"I have come to see the Emperor."
"Your Highness, the Emperor is discussing important matters with the Grand Councilors and other high-ranking officials. No one is allowed to approach."
Consort Li's face contorted, her body swayed slightly, and the red hairpin in her hair swayed with it. She tilted her head back and said, "I'll be waiting."
The young eunuch didn't stop him.
Before long, the other concubines arrived as well.
They lined up in a neat row.
"Your Highness, what exactly does the Emperor mean? He brought us into the palace during the day, and tonight he's going to lead the army on a campaign. Who knows how long that will take?" Consort Tang pouted, her handkerchief almost crumpled out of shape.
Consort Zhang's eyes darkened: "Let's wait a little longer. They should give us an explanation."
They waited until well past midnight.
The Hall of State Affairs was brightly lit. It wasn't until after the morning court session the next day that the eunuchs invited the concubines over. Despite their leg discomfort, the concubines looked aggrieved and shy as they stared at the man in the bright yellow dragon robe at the head of the hall.
"emperor……"
"emperor……"
They called out to people in delicate, high-pitched voices.
The Northern Chu Emperor looked at the newcomers with a furrowed brow and said with a stern face, "I will soon be leading a personal expedition. From today onwards, you will all be in the inner palace to pray for me and chant sutras. Do not leave the palace without my permission."
The delicate beauties were dumbfounded. Were they going to be confined to their homes?
Consort Li stepped forward boldly: "Your Majesty, there are too many capable people in the court. Why take the risk of personally leading the expedition?"
The Emperor of Northern Chu suddenly flew into a rage: "Insolence! The inner palace is not allowed to discuss politics! How dare the Consort! Guards, confine her to her quarters! She is not to step out of the palace gates without my permission!"
Consort Li opened her eyes wide, looking completely innocent: "Your Majesty?"
"Men, send them all out!"
A reprimand.
Eunuch Li bowed and escorted Consort Li and the others away.
After the noise subsided, the Emperor of Northern Chu rubbed his ears, looking impatient. When Eunuch Li returned, he laughed and said, "None of these people can compare to the princess. They are simply vulgar!"
Their eyes were practically glued to the emperor, as if they wanted to devour him alive.
All he saw was power and favor.
The Emperor of Northern Chu was displeased: "Do they even deserve to be compared to my cousin?"
Eunuch Li quickly replied, "Unworthy, of course unworthy, this old servant misspoke."
The day for the emperor's personal expedition arrived quickly.
The Emperor of Northern Chu, dressed in silver armor, sat majestically on horseback, accompanied by the handsome and refined General Tang.
Tang was Princess Jiahua's childhood name.
Song Yue's eyes reddened as she stood reluctantly in the crowd, staring at General Tang. The mother and daughter had talked all night, but she was still reluctant to part this time.
They didn't stop until the main force was out of sight.
Since the Northern Chu Emperor went on his campaign, Crown Prince Yunke has been very busy. Holding the imperial seal, he temporarily took over the administration of the court. He had endless memorials to deal with, leaving early and returning late, and was often nowhere to be seen.
Song Yue holds the Phoenix Seal and temporarily takes charge of the harem.
She looked at the thick stack of account books sent by the Imperial Household Department and sighed silently. Fortunately, her elder sister-in-law Jiang Ying and cousin Song Huan would visit her from time to time.
"Your Highness, the Duchess of Shen requests an audience," Yun Dong said.
Song Yue paused her fingers as she fiddled with the abacus, and said, "Please come in quickly."
Before she passed away, her mother instructed her to treat the Shen family well.
As soon as Lady Shen entered, she bowed to Song Yue and said, "This humble woman greets the Crown Princess."
"Madam Shen, please get up." Song Yue personally helped her up and then helped her sit down to the side. Madam Shen looked much older than before, with many fine wrinkles appearing around her eyes and brows.
"Your Highness, there is something I find difficult to say." Madam Shen looked troubled.
Song Yue waved her hand, signaling everyone to leave: "Did Madam come here for Sister-in-law Ruyun?"
Madam Shen nodded, feeling both angry and helpless. Her eldest daughter, whom she had raised with great difficulty, had been deceived and married off to Song Mao, the fake legitimate son. Now she was unable to return home and was suffering hardship outside. Just thinking about this made Madam Shen's teeth itch with hatred.
"My mother said that if Ruyun wanted to get married, she would be granted the title of princess and have a grand wedding. If she did not want to get married, a child from the Song family clan would be chosen and given a title to ensure Ruyun's lifelong glory."
Madam Shen said, "Your Highness, how could I bear to let Ruyun become a widow at such a young age?"
Song Yue thought about it and agreed. She lowered her voice and whispered a few words in Madam Shen's ear. Madam Shen was stunned for a moment, then surprised and delighted. "Thank you for your kindness, Crown Princess."
After calming Madam Shen down, just as they were about to send her away, Madam Shen suddenly said, "Your Highness, things haven't been peaceful at the Shen State Duke's mansion lately. Thieves have been frequently appearing in the mansion, and several storerooms have been scouted."
This was just a brief mention; all the gold and silver treasures that the Shen family had hidden back then were turned over to the national treasury, but someone had their eye on the Shen family.
It's most likely because Duke Shen is still in charge of transporting grain and fodder.
"Your Highness, rest assured, the Shen family will always be loyal to His Majesty," said Madam Shen.
Song Yue smiled slightly and saw the person off.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
