The emperor has really changed.
This wasn't the first time Su Peisheng had felt this way, but this time it was the most profound.
Ever since the day of the imperial concubine selection, when the emperor saw Consort Cheng in the main hall, things have changed, and she has gradually become different from before.
After Consort Cheng entered the palace, the emperor's changes became increasingly drastic, to the point that even his personal eunuch found it difficult to cope.
No one understood better than Su Peisheng the fact that the imperial court was poor, the people were poor, and the emperor was worried about money.
In the past, even if the emperor wanted to increase revenue and reduce expenditure, he would never have set his sights on the Empress Dowager.
But now, the Emperor has already made a plan. Under the guise of relieving the Empress Dowager's worries, he actually wants to seize her private property for himself.
Part of the reason for this was due to resentment towards the Empress Dowager and the Fourteenth Prince.
But in the end, it all comes down to poverty.
He worried about money every day, only to discover that his concubine was actually a gold nugget who could lay golden eggs!
After breaking down his defenses, he immediately set his sights on the concubines' private quarters.
He even asked him how it was? Su Peisheng thought it wasn't good, and he didn't want to reply with a single word!
To say the Emperor is wise and sagacious? What does this have to do with wisdom and sagacity? It's completely contrary to that!
Even the most ordinary families, no matter how difficult their lives, would never openly covet the dowries of their wives or concubines if they still had any sense of shame.
Even if they plot in secret, they'll at least leave a fig leaf to cover it up.
The big, fat orange cat is clearly not even going to leave a fig leaf behind...
They said this was something that couldn't be done, because if it were done, it would damage the Emperor's reputation, and if those below him learned it, who knows how many women would be harmed.
But the emperor clearly didn't want to hear that!
After thinking for a moment, Su Peisheng still hesitated and said, "I'm afraid this isn't a good idea?"
“When Consort Cheng came to you to ask you to inscribe a name for the shop, you rejected her directly.”
As he spoke, he observed the expression on the chubby orange's face.
Seeing the obvious displeasure on his face, Su Peisheng changed the subject and continued,
"However, this servant believes that Consort Cheng has always been kind to His Majesty, and is also sensible and knows when to advance and retreat."
"If Your Majesty were to properly explain your difficulties to Consort Cheng, I imagine Consort Cheng wouldn't mind."
Sure enough, after Su Peisheng finished speaking, the chubby orange's complexion improved considerably.
The chubby orange cat said somewhat awkwardly, "I was thinking that a ruler of a vast empire should not compete with the people for profit. I was afraid that if this precedent were set, everyone would follow suit and break the rules."
"But I never expected that Consort Cheng would use me as a selling point, making so much money from such a small candy shop."
"Since they're using me as a pawn, it's perfectly justified for me to take a share."
"However, you are right. I am the Emperor, and I cannot leave such a pretext for criticism. Not only will I be ridiculed, but it will also..."
If people learn this, who knows how many tragic human relationships will be ruined!
However, he obviously couldn't say these words aloud, and the emperor couldn't openly defy the existing social order.
The two walked and talked until they reached the depths of the Imperial Garden. The people following behind them, however, had somehow received orders not to keep up.
After walking for a while, Big Fat Orange felt a little tired and was thinking of going back when he suddenly heard what sounded like the sound of a flute.
The sound of the flute was faint and elusive; if you listened carefully, it seemed to carry a faint melancholy, making you want to follow it.
The chubby orange said, "Did you hear a sound? It sounds like the sound of a flute."
Upon hearing this, Su Peisheng listened carefully and nodded.
"Your Majesty has sharp hearing and keen eyesight. The voice was faint and light, like a plucked feather, yet extremely pleasant to the ear."
"This servant is foolish and cannot tell whether it is the sound of a xiao (vertical bamboo flute) or some other stringed instrument."
Big Fat Orange said, "It sounds like it's coming from deep within the apricot blossoms?"
"Wait here, I'll go take a look."
Su Peisheng said with difficulty, "How can Your Majesty be without someone to serve you? If you find me an eyesore, I will follow far behind you and will not disturb your enjoyment."
The chubby orange cat said unhappily, "This is the palace. I was just taking a stroll. What could possibly happen? Are there assassins in the Imperial Garden?"
"Stay here and guard the place. I'll be right back."
After saying that, the chubby orange boy didn't look back and chased after the direction from which the sound of the flute came.
Su Peisheng was left behind, enjoying the romance of spring.
There are no assassins in the Imperial Garden, but there are plenty of concubines in the palace who want to steal the big, fat orange.
He had done everything he could to accomplish what Jinxi had entrusted to him. The rest was up to Consort Wan's skill.
However, considering the appearance of this Lady Wan, Su Peisheng had no doubt about her promising future.
As long as she doesn't lose her mind, with a face like that, she'll at least be a concubine.
If one were even smarter, becoming a concubine, or even a noble consort, wouldn't be difficult.
Looking at the flowers by the roadside, whose names he couldn't recall, Su Peisheng felt a surge of emotions.
The fortunes of different people are truly incomparable. Among the concubines, some are neglected and can only pass the time by picking up pebbles and counting bricks in their own palaces.
Some concubines, even before receiving the emperor's favor, are destined to be pampered by the entire palace.
*
Deep within the apricot blossoms, Zhen Huan wore a pink qipao embroidered with peach blossoms, with begonia patterns adorning the cuffs.
Her hair was styled in a simple headdress, but the pink palace flowers adorning the headdress complemented the hair ornaments, making her look gentle and graceful.
Holding a bamboo flute, he sat on the newly built swing and quietly played a tune.
Liu Zhu stood by, seemingly immersed in the sound of the flute, but in reality, something was on his mind.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com