sbdcsierra Chapter 1344: Three Little Bunches Gathered Together (193 Million Votes Plus)
Chapter 1344: Three Little Bunches Gathered Together (193 Million Votes Plus)
The inner hall of Yongshou Palace.
The late spring sunshine shines through the fine window lattices, casting warm and bright spots of light. Fine dust particles float in the air, making it quiet and peaceful.
Shen Zhinian was talking to Concubine Xuan.
Concubine Xuan was holding the almost nine-month-old Sixth Prince in her arms. The little fellow was wearing a soft blue shirt and was chubby and fair. He had a pair of clear eyes that looked just like his mother's and was curiously gnawing on his little fist.
The Fourth Prince was lively around the couch, standing on tiptoe to touch the Sixth Prince's face, mumbling, "Sixth...Sixth Prince, Imperial Brother..."
His eyes, like black grapes, were filled with joy and curiosity. He really liked this younger brother of the emperor.
Concubine Xuan looked at the Fourth Prince and couldn't help but chuckle. She said to Shen Zhinian, "Look how happy Ah Xu is."
"Seeing how much he likes Jin'er, I am also happy."
The two were chatting and laughing when Fuqiu walked in lightly and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, the virtuous concubine has requested an audience. She said she's here to report on recent palace affairs, and she's brought the Second Princess with her."
Shen Zhinian smiled and nodded when he heard this: "Please come in!"
"Yes."
Soon, Concubine Xian came in holding the second princess, who was almost one year and nine months old.
She was still wearing a simple and elegant palace dress, with a cool temperament.
The second princess was wearing a light pink skirt and had a fair face, but she looked very timid and snuggled up to Concubine Xian.
After entering the inner room, Concubine Xian released the Second Princess's hand and bowed according to etiquette: "Your Highness, I pay my respects to Her Majesty the Imperial Noble Concubine. May Your Majesty be blessed with good health!"
Concubine Xuan, who was standing by, also stood up, holding the Sixth Prince in her arms: "Greetings to Her Majesty the Concubine!"
Shen Zhinian raised his hand to support her, smiling gently, "No need to be so polite."
"Fuqiu, please take a seat."
Fuqiu immediately brought over an embroidered cushion, and Concubine Xian sat down after thanking her.
The Second Princess was still clinging to Concubine Xian, her small hands tugging at the corner of her clothes, but her big eyes couldn't help but glance curiously at the Sixth Prince on the couch and the Fourth Prince who was looking at her excitedly.
The Fourth Prince was now at an active age. When he saw the Second Princess coming, he immediately ran away from Shen Zhinian and staggered to the Second Princess.
He tilted his little face up, smiled, and pulled her hand, inviting her enthusiastically: "Second, Second Sister... play!"
The second princess was startled and subconsciously wanted to shrink back, looking at the virtuous concubine nervously.
The virtuous concubine looked down at the second princess, a hint of encouragement in her cold eyes, and patted her back gently: "Nannan, go play with your fourth and sixth brothers."
Encouraged by Concubine Xian, the Second Princess finally relaxed a little and timidly let the Fourth Prince pull her toward the ground covered with a thick velvet carpet.
The wet nurse had cleverly brought the Sixth Prince down and placed him in the middle of the blanket.
The three little balls quickly got together.
The fourth prince was lively and took out his cloth tiger and painted small ball to show off.
The second princess was quiet and carefully touched the soft face of the sixth prince. When the sixth prince held her fingers, she pursed her lips and smiled gently.
The Sixth Prince blinked his big eyes, looked at the Second Princess and the Fourth Prince, and waved his little arms while babbling.
The sunlight falls on them, and the three small figures intertwine together, forming an extremely warm picture.
Shen Zhinian, Concubine Xian and Concubine Xuan looked at the children's innocent interactions, and soft smiles unconsciously appeared in their eyes.
After a few pleasantries, Concubine Xian calmed down and began to report to Shen Zhinian on the recent affairs in the palace.
She sat upright on the embroidered cushion, her back straight, her posture as cool as ever, but without any arrogance.
"…Your Highness, the Imperial Noble Consort, last month's allotments to each palace were distributed according to the established procedures. There were no delays or deductions."
"in……"
Xianfei paused briefly before continuing, "Eternal Spring Palace and Chuxiu Palace each have princesses and princes to raise, so they have numerous wet nurses, nannies, and servants. Their allotments of milk, eggs, sugar, and various fine fabrics are slightly more than those consumed in other palaces."
"The detailed account has been copied separately. Please review it, Your Majesty."
As soon as she finished speaking, Concubine Xian took out a thin but neatly written booklet from her sleeve. Yu Mei took it and respectfully presented it to Shen Zhinian.
Shen Zhinian did not look at it immediately, but nodded slightly, indicating that Concubine Xian should continue.
The virtuous concubine then continued, "The repairs to the various instruments in the palace have also been completed."
"The leaking roof in the side hall of Changchun Palace has been completely repaired by the craftsmen of the Imperial Household Department."
"The two glazed windows reported damaged in Chuxiu Palace have also been replaced."
"In addition, there are seven palace lanterns in Xianfu Palace and Jingyang Palace that need to be re-covered with silk. All arrangements have been made and they should be completed within three days."
Her report was well-organized and detailed, but not verbose. She only reported the important points, which showed that she was truly attentive.
"Also, the corners of the palace walls that were damaged by the recent rain are now completely dry, making it a good time to begin work."
"The Ministry of Internal Affairs has submitted a budget. I have reviewed it and found nothing amiss. Your Majesty, please make the final decision."
Yu Mei once again presented a neatly written booklet.
Shen Zhinian took it, glanced at the key figures, and said, "Okay. Tell them to get it done as soon as possible and not delay the construction period."
"Yes."
The virtuous concubine agreed and continued, "Also, with the transition from spring to summer, the flowers and trees in the palace gardens need to be replaced. The Imperial Household Department has sent a list, intending to replace them with a batch of seasonal flowers and some lush green ornamental trees."
"I think the categories and quantities are all appropriate. If Your Majesty has no objection, may we have them proceed according to the regulations?"
Shen Zhinian said gently, "Sister Xianfei, please take care of these matters."
The virtuous concubine bowed slightly and continued, "There are eleven palace maids over the age of twenty-five. I have already asked them all about their wishes."
"Eight of them wish to accept the reward and leave the palace to return home. I have approved it and have instructed the Ministry of Internal Affairs to distribute the silver according to the regulations. The remaining three have volunteered to stay in the palace and have been reassigned their duties."
Speaking of this, Concubine Xian looked up at Shen Zhinian and added, "They are all arranged in various warehouses, needlework bureaus and other less-staffed places. They are not wronged."
Shen Zhinian's eyes showed a hint of approval: "Sister Xianfei has made very appropriate arrangements and is considerate of the servants. It is a blessing for the six palaces."
The virtuous concubine bowed slightly as a token of thanks, but her expression remained calm: "It's just my job, I don't deserve the praise from the Imperial Noble Consort."
She paused for a moment, her tone becoming slightly heavier: "One more thing..."
"Although there is still some time until the Dragon Boat Festival, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has reported that in order to prepare the Five Poison Purses, the Longevity Thread, and other rewards, we need to purchase silk thread, spices, mugwort, and so on in advance. Therefore, we have submitted the budget list."
"I've taken a quick look and it's pretty much the same as last year. Thinking it's a good time to report back to the palace, I've brought it along. Your Majesty, please review it first. This will also allow them to prepare early and avoid being so flustered at the last minute."
Upon hearing this, Yu Mei immediately respectfully presented another booklet and a list.
Shen Zhinian took it and did not look closely at the annual expenses. He glanced at the budget for purchasing raw materials, and the amount was indeed the same as in previous years.