Liang Jiugong looked at the list of candidates for the imperial concubines that His Majesty was pointing to.
The daughter of Lingzhu, a fourth-rank official of the Manchu Bordered Yellow Banner, of the Niohuru clan.
This Niohuru clan member is related to the late Consort Wenxi of the Niohuru clan, but she is not from the direct line. To be precise, she is only from a collateral branch of the Niohuru clan, and she is insignificant in the court.
Last time, His Majesty asked about the Fourth Prince's backyard. Although this Niohuru clan member's family background was not particularly illustrious, it was still a common surname.
Thinking further, the women in the inner palace have always been connected to the previous dynasty. If a prince were to add a Manchu aunt from a prominent family to his inner palace, then all the princes would have to consider His Majesty's intentions.
Didn't you see His Majesty asking Consort De who she had chosen for the Fourth Prince?
Among the four consorts Hui, Rong, Yi, and De, Consort De had the lowest social status and background, yet she managed to reach her current position while remaining humble, which may not be displeasing to His Majesty.
Then, the Fourth Prince saved the Crown Prince, and was injured in the process.
Even the Emperor would have to consider some maternal affection, so when choosing someone from the Fourth Prince's harem, he certainly wouldn't want the Fourth Prince to become a thorn in everyone's side.
At present, the Fourth Prince has won the Emperor's favor.
Previously, it was because the Fourth Prince was cautious and never formed cliques, handled his duties at the Ministry of Revenue properly and excellently, and held the Emperor in the highest esteem and respect.
The Fourth Prince was also a man who did not compete or fight. For example, regarding the snow disaster relief in the capital before the New Year, although His Majesty did not say anything, he was probably aware of the situation.
One thing after another, piled up, were enough to make His Majesty look at the fourth prince in a different light.
It's just that the fourth brother is a bit too dense when it comes to things like the backyard.
The Emperor tossed the list of candidates to Liang Jiugong, then instructed, "Tell Baocheng to have the imperial physician keep a close eye on it. Inform the Consort and the Four Consorts of the selected candidates."
This means that it's settled and won't be changed.
Liang Jiugong understood, and waited until His Majesty took a midday rest before personally delivering the message.
To be fair, among the four consorts, if Consort De is second in terms of being low-key and peaceful, then probably no one in the entire harem would dare to claim the first spot.
Even when Liang Jiugong presented the finalized list to Consort De, Consort De's expression did not change much.
However, they are all seasoned veterans who have spent many years in the palace, so even if they have something on their mind, they probably won't show it on their faces.
After Granny Zhao saw Liang Jiugong off, Consort De couldn't help but shake her head when Granny Zhao returned: "What a mess this has made—"
Granny Zhao approached, but dared not sigh, and said only, "It's His Majesty who is praising our Fourth Master."
Consort De shook her head again: "I know that the fourth prince has done a good job. It's only a matter of time before he is granted the title of Prince of the Second Rank or Prince of the First Rank. Right now, the Crown Prince is ill and the Prince of the Second Rank is also staying at home. I'm afraid that if he becomes too big for his own good, he will attract unwanted attention and put the fourth prince in danger."
The matter of the Crown Prince falling off his horse due to fright has not yet been investigated. The faction of the Prince of Zhi is in a state of panic, while the faction of the Crown Prince is indignant. To make matters worse, the Fourth Prince is also caught in the middle.
Consort De was indeed cautious, but also insightful.
"That's fine then. Besides, the Niohuru family's father and brothers aren't very capable and haven't accomplished anything. There are quite a few Manchus in the prince's harem as well—I'm afraid that while things are peaceful outside, things will turn into chaos in the back first."
This is the backyard that they don't trust the fourth son with.
Zhao Mama could only comfort her: "These days, the Fourth Prince has been taking care of his health, and the Princess Consort has been praying for him with all her heart. She is very dedicated. In addition, the Second Prince is weak, so the Princess Consort is also unable to spare any attention. Your Majesty need not worry."
Consort De snorted: "She's been like this these days because she has things to do. She knows that the Fourth Prince's health is more important than anything else. Now that the Fourth Prince is fully recovered and the imperial concubine selection is nearing its end, how could she not know? Have you forgotten how often she came to see me these past few days?"
It was precisely because Consort De always acted discreetly that she disliked the way the Fujin behaved, insisting on keeping everything firmly in her own hands, as if anything she didn't know would harm her.
Consort De was tired for the sake of the Fujin.
"Since she's so insistent on knowing who's coming to the mansion this time, I'll tell her first now that I know from His Majesty, so she can rest assured."
Upon hearing this, Granny Zhao looked helpless: "Why does Your Highness have to say such hurtful things?"
Consort De suddenly laughed: "So it's only her who comes to disturb my peace every day, right? Fine, fine. Next time the Fourth Prince's wife comes, just say I'm sick. When the new lady enters the mansion, just inform the Princess Consort."
Zhao Mama bowed and agreed, naturally understanding that her mistress had indeed said those words in anger.
"By the way, please have Liu and Niohuru come to my place in a few days. I have a few words to tell them."
This is different. Last time when Consort Bai and Consort Li entered the mansion, Consort De didn't say anything. She just had the two consorts stand outside the curtain, glanced at the rules a few times, and then let it go.
This time, he directly stated that he had some instructions to give to the two princesses.
Granny Zhao looked at Consort De with a hint of surprise in her eyes.
Consort De had spoken a great deal, and was inevitably a little tired at this moment: "Times have changed."
Consort De only said this one sentence.
Yes, times have changed.
Three years have passed. Some people are still favored, while others have long lost the fourth prince's heart. Some are lucky, while others are not.
Every woman in the backyard has a different fate, and in the end, it is inevitable that trouble will easily arise.
Consort De sighed, "Which woman in the inner palace hasn't gone through this?"
Granny Zhao noted this down, and then couldn't help but say, "Today, Steward Liang came and, besides talking about the selection of imperial concubines, he also mentioned something else."
Consort De looked at her: "What is it?"
"With spring approaching, the Yangtze River is bound to rise. His Majesty inspected the Yongding River works before spring even arrived. Around mid-to-late April, His Majesty will likely make a southern tour."
Last time during the southern tour, His Majesty didn't specifically mention any of the older princes. Now that Liang Jiugong is suddenly bringing this up with Granny Zhao, it can only mean one thing—
Consort De, who had been tilting her head, turned around immediately after hearing what Zhao Mama said.
"Is His Majesty going to take the Fourth Prince with him on this southern tour? No, no, no, it's probably more than just the Fourth Prince."
Consort De quickly figured out the key to the matter; it was probably because the fourth prince had protected the crown prince who had fallen off his horse in fright.
These matters, one by one, are quite troublesome.
Consort De pondered for a moment: "It would be good to let the fourth prince go out for a walk. A southern tour is always more comfortable and pleasant than a northern tour."
Absolutely! A southern tour during spring and summer is indeed very comfortable.
Consort De had accompanied the Emperor on his southern tours when she was young and favored by the Emperor.
Consort De was discussing this matter with Granny Zhao when suddenly He Zhongyi outside announced that the Fourth Prince had come to pay his respects.
Upon hearing this, Consort De couldn't help but smile.
"Fourth Brother is still the one who can't take a bit of nagging. He's only just recovered from his illness, what's he doing coming to the palace in the wind again? Quickly call Fourteenth Brother over, isn't he worried about his Fourth Brother?"
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