Zichen Palace.
The current emperor and the crown prince are here.
There were also Grand Secretary Xu and General Lü, among others.
The eunuch came to report.
Grand Secretary Xu sipped his tea, noticing that the Emperor's expression had improved considerably.
Everyone laughed by the end.
Grand Secretary Xu said, "When poor, one should cultivate one's own virtue; when successful, one should benefit all under heaven. The word 'benefit' is difficult to grasp."
The emperor rejoiced, saying, "Qing'e is cunning; she knows she's talking to me."
Grand Secretary Xu disagreed: "Qing'e Palace not only said it, she also did it."
General Lü said, "Qing'e Palace's thinking is extraordinary. Not only did they know that the people were in distress and would definitely go to Baishi Village, but they also made preparations in advance."
The current criticism is: "How much can one village manage?"
General Lü disagreed: "At least they did it. The people aren't stupid. When they flee, they'll definitely go to places like the county seat. Baishi Village is enough to manage this area."
A palace attendant approached and said, "Consort Cui has chosen six beauties for Prince Zheng."
His face instantly darkened.
Xie Zhou quickly tried to comfort him.
Nowadays, people are getting increasingly angry, and Qing'e Palace is the only one who understands things.
Grand Secretary Xu agreed. Comparing the work made by Consort Cui with that made by Qing'e Palace, the difference was too great to be compared.
She was in Qing'e Palace, and there were no great scholars around to teach her, so I don't know how she figured it out.
Consort Cui, who has been by the Emperor's side for decades, is of no high rank whatsoever.
Even as a mother, this will only drive her son away.
Arranging for beauties was not wrong, but interfering too much with King Zheng's decision and even disregarding the sage's opinion.
All I can say is: Stupid!
They're fixated on the Empress's position and the Crown Prince's palace; aren't they just as obsessed as Consort Dong? They didn't go mad before because they hadn't reached that point yet.
She drove Princess Yongmu to her death, and now she dares to pressure King Zheng like this? Is this a mother who loves her child?
The Emperor decreed: "Consort Cui need not concern herself with the affairs of the Imperial Concubine Consorts; Consort Shen and Consort Zhu shall assist in managing them. Consort Zhu shall be promoted to the rank of Consort De."
Grand Secretary Xu thought to himself, "Another storm is brewing."
Consort Zhu, Consort De, and seemingly still favored, along with the fifth prince who is thirteen years old. It's hard to say how the situation will develop.
Even if the Zhu family is honest, it's hard to say whether others are honest. In any case, Consort Cui's fall from favor is a fact.
However, the Cui and Dong families still wield considerable power, making it difficult for the Zhu family to do what they want.
Especially since the Emperor's favor has already shifted to the Crown Prince, the Fifth Prince, unless he's stupid, shouldn't try to fight for it.
Now, summon the King of Zheng.
Xie Zhen knelt before his father, feeling deeply ashamed: "Your Majesty, I have caused you so much worry."
The emperor truly dotes on him: "Get up. Now that he's at Prince Zheng's residence, you must keep him in check. If you can't, go find your second sister-in-law."
Thank you for your advice and kindness.
Xie Zhou was not very satisfied; his wife didn't like to be in charge.
He glared at him and said, "Can't you be a little more considerate of your younger brother?"
Xie Zhou hurriedly apologized. But he couldn't interfere in his younger brother's affairs within the household; only his wife could handle it?
Fortunately, with the Emperor's decree, his wife had even dared to hit Empress Dong, Princess Huayang, and Consort Cui, so managing the inner quarters of Prince Zheng's residence was not a big deal.
Besides, Di Baose would probably be happy to get involved.
As long as Princess Zheng is not involved, even if she takes in concubines in the future, Di Baose will probably still dare to interfere under the banner of Qing'e Palace.
Xie Zhen breathed a sigh of relief and quickly thanked his second brother.
He couldn't stand up to his mother and older sister; it wouldn't look good if they argued. Many people even took the opportunity to ruin him.
But women are different. Even if his sister went to argue with those powerful women in the Eastern Palace, she wouldn't win.
Grand Secretary Xu praised, "Qing'e Palace is virtuous and wise."
Xie Zhou completely agreed. It's just that she's too virtuous; she ignores him.
Xie Zhou suddenly realized that if his wife could keep those women in the Zheng Prince's mansion from bothering Si Lang, that would probably be what he wanted.
As for the Qing'e Palace beating people, didn't they deserve it? Otherwise, Princess Yongqing would still be there, perfectly fine.
The eunuch reported, "Her Highness Huan has appointed Lady Meng as a Fengyi (a high-ranking concubine)."
Everyone looked at the Crown Prince and congratulated him on gaining a beauty in the Eastern Palace.
Why is Qing'e Palace described as virtuous? Because she didn't reject beautiful women.
Xie Zhou was annoyed. "Let's get back to business."
No matter how many beauties there are, none can compare to his wife's smile.
Behind it, Zhaoyang Palace.
Consort Zhu received the imperial decree.
Everyone in the palace was a little confused.
Actually, having a prince and being the head of the nine concubines wasn't bad. This sudden windfall was just a stroke of luck.
Consort Cui was probably furious. She arranged things for Prince Zheng, and Zhaoyang Palace gained the title of Consort De.
Li Mei, the trusted female official, was overjoyed!
To be promoted to the rank of Consort De is truly wonderful! It's even higher than the rank of Consort Xian.
After all, Consort Zhu had some favor, which put Consort Shen in a rather awkward position.
Zhu was only in her early thirties, still young and beautiful. After regaining her senses, she warned, "Now is the time to walk on thin ice."
The joy on everyone's face vanished.
Zhu sternly warned: "You must be even more careful in your words and deeds, do your job well, and not be reckless! Otherwise, you won't even know how you died, and don't blame me for not being able to save you."
Everyone was startled; after all, the thought of Empress Dong sent chills down their spines.
Empress Dong is truly terrifying. As long as she hasn't been deposed.
Zhu also warned: "Besides the Empress's Palace, there is also the Qing'e Palace in the palace. Do not make decisions on your own."
Li Mei understood.
Although the emperor showed some favor to Consort Zhu, it was probably out of consideration for her old age.
In comparison, the Green Moth Palace is definitely more important.
You've all been in the palace for quite some time now, so don't do anything foolish.
Madam Zhu further advised, "I only hope that Wulang will be safe and sound."
The Crown Prince is formidable; wouldn't it be suicidal to foolishly run into him?
If we were to take a step back, like back then, the Empress Dowager would be willing to protect her. A person should have this self-awareness.
So what if she was promoted to the rank of Consort De? If she were to be demoted, wouldn't it be just a matter of the Emperor's word? Therefore, she dared not do anything that would offend the Emperor.
It's good to be happy, but one shouldn't be arrogant.
Moreover, the matter of Cai Nu is currently in complete chaos, giving Zhu a major headache.
Li Mei suggested, "Should we go find Lady Shen?"
Zhu nodded, "That's for sure."
Whether Consort Shen has that ability is another matter.
Besides, even if Consort Shen is not an option, Qing'e Palace is another choice.
Zhu made up her mind to prioritize self-preservation. She thought that achieving the rank of Consort De in her lifetime would be enough.
How much trouble can we save if we think less?
If fate allows, it will naturally fall into her lap.
Qing'e Palace.
Jixian Pavilion.
Everyone was surprised.
Di Baose exclaimed excitedly, "Consort Cui probably never expected this, did she? She thought she'd be favored for life. She does have children, and the Emperor might consider the children's sake, but it has to be the children, right? Didn't Consort Cui personally tear down that facade?"
Huan Yue patted her head: "You know too much."
Di Baose shook her off, still excited: "Sending six beauties to Prince Zheng at once, does she think her son is too good and isn't afraid he'll end up like Pei Huanxu? There are actually mothers like this in the world. They don't care about their sons' lives. Besides, she's never been this enthusiastic about sending beauties to the Emperor."
Actually, sending six isn't too many; it's not like we're going to eat them all in one meal.
We're all used to eating delicacies, and who isn't a lustful ghost?
But Consort Cui's intention was clearly to have the beauty entangle her son, and nothing else mattered.
Guo Bing shook his head. Going to sea is dangerous, but it's still a sign of being a man. Consort Cui, on the other hand, doesn't know how to raise a son.
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