latelenovela Chapter 1752 Even we, the dealers, are being secretly laughed at.
Chapter 1752 Even we, the dealers, are being secretly laughed at.
Shen Zhinian waved her hand gently: "You are too modest, Consort Xian."
"You are prudent and fair in your dealings, as everyone in the harem has witnessed."
“Sister Xuanfei is meticulous and patient, making her most suitable to handle these trivial matters.”
"I am at ease entrusting this matter to you."
She paused for a moment, then said frankly, "I don't intend to place all the burdens on your shoulders."
"Granny Xiao and the others will continue to assist you. They are most familiar with all the old rules and regulations in the palace. You should discuss and consult with each other, and strive for stability and fairness in everything you do."
With things having been discussed to this extent, Consort Xian and Consort Xuan felt an even greater sense of mission.
The two rose together and curtsied, saying, "Your Majesty, we will certainly fulfill our duties and act with utmost care to repay Your Majesty's trust and kindness!"
"Get up quickly."
Shen Zhinian gestured to Qiu Yue to help them up: "We're sisters, no need for formalities."
"From now on, it will be hard on you two sisters. You can discuss the specifics of how to divide tasks and cooperate yourselves. I only care about the results, not the process."
This gives them a great deal of autonomy.
The Virtuous Consort is cold and composed, and is capable of making decisions and resolving disputes.
Consort Xuan is delicate and resilient, capable of handling mundane tasks and soothing people's hearts.
Only when the two complement each other can this right and responsibility be exercised properly.
Granny Xiao stepped forward and explained to Consort Xian and Consort Xuan the key points of the account books and ledgers, as well as the rules for using the cards.
Shen Zhinian leaned against the soft pillows, quietly watching them talk in hushed tones, occasionally interjecting with a word or two of advice.
……
After the news spread throughout the palace, many people's minds began to stir.
For the vast majority of low-ranking concubines, palace power was like a cloud in the sky, unattainable and something they dared not even dream of.
It is already a blessing to receive more of His Majesty's favor and live a peaceful life.
When they discussed this matter, they mostly spoke with awe and detachment. They admired Consort Xian's composure and Consort Xuan's meticulousness, or perhaps secretly envied the majesty of those who held power in the palace.
But deep down, these people all knew that power had nothing to do with them.
But for the concubines in high positions, it was a completely different story.
On what grounds?!
Consort Xian was aloof and disliked socializing. Apart from raising the Second Princess, she rarely left her residence.
Consort Xuan came from a humble background and had a mild temperament. She was able to rise in rank because of the favor she had received from her early service and because she gave birth to the sixth prince.
These two women were merely fourth-ranking concubines, and even less so, ordinary concubines. In terms of seniority, family background, and rank, there were indeed women in the harem who surpassed them.
Everyone understands that the Imperial Noble Consort is physically weak and lacks energy, and needs someone to share her burdens. So why did she give power to Consort Xian and Consort Xuan?
The most embarrassing place was Changchun Palace.
“...Cousin.”
Consort Mei said indignantly, "The Imperial Noble Consort's arrangements are far too disrespectful to you!"
"Consort Xian is alright, at least she holds the title of the head of the four consorts. But what is Consort Xuan? She's just a concubine from the Prince's residence who climbed to the rank of consort by giving birth to a prince."
"In terms of family background, talent, and rank, in what way can Consort Xuan compare to you?"
"The Imperial Noble Consort wants to divide power again. Who in the harem doesn't know that you are the most qualified? But now, Changchun Palace hasn't gotten a single bit of power."
"If word gets out, what will people outside think? I'm afraid even our Zhuang family will be secretly laughed at. They'll say that in the eyes of the Imperial Noble Consort, the Noble Consort is not as important as Consort Xuan!"
As Consort Mei spoke, she grew increasingly angry, and even the beauty mark at the corner of her eye seemed particularly vivid.
After her ban was lifted, she could not regain the emperor's favor and was hoping that Consort Zhuang could hold more power so that she could promote and take care of her.
But now Consort Zhuang can't even get close to the power in the palace, how can she not be anxious?
Hearing Consort Mei's slightly sharp words, Consort Zhuang felt the frustration she had finally managed to suppress surge up again!
She certainly understood this principle.
The power to assist in managing the six houses is a symbol of status, prestige, and influence.
When she first entered the Prince's residence, she was later promoted to Imperial Concubine and held some power within the palace. She managed the affairs of the Prince's residence's inner quarters in an orderly manner, winning praise from everyone.
But ever since Shen Zhinian entered the palace, she has risen rapidly, eventually becoming the Imperial Noble Consort and taking over the Phoenix Seal. Her power was gradually taken away and rendered powerless.
In the end, only the title of Imperial Concubine remained...
That woman appeared gentle and kind, but in reality she was cunning and shrewd.
The Imperial Noble Consort used insidious methods to gradually undermine her real power in the palace.
Now that the Imperial Noble Consort is unwell, she needs to relinquish power again. They would rather choose the lower-ranking Consort Xian and Consort Xuan than allow her, a second-rank Imperial Noble Consort, to gain any influence.
The Imperial Noble Consort didn't take her and the Zhuang family seriously at all!
"……alright."
Consort Zhuang said in a deep voice, "You may say these things here, but do not let them spread outside."
Consort Mei lowered her head and said, "Yes..."
They are one.
One glory and one glory.
With Consort Zhuang out of favor, she had no one to rely on.
Conversely, if Consort Zhuang could regain some real power, her life in the harem would naturally be much better. Her chances of giving birth to an imperial heir might also increase.
"Her Imperial Noble Consort's actions were indeed somewhat ill-considered."
Consort Zhuang said slowly, "Although Consort Xian and Consort Xuan are capable, there are countless affairs in the inner palace that cannot be handled by both of them."
"His Majesty has always valued the stability of the inner palace. The Imperial Noble Consort is currently lacking in energy. If something goes wrong because of this, or if there is any unfair treatment, it could cause a disturbance..."
"His Majesty always needs someone to speak up for him and help him make things right."
Consort Mei's eyes lit up, and she immediately understood Consort Zhuang's implied meaning: "What my cousin means is..."
Consort Zhuang's eyes were deep and unfathomable: "The Imperial Noble Consort needs to rest during her pregnancy. Consort Xian and Consort Xuan have taken on more power in the palace. That's their business."
"But the harem is ultimately not the harem of one person or two people."
"As a Noble Consort, it is my duty to share His Majesty's burdens and do my utmost for the stability of the harem. There are some things that they cannot think of or are inconvenient to do, and I... cannot sit idly by!"
"Opportunity always favors the prepared mind. Isn't now a good time to demonstrate our abilities and share the burdens of our superiors?"
Consort Mei was overjoyed and flattered, "My cousin is absolutely right!"
"You have been in the palace for many years, are experienced, and are fair in your dealings. Who doesn't know that?"
"The inner palace may seem peaceful now, but countless eyes are watching from below. Consort Xian and Consort Xuan are entrusted with this important task, and it is inevitable that there will be oversights or shortcomings."
"At that time, we'll have to rely on my cousin to step in and set things right. With my cousin around, the harem will be truly blessed, and His Majesty can finally rest easy!"
Consort Zhuang nodded slightly: "It's good that you understand. From now on, you must be more careful with your words and actions in the palace, and don't be impulsive and cause trouble again."
"Your Majesty's teachings will be remembered!"