When Hongli took action, it was as if he were cutting melons and vegetables. The once glorious Imperial Household Department was brought down again in less than half a month and was no longer as glamorous as before.
The inherent power imbalance between the two sides rendered the Imperial Household Department useless, no matter how wealthy it appeared. This is the absolute suppression of imperial power in the feudal world.
"master"
Chen Yuwei turned around and smiled at Xingkui, "After this reshuffle, the Imperial Household Department has brought in a new batch of people."
Xingkui nodded, "After this battle, those upper-class bondservant families suffered heavy losses," and it will take them decades to recover.
Chen Yuwei's expression remained unchanged upon hearing this. She spoke casually, "This is normal. The Emperor cannot leave obvious evidence to give them another chance to make a comeback."
However, this move should replenish the national treasury, at least ensuring that the daily expenses of the imperial harem won't be as frugal as before.
If Hongli had been even more generous, the concubines could have saved up some money.
"Your Majesty, Eunuch Gao from the Hall of Mental Cultivation has arrived."
A palace servant's voice came from outside the door. The two looked up at the door and then Xingkui reached out to help Chen Yuwei out.
Gao Yu stood in the center of the courtyard, a whisk draped over his arm. Upon seeing Chen Yuwei appear, he bowed respectfully and greeted her, "This servant greets Your Highness, the Imperial Noble Consort."
"Eunuch Gao, you may dispense with the formalities."
Chen Yuwei waved her hand slightly, her gaze sweeping over the trays behind Gao Yu, realizing that these must be rewards and gifts sent by the Emperor.
It seems the Imperial Household Department really has to spend a lot this time. She had just finished talking to her maid when the Emperor sent her some nice things.
"Your Highness, this is a tribute that His Majesty specially sent to you. Please take a look."
After speaking, Gao Yu pretended to take a step back, and the eunuchs standing behind him stepped forward one by one, placing the trays they were carrying on the stone table next to him.
Chen Yuwei smiled and said, "Thank you for making the trip to Yikun Palace, Eunuch Gao."
"Your Majesty is too kind. It is all what this servant should do."
Gao Yu gestured towards the stone table and began to explain the items on the tray.
Occasionally, Chen Yuwei would offer her support and express her feelings, until the matter was over and Gao Yu turned and left.
Chen Yuwei quickly changed her expression, instructing Xingkui to register the items and send them to the storeroom. She then hurriedly called Xiahe to prepare the sedan chair for the princess's residence.
"I wonder how Wuyunzhu is doing? The older she gets, the less she likes to go out."
Chen Yuwei sighed helplessly, because Wuyunzhu used to be quite lively and cheerful when she was little.
Whether going out for a trip or chatting with people, she's quite the chatterbox.
But what about now?
All day long, she either stayed at the princess's residence or went to the Yangxin Hall where Hongli was to ask for treasures. She had nothing else to do, and even her own mother, Chen Yuwei, couldn't figure out what Wuyunzhu was thinking.
Chen Yuwei had discussed this issue with Wu Yunzhu before; she even took the opportunity to break down the problem in detail.
But while the conversation goes well, after a while, the cloud pearl will still solidify and revert to its original lazy state.
Xia He followed her mistress and heard her say that the princess didn't like going out.
Although she didn't understand what was wrong with not going out, she could understand her master's worries to some extent, considering that the princess seemed to be in solitary confinement all day long, and that even when she went out, it was only for the purpose of making money.
"My lord, perhaps the princess doesn't feel much about going out. She'll feel better after she gets married."
Chen Yuwei: ...Goodness, Xia He's words were better left unsaid.
Marriage is just a formality, not a ceremony, and certainly not a cure-all.
Looking at Xia He, who was already old and walked less nimbly than before, Chen Yuwei gave up on continuing to speak.
Hmm, I should find some time to arrange a good retirement life for the elderly people around me.
After all, they were master and servant, and their friendship spanned decades; Chen Yuwei couldn't just ignore it.
The palanquin soon arrived at the princess's residence.
Besides the Cloud Pearl, there are also a few little princesses here.
Wuyunzhu is the oldest of Hongli's daughters who remain in the palace.
However, Wuyunzhu, who is only eighteen years old, will also get married in less than two years, even though Hongli is very reluctant to let her go.
"Imperial Noble Consort"
Mother
"Wuyunzhu"
Chen Yuwei waved and took Wuyunzhu's wrist, and the mother and daughter entered the hall.
"What brings you here today, Mother?"
Wuyunzhu tilted her head, knowing that her mother preferred to stay alone in Yikun Palace to rest rather than go out.
"Just came to see you. How have you been lately? Your father has returned from outside the palace and made a small fortune."
The incident involving the Imperial Household Department caused quite a stir, affecting both the imperial court and the inner palace.
Upon hearing this, Wu Yunzhu nodded. "Father Emperor gave my daughter several foals."
As for the rest, my daughter plans to go and chat with Father Emperor again in a couple of days.
Going too often would make the Emperor reluctant to part with the pony, especially since Wuyunzhu had already demanded an exorbitant price for it.
hey-hey
As if she had thought of something, Wu Yunzhu covered her mouth and laughed, like a little mouse that had just finished eating meat oil.
Chen Yuwei raised an eyebrow. "Are you hiding something from your mother?"
This child can't hide anything from her; he keeps glancing around and always reveals his problems through body language.
With her eyes crinkled into crescents, Wu Yunzhu whispered a number into Chen Yuwei's ear.
Chen Yuwei exclaimed, "You're really a little rich girl! You've saved so much money. I'm so envious!"
Wu Yunzhu rubbed her palms together. "Thanks to Father Emperor and Mother for their help."
Especially the Emperor, she had a very good childhood.
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