Chapter 102: Noble Lady Qi’s Foolish Proposal
This time, Nian Shilan came especially early. She felt relieved when she saw the queen's expression of being inconsolable.
It wasn't just Nian Shilan who arrived early. Even Concubine Duan, who seldom appeared in public, came to Jingren Palace early. Since Princess Wen Yi stayed with her, her health had improved a lot.
When the queen came out, she saw that all the concubines in the harem were present, even Qi Yingying, who had just been released from house arrest.
"Why are you all here so early today?"
The queen looked at everyone with that dignified and virtuous smile on her face again, but the smile on her face did not reach her eyes at all.
Aren’t they all just trying to make fun of me? But how could I let them see anything unusual in me?
After learning in the morning that the Emperor had changed Zhen Huan's title to Xi, the Empress knew very well that the Emperor already knew that she was involved in yesterday's incident, and that Zhen Huan's change of title was a warning from the Emperor to herself.
"I just thought it's been a while since we could all get together and talk quietly. So, I came to the Queen's place early in the morning. Why doesn't the Queen look like she likes us coming?"
Nian Shilan never restrains herself in front of the Queen. She just wants to make the Queen even more unhappy.
"Your Majesty looks exceptionally well today."
Concubine Qi was as stupid as usual. She immediately flattered the Queen as soon as Nian Shilan finished speaking. However, she didn't expect that her words would make the Queen's already irritable heart even more depressed.
What an idiot!
The queen even felt that her headache was about to flare up. Why were the people around her so stupid?
"Come to think of it, I haven't congratulated Concubine Xi yet. Now that you've given birth to two children for the Emperor, it's already a great achievement. I hope you will serve the Emperor well in the future and help him solve his problems."
The Queen glanced at Zhen Huan who was sitting there quietly and said something meaningful.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will definitely keep your instructions in mind."
"Speaking of which, there have indeed been many happy events in the palace recently. Why not add some new people to make the palace more lively."
Concubine Qi suddenly said something so brainless.
In fact, she also had her own calculations. Although the Queen and Concubine Hua were fighting against each other in the palace now, any discerning person could see that the Queen's power was obviously greatly suppressed by Concubine Hua. If she could select some new people to come in, it might be helpful to both the Queen and herself.
But her words made Nian Shilan's expression when she looked at her immediately become meaningful.
This Concubine Qi is really just beautiful in name only, as always. No matter what her starting point is when she said this, even a concubine like her would not say such words easily. Now it is brought up by a mere concubine like her, which is really ridiculous.
What's more, didn't she know that the queen was actually very averse to having new people enter the palace, and every time she did so, she had no choice.
As expected, after hearing what Concubine Qi said, the Queen's expression immediately turned very bad. She glanced at Concubine Qi casually, but the warning in her eyes made Concubine Qi dare not say anything else.
"What Noble Lady Qi said does make some sense. I just wonder what the other sisters think. Moreover, the most important thing is that the Emperor must agree. Concubine Duan, Concubine Jing, what do you think about this matter?"
Even though the queen was unhappy, she had to maintain her usual virtuous appearance and even continued along the lines of Concubine Qi.
"What the Empress said makes perfect sense. No matter how much we say here, it will be useless if the Emperor doesn't have such thoughts in his mind. Why don't you first listen to the Emperor's opinion when you have time?"
Concubine Duan and Concubine Jing looked at each other. Was the Queen planning to use them as a scapegoat? They would not take the initiative to take part in such a thankless task.
Concubine Duan's attitude was neither humble nor arrogant, and even the queen could not point out her mistakes for a while.
"Okay, let's leave it at that for now."
"Qi agreed, you haven't said anything today. You haven't been out for a while. I think Third Prince must miss you very much. Let's go and have a good look at Third Prince later."
The queen glanced at Qi Da Ying, who had been silent since arriving, and the look in her eyes was even more obscure and difficult to understand.
Qi Da Ying seemed to be a person who was easy to control in the past, but unexpectedly he did not follow her ideas. Now that he came out, he no longer looked as impulsive as before.
"Thank you, Queen."
"Okay, it's getting late today, let's all go home."
Everyone stood up, thanked the emperor and took their leave.
"Why are you speaking so recklessly today?"
After everyone had left, the Queen asked Concubine Qi with a look of surprise, "When did it become your turn to speak up about these things? Even Concubine Hua didn't say anything, yet you took the initiative to bring this up. What are you thinking?"
"Your Majesty, please forgive me. I was impulsive at the time and didn't think about anything else. I have caused trouble for you. Please forgive me."
Concubine Qi looked at the Queen's expression. Although she didn't feel that she had done anything wrong, she knew that at this time she had no choice but to follow the Queen's wishes.
In fact, the Queen knew in her heart that what Concubine Qi did was a good thing. Now that Zhen Huan was in great favor and Concubine Hua's power was growing, she had to select some new people. However, she did not expect that she would be rejected by the Emperor as soon as she showed a hint of her idea in front of him.
"Now that the palace has added many new heirs, Huipin, Anpin, and Qi Guiren are all considered virtuous and sensible, let's put the selection of concubines aside for now."
After hearing what the emperor said, the queen naturally couldn't say anything more and could only look for a suitable opportunity later.
And according to the emperor, isn't it obvious that he only likes Zhen Huan?
There are too few people she can use now. Although Qi has been released now, the queen still has some taboos about her in her heart and dares not use her as casually as before.
Speaking of Qi Da Ying, the Queen thought of the Third Prince.
Although the Queen was not particularly satisfied with the Third Prince, she could see that he was very obedient. It would be good if he could be raised by her. However, this suggestion was rejected by the Emperor at first. Now that Qi Da Ying came out again, she lost her strong excuse.
It seems that I need to think about this matter carefully. Only when I really have a son under my name will my actions in the future be more convincing.
Although the Concubine Qi in front of him is a little stupid, her appearance is really loved by the emperor. So she can be regarded as a very useful tool in his hands.
"I know you're thinking about me. Just like you said, if we don't unite well, then this harem will become Zhen Huan and Nian Shilan's, so we must not let other things hurt our relationship now."
The Queen held Concubine Qi's hand and gave her serious instructions.
"I know, please rest assured, Your Majesty. I will not let your painstaking efforts go to waste."
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