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 each managed three of the six bureaus. In addition, the imperial concubine got the Jingshifang, while she had the Gongzhengsi.
You know, being in charge of the Jingshifang means checking the emperor's sleeping records.
Could it be that the Empress Dowager had previously thought that the Imperial Concubine was jealous, so she deliberately assigned the Jingshifang to her?
Isn't this like stabbing the imperial concubine in the heart?
Do you see who your husband favors every day?
The Palace Administration Office, on the other hand, had significantly greater power and was an important agency specifically responsible for harem discipline and supervision.
Able to punish those who violate palace rules.
In other words, she now has the power to punish. If there is a queen, only the queen 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 Imperial Concubine.
At present, only the Imperial Household Department is still firmly controlled by the Empress Dowager.
The Imperial Household Department is in charge of all the income, expenditure and procurement matters of the harem, and the personnel involved are extremely complicated. It is understandable that the Empress Dowager 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 probably wants to wait until the Queen is enthroned before completely releasing her power.
Fortunately, she now has the power of the palace, which will make it much easier for her to act in the future.
Just as Su Jingyao frowned slightly, immersed in her own thoughts.
An Zhaorong, who was walking behind, slowly caught up 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 obtaining the right 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 responded, "Sister, please get up. I will do my best to handle what needs to 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 Eastern 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 earnestness.
When she first entered the Eastern Palace, she was indeed not thoughtful enough. She was too eager for quick success and wanted to occupy a place in the prince's heart.
She had 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 granted the title of Imperial Concubine and even have the power to assist in managing the six palaces.
His Majesty also treated the Imperial Concubine coldly and with disdain because of his deep affection for her.
Now she is 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 innocent person.
However, Concubine Chunshu hinted to her that Tang Fengyi's child might be adopted by the imperial concubine.
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 still pretty good. Now in the harem, only Concubine Chunshu can compete with the Imperial Concubine.
She must make it clear where she stands.
Moreover, the selection will begin in March, and she needs to gain a foothold in the harem before the newcomers enter.
Otherwise, wouldn't any newcomer be able to easily overpower her?
"Why is Sister An so determined to form an alliance with me? I just want to stay in the harem, do my job peacefully, and raise the eldest prince. I don't want to get involved in any harem fighting."
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, as Jun Zechen could easily detect these relationships.
Once they are bound together, any stupid things An Zhaorong does in the future may drag her down as well.
Although she rejected An Zhaorong again, Su Jingyao still comforted her softly.
"Sister An, I understand your concerns. If you're truly worried that the Imperial Concubine will retaliate against you, please speak to 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 also need any help?
If she cannot get the protection of Concubine Chunshu, the Imperial Concubine can retaliate against her at any time after taking control of the palace power. His Majesty is so protective of the Imperial Concubine. How difficult will her life be 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 tell you that Tang Fengyi was abandoned by his mother to keep the child, and that the child will be adopted by the Imperial Concubine? It was Sister who hinted to me that you would tell His Majesty and the Imperial Concubine?"
A hint of ruthlessness flashed across Su Jingyao's eyes. This An Zhaorong actually dared to 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, with a look of astonishment on her face, she whispered, "Tang Fengyi was abandoned to save her child? Even Tang Fengyi's child was to be adopted by the imperial concubine?"
"These are all royal secrets. An Zhaorong should be cautious. Do you have any evidence? If you are spreading rumors and the Empress Dowager or His Majesty learns of them... it will be a grave crime punishable by the death of nine generations of your clan."
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