12dz Chapter 406 Self-recommendation
Chapter 406 Self-recommendation
Two days later, the drizzling rain finally stopped, and the lead-gray clouds that had been weighing heavily on the Forbidden City were slowly pushed away by a pair of gentle but powerful hands.
At first, only a few tiny cracks appeared among the clouds, through which a few rays of golden light eagerly peeked, illuminating the gray background with a touch of brightness. Then, the sun broke free from its restraining shackles and burst forth with boundless warmth and majestic momentum.
In an instant, a dazzling radiance poured down upon the earth without reservation, kissing every inch of the palace wall and every glazed tile with its loving caress. The remaining raindrops on the rooftops, caressed by the sun, instantly transformed into glittering pearls, reflecting a multicolored halo. The puddles on the road were dyed golden, reflecting the almighty sky.
As the sun continued to radiate its energy, the weather gradually grew warmer. A gentle breeze blew by, no longer refreshing as usual, but carrying a hint of heat. The willow trees in the Imperial Garden swayed gently in the breeze, and the occasional cicada chirped among the branches, a crisp sound that was nature's exciting prelude to the coming midsummer.
An Lingrong stood under the corridor of the palace, looking at Jinxi's departing back, her expression extremely ugly.
This queen tricked them before being imprisoned.
"I'm afraid the days ahead will be even more difficult." An Lingrong murmured in a low voice, her voice full of helplessness.
She straightened her back and slowly raised her head, her slender neck showing through as she gazed towards the vast expanse of sky in the distance. The sunlight poured down unobstructed, the intense light so glaring that she unconsciously squinted slightly, but her heart was filled with a haze, without a single ray of light.
Even if they put in a lot of effort and succeeded in defeating the Queen, what would it matter? She knew better than anyone that their real enemy had never been the Queen.
She was not afraid of blatant provocations or secret conspiracies. However, all these power struggles were nothing compared to Yongzheng's suspicious and sensitive heart, which made her feel exhausted.
The struggle within the palace is endless, like an endless cycle. Today's victory, achieved with great effort, is merely the starting point for an even more intense contest tomorrow.
"Alas!" An Lingrong sighed and turned around to see Shen Meizhuang standing quietly at the palace gate, her eyes gazing at her like water. Their gazes met in mid-air, and for a moment, neither spoke, but from each other's eyes, one could see the deep helplessness.
At the same time, the news that Yongzheng wanted to confer the title of Imperial Noble Consort spread like wildfire. The eunuchs and maids in the palace were filled with excitement. They gathered in groups of three or four, whispering and guessing who would become the lofty Imperial Noble Consort.
On the second day, as the sky was just getting light and the morning sun had just started to penetrate the palace walls, Yongzheng ordered the eunuchs to summon several high-ranking concubines to the Yongshou Palace for a meeting.
As the eunuch's shrill, drawn-out "The Emperor has arrived—" echoed throughout Yongshou Palace, the five concubines—Zhen Huan, Shen Meizhuang, Qi Yuebin, Feng Ruozhao, and An Lingrong—hurriedly stood up, saluted in unison, and said in unison, "Greetings to the Emperor. May the Emperor be blessed with good health."
Yongzheng walked into the hall with steady steps. He was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe. The five-clawed golden dragon embroidered on the robe seemed to take off into the sky in the morning light, demonstrating his supreme majesty.
He raised his hand slightly, his voice calm but with an unquestionable momentum: "Everyone, get up."
After everyone thanked her, they slowly stood up and sat down in their respective seats. Zhen Huan called for the maid to serve tea and snacks.
Yongzheng picked up the teacup, blew gently on the hot steam, took a sip, and slowly swept his eyes over the five concubines below him. With a somewhat unfathomable look in his eyes, he said, "I believe you are also aware that I intend to confer the title of Imperial Noble Consort. What are your views?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the hall, which had previously held a somewhat relaxed atmosphere, fell silent. The five people lowered their heads, staring at the ground, no one willing to speak first.
Zhen Huan raised her eyes slightly, and after her gaze briefly met Yongzheng's, she quickly lowered them and said softly, "Your Majesty's move must have been carefully considered. Conferring the title of Imperial Noble Consort and commanding the six palaces will be a good thing for the stability of the harem and the smooth flow of all affairs. I also hope to have a capable person to assist Your Majesty in managing all matters in the harem."
She had a perfect smile on her lips, her hands folded in front of her, and every move showed her gentleness and obedience. Her words seemed ordinary, but in fact they firmly endorsed Yongzheng's decision and subtly catered to the emperor's wishes.
Shen Meizhuang lifted her skirt, knelt on the ground, and said respectfully: "Your Majesty is wise. In recent days, I have been unable to take care of the children and handle the palace affairs. I am willing but unable to do so. Since Your Majesty intends to confer the title of Imperial Noble Consort, I am willing to hand over the power of assisting in the management of the six palaces."
Shen Meizhuang said this sincerely. Since she was being tested, she decided to give up and not get involved in this mess anymore.
Listening to her words, Yongzheng nodded imperceptibly. It seemed that she really had no intention of becoming the Imperial Noble Consort.
Feng Ruozhao also said immediately: "Your Majesty, matters concerning the harem have always been subject to your decision. I am willing to assist the Imperial Concubine with all my strength."
Yongzheng's gaze swept across their faces, his expression still deep and unfathomable. He nodded slightly, seemingly satisfied with their expressions. Then he looked at Qi Yuebin, who had remained silent.
Qi Yuebin smiled gently and said, "Your Majesty's decision, I naturally support it."
An Lingrong: "Your Majesty is a genius, wise and powerful. All his thoughts and concerns are for me and others. I am grateful for your kindness."
Everyone:...
Yongzheng's eyes flickered: "Since you all say so, who do you think is qualified for the position of Imperial Noble Consort?"
No one spoke.
Yongzheng's eyes were eager and sharp, constantly scanning the faces of several people, trying to find a clue from their subtle changes in expression.
When his eyes fixed on Shen Meizhuang's face, An Lingrong suddenly stood up quickly and said in a clear voice: "Your Majesty, I recommend myself."
After saying that, she raised her chin slightly, a proud look on her face.
This sudden scene made everyone stunned for a moment.
Even the usually calm Yongzheng turned his attention to An Lingrong.
"Pfft!"
Shen Meizhuang couldn't hold it in any longer and chuckled, breaking the eerie silence.
This smile was like a switch, and everyone came back to their senses in an instant and started laughing too.
An Lingrong was like a cat whose tail was stepped on: "What are you laughing at?"
Shen Meizhuang feigned anger: "Rong'er, you have no right to speak in front of these sisters. Sit down quickly!"
"Oh!" An Lingrong sat back in her seat obediently.
"Your Majesty, I know I'm not qualified to be a Royal Consort. I was just trying to make you and my sisters laugh!"
Yongzheng was also amused and shook his head gently, his eyes full of pampering: "You!" These two simple words instantly eased the originally tense atmosphere a lot.
An Lingrong finally breathed a sigh of relief. She knew that among the other high-ranking concubines, her qualifications, family background, and favor were far inferior to those of the others, and she was the least likely to become an Imperial Noble Consort. Her jokes were merely an attempt to temporarily divert Yongzheng's attention away from Shen Meizhuang.
With An Lingrong speaking first, it became easier for Zhen Huan to say the rest.