Chapter 82: Queen's Position "Just because you are you."
The emperor ordered Zhao Shuren imprisoned in the palace's Sui Han Hall. Since then, no one in the palace has seen her again. Qingzan heard rumors that the daily meals delivered to the Sui Han Hall had long ceased, and that someone had seen Zhao Shuren's body being carried out, covered in a white sheet.
When the emperor was asked about it later, he only said that he gave the Zhao family four words as a reward for their selfless heart of caring about the country and serving the people.
Those four words mean returning the jade intact to Zhao.
Qingzan didn't know whether Zhao was still alive, but she thought that there would never be another Zhao Tingguang in the world.
Although Concubine Hui was not explicitly ordered to be under house arrest, the Ruizhu Palace had been closed to visitors since the court hearing that day. Except when the Empress Dowager occasionally wanted to see the little princess, Concubine Hui would take the princess to Ziquan Palace. At other times, she would not go out of the main gate or the second gate.
A few days ago, when Commoner Zhao was imprisoned in Sui Han Palace, the Zhao family tried to contact Concubine Hui, but naturally received no response.
For the sake of the little princess, Concubine Hui made her choice.
On the fifth day of February, the emperor officially issued an edict, ordering the three departments of Dali Temple, Criminal Ministry and Censorate to jointly investigate the Duan family case. When the Duan family members who were supposed to be praying in the temple were escorted to the prison, they were all skinny, with disheveled hair and bare feet. Only Mrs. Duan was slightly better off.
The novice monks in the temple did not receive any orders to make the old lady do the hard labor of chopping wood, moving bricks, and cleaning dry toilets every day. Originally, they only needed to be a vegetarian and copy scriptures. It was the old lady who voluntarily took on the work of sweeping the temple in the hope of reducing her sins.
On February 25th, in compliance with the late emperor's will, Duan Ruoxu and his wife, Zhu, were convicted of deceiving the emperor and murder. They were sentenced to three years of hard labor building the imperial mausoleum. After three years, they were to be hanged, but their bodies were allowed to remain intact. Zhu Mingcheng received 100 lashes and life imprisonment. The rest of the Duan and Zhu families implicated in the case were exiled to Lingnan.
Suo Yun was posthumously awarded the title of Lady of Rongguo, and was promoted to the first rank. She was granted a fief of a thousand households and had her own family temple established.
The truth of what happened back then was revealed in imperial edicts posted in every province and state, but to ordinary people, it was just a distant gossip.
In addition, on February 15th, after the eldest prince celebrated his birthday, he was sent to the Hongwen Hall to study and practice calligraphy. On the same day, after Ming Shufei's brother entered the palace to celebrate the eldest prince's birthday, he also received an imperial edict: the emperor personally ordered him to serve as the third-rank governor of Yanzhou, and also conferred the title of General Protector of the Country.
Although he was promoted from the fourth rank to the third rank, he lost the power to command the army and was transferred away from the core of power in the capital. The General of the National Defense was just an intimidating title.
Concubine Ming Shu was naturally dissatisfied with this decree which was a promotion in name only and a demotion in reality, so she went to Taiji Hall to ask for an audience with the emperor that day.
I don’t know what the emperor said to Concubine Shu, but when Concubine Shu came out, she no longer had any objection to this matter.
On the third day of March, a flower-viewing banquet was held in the palace.
Because it was hosted by the Six Shangs and not under the title of the Empress Dowager, there were not too many concubines present, but there were still quite a few.
Even though the favor of the six palaces now belongs to one person, life still has to go on.
Besides, everyone is well-paid and well-paid. On weekdays, they only need to study what color of rouge and powder will suit their face best, and what style of silk and satin will make them look more gorgeous and noble. Once they think positively, life is not too boring.
But when the concubines who were attending the banquet arrived, they found that the Six Shangs had prepared a variety of new pastries, seasonal hairpins and pearl crowns, skirts and shawls, mother-of-pearl fans, and even musical instruments and books. Among the books were poetry collections and travel notes, as well as popular vernacular books, all of which were placed on the Furong Bridge over Taiye Lake.
On both sides of the curved bridge, there is a flower pot every three steps and a display stand every five steps. It is as lively as a folk stall. The difference from the stalls is that these things are free of charge and you can choose as you like.
Although the cost is not high, it is really surprising.
The flower viewing banquet was originally a treasure hunting banquet.
The concubines who were lucky enough to be present were busy calling their friends and inviting out those concubines who were staying in their rooms because they were "sick", "sprained", or "had their period". The curved bridge was suddenly crowded with people and beauties.
Concubine Zhengui now had a rather graceful, willow-like waist, and her gait was unsteady due to her frail frame. She had always loved fans of all kinds, and just as she was reaching for a double-sided embroidered full-moon ivory waist fan from the long table, Concubine Ming Shu also chose this one. They both reached out, but Concubine Ming Shu took the fan first. "Sister Zhen, you're out too?"
Concubine Zhengui fell behind and didn't intend to compete with her. She gave her a neutral glance and was about to leave. However, Concubine Ming Shu took the initiative to hand over the fan: "The cold plum, its fragrance can penetrate the bones, the cold moon, its light can illuminate the people. Among these many gorgeous and enchanting mother-of-pearl fans, this one is indeed an eye-catcher."
Concubine Zhengui took the fan. It was the beginning of spring, far from the time to fan herself, but she still began to fan herself leisurely. "Thank you very much, sister."
After saying this, Concubine Zhengui smiled, and her sickly look disappeared. "I heard that Mingjie's brother was exiled to Yanzhou just because of a few red plum blossoms. It's better for me to take the red plum blossoms, so that my sister won't be sad when she sees them!"
As soon as she saw Concubine Ming Shu, Zhenguipin felt like a pungent chili pepper.
Concubine Ming Shu was a little surprised: "Sister, you are well-informed, but Yanzhou is a high-ranking state with rich resources. In times of peace, it is a place where soldiers are stored in arsenals and horses are sent to Mount Hua. Now that brother can protect the people of this place, it is not a bad thing for him to make the best use of his talents. Sister, please don't use the word 'exile' carelessly."
There were still people crossing the bridge, so she simply took a few steps forward and stood on the side where Concubine Zhen was standing, leaning on the railing with them, facing the pool.
Concubine Zhengui covered her face with a fan and said with a smile, "Don't you see who my father is and what his relationship with Your Majesty is? What is there that I shouldn't know? Whether it's a demotion or a promotion, I'm sure you know it in my heart. You're just trying to fool others with this!"
She knows the inside story.
After returning from the autumn hunt, although Zhao Shuren's house arrest was lifted, most of the palace servants around her were dismissed, so new ones naturally needed to be appointed. Rumor has it that Ming Shufei's brother took advantage of this major reshuffle to place his own people around Zhao as personal maids.
Does anyone know whether Princess Lingxi’s allergy to pollen was a foolish act committed by Zhao Shuren because he was usurped?
Concubine Ming Shu placed her hand on the railing and asked calmly, "Oh? Is Lord Wang in good health?"
Concubine Zhengui immediately lost her complacency and said, "Don't worry about my father's health, sister!"
Concubine Ming Shu turned to the others and said, "You see, it's always easy to hurt people's hearts. There's no need for red plums. But if there's a sore spot, a random word can make it unhappy."
Concubine Zhengui snorted lightly.
Concubine Ming Shu suddenly asked, "I've always been curious, why does my sister dislike me so much?"
Concubine Zhen said nothing.
If I tell her that it was because His Majesty left me when she was rumored to be pregnant, wouldn't I seem too petty?
Besides, they didn't get along! She hated her arrogant look the most.
"If I don't like it, I don't like it. Do I have to have a reason for everything?"
Concubine Ming Shu no longer forced herself: "Take good care of yourself, and don't be like Quexian, causing me so much trouble. I said we will be sisters for life."
After saying this, he was helped away by the palace maids.
Concubine Zhengui raised one finger, and her fingertip landed on the top of the round fan. She turned the fan half a circle, then held the handle firmly again and looked down at it. The words on the fan were "Flowers are in full bloom and the moon is full", but why are there only cold moon and sad flowers?
Behind him, several young Baolin talents were discussing, "Election every three years, I don't know if there will be new people entering the palace next time. It's because I'm too low-ranking now to dare to snatch the concubines' places. But when a new person comes, they won't dare to snatch mine!"
Zhenguipin couldn't help but laugh at their naivety.
No, there will be no more newcomers and no more talent shows.
She looked at the woman in the distance.
Qingzan only picked out an elegant and outstanding orchid hairpin, with thin green jade leaves supporting a dark purple flower heart.
She was eight months pregnant, and no one dared to approach her. Everyone was afraid of accidentally bumping into her. Even those who came to greet her and chat with her had to stand several feet away. If she continued to be so picky, I'm afraid even more people would have to make way for her.
After Qingzan walked down the Furong Bridge, she went to the Changming Palace.
There were constant guards outside the Changming Palace. Living in seclusion there, the deposed empress naturally had no good food or drink to offer. Even the eunuchs who ran errands thought it was too far, and a bowl of porridge every few days was considered good enough. It was said that when she was extremely hungry, the deposed empress would even gnaw on leaves.
Sometimes, palace maids and eunuchs would even come to her to vent their anger when they got upset while on duty, especially those whom she had treated harshly in the past.
He is just a madman who can't even speak clearly.
Everyone in the palace knew that the deposed queen had long been insane. When they heard that Qingzan was going in, they did not dare to let their master in alone.
Everyone stood with their necks stiff, refusing to give in even a little.
Qing Zan knew that their tempers were all caused by her, so she couldn't scold them. She could only discuss with them: "You stand outside, and when I go in, I will just talk to her from a distance. If she does anything strange, I will open the door and come out immediately. Is that okay?"
Doukou was still worried: "Should I accompany the master inside?"
Qingzan thought about it and finally nodded. She was now eight months pregnant and there was really no room for error.
As soon as Duan Lanzhen saw the door open, she trembled and hugged herself to the corner.
She sat curled up with her knees hugged, trying to protect her body, then raised her hands to cover her head to protect her sparse hair.
But this time was different from the past. No one rushed forward to grab her hair, drag her out, and then beat and kick her.
She finally dared to raise her head slowly and immediately burst into screams: "It's you! What are you doing here!"
Qing Zan tilted her head leisurely and said with understanding, "It seems that he is not crazy?"
Duan Lanzhen cried out, "It's all your fault! It's all your fault!"
Seeing the person looking so glamorous and pregnant, she hated him so much that she almost wanted to fight him to the death. If it weren't for this bitch, how could she have fallen to the point of pretending to be crazy to survive... However, her hands and legs were covered with new and old wounds caused by the revenge of the palace people. Even if she used her hands and feet to crawl forward, it was quite difficult.
Qingzan's expression was calm as he bent down and put down a bottle of medicine and an orchid hairpin.
If you want to survive, the golden medicine can heal your wounds. If you want to die, the orchid hairpin can also kill yourself quickly.
"I hurt you? You're wrong. In this palace, in this world, it has always been—"
"Those who do evil will eventually perish."
"It's just tit for tat."
"Just like my first meeting with Your Majesty, I also want to thank you, sister. That rainy day, you asked me to go get the jade material, but you locked me out..."
After putting down the two things, Qingzan turned around and went out. The door of the abandoned palace was closed again, tightly, as if not even a breath of fresh air could get in.
Doukou thought about her master's life experience. If she was not a member of the Duan family, her master should have been a lady from a noble family. Why would she have to serve others as a servant for more than ten years? Such a person who stole other people's lives and still did not repent should be left to suffer both life and death!
She asked puzzledly, "Master, are you being soft-hearted?"
Qing Zan shook her head: "In fact, it is difficult for her to grow up to be a sensible and reasonable person when she has such parents since she was a child. When I first saw her in the mansion, she was not very happy. It's a pity that one's birth is never chosen by others."
Just like her, no matter how much she hated it, wasn't she half Duan family blood? What she did today was to fulfill the last bit of bloodline and repay the kindness of Mrs. Duan for fifteen years of protection.
From then on, no matter the hatred or blood relationship, the Duan family had nothing to do with her anymore.
But if the Queen was very angry about her words, it was not her fault.
As the procession moved along, it had apparently strayed from the direction back to Chengluan Palace. Qingzan lifted the side curtain and saw that Doukou, who was accompanying her, looked calm and unfazed. She knew something was amiss.
It’s probably related to the emperor.
When the sedan chair landed, they were outside Lianbi Palace. Qingzan immediately noticed the strange weeds growing wildly against the wall. Spring had arrived, so this must be a new crop.
There was also the emperor holding an umbrella in front of the palace, standing on the grass path, wearing a light robe and standing tall and graceful.
Qing Zan laughed at him: "It's not raining today, why is Your Majesty holding an umbrella?"
"I had a dream last night that it would rain today."
The emperor said this with a playful smile, putting last night's nightmare behind him. He then walked over to greet her and led her into the palace. "I have actually wondered if Lianbi felt guilty towards me and sent you to me."
"What I'm thinking about more is how much longer you and I would have missed each other if it weren't for this night."
Qingzan also thought of that night. She was a little suspicious that he knew what she had just said to the Queen and was waiting for her here on purpose.
As soon as they entered and walked around a bright new screen, the emperor picked up a bright yellow scroll from the table and offered it to her: "Take a look?"
Without even looking, Qing Zan could guess what it was. Also on the table was a phoenix seal and a golden book.
As expected, this was an edict to establish a queen.
Qing Zan asked suspiciously, "How come Your Majesty has already drafted it now?"
There is still a month left. If she gives birth to a daughter by then, she will have to leave the palace. Wouldn't it be a waste of trouble to make her the queen now?
The emperor curled his lips: "It's just right now."
"I don't want you to suspect that I'm being favored because of your mother."
"I also don't want others to think you were canonized for giving birth to a child."
Just because you are you.
Qing Zan: "But..."
Emperor: "No buts."
The emperor's eyes were filled with deep emotion, but Qingzan frowned and returned the imperial edict to him: "Your Majesty, are you hiding something from me?"
The emperor's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that the imperial physician had leaked the news, and she had seen through it? She also had a skilled doctor named Chan Yi in her palace. Although he had given orders to others, there was no guarantee that Chan Yi would betray him.
But if she gave birth to a son, she would stay, but that was her choice first.
At this moment, Xiao Fang was thinking a lot in a panic, his heart was in a mess and he couldn't calm down.
But someone said, "Your Majesty, do you think that by enthroning me, I won't be able to leave? Your Majesty, this will only make it more difficult and troublesome for me to leave."
"By then, you'll have to fake your own death to leave the palace. The old queen will be deposed, and the new queen will die. Be careful people will say you're unlucky with your wife."
Only then did Xiao Fang relax the tense feeling.
He could swear that this would be the last time he lied to her in his life.
But she is so smart, it is not easy to deceive her all her life.
But the word "wife-killing"...
He resisted the urge to frown, lowered his head slightly, lifted her face, smiled suddenly, and kissed her fresh lips.
The word "wife-killer" isn't a nice word, so just consider it an invitation for him to seal the deal with a kiss.
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Author's words: Gouzi: I was scared to death because I cheated on my wife
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