Chapter 17 Position "You are allowed to be greedy."
The old women who had been so fierce and majestic just now were now kneeling on the ground, trembling like sieves.
The queen was speechless.
It was not until she saw the emperor kneeling down and carefully picking up the person on the ground that she finally realized that her maid had betrayed her.
She had clearly taken every precaution, so what went wrong that gave someone the opportunity to get close to His Majesty?
Seeing the emperor holding someone and about to leave without even a glance at her, the queen hurriedly wanted to say something to resolve the dilemma: "Your Majesty..."
"how?"
Xiao Fang stopped, but didn't look at her. He just said to a eunuch in his escort in a deep voice, "Go call the imperial physician."
The queen had never seen the emperor so cold and ruthless.
Just for a lowly palace maid?
For a moment, she realized that perhaps the best strategy for the time being would be to feign ignorance of the emperor's relationship with others, to pretend he was only punishing the palace for something else. But Qingzan was still wearing the clothes of a court lady, and anyone could tell there was something fishy going on.
If not, she would not have concluded that Qingzan had betrayed her master based solely on Fu Cui's one-sided words.
Since her chance of escaping was blocked, the Queen simply chased after her, stood before the others, and confessed with trembling lips, "I was simply angry and punished her, not because I was jealous and intolerant... Your Majesty has taken her away like this, how can I face others in the future? Since you have promised me the throne, why are you unwilling to give me the least respect and dignity?"
A cold laugh rolled through Xiao Fang's throat as he responded, but not just to the Empress. "Since the Empress is so depressed and ill, she will rest in the palace from now on. Also, I promote Xiuyi Zheng to the rank of Huifei, to assist in the management of the six palaces and take charge of all affairs."
The Queen nearly collapsed on Fu Cui's arm, which she extended to support her. "Your Majesty, are you going to find a random excuse to dethrone me, the head of the Imperial Palace?"
She even made Zheng step on her to climb up. Who the hell does Zheng think she is!
Xiao Fang said coldly, "At least, Concubine Hui used to be very careful and attentive, so there would be no such thing as a vicious raccoon hurting anyone in the palace."
The queen was stunned. Her whole body went cold in an instant and she stood there in a daze.
The emperor had already walked away sternly, ignoring whatever she said.
Xu Delu thought about it and kindly said, "Your Majesty, this is exactly the 'a little respect and decency' that His Majesty is giving you."
It is better to hand over power due to illness than to say so under punishment.
Although Xu Delu did not expect that His Majesty would impose such a severe punishment, questioning His Majesty's decision would only make the situation worse. It would be better to slow down and gain a chance to mediate. If His Majesty sees that she is willing to change her ways tomorrow, he will not really deprive the Empress of her real power.
Unfortunately, the queen didn't understand, and Xu Delu couldn't tell anyone the truth.
The queen's guilty conscience receded, and she chased after him again: "Your Majesty! Your Majesty, are you going to blame me for Yang's affairs as well?..."
When he arrived at the gate of Fengzao Palace, he was stopped by several guards.
Just now, His Majesty had said that the Empress should rest well. This was a form of house arrest and reflection.
After Xu Delu took a long breath, he followed the emperor.
The Queen's behavior really shows that she is not familiar enough with the ways of survival in the harem.
Since we know that Your Majesty has feelings for a woman, then we should not touch that person.
Yet she did it over and over again. His Majesty had the cats that had previously scratched Concubine Yang observed for several days and discovered that they initially fought each other at mealtimes. This wasn't because they were naturally ferocious, but rather because the people who fed them deliberately placed the food in a small dish, inviting the cats to scramble for it. If they didn't fight, they wouldn't get a meal. Over time, the cats would attack indiscriminately whenever they saw food.
Later, he ordered people to investigate and found out that the people who fed those raccoons were actually palace servants from Fengzao Palace. They even brought the raccoons from a remote place to a nearby place to feed them.
The Empress' actions, to put it bluntly, were a provocation to the Emperor's authority. Even if His Majesty had little affection for the person who had suffered at her hands, it was impossible not to feel resentment.
What's more, His Majesty is so concerned about Miss Qingzan.
*
When Qingzan woke up, her injured little finger had already been treated and bandaged by the imperial physician, and it was wrapped in gauze and looked extremely bloated.
Dong'er saw her raise her hand to look at it, and hurried over to comfort her, "Fortunately, the nail bed didn't fall off, so the nail can grow back."
Even if it hurts, it will last for a long time.
Xiao Fang heard the voice and raised his eyelids slightly. Then he put down the memorial and walked over: "Are you awake?"
Qingzan then realized that she was in the front hall of Taiji Hall, lying on the Arhat bed behind the antique shelf. She had thought that the emperor would place her in a side hall.
Perhaps to take care of the injury on her hip, the soft mattress beneath her was raised half a finger high, which made her pale face look a little rosy.
It was summer now, and it was so cool yesterday, but it was very sunny and hot today. Qingzan couldn't lie down any longer, so he simply stood up and wanted to greet people.
Xiao Fang pushed her back: "I've never seen you so disciplined before."
Qingzan tried hard to ignore the lingering pain at the tip of her little finger, and endured the pain without a groan. She said softly, her anger subdued, "Then, Your Majesty, could you please change the mat for me?"
Xiao Fang suddenly laughed.
He didn't mind the heat and sat down next to her: "I think it's cooler to lie on the ground."
Dong'er tactfully retreated with the other palace servants. On the way, she ran into Xu Delu who was about to enter the palace. She pointed inside and said, "Your Majesty is talking to the young lady."
Xu Delu understood, looked at the man with approval, and did not go in.
The hall was silent. Qingzan sat on the Arhat bed with her eyelashes drooping. The emperor suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her a little closer to him.
"Tell me, why are you so anxious?"
Qingzan then realized that the emperor wanted to settle the score with her later.
She returned to Fengzao Palace without changing out of her imperial lady-in-waiting's dress, and he must have become suspicious.
She pursed her lips, her eyes showing some confusion: "What are you anxious about?"
Xiao Fang chuckled softly, with a fleeting coldness in his eyes: "Nothing."
His grip on her wrist tightened, and he changed his tone, "I've tried to protect you, but the Queen is still angry with you. It must be because of some treacherous servant who spread rumors and misled the Queen. Do you want me to deal with the person for you and help you vent your anger?"
Qingzan immediately thought of Fu Cui. If she had known this, she wouldn't have needed to use Fu Cui to accomplish her goal. She could have spread rumors secretly or simply worn the imperial robes and walked around a few times to attract the attention of the Queen's people.
Her actions today were indeed a result of excessive impatience, for she knew that the most heartbreaking thing was the toy being destroyed just when it was about to be acquired. She was eager to exploit the emperor's distress and make the queen suffer the consequences of her evil deeds.
Not only that, when the Queen has recovered from this, she will tell her about her first encounter with His Majesty, when she was thanking the Queen for locking her out during the curfew that day.
Did the Queen ever imagine that it was her constant vigilance that pushed her closer to the Emperor?
Fate is never determined by man.
But, Your Majesty, has he even found out about Fu Cui?
Qingzan asked herself that she and Fucui had only met by chance a few times, but the friendship between the palace ladies was indeed easy to come by, because they both had nothing and nowhere to turn to, and they had both experienced the same difficult situation as each other, so they helped each other and felt at ease.
She lowered her eyes and calmed her mind. Yiyi raised her eyes and looked at the emperor again, fearing that he was deliberately deceiving her. "It's just a few gossips. If I say that there are countless people in the palace who have bullied me, will Your Majesty punish them all?"
Xiao Fang thought for a moment and smiled faintly: "It might be possible."
His expression was as indifferent as usual, as if this was just the most ordinary sentence.
Qing Zan didn't try to read his true emotions. She simply extended her cool, tender white fingers and gently touched the emperor's lapel. She tilted her head and said, "Isn't it Your Majesty who is most adept at bullying me? ... If Your Majesty hadn't let me return to Fengzao Palace, nothing would have happened today."
"You've even learned to turn the tables."
Xiao released her other wrist and interlocked his fingers with hers, pinning it forcefully to the bed. He patiently observed her, "I had been thinking of waiting until Mother's birthday to ask for a favor on your behalf, so you wouldn't have to start as a concubine."
Qingzan looked at him and immediately understood that the emperor said this to make her regret.
She regretted not waiting for his arrangements, but instead let everyone know that there was a maid who had climbed onto the dragon bed in Fengzao Palace. She was too impatient for success and ended up losing the big picture.
But she did not feel any regret. What difference did being a concubine, a selected lady, or a talented lady make? If it was just a matter of status, how could these be enough to compete with the queen?
If you climbed gracefully, wouldn't you still be climbing onto the imperial bed?
She never wanted more than that.
Qingzan leaned back gently, resting her head on the emperor's lap, her black hair flowing freely. She tilted her lonely, beautiful, and pure face to the side, looked up at him, and said, "I've already been hurt physically, and yet Your Majesty wants me to hurt your heart again."
She stretches her legs gently on her lover's lap, how can she not be pitiful?
She smiled again and said, "But it doesn't matter. I know exactly what kind of person I am. But whatever I gain is a gift. So, I won't be greedy."
She was not retreating in order to advance, she really did not have enough free time to hustle and bustle about the first or second level of position.
In fact, Xiao Fang did not intend to put her in a position that would attract too much attention and hatred at the beginning, but he changed his mind as early as when he issued the decree to promote Zheng to Concubine Hui.
There are only two types of women in this palace: those who are useful and those who can please him.
Useful people should be used to their full potential. Concubine Hui knew how she got her position, but if she had a little care, she would naturally be more considerate of others.
But he really didn't want to give in to this little woman's wishes so easily. He didn't want to see her scheme against someone else at the cost of his own safety a second time.
He wanted to punish him, but he didn't know where to start. Being wounded all over, so fragile and fragile, it restricted his ability to do anything.
Now, all he could do was to speak slowly, play with the ends of her soft, drooping hair, look into her sparkling eyes, and ask, "Are you sure you don't want to leave the palace?"
The sight of her begging him passionately that day and then letting her leave the palace after he lost interest was still fresh in his mind.
Qing Zan was stunned for a moment, and suddenly lost some of the energy to deal with the emperor. She silently replied in her heart, "I don't want to think about it anymore."
Because there would no longer be anyone waiting for her outside the palace.
Maybe never.
But when this hope is really broken, it is far more tragic than never having any hope at all, and it makes people feel heartbroken and filled with hatred and sorrow.
Qing Zan still remembered what she had said yesterday, and said with a touch of pity, "Your Majesty helped me save someone, and you have done me a favor. I know that my master sees me as a tool to plot against Your Majesty, and I feel terrified and guilty towards Your Majesty. Now that my whole heart and soul are devoted to Your Majesty, how could I still want to leave the palace?"
Xiao Fang scratched the servant's nose with his finger: "Dishonest."
He tried to be friendly: "Actually, I don't really care what you're up to, so there's no need to deliberately lie. What if you tell me, and I'll grant your wish?"
Qing Zan would never believe it. It was simply because he was deeply in love with her that he was trying to coax her with kind words. Perhaps he had shown such generosity and love to other women in the palace, but how many of these women in the palace had truly gotten what they wanted?
Qing Zan followed his example and softly gave him a promise: "Although I don't know what Your Majesty is talking about, when I am convinced that Your Majesty will fulfill it, I will definitely tell Your Majesty everything..."
Xiao Fang was about to say something when Qingzan suddenly grabbed his sleeve to gain leverage and stood up, then put her arms around his waist and rubbed her face against his collar.
The world is silent in this soft embrace.
"Your Majesty, my hand hurts." Qingzan said.
Xiao Fang held her head with one hand, savoring the brief embrace at this moment: "It's time."
Beneath the deep darkness in his eyes, there was clearly a hint of tenderness, as well as a strong desire that was stimulated by the difficulty of obtaining it.
"I don't care what your reason is. Anyway, since you said today that you don't want to leave the palace again, don't change your mind in the future. Stay in the side hall for the next few days. After the Qianqiu Banquet, I will personally choose a place for you. Also,"
"I allow you to be greedy."
"Beauty Ying."
*
Zheng Xiuyi suddenly jumped from the position of nine concubines to the only concubine, which of course caused quite a stir in the palace.
Concubine Hui herself was also surprised. She was the one who took care of the palace affairs before the queen entered the palace, but she knew that she would have to hand over the palace power sooner or later. She never sought merit but only to avoid mistakes. After all, there was the empress dowager supervising her.
Compared to the Empress, the Empress Dowager showed more respect to Concubine Hui. Perhaps because she remembered Concubine Hui's hard work during her time as the head of the palace, even if she had no merit, the Empress Dowager actually summoned her to the Purple Spring Palace for dinner with the Emperor.
As soon as Concubine Hui left Ruizhu Palace, she saw Concubine Yuan who was waiting outside.
During the tea party, although Concubine Hui knew that Concubine Yuan's intentions were not pure, she spoke gently and politely to the person and did not make any harsh remarks. The two of them had a relatively harmonious conversation. She could see that Yuan's purpose was simply to gain a high status with her and let her know her loyalty.
She gave the person a few words of advice. As long as she could persuade her cousin Zhao Cairen to think and act carefully and make fewer mistakes, she would naturally remember her kindness.
At this moment, Concubine Hui had the sedan chair stopped and called the man closer to speak: "It's getting hot, what are you doing standing here?"
Seeing that Concubine Hui showed no displeasure at her intentional interception, Concubine Yuan bowed and smiled, "I know that Concubine Hui is favored and valued by the Empress Dowager. Although I have long admired the Empress Dowager, I am powerless and dare not express my feelings to the Purple Spring Palace as often as Sister Yang does. However, my desire to fulfill my filial duty grows stronger day by day and never diminishes."
"After all, the enthronement ceremony hasn't taken place yet, so calling her Xiuyi is safer." Concubine Hui pondered the intention behind the words just now. "Do you want me to say a few good words for you in front of the Empress Dowager?"
Consort Yuan knew Consort Hui had misunderstood her words. "I only heard that when the Empress Dowager was still Consort Yuan, she would go to Hanliang Palace to escape the heat during the hot summer. But she didn't stay there last year. I guess it was because her status was no longer the same. I thought, since Your Majesty is now in charge of the six palaces, if you could take the initiative to bring this up, it would help Your Majesty to have a more comfortable summer."
"You don't need to mention my name. As long as Your Majesty is respected and the Queen Mother can see your filial piety and talent, I will be satisfied."
Concubine Hui smiled, but didn't explicitly say whether she agreed or not. "I see. I understand your good intentions."
The Empress Dowager was a heat-shy person, and indeed, the summer heat had begun to bite her early. In Ziquan Palace, dishes were brought in like a stream, but the Empress Dowager lost her appetite after just a few bites.
Concubine Hui had not originally intended to use Yuan's suggestion. Even though Yuan was wholeheartedly considering her, Concubine Hui knew that for the highest authority, the more powerful the subordinates were, the more they had to be obedient and unambitious, so that they could be used with greater confidence.
Seeing the Empress Dowager like this, Concubine Hui couldn't bear it any longer. "Empress Dowager, the three-year mourning period for the late Emperor hasn't ended yet, so you definitely won't be able to go to the temporary palace this year. It seems to me that Hanliang Palace hasn't been occupied for a while. It's a cool and beautiful place beside the Taiye Lake. It would be a pity to leave it lying idle. Why don't you stay there for a while? If you're in good health, His Majesty can rest assured that he will be free to rule the country."
The Queen Mother had not expected Concubine Hui to be so alert and quick-witted today. She was lost in thought for a moment, then smiled and nodded, "Alright."
She looked at the emperor again and said, "Let the one you are about to confer a title on me." She seemed to think for a moment before remembering the title "Ying." "Lady Ying, come and stay with me for a while. You'll teach me what kind of intelligent and appropriate person you are. If you're not quite up to par, that's fine. I'll teach you a thing or two. Although the rank of a beauty is a bit high, it's rare that you like her. And if others know I saw her, they won't gossip about her."
The news that the emperor had taken a palace maid away from Fengzao Palace early this morning and promoted Concubine Hui, thus dividing the empress's palace power, had already spread, but the details, such as who was taken away and how he planned to accommodate her, were not very clear to everyone.
The Empress Dowager and Concubine Hui knew the positions the Emperor had proposed for people earlier than others.
"Okay." Xiao Fang didn't ask any more questions.
Since she wanted to show herself to others, he no longer planned to protect her too well.
Sooner or later, she will have to learn how to deal with the Queen Mother's teaching method, whether it is strict or kind.
The Queen Mother then recalled something: "It just so happens that I'm still missing your aunt Lian's niece. Xun Huan, do you still remember her? The Qianqiu Banquet is coming up soon, so why not invite her to the palace as well? We can confer the title after the banquet, so she can keep this beautiful lady Ying company."
This time, the emperor did not agree as readily as before.
"Mother."
He narrowed his eyes slightly, and even the Queen Mother could sense the sharpness in them.
"My son, I'm afraid that if you do this, neither of them will be happy and willing to accept your kindness."
The Queen Mother had only casually suggested it, a tentative attempt. If it worked, that would be great; if it didn't, that was fine. She had then given up. But she had keenly sensed something different.
"They say thunder, lightning, rain, and dew are all blessings from heaven. When did the emperor start caring about a woman's happiness?"
Xiao Fang did not refute, but just smiled slightly and took a sip of tea.
The Queen Mother only then remembered and asked, "What does this word 'Ying' mean?"
Concubine Hui certainly knew that her position as a concubine was closely related to Concubine Ying, and she wanted to cover up for her in front of the Empress Dowager.
He then brought over a bowl of freshly taken out lychee pastry from an icy jar and handed it to the Empress Dowager, saying that it would not hurt her spleen and stomach if she ate it after the meal.
"I would venture to guess that 'overfilling is overflowing', which is meant as a warning."
The Queen Mother looked at the Emperor, as if asking if this was true.
Xiao Fang remained silent for a while, only saying in a veiled manner, "If your Majesty Queen doesn't eat any more, the mountain of pastry will melt."
The Queen Mother stirred the spoon slowly but remained motionless. "Since the Queen entered the palace, she has abused punishment. She is foolish and deserves a lesson. I think it would be wise to let her stay indoors and reflect on herself until the Mid-Autumn Festival."
The implication was that although she did not like her daughter-in-law, she was the mother of a country after all, and she could not really lock her up for too long.
*
When the emperor returned to Taiji Hall, the Arhat bed was empty, leaving only a faint fragrance that lingered for a long time.
Xiao Fang sat where she had been lying and read for a while. Perhaps because the mat was too thick, it felt a little hot and uncomfortable, making it difficult to calm down. So he asked someone to replace it with a Xiang bamboo mat.
She went to the side hall, but she was not there either. After asking, she found out that she had gone to the courtyard where the palace maids lived, to accompany her little sister who was still bedridden.
The emperor could only return to the front hall to review memorials in a somewhat depressed mood.
"Ask her to grind the ink."
After she finished speaking, she remembered that her finger was still injured: "Forget it."
She also thought that there were actually very few people with titles in the palace. Others were curious about her, but she didn't ask.
Even when expressing gratitude, there was not much fear or joy on his face.
Xiao Fang's eyes darkened, and he snorted coldly, "This place has become a place specifically for keeping idle people."
How could Xu Delu dare to say anything? He was in such a state of panic that he couldn't even breathe loudly. He didn't even dare to put down the tea in his hand.
Turning around, he vaguely saw through the carved lattices on the palace door a woman in a lake green palace skirt walking lightly and gracefully across the corridor and towards him. Her figure was hazy, but when he saw the person clearly, it was like seeing a savior.
Whatever Your Majesty wants comes true.
He hurriedly and calmly welcomed Qingzan into the hall and quietly retreated.
Qingzan could only serve the tea on behalf of the person. Fortunately, her little finger was slightly tilted, so it didn't interfere with her work.
Putting down the teacup, Xiao Fang saw a shadow in front of him, blocking the light. He said impatiently, "Get out."
But then I was surprised to smell a cool and clear fragrance, just like the orchid buds on a cold path in the mountains, which have been fragrant for a long time without anyone noticing.
He glanced sideways and saw the woman's slender waist.
Qing Zan waited until he looked up and saw her before she said softly, "I'll go out now...?"
Xiao Fang grabbed the man's hand and said, "Where else do you want to go?"
He laughed, not as if accusing her, "Don't take good care of your injuries."
However, there were some things he had already thought about, so there seemed no need to trouble her with her slender fingers wilted under the gauze.
He was more concerned about where she had been hit with a stick yesterday.
He gently placed his warm palm on it and asked in a hoarse voice, "Does it still hurt?"
-----------------------
Author has something to say: Concubine Hui: [Sunglasses] I can win without causing any trouble.
Gouzi: Please ask me what the word "Ying" means.
Attached is the position table of this article:
[The Queen]
[First Rank] Four Concubines (Noble, Virtuous, and Virtuous)
[Second Rank] Nine Concubines (Zhaoyi, Zhaorong, Zhaoyuan, Xiuyi, Xiurong, Xiuyuan, Chongyi, Chongrong, Chongyuan)
[Third Rank] Guiji, Guipin
[Fourth Rank] Concubine
[Fourth Rank] Ronghua
Fifth rank concubine
[Fifth Rank] Noble
[Sixth Rank] Beauty
[Sixth Rank] Talented Person
[Seventh Rank] Baolin
[Seventh Rank] Selected Concubine
[Eighth Rank] Imperial Concubine
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