Chapter 112 all chose to leave the palace.

The dozen or so low-ranking concubines were gathered in the side hall, still discussing choices that would affect their future.

“I…I want to go home.” One of the bolder scholars spoke first, “My parents are still alive, I want to go back…”

As soon as she started, five or six people immediately echoed her:

"I also want to go home. Even if I have to change my name and surname, it would be good to be able to stay by my parents' side."

"Me too, it's better than being all alone in this palace."

However, three or four people hesitated. One of them said hesitantly, "But... going to a royal temple for spiritual cultivation would at least give us a title, and we'd be well-off and have no worries about food and clothing. It would be a stable life..."

At this moment, one of the chosen attendants, who had been silent and had a rather aloof expression, suddenly spoke, her tone carrying a hint of world-weary clarity:

"Sister, don't be confused. Go to a nunnery? It sounds nice to say it's for the country's benefit. When you first go, you might get some preferential treatment because you came from the palace. But what about in two years? Everyone will know that we are abandoned concubines sent away by His Majesty. By then, without favor or children, and if our family is not supportive, who knows how those snobbish nuns will treat us in that temple!"

The hesitant concubine couldn't help but retort, "But... His Majesty... he wouldn't abandon us, would he? After all, he is..."

"Your Majesty?" The aloof concubine interrupted her abruptly, a bitter and sarcastic smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Sister, wake up! If we were to stand before His Majesty now, tell me, which of us would he recognize by name? If we were thrown into a crowd of palace maids and dressed in their clothes, he probably wouldn't even recognize us, let alone be able to find us!"

She glanced around at everyone, her voice low yet each word striking a chord: "Do you think that when His Majesty is busy with countless affairs of state, he will still remember us and take care of a few abandoned concubines whose names he can't even remember? Don't dream about it."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over their heads, completely waking those who still harbored illusions. Reality was so cruel that they had no choice but to face it.

In the end, all ten women made up their minds to take their generous dowries, change their names, and leave the palace to start new lives.

The previously sharp-tongued concubine, seeing the resolute yet bewildered expressions on her sisters' faces, softened her tone, a barely perceptible sob escaping her lips:

"Sisters, this...this might be the last time we sit together and talk like this."

She took a deep breath and continued, “I know that some of you may have good parents and siblings, while others may not be so fortunate. But Chief Steward Li also said that His Majesty will provide an extra generous dowry. In addition, although His Majesty has not seen us over the years, our allowances and rewards have never been lacking, so we have each saved up some personal wealth.”

Her gaze swept over every young face, carrying the earnestness of someone with experience: "Today, I'll offer you another word of advice: After leaving the palace, this money, whether given by His Majesty or saved by ourselves, must be firmly held in our own hands. Don't be foolish enough to hand it all over to anyone, not even your parents or brothers!"

Seeing the puzzled looks on some people's faces, she lowered her voice and spoke more bluntly: "Keep it for yourself! Whether you get married or not in the future, as long as you have money in your own hands and confidence, even if your husband's family can't tolerate you one day, or if something happens in your family and you are kicked out, you can take the money, secretly buy a small house, hire an honest woman, and live your own quiet life behind closed doors, which is perfectly acceptable!"

She concluded with a shrewd, worldly-wise air: "Remember this! We were released by His Majesty's personal decree. As long as we firmly refuse to give it to them, they won't dare to forcibly seize it, considering His Majesty's reputation! This money is the foundation for our future livelihood!"

Her words, spoken from the heart, pointed out the most practical path for these sisters about to step into the unknown world. Hearing this, everyone nodded, firmly remembering her words. They looked at each other, their eyes filled with both trepidation about the future and a renewed determination to rely on themselves.

As soon as Yuwen Che finished his court session, he went straight to Guanju Palace, giving instructions to Li Dehai, who was following behind him, as he walked:

"Go ask them which route they want. Once you've compiled the statistics, make arrangements as soon as possible."

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Li Dehai replied.

Yuwen Che did not stop walking. After a moment of contemplation, he added, "Tell the Imperial Household Department that whether they choose to go to a temple or leave the palace, they should be given more silver notes, gold and silver jewelry."

He paused, his tone calm yet carrying an imperial generosity: "It must be... enough for them to live a wealthy and peaceful life."

Li Dehai was slightly shaken. Although His Majesty had no feelings for these concubines, this action was indeed extremely benevolent. He quickly bowed and said, "This old servant understands. I will make proper arrangements and ensure that they will not be troubled by livelihood issues in the future."

"Hmm." Yuwen Che nodded, saying no more, his thoughts already on the person in Guanju Palace who held his heart and soul.

Li Dehai watched His Majesty's hurried departure and sighed inwardly. His Majesty was determined to purge the harem; how many emperors throughout history had ever accomplished such a feat?

He dared not delay and immediately turned to handle the matter. With the Emperor's clear decree to grant more, the Imperial Household Department naturally dared not neglect it and prepared a generous dowry or settlement allowance for these women leaving the palace, an amount that would make ordinary families envious.

When Li Dehai arrived at the side hall, the ten concubines seemed to have just finished their discussion. Upon seeing him enter, they all stood up.

One of the bolder ladies-in-waiting stepped forward and spoke on behalf of everyone: "Chief Steward Li, we...we have all discussed it and decided that we all choose to leave the palace."

Li Dehai nodded, not surprised by the result: "Alright, I will have someone compile a list of the origins and wishes of all the ladies and young women, and prepare new identity documents for you. You will be allowed to leave the palace within three days."

He paused, looking at these young faces about to embark on a new life, and remembering His Majesty's instructions, said a few more words:

"As for the silver notes bestowed by His Majesty, as well as the personal savings you have accumulated over the years, they will be delivered to you later. His Majesty is benevolent and generous in his gifts, enough for you to live a prosperous and peaceful life."

His gaze swept over the crowd, his tone carrying a hint of official admonition, yet also containing a subtle, almost imperceptible, reminder:

"However, I must also remind you all of this. Once you leave this palace, your future depends entirely on yourself. If anyone is naive and easily hands over their life savings to others, whether it be their parents, siblings, or future husband's family, they may end up homeless and destitute..."

He didn't say everything, but the meaning was clear. He didn't know that the sober-minded chosen lady had already said something similar, but this admonition was undoubtedly a guarantee for their future.

Hearing this, everyone felt a chill run down their spines and lowered their heads, determined to remember these words. The chosen lady who had previously reminded everyone clenched her fist tightly, resolved to uphold her principles.