"Miss Magpie, please inform the Princess Consort that I will pack my things and head over immediately!"
Although Consort Li was shocked, she quickly regained her composure and responded politely.
"Consort Li, the Princess Consort isn't in a hurry, so you don't need to rush over. This servant will go back and report to the Princess Consort now!"
The magpie replied with a smile, bowed, and then took its leave.
Xi Que disliked neither of the two concubines of the Fourth Prince.
She had moved into the Prince's Residence with Ulanara. During the days when Ulanara was not practicing Buddhism, Consort Li and Consort Song were not yet consorts, but they showed no respect or reverence whatsoever to the princess.
If it weren't for the good fortune of the Fujin (principal wife) who embarked on the path of cultivation, the mistress and servants in this mansion would probably still be acting according to the whims of these two. Having had previous encounters, Magpie already knew what kind of people these two concubines were, and deep down she wasn't very willing to associate with them.
However, Rong Xi had given orders, so she had no choice but to come.
Furthermore, she represents the Fujin (principal wife), and cannot disgrace the Fujin.
The magpie hurriedly returned to Rong Xi's side and finally asked the question that had been bothering her.
"Your Highness, why did you summon Consort Li and Consort Song here? I think they are not easy to deal with. Now that the Prince is not here, if they don't behave, you won't be able to deal with them properly, which will be a problem!"
"Not bad, that's a very thorough analysis!"
Rong Xi also disliked Consort Li and Consort Song.
However, these two were the fourth prince's concubines, so even for her, as the primary consort, dealing with them would be somewhat troublesome. Concubines listed in the imperial genealogy were different from ordinary concubines.
If Rong Xi wanted to deal with them, she would have to go through the Imperial Clan Court, and Prince Yu, Fuquan, was rather inflexible in some ways.
Furthermore, it was Rong Xi's initiative that enabled Consort Li and Consort Song to become consorts listed in the imperial genealogy.
Therefore, Rong Xi had no intention of doing anything to Consort Li and Consort Song. She invited them here to give them something to do.
As the saying goes, when the tiger is away, the monkey is king.
Just like the Yong Prince's Mansion now, when the Fourth Prince is not in the mansion, Rong Xi has become the eldest son.
Meanwhile, the Yong Prince's Mansion in the capital didn't even have a proper master. Rong Xi instructed Su Peisheng to order the capital to also begin purchasing spiritual plants to drive up market prices.
Such a big matter needs a capable person to oversee it.
Yes, Su Peisheng is a good candidate.
The problem is that Rong Xi can't let Su Peisheng go there, since the Prince Yong's Mansion in Zichuan still needs Su Peisheng to handle various matters.
As for the Fourth Prince's advisors and retainers, Rong Xi is not someone he should associate with. It's necessary to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
So, here's the problem!
Who should be sent to Prince Yong's residence in Beijing to oversee things? This is an urgent problem that needs to be solved.
Then, a thought flashed through Rong Xi's mind, and she thought of Consort Li and Consort Song. Of course, neither of them could return to the capital. Otherwise, people would think that she, as the primary consort, was intolerant of others and wanted to clear out the Fourth Prince's harem.
Okay, so she just wants to clear out the Fourth Prince's harem. Those seductive and shameless women like Consort Li and Consort Song should just go somewhere cool and stay away. However, she can't be too direct about her intentions; she has to find a shortcut.
Now, this job has become quite an attractive one.
"This concubine greets Your Highness, and pays her respects!"
Consort Li and Consort Song arrived together and stepped forward to greet Rong Xi.
With the Fourth Prince away from the residence, Rong Xi, as the primary consort, suddenly sought them out, which made both Consort Li and Consort Song somewhat uneasy.
In the Prince Yong's mansion today, it is the Fujin who is in charge. If the Fujin wants to punish them or cause them trouble, they have no power to resist at all.
"No need for formalities, please have a seat!"
Rong Xi smiled slightly, pointed to the chairs on both sides, and gestured for Consort Li and Consort Song to sit down.
The two exchanged a glance and then sat down, but their expressions were quite cautious.
"I have summoned you two concubines here because there is a matter that I need your consideration!"
Rong Xi smiled slightly and recounted how the Grand Consort had come to request the spiritual food.
“My sister-in-law is in trouble now, and since we are sisters-in-law, I can’t just ignore it. I’ve already agreed to this spiritual meal. However, the spiritual meal requires a large amount of spiritual herbs, fruits, and plants. I’ve asked Su Peisheng to spread the word that our Prince Yong’s Mansion will buy up a large quantity of these things!”
"Yes, and the princes' mansions in the capital will also step in to make acquisitions."
“However, someone needs to be stationed in the capital. Originally, I wanted to go there myself, but with the prince not here, I have to make decisions on everything, big and small, and I am simply unable to be in two places at once.”
"Which of you is willing to share my burdens?"
Rong Xi looked at Consort Li and Consort Song and bluntly stated her purpose.
There are two people, and one of them has to go to the capital. Yes, one of them has to go.
So, who will go?
Consort Li and Consort Song exchanged a glance, both having a very bad feeling that Rong Xi was using this as an excuse to expel them.
"Madam, this matter can be handled by Steward Su!"
Consort Song spoke decisively, "Consort Li and I are women, and these matters are really not suitable for public display! If word gets out, what will the Prince think..."
"You don't need to show your faces in public!"
Rong Xi chuckled, "I'll send one of you to the capital. You'll only need to stay at the Prince's residence and keep track of the quantity of spiritual herbs every day. Of course, you won't work for nothing. After this is done, the one who goes to the capital will receive a top-grade spirit stone as a reward!"
Top-grade spirit stones!
For Rong Xi, those were common spirit stones.
But for Consort Song and Consort Li, it was an immense temptation.
The two had cultivated to the Golden Core realm, yet they had never seen a top-grade spirit stone.
But now, all you need to do is make a trip to the capital to get a top-grade spirit stone!
"My lady, I really have no experience in this matter, and I'm afraid I can't handle such a task on my own!"
Despite her deep longing for the top-grade spirit stone, Consort Li resolutely refused.
Upon his refusal, Consort Song chimed in, saying, "Consort, I've been with the Prince since I was very young, and I know very little about what's happening outside. I don't understand anything about the price or quality of these medicinal herbs!"
Ultimately, both of them meant the same thing: they were unwilling to leave the small town of Zichuan and refused to go to the capital to take charge.
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