

Throughout history, both common people and royalty have prayed for many children and much happiness.

Families with a bit of wealth and power would still take a young concubine even when they were seventy or eighty years old, wishing they could have one in their belly so that she could prove that their "masturbation was still going strong."

But ever since Ah Zhu's twins, there hasn't been another prince or princess in the palace for several years.

"The Empress is heartless. The perilous childbirth experience that Sister Jiang endured back then still sends shivers down my spine when I think about it..."

Consort Zhang paused, then asked cryptically, "When the imperial concubine selection takes place next year, will we be adding some new women to the palace?"

A-Zhu raised her eyes and looked at Consort Zhang.

Seeing Consort Zhang's earnest question, A-Zhu couldn't help but smile.

"Your Majesty, the selection of people to enter the palace is entirely up to His Majesty's whim. There is no room for me to have any say in this."

Consort Zhang smiled and shook her head.

She and Jiang Zhu had been temporarily in charge of palace affairs for more than ten years, and now they no longer needed to speak in such roundabout ways.

“Sister Jiang, the one in Kunning Palace has been ‘recuperating from illness’ for the past few years and has not been able to leave the palace. Just thinking about this makes me feel incredibly happy.”

"To be honest, when you suddenly appeared by the Emperor's side and were favored, I really resented you, hated you, and tried every means to compete with you... But now it's pointless to compete with you anymore."

Consort Zhang still had a smile on her face, but her eyes were filled with malice.

"I have only one thought now—that person in Kunning Palace must not come out."

"She endured all these years, just waiting for the 'retribution' later."

"It would be wonderful if Sister Jiang could win over the Emperor's heart and keep that wicked and unjust woman from ever rising again."

"After all, there is a deep-seated hatred and resentment between you and her, and there is absolutely no chance of turning hostility into friendship."

"With you keeping things under control, I feel at ease."

"Can......"

Consort Zhang spoke candidly: "It is human nature to be fond of the new and tired of the old."

"The Emperor...The Emperor, who reigns over the four seas, is also broad-minded and loves all living beings."

“Sister Jiang, if His Majesty ever suddenly has the idea to try something new, you must not let such trivial matters tarnish your relationship with His Majesty and give others an opportunity to take advantage of you.”

As Consort Zhang spoke, she kept looking at A-Zhu.

People both inside and outside the palace now refer to A-Zhu as a "demon concubine".

But those with the word "demon" attached to them are rare in the world.

People criticize Ah Zhu for "using her looks to please men," and they still haven't changed their tune.

Even the heavens seemed unwilling to change people's opinions, showing her extraordinary mercy.

The Emperor's favor has made Ah Zhu, who has had almost no worries these past few years, always have a clear and vibrant look in her eyes.

Her smile was just as it had been back then, but with an added touch of captivating charm; even when she frowned and sighed, her expression became all the more poignant.

This is Azhu, whom Emperor Xuanpei raised.

He had spent years painstakingly nurturing and raising the person to this state, which was exactly what he wanted. He couldn't bear to waste her, and naturally, he wouldn't wrong himself by bothering to take care of someone else.

As she spoke, Consort Zhang began to laugh to herself again.

"These people in our palace are all used to the Emperor's favoritism."

"But people outside are always wondering why you enjoy the Emperor's favor so much. It's as if any young and beautiful woman could easily replace you, making me believe everything I hear..."

Consort Zhang spread her hands, her expression relaxing.

"Alright."

"I won't worry about this talent show."

She turned her head to look in the direction of Kunning Palace and murmured, "As long as the old woman suffers her retribution in such a miserable way, that's enough."

Let alone Consort Zhang, even A-Zhu wouldn't dare let Empress Wang come out now.

Just as Consort Zhang said—

Now, she and Empress Wang have reached a point where they are at odds over life and death.

Even if Empress Wang truly became a kind-faced "living Buddha," genuinely compassionate enough not to kill... A-Zhu still couldn't believe it.

Consort Zhang came to her senses and looked at A-Zhu, saying frankly, "Mao'er and I have discussed it, and we will ask His Majesty for a fiefdom after some time."

"Requesting a fiefdom?" A-Zhu was startled for a moment upon hearing this: "Why so suddenly? All these years, hasn't Prince Qi been..."

Consort Zhang smiled meaningfully.

"The Crown Prince is the eldest son and the legitimate son, so he is rightfully the heir apparent. His Majesty appointed him as the heir apparent at the beginning of his reign, and it has been twenty-two years since then."

“Mao’er has been caught between the Emperor and the Crown Prince for more than twenty years. Once Mao’er is enfeoffed, there will be no room for maneuver between the Crown Prince and the Emperor… Ah Zhu, I will not stand by and watch Empress Wang have a chance to get out.”

"Your Highness," Ah Zhu said, her heart pounding with fear, "Once the Prince leaves the capital to take up his fief, there will be no turning back. The Prince has cultivated his influence in court for so many years..."

“I can’t win against you… or rather, I can’t defy His Majesty’s will.” Consort Zhang waved her hand and smiled, “Over the years, my son and I have seen it very clearly.”

“Even if he is not the crown prince, as long as you remain standing in this palace, that position will not be yours.”

"These years have been truly exhausting, and Mao'er has become increasingly melancholy."

"Rather than exhausting all your efforts only to end up imprisoned, it's better to go to your fiefdom early."

......

Kunning Palace

"Tap tap tap—"

The sound of striking a wooden fish came from the small Buddhist hall.

Incense smoke curled from the altar inside the Buddhist hall.

Empress Wang, dressed in plain clothes, was kneeling in front of the Buddha statue, turning the prayer beads and reciting scriptures with her eyes closed in great devotion.

Because Emperor Xuanpei disliked it, the concubines rarely mentioned it except when Empress Dowager Shu was in the palace, when they would often burn incense, pray to Buddha, and chant sutras for blessings.

Empress Wang, who used to be busy and had neither the inclination nor the time, rarely came to this small Buddhist hall except to deal with Empress Dowager Shu.

But people need something to rely on.

Now that Empress Wang has plenty of time, she has also started to believe in Buddhism.

Bowing before the Buddha, striking the wooden fish, and chanting scriptures—and the day is over.

As long as the Crown Prince is still alive, the situation at Kunning Palace will not reach a dead end.

Even though no one in Kunning Palace could leave, and no one else in the palace could enter, no one would stop the Crown Prince and Prince Rui from visiting Empress Wang once a month. Occasionally, the Crown Princess or Prince Rui's wife would also come.

Once a month, that's no more than twelve times a year.

Emperor Xuanpei, who knew about this, did not say anything, and the Crown Prince and Prince Rui were also sensible enough not to push their luck.

It was almost lunchtime, so Huiyue went into the small Buddhist hall.

She walked to Empress Wang's side and said, "Your Majesty, it's time for your meal."

Empress Wang slowly turned the prayer beads in her hand around once before opening her eyes.

"Amitabha."

She clasped her hands together and bowed to the Buddha statue again before being helped to her feet by Huiyue.

Empress Wang now observes a vegetarian diet, and her lunch consists of vegetarian dishes, which are quite suitable for summer.

"Is Hong'er feeling any better?"

Huiyue nodded repeatedly upon hearing this.

"I'm much better now. I'll be going to the Ganming Palace with the Crown Prince and His Majesty the day after tomorrow to escape the summer heat."

Yin Mingchen's departure from the palace earned the Seventh Princess a reputation for being loyal and righteous.

The Crown Prince had no choice but to give Hongzhen a severe scolding for "bullying" Yin Mingchen in the Imperial Study, and then made him kneel in the courtyard to recite the Classic of Filial Piety and the Rules for Students. He fainted due to heatstroke and the Imperial Physician was called in.

The Wang family's companions also fared poorly, all of them being expelled from the palace.

Prince Rui was unable to have children, so the Crown Prince had only one son, Hongzhen.

The youngest son and the eldest grandson were practically the apples of Empress Wang's eye.

Empress Wang herself suffered a great loss because of Azhu.

The imperial grandson suffered such a great injustice at the hands of Azhu's son.

In other words, Empress Wang couldn't leave Kunning Palace... These past few days, Empress Wang couldn't sleep at all, and she only managed to avoid getting sick by chanting scriptures in the small Buddhist hall.

"As expected of mother and son, they are both cunning and treacherous to the core, a lineage of wickedness and treachery."

When Ah Zhu and the Ninth Prince were mentioned, Empress Wang closed her eyes and twirled her prayer beads to keep herself from losing her temper.

"It would have been a huge mistake to spare this scourge back then. Now that he's left the palace to seek his own death, how long are we going to keep him alive?"

"The emperor has favored her for so many years, yet Lady Jiang's belly is empty. She must have been injured during her difficult childbirth years ago... She has been bullying others for so many years because of the 'twins,' and it's time for her to pay the price."

That's why they say they're from the same lineage; Empress Wang wasn't the only one who had this idea.

Crown Prince

After visiting Hongzhen in the side courtyard, Prince Rui went to the study in the front hall.

Prince Rui is getting older, but he still has some sickly air about him. He is also very beautiful, of noble birth, and has a refined demeanor. He is also very devoted to one woman, and has only had one wife in his household for many years, which makes many noble ladies in the capital admire him.

"Royal brother."

The prince, who was sitting behind his desk, looked up.

Upon seeing that it was Prince Rui, the Crown Prince's expression softened considerably.

"Why did you suddenly come over at this time?"

"I was thinking of Hong'er, so I came to see him."

The crown prince simply nodded upon hearing this.

Prince Rui sat calmly on a chair to the side and poured himself a cup of tea.

"Your Majesty, they have already left the capital and boarded a boat heading to Shuntian Prefecture."

There's no need to ask who "they" are.

The Crown Prince was startled and immediately looked at Prince Rui.

"You sent someone to keep an eye on them?!"

Prince Rui slowly took a sip of tea, and when he looked up, he met the Crown Prince's gaze without flinching.

"Brother, I can only feel at ease if I know their whereabouts."

"Mingzhen!"

The prince flung his sleeves and stood up.

He warned Prince Rui with a solemn expression: "Don't do anything reckless."

"Withdraw all your men now."

"Clatter—"

Prince Rui threw the teacup he was holding onto the table.

“Brother, if Lady Jiang is all alone, it doesn’t matter how much she is favored.”

"Even if you asked me to bring her gifts during holidays or visit her to wish her a happy birthday, I would still smile and say nice things to make her happy."

"If Jiahe apologizes to Gao Xuesheng for what happened in the Imperial Study, or even if the Emperor favors her and suppresses the matter for fear of damaging her reputation, I wouldn't mind."

"But the Emperor insisted on punishing Gao Xuesheng."

"Master Gao was the teacher who educated you and me back then, and he had countless students, yet Father still showed no mercy..."

Prince Rui looked at the Crown Prince, his eyes dark and cold.

“Brother, Mother is still waiting in Kunning Palace. She can’t leave the palace and has become a laughing stock.”

"Her hopes are all pinned on you."

"You have been the crown prince for over twenty years."

"This position is yours, and it can only be yours. No one else can take a piece of it."

"Mingzhen".

The crown prince closed his eyes to compose himself and slowed his breathing.

“You’ve seen for yourself what kind of person Mingchen has been all these years.”

"Moreover, you know very well how Father Emperor treats Lady Jiang."

"Have you considered the consequences if something happens to your Ninth Prince?"

"Brother, it is precisely because I have thought this through that I cannot turn a blind eye to this mother and child!"

"In the past ten years, the palace has held several imperial concubine selections, but not a single new person has been chosen. How can Father Emperor bestow favors upon her?"

"How does this Consort Jiang compare to Consort Feng of yesteryear?"

"It's even better than that."

Prince Rui stood up and walked step by step toward the Crown Prince.

“Brother, there is no reason in this world for someone to sit idly by and wait for death when they know something is wrong.”

“Brother, I’ll say it again: if Lady Jiang is all alone, even if she becomes an Imperial Noble Consort, I will have no objections.”

"But she can't have everything; there's no such thing as getting all the advantages in this world."

“Brother, either Lady Jiang is a beautiful woman with a short life and dies suddenly in the palace, then the Ninth Prince and the Seventh Princess can stay here in peace.”

"Either Lady Jiang takes good care of the Seventh Princess, and she will be able to live out her days in the palace in peace."

......