vrcanaries Chapter 460 Generous
Chapter 460 Generous
Chapter 460 Generous
After everyone left, only Shen Meizhuang, Feng Ruozhao and An Lingrong were left in the hall.
An Lingrong walked to Jinxi, took the silver bills on the tray and looked at them. She couldn't help but be shocked. Each bill was worth one thousand taels, a total of two thousand taels.
Sun Heyin is so generous!
Shen Meizhuang also saw the number on it and showed a surprised expression: "I usually see her dressed simply and her jewelry is also worthless. I didn't expect her to come up with so much money. This really makes me look at her in a new light!"
Zhen Huan said, "It seems she also has the interests of the country in her heart. If she contradicts me again in the future, I will let it go for the sake of these two banknotes!"
Speaking of this, An Lingrong recalled another important matter. She looked at Feng Ruozhao and said, "Sister Noble Concubine, if anything happens to her in the future, you must tell me first."
Feng Ruozhao was confused by what she said and asked in confusion: "Ah, what will happen to her?"
"As long as it concerns her, no matter how big or small the matter is, you must tell me before I can deal with it."
"Okay, I get it. Don't worry, no matter what she does, I'll listen to you!"
An Lingrong nodded with satisfaction.
Then he looked at the tray again and sighed faintly: "It's just a drop in the bucket."
Zhen Huan said, "It's not over yet."
Seeing that everyone else was looking over, Zhen Huan summoned Xiao Yunzi and instructed, "Spread the word outside the palace and tell them that the concubines donated generously today. The emperor is very happy and full of praise."
Xiao Yunzi took the order and left.
Zhen Huan explained, "Even if we try our best, we can't raise much money with just the people in our harem. We also need to rely on the relatives and wives of the imperial concubines outside the palace. The Dragon Boat Festival is coming soon, and according to the rules, they have to come to the palace to pay their respects."
Even the smallest whisper in the palace could cause a storm outside. The royal consorts would undoubtedly donate generously to win the favor of the Emperor and his concubines. Then, they would select a few who donated the most and reward them with fabrics or imperial calligraphy. Those outside the palace would undoubtedly try to emulate this trend.
This is the real purpose of this flower viewing event.
After the flower viewing party ended, it was almost dusk. Bai Zhi supported Sun Heyin as they walked slowly, and then she asked:
"My lady, why did you give out so much money just now? Those ladies of higher status didn't give as much as you did."
Sun Heyin's face was full of indifference: "They are just some personal belongings. They are going to use them at the border. It's an important matter. It's better than leaving them in my hands and not using them."
"But my lady, aren't you afraid that the Imperial Concubine will take the masters' jewelry and banknotes and take all the credit for herself? If she really does that, wouldn't our efforts be in vain and we won't even gain any reputation?"
"She's not that stupid." Sun Heyin smiled slightly. "If she really did that, it would be a good thing. It would incur public outrage, and naturally someone would stand up and speak out. Even if the emperor favored her, her prestige in the harem would be greatly reduced. Using two thousand taels of silver for this result is worth it. It's a pity that she won't do it!"
The master and servant continued walking forward, and Bai Zhi brought up another matter: "My young master, I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should say it or not."
"What?"
Bai Zhi lowered her voice, "My lady, I've seen all kinds of people, especially women. But this Concubine Duan makes me feel... like she's wearing a mask, making it impossible to see her true thoughts."
Sun Heyin raised her eyebrows slightly when she heard this, and a hint of interest flashed in her eyes: "Oh? What do you mean?"
Bai Zhi leaned closer, her voice lowered. "From your observation, Concubine Duan is always gentle and dignified in front of others, her words and actions flawless. But occasionally... occasionally, a hint of coldness would appear in her eyes, especially when she thought no one was paying attention. My lady, do you think people like this are more difficult to deal with than those who are openly arrogant and domineering?"
Sun Heyin nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. The more perfect the people in this palace appear, the more unpredictable they become. Concubine Duan is able to remain unshakable in the palace, so she must have some ability."
Seeing that her master agreed with her opinion, Bai Zhi added, "My lady, I've also heard that although Concubine Duan appears to be aloof from worldly concerns, in reality, her maids and eunuchs are extremely cautious in their actions. They never easily make friends with others, nor do they easily offend anyone. Such tactics are not something that ordinary people can pull off."
Sun Heyin chuckled softly, a hint of coldness flashing in her eyes. "It seems that this Concubine Duan is indeed a hidden character. However, the more so, the more interesting it is. Baizhi, your words today really reminded me."
Bai Zhi quickly lowered her head: "This servant was just talking too much, I hope the young lady doesn't blame me."
Sun Heyin waved her hand, her tone calm, "It's okay, you reminded me just in time. Everyone in this palace lives their lives wearing a mask. Empress Duan is like this, and so am I. However, if you wear a mask for too long, there's always a time to take it off."
Bai Zhi pondered for a while before finally saying, "My lady, if you're looking for someone to back you up, why not consider Concubine Wen?"
"You seem to have a crush on her?"
Bai Zhi quickly shook her head, her tone urgent: "My lady, this servant is loyal to you."
Seeing her about to kneel, Sun Heyin quickly supported her: "What are you doing? I have no other intentions. In the palace, you call me Xiao Shi, and outside the palace, you are my sworn sister. I wanted you to live a good life outside the palace, but you refused and insisted on coming into the palace with me. Oh! Forget it, let's not talk about this anymore. Go on."
Bai Zhi then spoke, "Over the past six months, Concubine Wen has been incredibly caring towards you. I've seen it all. Of all the ladies who entered the palace with you, you've had the most comfortable life. And I can tell you're truly happy when you're with her. I haven't seen you smile in ages."
Seeing the young lady stunned, Bai Zhi continued, "When the eunuchs and maids in the palace talk about Concubine Wen, they all praise her for her good temper and her lack of the airs of a mistress. I have also observed that she is indeed a person of pure mind. Young lady, you also know what I used to do... I believe that I can never be wrong in judging people."
Sun Heyin was slightly startled, and her expression was a little lonely: "I know she is very good, but she has already chosen her own path. We are not destined to be on the same path."
Bai Zhi wanted to persuade her again, but Sun Heyin had already turned and left.
The rumor spread by Xiao Yunzi was very useful. Within a few days, a relative's wife came to the palace to pay a visit, wanting to help the soldiers on the border. Zhen Huan naturally accepted everyone who came. For a time, Yongshou Palace was bustling with people coming and going.
Zhen Huan ordered Jing Xi to make a list of all the items and show it to Yongzheng.
Emperor Yongzheng was very pleased. Although these things were a drop in the bucket compared to military expenses, they were a testimony to the harmony in the harem and the unity between the emperor and his subjects. So he ordered Zhen Huan to deal with them herself.
Zhen Huan ordered people to exchange these things for silver and money, buy medicinal herbs and food, and transport them to Yanming Pass.