"The last thing is that this year marks the Empress Dowager's sixtieth birthday. There's a saying among the common people that nine doesn't last until ten. Although there are still six months left, this year is a major year. Not only will members of the imperial family from all over the country come to the capital, but envoys from various countries will also be coming. Therefore, preparations should begin now. I will specifically ask the Imperial Household Department to send you the things you need. However, I'm afraid you might be too busy, so if you need to do it yourself, ask your people to do it. If you really can't do it, then tell me. The gifts for the Empress Dowager don't need to be expensive, just sincere."
"Yes." Everyone was waiting for this news.
Unexpectedly, the first person mentioned was Consort Duanyi, not His Majesty.
Consort Xiangxian felt extremely uncomfortable.
Although they still manage the harem together, the Imperial Concubine has become the Imperial Concubine Duanyi, and she rarely sees His Majesty anymore.
It's true... the Yan family has become all-powerful.
She only confirmed this major news at this time.
"That's all. If anything happens, just send someone over to let me know. It's the same whether you tell me or Sister Xiang," Yan Nangui said.
"Alright, everyone, please go back now."
Since she had said that, everyone could only stand up, bow, and take their leave.
Only Consort Mei remained, clearly indicating that she still had something to say.
"Is there anything else?"
"Over the years, I've received a lot of care from you, sister. I'm not one to talk much, and I'm not good with words. But I do care. I don't have much to say, but I just want to tell you that I'm willing to do my best whenever you need me." Congfei Mei was quite embarrassed.
Yan Nangui smiled and looked at her several times: "I appreciate your kindness. I'll contact you if I need anything. Everyone has a different personality, and I know that's how you are. There's no need to force anything."
Consort Mei breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you, Your Highness."
She is definitely not a flatterer.
No matter how cold it is, life goes on. She is favored by the emperor, but among the two princes, she is the only one left in the palace.
How can it not attract attention?
There are inevitably some things in daily life that cannot be discussed in detail.
But she knew Consort Duanyi's personality well.
Instead of pretending, just say what you mean.
To say that they are completely indifferent to power would be a lie. As long as the Sixth and Ninth Princes are capable and the Emperor takes a liking to them, they can rise in rank; if not, they will still be noble princes.
But as the child grew up and she gained favor, it was inevitable that the other women in the harem would look at her with suspicion.
Now that she has openly pledged allegiance to Consort Duanyi, she feels no guilt whatsoever.
Over the years, this lady has taken good care of her.
After Consort Mei left, Yan Nangui asked Yuanhua, "What do you think this person means?"
“This servant has judged them before. At first glance, Consort Xia, Consort Rong, and Consort Mei seem to have similar personalities. They are all unambitious and low-key.”
"Consort Xia is obviously a fake; she won by not fighting. So she deserves her current situation. But Consort Rong is genuinely not fighting. However, her lack of fighting is precisely because of weakness. She knows she can't win, so she doesn't reach out. Therefore, His Majesty, considering her cautious and sensible nature over the years, and also because of the Jiang family, granted her the title of Consort. But clearly, His Majesty doesn't like such a weak person."
“Consort Mei is different. The first thing she did upon entering the palace was to drive away the people her stepmother had given her. Although she doesn’t compete for power, she’s somewhat arrogant. But when things really get tough, she doesn’t back down. She doesn’t know how to manage her subordinates, but now she’s set a rule for herself and found a head maid. She said that if anything happens in the palace, you should only ask that maid. Now she’s managing things much better.”
"So Consort Mei's lack of contention is an ugly kind of non-contention. She doesn't fight with a red face."
"She knows your personality, so she spoke frankly. Actually, hasn't she been following in your footsteps all these years? Now that you've been promoted, she should at least show her appreciation."
No wonder Yan Nangui trusts Daphne so much. That girl is really clever. It saves her a lot of trouble.
"That's right, I'll reward you with a chicken leg for lunch today."
Yuanhua blushed and stamped her foot: "Your Majesty is so stingy."
After leaving Zhaochun Palace, Consort Mei turned towards the Imperial Garden, intending to cross over there.
In the peony garden of the Imperial Garden, some peonies and herbaceous peonies have already bloomed, but not many yet.
Consort Ke and Consort Lu were admiring the flowers. Since they had met, it would be inappropriate not to pay their respects.
Mei Xiaoyi stepped forward and said, "Greetings, Consort Ke."
"Oh, you're just coming out? What a coincidence! Since we've met, please have a seat," said Consort Ke.
"I shouldn't refuse Your Highness, but the Ninth Prince is still young and will cry if he doesn't see me for a while, so I'll go back first," said Consort Mei.
“My sister is different now than before. It’s true, there aren’t two princes in the entire capital. Even the favored Consort Duanyi only has one daughter. Among us from the family, none are as capable as you.” Consort Ke was in a bad mood lately, and her words were harsh.
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. I shall take my leave." Consort Mei naturally understood what was going on, but she didn't want to continue the conversation.
He turned and left.
Lu Xiaoyi said cautiously, "Your Highness Consort Ke, look at Consort Mei, she really does have a strong foundation."
“You should have some confidence. Even in that state, Jin Shi was still able to come out. What about you? Your prince is being raised by someone else. No matter how good a foster mother is, she can't be as good as a biological mother.” Consort Ke raised her eyes.
Lu Xiaoyi sighed, "What can I do about Your Majesty's wishes?"
Regardless of what happened afterward, Consort Mei had already returned to Zhenxia Pavilion.
"Why are those two together? I see Consort Ke looking like she's about to do something," Yao Huang said.
“Yes, Lu Xiaoyi was just being disobedient back then, which is why she couldn’t raise her child herself after giving birth,” said Fen Dai.
"It doesn't matter, she'll suffer the consequences of her own actions. Consort Ke has been severely affected and won't recover for a while. It's just that she's dragging the Third Prince down with her," said Consort Mei.
"Your Majesty is kind-hearted, how can we be sure it wasn't the Third Prince and his mother who plotted this together? To dare to do such a thing in the palace... It can only be said that His Majesty values the bond between father and son. Otherwise, this time... there might have been rivers of blood." Yao Huang said in a low voice.
"Don't bring this up again," Consort Mei said.
"Yes, this servant will not say it again." Yao Huang was also still shaken.
This matter is now in the past. If His Majesty were to suddenly want to investigate it again in a few years, that would be a matter of life and death. It's best not to bring it up.
“Sister Chen’s methods are quite effective. Over the years, she has managed the harem without ever seeing any mistakes made by her subordinates. As for the morale of the harem, well, that goes without saying; anyone in charge would have their own thoughts,” said Consort Mei.
“Yes, we know how capable Consort Duanyi is. We initially thought that when she was in charge, she would be ruthless and quick to resort to violence. But over the years, we’ve seen that while she has authority, she also has a lot of leniency. She’s truly a formidable person. After all, she comes from a prominent family,” Wei Zi said.
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