SFS Chapter 405 Doubts
Chapter 405 Doubts
An Lingrong looked straight at Zhen Huan, her eyes gleaming with insight, and her tone was firm and resolute: "The Emperor intends for you to be the Imperial Noble Consort!"
She then went on to clearly and logically recount all the matters she had just considered and weighed in her mind.
As soon as the words fell, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became cold.
Shen Meizhuang's breathing unconsciously became heavier. She held the handkerchief tightly in her hand, and her knuckles turned slightly white due to the force.
The emperor is a man of deep thoughts, and if he is not careful, it may bring disaster to his family.
An Lingrong was keenly aware of Shen Meiyu's emotional fluctuations, and hurriedly placed her hand gently on the back of her hand, silently comforting her.
After a moment, Shen Meizhuang's expression relaxed slightly, and she took a deep breath: "It seems that Huan'er is indeed more suitable to be the Imperial Noble Consort."
Zhen Huan also nodded, her eyes revealing determination: "In that case, then I will be the Imperial Concubine!"
However, An Lingrong's expression suddenly became stern, and she said in a serious tone, "Even if the emperor thinks so, you can't easily agree to it unless you completely dispel the emperor's doubts."
Having said that, as to how to dispel the emperor's doubts, I still need to think carefully about it.
Zhen Huan lowered her head and thought for a while, then slowly raised her head, a sly look flashed in her eyes, and the corners of her mouth rose slightly: "In fact, there are many people in this harem who want the position of Imperial Noble Consort!"
Shen Meizhuang nodded and continued, "The harem is without a master. The Imperial Noble Consort holds the same position as the Vice Empress, in charge of all matters of the six palaces. With her high status, it's natural that some people will be jealous."
Zhen Huan's smile grew wider, and her eyes swept over An Lingrong, her tone carrying a hint of meaning: "If the news spreads that the Emperor wants to appoint an Imperial Noble Consort, besides the two of us who are nominally Noble Consorts, the others may also have a chance."
An Lingrong instantly understood what she meant, her eyes suddenly lit up, and she asked impatiently, "What do you mean?"
"For example, you, Concubine Jing, and... Concubine Duan." Zhen Huan spoke word by word, a smile growing in her eyes. "Besides, from what she did today, anyone can see that she is trying to win favor!"
"Concubine Duan!" An Lingrong repeated in a low voice, with a glimmer of understanding in her eyes.
This is indeed a good shield.
In the drama, Zhen Huan pushed Concubine Duan to the position of Imperial Noble Concubine in order to avoid being in the public eye.
Concubine Duan has always held a unique position in the harem. Her presence will not cause too much trouble, but can also distract everyone's attention. Pushing her out can not only dispel Yongzheng's suspicion, but also prevent Zhen Huan from becoming the target of public criticism.
"Although Concubine Duan is weak, her status in the harem cannot be underestimated. She comes from a prominent family, and although her family has declined, its influence still remains. Although the emperor does not favor her, he always has some respect for her. If we promote her to the position of Imperial Noble Concubine, it will not only stop everyone from talking, but also make the emperor feel that we have no intention of fighting for power, but appear magnanimous and calm." There was some calculation in Zhen Huan's tone, but also a hint of helplessness.
Shen Meizhuang also nodded in agreement: "Concubine Duan's influence in the harem is weak. Even if she wants to fight for a high position, it will be difficult for her to stir up much trouble in the harem that is now in our hands. Pushing her out is indeed the most suitable person."
An Lingrong nodded slightly, a glint of approval in her eyes. "Sister Zhen is indeed very thoughtful. In the Emperor's heart, Concubine Duan is low-key and never participates in harem struggles. Pushing her out is indeed the safest choice. However..." She paused, a hint of hesitation in her tone, "However, we still need to think carefully about how to proceed. Concubine Duan is not someone we can manipulate at will."
They both nodded.
As they spoke, a sudden gust of wind whipped past, sending the half-closed window flying wide with a clang. The cool breeze, as if finding a way through, rushed into the room. The three men's robes were instantly tossed wildly by the wind, their hems flying high.
An Lingrong peered out the window. It wasn't completely dark yet. In the distance, dark clouds gathered and rolled in, like a mighty army, completely obscuring the sky. The inky clouds swirled like a ferocious beast, baring its fangs and claws at the horizon.
“It’s going to rain soon!”
As soon as he finished speaking, bean-sized raindrops hit the window frame. Soon, there was only a white curtain of rain between heaven and earth. The rain became more and more fierce. The raindrops hit the glazed tiles of the palace, splashing layers of water and making a "crackling" sound, as if playing an exciting piece of music.
The strong wind mixed with rain and fog blew into the hall, making people feel a chill.
Seeing this, Jin Xi quickly walked over, grasped the window frame with both hands, and slammed the window shut. The strong wind was blocked out, and only the sound of raindrops hitting the window frame could be heard.
Just as she was about to leave, An Lingrong suddenly spoke up, "Auntie!"
Hearing the call, Jin Xi stopped, bowed her head respectfully, and asked softly, "What are your instructions, Madam?"
An Lingrong bit her lower lip slightly, looked up at Jin Xi, a hint of hesitation flashed in her eyes, and her gaze unconsciously swept over Zhen Huan and Shen Meiyu, as if she was weighing something.
Jin Xi naturally understood her expression and took a step forward, her voice firm: "If your Majesty has any instructions, I will do my best."
An Lingrong took a deep breath and said, "The Emperor tested Sister and Sister Zhen today. I feel a little uneasy. They haven't made any mistakes in recent days. The Emperor wouldn't do this for no reason, so there must be a reason."
"What do you mean, empress?"
"I thought about what happened recently and still feel that it is related to the Queen, so I want to know what she said to the Emperor that day!"
Jin Xi instantly understood An Lingrong's meaning. She lowered her eyes and pondered for a moment. After a moment, she raised her head with a firm gaze: "I understand!"
"If you don't want to, I can find someone else."
"Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance. I will handle it well. Your Majesty, rest assured."
"I'll let Xiao Luzi go with you."
Jin Xi bent her knees slightly and saluted, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will take my leave!"
After Jin Xi left, An Lingrong's eyes flashed with complex emotions, and then she looked at Zhen Huan:
"Su Peisheng is a favorite of the Emperor. If Xiao Luzi goes alone, he won't be able to get much useful information out of her." An Lingrong murmured to herself, her voice so soft that it was almost drowned out by the sound of rain. "Jinxi and he have a close relationship. If the two of them go together, Su Peisheng might reveal a little more. But..."
The relationship between Jinxi and Su Peisheng was already delicate. She didn't want Jinxi to be too passive in front of Su Peisheng because of this favor. After all, in this deep palace, debts of favor are often heavier than anything else. Having Xiao Luzi go with her would help Jinxi spread some of the favors. This way, she could achieve her goal without putting Jinxi in a dilemma.