Zhou Ninghai felt that he couldn't watch Consort Hua make a mistake.
"If Your Majesty wishes to support the Fifth Prince, why not find a way to raise him yourself? Being the Empress Dowager is much safer than being a concubine."
Consort Hua hadn't considered this, but initially she was so immersed in grief that she couldn't pull herself out. Her mind was solely focused on revenge and the honor of her family; she couldn't think of anything else.
Later, she thought of something, but how could the Emperor and Empress Dowager agree? She had considered a feigned effort to secretly contact the princes, using this as a gamble.
However, the Third Prince was already grown up, and Consort Qi kept a close watch on him.
The Fourth Prince was convenient, but the eldest daughter, Da Pang Ju, particularly disliked this son, so no matter how hard she tried, it was useless.
Only the Fifth Prince Hongzhou remained. Although he was being cared for at Prince Zhuang's residence, there would come a day when he would return to the palace.
Unexpectedly, before she could even make arrangements, Sun Miaoqing had already set her sights on Hongzhou.
This forced her to settle for second best, but settling for second best was still better than doing nothing and being at the mercy of others.
The armor, made of red gold and inlaid with agate, scraped across the tabletop. The only sound in the hall was the hissing of the armor, which sent chills down Zhou Ninghai and Songzhi's spines.
After a long silence, Consort Hua finally spoke, “His Majesty will not allow me to raise the prince, much less make me the Empress Dowager.”
"Since things can't be accomplished, we have to find another way. Instead of going down a dead end like before and only knowing how to use force."
"Rather than fighting with Consort Cheng to the death, only to have others reap the benefits, it's better to join forces. As long as the Emperor is unhappy, I will be happy."
"Isn't he trying to discard us like a used tool after we've served our purpose? I'll make sure he doesn't get his way."
"I not only want him to find no excuse to attack the Nian family, but I also want my brother to go from the open to the covert, secretly accumulating power for the future."
"I will make sure he dies with his eyes wide open in disgrace!"
Zhou Ninghai shrank back slightly, but then became excited again. Such a big thing might very well be accomplished through his efforts.
If he succeeds, even though he will be a eunuch, his life will not have been in vain.
Thinking about the deeds of those powerful eunuchs in history books, perhaps there will be another one like him in the future!
"Your Majesty is wise. This servant will certainly follow Your Majesty closely and obey all commands."
Seeing Zhou Ninghai busy professing his loyalty again, Songzhi quickly said, "This servant is the same."
Consort Hua said, "I understand your loyalty, and I will never betray you."
*
Xianfu Palace
In Cunju Hall, Shen Meizhuang had been pondering for a long time these past few days, and she felt that the mastermind behind this incident that had harmed the concubines in the harem was none other than the usually calm and forbearing Consort Jing.
As for evidence, Shen Meizhuang didn't have any conclusive proof. After all, Consort Jing was just chatting with her and mentioned that eating certain nourishing foods could help one conceive a child faster.
She didn't eat any of those Cistanche deserticolas. When the emperor came before, he would have them stewed, and they did have some effect.
So when she heard Consort Jing say that, she was immediately tempted. It was also because she was so eager for a child that she had someone stew it and send it over, never expecting that such a thing would happen in the end.
What Shen Meizhuang never figured out was how she was so sure that the concubines in the harem would send those things to the emperor without prior arrangement.
Furthermore, why would Consort Jing target the Emperor? There's no reason for it...
If it was because of long-term neglect of favor that resentment arose, then action should have been taken long ago; why wait until now?
Could it be that she's overthinking it?
Shen Meizhuang became more and more confused. One person's plan is short, but two people's plans are long. She should discuss it with someone.
Without hesitation, Shen Meizhuang immediately instructed Caiyue to prepare a palanquin, and before it got too late, they went directly to Suiyu Pavilion.
Upon arriving at their destination, Caiyue helped her inside. Zhen Huan was holding a copy of the Zizhi Tongjian (Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government), reading it intently.
"You still have the mind to read books? Look how much the people in the palace hate you now."
"Sister Mei, what brings you here? Come and sit down."
Zhen Huan said with delight, put down her book, got up and went to answer.
Shen Meizhuang said, "I haven't been out for quite a while, but I'm almost better now, so I came to see you."
"How are you feeling? Does it still hurt?"
Zhen Huan shook her head. "It doesn't hurt anymore. Speaking of this, you were indeed implicated because of me."
“If the Empress Dowager hadn’t disliked me, you wouldn’t have been punished so severely.”
Zhen Huan had been thinking about this for a long time. The Empress Dowager not only disliked her, but also Consort Cheng and Consort Hua.
That's why I came up with this excuse to make them feel bad.
Otherwise, how could someone as favored as Shen Meizhuang, and even a concubine like Chun Changzai, who had never served the emperor, have knelt for seven days?
Therefore, it's not entirely without reason that the concubines were angry with her.
Shen Meizhuang said, "This is not your fault. It's just that you were so favored the other day that it was hard for people not to be envious."
“I’ve been thinking about who did it every day these past few days. I don’t have any evidence, but I have a hunch, which is why I thought I’d come over and discuss it with you.”
Upon hearing Shen Meizhuang's speculation, Zhen Huan immediately took it seriously, sat up straight, and said...
"Sister Mei, is what you say true? You already know who did it?"
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