nashuaworldcup Chapter 102 Consort Fucha Sobers Up 1 102
Chapter 102 Consort Fucha Sobers Up 1 102
Consort Wan, who was once the most favored concubine, was demoted and confined to her quarters, while Consort Huan, who had recently gained favor, was banished to the Cold Palace.
Zhen Huan's father, Zhen Yuandao, actually dared to take the daughter of a disgraced official as a concubine; he was truly audacious.
These news spread quickly throughout the entire palace, and the happiest person was Empress Jingren.
Zhen Huan won the Emperor's favor because of her resemblance to her elder sister.
If it weren't for the desire to use Zhen Huan to suppress Nian Shilan, the Empress would have eliminated Zhen Huan long ago.
Now, as Empress, she is no longer trusted by the Emperor, and has very little power and manpower left.
Nian Shilan, however, became an Imperial Noble Consort and took charge of the inner palace. Previously, the Emperor was wary of Nian Gengyao's military power.
But for some reason, Nian Gengyao suddenly became more restrained, and the Emperor's wariness of the Nian family gradually decreased.
The Emperor trusted Nian Shilan even more.
The Empress was already hesitant to act against Nian Shilan, and dared not make any further moves.
Zhen Huan, this restless pawn, is no longer of much use; since that's the case, let's get rid of her.
That vile woman Zhen Huan dared to covet her position as Empress; how could the Empress let her go?
Unfortunately, the Emperor only demoted her and confined her to her quarters, which displeased the Empress.
However, since you're under house arrest, then you should never come out.
When Consort Wan suddenly collapsed, it wasn't just the Empress who was overjoyed.
After all, there was one less strong competitor;
However, many others felt a sense of shared sorrow, as if they could see their own future fate reflected in the death of a rabbit.
In the imperial harem, gaining or losing favor can happen in an instant.
Even someone as favored as Consort Wan could not protect her family from being implicated.
This incident undoubtedly served as a wake-up call for the women of the imperial harem.
This made them understand even more that they had to be extremely cautious in their actions within the harem, as the slightest mistake could lead to utter ruin.
When Shen Meizhuang learned of this news, she was incredulous and stood there stunned for a long time, unable to come to her senses.
She simply couldn't believe that her Huan'er would be demoted, nor could she believe that Uncle Zhen would commit such a heinous crime.
Coming to her senses, she abruptly stood up and, without hesitation, wanted to smash Wang Xuan.
But before she could take a few steps, Caiyue and Caixin hurriedly blocked her way.
Caiyue said anxiously, "My lady, please don't act rashly!"
Now that Consort Wan's family has committed such a serious crime, it has already enraged the Emperor.
Not only was Consort Wan confined to the Suiyu Pavilion, but numerous guards were also dispatched to surround the place.
If Your Highness were to rush in like this, you might anger His Majesty, and the consequences would be unimaginable!
Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang stopped in her tracks, but her face remained filled with anxiety as she said:
"Huan'er and I have been friends since childhood. Now that she has encountered such a thing, how can I sit idly by?"
After saying that, she was about to lift her foot and rush forward again.
Seeing this, Caixin immediately knelt down with a thud.
He clung tightly to Shen Meizhuang's legs, pleading desperately:
"My lord, even if you don't think about yourself, you should at least consider the Shen family!"
Now that Consort Wan is in deep trouble, it is unlikely that she will ever be able to turn things around.
If you, my lady, offend the Emperor by acting impulsively,
Not only will this not save Consort Wan, but it will also implicate the entire Shen family! I beg you to reconsider!
Faced with Caixin's dissuasion, a hint of hesitation flashed in Shen Meizhuang's eyes.
But this resolve was quickly replaced by determination. She forcefully broke free from the shackles of the heart-mind extraction and resolutely declared:
"How can I only care about my own safety and turn a blind eye to the suffering of my sisters?"
Caiyue and Caixin exchanged a glance, sighing inwardly.
My young mistress, whenever it comes to anything related to Consort Wan,
They would then disregard everything, even the Shen family, and forget about it all.
Caiyue advised again, "My lady, I know your temperament well."
I know you value your friendship with Wan Changzai very much.
This servant has no intention of preventing you from helping Consort Wan.
I just hope that you can calm down and not act so impulsively.
After all, the emperor is currently in a fit of rage.
If you accidentally anger the Emperor, then in this palace...
"I'm afraid no one will ever be able to truly help Guan Changzai again."
At this moment, Consort Jing walked slowly, supporting her slightly protruding belly.
She happened to overhear Caiyue's words, and she said:
“Consort Hui, what your maid says is absolutely right.”
I know you have always been a person of great loyalty and affection, but the situation is special now.
As she said, the Emperor is in a fit of rage right now, so you must not act rashly!
A slight misstep could not only fail to help Dongguan Changzai escape his predicament, but could also implicate himself.
When Shen Meizhuang and the others saw Consort Jing arrive, they hurriedly bowed to her.
Consort Jing smiled slightly and gently waved her hand, indicating that everyone should dispense with formalities.
Shen Meizhuang quickly stepped forward and carefully helped Consort Jing to sit down on the couch.
Then Caiyue brought over a soft cushion for Consort Jing to lean on.
He then instructed Cai Xin to quickly prepare tea and snacks to entertain them.
Consort Jing smiled and declined, saying, "Noble Lady Hui, there's no need for such things."
Come over here, let's talk.
As she spoke, she reached out and pulled Shen Meizhuang to sit down together.
Shen Meizhuang took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down from her anxiety.
"Your Highness, how can I help Huan'er?"
Consort Jing gently twirled the silk handkerchief in her hand, pondered for a moment, and then said:
"Let's send someone to secretly deliver some necessary items and food to Suiyuxuan to ensure the basic living needs of Guan Changzai."
"Find someone else to find out the whole story and see if there's any chance of a turnaround."
After hearing this, Shen Meizhuang felt that the method proposed by Consort Jing was very reasonable and feasible.
So she immediately turned to her personal maids, Caiyue and Caixin, and instructed them:
"You two must immediately prepare the necessary items according to the Imperial Concubine's instructions, without the slightest delay!"
Caiyue breathed a sigh of relief; as long as her mistress didn't trespass into the Broken Jade Pavilion, that was all that mattered.
The two hurriedly went to prepare their things.
Shen Meizhuang seemed to have thought of something again, and couldn't help but ask with a worried expression:
"But... will these things really be able to be delivered to Suiyu Pavilion smoothly?"
Consort Jing smiled slightly and replied calmly:
"Consort Hui need not worry too much. I am, after all, a Noble Consort."
She had previously managed palace affairs for a few days on behalf of Consort Hua.
"I'm sure those people will still give me that much face."
Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang breathed a sigh of relief. She quickly rose and bowed to Consort Jing to express her gratitude.
"Thank you very much, Your Highness, for your help. If you can successfully help Huan'er overcome this difficulty..."
Meizhuang will never forget the great kindness and virtue of the Imperial Concubine.
Consort Jing picked up her teacup, took a sip of water, and then said slowly:
"I also admire your loyal and righteous nature."
If anyone else saw Wan Changzai in such a predicament, they would probably be scared and run far away!
Moreover, I liked you even more after you spoke up for Princess Chaogui last time.
You should know that this pregnancy was not easy for me, and it's very likely that the baby in my womb will be a princess.
She might very well be sent away for a political marriage in the future. Can you speak up for the princess?
This makes me like you even more, and I don't want you to make a rash decision and go down the wrong path.
Shen Meizhuang smiled slightly, bowed slightly, and said:
"Thank you for your praise, Your Highness."
Your Majesty and Huan'er have known each other since childhood, and this sisterly bond is something that no one else can compare to.
Moreover, last time when I was wronged, it was Huan'er who helped me the whole time, and it was she who helped me clear my name.
Therefore, no matter what, I will never sit idly by and do nothing about her.
As for speaking up for the princess last time, that was merely stating my own thoughts; it's nothing to mention.
Consort Jing nodded, her gaze falling on Shen Meizhuang, and asked softly:
"Consort Hui, actually, I wanted to ask you..."
Do you still remember why you entered the palace in the first place?
Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang was slightly taken aback, a hint of confusion flashing in her beautiful eyes.
But she quickly replied, "Your Highness, Meizhuang will certainly remember your words."
The elders in her family had high hopes for her, expecting Meizhuang to enter the palace and gain the emperor's favor.
Thus, it will protect our entire family.
Consort Jing raised the corners of her mouth slightly, revealing a faint smile, and said:
"Yes, that's it. The inner palace is always a place of constant danger!"
Although your relationship with Wan Changzai is indeed incredibly deep,
However, sometimes it's important not to lose sight of the proper boundaries.
So as not to jeopardize your own future and that of your entire family!
Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang quickly curtsied again and respectfully replied:
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness. Meizhuang is now aware of the implications."
However, when it comes to Huan'er's matter, Meizhuang would certainly not stand idly by, even if she did her best.
I hope Your Highness will forgive me.
Consort Jing gazed intently at Shen Meizhuang and said earnestly:
"I am aware of these things, but I hope you can reflect on your original intentions when you entered the palace."
Ever since you were falsely accused of faking a pregnancy to gain favor, you have lost all affection for the Emperor and have never again vied for his favor.
However, the imperial harem has always been filled with people who fawn over the powerful and bully the weak.
The reason you were able to live peacefully in the palace was not only because of the Empress Dowager's care, but also because of the support from your family.
Don't you want to do your part for your family?
Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang felt as if she had been struck on the head, and she stood there stunned for a moment.
During this time, she had forgotten about her family.
I only remember the emperor's heartlessness, clinging to these petty emotions and loves.
Consort Jing continued to advise, "We are women, sent to this palace by our families..."
Its original intention was to bring glory to the family.
This imperial palace is definitely not a place for romantic encounters!
Shen Meizhuang remained silent for a long time before finally speaking slowly:
"Your Highness is absolutely right. Meizhuang almost forgot the responsibility she bears."
Seeing this, Consort Jing's face showed a hint of relief, and she nodded in satisfaction:
"It's a good thing that you can understand this so clearly."
One must understand that to survive in this palace, if one cannot gain the emperor's favor and loses their family as a solid support,
Then, surviving would become extremely difficult.
Therefore, we must not indulge in pleasure without putting in any effort!
Shen Meizhuang nodded heavily, indicating her agreement with Consort Jing's words, and at the same time secretly made up her mind:
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness. I must not continue to waste my time in such a muddled way."
Consort Jing smiled with satisfaction.
"It's good that you understand! All the things you prepared..."
I will instruct Ruyi to take someone to deliver it to Suiyu Pavilion.
You should really start planning for your future.
While I'm still young, it would be wonderful if I could conceive a child.
"I've been sitting here for quite some time; it's time for me to go back."
After saying that, she gently patted Shen Meizhuang's hand to comfort and encourage her.
She personally escorted Consort Jing to the door and respectfully bid her farewell.
After Consort Jing left, Shen Meizhuang slowly turned around and stood quietly alone in the courtyard.
At this moment, sunlight filters through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the ground.
A gentle breeze blew by, causing Shen Meizhuang's skirt to flutter.
Her gaze quickly hardened.
Caiyue then walked over and said, "My lady, I already told you that Consort Wan was hiding something from you."
This servant just found out that Huanbi is Consort Wan's younger sister, and Consort Wan already knew this.
"And the evidence against Lord Zhen for privately taking the daughter of a disgraced official is irrefutable."
Shen Meizhuang: "How could this be? How could this be?"
Shen Meizhuang recalled the details of Huan'er's interactions with Huanbi and others.
She didn't want to believe it, but she had no choice but to.
No wonder Huan'er treats Huanbi differently and can tolerate Huanbi climbing into her bed.
Huan'er kept it from her for a long time.
Caiyue couldn't help but sigh, "I used to dislike Huanbi a little..."
But now, I actually feel a little sorry for Huanbi.
Shen Meizhuang snapped out of her reverie upon hearing the sound; she was only now realizing that Caiyue disliked Huanbi.
However, given Huanbi's spoiled and arrogant nature, it's not surprising that Caiyue dislikes her.
I just don't know why Caiyue suddenly felt sorry for Huanbi.
Shen Meizhuang asked with a puzzled look:
"Oh? Why do you feel sorry for her?"
At this moment, Cai Xin, who was standing to the side, took over the conversation and said:
"Huanbi was originally a daughter of the Zhen family, but unfortunately, fate played a cruel trick on her."
Not only could she not enjoy the treatment of a young lady, but she could only be forced to serve as a maid.
And the person he was serving was his own half-sister!
Huanbi must have felt wronged as well.
Caiyue then continued:
"In the end, all of this is Master Zhen's fault."
If he hadn't taken the daughter of a disgraced official as a concubine, how could he have caused so much trouble?
He shouldn't have let Huanbi become a maid for Consort Wan; otherwise...
This not only implicated Consort Wan, but also caused great suffering to Huanbi.
In my humble opinion, his behavior is truly unworthy of being a father!
This servant previously thought that Lord Zhen was a rare good man.
Only Madam Zhen lived in the house, but unexpectedly, he secretly took the daughter of a disgraced official as his concubine.
He'd be better off openly having three wives and four concubines, what a joke!
Choosing a "hypocrite"
Caiyue: "Yes, he's a hypocrite."
After hearing this, Shen Meizhuang sighed deeply and slowly said:
"Uncle Zhen's actions this time were indeed inappropriate."
Shen Meizhuang usually disliked people like this the most, but since they were her elders, she couldn't say much.
Seeing this, Caiyue cautiously inquired:
“Wan Changzai concealed Huanbi’s background from you before. Aren’t you angry, Your Highness?”
Should we still help Guan Changzai?
Shen Meizhuang shook her head slightly and said:
"Huanbi's background is a very important matter, and she is unwilling to tell me."
They must have had some concerns, which is understandable.
Moreover, when I was framed last time, I was able to escape thanks to Huan'er's help.
How could I abandon her for such a trivial matter?
But Uncle Zhen deserved what he got, and there's nothing I can do to help him.
"It's just that I've dragged Aunt Zhen and her daughter into this mess. I'll write a letter of divorce and ask my family to help take care of them."