Now that the Empress Dowager is ill, not only is Cining Palace under constant scrutiny, but Consort Zhou in Yanxi Palace is also being watched closely.
Of course, it wasn't all about paying attention; there were also jokes.
Who couldn't see that Empress Dowager Zhou fell ill because of the Zhou family's affairs?
But Consort Zhou brought this upon herself. When people are feeling triumphant, they should consider whether they can remain triumphant forever.
Otherwise, be prepared to fall hard from a great height.
Consort Zhou's subtle actions in the main hall were easily noticed by He Yunzhong and his men.
It's not convenient to order food at night, especially since Consort Zhou had already left Yanxi Palace with her entourage.
However, Huo Qinghe had already made arrangements by then, so He Yunzhong and the others on night watch did not disturb them, but simply kept an eye on them.
Their wives are now living with Consort Zhou, so they naturally have to be careful not to be schemed against or bullied.
However, the news that Consort Zhou had gone to Funing Palace at night spread like wildfire.
This was naturally not something spread by anyone close to Huo Qinghe. Without Huo Qinghe's instructions, they would never dare to act on their own.
It was a message that came from the Emperor's presence.
It was said that Consort Zhou went to the Emperor's presence to deliver food, but the Emperor naturally did not see Consort Zhou, let alone receive any food.
However, the Emperor did not reprimand Consort Zhou for going to Funing Palace so late, since it was not in accordance with the rules for Consort Zhou to go to Funing Palace at night.
But when Consort Zhou returned at night, she threw a huge tantrum in the main hall, which terrified the guards on night watch in Yanliang Pavilion.
He was afraid that his wife would be blamed.
Consort Zhou failed to see the Emperor, and even with the Empress Dowager's numerous instructions, she was powerless to carry them out. In the end, she could only return to Yanxi Palace dejectedly.
The Emperor did give Consort Zhou a lot of face, but not all of it. When Jinyang came out to deliver the message, he also said that Consort Zhou should use this kindness on the Empress Dowager.
Pei Yuanhui did not hold a grudge against Zhou Hengping, but he also never took Zhou Hengping seriously.
He didn't have time to deal with Zhou Hengping, and when he sent Jin Yang out to get rid of Zhou Hengping, he didn't even look up.
There will be an early court session tomorrow, and another lively event awaits Pei Yuanhui. After dismissing Consort Zhou, Jin Yang returned to the Funing Palace to grind ink. He silently ground the ink, but he couldn't help but advise, "Your Majesty, you have been guarding the Cining Palace all day. Why don't you rest your eyes... General Tan is going to tear down the Funing Palace today."
Miao Xi silently closed the memorial that the official had approved, and then hurriedly flipped through the memorials beside her.
Hearing what his master said, he shook his head so hard it was almost like a rattle drum. Sure enough, that little devil was like a demon; seeing that the official wasn't around, he was practically ready to climb on the roof and tear off the tiles.
Pei Yuanhui dipped his brush in ink and continued writing: "Keep an eye on Consort Zhou, don't let her cause any trouble. Bring Tannu in, we won't have time to look after him these next two days, take him to Chengqian Palace."
Upon hearing the sound, Miao Xi hurried over.
It's common for Jinyang not to make a move; they don't dare touch General Tan. When the Emperor is busy with state affairs, he usually takes General Tan to the Imperial Concubine in Chengqian Palace.
But just as he was pondering this, he suddenly heard the official speak again.
"The Second Prince has been coughing these past two days. The presence of agarwood in the Consort's palace is already causing enough trouble. Send Tan Nu to... send her to Yanliang Pavilion."
This is a good opportunity for Xiao Huo to practice his courage; having two cats together will make things more lively.
These past few days, Pei Yuanhui naturally had no time to visit the inner palace.
"The Double Ninth Festival is just around the corner. The Empress Dowager needs to rest well for a while, so this year's Double Ninth Festival will not be very lively. Each palace will be given half a month's allowance. Tell the Empress to have some free time as well. It's getting cold, so don't let the Empress go through any trouble. I will go to Cining Palace to take care of her these next few days."
Jin Yang was still immersed in the Emperor's instructions, so when he heard them again, he instinctively agreed.
Goodness, that's General Tan's little ancestor.
After General Yulin presented General Tan to the Emperor, apart from the Funing Palace, this little darling had only been to the Imperial Concubine's Chengqian Palace. The other consorts naturally knew that this little darling was favored by the Emperor. For example, Consort Zhou had tried to find all sorts of rare dried fish, but to no avail.
The emperor actually suggested sending that little darling to Consort Huo.
Just as Jin Yang was thinking about this, Miao Xi shakily carried Tan Nu in.
Even in Miao Xi's arms, Tan Nu was restless, only calming down when she was in front of the official.
"I'm afraid General Tan..."
Pei Yuanhui put down his pen and pressed his brow. At this moment, he thought of Xiao Huo: "Send it over first. If you can't control Tan Nu, send it back."
Jin Yang bowed and agreed, feeling somewhat relieved.
The candles in the Funing Palace burned until the second watch of the night before going out. The next day, before dawn, the emperor got up from the Funing Palace.
While Jin Yang was helping the Emperor with his attire, she gave Miao Xi a look, and Miao Xi was then ordered to go to Cining Palace.
The Emperor was to hold an early morning court session, but the Empress Dowager was ill, so he couldn't give anyone a reason to criticize him, especially at this critical juncture.
The morning court session was held in the Zichen Hall. All the civil and military officials had arrived, including Grand Tutor Zhou, who usually claimed to be ill.
However, news of the cheating in the autumn examinations had already reached the capital, and all the civil and military officials were well aware of it, but naturally dared not speak to Grand Tutor Zhou.
Oh, there are still people who dare to do it.
Xue Qi was the first one to step forward.
"It's been a long time since I've seen the Grand Tutor. He's still as spirited as ever." Xue Qi cupped his hands to Zhou Yuzhong, slightly lowering the ceremonial tablet in his hand. He smiled, appearing quite sincere and respectful.
Zhou Yuzhong snorted coldly, his snow-white beard fluttering in the wind: "You're not as useful as me, kid."
Xue Qi is now the Minister of Rites and the Empress's uncle. Everyone treats him with great respect. But when Zhou Yuzhong calls him "boy," his expression stiffens slightly, but he manages to laugh it off.
"Grand Tutor, you flatter me. Your son has a bright future ahead of him."
His words were full of sarcasm.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuzhong snorted coldly again. Just as he was about to say something, he saw the old scoundrel surnamed Zhang walking towards them. Zhou Yuzhong immediately pursed his lips and remained silent.
Fortunately, the head official came out and stopped everything.
Pei Yuanhui also saw Zhou Yuzhong, and after settling down, he turned his attention to him.
"It's been a long time since I've seen the old Grand Tutor. How is the old Grand Tutor's health?" Although it was said to have been a long time, it had actually only been a few days.
Zhou Yuzhong stepped forward: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am well. It's just... it's just that I'm confused about family matters, which is truly unacceptable. I have caused Your Majesty any trouble, and I humbly request Your Majesty to punish me."
The moment he opened his mouth, he immediately took the blame upon himself.
Before Pei Yuanhui could speak, a member of the Zhou family's supporters spoke up.
"The Grand Tutor is devoted to the country and its people, but he inevitably has some shortcomings in his family affairs. I beg Your Majesty to forgive him in consideration of his many years of service to the country."
Once someone pleads for leniency, there will naturally be objections.
“A country has its laws, and a family has its rules. Today it’s cheating in the autumn imperial examinations, but who knows what will happen in the future? If it can be forgiven because of one person’s merit, wouldn’t everyone in the court be able to ignore the law?”
The speaker was Xue Qi, whose warm smile that he had shown Zhou Yuzhong was now gone.
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