NFBE Chapter 238 Sending you to Consort Zhuang's side
Chapter 238 Sending you to Consort Zhuang's side
"If there aren't enough Noble Consorts, then let's create another one. But under no circumstances should there be an Imperial Noble Consort, since an Imperial Noble Consort is no different from a secondary Empress. Our ancestors clearly instructed that as long as the Empress is alive, no Imperial Noble Consort should be appointed." The Emperor slowly said, toying with the teacup in his hand.
The Empress nodded slightly, and the Emperor continued, "As for the positions of the three Imperial Consorts, there is precedent to follow. Back when Emperor Taizu was in power, he once bestowed the title of Imperial Consort upon three at once. It was only later that it gradually evolved into bestowing the title of Imperial Consort upon only two."
Given these precedents, even if the censors harbored some dissatisfaction, they would likely find it difficult to voice any criticism.
The Empress nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes, that's indeed the case. In that case, let's confer the title of Noble Consort on three occasions. As for the four positions for Imperial Concubine, we might as well choose from among the concubines who have already given birth to princes." After speaking, she turned her gaze to the Emperor, as if waiting for his further opinion.
After a moment's thought, the Emperor offered his opinion: "Let's proceed with the investiture as is! As for the investiture of other concubines of lower rank, the Empress can handle that." The Emperor stood up as he spoke.
At the same time, he did not forget to gently place the teacup he had been playing with back onto the small table beside him.
Seeing this, Li Desheng, who had been serving nearby, quickly stepped forward. With practiced ease and care, he carefully arranged the blueprint the Empress had previously taken out, then placed it back into the exquisitely crafted little wooden box and gently closed the lid. Having done this, Li Desheng steadily cradled the box in his arms, preparing to leave with the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, I respectfully see you off." The Empress bowed slightly, leading the palace servants in a respectful bow to the Emperor, her voice soft yet solemn. The Emperor waved his hand expressionlessly, turned and strode away, his attendants following closely behind, soon disappearing outside the gates of Anning Palace.
After the Emperor's figure had completely disappeared from sight, the Empress breathed a sigh of relief, turned to Yingqiu who was serving beside her, and instructed, "Yingqiu, quickly go and invite the Crown Prince here." Yingqiu obeyed and left in a hurry.
Not long after, a series of hurried footsteps approached, and then a tall, handsome young man in magnificent robes strode into the hall. This young man had striking features and was none other than the current Crown Prince—Canglan Jingyun.
"Mother, what brings you here?" Canglan Jingyun walked up to the Empress, bowed respectfully, and then raised his head, looking at his mother with clear eyes.
The Empress smiled slightly, reached out and pulled Jingyun to sit down beside her, and said softly, "Jingyun, your mother wants to send you to stay with Consort Zhuang for a while. What do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Jingyun's heart tightened, and a look of doubt appeared on his face. He quickly asked, "Mother, has something major happened in the palace that requires me to seek refuge with Consort Zhuang?"
It's no wonder the Crown Prince reacted this way; the memory of the terrible plague he experienced as a child was too vivid for him.
At that time, an epidemic was rampant in the palace, and everyone was in danger. In order to protect him from being young, the Empress Dowager specially sent Aunt Yingchun to take him to the Cuiwei Palace where Consort Zhuang was located.
"You silly child, what are you thinking about all this time!" The Empress gently scolded her son with a smile. The Crown Prince frowned slightly, looking puzzled, and asked, "Isn't it to avoid disaster?"
The Empress shook her head slightly and patiently explained, "Of course not. There is a dual purpose to sending you to Consort Zhuang's place this time. Firstly, it is to have you learn military strategy and troop deployment from Consort Zhuang. As you know, Consort Zhuang comes from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, and the Duke of Zhenguo rose to power as a military general through his illustrious military achievements. Therefore, Consort Zhuang must have learned a great deal of exquisite military knowledge from him."
Secondly, the Empress Dowager hopes that you can establish a good relationship with your fifth brother. Your fifth brother has always hoped that he can help you guard the border in the future, so that you will have no worries about the future.
However, based on my understanding of Consort Zhuang, even the eldest princess was not easily spared by her. Perhaps in the future, a valiant female general will emerge in your court, and one who is also skilled in medicine.
"Who knows, one day an army composed entirely of women might even emerge. After all, given your unique and novel ideas, Lady Zhuang, such a thing is highly likely to happen." Hearing this, the Crown Prince couldn't help but ask curiously, "Then, Mother, don't you object to your eldest sister taking this path?"
The Empress parted her lips slightly and smiled as she asked her son, "You see, even your Lady Zhuang has not expressed the slightest objection to this matter. As the mistress of the harem and the nominal mother of the eldest princess, what reason do I have to object?"
Then, the Empress spoke slowly, her tone leisurely: "Crown Prince, you must never underestimate any woman. They are equally capable of shouldering the heavy responsibility of protecting the country. Therefore, you must never judge a person's ability and value simply based on their gender." After saying this, the Empress gazed quietly at her son, as if trying to see into his heart through his eyes.
Upon hearing his mother's instructions, the Crown Prince quickly bowed respectfully and solemnly replied, "Your subject will certainly follow Your Majesty's earnest teachings and dare not slacken in the slightest." At this moment, the Crown Prince stood tall and straight like a pine tree, his expression solemn and serious.
At this moment, the Empress turned her gaze to her son again and asked softly, "Since that's the case, would you be willing to go to your Lady Zhuang's place?" After saying this, her beautiful eyes remained fixed on her son, waiting for his answer.
After a moment's thought, the Crown Prince nodded without hesitation and replied, "Your Majesty, I am naturally very willing to go. Back then, Consort Zhuang was my teacher. If I could have the opportunity to continue learning from her again, it would be a great honor for me!" His excitement was palpable.
Upon hearing this, the Empress's face immediately lit up with a satisfied smile, and she nodded gently, praising, "Hmm, not bad, not bad at all, truly my good child!"