sbdcsierra Chapter 1766 Choosing Gu Jinxiao
Chapter 1766 Choosing Gu Jinxiao
However, she maintained a calm demeanor throughout. Only a fleeting look of surprise and doubt in the depths of her eyes betrayed the turmoil within her.
Consort Zhuang rose and said slowly, "Since the Imperial Noble Consort has summoned me, I will naturally go."
"If so, help me change my clothes."
He immediately bowed and said, "Yes."
When Consort Zhuang turned around, her eyes were somewhat deep.
Why did the Imperial Noble Consort summon her to Yongshou Palace?
The Third Prince's affair has been exposed, and the Imperial Noble Consort has obtained conclusive evidence to interrogate him.
Or was the other party merely hearing rumors and testing her strength?
Regardless of the situation, she must not lose her composure.
On the way to Yongshou Palace, Consort Zhuang sat in a sedan chair, her face serene, showing no sign of guilt.
……
Shen Zhinian deliberately leaked the news.
First, Imperial Physician Tang from the Imperial Hospital went to Yongshou Palace, then the Imperial Noble Consort urgently summoned Consort Zhuang and sent Xiao Mingzi straight to Yangxin Hall...
These few things, pieced together, were enough to make any concubine with a keen sense of smell waver.
Many people came to Yongshou Palace either to watch the excitement or to gather information.
Shen Zhinian had intended to escalate the situation, so she naturally accepted all comers.
Consort Qin arrived the earliest, and her neat palace attire accentuated her tall and straight figure, making her quite eye-catching among the group of beautiful women.
Consort Su, looking frail and delicate, was carefully helped by Xia Tao to a secluded spot to sit down.
She gently covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief, seemingly unwell, or perhaps to avoid talking too much. Her eyes, as clear as autumn water, subtly swept over everyone in the hall, taking in their expressions.
Consort Yue arrived a little later.
She was still dressed in a cool, moon-white dress, with only a white jade hairpin in her hair, and no other ornaments on her body.
The lower-ranking concubines were even more cautious, not daring to sit properly.
Their eyes met with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty.
I wonder what kind of show the Imperial Noble Consort and the Noble Consort are putting on today?
Consort Kang arrived quietly, and after paying her respects, she was helped to a seat by Caiju.
She looked towards the palace gate, a hint of coldness flashing in her eyes, anticipating the arrival of Consort Zhuang!
People whispered among themselves, "...I wonder what exactly happened today?"
“If it’s something that can trouble the Imperial Noble Consort, it must be something trivial. I think it’s either that the Imperial Noble Consort has overstepped her bounds, or that her subordinates have been incompetent and someone has caught her red-handed.”
"Yongshou Palace is going to be lively now."
"..."
The majority of people were there to watch the show.
Life in the harem was long and lonely. Besides vying for favor and beauty, the greatest pleasure for the concubines was the gossip and drama surrounding others.
Especially when the scandal involves high-ranking concubines, it becomes a rare topic of conversation.
Opportunities to glimpse the vulnerabilities of those in power are rare.
Many of the lower-ranking concubines had a secret excitement gleaming in their eyes.
A thoughtful look appeared deep in Consort Qin's eyes.
Her father was a high-ranking official, and having been exposed to such things since childhood, she was far more perceptive than others about the infighting and scheming within the imperial harem.
The Imperial Noble Consort's actions today were by no means a spur-of-the-moment decision; they were likely prepared in advance.
Consort Zhuang... this time it's probably going to be difficult.
She certainly didn't sympathize with the other party, but she couldn't help thinking to herself that if Consort Zhuang suffered a misfortune, Consort Mei would have even less chance of rising up.
……
The Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Nangong Xuanyu sat behind the imperial desk.
Several officials' resumes and performance evaluations were spread out on the table.
Gu Jinxiao and Jiang Lingzhou stood below.
This was not the first time the emperor had discussed the selection of a tutor for the fourth prince.
Today, Nangong Xuanyu dismissed all other officials, leaving only Gu Jinxiao and Jiang Lingzhou, clearly indicating that the final decision had been made.
Gu Jinxiao was still dressed in a neat purple official robe, with a jade belt around his waist, and sat upright, like a pine tree that stood firm in the wind and rain.
His expression was calm, and his gaze was focused on the direction of the imperial desk.
Even when the emperor was deep in thought and silent, Gu Jinxiao showed no impatience or overstepped her bounds by looking around.
His tightly pursed lips revealed his seriousness about the matter.
Jiang Lingzhou was somewhat thinner, and his face was paler than usual, but his eyes were still bright and alert.
"...I have always been well aware of Minister Jiang's talent and insight."
Looking at Jiang Lingzhou's resume, Nangong Xuanyu slowly said, "I am at ease having you as the tutor of the Fourth Prince."
"However... I have also heard from the imperial physician that your cough seems to have recurred recently."
“The lectures in the Wenhua Hall are already quite mentally taxing. The duties of the Junior Tutor are not limited to imparting knowledge and teaching skills. He also needs to supervise the prince’s words and deeds at all times. It is a laborious and demanding task that is not something an ordinary person can handle.”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Lingzhou gave a bitter smile.
He did not offer any explanation, but lowered his eyes slightly and said softly, "Your Majesty's compassion is deeply appreciated by this humble subject!"
"I am aware of my own body, and I dare not let my frail body hinder the Fourth Prince's important task of laying the foundation."
These words, spoken frankly, could not conceal the deep-seated regret.
How could he not want to personally teach that child with clear eyes and the blood of the Imperial Noble Consort?
However, with his body weakened by illness, he had to proceed only according to his capabilities...
Nangong Xuanyu turned his gaze to Gu Jinxiao: "Minister Gu."
Gu Jinxiao cupped his hands and replied, "Your subject is here."
"You are upright and prudent, rigorous in your scholarship, and especially skilled in etiquette and legal codes. Now you also serve as a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet and assist in state affairs, which is quite an experience."
Nangong Xuanyu looked at him, a hint of expectation flashing in his eyes: "I intend to appoint you as the Junior Tutor to the Fourth Prince."
"Firstly, with your talent and character, my dear minister, you are well-suited to lay a solid foundation for the Fourth Prince, and to help him understand principles and righteousness."
"Secondly, the Fourth Prince is getting older and needs to know the rules of the court and the affairs of the world."
"You are the perfect person to guide this matter."
This is the ultimate inclination.
The emperor entrusted the fourth prince's education to a high-ranking official who was being groomed by the emperor for a high-ranking position. The profound meaning and expectations behind this were self-evident.
Gu Jinxiao was shaken, but remained calm on the surface. He respectfully lifted his robe and knelt down, saying, "Your Majesty trusts me greatly, and I am filled with trepidation."
"Your Majesty, I will do my utmost to fulfill my duties and diligently teach the Fourth Prince, so as not to fail His Majesty's great favor!"
Nangong Xuanyu said, "This matter is settled then. I will have Li Changde draft the decree later."
Gu Jinxiao replied, "Your subject obeys the decree."
Jiang Lingzhou looked at Gu Jinxiao, his eyes showing no jealousy, but rather great satisfaction.
He knew his colleague's character and abilities very well.
It is fortunate for the Fourth Prince to have such a good teacher.
Nangong Xuanyu was about to ask a few questions about the details of the instruction.
Li Changde suddenly entered: "Your Majesty, Xiaomingzi from Yongshou Palace urgently reports that the Imperial Noble Consort requests Your Majesty's presence. She says there is an urgent matter concerning the safety of the imperial heir and the peace of the palace, requiring Your Majesty's wise decision!"
Nangong Xuanyu's expression suddenly changed: "What exactly is it?"
"Are the Imperial Noble Consort and the unborn child well?"
Li Changde said, "Your Majesty, Xiao Mingzi is waiting outside. He only conveyed these few words, and this servant does not know the details."
"But judging from his anxious expression, the situation must be urgent..."