sbdcsierra Chapter 1633 Shen Zhinian already knows about this (253 million reward points)
Chapter 1633 Shen Zhinian already knows about this (253 million reward points)
Yu Mei whispered, "Your Highness, the Imperial Concubine sent someone to say that it's not just to plead for the new bride, but also to take this opportunity to go to Yongshou Palace together to pay our respects to the Imperial Concubine."
"If only Her Majesty doesn't go, I'm afraid..."
Consort Xian frowned slightly.
Although she and the Imperial Noble Consort never discussed forming an alliance, they did have a relationship.
Moreover, the Imperial Noble Consort was fair in her dealings and genuinely liked Nannan. Occasionally, if Yongshou Palace had anything new or interesting, the Imperial Noble Consort would remember it and send a copy to Yanxi Palace.
If it's just a regular greeting, that's fine.
If Consort Zhuang wanted to use the newcomers to put pressure on the Imperial Noble Consort, she certainly couldn't stand idly by.
After a moment's hesitation, Consort Xian finally said, "Help me change my clothes."
"Yes."
the other side.
Chengqian Palace.
Consort Xuan was holding and playing with the Sixth Prince when she heard Zhu'er's words. She shook her head and said, "These little girls are really impatient. What's the use of being anxious if His Majesty doesn't enter the inner palace?"
Consort Xuan is twenty-four years old this year. In her eyes, those fifteen or sixteen-year-old newcomers are just little girls, so she is more tolerant.
Zhu'er asked, "Your Highness, are you going to Changchun Palace?"
Consort Xuan was always like this when she was still in the Prince's residence. She was not arrogant when she was favored, and she did not complain when she fell out of favor.
After having the sixth prince, she focused most of her attention on him and became less concerned about favors.
Consort Xuan felt relieved that His Majesty wasn't coming, as she didn't need to bother with dressing up or dealing with him. She could spend more time playing the pipa and keeping the Sixth Prince company.
Upon hearing Zhu'er's words, Consort Xuan handed the Sixth Prince to the wet nurse and stood up, saying, "Since Her Highness the Noble Consort has invited me, and it's to Yongshou Palace to pay my respects to the Imperial Noble Consort, it's no trouble to go."
"It just so happens that I haven't seen the Imperial Noble Consort and A-Xu for quite some time."
Pearl nodded: "Yes."
"Your Majesty, this servant will assist you in changing your clothes."
Consort Xian and Consort Xuan departed from Yanxi Palace and Chengqian Palace respectively, heading towards Changchun Palace.
The two men's entourages met on the palace road.
Consort Xuan greeted Consort Xian and then asked, "...Is Consort Xian also going to Changchun Palace?"
Consort Xian nodded slightly: "Consort Xuan must have also received the invitation from the Noble Consort."
Consort Xuan narrowed her eyes and asked in a low voice, "What does Your Highness think the Noble Consort is planning this time?"
"They wouldn't actually call both of us just because of a few newbies' petty schemes, would they?"
The Virtuous Consort's voice was clear and cold: "Your Highness, the Noble Consort, has always been thorough in her dealings."
"Although she does not assist in managing the six palaces, she is still the most important person after the Imperial Noble Consort. The new concubine is restless, and if we ignore her, she may cause trouble. If she acts alone, she may give others cause for gossip."
“If we get you and me to ‘discuss’ together, and then go to Yongshou Palace to pay our respects to the Imperial Noble Consort, we can share the blame.”
"As for what the Imperial Concubine really wants to do... only she knows."
Consort Xuan pouted: "Sharing the blame is a pretense; their real intention is to drag us into this mess."
"She didn't want to offend the Imperial Noble Consort alone, so she dragged us along. If His Majesty or the Imperial Noble Consort are displeased, it will be the result of everyone's discussion, and the law won't punish the masses."
Consort Xian glanced at Consort Xuan, did not deny it, and only said, "The Imperial Noble Consort is not an unreasonable person."
"That's natural!"
Speaking of Shen Zhinian, Consort Xuan immediately defended her, saying, "The Imperial Noble Consort is the most fair in her dealings and would not blame us for such a trivial matter. I just don't like the Imperial Noble Consort's scheming, making a big deal out of nothing and trying to use us as pawns."
At this point, Consort Xuan's eyes darted around: "No matter what the Noble Consort is planning, we must not let her scheme against my Imperial Noble Consort!"
Consort Xian did not speak, but she clearly thought the same thing.
Before long, the two men's entourage arrived at Changchun Palace.
Consort Zhuang had been waiting for a long time.
Consort Xian and Consort Xuan stepped forward and bowed distantly.
Consort Zhuang immediately put on a polite smile and stood up to greet her: "Sister Xianfei and Sister Xuanfei, there's no need for such formalities. Please have a seat."
The three sat down in order, and a palace maid served them hot tea and snacks.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Consort Zhuang got down to business and recounted the events in a slightly embellished manner.
"...I think this matter, though small, is related to the stability of the harem and the continuation of His Majesty's lineage."
“If we ignore it, it might discourage the new concubines, and it is not the way to maintain harmony in the harem.”
“However, if I were to go to Yongshou Palace alone to speak to the Imperial Noble Consort, I fear my words would not carry enough weight and could easily lead to misunderstandings. That is why I invited my two younger sisters to come and discuss this together.”
"Why don't we all go to Yongshou Palace together? Firstly, to pay our respects to the Imperial Noble Consort; secondly, we can subtly bring up this matter and hear her opinion."
"What do you two sisters think?"
Consort Xuan knew that she and Consort Xian were jointly managing the six palaces, and this matter could not be avoided. She nodded and said, "Your Highness has considered everything very thoroughly."
"It is normal for a newcomer to the palace to be restless. As assistants in palace affairs, we have a responsibility to guide and comfort her."
"Going to Yongshou Palace together to inform the Imperial Noble Consort is also a safe approach."
Consort Xian casually agreed, "Agreed."
Seeing that the two had agreed, Consort Zhuang's smile deepened: "That's good then."
"In that case, shall we go to Yongshou Palace together at 3:45 AM tomorrow? It is already late today, so let's not disturb the Imperial Noble Consort's peace and quiet."
After the matter was settled and a few more trivial words were exchanged, Consort Xian and Consort Xuan rose to take their leave.
As they left Changchun Palace, Consort Xuan and Consort Xian exchanged a glance, their unspoken understanding unspoken.
Upon returning, Consort Xuan instructed Zhu'er: "Go quietly to Yongshou Palace and tell the people around the Imperial Noble Consort what the Noble Consort said today, exactly as it was."
"Just tell her that Consort Xian and I have agreed to go together tomorrow. Please keep that in mind, Imperial Noble Consort."
Pearl replied respectfully, "Yes."
In Yanxi Palace, Consort Xian also instructed Yu Mei to do something similar: "...find a reliable person to deliver a message to Yongshou Palace."
However... before news of Consort Xuan and Consort Xian reached Yongshou Palace, Shen Zhinian already knew about it.
She has held power over the six palaces for so long; if she doesn't even know the slightest movement in the harem, then she has no right to be an imperial concubine.
Upon hearing their purpose, Han Dan simply smiled and said, "...Go back and tell Consort Xian and Consort Xuan that the Imperial Noble Consort said that since all the consorts and ladies-in-waiting are coming to pay their respects tomorrow, she will naturally welcome them with open arms."
"As for the newlyweds' concerns, Her Highness the Imperial Noble Consort is well aware of them. Please do not worry about them. Since Her Highness the Imperial Noble Consort's intentions are good, please proceed according to the proper etiquette."
This was said in a subtle way, but the meaning was very clear.
The Imperial Noble Consort knew what was going on and told Consort Xian and Consort Xuan to relax. Just do what needs to be done; there's no need to do anything special.
The news reached Yanxi Palace and Chengqian Palace.