sbdcsierra Chapter 1348 Please ask the Imperial Concubine to make it clear
Chapter 1348 Please ask the Imperial Concubine to make it clear
Princess Wenshu took a closer look and praised sincerely, "I've heard that the purple lily is extremely difficult to cultivate. It's really rare to see flowers of this quality."
"The gardener in the Imperial Concubine's palace is truly skilled!"
She glanced at the other treasures in the garden. "This Zhao pink is so tender and juicy, the Yao gold is brilliant and green, and the Dou green is so elegant and unique... To think they're all gathered in the Imperial Concubine's palace is truly eye-opening."
Shen Zhinian smiled slightly and released his hand. The purple flower gently bounced back to its original place and trembled slightly: "It's just some vulgar things, blooming lively."
"In my opinion, the few green dragons lying in the ink pond over there are more interesting."
As she spoke, she led Princess Wenshu to the other side.
Several peonies had deep purple petals, but large, dark purple patches appeared at their bases, winding and entwining like a green dragon hidden in a pool of ink. Amidst the grandeur, there was a hint of unruly eccentricity.
Princess Wenshu observed it carefully and nodded in agreement, "The Imperial Concubine has a discerning eye."
"This flower is gorgeous but not vulgar, strange but not weird, it is truly an extraordinary product."
The two walked slowly along the bluestone path. Shen Zhinian would occasionally stop and comment on the habits or origins of the flowers.
Princess Wenshu echoed the sentiments appropriately, her words complimentary but not fawning.
The sunlight shines through the sparse leaves, dancing and flowing on the gorgeous clothes of the two people, and complements the beautiful and fragrant peonies around them, outlining a quiet and harmonious picture.
Bees and butterflies buzzing busily among the flowers make this place even more peaceful and tranquil.
Although Princess Wenshu was always cautious in her heart, she was surrounded by such a blooming flower, breathing in the rich fragrance of flowers and listening to the rare casual conversation and interesting conversation of the Imperial Concubine.
Her tense heartstrings unconsciously relaxed a little, and a genuine smile appeared on her face.
Only after carefully admiring the peony garden did Shen Zhinian raise his hand and gently stroke his forehead.
Fuqiu immediately understood and nodded slightly to the palace maid beside her.
The palace maids and eunuchs immediately bowed, quickly and orderly retreated to the corridor, bowed their heads and held their breath. They ensured that they could not hear any movement in the garden, but could still come forward in time when the queen needed them.
The peony garden, which seemed a little lively just now, was suddenly filled with only lush flower shadows and faint fragrance.
The spring breeze was still warm, gently swaying the huge petals of the peonies, but the atmosphere had quietly changed.
Princess Wenshu's heartbeat involuntarily quickened a few beats.
She knew that the Imperial Concubine had dismissed her attendants and the real conversation had just begun.
Shen Zhinian picked up the embroidered handkerchief and said casually, "Speaking of which, I heard Your Majesty mention last night that Bai Hanlin handled the war IOU mission quite effectively, and Your Majesty was very pleased."
The words were so light, but they made Princess Wenshu's heart skip a beat.
From a public perspective, it is inappropriate for the concubines in the harem and the eldest princess to discuss the affairs of the previous dynasty in private.
Personally, she had nothing to do with Bai Mufeng on the surface. If she showed too much attention, it would easily lead to gossip.
However, since Princess Wenshu has made up her mind to embark on this path of advancing and retreating with Bai Mufeng, and even wants to borrow the power of the Imperial Concubine, she can no longer pretend to be ignorant and hypocritical.
She took a deep breath, suppressed the throbbing in her heart, tried to make her voice sound more natural, and continued: "Yes..."
"A few days ago, I happened to hear Bai Hanlin mention it a few times. He said that the implementation was going more smoothly than expected."
Princess Wenshu carefully omitted the circumstances under which she "accidentally" heard it.
A hint of satisfaction flashed in Shen Zhinian's eyes.
She likes to talk to smart people without wasting time talking in circles.
She turned her gaze towards Princess Wenshu, her lazy and relaxed expression slightly faded. Although she still smiled, a hint of seriousness appeared in her expression: "Bai Hanlin is indeed a capable minister."
"However... while Your Majesty is pleased, he also has another concern."
Shen Zhinian paused briefly, looking into Princess Wenshu's eyes. "Although the war IOUs have alleviated our immediate needs, they are still debts. Your Majesty told me last night that once the war subsides, how to repay this enormous debt has become a heavy concern."
Princess Wenshu frowned slightly when she heard this.
She really didn't understand these economic and political affairs, and she didn't understand why the imperial concubine suddenly told her about these important court affairs.
But Princess Wenshu knew that the Imperial Noble Consort would never speak without a purpose, so she honestly said, "My Royal Brother's concerns are indeed justified."
"It's just... Wenshu is dull and doesn't understand why the Imperial Concubine is telling me this..."
The corners of Shen Zhinian's lips curved up slightly, and his voice slowed down: "The truth is actually very simple."
"Your Majesty's greatest difficulty right now is the lack of silver. As long as the national treasury can be enriched, Your Majesty's greatest worry will naturally be resolved."
Princess Wenshu became even more confused after hearing this.
It is not easy to make the national treasury prosperous.
What does it have to do with her?
She lowered her head in fear and trepidation: "Wenshu... Wenshu is truly foolish. Please, Imperial Concubine, explain clearly."
Shen Zhinian's gaze shifted from the delicate peony to the towering eaves of the distant palace walls. "The world is rich not only with wealthy merchants. Imperial princes, fiefs, and estates—who doesn't have a rich family background?"
Having said this, she turned her head slightly to look at Princess Wenshu, a hint of a meaningful smile on the corner of her lips: "Take the Prince of Jin for example, his fiefdom of Bingzhou is strategically located and is a precious land."
"If a prince of his wealth could sympathize with Your Majesty's wishes and generously donate to the Xiongnu war effort, or even send troops to aid... wouldn't that be a prime example of sharing Your Majesty's worries and serving the country?"
Princess Wenshu's breath hitched slightly, and she instantly understood the Imperial Concubine's intention.
Shen Zhinian seemed to be stating a simple fact, his tone even tinged with approval: "We are currently deploying troops on the border, and the national treasury is in a tight spot. This is precisely the time when we need our clan members and nobles to lead by example."
"If the Prince of Jin were to truly understand the greater good and donate his personal property to support the army, or dispatch elite troops from his fiefdom to the border to aid in the battle, Your Majesty would undoubtedly be delighted, and the people of the world would praise his loyalty."
If the King of Jin were to make excuses, delay, or even cry poor...
What would that look like in the eyes of the court officials and the emperor?
Only caring about personal gain and disregarding national safety.
If the King of Jin appears to be actively responding, but secretly uses this opportunity to mobilize troops from his fiefdom under the pretext of training and assisting in defense, or even deploys them to key locations...
That intention is worth pondering carefully, as it just confirms the ambition of King Jin.
No matter what, King Jin has to suffer this loss in silence.
Donating money to send troops will hurt their bones and muscles; shirking responsibility or making unusual moves will give others an advantage!
Princess Wenshu had not yet understood the deeper meaning in Shen Zhinian's words.
Shen Zhinian looked at Princess Wenshu with a gentle expression on her face. "However, as I am in the harem, it is not convenient for me to directly advise Your Majesty on such a good strategy of promoting talents for the country and alleviating the emperor's worries."