Chapter 215 Persuading her to become a concubine
Dou Wenyi was slightly taken aback. The current situation was unclear, with internal and external troubles. If Pei Siyan used too drastic methods to deal with the aristocratic families, it might soon backfire.
But if he couldn't gather enough military provisions, how could he lead his army on a march?
Yin Congjian had clearly considered these points as well, and couldn't help but remind him, "Your Highness, this move is too rash; I'm afraid it might leave behind hidden dangers..."
Dou Wenyi pondered for a moment, "I've heard that most of the Imperial Guards are from families with a long history of merit, and many of the officers in the Five Great Camps either inherited their titles through family connections or obtained them through donations. Does Your Highness intend to use these people?"
A glint of admiration flashed in Yin Congjian's eyes as he respectfully said, "Your Highness, the Crown Princess is wise. This move is truly feasible. Taking these soldiers away will surely make the powerful clans, worried about their safety, work hard to procure provisions. Once the army marches to the vicinity of Jianghuai, the local magnates of Jiangnan, intimidated by the imperial army's power, will undoubtedly submit to the imperial army and actively procure provisions. In this way, this whole plan will be put to good use."
After hearing his words, Pei Siyan remained silent for a long time. “It is indeed difficult to get these old soldiers to charge into battle and fight for the country. However, as you said, as long as they are willing to die, their families will plan and scheme for them.”
"Of course, there are also those who seize the opportunity to make a name for themselves."
"It's settled then. With a combination of kindness and severity, it's time to replace the old-fashioned clans in Tianning City."
Yin Congjian suddenly remembered something and couldn't help but remind him, "Your Highness, once you leave, who will be in charge of Tianning City? Does Your Highness have a candidate? What about His Majesty...?"
The imperial physicians administered acupuncture to Emperor Muzong daily, and his legs showed slight improvement compared to before. His mood was no longer as listless as before, and he would occasionally sit in his wheelchair to get some fresh air. However, due to his limited mobility, his temperament became increasingly eccentric and unpredictable, and he had no interest in reviewing memorials.
Based on their status, Consort Zhang could indeed assist in governing the country. In addition, there was Prince Duan, who was, after all, Emperor Muzong's own son.
Pei Siyan had naturally thought of this as well. Grand Secretary Meng was an opportunist and cunning man, and he was afraid that they would cause trouble.
Pei Siyan seemed to be thinking about something. "Let me think about this matter more carefully."
When news spread that the imperial court was going to settle the debts again and even revoke the titles, people were in a state of panic. Several meritorious families went to the princess to complain. For the princess, who had always longed for more real power, this seemed like a great opportunity.
Outside the Wutong Garden, snow fell silently, covering the vermilion walls and pale tiles with a layer of snow, adding a touch of poetry to the solemn Eastern Palace.
Dou Wenyi ordered her people to sell the various pills she had refined on the black market under the name "Little Fairy Doctor." At the same time, she purchased a large amount of medicinal herbs, intending to refine even more pills and earn money from high-ranking officials and nobles.
The palace was warm and cozy, filled with laughter and conversation. A palace maid lifted the curtain and entered, announcing that Consort Sheng requested an audience.
Cuizhi whispered, "Your Highness, Consort Sheng waited all morning at Chaohua Palace, but His Highness refused to let her in. I wonder what she's up to?"
In the blink of an eye, she had stepped into the hall. After bowing respectfully, Sheng Xiyue didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point, saying, "Your Highness, my family is one of the three major grain merchants in Tianning City. You should know that, right?"
The collar around her neck was trimmed with white mink fur, which made her face look delicate and charming, extremely beautiful.
Dou Wenyi smiled and ordered someone to serve her tea.
Pei Siyan is currently having a headache over food supplies, so she brought it up herself. It didn't seem like she was there to help him solve his problem, but rather like she was there to negotiate.
"Um."
Sheng Xiyue lowered her eyes and continued, "If the Sheng family were to mobilize all its grain reserves, it should be able to alleviate Your Highness's urgent need. I wish to do my part for Your Highness, but my father has some concerns..."
“I don’t understand what you’re saying. If Consort Sheng has something to say, she might as well speak plainly.” Dou Wenyi raised an eyebrow and scrutinized her casually.
So, did they dislike the concubine's position and want to take advantage of her kindness?
Sheng Xiyue concealed the panic in her eyes and said softly, "When I learned that His Highness was critically ill, I ignored my family's advice and begged His Majesty with all my might, thinking that if I could bring good luck to His Highness, it wouldn't be a big deal even if I suffered some grievances myself."
“But the Sheng family’s ancestral rules forbid me from becoming a concubine, and my actions have already angered my family. Now, if I were to ask my father to help His Highness overcome this difficulty, it would be extremely difficult to persuade the Sheng family members, unless…”
"Unless His Highness agrees to make you Empress in the future?" Dou Wenyi remained expressionless, but found it quite amusing.
A hint of surprise flashed in Sheng Xiyue's eyes. She hurriedly shook her head, looking innocent and pitiful. "Your Highness, you misunderstand. I dare not have such a thought. I only hope that Your Highness can take some time to deal with my father. Even if it's just to deceive him, it's fine. In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures are needed. After all, it's wartime now."
That's a brilliant move—a strategic retreat to advance.
The bad guy was her father, but she was the one who benefited!
If Pei Siyan does not make her empress in the future, wouldn't Pei Siyan become an ungrateful and faithless emperor?
Just then, Eunuch Anxi's laughter came from outside, "Your Highness, His Highness sent me to tell you that he'll be coming over for dinner soon..."
His laughter stopped abruptly as soon as he entered. "Crown Princess, Consort Sheng, please continue with your business."
After Eunuch Anxi left, the atmosphere in the hall became tense.
Dou Wenyi picked up her teacup, took a sip, and said, "How could I possibly know anything about such important matters as provisions? Why don't you stay and have dinner with us, and ask His Highness yourself?"
Seeing that she remained calm throughout, Sheng Xiyue became even more undecided. "Sister is a person of great wisdom and righteousness, and is truly a role model for us. Then I will respectfully accept your offer."
"Sister, have you heard the story of the legendary Empress Yin Lihua and Guo Shengtong?"
There's an older sister on the left and an older sister on the right.
So, did Sheng Xiyue want to persuade her to become a concubine like Yin Lihua, so as to fulfill her relationship with Pei Siyan?
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