Epilogue 6: Disbanding the Harem
Two-year-old children are the most fun. This is the conclusion that Concubine Song Wanyan came to through practice.
Because two-year-old Xiao Chenan and Xiao Jinhuan can already call for help.
She called her Empress Hua all the time in her sweet voice, which made her feel relaxed and happy.
Moreover, apart from their father, the emperor, their mother, and some palace maids who served them personally, the first thing these two siblings learned was her title. Ying Zhaoyi's failure was because the title was too difficult to pronounce.
When she had free time, Jiang Yingli would take the two children to the Imperial Garden, drink tea with everyone, chat and laugh, and entertain the children while letting them experience new things outside.
Over time, both children could read everyone's titles.
Each lady made a small item of her specialty and gave it to the two of them.
Some made small handkerchiefs, some sewed lucky bags, and some carved small wooden sculptures.
Because they are brother and sister, everything comes in pairs.
Zheng Lan'er, who was recuperating from illness, made two small clothes with exquisite embroidery, but she did not give them away. She just looked at them herself and imagined how cute and playful the two children would look when they wore them.
However, she kept it for herself. Ying Zhaoyi, who routinely sent her supplements, was sharp-eyed and took the things and ran back to present the treasure to the Empress.
Jiang Yingli tried it on the two of them and was amazed at how effective Zheng Lan'er's eyesight was.
She didn't see Xiao Chen'an and Xiao Jinhuan often, but the clothes they made were the right size for her.
Jiang Yingli took her two children to see her and talked to her for a long time.
Zheng Laner's worry that her things would not be appreciated was finally resolved.
When Xiao Chen'an and Xiao Jinhuan were five years old, they had to start school.
Xiao Chenglan appointed Liu Xingjian, Song Zhang, and Shen Xi as the Prince's Grand Tutor, the Prince's Junior Preceptor, and the Prince's Grand Protector respectively, and they were called the Prince's Three Masters, to jointly teach and assist the Prince, while Jiang Zhao was responsible for teaching martial arts.
The two of them even go to and from school together.
The spring of the tenth year of Jiaqi's reign also happened to be the tenth year that the concubines had entered the palace.
Xiao Chenglan issued an edict, deciding to disband the harem, but everyone could decide whether to stay or leave.
The moment Jiang Yingli heard the news, she felt both happy and worried.
This joy not only includes the joy for His Majesty's determination to stay with her forever, but also the joy for the concubines who do not have to waste their time in the palace.
However, they were nominally His Majesty's concubines. What would happen to them if they left the palace? However, Jiang Yingli quickly put aside this worry.
She believed that His Majesty was not someone who made decisions casually.
Your Majesty can make this decision and will surely be able to properly accommodate everyone.
Jiang Yingli gathered the concubines together and first calmed their anxious emotions.
In the afternoon, Xiao Chenglan summoned all the concubines in Changqing Palace.
This is the first time for everyone to come here, and they feel that this matter is very serious. It is indeed true. After all, this is a major matter that concerns the rest of their lives.
They believed what the Queen said and that His Majesty would be able to properly accommodate them.
Xiao Chenglan sat on the dragon throne and glanced at the concubines below. He knew that Jiang Yingli had comforted them and they did not look as scared and worried as he had imagined.
"Although I have no affection for you, you were chosen by me after all. I have a responsibility to you. Dismissing you does not mean driving you out without a care. Over the years, the people have rested and recuperated, the economy has prospered, and secular customs have gradually changed. That is why I mentioned this matter."
After hearing this, everyone felt more at ease, and those who were originally panicked actually felt a little bit of anticipation.
If they can be properly resettled, does it mean that they can live a different life?
Reassured, Xiao Chenglan continued, "I will grant you a golden plaque inscribed with the words 'Returning in Honor' and sufficient silver to live out the rest of your lives in wealth and luxury. If your families are willing to accept you back, then there's nothing more to say. If not, I will instruct the Ministry of Revenue to establish separate households for you. You can purchase your own houses and become the heads of your families. With the imperial golden plaque denoting your return in honor, no one will dare to bully you."
"However, I also know that people's words can be frightening. If any of you cannot return home and do not want to live alone in the world, I will send you to another palace. You can live there together, and it will be no different from living in the palace. However, I promise you that in five years at most, this world will be completely changed. No one will criticize widowed women anymore. Then, you will be truly free."
"However, if you don't want to leave the palace, I won't force you out. If you have decided where to go, please tell me."
Xiao Chenglan's words were very detailed and he described all the situations clearly. The concubines were all extremely surprised.
They knew that His Majesty would find a way out for them, but they didn't expect it to be so perfect!
No one knew who started crying first, but all the concubines started crying, crying for their own new life and for the kindness of His Majesty.
They bowed to the ground and shouted in unison:
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace!"
The only one who didn't cry was Song Wanyan. She was the first to speak out: "Your Majesty, I want to return home. Please allow me to do so. I don't need a gold plaque or silver."
"allow."
Ying Zhaoyi was the second to come out, her tone full of anticipation: "Your Majesty, I want to establish a household for my daughter, and I need a gold plaque and silver."
"allow."
Then, one by one, everyone made their choice.
Only four people chose to return home, thirteen people chose to establish a female household, and three people chose to live in another palace together. No one stayed in the palace.
They also knew in their hearts that when His Majesty first ascended the throne, power fell into other people's hands, and the selection of concubines was a last resort to win over power. From the beginning to the end, His Majesty only wanted to be with the Queen for the rest of his life.
His Majesty chose to leave the harem empty and thought of a way out for them, and they also had to consider His Majesty and the Empress.
Besides, no matter which way out, it is better than staying in the palace.
Life in the palace is peaceful and comfortable, but after all, it is only this little world.
After everyone had made their choice, Xiao Chenglan sent someone to do the job. In the middle of the process, he seemed to remember something and added:
"Also, if you wish to remarry in the future, I will not restrict you. If you wish, I can personally arrange a marriage for you."
The concubines were shocked again.
Although His Majesty is the emperor, he will not erect a chastity arch for them. He does not think that if they become his concubines for a day, they must remain faithful to him for the rest of their lives.
"Your Majesty, your humble servants thank you for your grace!" The concubines once again expressed their gratitude in unison.
Although they have no idea about marriage now, after seeing His Majesty and His Majesty, they have some longing in their hearts.
"Since you are no longer my concubine, you should change your name from now on."
Everyone looked at each other and said with a smile: "Yes, your servants obey your command!"
The concubines walked out of Changqing Palace with a new look on their faces, but one of them went against the flow of people and came to Xiao Chenglan's side.
Jiang Yingli sat down on the dragon throne, rested her head on Xiao Chenglan's chest, and put her arms around his waist.
Xiao Chenglan smiled and lifted her chin, his tone seeming to take credit: "Well, did I do a good job? This should be a decision that can make you feel at ease."
Jiang Yingli kissed the side of his face. "Mm! Your Majesty is the best. Li'er really likes this kind of Your Majesty. You are responsible and capable of taking on responsibilities. It makes Li'er feel at ease. I can rely on and admire you wholeheartedly. Li'er is almost completely bewitched by Your Majesty."
Xiao Chenglan smiled happily.
He looked up at Fu Wanquan and gave him a wink?
Fu Wanquan received the message and quickly asked all the palace people in the hall to leave, and he also went out quickly.
Xiao Chenglan pushed Jiang Yingli down on the dragon throne, gently caressing her face with the back of his hand. Jiang Yingli skillfully hooked her arm around his neck...
In the hall, a censer with auspicious beasts burning incense emanated wisps of smoke. Behind the smoke, there was an ambiguous, flickering light and shadow. However, all the beautiful scenery was completely obscured by the black and gold dragon robe...
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