Chapter 27 Consort Hui's Imperial Wardrobe
Upon returning to Chengqian Palace, Consort Tong's expression immediately turned ugly.
Granny Zhao skillfully dismissed the people in the hall and began to coax them.
First, he personally served a cup of Biluochun tea and tentatively asked, "Didn't Your Majesty go to Cining Palace? Did the Empress Dowager give you any instructions that made Your Majesty feel troubled?"
Consort Tong took a sip of tea with a fierce expression, clearly displeased.
However, she was also afraid of the Empress Dowager and could not speak ill of the Empress Dowager to Zhao Mama. She could only resentfully shift the blame onto Consort Hui and Consort Rong.
"I had no idea when Consort Rong and Consort Hui developed such ambitions, coveting things they shouldn't have."
Regarding the matter of Consort Tong being granted two concubine ranks, Granny Zhao did not express any opinion, but simply listened quietly.
“These concubines are not content with their lot. Once they have the emperor’s favor, they want children. Once they have children, they want power. They all want to climb over me to get ahead.”
Ever since Wuya agreed to become pregnant, Consort Tong has been easily agitated. In one instance, she even clenched her fist and slammed it heavily on the table, making a crisp thud.
"I will not do as they wish!"
In the end, Consort Tong became very excited.
Granny Zhao had no idea what her mistress was so excited about, so she just assumed that she had been holding back her emotions for a long time and was feeling irritable.
"Please calm down, my lord, don't hurt yourself," Zhao Mama said in a routine manner, bringing over a bowl of warmed medicine. "Drink your medicine first."
Kneeling for twenty-seven consecutive days would be unbearable even for a body of iron, let alone for a delicate person like Consort Tong.
However, she couldn't openly summon the imperial physician, lest the emperor find out and think she was disrespectful to the late empress.
Although she had some disagreements with Empress Niohuru during her lifetime, the deceased should be respected, and Consort Tong did not want a dead person to affect her relationship with her cousin.
That's how the Imperial Hospital made its extra income. Since they couldn't do it openly, they had to do it secretly. They had to spend the money to keep people quiet.
Fortunately, Chengqian Palace had a readily available physician, Physician Li, who would come every day to check on Wuya's health.
He successfully juggled two roles, ensuring Wuya's pregnancy was safe and sound while also helping Consort Tong recuperate.
Consort Tong was used to drinking it, so she didn't even need to look at it before downing it in one gulp.
When faced with bitter and spicy medicinal juices, there's no need to follow any dining etiquette.
Almost immediately after taking the medicine, people from Cining Palace delivered the official records and account books.
Consort Tong casually picked up an account book and flipped through it.
What bad luck! I just happened to see the clothing production schedule for Yikun Palace this month.
Consort Tong threw the account book back, somewhat puzzled, "Where's the Phoenix Seal?"
She thought these things would be sent along with the Phoenix Seal.
Chunzhi realized something, cautiously glanced at Consort Tong's expression, and replied, "Your Majesty, everything sent from Cining Palace is here."
The implication is that there is no Phoenix Seal.
Consort Tong didn't take it to heart. "These account books and the like are not like the Phoenix Seal, which can be sent over at will. It's normal for the Empress Dowager to delay it a bit."
She was even more eager for the Empress Dowager to send the Phoenix Seal to her in a grand manner, or to hand it to her in front of many concubines during her greetings.
She never even considered the possibility that the Empress Dowager would not give her the Phoenix Seal.
However, I have at least gained power, although I have to share some of it. "Send someone to Zhongcui Palace and Yanxi Palace to invite Consort Rong and Consort Hui over, and tell them that I have something to discuss with them."
Even with the Empress Dowager's decree and the two of them assisting her, Consort Tong had no real intention of delegating any important matters.
For example, she never intended to let the two of them get involved in personnel transfers and financial matters in the harem. However, she could use the Imperial Wardrobe as a favor.
-
By the time Yunyun and Consort Rong arrived, Consort Tong had already served two cups of tea.
Hearing the palace maid's announcement at the door, Consort Tong said lazily, "Come in, all of you."
After exchanging greetings, Yunyun and Consort Rong sat down on either side of Consort Tong, below her.
"The Cining Palace has already sent over all the account books. I've taken a quick look at them, and considering that my two younger sisters have no experience, how about we start with something simple?"
As she spoke, Chunzhi took out the stack of account books representing the Imperial Wardrobe and placed them in front of the two men.
The Imperial Clothing Bureau, as the name suggests, was responsible for the production and preservation of the crowns, robes, belts, shoes, and socks of the imperial harem.
As part of the basic necessities of life (clothing, food, shelter, and transportation), clothing is a crucial area, and it's generally acceptable on the surface.
Yunyun and Consort Rong's eyes met.
Yunyun said, "Since Your Majesty has already made up your mind, I shouldn't have said anything. However, since both Consort Rong and I have children and have more experience with princesses and princes, I thought I should ask for this part so as to share Your Majesty's burden."
This was something they had agreed upon. No matter what, they had to keep everything related to the child under their control; that was their bottom line.
Consort Tong paused in her tea-serving gesture, a hint of displeasure flashing across her face.
However, there is some truth to what he said.
She has never given birth before and doesn't know much about having children, so it's better to leave it to the two of them and take it back later when she has children herself.
So they nodded, and this part was successfully divided.
Consort Rong then spoke up, "Although the Imperial Wardrobe is also an important department, it is jointly managed by two consorts. If they have disagreements, it will be difficult to argue. The Third Princess also likes to eat new foods. I have dealt with the kitchen many times and am quite familiar with its intricacies. So I thought I would ask for the kitchen and give the Imperial Wardrobe to Consort Hui."
Consort Rong herself didn't have much hope for this request.
The concubine agreed to the previous request so easily, so I wanted to test her again.
If it doesn't work out, so be it; if it does, it'll give you another bargaining chip.
Surprisingly, although Consort Tong initially refused this request, her attitude was not very firm.
The two men each exerted their efforts, taking turns to persuade the imperial concubine, and finally succeeded.
After discussion, it was decided that the two of them would be jointly responsible for the part concerning the princes and princesses, in addition to the Imperial Wardrobe and Imperial Tea and Dining Room, which were originally intended to be given away.
Consort Tong occupied half of the food, clothing, housing, and transportation expenses, while Consort Yun and Consort Rong shared the other half.
Consort Tong was both satisfied and somewhat dissatisfied with this result, which remained at a point that caused her heartache but did not address the root of the problem.
In short, the office responsible for recording detailed accounts of the harem was still firmly in the hands of Consort Tong.
Yunyun and Rongpin never intended to touch the core; they were only concubines and not yet at the level of those most lucrative positions.
With the business concluded, Consort Tong had nothing more to say to them. She served them tea and saw them off, saying, "Now that things have been settled, you two sisters should each take back your respective parts. If anything comes up in the future, you can come and discuss it with me again."
Having achieved their goal, the two men disregarded Consort Tong's coldness and rose to take their leave, saying, "Then this concubine will take her leave first."
Before she could even leave the room, a palace maid rushed in, "Your Highness, Uya has suffered a miscarriage, and the imperial physician has already been summoned!"
Yunyun and Consort Rong stopped in their tracks, their eyes filled with the excitement of wanting to see what was going on.
According to the division of responsibilities just now, pregnant women also bear some responsibility.
Consort Tong's face darkened, but she couldn't directly tell them to leave. "Let's go and take a look together, you two sisters."
-
When they arrived, the imperial physician was taking Wuya's pulse.
As Yun Yun stepped into the room, she felt a damp and cold atmosphere. She then took a look around at the residence of the future Empress Dowager.
It was a bit unexpected.
Isn't that a bit too shabby?
The window paper looked like it had been pasted up several years ago; it was yellowed and brittle, and somehow it had a hole in it, letting in drafts.
There were a few scattered pieces of charcoal in the corner, probably because Wuya only burned them for a short while when it got really cold at night, as there wasn't a single spark in the charcoal brazier.
And that slightly stiff cotton quilt made of blue cloth, it had all turned white from washing.
It's quite remarkable that Consort Tong was able to find such a dilapidated place in the magnificent Chengqian Palace.
Consort Rong couldn't help but glance at Consort Tong, hesitating to speak, "Consort Wuya is currently pregnant. Since Your Majesty is in charge of palace affairs, why not move her to a different place?"
Although pregnant women are advised against moving or disturbing the earth, Uya agreed to this place, so she couldn't go against her conscience and say it was suitable for pregnant women.
Let alone pregnant women, even ordinary palace maids didn't look this shabby.
At this moment, even Consort Tong was somewhat embarrassed.
This was actually her first time visiting Uya's residence.
When it came to Wuya agreeing to establish rules, it was always Wuya who agreed to go to the main hall; she was not worthy of making Consort Tong move her precious feet.
Later, her pregnancy was revealed during her time crying to the Empress. She was too busy taking care of herself, her knees hurt so much that she didn't want to move an inch, and she only asked Wuya a few questions verbally.
Although Physician Li knew that Consort Wuya's residence looked sordid, his job was to ensure Consort Wuya's safe delivery, and when Consort Tong asked, he only mentioned the signs of pregnancy.
The inner palace is a deep and murky place. Who knows how Consort Wuya offended Consort Tong? He's just a nobody; he should just pretend to be blind and mute.
Having lost face in front of the concubines and imperial physicians, Consort Tong felt that Consort Wuya was indeed a scourge.
Frustrated and unable to harm the pregnant woman, Consort Tong could only lash out at the palace maid.
"Where is the person who serves Consort Wuya? There is only one here. I remember that after Consort Wuya became pregnant, I specially assigned one to her."
The palace maid standing beside Consort Wuya's bed curtsied, somewhat timidly, "Sister Chunxiang disappeared early this morning, and I don't know where she went either. Perhaps, perhaps Sister Chunxiang had something to do..."
As she spoke, the palace maid slowly lowered her head, and her voice grew softer and softer.
She was timid and dared not speak up when bullied, which is why she was pushed out by the other maids when the nanny was selecting maids to serve Consort Wuya.
Everyone knows that Uya promised that place was a den of wolves, and Chunxiang, who was the last one to serve there, is still looking for a chance to be transferred. Nobody wants to go.
But she actually thought it was alright. Although the conditions were a bit tough, Uya promised to be kind and at least not to beat or scold her for no reason.
As for Chunxiang, I never see her during the day, let alone bully her.
Consort Tong felt even more ashamed.
This is Chengqian Palace, which she manages. A palace maid doesn't serve her mistress properly, doesn't fulfill her duties, and even her mistress doesn't know where she went. Doesn't this show that Consort Tong is mismanaging the palace?
Consort Tong felt somewhat embarrassed.
How could such a thing happen so soon after they gained control of the palace?
“Send that palace maid back to the Imperial Household Department,” Consort Tong said, annoyed and unwilling to end the case. “As for Wuya, who agreed to stay here, send a diligent and honest maid over to take care of her.”
However, she still didn't like Wuya's promise and didn't agree to change locations.
"Since you are already pregnant, and your belly is precious, let's mention the allowance that Uya promised in the future. Let's start with the allowance that the Consort receives."
The matter was resolved swiftly and decisively, and Consort Tong remembered her original purpose for coming.
"Physician Li, Wuya has threatened miscarriage. How is she now?"
"Your Highness, Uya has confirmed that this pregnancy will be fine."
Knowing that Consort Tong was probably not in a good mood, Imperial Physician Li didn't use any medical jargon to support his argument; he simply stated his conclusion directly.
"Alright, since there's nothing seriously wrong, Uya agrees to take good care of herself."
Consort Tong didn't want to stay a second longer.
After the main characters left, Yunyun and Consort Rong followed closely behind.
-
Back at Yanxi Palace, Yunyun felt refreshed and relaxed.
That's why a career is a woman's second spring. She's just gained power, and before she's even had a chance to experience it, she's already burning with passion.
Seeing that her mistress's cheeks were slightly flushed and her forehead was even sweating, Lingzhi quickly came over to take off her cloak and turned the charcoal fire down a little.
"Look at my memory! The charcoal brazier I lit this morning is still burning. Could it be that it's making you too hot, Master?"
It turns out that feeling hot all over wasn't an illusion, but a fact.
Seeing Yunyun sit down, Lingzhi busied herself again, bringing over a bowl of ginger soup. "Master caught a chill outside and has developed a cold. I'm afraid the evil wind might enter your body. Quickly drink some ginger soup to calm down."
In Lingzhi's mind, ginger soup is the panacea for winter.
It's getting cold, so I'll drink ginger soup.
It's windy, time for some ginger soup.
It's snowing, time for ginger soup.
In short, drink more ginger soup for your health.
Yunyun knew that this was just her personality, so she drank the ginger soup.
There is also a portion of Poria cocos.
After finishing the ginger soup, Yunyun cleared her throat and sighed dramatically, "Lingzhi, do you know what happened after I went to Cining Palace?"
After leaving Cining Palace, she went to Zhongcui Palace with Consort Rong. When Chengqian Palace sent someone to deliver the message, she was still sitting in Zhongcui Palace, and they went to Chengqian Palace together.
Therefore, Lingzhi felt that her mistress's trip to Cining Palace took an unusually long time.
Seeing her mistress's worried expression, Lingzhi immediately became anxious. "Is there some bad news? Or is it about the Fifth Prince?"
It has to be said, they truly are master and servant; the two of them are worried about each other.
Seeing that Lingzhi was about to start spinning again, Fuling reached out and pulled her back, "Don't listen to your mistress, she's just teasing you."
Yun Jun, caught in a whim, touched her nose.
Oh dear, I'm so happy, I want to share this with Lingzhi!
Fortunately, Lingzhi was easygoing and realized that there must be some good news. Even the usually calm Fuling had a smile on her face.
Playing around is fine, but serious business still needs to be done.
As she was in charge of Yanxi Palace, it was impossible for her not to understand the account books.
Both Fuling and Lingzhi are literate, especially Fuling, who is responsible for registering and cataloging items in Yanxi Palace. She is meticulous and thorough, and Yunyun has great confidence in her.
"You should familiarize yourselves with these things. The account books have been delivered, and the Imperial Wardrobe should receive the news soon and send someone to pay their respects. Let's familiarize ourselves with the specific regulations first, so we won't be fooled by anyone later."
-
Baoqing felt that her mother had been sending things very frequently lately.
He rarely showed even a hint of doubt.
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Author's Note: It seems like I'll be posting tomorrow, so I'm updating a little earlier today. Tomorrow's update should be at 11 PM.
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