As the ruler of a country, Lin Muheng is now extremely busy with countless affairs of state.
However, despite his busy schedule, his desire to have a child never faded, and he could only squeeze in a visit to Fengning Palace to "cultivate" his child whenever he could between handling government affairs.
In stark contrast to Lin Muheng, Jiang Chuwei was enjoying her most leisurely and carefree time.
After all, the harem is now occupied by the late emperor's concubines, and the Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager live in seclusion and rarely see outsiders, so there is no need for her to go and pay her respects.
Such a free and unrestrained lifestyle is truly enviable.
During this leisurely period, Jiang Chuwei spent most of her time with Lin Mulang.
This child was exceptionally well-behaved and sensible, making him all the more endearing. From some point onward, he stopped addressing Jiang Chuwei as "Your Majesty the Empress," and instead called her "Sister-in-law" repeatedly, his sweet voice seemingly capable of melting hearts.
With Lin Mulang by his side, Fengning Palace was filled with laughter and joy every day.
Meanwhile, after Emperor Rongsheng passed away, his concubines became more united and harmonious than ever before.
There may have been open and covert struggles and intrigues in the past, but now everyone seems to have put aside past grievances and grudges.
The Imperial Garden is now often filled with the joyful laughter of the concubines.
Aside from the women sent by the Nanning Kingdom, Lin Muheng bestowed upon them all the favor of promotion in rank.
As a result, the entire palace was immersed in a harmonious and congenial atmosphere.
The Empress was easy to get along with, and the Emperor didn't interfere with them, so it seemed that their lives were much more comfortable than when Emperor Rongsheng was alive.
As usual, Jiang Chuwei was teasing Lin Mulang when Granny Qiu came to report, "Your Highness! The nannies from Cixi Palace have arrived."
"Please come in quickly!"
"This servant greets Your Majesty the Empress!"
After the nanny beside the Empress Dowager bowed, she said, "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager requests your presence."
After carefully dressing up, Jiang Chuwei wore a gorgeous brocade dress, the hem of which swayed gracefully.
She followed the nanny who was leading the way, passing through palaces and corridors, and finally arrived at the solemn and majestic Cixi Palace.
Upon entering the palace gates, one can see incense smoke curling and candlelight flickering within the hall.
Jiang Chuwei walked slowly forward, and when she finally saw the Empress Dowager sitting on the phoenix throne, she couldn't help but feel a strong sense of shock.
Originally, in Jiang Chuwei's imagination, this Empress Dowager, who devoted herself to Buddhism and lived a secluded life, should have been living a peaceful and comfortable life, and her face should have been radiant and kind.
However, what was seen before them was quite different—the Empress Dowager's face was so thin that she had almost no flesh on it, and her deeply sunken eyes looked lifeless.
If one did not know her identity beforehand, and were to leave her in such a state on the street, it would be difficult for anyone to associate her with the incomparably noble Empress Dowager.
Despite her inner astonishment, Jiang Chuwei quickly regained her composure, stepped forward, and respectfully bowed to the Empress Dowager.
At this moment, the Empress Dowager's face no longer held the majesty of the past; instead, it displayed a peaceful and serene expression.
After Jiang Chuwei finished her greetings and stood up, she heard the Empress Dowager say in a gentle voice, "Sit down!" So Jiang Chuwei followed her instructions and sat down gently on the chair below.
The Empress Dowager slightly raised her eyes, looked at Jiang Chuwei, and said bluntly, "I have something to say to the Empress that I have invited her here today."
Jiang Chuwei quickly nodded in response, "Your Majesty, please speak. Your subject will listen attentively."
Then, the Empress Dowager continued, "Now that the Emperor has successfully ascended the throne, it is inappropriate for the late Emperor's concubines to still reside in the inner palace." Her words were direct and to the point.
"What exactly is Grandmother's plan?" Jiang Chuwei asked the Empress Dowager with a puzzled look on her face.
Jiang Chuwei didn't have many thoughts about letting these women live in the harem.
After all, although this kind of thing is somewhat against the rules, Lin Muheng's harem is empty, with only her as the empress.
Those palaces are empty anyway, so it wouldn't hurt to let them stay there for a while.
However, Jiang Chuwei had many concerns in mind that prevented her from taking action to move these women out of the palace.
Firstly, it was a period of mourning, and there was the precedent set by Consort Jing; secondly, Jiang Chuwei couldn't bear to do it, worrying that there might be some as devoted as Consort Jing among them. If they were expelled from the palace and sent to temples for spiritual practice, they probably wouldn't even have a shred of hope left.
So Jiang Chuwei thought to herself, "Let's wait and see."
This wait has dragged on until now.
Even the Empress Dowager, who usually didn't get involved in affairs, couldn't stand it anymore.
At this moment, the Empress Dowager was staring intently at Jiang Chuwei, thinking to herself: Is the Empress still young and carefree, completely unguarded about this matter, or is she too trusting of the Emperor?
You should know that there are many young and beautiful women in this harem!
Moreover, there are quite a few who are even younger than Jiang Chuwei.
Once they harbor inappropriate thoughts, it's virtually impossible to guard against them.
Despite being a concubine of the late emperor, such entanglements between a father's concubine and his son have been commonplace and countless throughout history!
"I know you are kind-hearted, but these concubines are trapped in this palace for life, with almost no chance to leave. They are like prisoners in a magnificent cage, how different is it from a cold and lonely temple? It's just a transfer from one cage to another."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Chuwei quickly and respectfully replied, "Yes, it was all due to my oversight; I misunderstood something."
Then, the Empress Dowager nodded slightly and continued, "Very good. You should discuss this with the Emperor as soon as possible and choose an auspicious day to send them to the temple."
Jiang Chuwei quickly agreed, "Yes, Your Majesty, I understand. I will first send people to clean and tidy up the temple, so please rest assured, Your Majesty. As for all their living needs in the temple, I will arrange everything properly and take good care of them, ensuring they suffer no hardship whatsoever."
Jiang Chuwei said sincerely.
It's amazing that the Empress Dowager still cares about them!
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