Zhu Gang's death had a relatively limited impact on the Ming Dynasty court, but it had a greater impact on the imperial family.
Many are watching with bated breath, but judging from the current situation, it seems unlikely that the imperial family's little schemes will succeed. Although Prince Jin Gong is gone, it hasn't changed the current emperor's mind, and the retired emperor has no intention of stepping in to 'turn the tide'.
Xu Miaoqing was quite calm at this time. Many princesses or princes who had not yet reached adulthood in the harem wanted to go to the Qianqing Palace, including the princes who had already gone out to establish their own residences. They all wanted to go and see Old Zhu.
It wasn't that they were worried about the retired emperor being placed under house arrest by Emperor Zhu Yunying; they simply wanted to show their filial piety and perhaps make a small contribution to gain more favor from Emperor Zhu. That was the key.
For example, Princess Ningguo and Princess Anqing, these two legitimate daughters, were naturally easy to deal with, and they brought Zhu Biao's grandson to the palace to pay their respects. Zhu Xi also obediently entered the palace. As Zhu Biao's legitimate daughter and Zhu Yunying's younger sister, she naturally had the proper decorum.
As for the other concubines, although some of Emperor Zhu's concubines had passed away, he still had twenty-four concubines at one point. It was impossible for Emperor Zhu to see them all. In fact, some concubines, after bearing children for Emperor Zhu, were no longer favored and could not see him at all, which was almost no different from being banished to the cold palace.
Now, if one wants to see Emperor Zhu or pay respects to him when he is sick or sad, one needs Empress Xu Miaoqing's permission.
Forget about seniority; these concubines weren't considered Zhu's 'wives' or members of his family. In Zhu's eyes, they were nothing more than breeding machines—that was the reality.
Just like in some wealthy and powerful families, the concubines didn't have a high status. They might have some wealth and honor, but they shouldn't expect any family or social standing. Some things were decided very clearly from the beginning.
For example, Consort Wang was completely disregarded by Xu Miaoqing. As for Consort Wang wanting to surpass Lian Qiongqiong, it was probably because she had given birth to a son for Zhu Yunying and thought she could rise in status through her son. In the end, the weight of a prince still outweighs that of a princess.
"Your Highness, His Highness the Crown Prince has gone to the Imperial Noble Consort's place." The female official said while combing Xu Miaoqing's hair. "The Imperial Noble Consort has sent someone over, saying that she wants the person who serves His Highness the Crown Prince to go there."
Xu Miaoqing nodded slightly and said, "Then send someone over. Keep an eye on the entrance to the Crown Prince's residence."
Although Lian Qiongqiong only gave birth to a daughter, it didn't mean Xu Miaoqing wasn't careful. While her status was special and her position secure, it was always better to be cautious in certain matters. She didn't need to worry about Zhu Yunying's other concubines 'rebelling,' but matters concerning the foundation of the state naturally couldn't be handled carelessly.
The lady-in-waiting continued, "Consort Guo, Consort Da, and Consort Zhao have also sent people over; they wish to pay their respects to the Emperor Emeritus."
"Just send someone to tell Shuangquan that the Emperor Emeritus can see me if he wants to," Xu Miaoqing said calmly. She then added, "Summon Ru Chang's wife and daughter to the palace so I can see them. Also, summon the mothers of Prince Xu and Prince Heng, as well as Princess Xu, to the palace."
This matter does indeed need to be taken seriously. After all, she is the Empress's sister-in-law, and some things should be decided by Xu Miaoqing.
Madam Lü has long since become more docile. She used to harbor some unrealistic fantasies, but the repeated setbacks of recent years have made her much more obedient. After Zhu Biao's death, she became even more dutiful, now simply caring for her three sons.
Upon being summoned by Xu Miaoqing, Madam Lü immediately came over, not daring to be the slightest bit careless.
While Zhu Yuanzhang was alive, Lady Lü could still dream of becoming Empress after he ascended the throne, since there couldn't be no Empress forever. Even Lady Chang could only be posthumously honored as Empress; the Ming Dynasty should have had Empresses.
However, with Emperor Zhu gone, Lady Lü could only be a "concubine of the late emperor," and she was no longer allowed to enter the Zhu family ancestral hall. She was no longer a legitimate "wife," and her status had been clearly defined as that of a "concubine."
Upon arriving at Chunhe Palace, Lady Lü felt a pang of sorrow. This was a place she had once lived in, a place she knew intimately, but now it felt both familiar and strange.
The location and layout of the palace have not changed, but it is now the emperor's bedroom, so some regulations have changed and it is no longer just the East Palace.
"Your Majesty, I, Lady Lü, pay my respects to the Empress and Your Highness the Princess."
"Your Majesty, my younger sister, Ma, pays her respects to Your Majesty the Empress and Your Highness the Princess."
Xu Miaoqing smiled gently, "No need for formalities, we're all family."
This was just polite talk, but such politeness also implied a sense of distance. Both Lady Lü and Lady Ma were well aware of their awkward position. Lady Lü, in particular, felt even more uncomfortable when she saw Zhu Xi.
Zhu Xi didn't bother to greet Lady Lü, but said to Lady Ma, "Alright, come visit often in the future. Speaking of which, the Xu Prince's residence and the Princess's residence are close by, so come visit more often. Your sister-in-law is in the palace, and if you don't come, people outside might say that your brother is mistreating the Xu Prince."
This was clearly a veiled criticism. Madam Ma quickly knelt down, saying, "Your Highness is right to reprimand me. I know I was wrong."
Lady Lü felt a pang of bitterness. If her son had become emperor, Zhu Xi and his ilk would have been completely at her mercy. But now, it was Zhu Yunying sitting on the dragon throne, and her daughter-in-law could only tread carefully. Even the dignified Princess Xu could only bow and scrape before the princess.
Xu Miaoqing smiled and smoothed things over, saying, "The reason I called you here today is to talk about the marriage proposal for Prince Heng. His Majesty intends to betroth Ru Chang's second daughter to you. As Prince Heng's mother and sister-in-law, you should know about these matters."
Lady Lü paused for a moment, then said somewhat awkwardly, "Your Highness, Ru Chang is the Minister of Personnel and comes from a scholarly family; his family's reputation is naturally excellent..."
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