pdf-ebookys Chapter 1108: Putting Her at the Pinnacle of Power in the Harem (107 million reward points)
Chapter 1108: Putting Her at the Pinnacle of Power in the Harem (107 million reward points)
Looking at the harem of the Great Zhou Dynasty, there are probably only a handful of people who have this honor!
This was no longer a simple favor, but a closeness and reliance that was almost like family. It truly elevated the status of Consort Chen to the same level as the emperor, and above all palace rules and ancestral systems!
Shen Zhinian's heart was also slightly shaken.
Nangong Xuanyu's affection came suddenly, but was also expected.
Today in the Yangxin Palace, he accepted the list she had drawn up without hesitation, his eyes full of complete trust.
This privilege is a concrete expression of the emperor's love, and it also places her at the pinnacle of power in the harem!
Shen Zhinian's face showed no signs of emotion, she was still graceful and calm, with a gentle smile on her lips, and she bowed slightly in the direction of the Yangxin Palace: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace!"
"Your Majesty, I am grateful for your kindness. I will work harder and live up to your kindness."
With a respectful attitude and sincere words, she firmly accepted this great grace.
Seeing this, Li Changde smiled so hard that his teeth were showing and he kept saying, "I have delivered your message. I will not disturb you any more. I will take my leave now!"
After saying this, he bowed again respectfully, then bowed his head and walked away briskly.
Shen Zhinian looked at Li Changde's receding back, then turned and walked into the hall.
The palace door closed, blocking out the outside world. Fuqiu and Handan immediately came over, their faces filled with uncontrollable excitement.
Handan's voice was trembling, and her round face was full of excitement: "Your Majesty, you can enter the Yangxin Palace directly without being informed! This... this favor..."
Fuqiu was more calm, but her eyes were also bright: "Your Majesty's trust in the Queen is unmatched by anyone in the Six Palaces!"
Shen Zhinian walked to the window and looked at the golden chrysanthemums blooming in the courtyard. The sunlight cast a soft golden edge on her beautiful face.
“The greater the grace, the greater the need for caution.”
Her voice was clear and calm, without too many waves, but with a clear mind that saw through the world: "There is no need to pass on the message. It is your majesty's wish, but it is also a sword hanging over my head. I don't know how many eyes are watching, waiting for me to make a mistake."
"The more this is the case, the more we must be careful in what we say and do, and not overstep our bounds or slack off in the slightest."
"The autumn hunt is coming, so we need to be more alert!"
Upon hearing this, Fuqiu and Handan's excitement faded a little, and they immediately responded solemnly, "Yes, Madam! We understand!"
Shen Zhinian nodded slightly.
This privilege is an honor, but also a bull's eye. She enjoys the unique grace and is more aware of the undercurrent behind it.
She turned around and ordered, "Now that the list has been finalized, inform the six palaces immediately and have the people accompanying the emperor make preparations early."
"Especially Xuanpin and Kangpin, remind them to prepare warm and windproof clothes, the hunting ground is not like the palace."
"Send someone to inform Concubine Xue and give her a copy of the palace affairs booklet that I entrusted to her, so that she will know what to do."
Fuqiu took the order and immediately started to do it: "Yes, Madam!"
Soon, the list of names of imperial escorts seemed to have grown wings and flew to every corner of the six palaces.
When the news reached all the palaces, some were happy while others were sad.
In Changchun Palace, Concubine Zhuang was chanting scriptures in front of a small Buddhist temple.
After hearing the news, her fingers that were twisting the Buddhist beads paused slightly, and then returned to normal.
Concubine Zhuang bowed devoutly to the Buddha statue, with a gentle and peaceful smile on her face. She said to Ruoli, "It is my blessing to be able to serve Your Majesty."
"Go prepare some thick windproof clothes. The hunting grounds are windy."
Ruoli said excitedly: "Yes!"
These days, she hasn't found a chance to dance for His Majesty. Maybe the opportunity will come when she arrives at Mulan Paddock!
In Chuxiu Palace, Concubine Kang was holding a pair of silver scissors, carefully trimming a pot of golden chrysanthemums that were in full bloom.
After hearing Caiju's report, she remained calm and just said, "I know."
Then continue to focus on pruning the branches in front of you.
She was the head of a palace and had a noble status, so it was expected that she would accompany the emperor.
The scene in Chengqian Palace was quite different.
Concubine Xuan was tuning a pipa. When she heard the news brought by the palace maid, her clear eyes suddenly burst into bright light and her cheeks were flushed with excitement.
She put down her pipa and said excitedly, "It's great to be able to go hunting in the autumn with Sister Guifei Chen!"
Xuanpin had already started to think about it. Since the hunting ground was empty, perhaps she could play the newly composed "Qingping Yin·Nian" for her sister.
The song combines the vastness of the frontier with the gentleness of the south of the Yangtze River, and will surely complement the autumn colors of the hunting ground!
In Yikun Palace, Concubine Wang's reaction was much more complicated.
She was delighted at first, because accompanying the emperor on the autumn hunt meant having more opportunities to show up in front of His Majesty!
But then, Wangpin thought of Ba Ying being kept in the palace, and she felt irritated and uneasy again.
Who knows if that foreign tribute will take the opportunity to cause trouble in Yikun Palace when she is away...
Wangpin paced in the palace, and finally gritted her teeth and said to Xiao Tianzi: "Go, find my new riding clothes and iron them carefully!"
She had to seize the opportunity and not let anyone steal the limelight!
Wangpin subconsciously stroked her belly, with a calculating look in her eyes.
There were many women in the palace, and she could only get a small share of the rain and dew. But if she went to Mulan Paddock, she would have more opportunities. If she could get pregnant with an heir to the throne, it would be the best!
Those low-ranking concubines who failed to be selected, after a brief disappointment, mostly sighed resignedly or remained numbly silent.
Several young people gathered together, unable to hide their disappointment on their faces: "Alas...it turns out there is no place for us."
"It's to be expected. All the high-ranking ladies have gone, so how can we small fry have a turn?"
"Yes, Concubine Zhuang and Concubine Xuan are of high status and have great reputation... Concubine Kang and Concubine Wang are also the mistresses of a palace."
"It's better to stay in the palace. At least I don't have to go to the hunting grounds and suffer from the wind and sand. But... after all, I don't have the blessing to see the world."
"Forget it, forget it. Why are you saying all this? I just hope that Madam Xue Fei will take charge so that we can live a more peaceful life."
"..."
Their whispers, filled with envy and resignation, quickly dissipated in the slightly cool air of late autumn.
This loss is real, but it is more of a helplessness about one's own situation.
Naturally, the news also reached the ears of Ba Da Ying.
She sat alone in the deserted Shuixi Pavilion, listening to the faint sound of the wind outside the window, with a cold smile on her lips.
Concubine Chen!
Is she going to be so glorious and go on the autumn hunt with His Majesty surrounded by her followers?
it is good!very good!
Ba Ying lowered his head and stroked his belly, his eyes filled with deep hatred and madness: "I'll let you be proud first!"
However... before everyone could digest the excitement and disappointment brought by the list of companions for the autumn hunt, an even more shocking news spread in the harem!