In this matter, the reactions of the several old princes of the imperial clan were much greater than those of Yuan Shen.
An old prince angrily denounced his concubines for their infidelity and wanted everyone to be buried alive with them, but he was dissuaded by others. After all, if this matter were to be publicized, it would be a disgrace to the entire Yuan imperial family.
King Hui suggested sending all the concubines to temples to become nuns in order to atone for their sins.
When Yuan Shen returned and told Song Xibai about it, Song Xibai was so angry that she scolded them.
It was clearly the fake emperor who committed the sins, and the people in the harem didn't know that, so how can it be said that it was their sins?
So, in the end, Yuan Shen neither sent them to the temple nor promoted them.
Looking back now, Song Xibai realized that Yuan Shen had already done enough, which was quite merciful.
Is the Prince of Lu's mansion still dissatisfied?
Princess Wu left after sitting for only a short while.
When Yuan Shen came over at noon, Song Xibai complained to him about this.
"If Consort De and her son are still dissatisfied, His Majesty will bring up the fire at Jingshifang. Just because we didn't continue the investigation back then doesn't mean we can't guess who did it."
Yuan Shen couldn't help but laugh at her puffed-up face.
"Why are you so angry? In any case, the Prince of Lu will never amount to anything."
"They'll never amount to anything, and they're annoying! It's like jumping on the toad's foot—it's so irritating!"
Song Xibai felt indignant on his behalf.
"I've never met anyone more magnanimous than His Majesty. If it were someone else, would they even be alive?"
Yuan Shen was deeply moved.
"In this world, only you, Qingqing, would think of me wholeheartedly."
He held Song Xibai in his arms and sighed softly.
Song Xibai hugged him back.
“However, Cining Palace is not very big, and it is not enough to accommodate so many people. I think it would be better to tell the Prince of Wu and the others that whoever performs well and makes meritorious contributions can have their mother leave the palace and reunite with their family.”
She paused, then added a sentence.
"A princess is fine too."
“That won’t do. If a princess leaves the palace, she will get married. How could her husband’s family possibly agree to that?” Yuan Shen shook his head.
Song Xibai thought for a moment and said, "Then let's take her out of the palace for a short stay. Doesn't the princess have her own residence? Surely she can have a place to stay?"
Yuan Shen thought it over and decided it was feasible. The imperial concubines and consorts were of little use in the palace, and Qingqing had to devote some of her energy to taking care of them, so it was better to send them all out of the palace.
The previous refusal to send them to temples was for the sake of the royal family's reputation. Now, allowing them to leave the palace and reunite with their children is a good thing, so that they won't be criticized.
Moreover, this would also appease his younger brothers, making them more obedient and less likely to be constantly meddling in court affairs.
That's right, he was talking about King Lu.
After lunch, Yuan Shen left in a hurry. After discussing with his trusted ministers for a long time, he summoned the Prince of Qin, the Prince of Wu, and several others to the palace the next day.
Of course, he couldn't be too direct. Yuan Shen only gave a subtle hint, and the King of Wu was the first to jump up, patting his chest and declaring that he would go through fire and water for the emperor without hesitation.
Then Yuan Shen sent him to the Ministry of War, instructing him to oversee the escort of grain supplies to the border.
The Prince of Qi was young and, although he had some ideas, he wasn't very bright. Yuan Shen then tasked him with investigating the encroachment on farmland by the imperial estates in the suburbs of the capital.
Yeah, it's a job that's designed to offend people.
As for the King of Qin, he remained silent because his birth mother had long since passed away.
Even though the person is gone, they can still be posthumously honored!
The King of Qin had difficulty walking and couldn't go out, so he was assigned to oversee the compilation of historical records.
Prince Lu was filled with excitement as he awaited the arrangements, but to his surprise, Yuan Shen bypassed him and summoned the Sixth Prince to his side.
The sixth prince was previously granted the title of Prince of Han, and the site for the prince's residence is already being selected, and it will be completed next year.
Yuan Shen took good care of this real younger brother, not assigning him any tasks, but only letting him oversee the construction of the Prince's Mansion.
The King of Han thanked him with great joy.
King Lu was getting anxious and was about to say something when Yuan Shen waved his hand, dismissing them all.
King Lu still refused to leave! He was dragged out by King Wu.
Once outside the palace and down the steps, King Lu, looking furious, shook off King Wu's hand.
Why are you holding me?!
The King of Wu laughed in anger.
"You've been so kind, yet you've been treated like dirt! If I hadn't stopped you, would you have rushed up and questioned the Emperor? Then you'd be charged with a grave offense of disrespect, and we'd see what you'd do then!"
King Lu paused for a moment.
"Brother, really? I didn't do anything. I just wanted to ask about my mother."
The King of Wu gave a soft snort and looked at him with his arms crossed.
"Did you even try to persuade your wife to find a concubine? Have you gone mad from all your studying?"
The Prince of Lu was so angry that his face turned red from head to toe: "You're the fool! What's wrong with me seeking justice for my mother?"
Before the King of Wu could say anything more, the King of Han came over and pulled him aside.
"Third brother, stop trying to persuade him. Even if you try four times, he won't listen."
The King of Wu shook his head and said nothing more, then followed the others away.
King Lu gritted his teeth, glanced back at the main hall, his eyes darkened, and he left after a moment.
Outside the palace gates, the King of Wu put his arm around the King of Han's shoulder and asked him a question.
"Is Xiao Liu's current place inconvenient? Why don't you move in with Second Brother?"
The King of Han has not yet established his own residence and is still living in the palace. However, there is no suitable place in the harem, so Yuan Shen arranged for him to temporarily reside in Si De Xuan, which is behind Ren Shou Palace.
However, King Han rarely returned to the palace; he spent most of his time living in a villa outside the palace.
The villa is small, enough for one person, but after all, he is a prince, and the place is too small and does not match his status!
That's what the King of Wu thought.
To everyone's surprise, the King of Han politely declined, saying, "No need. My palace will be completed next year, so I won't bother you any longer, Third Brother."
No matter what the King of Wu said, he refused to go.
Even if the villa is small, it's still his own territory, and he's the master; but at the Prince of Wu's residence, he's a guest. How can they be the same?
When the King of Wu realized he couldn't persuade him, he gave up, but still took him back to his home for a drink.
King Han had a low alcohol tolerance and became drunk after only a few cups, so King Wu summoned a maid to serve him.
In his dazed state, King Han felt someone touching his face.
When he opened his eyes, he was startled to see a strange maidservant. He kicked her away and then ran away with his boots.
When the news reached the ears of the King of Wu, it made him burst into laughter.
"Little Six hasn't figured it out yet! He's already fifteen, he should be old enough to understand human affairs by now."
At this moment, the Queen Consort of Wu walked over from next door.
"Do you think everyone is like you? You can't resist a woman? Xiao Liu is kind and gentle. Even if you want to find a concubine, you can't just pick any maid."
The King of Wu was displeased.
"What's wrong with me? Is there anything wrong with me?"
Princess Wu rolled her eyes: "Tell me yourself, what's so good about you? What are your strengths?"
King Wu suddenly chuckled and leaned forward to press himself against Queen Wu.
"I've married such a wonderful princess, isn't that good enough?"
Princess Wu choked for a moment, then slapped his hand away: "You smooth talker!"
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