Chapter 515: Convincing Concubine Mei
Mei Fei's expression changed slightly when she heard this.
"Ningshuang, tell me the truth. Are you saying this to me or to the Empress Dowager..."
Ning Shuang hurriedly spoke upon hearing this.
"Empress Mei, the Empress Dowager no longer asks about anything. Ning Shuang was just being nosy. I was just looking at you... Oh, it's all Ning Shuang's fault. I said the wrong thing. I was just looking at you, your Highness, who has a prince. Even if the Emperor doesn't visit, you're still living well because you have a prince by your side, and everyone in the palace has to be respectful. That's why I gave you an immature suggestion. If you think Ning Shuang's suggestion is wrong, just pretend you didn't hear it today."
Seeing that she looked a little flustered, Concubine Mei spoke with a smile.
"You don't have to panic. I was just asking out of curiosity. There's nothing wrong with your suggestion, but I haven't been very active lately."
Then Mei Fei sighed softly and continued.
"However, what you mentioned is indeed a solution. If I could have a child by my side, perhaps life would be different. But this matter still needs to be carefully considered. After all, it involves many things. Moreover, the prince and princess are already grown up. Even if someone wants to adopt them, there is no suitable one..."
Ning Shuang smiled and spoke upon hearing this.
"Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. Ning Shuang was impulsive and said something without thinking. I hope Your Majesty will not blame me."
Mei Fei waved her hand.
"You have good intentions, so how can I not appreciate it? However, this matter has left my palace, so no one else can know about it."
Ning Shuang hurriedly spoke upon hearing this.
"That's natural. Although Ning Shuang hasn't been in the palace as long as the Empress, she was just a lowly maid in the Flower Chamber before. It was thanks to the Empress Dowager's favor that she has achieved her current status. Naturally, she understands that in this palace, if you want to survive, you need to be cautious at every step."
Mei Fei glanced at her thoughtfully, thinking to herself, "The harem is currently in fierce competition, with various factions secretly competing against each other." Although she was a concubine, her childlessness was a hidden danger. The people in the palace always flattered the powerful and bullied the weak. She had been childless for years, and her relationship with the emperor was... Furthermore, at her age, having children was already difficult. Perhaps, she should really consider Ning Shuang's suggestion...
"Ningshuang is very smart. Do you think it would be better for me to adopt a prince or a princess?"
Ning Shuang pondered for a moment after hearing this.
"Your Highness, please consider this. After all, Ning Shuang's brain is limited, and I'm afraid my considerations are not as comprehensive as yours. However, there is only one princess in this palace whose mother is of low status. But after all, her biological mother is still alive. Plus, the princess is not young anymore, so I'm afraid it will be difficult for her to get close to you, Your Highness."
Mei Fei nodded upon hearing this.
"Well, no matter how low my status is, I am still a mother. I would not do anything like separating a mother and her child. But if I adopt a prince..."
Mei Fei did not say the rest of the words, but Ning Shuang could understand the meaning. After all, this princess was a woman. Adopting one would not have any big impact except that there would be a child around her and the emperor would pay more attention to her. However, if she adopted a prince, with the Duke's Mansion behind Mei Fei, it would probably cause the queen to be wary.
"Your Majesty, Ning Shuang, please don't say anything more than you should. There are things that Your Majesty doesn't want or want. Your Majesty is of noble status and has the support of the Duke's Mansion. This has been the honor of the family since ancient times. Some things have a bad side, but naturally there are also good sides. It depends on how you consider and weigh the pros and cons, Your Majesty."
Upon hearing this, Concubine Mei thought that the Duke's Mansion had gradually gone downhill over the years. One of the main reasons was that she had no children in the palace. If she had a prince, they could support each other.
"There are only two or three princes that can be adopted in the palace. So, Ning Shuang, who do you think is the best?"
Ning Shuang smiled and spoke after hearing this.
"Your Majesty, Ning Shuang feels that who you favor isn't the most important thing. What's important is who is willing to be close to you, or who also wants to find a mother for you. Whether it's a prince or a princess, they're already quite old. We all know that simply being close isn't realistic. After all, long-term relationships between people are based on mutual benefit. Since Your Majesty wants a prince, then this prince must also be able to show filial piety."
Mei Fei nodded upon hearing this.
"Ningshuang is right. I'll take my time and see. If this matter is accomplished one day, I will definitely give you a generous gift as a thank you."
Ning Shuang heard this and quickly smiled and spoke.
"Your Majesty, this is too serious. Ning Shuang was just chatting with you and has never helped you in any way. If you don't mind, Ning Shuang has been an orphan since childhood. In the future, Ning Shuang will come to talk to you more often. If you give her some advice, Ning Shuang will be very happy."
The two chatted for a long time before Ning Shuang stood up and said goodbye.
"Ningshuang has been out for a long time today. It's time to go back and have dinner with the Queen Mother. Ningshuang will come again another day when she has time."
Seeing this, Concubine Mei stood up and pulled her hand reluctantly.
"We can get along so well on our first meeting, so you should come here often in the future."
Ning Shuang smiled and nodded.
"That's for sure. Ning Shuang, goodbye."
Then he left with the palace maid Mo'er.
Seeing Ning Shuang leave.
Qingyin then spoke.
"My Lady, this Princess Wen'an is probably not a simple person."
Mei Fei nodded slightly and spoke in agreement.
"It's really not simple. She was able to grasp my thoughts so accurately and bring up the idea of adoption. I'm sure there must be someone behind the scenes directing her."
Qingyin frowned.
"Then will Her Majesty continue to consider her proposal?"
Mei Fei smiled.
"Why not? I don't know her motives, but this proposal is in my favor. Regardless of whether the adoption is successful or not, having an ally is better than making an enemy."
Qingyin said worriedly.
"But what if she has ulterior motives..."
Concubine Mei's eyes were firm.
"I know my limits. To survive in this deep palace, one must be cautious. No matter what her intentions are, I will deal with them with care. Besides, I am old now, and it is not practical to compete for favor with a group of beautiful newcomers. I must always make plans for the Duke's Mansion."
After saying that, Concubine Mei turned and walked into the inner room, with a lot of thoughts in her mind.
Qingyin hurriedly followed her.
"So the queen is doing this for the Duke's Mansion. Qingyin is the one who is stupid."
Concubine Mei was well aware of the cruelty of court struggles, and at this moment, she had decided to get involved in this storm.
"Although I haven't been treated harshly over the years, no one has taken me seriously either. Many have even laughed at me behind my back. The Duke's Mansion is gradually declining in popularity. It's time for me to show my face."
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