SFS Chapter 327 Consort Fucha
Chapter 327 Consort Fucha
Hongchang looked at Liang Wanyi, and a thought struck him.
This woman possessed a unique charm, unlike the striking beauty of the Manchu and Mongol women.
She possesses the gentle elegance of a woman from Jiangnan, and also carries the dignified air of someone from a scholarly family.
The dimples on either side of her lips appeared faintly at the corners of her mouth, adding to the sweetness of this girl from Jiangnan.
Looking into Liang's clear eyes, Fucha Peiyun felt a growing fondness for this girl from Jiangnan.
Thinking of this girl's family, the Liang family was a scholarly family with a clean and upright tradition and many descendants.
For this reason, the Liang family was prominent in the Jiangnan region.
Her reputation was widespread, and the girl's father, Liang Yuan, was an honest and upright official with outstanding political achievements.
Fucha Peiyun was most satisfied with the Liang family before they were forced to bind their feet and enter the Forbidden Orchid Palace.
The women in the Liang family never had their feet bound, so the men the women married were generally of low social status.
They were either born into poverty or were the sons of merchants.
These families that married into the Liang family helped each other.
By taking a steady and pragmatic approach and gradually developing its business, the Liang family established a firm foothold in Zhejiang.
Hongchang asked:
"Liang, I find your voice clear and melodious, and your demeanor graceful. Do you know what books you usually read?"
Liang Wanyi lowered her eyes slightly, her voice unhurried yet clear:
"Your Majesty," she replied, "I have lived with my father and brothers since childhood."
Read the Four Books and the Five Classics.
I also read the *Chu Ci* and the *Records of the Grand Historian*.
Her voice was soft, yet it was like a breeze sweeping across a lake, creating ripples that spread outwards.
"My father said: 'A woman should study not for fame or fortune, but to understand the principles of life.'"
Therefore, I especially love the "Biographies of Merchants" in the Records of the Grand Historian.
Everyone has a responsibility to ensure the rise and fall of the nation.
He also loved Qu Yuan's "Li Sao," knowing that in this world, integrity is something that can be killed but not humiliated.
Looking at Liang Wanyi like this, Hongchang thought of that line.
"True beauty lies not in appearance, but in character."
Fucha Peiyun then asked as well.
"What is your opinion on girls' education in the Qing Dynasty?"
Liang Wanyi heard Fucha Peiyun mention girls' schools
Liang Wanyi's eyes suddenly lit up, like a light suddenly turned on, making the hem of her moon-white dress glow with a soft rosy light.
"Your Majesty, I believe..."
The establishment of girls' schools was the most remarkable change in our Great Qing Dynasty compared to previous dynasties.
The old saying "a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent" has actually misled half the people.
If a sage truly despises the women's quarters,
Why bother leaving so many chapters of "pure thoughts" in the Book of Songs?
Girls' schools should not only teach girls how to do housework and needlework, but also teach them economics, worldly affairs, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Let women of the world first understand principles, then cultivate virtue, and only then discuss talent and arts.
Thus, in the future, whether they are wives, mothers, or standing on the imperial steps like this woman today,
They all possess a grand vision and a profound understanding of nature.
After listening, Fucha Peiyun tapped her teacup lightly with her fingertip.
With a soft tinkling sound, like a jade chime falling to the ground.
She looked up at Nian Shilan, who was also looking at her.
The two empress dowagers exchanged a knowing glance that only they could understand.
His eyes said: She's the one.
However, it was Hongchang who chose the empress; the decision was entirely up to him.
However, based on Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan's understanding of Hongchang...
Hongchang also values Liang Wanyi.
Sure enough, Hongchang said
"Very good, keep him."
This was the first time Hongchang had explicitly expressed his affection for a contestant during this talent show.
The eunuchs and palace maids present all understood the significance of this Miss Liang.
The eunuch immediately called out the names loudly.
"—Liang Wanyi, leave your nameplate here, and bestow upon her a sachet!"
Before the last notes had even faded, a very slight commotion arose in the hall.
The daughter of a Han official, who did not join the Manchu banner system, was just such a Han woman.
But he received praise from the emperor.
Many people couldn't understand it. Was it really because Liang Wanyi supported girls' education that she did so?
Wasn't this something Liang Wanyi said on purpose to flatter the Empress Dowager and the princesses?
If I had known it would be like this, they would have done it too.
Soon, the grandest and most solemn talent selection in the history of the Qing Dynasty came to an end.
Next up is the arrangement for the selected contestants.
Hongchang thought about it all night, and the next day after the morning court session, he took the list of candidates for the imperial concubines that he had written down.
I went to Cining Palace to discuss the arrangements for the imperial concubine selection with Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan, and then had dinner there as well.
Hongchang arrived at Cining Palace and handed the list to the two empress dowagers.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, this is the list I have prepared."
"My two mothers, please take a look and see if there's anything wrong with this arrangement."
Fucha Peiyun took the yellow silk folding paper, glanced at it, and then handed it to Nian Shilan.
The two read it side by side, and saw that Hongchang had already placed it on the imperial desk.
The candidates for the Manchu, Mongol, and Han banners were categorized and their names were written in dense, small regular script.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please look." Hongchang tapped his palm lightly with his fan.
"Your subject proposes the following for Empress: Lady Liang Wanyi;"
Then came the Six Concubines, including Consort Shu, Hesheli Wanqing.
Ningpin Yiergen Gioro Clan Yaqin
They came from the Manchu Banner Army
Then, the Mongol banner's leader was Borjigit Saren of the Khorchin, who was granted the title of 'Consort Mu'.
Narisu of the Khalkha tribe was granted the title of Consort Ying.
Next was Zhang, the daughter of Zhang Yun, the Governor-General of Huguang.
Her name was Qinghui, she was seventeen years old, and she was calm and composed. She was given the title of Yupin.
The other was Liu, the daughter of the Henan Provincial Administration Commissioner, whose given name was Siwan.
At sixteen, let's bestow upon her the title of 'Consort Yue'.
Fu Fucha Peiyun gently closed the folded document, looked up at Hongchang, and said softly:
"You have made an excellent choice in selecting the Empress and the six concubines."
I think this is appropriate.
Nian Shilan's nail guards tapped lightly on the table, producing a crisp sound:
"The fact that the emperor set a precedent by allowing Han women to participate in the imperial concubine selection has already caused many old ministers from the previous dynasty to complain in their hearts."
If another Han woman who has not been incorporated into the Manchu banners were suddenly made empress,
I'm afraid the saliva from the Taihe Hall will flood the dragon steps tomorrow.
Of course, I am not against you making Lady Liang your empress.
The empress of the harem only needs to shoulder the responsibility of being a model for the world.
Anything is fine, I just think you should be prepared.
However, I'm just being nosy; you probably already thought of all this.
Hongchang shook his head. "Mother Nian has worried so much about me. How could I be ungrateful?"
My two mothers, rest assured, this harem is my harem, and not just anyone can point fingers at it.
My decision to make Lady Liang empress is precisely to send a message to the imperial family, nobles, and Manchu ministers.
"Manchu and Han are one family, it's not just a slogan"
Upon hearing this, Hongchang's lips curled slightly, but there was no hint of a smile in his eyes. He simply said:
"Don't worry, Mother Nian. Since I dare to set this precedent, I'm not afraid of them making a fuss."
"I will have my own explanation at tomorrow's morning court session."
Fucha Peiyun was very satisfied with Hongchang's appearance.
An emperor should have both the means and the courage.
Fucha Peiyun looked at Hongchang and asked, "Are these the only people you're going to choose for your harem this time?"
Hongchang said, "That's enough. If nothing unexpected happens, no more people will be added to the palace except for the Empress and the six concubines."