Chapter 868 The more I look at Consort Song's gossipy manner, the more annoying she becomes.
Xiao Yu came out of the study, not knowing why he said Jiang Jinyan was sick; he just blurted it out.
However, the Emperor didn't seem to suspect anything else. Was Jiang Jinyan really sick? Why didn't he attend the morning court session?
Xiao Yu was also full of doubts, and he had to go to the Jiang residence.
"Lord Xiao." Hongxiu walked up to Xiao Yu and curtsied, handing him something. "This is from the Empress, who ordered me to give it to you."
It was an exquisite brocade box. Just as Xiao Yu was about to open it, Hongxiu glanced around and whispered, "Don't open it now. Lord Xiao went to the Jiang residence and gave this to the eldest young master."
Hongxiu thought for a while and then said, "Her Majesty said that it is acceptable for Young Master Xiao to keep it. Please help Her Majesty investigate the origin of this item and the matter of the ancient Yinchuan Kingdom."
Xiao Yu had already guessed what was inside: the Ice Phoenix Seal that the man in black had given to the Empress. If this thing was really important, why did the man in black hand it over to her so easily?
He said, "Okay."
Hongxiu returned to Kunning Palace, where Consort Song and Consort Gao were also present. She glanced at Jiang Fenghua and then withdrew.
Jiang Fenghua took a sip of tea and smiled, "I have already made arrangements. Consort Shu and Consort Gui, please get to work. It's a rare opportunity for all the concubines in the harem to go to the hunting grounds together for the hunt and polo match."
Song Qing was in a good mood today, her lips curved into a charming smile, and she said gently, "Your Majesty, I will certainly share your burdens and make proper arrangements for the sisters in the harem."
Gao Qingtong knew that Consort Song had been favored by the Emperor last night. She only looked at the Empress's expression, which was no different from usual. She said, "Your Majesty, I will remind all the sisters in the palace to take good care of them."
Jiang Fenghua said in a deep voice, "That would be best."
She added, "You've all heard, haven't you? Consort Lan has been found, and the Emperor has promoted her rank. From now on, she will be Imperial Concubine Lan."
"How come Sister Yanran is back!" Song Qing smiled. "What I mean is that it's so good that she's alright. How did she find her way back? She must have suffered a lot while she was away for so long."
Jiang Fenghua said softly, "She did suffer a lot. She fell off a cliff and into the water, but was rescued by an old woman from the local people. She was in a coma due to serious injuries and only recently woke up. That's when the soldiers who were looking for her at the bottom of the cliff were notified, and that's how they found her."
Gao Qingtong said, "Your Majesty, I would like to visit Consort Lan. I wonder if it would be convenient for you?"
Jiang Fenghua said, "Her injuries are too severe. Let's wait until she's recovered a bit before going. She's terrified and her mental state is not good. It was I who caused her to fall off the cliff. The Emperor's bestowal of the title of Consort on her is to give the Helan family an explanation. Don't take it to heart."
She was saying this to Song Qing. General Peng was the Emperor's trusted and beloved general. Song Qing must not act rashly and fail to cherish the peace and tranquility of the moment.
Song Qing was still somewhat unhappy. She had given birth to the imperial heir and only then was she granted the title of Consort Shu, while He Lan Yanran had nothing but was inexplicably granted the title of Consort Lan.
Song Qing understood perfectly well that it was simply because Helan Yanran's father was the Marquis of Changping, and the Helan family was a powerful and influential clan, so she could easily obtain a position based on her status.
The Song family was not yet able to squeeze into the noble circles of Shengjing City, so she wanted to make sure that the Song family had a place in Shengjing City. Although her uncle was highly regarded by the emperor, the Song family members were all unknown.
Gao Qingtong said, "Your Majesty, I understand. I'll have someone send some tonics over there!"
Jiang Fenghua said, "Send some over!"
The three chatted for a while longer before Gao Qingtong and Song Qing left Kunning Palace.
As soon as they left Kunning Palace, Song Qing pulled Gao Qingtong aside and started gossiping about Helan Yanran, "Does Consort Gui think what the Empress said is true?"
Gao Qingtong asked in a deep voice, "What do you mean?"
Song Qing leaned closer to Shang Qingtong's ear and asked, "Have you heard?"
"What?" Gao Qingtong pretended not to understand.
"Helan Yanran was sent to the palace by the Helan family. The Emperor didn't send her back to Chaoyang Palace directly, but instead sent her to a side hall of Qianqing Palace, and even asked a nanny to go there." Song Qing said with a gossipy look.
Gao Qingtong narrowed her eyes slightly, "And then?"
"Heh, I bet something must have happened to her outside the palace. Otherwise, why would the Emperor send a nanny? And it wouldn't be a palace nanny; it's more like someone from outside who was secretly sent out of the palace." Song Qing added, "I heard there was a lot of blood on the cloth. So much blood; it doesn't look like a serious injury..."
With her high-definition pupils and cold gaze, Song Qing had been using eyeliner extensively in the palace over the years.
She said, "Sister Shufei, you haven't forgotten the palace rules just because you were favored by the Emperor last night, have you? Her Majesty the Empress said that Consort Lan was seriously injured outside the palace, so isn't it normal to have blood on her clothes?"
Gao Qingtong didn't want to discuss this topic with her anymore, so she left.
Song Qing was stunned. What did her being favored by the emperor have to do with the rules of the palace? He Lan Yanran was indeed very suspicious!
The reason why the emperor suddenly bestowed upon her the title of concubine is very suspicious.
Song Qing muttered, "He Lan Yanran has been missing for several months. Now that she's back, is she still a virgin? Who can say for sure?"
Dong'er stood to the side and whispered in Song Qing's ear, "If it weren't for the fact that I needed to inquire about Consort Lan's situation..."
Song Qing said, "Her Majesty the Empress has ordered that no one is allowed to visit her while she is recuperating. It would be inappropriate for you to go now and let the Empress know. Let's wait a bit longer. There are hunting competitions and polo matches going to be held in Shengjing City. Dong'er, what was I best at when we were in our hometown?"
Dong'er smiled and said, "Your Highness also wants to play polo, but you are a concubine in the palace. Will the Emperor allow it?"
"I am General Peng's niece, from a military family. How can the nobles of Shengjing see the Song family if I don't participate? Your Majesty means that in addition to the envoys, even the young masters and ladies of the noble families in Shengjing can participate."
She added, "If Her Majesty the Empress were to participate, I would find a way to team up with her. Wouldn't that be perfectly legitimate?"
She also wanted the men of the Song family to register. If they could catch the emperor's eye, it would be an opportunity. Although she was a concubine in the palace, she couldn't influence the emperor's pillow talk.
With that thought, Song Qing put He Lan Yanran's matter out of her mind.
Lianye happened to be standing in the corner and saw Consort Song and her servant whispering something. She couldn't hear clearly because they were far apart, but she could vaguely make out some details.
Is Consort Song going to play polo?
Lianye returned to the palace and told the Empress about it.
Jiang Fenghua remained calm and said in a deep voice, "The Emperor did not say that the concubines in the palace were not allowed to participate. Consort Song is currently favored by the Emperor. If she makes a request, the Emperor may grant it."
Lianye said, "Consort Song's ambition to seize the emperor's favor is becoming more and more obvious. How could she have taken advantage of this last night? I'm so angry."
Jiang Fenghua said, "What are you angry about? What is there for you to be angry about?"
"This servant is just angry..." Lianye hesitated, her mistress was married to the emperor, so it was not strange that the emperor wanted to favor other concubines.
She changed the subject: "The more I look at Consort Song's gossipy nature, the more annoying she becomes."
Jiang Fenghua smiled and said, "I recently assigned you to take care of the children, and you've worked hard. From now on, I'll take care of them myself. Go find Lin Feng!"
Lianye said, "He went out of the palace to do business for the Emperor."
Jiang Fenghua was surprised that Lianye and Lin Feng were even reporting their whereabouts to each other, and their relationship was getting better and better.
Thinking of the debt she owed to Lianye in her previous life, she must be very happy in this life!
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