Chapter 47 An Zhaorong shows goodwill again

On the way back to Zhaochun Palace, thoughts came to Su Jingyao's mind one after another.

The Queen Mother's distribution of power today is indeed quite intriguing.

She and the Imperial Concubine were in charge of three of the six bureaus respectively. In addition, the Imperial Concubine got a Jingshifang, while she owned the Gongzhengsi.

You know, being in charge of the Jingshifang means checking the emperor's sleeping records.

Could it be that the Queen Mother had previously thought that the Imperial Concubine was jealous, and therefore deliberately assigned the Jingshifang to the Imperial Concubine?

Isn't this like stabbing the noble concubine in the heart?

Who do you see your husband favoring every day?

The Palace Administration Office, on the other hand, had significantly greater power and was an important agency specifically responsible for discipline and supervision of the harem.

Able to punish those who violate palace rules.

In other words, she now has the power to punish. If there is an empress, only the empress has the right to punish everyone in the harem, including concubines.

Today, the Queen Mother has handed over almost all the power of the harem to her and the Royal Concubine.

At this moment, only the Ministry of Internal Affairs is still firmly controlled by the Empress Dowager.

The Imperial Household Department is in charge of all the income, expenditure and purchasing matters of the harem, and the personnel involved are extremely complex. It is understandable that the Queen Mother does not want to delegate power to the Imperial Household Department.

Many of the concubines' private matters require the assistance of the Imperial Household Department. The empress dowager's control over the Imperial Household Department can guarantee fairness in the harem to a certain extent.

The Queen Mother would probably want to wait until the Queen is enthroned before completely releasing all power.

Fortunately, she now has the power of the palace, which will make it much easier for her to do things in the future.

Just as Su Jingyao was frowning slightly, immersed in her own thoughts.

An Zhaorong, who was walking behind, followed slowly with light steps.

With a flattering smile on her face, she took a few quick steps to Su Jingyao's side and bowed slightly.

She said softly, "I pay my respects to you, sister, and congratulate you on gaining the power to assist in managing the six palaces." As she said this, her face was always filled with a smile.

Su Jingyao looked at her calmly and replied, "Sister, please get up. I will do my best to handle what should be done, thanks to the Queen Mother's kindness."

After An Zhaorong stood up, her tone was a little humble.

"Sister, when I was in the East Palace before, I wanted to stand on the same front with you, but you rejected me at that time. Today, can I still recommend myself?" Her eyes were full of eagerness.

When she first entered the East Palace, she was indeed not thoughtful enough. She was too eager for quick success and wanted to gain a place in the prince's heart.

She developed a grudge against the Crown Princess at that time, so she could only continue to plot against her step by step.

But she never imagined that even though the Crown Princess had committed such a serious mistake, she could still be awarded the title of Royal Concubine and even have the power to assist in managing the six palaces.

His Majesty also neglected and abandoned the Imperial Concubine because of his deep affection for her.

She is now walking on thin ice in the harem, and she must find a solid backing for herself.

Before, she always thought that Concubine Chun Shu was a kind and simple-minded person.

However, Concubine Chun Shu had hinted that Tang Fengyi's child might be passed on to Concubine Gui.

He even "accidentally" kicked the Buddhist beads bracelet in front of the late emperor's spirit.

Everything seems to be unintentional, but Concubine Chun Shu is the one who benefits from it behind the scenes.

If she still doesn't understand it now, then she is really stupid.

On the surface, her relationship with Concubine Chunshu is pretty good. Now in the harem, the only one who can compete with Concubine Gui is Concubine Chunshu.

She must make clear where she stands.

Moreover, the beauty pageant will begin in March, and she needs to gain a firm foothold in the harem before the newcomers enter.

Otherwise, wouldn't it be easy for any newcomer to surpass her?

"Why is Sister An so determined to form an alliance with me? I just want to do my job in the harem and take good care of the eldest prince. I don't want to get involved in the harem fights."

Su Jingyao frowned slightly and looked at An Zhaorong calmly with a hint of doubt on her face.

She had no intention of establishing any overt binding relationships in the harem, and Jun Zechen could easily detect these relationships.

Once she was tied up, any stupid things An Zhaorong did in the future might drag her into it.

Although she rejected An Zhaorong again, Su Jingyao still comforted her softly.

"Sister An, I know you are worried. If you are really worried that the concubine will take revenge on you, you can tell me. I will tell you the truth in front of His Majesty and the Queen Mother."

An Zhaorong didn't expect Concubine Chun Shu to be so stubborn. There are few people in the harem now, so it's okay for Concubine Chun Shu to fight alone, but when new people enter the palace in the future, won't Concubine Chun Shu need any help?

If she cannot get the protection of Concubine Chunshu, the Imperial Concubine can take revenge on her at any time after taking control of the palace. And His Majesty is so protective of the Imperial Concubine. How difficult will it be for her in the harem?

An Zhaorong bit her lips tightly, with a hint of threat in her eyes.

"Sister, aren't you afraid that I will give Tang Fengyi away to save his mother and child? It was you who hinted to me that the child would be adopted by the Imperial Concubine. Tell His Majesty and the Imperial Concubine?"

A hint of ruthlessness flashed across Su Jingyao's eyes for a moment. How dare An Zhaorong threaten her?

Oh, she would be afraid?

Su Jingyao covered her mouth in surprise and asked in a low voice, "What on earth is An Zhaorong talking about?"

Then, she looked shocked and whispered, "Tang Fengyi was abandoned to keep her child? Even Tang Fengyi's child was to be adopted by the imperial concubine?"

"These are all royal secrets. An Zhaorong should be more cautious. Do you have any evidence? If you are spreading rumors and the Queen Mother or His Majesty finds out... this is a serious crime punishable by the extermination of all nine generations of your clan."

Su Jingyao looked at her innocently with worry in her eyes.

An Zhaorong lowered her eyelashes and her heart sank.

Concubine Chun Shu was clearly threatening her.

Concubine Chun Shu was not afraid at all that she would tell His Majesty about this, because His Majesty would not believe it at all.

After all, Concubine Chun Shu's kindness and innocence deceived even her at first, so how could His Majesty, a man, see clearly? She was also the biological mother of the eldest prince.

But once His Majesty and the Queen Mother knew that it was she who told Tang Fengyi, she would be completely finished.

Concubine Chun Shu... has such deep thoughts!

There was a gleam of fierceness in An Zhaorong's eyes, but she couldn't offend Concubine Chun Shu now.

She has already offended the noble concubine. Concubine Chun Shu is so scheming that every time she fell out of favor, Concubine Chun Shu would help her regain favor.

I think Concubine Chun Shu thought she could use her to deal with Concubine Gui.

In this case, even if Concubine Chun Shu does not ally with her on the surface, she will definitely help her in private.

An Zhaorong raised her head and forced a smile, saying, "Sister, I was so confused just now that I don't remember what I said. Please forgive me."

"It's okay. Sister An must have gotten up early today and her mind is not clear yet. Go back to the palace and rest."

Su Jingyao raised the corners of her mouth slightly and smiled, appearing very considerate.

"Yes, I'll take my leave." An Zhaorong bowed, then turned and left.

Su Jing walked gracefully and lightly, and continued to walk back towards the direction of Zhaochun Palace.

She has a lithe figure, and every step she takes seems to carry a unique charm.

When I am in a good mood, I walk gracefully.

She likes talking to smart people because they can understand everything without wasting words.

After returning to Zhaochun Palace, Su Jingyao lazily lay on the couch, her posture like a noble and leisurely cat.

There was an extremely soft pillow placed around her waist, and another pillow was pressed tightly under her elbow. She looked extremely comfortable, with her eyes slightly narrowed.

Then, she opened her red lips and said slowly, "Miaoyun, find a way to let the noble concubine know that His Majesty will take me out of the palace on my birthday in half a month."

When she said this, there was a faint smile on her face, and there seemed to be some deeper meaning hidden in her smile.

She had no interest in leaving the palace. What she was more interested in was that the imperial concubine would prevent her from leaving the palace.

Oh, it’s time to torture that dog man’s heart and let him feel the pain.

Moreover, if you pretend to be kind and generous for too long, men will no longer regard you as their first priority, because they don't need to care about your feelings because you are generous and tolerant.

Su Jingyao would not allow such a thing to happen. A woman must do what she needs to do when it is necessary, and she must do it in a way that gives her man a headache.

Although Miaoyun was a little confused, she still responded, "Yes, Master."

Palace of Heavenly Purity.

After Jun Zechen walked out of Yikun Palace this morning, his brows were slightly wrinkled and there was a hint of suspicion on his face.

I always feel that my memory of last night seems a little vague.

At one point he even felt as if he was with that little woman last night...

So, early in the morning, when Ling Yue was still sleeping in bed, Jun Zechen woke up and hurried back to the Qianqing Palace.

After returning to the Qianqing Palace, he immediately summoned the imperial physician, who examined him carefully and found that there was nothing wrong with his body.

Jun Zechen was still worried, so he asked the imperial physician to check all his meals last night, including the bowl of soup sent by Concubine Shu.

As an emperor, he would back up all the meals he ate every day and keep them for two days. This was a rule passed down from ancestors in order to ensure the emperor's safety.

However, after examining the patient, the imperial physician shook his head and said that he did not find any problems.

Is it really that he is overthinking?

She really had a very strong attraction to him, and she even came to seduce him yesterday evening.

It's not impossible that he thinks about her at night.

only……

I don’t know if I said anything I shouldn’t have said in my sleep last night.

This incident made Jun Zechen feel a little conflicted, but he didn't worry about it for too long, and fortunately nothing happened.

Afterwards, Jun Zechen returned to the Qianqing Palace after attending court and began to deal with the mountain of memorials.

Time passed quietly, and the sky gradually darkened.

An Shun walked up carefully and said softly, "Your Majesty, someone from the Jingshifang has come. Do you want to turn over the cards tonight?"

Jun Zechen was slightly startled, and then said decisively: "Let them leave. I will go to Zhaochun Palace tonight."

"Yes, Your Majesty." An Shun responded quickly.

Jun Zechen subconsciously looked at the sky because of An Shun's reminder. Indeed, it was already late.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, and then walked towards Zhaochun Palace without hesitation.

"Where is your master?"

After Jun Zechen entered Zhaochun Palace, he only saw her two personal maids, but no one else.

Normally, as the emperor, he should have informed the concubine in advance when visiting her palace. However, he was used to going directly to her palace in the East Palace, and now he was used to it and did not want her to wait outside the palace in advance.

"Your Majesty, the master is in the study."

The one who answered was Miaoxue. Miaoyun and Miaoxia were in the study with their master.

Jun Zechen strode towards the study room with big strides.

As soon as he stepped into the study, his eyes were immediately attracted by the woman sitting in the chair.

She had a serious and focused look on her face, her posture was straight, and she was holding a pen in her hand, writing something with full concentration.

The soft candlelight shone on her unmade-up face, making her look even more beautiful and charming, like an exquisite painting.

Jun Zechen walked over lightly and asked in a low voice, "What are you writing?" The voice seemed to carry some kind of magic, echoing in the silent space.

Hearing his voice, Su Jingyao was startled at first, then she suddenly realized his arrival and quickly made a move to get up from the chair.

Jun Zechen was quick to respond. He reached out and gently pressed her shoulder, saying softly, "No need to be polite. Just continue writing."

"His Majesty is coming, but no one was informed." Su Jingyao said with a hint of anger.

"Today, I pay my respects to the Queen Mother. The Queen Mother has given me the authority to manage three bureaus and one department. Since I have received the Queen Mother's love, I will naturally work diligently and do my best to do my job well."

"Your Majesty, this is the management plan I prepared."

As she spoke, she gently picked up the piece of paper she was writing on, which showed the management plan of the Palace Administration Department.

Jun Zechen reached out and took the proposal she wrote and began to read it carefully.

The rules, regulations, and supervisory mechanisms in the plan are indeed some common management methods.

However, when he saw the data analysis, care for palace ladies, training and education, etc., it was the first time he had heard of it.

Jun Zechen then carefully reviewed the specific operating methods of each major category.

The first step of data analysis is to establish a detailed data table of the time, location, people, events, etc. of those who violated palace rules, and then reasonably adjust the rules and regulations and supervision mechanisms based on these data.

Jun Zechen looked at the detailed operation content and suddenly realized that this data analysis was just an ordinary record.

It's just that no one would summarize it so carefully and write it out clearly one by one.

There is also this supervisory group, reporting channels, etc. The more Jun Zechen looks at it, the more familiar it seems. Isn't this just like the Yu Shitai he set up?

There was a hint of admiration for her in his eyes unconsciously.

Jun Zechen read all her plans very carefully and thought they were all very good. He nodded with satisfaction.

Then, Jun Zechen gently put down the papers, stretched out his arms, and gently but powerfully held the person to sit on his lap.

"Yaoyao always surprises me."

There was a hint of fondness and admiration in his voice.