Chapter 68: Family
When Zhu Yuhuan arrived at Kunning Palace, Empress Zhang was sitting there reading a book with great interest. If she had not heard the palace maid's message, Empress Zhang would probably still be reluctant to let it go.
After Zhu Yuhuan finished his greeting, he flattered her as usual, saying, "Grandma has been reading since early morning. She is really diligent. Huanhuan should learn from her."
Empress Zhang couldn't help but laugh when she heard this and said, "You little girl are quite clever with words. I'm not reading a book or watching a play."
Zhu Yuhuan was puzzled by the unexpected answer and asked, "Want to watch a play?"
Empress Zhang took a sip from her teacup and said, "Now all the affairs of the palace, big and small, are handled by Concubine Guo. I am happy to have some free time, so I can only watch operas to pass the time."
Zhu Yuhuan glanced at the cover of the play and saw that there was not a single word on it. She vaguely guessed that the booklet might not be the so-called "play".
Seeing that she was silent, Empress Zhang couldn't help but smile and said, "Shouldn't you go to the lecture as usual today? Why did you come to Grandma's place?"
Zhu Yuhuan had originally thought about telling Empress Zhang about Wu Miaosu, but this involved a reliable female official left behind by Hu Shanwei. Given this relationship, Zhu Yuhuan did not dare to tell Empress Zhang everything. What if Empress Zhang also abandoned her, wouldn't she be tying herself up in knots?
When things are calm, everyone loves each other like a family, but if the truth comes out, no one will recognize their relatives...
Empress Zhang waved to the palace maids not far away, signaling them to leave, and then asked, "Could it be because of Miaosu's matter?"
Zhu Yuhuan followed suit and said, "Yes... Huanhuan doesn't understand..."
Empress Zhang was amused and said, "Huanhuan, your mother was chosen to enter the palace, firstly because of the Imperial Observatory's words, and secondly because she was of pure character and had no ulterior motives. Concubine Sun entered the palace at the age of ten and was raised by Grandma. Your father was a piece of Grandma's flesh and blood. Grandma knows them both better than you do."
Zhu Yuhuan was a little puzzled after hearing this, thinking that no matter what, his father was still his grandmother's biological son, so why didn't these words sound like a compliment to him?
Empress Zhang seemed to be reminiscing, and she said, "Your father was exactly like you when he was little. While your grandmother was busy serving Emperor Taizong and Empress Renxiao respectfully, he devoted himself to learning horse riding and archery, staying with his grandfather every day."
Zhu Yuhuan blinked, then he understood what Empress Zhang meant.
It turns out that she, like her father, has always been scheming since she was a child...
Seeing her standing there with her eyes fixed on her, Empress Zhang smiled and patted her head, saying, "'Spell' is inherently colorless; it's the person who wields it that gives it color. In the imperial family, having many thoughts isn't a bad thing; the most important thing is whether one uses them in the right way." She gazed into the distance, and after a long moment, she spoke, "Wu entered the palace as a maid. Although she passed the examination to become a court lady, her status was still far inferior. If it were before, Grandma wouldn't have chosen her to serve your father. However, her low status does have one advantage: she needs to rely on your mother. Huanhuan, do you understand what Grandma means?"
Zhu Yuhuan had long understood this from Wu Miaosu's behavior, and what made her even more puzzled was that since Empress Zhang had already checked Wu Miaosu's identity, how could she not know where she came from? If so, why did she have to single out Wu Miaosu?
However, she understood one thing. According to Empress Zhang, she looked down on Sun Mengqiu in her heart. At least in terms of the qualities of the future empress, Empress Zhang did not approve of Sun Mengqiu, so she wanted to use Wu Miaosu to support Hu Shanxiang.
Empress Zhang pinched her cheek and said, "Huanhuan, do you know why your grandfather repeatedly pleaded for mercy on behalf of the King of Han and the King of Zhao?"
Zhu Yuhuan shook his head and said, "I don't understand."
Empress Zhang smiled faintly and said, "Because only in this way can those two fools, the King of Han and the King of Zhao, understand who can truly save their lives. When you know someone is far superior to you, even if you hate them in your heart, you will only feel fear and find it difficult to truly resist."
Zhu Yuhuan screamed in his heart.
This is still a pig farming bureau...
"With grandma here, Mrs. Wu wouldn't dare to do anything."
This is the conclusion of a person who is absolutely confident in himself, not to mention that Wu Miaosu has handed the handle to Empress Zhang. As long as this point is grasped, even if Hu Shanxiang and Wu Miaosu are willing, they dare not really tie themselves to each other, otherwise the two families will be implicated.
This is a good thing that kills two birds with one stone.
Zhu Yuhuan thought for a moment, and finally couldn't help asking: "Grandma, why do you trust me so much?"
Empress Zhang's smile widened. "Huanhuan, you're a smart child. You should know that even if you marry a prince consort in the future, you're still a princess of our royal family. Only when the Ming Dynasty thrives can you, your mother, and your sister thrive. So, why would Grandma waste your talent and let you grow up mediocre?"
Zhu Yuhuan stared at her for a long time, and was convinced by his grandmother's strategic planning. He said, "Huanhuan understands."
As a princess of the time, Zhu Yuhuan could not go against her birth and class, and this era also limited the power she could wield. If nothing unexpected happened, Zhu Yuhuan would at most be just a smart and well-behaved princess. As the sister of the future emperor, she could rely on this intelligence to ensure a secure future for herself, her husband, and their children. This also doomed Zhu Yuhuan to be an "outsider" who needed to consider the family's interests after her marriage.
Empress Zhang could not only maximize the effectiveness of Zhu Yuhuan, but also control the scope of Zhu Yuhuan's power, and make Zhu Yuhuan, a "native Ming Dynasty woman", feel grateful.
Although Zhu Yuhuan himself and Empress Zhang had different perceptions of "Zhu Yuhuan", one still admired Empress Zhang's ability to calculate. Empress Zhang was indeed worthy of admiration for being able to calculate to this extent.
While the grandfather and grandson were talking, the palace guards outside hurried in and announced, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine is here."
Empress Zhang still had a smile on her face and said, "Let her in quickly."
"yes."
Concubine Guo walked into the main hall. She glanced at Zhu Yuhuan beside her, then bowed and said, "I greet the Empress. May the Empress be blessed with good health."
Zhu Yuhuan also followed suit and bowed obediently, saying, "Huanhuan greets the Imperial Concubine."
Empress Zhang said gently, "Hurry up and get up! You've been busy with palace affairs these days, and I'm sure you have a headache. How did you find the time to come to me?"
Zhu Yuhuan had heard of this. Ever since Concubine Guo took over the palace affairs, the harem had been very lively. Everyone knew that the concubine was favored by His Majesty, so naturally they flocked to Concubine Guo. For a time, Concubine Guo's side was bustling with activity.
However, Concubine Guo was very cautious. Seeing such a scene, she did not lose her composure for a moment. She took care of all the affairs in the palace without any mistakes. She was even more respectful to Empress Zhang than before.
Zhu Yuhuan was a little confused at first. After all, according to Concubine Guo's personality, she would probably not be so low-key. But then he thought, Concubine Guo's goal was to replace Empress Zhang. Now that she has taken over the palace affairs, she naturally has to show Emperor Zhu Gaochi her gentleness, virtue, efficiency and ability, and show that Concubine Guo also has the potential to become the mother of a country. Of course, she cannot show it off.
Concubine Guo smiled and said, "I heard that the Empress's headache is gradually getting better. His Majesty is very pleased and said that he would hold a grand banquet to celebrate the Empress's birthday."
Zhu Yuhuan thought for a moment and quickly understood what Zhu Gaochi meant.
He stripped the Empress of her power over the harem in order to discipline her, preventing her from engaging in behavior unbecoming of an empress. However, to outsiders, Zhu Gaochi seemed to be unjustly punishing Empress Zhang. Most of the ministers serving with Zhu Gaochi were former members of the Eastern Palace, having known both him and Empress Zhang for as long as they had known him. Naturally, they did not want discord between the Emperor and Empress. Therefore, Zhu Gaochi had to react, lest these ministers openly begin petitioning on the Empress' behalf again.
Empress Zhang obviously understood this, and she said with a smile, "Your Majesty, it's just a birthday, why go to such great lengths?"
Concubine Guo said softly, "How can the Empress's birthday be considered a trivial matter? Moreover, His Majesty has said that he would like to use the Empress's birthday to send off His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, so it should be carefully planned."
Zhu Yuhuan couldn't help but secretly complain that his grandfather was sometimes really stingy and would even send two people to a banquet.
The Lady of Yingguo was brought into the palace as he said, and treated her with great honors and precious jewels, but he never brought the Lady of Pengcheng Earl (the mother of Empress Zhang) into the palace as well.
Seeing her like this, Empress Zhang no longer refused and simply said, "Since that's the case, I'll let my sister take the trouble to arrange it."
She addressed Concubine Guo as "sister" in such a friendly manner that both Concubine Guo and Zhu Yuhuan were stunned for a moment. Although they did not understand each other, they both had the same feeling that "something might happen".
Concubine Guo was stunned for a long time before she came to her senses and said hurriedly, "Your Majesty, you are too polite. This is all within my responsibilities. Why bother with it?"
The two exchanged pleasantries for a while before Concubine Guo left.
Just looking at her hurried and staggering back, it was obvious that she was still doubting whether Empress Zhang had any other tricks up her sleeve.
After Concubine Guo left, Zhu Yuhuan finally spoke: "Your Highness has done your best..."
After all, this is a critical moment to demonstrate business capabilities, so it is understandable that Concubine Guo is so dedicated.
Empress Zhang sneered and asked, "Dedicated? The Imperial Concubine herself said it herself. As soon as His Majesty gave the order, the palace servants would have already taken care of everything. Why would the Imperial Concubine need to take action?"
Hearing her tone of voice, Zhu Yuhuan smiled awkwardly and said, "The palace maids were just following orders..."
Empress Zhang picked up the script on the table again and said with a half-smile, "Yes, I'm following your orders..."
Zhu Yuhuan caught a glimpse of the smile on her face and thought her grandmother must have her own people in the palace. She tentatively asked, "Could it be that the imperial concubine wants to embarrass grandma at the palace banquet?"
Empress Zhang chuckled and said, "After all these years together, how could I not know her? It's not surprising that she does anything."
Zhu Yuhuan chuckled and praised, "With grandma's wisdom, no matter what plan she has, grandma can easily resolve it."
Empress Zhang waved her hand and said, "Go ahead. Now that you've understood everything, concentrate on your lessons and stop running around."
Zhu Yuhuan responded and walked out.
When Huai En saw Zhu Yuhuan coming out, he quickly followed him. It was not until they left Kunning Palace that Huai En asked cautiously, "Has the princess told the Queen...?"
Zhu Yuhuan shook his head and said, "Grandma already knows everything. We are worrying too much."
Huai En finally breathed a sigh of relief, and said with some shame: "It was I who had never thought of it. With the Queen's plan, how could she not know such a thing."
Zhu Yuhuan touched her chin and said, "Let's go. Since you have already asked for leave, just study at home." She turned to look at Huai En and said, "Huai En, I will teach you to read and write."
Huai En was slightly stunned, and responded with some surprise: "Yes."
When Zhu Youtong was starting school, Zhu Yuhuan was worried that his sister would be lazy, so he accompanied her for a while. Together with the books she had used to start her own studies, it should be enough for Huai'en, who had already learned to read and write.
Zhu Yuhuan casually flipped the page of the book in his hand, looked up at Huai En who was standing by the door holding a book and reading diligently, and couldn't help but said, "You sit inside and read."
Huai En felt a little embarrassed and said, "I am taking up the time to serve the princess to read. How can Huai En sit down..."
Zhu Yuhuan walked to the door frame with the book in his hands, and after imitating Huai En's way of reading a few sentences, he said, "Well... reading while standing is more energetic than reading while sitting."
Huai En was a little surprised by Zhu Yuhuan's actions. She had already asked, "Huai En, do you think women must be inferior to others?"
Huai En was slightly stunned, then shook his head and said, "Of course not. Although Huai En has not read much, he also knows that there were many talented women in ancient times. It can be seen that women can also create a career."
You just have to work harder than others and face a more harsh world than others.
The sunlight falls on the courtyard floor tiles, and the emerald green carpet is climbing up along the wall, extending its delicate tentacles yet remaining exceptionally firm.
Zhu Yuhuan sighed softly, understanding Huai En's implication. She leaned against the door frame and slowly slid down until she squatted on the ground and finally stopped.
Although Empress Zhang intended to train her, in the final analysis, it was only to make her a "useful" person to the future emperor. As for how much Empress Zhang felt for Zhu Yuhuan himself, Zhu Yuhuan really didn't want to guess.
At this moment, she began to understand why her mother always kept her distance from the royal family, including Zhu Zhanji. Thinking too deeply about such people was too tiring and too hurtful. It would be better to be like Concubine Guo and Sun Mengqiu, not dwelling on them and finding happiness instead. Perhaps it was precisely because of this that Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Zhanji doted on them so much.
If other palace servants saw Zhu Yuhuan like this, they would surely be shocked. After all, this princess was a busy person who was proficient in both civil and military affairs. They only saw a scrap of her clothes every day, and even when they had free time to meet, she always looked cheerful. When had they ever seen her so dejected?
Huai En followed her and slowly squatted down, looking at Zhu Yuhuan with some concern.
After a long time, Zhu Yuhuan whispered, "But I like being a woman, and I like the way I am now even more."
Huai En was stunned. He wanted to speak, but in the end he just lightly touched the hem of Zhijin's skirt, but withdrew his hand in an instant.
"The princess is doing very well now."
Zhu Yuhuan glanced at him, smiled, and threw away all the messy thoughts in his mind. He said, "Then let's go to the greenhouse together after lunch. The craftsmen should be here again today."
Seeing that she seemed relieved, Huai En also felt much more relaxed and responded, "Okay."
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