SFS Chapter 207 Means
Chapter 207 Means
Xiao Luzi hurried up the stairs, interrupting the leisurely conversation of several people. "My lady, Concubine Qi...she committed suicide!"
Upon hearing this news, Shen Meizhuang's eyes widened instantly, filled with shock and disbelief. She parted her lips slightly and muttered to herself, "How is this possible? He was fine yesterday..."
After hearing this, An Lingrong, who was standing by, had an expression of expectation on her face.
"Sister, this matter may be related to the Queen. You should go and take a look!" An Lingrong reached out and gently pushed Shen Meizhuang, who was still in shock.
Shen Meizhuang came back to her senses, nodded, and then left in a hurry.
In the evening, the queen sent an edict, inviting the concubines to gather at Louyue Kaiyun Pavilion the next day.
The next day, An Lingrong rose early, donning her moon-white palace dress, and arrived at Louyue Kaiyun Pavilion. Although all the concubines were said to be present, there were only a few—Shen Meizhuang, Concubine Jing, Concubine Wan, Concubine Xin, and An Lingrong. A moment later, Qi Yuebin, supported by Jixiang, slowly entered.
An Lingrong looked around and saw that they were all members of Zhen Huan's team.
After a while, the emperor also hurried over.
"Your Highness, I pay my respects to the Emperor and the Empress!"
There were too few people, and the greetings were sparse, making the place seem a bit deserted.
"Everyone get up!"
Yongzheng pinched his eyebrows, and a look of fatigue appeared on his majestic and stern face. His eyes were bloodshot, and it was obvious that he had not slept well the night before.
"You've probably heard about what happened last night!" Yongzheng's expression was serious, his voice low and filled with a hint of barely perceptible anger. "Concubine Qi was incredibly audacious. She bribed the Queen's imperial chef to make ginseng duck soup and sent it to Qingliang Palace, which led to the death of Imperial Noble Concubine Dunsu. Now that her actions have been exposed, she knows she can't escape the blame, so she committed suicide out of fear of punishment!"
Just a few words, seemingly light and indifferent, but the amount of information contained in them is so huge that it easily explains the tragic ending of Nian Shilan and Li Jingyan.
The concubines sitting below looked at each other and exchanged glances, but no one dared to speak rashly to break the suffocating silence. They just waited for the emperor to continue speaking.
"It is a serious crime for a concubine to commit suicide. For the sake of the Third Prince, Zhen Nian will strip Concubine Qi of her title and bury her as a commoner." Yongzheng's tone was so cold that it made people shudder.
The Queen's eyes were red, with crystal tears welling up in them. She said with a slightly trembling voice, "I, your concubine, would like to thank the Emperor on behalf of Concubine Qi. Concubine Qi is so foolish. She still has a son. Why doesn't she consider the Third Prince? What will happen to him if she leaves?"
The anger on Yongzheng's face showed no sign of fading.
He frowned and scolded sternly, "With a character like her, how can she teach a child well? No wonder Hongshi is so playful and mischievous all day long and lazy in his studies. I think it has something to do with her, his biological mother."
The Queen took up her handkerchief and wiped her tears. "Your Majesty, please calm down. Now that Concubine Qi is gone, the Third Prince cannot be left without someone to take care of him. I am the mistress of the harem and the legitimate mother of all the children in the palace. I should take responsibility!"
After saying this, the Empress raised her head and gazed eagerly at Emperor Yongzheng's face. She then continued, "Even before I married, I often helped my sister take care of my younger brothers and sisters at home. Your Majesty, please rest assured. I will do my best!"
Hearing this, Yongzheng nodded and said: "Then I will leave Hongshi in your care! He is my eldest son. You must encourage him to work hard and make progress, so that he can share my worries in the future."
A barely perceptible smile slowly emerged on the queen's well-maintained face. That smile was like a quietly blooming poisonous flower, chilling.
She nodded slightly and replied softly, "I obey your command."
Although the voice was soft, the pride contained in it was difficult to conceal.
However, this smile did not escape An Lingrong's eyes. Killing the mother and taking the child, such a cruel trick, was used so skillfully and without showing any emotion. It was really terrifying!
Yongzheng continued, "After Concubine Cao passed away, Princess Wenyi was left without anyone to take care of her. I've thought about it and I think Concubine Duan is gentle and peaceful, making her the most suitable foster mother for the princess. Concubine Duan, are you willing?"
Concubine Duan quickly stood up and saluted Yongzheng: "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will definitely treat you as my own child and live up to your trust."
Seeing Concubine Duan's grateful expression, Yongzheng nodded with satisfaction: "I know your character and will definitely raise the princess well. You should take good care of yourself. I will visit you more often when I have time!"
Feng Ruozhao, who was standing aside, originally still had a glimmer of hope, but when he saw that the dust had settled, a look of disappointment appeared on his face. Alas, he had thought too much!
Seeing Feng Ruozhao lower his head, An Lingrong felt a pang of sadness. How could she not see the longing in Concubine Jing's heart? Especially during these days of mourning, it was Concubine Jing who had been doing her best to take care of Princess Wen Yi's daily life. But apart from Princess Wen Yi, she really couldn't find a way to appease Concubine Duan!
Fortunately, Su Ye has already prepared a prescription. Let’s try to help her recover as soon as possible!
"Recently, the imperial court has been in turmoil, and the harem has been plagued by disturbances. I can't rest easy for a moment!" Yongzheng leaned back in his chair and sighed, "Alas!"
The Queen immediately knelt down and bowed, saying, "I am not feeling well, and Concubine Hui has been in charge of all matters in the harem lately. However, as the mistress of the six palaces, even though I cannot do everything myself, I still have an unshirkable responsibility. I beg Your Majesty to forgive me."
Seeing this, Shen Meizhuang also hurriedly stood up and saluted, saying with a look of panic: "Your Majesty, please calm down. This is all my fault. Please forgive me!"
Yongzheng's eyes moved. He hadn't even mentioned holding anyone accountable, but the empress couldn't wait to push all the responsibility away. She didn't have the responsibility and courage that a mistress of the six palaces should have. It was so disappointing!
On the contrary, Shen Meizhuang's behavior is more like the attitude that a superior should have.
After a moment's silence, Yongzheng said slowly, "Never mind, I understand that you are not feeling well!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Yongzheng glanced at Shen Meizhuang, who was kneeling below, and his expression brightened slightly. "Concubine Hui, please stand up too! You handled the funeral of Imperial Noble Concubine Dunsu very well, which relieved me of a lot of worries. From now on, you should take care of the big and small matters in the palace, so that the Queen can rest assured and recuperate!"
"Yes, I obey your command!" Shen Meizhuang stood up and said calmly, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. Your Majesty is kind and virtuous, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is working diligently, and with Sister Jingpin's guidance and support, I really don't dare to take credit for it."
Yongzheng nodded: "Well, you and Jingpin have worked hard!"
Feng Ruozhao stood up and saluted, saying, "I dare not!"
Shen Meizhuang glanced at An Lingrong. She was looking at her, her head slightly tilted towards Concubine Jing.
clear!