usatvline Chapter 140 Consort Fucha's Test (Part 140)
Chapter 140 Consort Fucha's Test (Part 140)
Feng Ruozhao interjected, "His Majesty does indeed favor Consort Wan."
Among the concubines in the harem, there were those who repeatedly fell out of favor only to regain it time and again.
I'm afraid she's the only one like that.
His words betrayed a complex mix of emotions.
Lu Yingfeng frowned slightly and said softly:
"Hmph, in my opinion, even if Consort Wan successfully gives birth to this child,
At most, she could only manage to get the rank of a concubine.
The position of Imperial Concubine is already full. Are we going to make room for her?
Besides, Consort Wan's father and mother are still in Ningguta!
In that case, isn't she truly the daughter of a disgraced official?
The Emperor's decision to grant her the rank of Consort is already an extraordinary act of kindness. Isn't that enough?
We can't possibly let her rise to the top overnight and become our new empress!
At this point, Lü Yingfeng couldn't help but sneer, dismissing the possibility with disdain.
Cao Qinmo: "Becoming empress is impossible, but I can still be promoted to a higher banner."
And then there's the Zhen family. Maybe the Emperor will pardon them after Consort Wan gives birth to her child.
Lü Yingfeng: "Probably not."
Feng Ruozhao said, "Even if they were to be raised to the Manchu banner, the Zhen family would still be very weak."
They cannot compare to the Fucha family of Consort Shu.
Cao Qinmo: "What you said makes sense. If we can think of these things, then Consort Shu certainly can too."
We'll just follow Consort Shu's arrangements.
After finishing the morning court session, the chubby orange returned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to rest for a while.
He sat on the dragon throne, his eyes slightly narrowed, his mind unconsciously drifting to the matter of the court officials mentioning the establishment of a new empress.
Previously, the chubby orange tree wanted Consort Shu to become Empress.
However, given their long-standing friendship, and the fact that she, as an Imperial Noble Consort, had not made any mistakes in managing the harem, she was not entirely without fault.
If Consort Shu were to become Empress, it would surely break Shilan's heart.
But if Shilan were to become empress, Shilan would be of Han Chinese bannerman origin.
Being a Noble Consort is fine, but if she were to become Empress, the Manchu officials would surely oppose it.
Furthermore, he was not entirely at ease with Nian Gengyao.
If an empress were to emerge from this family, Nian Gengyao might become arrogant again.
Fortunately, Shilan had no children.
After thinking it over, Big Fat Orange decided to try and probe Shilan's feelings again.
Turning to Su Peisheng, who had been serving him, he said:
"Su Peisheng, prepare the carriage for Yikun Palace!"
Meanwhile, in Yikun Palace, Nian Shilan was lounging lazily on a soft couch.
He was engrossed in reading the storybook in his hand.
Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps sounded outside the door, followed by Zhou Ninghai's high-pitched voice announcing:
"Your Majesty, the Emperor is coming to our Yikun Palace for lunch!"
Upon hearing this, Nian Shilan frowned, somewhat puzzled.
This big, fat orange cat has rarely come to her palace lately.
Nian Shilan was happy to avoid dealing with the old man again. Why was he here again today?
However, she didn't show much emotion on her face; she simply lazily put down the storybook in her hand.
He instructed Songzhi, who was standing nearby:
"Songzhi, quickly put this notebook away and put it away properly."
Songzhi quickly responded, carefully took the storybook, and put it away properly.
This is a treasure that her mistress managed to obtain from Consort Shu after great difficulty!
In the past, Shilan had little interest in reading, and would often feel sleepy after only a few glances.
However, this time was different; the storybook that Consort Shu had commissioned was truly fascinating.
Their mistresses have been spending their days reading these storybooks to pass the time.
After Songzhi finished tidying up the storybook, Nian Shilan slowly stood up and moved to the dressing table.
She carefully examined herself in the mirror, first gently running her hand through her hair.
Make sure there is absolutely no mess;
Then he reached out and tugged at his clothes to check if he was properly dressed.
Only after confirming that everything was in order did Nian Shilan feel relieved.
Nian Shilan adjusted her makeup in front of the mirror.
While pondering the old man's purpose in coming to Yikun Palace
Thinking that someone in the court had brought up the matter of establishing a new empress,
Based on her understanding of that old man,
His decision to come to Yikun Palace this time was most likely due to renewed suspicion, and he wanted to use this opportunity to test her.
Or perhaps it was a test of the Nian family behind her.
Fortunately, she had already written to her brother and made it clear that the Nian family needed to tone down their arrogance.
Waiting for Consort Shu's son, Hongchang, to ascend the throne.
The Nian family will not get involved in the matter of establishing an empress that was raised in court this time.
Nian Shilan had just finished tidying herself up when she heard Su Peisheng's voice coming from outside:
"The Emperor has arrived!"
She took a deep breath, put on a charming smile, and quickly went out to greet them.
"Your Majesty, what brings you here today? I thought you had forgotten me."
The chubby orange tree held Nian Shilan's hand and said, "It's my fault. I've been too busy lately and haven't been able to come and see Shilan."
He was busy, busy comforting the heartbroken Consort Wan, busy stroking Consort Wen's chest, busy listening to Consort Wan play the zither.
Fortunately, she doesn't care about these things anymore.
Nian Shilan lowered her eyes and said, "As long as Your Majesty still remembers me, I will be content."
Big Fat Orange pulled Nian Shilan into the house, where Songzhi and her entourage set out lunch.
Big Fat Orange glanced at the dishes on the table and laughed:
"Shilan truly understands my taste."
Nian Shilan smiled and personally served the dishes, saying, "I'm glad His Majesty likes them."
While eating, the chubby orange cat casually said:
"There's been a lot of discussion in court today about the matter of choosing an empress. Shilan, what's your opinion?"
Nian Shilan felt a chill run down her spine, but she didn't show it on her face.
"Your Majesty's health is my only concern. The important matter of establishing an empress is of course Your Majesty's decision. How dare I say anything more?"
Big Fat Orange nodded in satisfaction, "Hmm, Shilan is quite sensible."
However, I would like to hear your thoughts.
Shilan, you have been by my side for many years, and we have been husband and wife for many years!
Over the years, the harem has always been well-organized under your careful management.
In my heart, Shilan, you are undoubtedly the best candidate to become emperor.
Nian Shilan did not put down the chopsticks she was holding, but continued to elegantly pick up food and put it into her mouth to chew.
Swallowing the food in her mouth, she said calmly:
"Your Majesty, you flatter me. There are many other women in the palace who are capable of managing the affairs of the harem, not just me."
Moreover, I have been in charge of the affairs of the harem for a long time, and to be honest, I am quite tired.
I secretly hope that a few more sisters can come and assist me.
That way, it will also help me share the burden.
Upon hearing this, the chubby orange raised its eyebrows slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in its eyes.
He had expected Nian Shilan to happily agree, but to his surprise, she declined.
Previously, Shilan had always dreamed of replacing the Empress.
It's just unclear whether Shilan's excuses are genuine or feigned.
Big Fat Orange speaks in a gentle and authentic way:
"Shilan, you must not underestimate yourself."
All the complex affairs of this vast harem are to be managed and handled by you.
And you've handled everything perfectly; I trust you completely!
Upon hearing this, Nian Shilan gently put down her chopsticks:
"Your Majesty, regarding the matter of establishing a new empress, in my humble opinion..."
Only Consort Shu is qualified to assume this important responsibility and become Empress.
Big Fat Orange was clearly quite surprised by Nian Shilan's words.
He frowned slightly and pressed on:
"Oh? Why would Shilan have such an idea?"
Nian Shilan lowered her head slightly, a look of guilt on her face, and explained softly:
"Although I am now an Imperial Noble Consort, and my rank is higher than that of the Noble Consort Shu..."
But since my unfortunate miscarriage, so many years have passed and I have never been able to conceive again.
Your Majesty, I know that of the three unfilial acts, the greatest is having no offspring.
"I am truly ashamed that I have been unable to bear Your Majesty a son or daughter."
When Big Fatty Orange heard Nian Shilan mention the child who died young years ago...
My heart tightened suddenly, and I instantly felt guilty.
After all, the child's death could be said to be entirely his doing.
The reason why Nian Shilan has been unable to conceive again over the years is also due to the "Joyful Fragrance" that he secretly gave her.
The chubby orange cat remained silent for a long while before slowly raising its head.
Looking at Nian Shilan, he spoke in a heavy tone:
"Shilan, those are all things of the past, there's no need to dwell on them anymore."
If Shilan becomes empress,
From then on, all the princes and princesses in the harem will regard you as their legal mother.
Nian Shilan smiled sadly.
"Your Majesty, though the past cannot be undone, I know that I am no longer qualified to be the Empress."
At this point, Nian Shilan couldn't help but sigh softly, her eyes dimming.
"And now, Consort Shu is in her prime, young and beautiful, needless to say."
She even gave birth to the sixth prince for the emperor, which was an enormous achievement!
Consort Shu came from a Manchu banner family, a prominent clan, and held a noble status.
In contrast, I am a woman from the Han Banner Army, and although I have been in the palace for many years, I have yet to bear a child…
Nian Shilan's voice grew softer and softer, and her head gradually drooped down, as if she dared not look directly at the big, fat orange in front of her.
After a moment of silence, Nian Shilan slowly raised her head and continued:
"I believe that Consort Shu is the most suitable person to become Empress."
With her virtue and wisdom, she will surely be able to better assist the Emperor in managing the harem.
Your Majesty sincerely hopes that Your Majesty will establish Consort Shu as Empress, bringing more peace and harmony to the harem.
Big Fat Orange listened quietly to Nian Shilan's words, sighing inwardly.
He never imagined that Nian Shilan, who was once willful, arrogant, and domineering, would become so sensible.
Looking at the haggard woman in front of him,
A complex emotion involuntarily flickered in the eyes of the chubby orange cat.
There was guilt in his voice; he had indeed failed Shilan's deep affection and kindness over the years.
At the same time, there was a subtle, almost imperceptible appreciation.
At this moment, Nian Shilan displayed a rare magnanimity and tolerance.
The chubby orange cat stared at Nian Shilan for a long time before finally speaking:
"Shilan, what you said today has greatly pleased me."
Nian Shilan said softly:
"Your Majesty flatters me. I was merely stating what was on my mind."
As concubines in the imperial harem, they should prioritize the overall situation and share the emperor's burdens.
Your Majesty's good health and the stability of the empire are my greatest wishes.
After pondering for a moment, the chubby orange said:
"Shilan, you are so considerate of me in every way, I can't bear to let you suffer the slightest grievance."
Upon hearing this, Nian Shilan couldn't help but sneer inwardly.
If the old man truly wanted to make her empress, why would he come here specifically to test her like this?
The so-called deep friendship is nothing but a bunch of false lies.
She showed no dissatisfaction whatsoever; instead, she feigned deep emotion and whispered:
"Your Majesty, I am already extremely satisfied that you still remember me."
As for other titles and status, I don't care at all.
Your Majesty, I am now an Imperial Noble Consort, holding a rank equivalent to that of a secondary Empress.
Compared to the position of Empress, it wasn't actually that much worse.
After she finished speaking, she lowered her head slightly, displaying a perfectly shy demeanor.
Big Fat Orange gently patted Nian Shilan's hand.
"I am very pleased that Shilan is so indifferent to fame and fortune. But I always think of your goodness in my heart."
Nian Shilan's lips curled into a perfectly timed smile.
"Your Majesty's kindness is deeply appreciated by your humble servant."
However, matters of the inner palace are interconnected and have far-reaching consequences; Your Majesty must not allow personal feelings to disrupt the overall situation.
Big Fat Orange gave her a deep look, as if trying to see through her true thoughts.
Nian Shilan met his gaze without fear, her eyes clear and firm.
Nian Shilan's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly said:
"It has been so long since I took charge of the palace affairs."
A while ago, I was busy taking care of the imperial concubine selection for Your Majesty.
After all this back and forth, I inevitably feel somewhat physically and mentally exhausted.
Upon hearing this, the chubby orange tree couldn't help but say at length, "Shilan, seeing you working so hard, I really can't bear it."
"But there's no other way. Palace affairs are incredibly complex and multifaceted. After much thought, I have no choice but to entrust them to you."
Nian Shilan said, "Since Your Majesty trusts me so much, I naturally dare not fail to live up to Your Majesty's grace."
However, my strength is ultimately limited.
If someone could come and help me out, to share the burden...
Presumably, handling palace affairs will be much easier then.
The chubby orange cat nodded slightly in agreement, then asked:
"So, Shilan, do you have someone in mind?"
Nian Shilan pondered for a moment, then answered calmly:
"In the harem, there are only three high-ranking concubines: Consort Shu, Consort Jing, and Consort Jin."
"Let the three of them come and assist me in handling these matters!"
After a moment's thought, he continued with the following suggestion:
"The number of people seems a bit small, so let's include Consort Yu and Consort Xin as well."
Big Fat Orange clearly hadn't expected that Shilan not only had no intention of vying for the Empress's position,
Even the power of the palace that they held so tightly in their hands is now being handed over to others.
He couldn't help but look puzzled, and slowly said:
"This Consort Jing once assisted in managing palace affairs, so she has some experience."
But Consort Shu had previously mentioned to me that she did not want to manage palace affairs.
Consort Jin, Consort Xin, and Consort Yu had never been involved in palace affairs management.
This arrangement is inappropriate.
Nian Shilan said, "If Consort Shu is indeed inconvenienced, then let's drop this matter."
As for Consort Jin, Consort Xin, and Consort Yu, although they had no experience in palace affairs, this was a minor matter.
Things you don't know how to do, you can learn gradually.
She was, after all, the birth mother of a royal princess, and had palace affairs under her control.
The servants will also pay more attention to their young masters.
Big Fat Orange patted Nian Shilan's hand
"Shilan's thinking is very thoughtful. I'll consider this matter."
Nian Shilan said, "If it weren't for Consort Fang not having finished her postpartum confinement and Consort Hui not still being pregnant..."
"I would also like to bring the two of them along."