“Each one was decorated with pearls and jade, and placed in the underground palace to accompany him to his eternal rest. This was also a huge expense.”
Shen Meizhuang said, "The treasures and antiques buried with the emperor were all his favorites during his lifetime. The brocades used in the tomb are mostly precious fabrics such as Yun brocade, Shu brocade, and Song brocade."
“This 12 million taels of silver is the result of our careful calculations and meticulous efforts to save money. If you don’t believe me, you can calculate it again. If we can really save any more silver, the three of us will acknowledge you as our master.”
......
They chattered back and forth, making Sun Miaoqing's eyes well up with tears. Big Fatty Orange had been talking about thrift for so many years, but it turned out he was the least thrifty person there.
He used all the money he had saved from the harem to pay for his own expenses!
Sun Miaoqing covered her head, not wanting to waste any more time on this.
"Lily of the Valley, bring out the seal and stamp it for me. I have a headache and can't stand hearing this."
"From now on, the affairs of the palace will continue to be managed by the Imperial Noble Consorts. After the Emperor's marriage, they will be handed over to the Empress."
Shen Meizhuang said with a smile, "Some people are born to enjoy a life of luxury. They don't have to worry about anything; there are plenty of people to share their burdens and solve their problems."
Nian Shilan said, "That's right. It was easier when I was a concubine, and it's even better now that I'm the Empress Dowager."
Sun Miaoqing said, "My sisters are all capable and experienced, virtuous and talented. Of course, the more capable they are, the more work they should do."
After Hongzhou ascended the throne, he conferred the title of Empress Dowager and Sun Miaoqing the title of Empress Dowager.
Nian Shilan, Consort Qi, Consort Jing, Zhen Huan, Shen Meizhuang, and An Lingrong were all honored as Imperial Noble Consorts.
Consort Shun and Noble Lady Xin were also honored as Imperial Concubines Dowager because of their daughters. The other concubines were at least Imperial Concubines Dowager.
In terms of treating the late emperor's harem with great favor, Sun Miaoqing and Hongzhou did an impeccable job.
After the Empress was granted her title and moved to Cining Palace, she spent her days in the small Buddhist hall, eating vegetarian food and chanting Buddhist scriptures, detached from worldly affairs. She only waited for Hongzhou to come of age before leaving the palace to cultivate himself.
Zhen Huan, along with a group of concubines yearning for freedom, moved to the Yuanmingyuan Garden. Just as the court was settling down, a plague swept them all away.
Shen Meizhuang didn't go because the new emperor had ascended the throne, and there were many complicated matters in the harem. She would leave after all these things were finished.
She was in the prime of her life, beautiful and talented, how could she possibly stay and be a widow for the emperor!
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