"Since she is His Majesty's favorite, I didn't prepare anything else but a set of jewelry. The pearls on that headdress are quite exquisite," said Consort Huo.
“If you’re giving me this, then I’ll give you a calligraphy or painting. Although Consort Xiangxian didn’t say anything, it’s clear she likes it,” Yan Nangui said.
When Yan Nangui celebrated his birthday, Consort Xiangxian sent him pigments, all of which were rare and unusual colors.
Especially the blue ones, those are extremely valuable.
Huo Zhaorong was just asking what she should give as a gift; she wasn't trying to learn, but rather hoping to avoid making a mistake.
However, whether that was truly what Yan Nangui thought, or if there was something else going on, Yan Nangui didn't care too much.
That evening, Shu Chengfeng actually went to Consort Ye's palace.
This really drew everyone's attention.
Consort Ye herself was quite surprised, as she thought she wouldn't be able to see His Majesty for a while.
At this moment, I felt both happy and sad. After paying my respects, I was at a loss for words.
Shu Chengfeng still helped her up personally: "I came here today to see if you know you've done wrong."
Consort Ye felt extremely wronged, but still said, "Your Majesty, I know I was wrong."
"Good to know now. You'll know how to do it in the future. I haven't seen you for a while. It's still early, let's set out the meal," said Shu Chengfeng.
Consort Ye forced a smile, suppressing the bitterness in her heart: "Yes."
“You don’t need to feel wronged. You are my cousin, a daughter of the Ye family, and you should set an example. But look at the foolish things you’ve done. The more I value the Ye family, the higher my expectations will be for you. When you understand this, you won’t feel so bad,” Shu Chengfeng said.
"Yes, I... I only ask my cousin to come see me." Consort Ye's eyes were red.
"Okay, I'll see you when I have time. Alright, bring me some fruit." Shu Chengfeng waved his hand when he saw that she was about to cry.
Upon hearing this, Consort Ye was naturally delighted and hurriedly went to give the instructions.
She certainly wouldn't be short of these things here.
After paying her respects, Granny Lu stood at the back, thinking to herself, "The fact that His Majesty is still willing to coax me must mean he's still useful."
Fortunately, his own concubine was not completely confused.
She didn't take the opportunity to be too affectionate.
But what she didn't expect was that Consort Ye wouldn't dare.
It's so rare for her to see this person.
It's too difficult to do it alone, in private.
So I dare not.
She was terrified even calling him "cousin".
People everywhere were naturally surprised to hear that it was Consort Ye who had served the emperor.
The Empress Dowager also heard these words.
The Empress Dowager smiled gently: "The Emperor still has some affection for Yue'er. In this respect, Eleventh Girl can't compare."
Having spent many years together, Consort Ye, though foolish, had never done anything immoral.
Besides, although he was incredibly stupid, his heart was filled with nothing but the emperor.
Even the emperor isn't made of stone.
"If Consort Ye can give birth to a child smoothly, that would be a good thing," said Granny Fei.
"Yes, she's already a Noble Consort. No matter how capable Eleventh Girl is, it'll be difficult for her to surpass her. If she can give birth to a prince, then there's no need to worry. Let's see what fate has in store for her."
Granny Fei nodded and stopped talking about it.
The next morning, as expected, Consort Ye arrived at Fengxiang Palace with a beaming smile.
Fortunately, she had been reminded early on, so she didn't do or say anything.
Ye Xiaoyi asked, "Is Sister in such a good mood today?"
Consort Ye was clearly upset to see her like this, and casually asked, "Is my sister in a bad mood?"
"No, I just saw you laughing so happily, so I asked you a question," Ye Xiaoyi said with a smile.
"The Imperial Concubine was naturally in a good mood when she served the Emperor. Consort Ye's question is unnecessary." Consort Qu smiled.
“What you say is true, my lady,” Ye Xiaoyi said without getting annoyed.
"By the way, the day after tomorrow is Consort Xiang's birthday. Since His Majesty has instructed us to make the arrangements, let me ask you this: now that the weather is warm, will you display it in your own palace or in the Imperial Garden? In my opinion, since the roses are in full bloom now, why not display it in the Imperial Garden? That way, we can enjoy the flowers. Also, there will be plenty of room for the female members of the imperial family." The Empress asked with a smile.
Yan Nangui raised an eyebrow slightly, finally understanding why Shu Chengfeng had suddenly gone to Consort Ye's place.
So this is to elevate Consort Xiang, and therefore cannot allow anyone to look down on Lady Ye?
Or should we appease Madam Ye to prevent her from becoming too resentful?
I'd guess the former.
It seems that His Majesty is very dissatisfied with the Empress Dowager forcibly bringing people in.
They elevated Consort Xiangxian, but deliberately gave face to Consort Ye.
Tsk, that's quite subtle.
"Then I will listen to Your Majesty. As for my own opinion, how could I dare to trouble the imperial family? But since His Majesty has issued the decree, I can only accept it with shame," said Consort Xiangxian.
"If His Majesty has this intention, then listen to it. You are also a first-rank virtuous consort, how can you not accept it?" The Empress smiled.
He was jealous of her being so favored, but he couldn't stop her.
Consort Xiangxian has no children yet, so the situation is not stable enough.
Everything depends on having offspring; at this moment, the Empress only wants a child.
When Yan returned south, she changed into a light yellow dress, the kind that's comfortable.
My hair has been combed again.
Jiangxiang placed a jade hairpin in her hair.
"This one is quite nice."
"Yes, this was sent by the Imperial Household Department a few days ago. They said that although the jade quality is average, it is rare to find such an exquisite and elegant piece. They thought you would like it," Jiangxiang said.
That jade hairpin was indeed pleasing to the eye of Yan Nangui.
It was just a simple hairpin, with a slight curve, its edges as clean as if cut with a knife. A few emerald green jade leaves dangled from it.
It looks like bamboo leaves.
Simple and elegant, perfect for use indoors.
"This Prefect Song, instead of currying favor with Consort Xiang, is coming to curry favor with me?" Yan Nangui smiled.
Some time ago, the Imperial Household Department sent some things, saying they were a gift from the family.
She didn't look closely.
“This Prefect Song is a clever man. Although he must have flattered Consort Xiang, he values Your Highness,” Jiang Xiang said.
The Vice Director of the Imperial Household Department was also a proper third-rank official.
It was not an unimportant official position.
However, they were in charge of the affairs of the palace and the royal family, so they were like two different systems from the outside world.
There are certainly benefits to pleasing the concubines.
At least it's more convenient to do things within the palace.
"Since they're trying to curry favor, let's accept it. We'll inevitably have to deal with the Imperial Household Department all year round."
At least the monthly allowance comes from there.
If you want something, you have to go there.
"Yes." Jiangxiang smiled and said, "It's not just the Imperial Household Department; everyone in the palace is trying to curry favor with us. Half of it is because Your Highness is favored. The other half is because of Your Highness's family background. These things complement each other."
Yan Nangui smiled, naturally unsurprised by these things.
Humans are such pragmatic creatures.
When you're favored, everything is fine, but what if you fall out of favor? Then you'll be vulnerable to everyone's bullying.
However, if one's family is powerful, even if one falls out of favor, the subordinates will not dare to bully her too much.
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