When the three men appeared, a brief silence fell over the hall. Only when the three knelt down and kowtowed did Emperor Xiaoxuan seem to suddenly come to his senses, glaring at Gao Daban with sharp eyes, "What's going on?"
Gao Daban was so frightened that his legs went weak: "Your Majesty, these people were found based on the birth time given by the master and after the prince's birth chart was calculated."
"This servant...this servant didn't know it was like this..."
The master provides the conditions, and they are responsible for finding the people. As for men, women, the elderly, and children, that is completely beyond their control.
"You bastard!"
Emperor Xiaoxuan was instantly enraged, but fortunately, the Empress Dowager calmed him down with a look.
Shen Zhiyi then realized that this was the first time the Emperor had met someone who met the criteria for a marriage to bring good fortune.
That Zhou Xuance...
That's quite a clever scheme!
Xu Yunyi felt dizzy and lightheaded.
She had initially thought that among the four options, her daughter was definitely not the best choice, but this turned out to be quite a surprise...
And then a eunuch appeared!
An old woman and a young girl?
That's even more impossible!
Oh no, oh no!
What should we do?
"Alright, you may all leave!" Emperor Xiaoxuan waved his hand, signaling Gao Daban to take the other three away, his gaze sweeping lightly over Shen Zhiyi.
Since learning that she met the criteria for a marriage to bring good fortune, Emperor Xiaoxuan had been pondering the matter.
It wouldn't be unreasonable to let her enter the Regent's Palace.
Firstly, it would allow her to remain in the capital for an extended period, thus keeping the Shen family father and son in check;
Secondly, the emperor's younger brother is nearing the end of his life, so he is unlikely to cause any trouble.
Therefore, the alliance of powerful ministers does not pose a threat.
However, Shen Chongde was clearly displeased during the last search of the Duke's mansion, and even refused my request to place the Crown Prince in the army. He would certainly not want to have the Shen family's daughter marry him again to bring good luck.
And this is the third benefit:
If the Shen family obediently complies, then so be it;
If you don't listen...
With the charge of disobeying imperial orders attached, they would have ample reason to take action against the Shen family.
Shen Chongde's previous rejection had already displeased him, so this was a good opportunity to give him a warning.
Tell him:
The emperor's command must not be disobeyed!
If he wanted to, he would have all sorts of ways to control the Shen family.
He and the Empress Dowager exchanged a glance, seemingly understanding each other's meaning.
"Zhiyi, come here to me." The Empress Dowager smiled and beckoned to her.
When Shen Zhiyi approached, she pulled her to sit down, causing the woman to look terrified. "Your Majesty, this is unacceptable..."
"If I ask you to sit, then sit."
The Empress Dowager gently held her hand and exchanged pleasantries, saying, "You haven't been to the palace often lately, and I've missed you terribly."
"Then I will visit you in the palace often from now on."
"good."
As the Empress Dowager spoke, she took off the white jade bracelet she wore close to her wrist and tried to put it on her.
Shen Zhiyi hurriedly declined, "Your Majesty, this is unacceptable."
"This is part of my dowry when I got married, and I've worn it close to my body all these years." The Empress Dowager practically forced her to put it on. "Look at this color, it looks better on a young lady."
The Empress and the two imperial concubines simply echoed and praised it.
“Your Majesty, this bracelet is part of your dowry and has special significance for you. I cannot accept it,” Xu Yunyi said hurriedly.
She's not stupid.
The Empress Dowager's blatant attempt to curry favor was clearly a ploy to push her daughter into a pit of fire.
"If I'm willing to give, she can accept it." The Empress Dowager said, looking at Xu Yunyi, "You are away from home all year round, and Zhiyi has no one to take care of her in the capital. I like her, so I will take good care of her."
At first glance, this doesn't seem like much.
But Xu Yunyi understood in her heart:
The Empress Dowager was giving her a warning.
take care of?
This also depends on the method.
Whether it's showing care or making things difficult for someone, the difference is completely different.
With her status as Empress Dowager, even without showing her face, she only needs a glance or an attitude to make it difficult for her daughter and even the women of the entire Shen family to move about in the capital.
At this moment, the Empress Dowager said, "I heard that you are pregnant, but I haven't heard you mention it."
Xu Yunyi's heart skipped a beat: "Your Majesty, I just found out I'm pregnant. Your Majesty, you are a very important person, this is just a small matter."
"This is no small matter. I watched Qingqing grow up. Don't worry, I will assign a royal physician to take care of her daily life and ensure a safe delivery."
Xu Yunyi gritted her teeth, but could only say, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Whether she can stay safe or not is entirely up to her.
Ultimately,
Thunder and rain are both expressions of the emperor's grace.
What can a subject do?
The Empress Dowager continued, "The Shen family has devoted themselves to the cause, but your family has few descendants. The burden of continuing the lineage is heavy for the young master. So many noble ladies in the capital admire him, and the Emperor even wanted to bestow a princess upon him in marriage."
"I never expected you would choose Qingqing."
Xu Yunyi smiled sullenly: "Qingqing is someone I've watched grow up, I know her inside and out, and she and Jingchuan are childhood sweethearts."
The Empress Dowager's meaning is...
It seems like she wants to bestow another marriage upon her son.
Shen Zhiyi listened silently; the Empress Dowager had always treated her kindly.
She seemed to have forgotten that someone who could rise from Empress to Empress Dowager, and even remain firmly in the empress's palace when the late emperor favored Consort Xiao, was hardly a truly virtuous person.
Even in the inner quarters, infighting can sometimes result in bloodshed.
Palace infighting—every move can be fatal.
"Zhiyi," the Empress Dowager squeezed her hand again, "you must know about Xuan Ce's matter. There's something I know will upset you, but..."
“Xuan Ce is the late emperor’s most beloved son. I promised the late emperor that I would protect him and ensure his safety.”
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