He Qing couldn't help but shake his head slightly in his heart.
In reality, Empress Dowager Zhang's personality would have been well-suited to having such a strong-minded assistant by her side, managing all her affairs. However, the fact that this person wasn't her trusted confidant, but someone sent by the Grand Empress Dowager, her mother-in-law, was rather formidable. Seeing how this palace maid was meddling in everything, it seemed likely that Zhang's "rest" wasn't a happy one.
In this way, how can we relieve stress and open our hearts?
She looked at the maid and asked with a smile, "It's truly enviable that the Empress Dowager has such a capable maid by her side. What's your name?"
"This servant holds the incense."
"What a name! She would rather die with fragrance on the branches than be blown away by the north wind." He Qing nodded. "What a noble character! It's a shame that she can only be a maid in this palace."
Baoxiang's expression changed slightly. When she was about to explain, He Qing changed the subject. "How long have you been serving the Empress Dowager? Are you in charge of the affairs of Kunhua Palace now? How many people are there in the palace, and what are their responsibilities?" The series of questions almost confused her.
Baoxiang looked at He Qing with some uneasiness. She always felt that this true master had bad intentions, which made her feel uneasy, but she had no choice but to answer them one by one.
He Qing then realized that he had misunderstood the Empress Dowager. This girl was not given by her, but left by Empress Dowager Zhang herself.
Of the four maids who served the emperor that day, only Zhang was fortunate enough to conceive a prince, instantly becoming the venerable Empress Dowager. The rest were supposed to retire to the West Palace, but Baoxiang, familiar with Zhang, persuaded her to stay by her side. Because of her unique status, she was able to oversee all matters of Kunhua Palace.
The Empress Dowager took into consideration Empress Dowager Zhang's current condition and thought it would be better to have someone familiar around to counsel her, so she agreed.
The result is what it is now.
Empress Dowager Zhang must have been very sensitive with such a personality. To avoid being overly sensitive, He Qing told her a few Taoist philosophical stories and gave her two Taoist scriptures so that she would have something to do instead of lying there in a daze all day. Then he got up and said goodbye.
While appeasing Empress Dowager Zhang can be done slowly, the other matter can be resolved immediately.
Thinking Kunhua Palace wasn't far from Ziping Hall, where the Grand Empress Dowager was temporarily managing government affairs, He Qing decided to go there and tell her so that arrangements could be made immediately. Empress Dowager Zhang needed someone around her who could take care of her emotions. A comfortable environment would make her feel relaxed and happy, which would be good for both her and the fetus.
…
Gu Zheng came out of the Ziping Palace, followed by Liu Zhong, the official of the Inner East Gate Division.
He was summoned today by the Empress Dowager so that he could represent the court and go to the residence of Prime Minister Xue Zhidao to announce the imperial decree and appease the people.
When more than a dozen court officials impeached Xue Xianggong, he immediately submitted a memorial of apology and remained at home, claiming illness. Consequently, the Grand Empress Dowager sent several conciliators to appease him, from eunuchs in the Imperial Household Department to officials from the Ministry of Rites, and finally to Gu Zheng, the President of the Hanlin Academy and the Director of Imperial Edicts. The consignors, each of whom held increasingly high positions, received ever-larger rewards, demonstrating that the Grand Empress Dowager still held Xue Xianggong in high esteem and bore no grudge against him despite the impeachment.
At this moment, Gu Zheng was holding the imperial edict in his hand, chatting with Liu Zhong, but in his heart he was thinking about the audience he had just had.
The Empress Dowager's actions had become increasingly methodical over the past few days. He couldn't quite pinpoint the source of the feeling, but Gu Zheng had a strong feeling about it. This feeling had become even more pronounced during the audience today.
He supported the Grand Empress Dowager and petitioned to restore her to the throne. This was done with the support and tacit approval of Prime Minister Xue, and there was a tacit understanding between the two. However, the Grand Empress Dowager sent him to deliver the imperial edict to appease Prime Minister Xue, and the meaning behind this needed careful consideration.
As he was still pondering, he looked up and caught a glimpse of a person standing in the corridor not far away, seemingly waiting to be summoned by the Empress Dowager. He was dressed in a green robe, with long hair tied up high and a lotus crown on his head. He was tall and straight, with an elegant demeanor, but he looked like a Taoist monk. Gu Zheng was slightly stunned by the sight.
During the reign of Emperor Ling, there were many Taoist priests in the palace, but after Emperor Xian ascended the throne, he disliked these things and they were no longer seen. Therefore, it was really surprising to suddenly see someone dressed like this in the palace.
As if she had noticed his gaze, the woman suddenly turned around. Her face was beautiful, her eyebrows and eyes were picturesque, and her temperament was as elegant as orchid. She didn't look like a man at all. When their eyes met, they were both startled.
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