Chapter 8: Color Observation
Even after having lunch with Zhu Zhanji and leaving the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Yuhuan still felt a little unexpectedly confused. He didn't expect everything to go so smoothly.
Before, Zhu Zhanji despised Hu Shanwei in every way, and Zhu Yuhuan was still thinking of taking it slow, but he didn't expect Zhu Zhanji to make a decision so quickly.
It is most likely because of Zhu Yuhuan's words "the meat falls into one's own pot". After all, the princesses of the Ming Dynasty no longer posed any threat to the country. They were not even considered political resources and had completely become a vassal.
It was inevitable that Zhu Zhanji was hesitant and wait-and-see about Zhu Yuhuan, the princess who tried to take the initiative. After all, the ancestral rules set by Zhu Yuanzhang were there, and he could only "either not use or control" Zhu Yuhuan. If an incident like the one that happened to Princess Taiping of the Tang Dynasty happened again, in today's era, even deposing the queen would not be a big problem for Zhu Zhanji's reputation. He was the one who would be criticized and talked about by his descendants because he had set a precedent for princesses interfering in politics.
Although Zhu Zhanji chose to let Zhu Yuhuan play a role, he obviously did not intend to let Zhu Yuhuan really come to the fore, otherwise he would not have let Zhu Yuhuan and her fifth uncle Zhu Zhanji secretly write a letter, and the eunuchs sent were most likely to supervise Zhu Yuhuan to prevent her from doing anything out of line.
In addition, if Zhu Yuhuan did not achieve anything afterwards, Zhu Zhanji would not have to worry about being criticized by others, after all, there was no clear way out for this matter.
After Zhu Yuhuan confirmed this, she felt much more relaxed. While fiddling with the ivory token that Zhu Zhanji gave her to leave the palace, she began to think about what to do next.
The matter of the queen's position must have come to an end for the time being. The most important thing for Zhu Yuhuan now is to consolidate the positions of her mother and herself. After all, the reign is about to be changed, and her younger brothers will be born soon. There is indeed not much time left for her.
Zhu Yuhuan was originally thinking, but the sedan suddenly stopped, and Huai En outside said: "Princess, it's Ruilan who is beside the imperial concubine."
Zhu Yuhuan hummed doubtfully and asked, "Is there something wrong, Empress Sun?"
Huai En helped her relay the message, and Rui Lan said respectfully, "The Imperial Concubine wants to invite the princess to the palace for a short visit, and wants to apologize to the princess in person."
Zhu Yuhuan blinked, then reached out to lift the curtain and glanced at Ruilan.
Sun Mengqiu was very kind to the palace maids around her. The fabrics worn by Ruilan, the personal maid, were very valuable. Although she could not be said to be wearing gold and jade, she looked more respectable than Hu Shanxiang, the palace maid around the queen. If she were outside the palace, she would probably be mistaken for a lady from a wealthy family.
Ruilan subconsciously tensed up when she glanced at her, even more nervous than when she was serving Sun Mengqiu.
Zhu Yuhuan smiled faintly and said, "Empress Sun is a concubine's mother, how could she be at fault? Father has already explained the whole story to me. This rumor of deposing the empress is pure nonsense. Mother has always managed the family affairs with confidence for many years. Now is the time for a new era. Some wicked people are deliberately provoking a conflict between my mother and Empress Sun. Empress Sun has nothing to do with this. Father will deal with these treacherous people. Empress Sun has no need to apologize."
Her words were very appropriate, and even Sun Mengqiu could not find any fault with them. When Zhu Zhanji heard about it, he was even more eager to praise Zhu Yuhuan for being sensible and generous.
Ruilan, who had always been smart, followed Sun Mengqiu and was speechless for a moment. She could only say, "The princess is right."
Zhu Yuhuan noticed that she seemed a little embarrassed, and continued, "If Empress Sun has anything else to say to me, please go to Empress Sun's palace. But please don't say anything like apologizing to me anymore."
Zhu Zhanji had specifically summoned the Sun family to the palace today simply to discipline them and, by the way, to mitigate a major issue. He had no intention of having the Sun family apologize to Hu Shanxiang. Zhu Yuhuan, a junior, would certainly not accept an apology from Sun Mengqiu, an elder. Furthermore, judging by the facts, the person the Sun family should apologize to should be Hu Shanxiang, not Zhu Yuhuan.
Ruilan was delighted to see that she agreed so easily, and he quickly bowed and said, "Yes."
Huai En hesitated when he saw Rui Lan leading the way. He then approached the sedan window and asked in a low voice, "Princess, if you go there so rashly, what if something goes wrong..."
He had been in the palace since he was a child, and he believed that people would do anything to survive. Who could know when Concubine Sun would feel she had no way out and take the opportunity to harm the princess? Not to mention that the new emperor had just ascended the throne, and the Sun family was already unable to hold back. Now Zhu Yuhuan was the only hope for Hu Shanxiang, mother, and daughter. If the Sun family had any evil intentions...
Zhu Yuhuan smiled and said, "Although Empress Sun is a little anxious, she is not stupid. She would not be so foolish as to take action under my father's nose."
As soon as she returned to the palace, Sun Mengqiu stopped her halfway, probably because she wanted to know what Zhu Zhanji had instructed Zhu Yuhuan after he drove away the Sun siblings, and she also wanted to hear Zhu Zhanji's words from Zhu Yuhuan.
Although Zhu Zhanji cannot consider the issue of deposing or enthroning the queen now, if he has any inclination, it will be an advantage for Sun Mengqiu.
Huai En was still a little hesitant and said softly: "But..."
Zhu Yuhuan opened the curtain with one hand, lowered his eyes to look at Huai'en who was following the sedan chair, and said calmly: "Huai'en, Empress Sun wants to know from me what Daddy means about the Queen. If there is anything, you must explain it to Empress Sun clearly."
In fact, Sun Mengqiu's thoughts were not difficult to guess, which was why Zhu Yuhuan accepted her invitation so confidently. However, the answer she gave would inevitably disappoint Sun Mengqiu.
The emperor gave limited resources to the harem, and these women who were forced to be trapped in the harem could only try their best to fight for the limited resources. It was common for them to be forced to oppress others or be oppressed by others. The winner was like Empress Dowager Zhang, and the loser was like Concubine Guo. After truly witnessing their struggle, Zhu Yuhuan could understand Sun Mengqiu's ambition to survive. Zhu Yuhuan met with her in the hope of gaining Sun Mengqiu's trust and avoiding the intensification of the conflict between Hu Shanxiang and Sun Mengqiu because of "Zhu Zhanji's problem" (Note: the meaning here does not mean that Sun Mengqiu did it for a man, but that the enthronement and dethronement of the queen was Zhu Zhanji's problem, but it hooked Sun Mengqiu).
Even if they failed and fell out, at least they could talk it out, so as not to waste too much energy because of uncertainty about Sun Mengqiu's attitude towards Hu Shanxiang.
Whether they are enemies or friends, there must be a result. If everyone can understand that the problem lies in Zhu Zhanji's attitude of having both sides in conferring the title of Queen, then everyone will be happy. Even if they cannot slay the dragon, at least they can all get along peacefully. Who knows, Hu Shanxiang may even have another playing partner or book friend in the future.
Huai En knew that she had always acted in an upright manner. Otherwise, she would not have been so brooding over his affairs. When Empress Dowager Zhang placed him under house arrest for over a month before handing him over to the princess, she might have intended to train the princess to be cruel.
Thinking that since he was going along, he would definitely protect the princess, Huai En responded, "Huai En understands."
Although Ruilan, who was walking beside him, had not heard Huai En's words, she heard Zhu Yuhuan's words clearly. She couldn't help but glance sideways. Unexpectedly, when she turned around, she met the gazes of Zhu Yuhuan and Huai En. She shuddered subconsciously and turned her head stiffly, but she still felt uneasy in her heart.
She followed Sun Mengqiu and served her, and she could be said to have watched the princess grow up day by day. She originally just thought that the princess was regarded as a first-class master by the followers, and her words and deeds were completely different from those of His Majesty and the Royal Concubine, so she did not take it seriously. But today, whether it was the conversation or the eyes, the eldest princess looked completely different from Queen Hu, and more like the Empress Dowager Zhang. Her light glance made people feel guilty for no reason.
Although these palace maids were initially confined to the Eastern Palace and forbidden to move freely, Ruilan and the others had heard of the frequent reports of palace maids imprisoned within the imperial palace. At that time, His Majesty had not yet returned to the capital to ascend the throne. Who else could have such great power? It must have been the swift and decisive Empress Dowager.
Thinking that Zhu Yuhuan would be taken into the palace by Empress Dowager Zhang for education from time to time, Ruilan couldn't help but worry about her own imperial concubine. Both Empress Dowager Zhang and the princess in front of her were not easy to deal with.
Sun Mengqiu's palace was not far from the Palace of Heavenly Purity. Even in the cold weather, it took less than a quarter of an hour to get there by sedan chair.
As soon as Zhu Yuhuan got out of the sedan chair, a palace servant came up to greet him quickly and said respectfully, "The imperial concubine is waiting for the princess. It's freezing outside. Please come in." After that, she hurriedly handed a heater to Zhu Yuhuan.
Zhu Yuhuan took the heater and said with a smile, "What is Hanjia doing? I just happened to have a gift for her, and I'll have someone send it over later."
The palace attendant leading the way was surprised that Zhu Yuhuan's first question was about the Third Princess. After a moment's pause, he quickly replied, "The Third Princess is studying in her room. Her Royal Highness is well-known in the palace for her erudition and knowledge. The Imperial Concubine often urges the Third Princess to learn from the First Princess. The Third Princess begins her studies as soon as she wakes up every day and doesn't rest until nightfall."
Zhu Yuhuan couldn't help but frown slightly. "Hanjia is still young, there's no need to rush into school. Her health is more important."
These were all orders from Concubine Sun. The palace maids dared not say anything and could only vaguely respond, "Your Highness is right."
Zhu Yuhuan originally wanted to say a few words on his sister's behalf, but then he realized that Zhu Hanjia was Sun Mengqiu's daughter, and since they were so close, it was difficult to say anything. He changed his tone and said, "I'll have someone bring the books I read. Maybe they'll be of some use to Hanjia. But it's better to take your time with studying, otherwise your body won't be able to handle it."
Before the palace maid could say anything, Sun Mengqiu's voice could be heard from inside the palace. She said with a smile, "They say diligence can make up for lack of talent. Jiajia is different from the eldest princess and the second princess in her own strengths. I have no choice but to put more effort into studying."
Zhu Yuhuan walked into the hall and looked at Sun Mengqiu for a moment. He no longer mentioned the previous topic and said, "I used paint to simply draw a picture to dispel the cold. It's perfect for killing time."
"Then I will thank the princess on Jiajia's behalf."
Zhu Yuhuan said hurriedly, "Empress Sun, what are you talking about? Hanjia and I are sisters, so it's only natural for us to look after each other. Why would you even mention 'thank you'?"
Sun Mengqiu nodded slightly and said, "Princess, that's right."
The palace maids were busy serving tea and so on, and for a moment the hall was completely silent.
Zhu Yuhuan thought about the time when Sun Mengqiu sat with her and watched opera excerpts in the Eastern Palace, and now everything has changed completely, and she felt a little sad.
Seeing Zhu Yuhuan just sitting there and not taking the initiative to speak, Sun Mengqiu finally said, "The rumor these days is that the Sun family has let down the Empress and the Princess."
Zhu Yuhuan shook his head upon hearing this and said, "Since Father didn't stop the rumors from spreading, he must have his own plans. Mother won't mind, and Your Majesty, don't take it to heart."
Sun Mengqiu's face froze after hearing Zhu Yuhuan's words.
Although Zhu Yuhuan was young, he was very cautious in his words and actions and would not speak carelessly. Since she called it a "rumor", I'm afraid Zhu Zhanji had already expressed his attitude towards Zhu Yuhuan...
Seeing that she remained silent, Zhu Yuhuan spoke up, "Ever since Mother married into the royal family, she has been very careful and attentive in managing household affairs. She has never wronged either Empress Sun or Empress Wu, especially Empress Sun. My mother has always felt guilty and taken extra care of her. Why should Empress Sun be worried?"
Sun Mengqiu's face turned bitter upon hearing this, and he said, "Yes, the Queen has indeed never owed me anything..."
She knew this, of course. Hu Shanxiang's skills were far inferior to those of Empress Dowager Zhang, so what was there to be afraid of? However, the position of empress should have belonged to her, and this was the only thing she couldn't let go of, not to mention that the ones who really scared her were Empress Dowager Zhang and Zhu Yuhuan.
Empress Dowager Zhang didn't appreciate her much, otherwise she wouldn't have favored Hu Shanxiang. It was simply because she looked down on her that she praised Hu Shanxiang. And Zhu Yuhuan was even more so. At such a young age, she had been by Empress Dowager Zhang's side, talented in both civil and military matters, and quite admired. If she hadn't been a girl, Sun Mengqiu wouldn't have had a place in the imperial family. Hu Shanxiang was still young, and one day she might even have Zhu Zhanji's offspring. If it was a prince, Zhu Yuhuan, as the elder sister, would have paved the way for her biological brother. A concubine like Sun Mengqiu, who was favored by Zhu Zhanji and had the potential to give birth to a prince, would have been categorized as an antagonist by Zhu Yuhuan.
Although Zhu Yuhuan appeared lively and generous, her ability to remain calm despite witnessing the scene of burial alive at such a young age clearly demonstrated her resolute character. If Zhu Yuhuan failed to tolerate her, Sun Mengqiu feared her fate would be even worse than that of Concubine Guo. Empress Dowager Zhang would not protect her, and Emperor Zhu Zhanji would only side with his son. If Zhu Yuhuan could hold her temper, she would undoubtedly be executed upon the Emperor's death...
Whenever he thought of this, Sun Mengqiu felt cold all over.
As early as when she entered the palace as a child, Sun Mengqiu had been worried by the constant punishment of palace maids and the death of concubines for various reasons. If Sun Mengqiu had only panicked and fled when she saw Empress Dowager Zhang's methods, then when she saw Zhu Yuhuan growing up with Empress Dowager Zhang, Sun Mengqiu's uneasiness grew deeper and deeper.
It's like there's a knife hanging over your head, and you never know when it will fall.
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