Accompanying driver
"They say that in order to consolidate her position, the Queen Mother did not hesitate to harm other men who were not born into the Li family. Concubine Yi's He Ye and Concubine Bai's He Tun were both killed by the Queen Mother."
Of the eight princes currently residing in the palace, aside from the eldest princes Heyan, Hexuan, and Heyun, born to Concubine Yi, and Concubine An, the rest were all descended from the three Li sisters. The Li family had five princes, one of whom was the crown prince, and had recently been very high-spirited in the court.
"The person behind this is trying to turn us sisters against each other, to make everyone in the palace suspicious of the Queen, and to make the princes fight each other." Li Qingping sneered, "And yet, there's not a single piece of news in the palace, yet it's accurately reached the ears of you princes and princesses out there."
Li Qingping's blood-based ties with the Empress and Consort Ke ensured a close bond between their sons and daughters. However, these strong bonds created anxiety among those who feared the Li family's in-laws would become too powerful, leading them to plot to break up this natural Li alliance. After all, it's not uncommon for sisters to turn against each other in the harem, and even for brothers to become sworn enemies.
Once this news spreads, who can guess what Concubine Yi and Noble Lady Bai are thinking after losing their son?
What about Emperor Yongping? When Li Qingping and Concubine Ke gave birth to children one after another, did he foresee the current situation?
"Concubine Yi and He Yan may not be innocent in this." Yu Jin said, twirling the beads in her hand. "After all, Father is the eldest son of the Emperor. If this incident with Mother, the Crown Prince, you, and my aunt leaves a thorn in Father's heart, they will undoubtedly be the first to benefit."
Li Qingping lowered his head and drank a sip of tea, his eyes dark. "Behind Concubine Yi is still the Wan family."
Yu Jin frowned and said, "Aunt, nowadays, the palace is different from the prince's mansion. It's hard to understand what everyone is thinking, and everyone tends to assume the worst."
Li Qingping closed his eyes and nodded.
This was happening in Yonghe Palace, and in the Queen's Kunning Palace, the Crown Princess was also talking to the Queen about this matter.
"That day, my third brother's wife came and told my daughter-in-law about it. It was pure nonsense!"
The Crown Princess lived in the Eastern Palace, and wasn't always up to date with outside news. Fortunately, the Princess of Dun County had a good relationship with her, so she took a look and told the Crown Princess about it.
Queen Li sat on the Phoenix Throne, with her head propped up, saying nothing.
The Crown Princess was a little nervous. Although she didn't want to be suspicious of her mother-in-law, she felt that the rumor made some sense when she heard it.
It happened that those who died were other people's children, while the seven children of the three sisters of the Li family survived safely. It was not difficult for Queen Li, who had absolute control over the backyard of the palace at that time, to assassinate and protect them.
But the Crown Princess felt that Empress Li had no business doing such a thing. First, her position was secure because of her legitimate son, and no matter how many sons someone else had, they wouldn't pose a threat to her. Furthermore, if she did have any, she would simply earn Emperor Yongping's dislike. Second, if she were truly that ruthless, she wouldn't have spared any of them, nor would she have allowed Concubine Yi to bear a son. Finally, Empress Ping'an, the fifth princess born to Concubine Yang, was raised with such care. Would such a person really have laid hands on a child?
"Mother?" the Crown Princess called out cautiously.
Queen Li then slowly rolled her eyes, indicating that she understood, and said with a smile: "In our time, everyone is treated equally. Who can you blame for not being able to get pregnant or keep a baby?"
"I haven't even had time to settle the score yet, and yet you're the one rushing to offer me some evidence."
Empress Li smiled at the Crown Princess and said, "You don't have to worry about this, and just pretend you don't know and haven't told me. Prince Yong and Yulang are getting married next year, so many things need to be taken care of. Plus, it's the first year of the new emperor's reign, so I have to slowly figure things out. Now that summer has arrived and the weather is getting hot, everyone needs to allocate funds, and I'm busy as hell. I used to be able to help out with Concubine Ding in the Qiandi Palace, but now it's difficult to go over there and find her. I can only ask you for help."
The Crown Princess's face lit up with joy, and she said respectfully, "It is a daughter-in-law's duty to share the worries of her mother."
Of the two consorts, Concubine Ke was her younger sister, which didn't matter much. However, Empress Li didn't want Concubine Yi to have any influence at all. At least not yet. Upon ascending the throne, not only did the emperor need to establish his authority, but the empress also did the same within the harem. If Concubine Yi were to gain access to palace power at this time, who knows how many people would be worried.
The Crown Princess was different. It was legitimate for her to assist in managing the six palaces.
Queen Li assigned some simpler chores, such as managing the flower and plant room, to the Crown Princess for her to practice first.
Only after the Crown Princess left with a smile on her face did Queen Li continue to handle the remaining palace affairs.
Yu Jin stayed in Yonghe Palace for lunch before leaving the palace with her two children. She heard that the eldest princess's husband, Zhao Fengming, had been waiting at the palace gate for a long time.
Li Qingping couldn't help but laugh after hearing what the palace maid said: "Although the Prince Consort is taciturn, he is very kind to Yujin."
Yun Suyun Zao massaged her shoulders and legs, and upon hearing this, she remarked, "The eldest prince consort is indeed very kind to the princess. Some time ago, when the princess was in a bad mood, the prince consort even took her horse racing." She then whispered, "I heard that although the second prince consort doesn't dare to disrespect Princess Changle, the couple usually don't say much to each other."
Li Qingping sighed, "Let the children live their lives as they wish."
The rumors outside the palace were growing more intense, but Empress Li sat on the throne, watching with a cold eye. She couldn't do anything until the rumors reached the palace, as the palace affairs at hand were more urgent.
Until someone reported the matter to the court, Emperor Yongping said nothing on the spot and left in anger after it was over.
The court officials were somewhat bewildered. The minister who had spoken of this matter was sweating profusely and was extremely nervous. What kind of reaction was this? Neither happy nor angry, that was what was frightening.
Yonghe Palace.
"Greetings to Consort Ke and Consort Ding. May both be blessed with good fortune." A delightful and cheerful eunuch arrived from the Palace of Heavenly Purity and said, "The Emperor has summoned Consort Ding to accompany him."
Li Qingping and Concubine Ke looked at each other.
Over the years, Emperor Yongping has become increasingly fond of talking to Li Qingping. Although Li Qingping's number of sleeping with the emperor is not very high, the number of times he has accompanied the emperor is unmatched by others.
The young eunuch was still waiting for the Empress to speak when Li Qingping said, "Thank you, Eunuch. I understand. I will change my clothes and go to serve the Emperor. Yunsu, please take Eunuch down to have some tea."
"It's an unfortunate coincidence that I can't have dinner with my sister." Concubine Ke pouted and said, "But it's still important for me to accompany you."
Li Qingping comforted her, "I'll go to Chengqian Palace tomorrow and we'll be together again."
After changing her clothes and packing up briefly, Li Qingping took a sedan chair to the Qianqing Palace. When she arrived, Emperor Yongping was reviewing memorials.
“Your Majesty…”
Li Qingping was about to salute, but Emperor Yongping said it was not necessary. Liang Pei'an cleverly moved a chair and placed it next to the emperor, and Emperor Yongping asked the person to sit there.
Emperor Yongping asked, "I heard that Concubine Ke was in your palace just now?"
Li Qingping had just responded when Emperor Yongping laughed, "Hasn't she been busy embroidering Yulang's wedding gown lately? It's rare for her to have time to go out for a walk, but I've snatched her away."
"You know, Concubine Ke's eyes were full of resentment just now." Li Qingping saw that he was in a good mood, and unconsciously relaxed and smiled, "Tomorrow, you will ask me to go to Chengqian Palace to comfort her."
"Concubine Ke's temperament... I see that He Xian and Yu Lang are just like their mother, equally spoiled. Especially He Xian, his wife is even better at riding and shooting than him, and he doesn't feel ashamed."
Li Qingping cleared his throat: "...Your Majesty, everyone has their strengths. He Xian is just not good at riding and shooting."
"Forget it. I don't have much hope for He Xian." Emperor Yongping sighed.
When Emperor Yongping finished his work, Liang Pei'an served the meal and Li Qingping accompanied him to eat.
Even though he was now the emperor, Emperor Yongping still maintained his previous habit in the palace and did not like too many people to serve him at meals, so most of the palace servants were waiting outside, with only Liang Pei'an and a little palace maid serving meals to his two masters respectively.
"This Jade and Gold Roll is delicious. I remember Cancan and Heluo also like it. Tonight's dinner will be sent to Yonghe Palace and the prince's residence respectively."
Emperor Yongping saw Li Qingping signaling the little palace maid to pick up the dish for the third time, and immediately gave the same instruction to Liang Pei'an. Liang Pei'an naturally hurriedly took note and turned around to give the order to the imperial kitchen.
Li Qingping first thanked the emperor, then smiled and winked at another dish and said, "Your Majesty, I think Hechang will like the shrimp and tofu soup."
Emperor Yongping said indifferently: "Okay, then send them over together."
Liang Pei'an was taking notes silently beside him.
It's strange to say, this Concubine Ding has been silent since she came to the palace, but the Emperor has been very tolerant of her from beginning to end and has never been angry. You know, even the favored Concubine Ke and Concubine Yi have been reprimanded to some extent.
After the meal, during the lunch break, Emperor Yongping leaned on the couch with Li Qingping in his arms and chatted: "Is Yujin's Huiwen about to be a year old?"
Li Qingping smiled and said, "Next month."
Emperor Yongping said, "I will allow you to leave the palace that day to attend Huiwen's first birthday banquet."
Li Qingping was pleasantly surprised. Although he felt that it was definitely not just a matter of the first birthday party, it was still a rare opportunity, so he hurriedly thanked him.
Emperor Yongping favored his eldest daughter just as Emperor Wenzong favored Emperor Qianyuan. He sighed, "It's a pity that Zhao Fengming is the youngest son, and it won't be Chengyi's turn to be the heir apparent of the royal palace. Girls don't have to worry so much. What do you say about me making Huiwen a princess?"
"Yu Jin is the eldest princess, so her eldest daughter deserves to be named a princess." Li Qingping said thoughtfully, "Of course, the emperor loves her so much. Both Yu Jin and I will obey the emperor."
In fact, Emperor Yongping had already had this idea, and immediately called Liang Pei'an in to listen to the oral order, which was to confer the title of Princess Mianfu on Zhao Huiwen, the eldest daughter of Princess Mingjing. The imperial edict had been prepared long ago, and only the title was missing. Liang Pei'an knelt down and wrote the title in front of the emperor, affixed the seal, and waited for the decree to be announced.
"Mianfu, Mianfu, continuous blessings and auspiciousness, the divine grace is as great and heavy as Mount Tai." A hint of surprise flashed in Li Qingping's eyes.
But Li Qingping didn't say anything at this moment, fearing she wouldn't be able to suppress her feelings. Emperor Yongping was in high spirits, so she wouldn't risk disobeying him. She'd ask Yunsu to find some of her and Yujin's old clothes and a peace locket and send them over. With the protection of her elders, she wouldn't be afraid of being unable to suppress her feelings.
"Has Yu Jin said anything to you since she came to the palace these days?" Emperor Yongping asked suddenly when Li Qingping was thinking of giving her old clothes and a peace locket.
Li Qingping looked up and saw that the emperor looked fine, and was even in the mood to play with her hair.
It seems that Emperor Yongping knows what's going on.
"Yes. They say that the Empress is harming the heir to the throne. It's ridiculous. I wonder who let it out." Li Qingping sneered and leaned on Emperor Yongping's shoulder as if complaining, "But I have told Yujin not to let the Empress know about these unpleasant things. Recently, the Empress has asked the imperial physician to prescribe a calming tea because of the busy palace affairs."
"I, the Queen, and I have been married for over twenty years, and I also find this outrageous. However, rumors are just rumors, and seeing is believing."
In reality, Emperor Yongping didn't believe a word of the rumors. He had originally intended to give the three Li sisters their children. If he wanted to prevent them from getting pregnant, he had many ways to do it, like playing with the spices.
Furthermore, Empress Li was a wise enough wife to understand her husband's limits of tolerance. She maintained a secure position from beginning to end and would not risk crossing that line of "children." However, at the beginning of his reign, some people were trying to trip up the Empress, which was also a challenge to the Emperor's authority.
Li Qingping thought about the emperor's promise that he would go out of the palace to attend the full moon banquet, and then he suddenly realized.
Although Yu Jin was raised by Li Qingping for a long time, she was ultimately registered under Empress Li's name, a legitimate princess, and her interests were tied to Empress Li. Li Qingping's attendance at Yu Jin's eldest daughter's full-moon banquet demonstrated her solidarity with Empress Li. Emperor Yongping's canonization of Hui Wen as a princess, a prestigious title like Mianfu, was not only a display of favor for his eldest daughter but also a gesture of support for Empress Li.
"Okay, sleep with me for a while."
Emperor Yongping knew from her expression that there was no need for him to say more, so he immediately hugged her and lay down.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
