Although Shen Meizhuang's words were calm, her voice contained a chilling intent and a ruthlessness she had never shown before.
She continued, “Kings are suspicious by nature. They want their subjects to be loyal to them and to achieve great things, but they also fear that their subjects will achieve great things. They can only share hardships, but not prosperity.”
"If that's the case, then one can't blame others for harboring bandits to enhance one's own prestige."
[Sister Mei is awesome! I don't know why, but I suddenly think she's amazing!]
The woman before me now is no longer the former Shen Meizhuang, but Niohuru Meizhuang!
Shen Meizhuang blushed slightly at the compliment, but she also felt puzzled. What did Niu Hulu Meizhuang mean?
Could she possibly have some connection to the Niohuru family? But her surname is Shen!
Even if she gave birth to a prince and was granted a surname and elevated to a higher banner, according to the rules she should have been surnamed Shen Jia...
Sun Miaoqing looked at Shen Meizhuang, as if she were covered in a layer of golden light, shining with dazzling brilliance, making it impossible for anyone to look away.
"Thinking about it, that makes a lot of sense. How people below do things ultimately depends on the personality of the people above them."
"If one is fortunate enough to encounter a monarch with great talent and ambition, who is confident and radiant, and who is not afraid of the merits of his subjects, then one can certainly feel at ease and boldly display one's talents."
"But if you encounter a suspicious and petty ruler, it depends on whether the minister cares more about his own family and the interests of the country."
An Lingrong thought for a moment. She didn't care about her family; she only cared about her mother and herself. As for national interests, that wasn't something she should be thinking about.
"Those who know they are facing certain death yet still exert themselves wholeheartedly are certainly worthy of admiration. But if those who are truly devoted to them are driven to despair because of this, then so is a terrible thing."
"Even if he becomes a hero of the world, he only pleases himself. Did he ask those who are implicated beforehand if they were willing to become heroes with him?"
"Perhaps he's not even a hero, and when others talk about him, all they'll hear is a barrage of criticism."
She was previously just an unloved child in the county magistrate's family and was unaware of these things.
After entering the palace, I saw and heard countless things.
It was either that one of the concubines was the most favored, or that one of the concubines had committed a crime, resulting not only in her being banished to the cold palace and losing her life, but also in the implicating of her entire family.
Many families were found to have members who were corrupt, lawless, or disobedient. At best, they lost power and could only seek a posting to a remote area, or resign and move their entire family back to their hometown.
Severe punishments included confiscation of property and exile, with many losing their heads. Even more ruthless were the execution of the entire family.
It's impossible to tell how much of this was self-inflicted and how much was wrongly accused.
Thinking of the situation in the imperial court and the inner palace, and recalling Shen Meizhuang's words about raising bandits to maintain her own importance, An Lingrong knew that she was afraid.
The emperor is heartless; finding a way out for yourself is the most important thing!
An Lingrong's desire for promotion grew stronger. She had been a Jing Changzai for quite some time now, and she wondered when she could be promoted again.
*
The palace was bustling for several days. Consort Hua handed over the list of those who would go to the Yuanmingyuan Garden to escape the summer heat, and it was reviewed by Fatty Orange.
Fat Orange read it once and thought it was pretty good; all his favorite concubines were on it.
But why would Consort Li go back there? Why would she say things she doesn't want to hear? Is she going back there to make him uncomfortable?
One person like that is enough for him to enjoy!
Why isn't Consort Jing's name mentioned?
The chubby orange cat asked, "Why haven't I seen Consort Jing?"
Consort Hua said, "There are still many concubines remaining in the harem, and the Empress Dowager doesn't go to the garden. Consort Jing is steady and capable of managing affairs, so I thought I'd keep her in the palace."
"Firstly, it would make it easier to take care of the Empress Dowager, and secondly, it would also allow me to look after the concubines who remained."
The chubby orange said, "The Empress Dowager is not well. A few days ago she said that Consort Li was funny. Although Consort Jing is composed, she is quiet by nature."
"Let Consort Li stay here, and Consort Jing will go to the Yuanmingyuan Palace with you."
Consort Hua replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, I obey."
Big Fatty Orange continued watching. Sun Miaoqing, Zhen Huan, Shen Meizhuang, and An Lingrong were also on the list, and he had no objections to the rest.
Just as he was about to hand over the list, he remembered Borjigit, whom he had only favored once or twice, and who had bestowed upon him the title of "He".
Although she wasn't his type of woman, she was sensible, polite, and very well-behaved. For the sake of Mongolia, he should treat her well.
Big Fat Orange said, "I'll go with the nobleman too."
Consort Hua was stunned; she had completely forgotten that such a person existed in the palace. However, she quickly realized that Borjigit should indeed come along.
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty. It was my oversight. I will add Consort He to the list immediately."
...... ......
Not long after Consort Hua left the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Consort Li learned that her plan to go to the Yuanmingyuan Garden to escape the summer heat was ultimately ruined.
I used to bring her every year, but this time I brought so many newcomers.
In Qixiang Palace, Consort Li was so angry that she smashed several more vases, using her anger to mask her inner fear.
"I haven't been able to have a child yet, and the Emperor has already grown tired of me. What hope do I have left in the palace?"
Everyone else was sent away, except for the personal maid Mingyan, who stayed by their side to offer comfort.
"Your Majesty is so beautiful, how could the Emperor possibly dislike you?"
"Besides, there's Consort Hua. You've been loyal to her all these years, she'll definitely help you!"
Consort Li said dejectedly, "Even Consort Hua can't help me. This time, the Emperor won't let me go."
"Besides, Consort Hua doesn't have any children of her own, so how could she care about others?"
Mingyan hesitated before saying, "Actually, if Your Highness feels lonely, you can follow Consort Cheng's example and adopt a child. That way, you'll have someone to rely on."
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