Chapter 77 She is slapping Concubine Ling in the face
Concubine Ling continued, "If you have nothing to do, you can come to the palace often to keep me company. It just so happens that Yi'er is on duty in the palace, so you two can return home together."
Shen Qingtan's heart moved slightly. Concubine Ling's attitude towards her was a little too enthusiastic, and it seemed that she wanted to get close to her.
The person Emperor Jing'an loved most was Empress Yuanrong. Just because Empress Yuanrong loved Zhao Yi, Emperor Jing'an loved Zhao Yi as well.
Even because Concubine Ling saved Empress Yuanrong, Emperor Jing'an treated Concubine Ling differently.
If she were Concubine Ling, she would definitely be nice to Zhao Yi.
After all, Zhao Yi is not a prince. No matter how much Emperor Jing'an favors him, he will not enthrone Zhao Yi as the crown prince.
What's more, in the eyes of the world, Zhao Yi will not live long.
There is absolutely no interest involved with Concubine Ling.
On the contrary, Concubine Ling treated Zhao Yi well and was able to gain the favor of Emperor Jing'an.
Even so, Concubine Ling still agreed to Marquis Cheng'en and persuaded the Duke's Mansion to confer the title of crown prince on Zhao Jue.
So the most fundamental reason is that Zhao Yi is sick and weak, so Concubine Ling wants to have it both ways?
Shen Qingtan, after understanding Concubine Ling's thoughts, said softly, "Your Majesty is in charge of the affairs of the six palaces. The princes and princesses have grown up and are of marriageable age. I'm afraid Your Majesty will be too busy to spare any time. It would be fine if I only came once or twice, but if I come more than a few times, it will give you a headache."
Shen Mingzhu refused to give in and said, "Your Majesty, I feel a close kinship with you when I see you. I am very happy to come to the palace to entertain you. But you are now the head of the harem and are very busy. How can I bother you?"
As soon as these words came out, the faces of everyone in the hall turned ugly.
Because Concubine Ling expressed her deep sisterly love with the late queen, but in the next instant Shen Mingzhu's words indicated that Concubine Ling was trying to occupy the position.
Isn't this a slap in the face of Concubine Ling?
Imperial Concubine Ling said with a forced smile, "I am only a Imperial Concubine, not the head of the harem. Now that I am in charge of the affairs of the six palaces, I am merely taking care of the emperor's worries."
When Shen Mingzhu saw that Concubine Ling agreed to her words, she did not understand the good or bad in the words and just thought that Concubine Ling was being modest.
She breathed a sigh of relief quietly, and then she paid attention to observing the expressions of Shen Qingtan and the old lady. Seeing that they were all frowning, she couldn't help but lower her head and curl her lips.
She had long understood that these two people just didn't wish her well.
Concubine Ling didn't bother with the fool, but was thinking about the hidden meaning in Shen Qingtan's words.
It was because Shen Qingtan mentioned for no reason that the princes had grown up, and Concubine Ling was very sensitive to this word and had to worry too much.
She probed, "Tan'er, you are a famous talented woman in the capital, and you are friends with the daughters of various families. In your opinion, which daughter is the most suitable for which prince?"
"To answer your Majesty, a good marriage requires more than just equal status; it also requires compatibility of temperament. I am already married and have no contact with men outside my family. All I know about them comes from the Second Master. However, the Second Master rarely goes out and always keeps to himself, let alone interacting with the other princes. He knows nothing about their personalities, let alone me. How could I dare to offer advice to your Majesty? I'm afraid I could cause you more trouble than help you with your problems."
Shen Qingtan couldn't help but purse her lips and smile as she spoke, "Speaking of which, the dragon son that Second Master and I are most familiar with is Prince Yu. I've met him several times during autumn and spring outings. Prince Yu has a gentle and kind temperament, similar to Second Master's. If Second Master weren't so frail, he and Prince Yu would surely share similar interests and become close friends."
Concubine Ling's eyes flickered slightly. Shen Qingtan's words implied that Zhao Yi had never interacted with the other princes and was only familiar with Prince Yu. If the two had the chance to meet, they would likely become good friends.
If Prince Yu and Zhao Yi were on good terms...
"It's a pity that the Second Master's condition is getting worse. The imperial physician has seen no signs of improvement." Shen Qingtan put away her smile and said sarcastically, "The Emperor has showered me with rewards in order to comfort me. He told me to treat the Second Master well and not cause him any trouble."
As soon as he finished speaking, Shen Qingtan's fingers rested on the filigree inlaid bracelet on his wrist.
Concubine Ling's gaze fell on Shen Qingtan's wrist. This kind of bracelet with filigree inlay craftsmanship was only available in the palace, and it was obviously a reward from Emperor Jing'an.
After Shen Qingtan married Zhao Yi, Emperor Jing'an gave her extremely generous rewards.
Such a reward, no other minister's wife has ever been so favored in history.
Concubine Ling began to weigh in her heart and redefine the value of Zhao Yi and Shen Qingtan.
After all, neither of them was stupid, and they both knew that they were testing each other.
Shen Qingtan and Zhao Yi are husband and wife. Was the attitude she expressed instructed by Zhao Yi?
In addition, Zhao Yi and Zhao Jue had a bad relationship. If Zhao Yi's health deteriorated because of her manipulation and pushing Zhao Jue to become the heir to the Duke's Mansion, the emperor might vent his anger on her.
Concubine Ling suppressed her worries and said to Shen Qingtan and Shen Mingzhu, "The flowers in the Imperial Garden are in bloom. I think the scenery is beautiful. You two sisters-in-law should go and enjoy it."
Then, she ordered the palace maid: "Huichun, take them to the imperial garden."
"I obey your command." Huichun respectfully asked the two people to leave Yanxiang Palace.
Shen Qingtan stepped out of the palace and looked back at the Yanxiang Palace with its carved beams and painted rafters, wondering whether Concubine Ling would still ask the Duke's Mansion to confer a title on Zhao Jue.
If she were Consort Ling, she would have persuaded Emperor Jing'an to confer the title of Duke of Jing'an on Zhao Yi, gaining his favor. After Zhao Yi's death, she would have used that favor to make Zhao Jue the heir to the Duke's Mansion.
Grabbed both hands.
Shen Mingzhu was also absent-minded, because no matter what she said, Concubine Ling never looked at her differently, but instead deliberately praised Shen Qingtan.
She felt suffocated and anxious.
The two people's minds were not on the scenery in the garden. When the old lady came out of Yanxiang Palace, she had no intention of taking a look.
Shen Qingtan sat in the carriage and observed the old lady's expression calmly, but the old lady remained silent and no clues could be seen.
However, she was not anxious.
She will soon know what choice Concubine Ling will make.
The Duke's Mansion will definitely take action today.
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