Chapter 438 Abolishing the Harem
Jiang Huan was weak after giving birth. After all the laughter and commotion, she felt tired and soon fell into a deep sleep with even breathing.
Huo Lin sat on the edge of the bed, quietly looked at her for a moment, and then slowly got up, moving very gently, as if afraid of disturbing her peaceful sleep.
He quietly walked out of the inner palace and whispered to Wang Degui, who was waiting outside, "Summon Consort Li to the side hall to see me."
Wang Degui felt a chill run down his spine and dared not ask any more questions. He quickly bowed and withdrew.
Inside the side hall, the candlelight was dim, and the atmosphere was heavy.
Consort Li rushed over, a hint of anticipation on her face.
The Emperor summoned her alone late at night. Could it be that the Empress is inconvenient after childbirth and needs someone to take care of her?
She carefully tidied her hair and clothes, making sure she was in the most presentable state, before stepping into the side hall with a heart full of trepidation.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects." She bowed gracefully, her voice melodious.
"Get up," Huo Lin said, standing with his hands behind his back by the window, gazing at the deep night outside. He did not turn around upon hearing this. "I summoned you here because I have something to entrust to you."
Consort Li was overjoyed and quickly said, "Your Majesty, please give your orders. I will do my utmost to share Your Majesty's burdens."
Huo Lin slowly turned around, the candlelight illuminating his expressionless profile. His gaze fell on Consort Li, devoid of any warmth.
"After the Empress's investiture ceremony, I will abolish the harem. Except for the Empress, all other concubines will be dismissed from the palace and relocated elsewhere."
The news struck like a bolt from the blue. The color drained from Consort Li's face instantly, and her delicate body swayed, almost causing her to lose her balance.
"Your Majesty! You mustn't!" she cried out in alarm, her voice trembling. "How can the harem be so easily abolished? What will the world think of Your Majesty? Besides, we...we have served Your Majesty for many years. How can Your Majesty be so heartless as to banish us all from the palace?"
As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes, making her look utterly pitiful and endearing.
Huo Lin watched her performance with a cold eye, his eyes showing no emotion, only disgust.
"You don't want to leave? Do you want to die?"
He stepped forward, looking down at her: "Just because I don't say something doesn't mean I don't know it. Do you really think that I have no idea who was behind Liu Shuyao's audacity in attacking Consort Li?"
Consort Li trembled violently, her lips quivering, but she couldn't utter a single word.
How could the Emperor have known about those secrets she thought she had hidden so well?
Huo Lin looked at her devastated expression, a hint of disgust flashing in his eyes.
He was too lazy to play along with her anymore and issued an ultimatum: "Go and appease the palaces and make my intentions clear. If anyone is disrespectful and disturbs the Empress's rest, I will not hesitate to settle old scores and new ones together."
Consort Li collapsed to the ground, feeling as if she had fallen into an ice cave.
Resistance will only lead to death, and may even implicate the entire family.
If I comply and do this job well, I might be able to save my life and maintain some dignity.
"I understand." She prostrated herself on the ground, no longer daring to harbor any wishful thinking.
"Get out." Huo Lin turned away indifferently and faced the window again.
Consort Li practically crawled out of the side hall. Only when the night wind blew did she realize that her undergarments were soaked with cold sweat.
Back in her palace, she slumped into a chair, taking a long time to recover.
The following day, undercurrents surged within the imperial harem.
Consort Li maintained her composure and summoned the concubines one by one.
She invoked the Emperor's decree and forcefully announced the decision to abolish the harem, which, unsurprisingly, caused widespread panic.
"What? Dismissed from the palace? How can this be?"
"Your Highness, you must stand up for us! How can the Emperor be so heartless?"
“We have been in this palace for many years. Even if we have not made any great contributions, we have certainly worked hard. Why should we be kicked out like this?”
The sounds of crying, pleading, and complaining filled the air.
Consort Li felt a mix of emotions as she listened to these voices.
She pinched her palm hard, forcing herself to calm down, and adopted the demeanor of someone who had been in charge of palace affairs for many years.
"What are you crying about? How dare you question the Emperor's decree? Do you intend to disobey it?"
She glanced around, lowered her voice, and said with a warning, "Don't you know what happened to Consort Jia and Liu Shuyao? If anyone causes trouble again and disturbs the peace of the Emperor and the future Empress, don't blame me for being ruthless. At that time, you might not even have the chance to leave the palace!"
Upon hearing the mention of Consort Jia and Liu Shuyao, the faces of several usually quick-witted concubines immediately changed, and they all fell silent, no longer daring to cause trouble.
However, as soon as the news was announced, the harem was filled with mourning.
Some concubines wept and packed their belongings, starting to plan for their future; others, feeling resentful, gathered together and whispered among themselves.
"Are we just going to let it go like this?"
"The empress hasn't been officially appointed yet, so there might still be a chance for things to turn around."
"Yes, perhaps His Majesty is just temporarily blinded by greed."
Panic, resentment, despair... all sorts of emotions permeated and fermented in the harem.
While the women in the inner palace were filled with anxiety, the court and the imperial court were bustling with joy because of another happy event.
Upon hearing that Huo Yunxing had returned safely to the capital, the delegation from the northern deserts once again presented their credentials, urging him to complete the marriage as soon as possible.
Huo Lin was pleased with this and immediately approved the order, instructing the Ministry of Rites to work with the Imperial Household Department to expedite preparations for the grand wedding ceremony of Prince Xiaoyao and Princess Ayina.
For a time, the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department were extremely busy.
On one side is the Empress's investiture ceremony, and on the other is the Prince's wedding, which involves diplomatic relations. Neither can be taken lightly.
Inside and outside the palace, various matters were being carried out in full swing.
On this sunny day, Jiang Huan had just finished feeding her child when Wang Degui led the head steward of the Imperial Household Department and several female officials in.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, the Imperial Household Department has been ordered to take Your Majesty's measurements and prepare the auspicious robes, phoenix crown, and other items for the investiture ceremony."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Huan sat up with the help of a palace maid, her gaze quickly drawn to the brocade platter presented by the palace servants.
The shimmering brocade, the dazzling Shu embroidery, the rich and luxurious tapestry... each piece is priceless.
Jiang Huan was somewhat taken aback as she looked at those magnificent and dazzling things.
Wow, this is all real gold and silver! How heavy must this phoenix crown be? Wouldn't your neck break if you wore it for a day?
But it really does look good; she has absolutely no resistance to shiny things.
Seeing Jiang Huan's lingering gaze, a female official stepped forward at the opportune moment and respectfully asked, "Your Highness, may we measure your body size first?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com