“You’re here.”
The Imperial Concubine was leaning back on the pillow with her eyes closed, playing with a string of red sandalwood Buddhist beads in her hand.
"My niece pays her respects to my aunt." Yao Xiang took off her hat and bowed.
The Grand Concubine gestured for her to sit down, and the maids all left, leaving only the aunt and niece to talk.
Yao Xiang spoke directly, "Why did my aunt suddenly say those things at the banquet today? She made the emperor unhappy for no reason. Now the emperor is investigating the Yao family's bribery..."
"It is precisely because the emperor is now targeting the Yao family that I want to test the emperor's attitude." The imperial concubine interrupted her coldly.
Yao Xiang quickly realized what was happening, "My niece is mistaken."
I originally thought that the Grand Concubine was unhappy with the Emperor's actions towards the Yao family, and that was why she said those words to vent her anger. But now that I think about it carefully, even though the Grand Concubine said such harsh words today, the Emperor did not openly disrespect the Grand Concubine, which shows that the Emperor is still wary of the Yao family.
Why are they afraid? It’s because there is no evidence yet to deal with the Yao family. This means that as long as the Yao family stays stable, they can get through this time safely.
After all, the Imperial Concubine is very experienced and can test the depth of a person with just a few words. Yao Xiang has lived for two lifetimes, but he still feels inferior to her.
"How does the emperor treat you now and how does he treat Min Cairen?" asked the Grand Concubine.
Yao Xiang frowned, "The Emperor treats me just fine. I can see him once or twice a month. He is slightly better than Chen. Among our group, Yi Wanrong is the most favored, followed by Ye."
"Ye?" The Grand Concubine was a little surprised. "Doesn't the Emperor dislike her? She has some connection with the eldest prince."
"My niece thought so at first, but now it seems that Mrs. Ye also has some tricks up her sleeve. The previously favored Concubine Li has been stepped on by her." Yao Xiang's eyes darkened.
The Grand Concubine pondered for a moment. She had never really paid attention to Ye Jun. After the incidents with Concubine Li, she thought he was just another arrogant and brainless person.
Looking at it now, if I really had no brains, how could I have been promoted and even received some favor
The little achievements of our parents are not enough to support anything, they just look good on the surface.
"The Ye family is nothing to be afraid of. Right now, Yi Wanrong is the one you should deal with. The Wu family has the Qingshan Academy of my father-in-law Luo's family behind them. That is the aspiration of scholars all over the world. With this relationship, the Wu family can use it, and the Wu family can rise to power. Although I am still alive, your cousin is really useless. If you can't move up, the Yao family will be finished."
The Grand Concubine paused and continued, "After all, the Queen is the Queen. The Xie family cannot be touched for a while. The Queen Mother and the Emperor are mother and son. The Chen family is not easy to touch either. After all, the Yao family is the easiest to be replaced, and the one who can replace us is the Wu family."
"My niece understands and will not let my aunt down." Yao Xiang narrowed her eyes slightly and already had a plan in mind.
In her previous life, she was neglected for a while because the Yao family was found to have accepted bribes. However, the Wu family gradually made their way into the Ministry of Households. The Wu family stepped on her and bullied her a lot.
Since the Yao family has escaped this disaster in this life, she will naturally avenge herself in the previous life. Counting the days, Wu's belly should be moving soon.
"Now that Concubine Wen has given birth to this baby, she should be promoted. Concubine Shu has given birth to a princess. If Concubine Wen steps on her head, she will probably be mad to death with her temper." The Grand Concubine suddenly said with a sneer in her eyes.
Speaking of this, Yao Xiang remembered that in the previous life, Concubine Wen fell in the yard when she was eight months pregnant, resulting in premature birth. She gave birth to a little prince, but she couldn't keep the baby and he died before he was a month old.
Because of this reason, the Emperor wanted to promote Concubine Wen but was opposed by the Empress Dowager.
In this day and age, if a child is not born or is unhealthy, it is the mother's fault. Especially in the royal family, failing to preserve the royal bloodline is actually a crime.
"Since Concubine Shu is unwilling, why not give her a hand? After all, she is the one who gave birth to the emperor's eldest daughter." Yao Xiang continued.
The Grand Concubine was naturally very satisfied with her niece's kindness.
"It's getting late. Go back quickly. Be careful not to be discovered."
Yao Xiang nodded, put on his hat, bent over, picked up the lantern, and returned to Tinglan Garden disguised as a eunuch on night patrol.
Early the next morning, a message came from Jingqian Palace, asking Ye Yun to serve with writing materials.
It was Huai'an who came, so Ye Jun was naturally happy. Being able to meet the financial sponsor was an opportunity, right
"Please wait for a moment, sir. I'll change my clothes and leave."
"It's my duty, go ahead, beauty." Huai'an smiled.
Huiyue stuffed a purse over, and Lumei took the person to the side hall to drink tea.
Huai'an touched the purse and estimated that there were another ten taels of silver. He thought that Lady Ye was really generous and always gave a lot. No wonder those people in the kitchen were willing to serve her.
Oh yes, the kitchen manager who previously helped Yi Wanrong to bully Ye Jun has now been transferred to the miscellaneous service room.
By the time Ye Jun arrived at Jingqian Palace, it was already half an hour later.
When I pushed the door open, I saw Ning Chen playing chess alone.
"The Emperor asked me to serve him with writing materials, but you started playing first."
"You came late. I have already reviewed those memorials, and now you are the first to criticize me." Ning Chen did not even look up at her, still staring at the chessboard.
Ye Jun walked over directly, pursed her lips and smiled, "To see the emperor, I naturally have to dress up first, so it is inevitable that I will be a little late."
Ning Chen then turned to look at her.
The girl wore a lake blue brocade waisted skirt with butterflies, and held a fan with a carp playing in the water. She had her hair in a bun with vines, and wore a few short glazed hairpins, embellished with broken pearls, looking light and lively.
Ye Jun is naturally beautiful in this outfit, especially her fair skin, and the lake blue color makes her look as transparent as jade.
"Stop talking nonsense. If you can't serve me with writing, just play chess with me." Ning Chen snorted.
It is beautiful, but he just can't find words to praise it, he is so proud of it.
But even though I didn't exaggerate, I couldn't help but glance at her a few more times.
Ye Jun naturally noticed it and found it funny in his heart, but he didn't show it on his face. He sat down obediently opposite the chessboard.
"Your two cousins are quite talented in writing. I believe they will be able to pass the imperial examination next spring." Ning Chen suddenly said.
"My grandfather and uncle also hired famous teachers to teach me. Although they didn't go to Qingshan Academy, they also put in a lot of effort. I'm sure it won't be bad."
The black piece moved first, and Ye Jun picked up one skillfully and placed it on the board.
Ning Chen looked at her and said, "You are not humble at all."
"Since the emperor has praised it, it must be really good. If I were to be more modest, it would not be modesty, but hypocrisy."
Ye Jun blinked her eyes, looking very playful and cute.
As for the Chu family, she had guessed that this day would come when the emperor asked her about it last time, so she was not surprised at all now.
Ning Chen chuckled and stopped talking. He thought that this woman seemed to be acting, but at the same time, she seemed real. For a moment, he could not tell whether she was really acting or not.
"Your Majesty, please concentrate when playing chess." Ye Jun smiled and placed a piece, and the situation became advantageous.
Huatangxiugeshuo
A reader asked about this, so I’ll post the harem ranking table here and also in the book review section.
Queen (Super)
Imperial Concubine, Virtuous Concubine, Virtuous Concubine (First Rank)
Four Concubines (Second Rank)
Nine concubines:
Zhaoyi (Second Rank)
Zhaoyuan (third rank)
Zhaorong (third rank)
Shunyi (from the third rank)
Shunyuan (third rank)
Shunrong (third rank)
Xiuyi (fourth rank)
Xiuyuan (Fourth Rank)
Repairing appearance (fourth rank)
Concubine (fifth rank)
Beauty (Sixth Rank)
Wanrong (from the sixth rank)
Talented Person (Seventh Rank)
Baolin (eighth rank)
Cai Nu (Rank 9)