vrcanaries Chapter 403 Rejection
Chapter 403 Rejection
As the sun sets, the afterglow slants through the window lattices, casting a warm orange veil over the hall. The once solemn and majestic Fahua Hall, illuminated by this soft light, appears less austere and more inviting.
The faces of Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang were stained with a faint blush by the setting sun, which contrasted with the plain palace dresses on their bodies, making them look more gentle and respectful.
Yongzheng picked up the tea, took a sip slowly, and after putting down the teacup, his eyes moved back and forth between Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang, his expression gradually relaxing.
"You two have always been the ones I value most." In the warm orange light, Yongzheng's face was less cold and sharp than in the court, and more approachable.
He raised his hand and motioned them to take a seat: "Sit down and talk, no need to be so polite."
Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang exchanged a glance, then bowed slightly, taking their seats with graceful steps. They stood erect, their manners elegant, maintaining the dignity of a noble concubine even in this tense moment.
"Empress Chunyuan was gentle and kind. She always hoped for peace and tranquility in the harem during her lifetime. Over the years, you have been measured in your words and actions within the harem, acting appropriately and thoughtfully. You have set an example for everyone else, and I am deeply pleased."
Although she didn't know the deeper meaning behind the emperor's words, Shen Meizhuang still bowed slightly, with her usual smile on her dignified face. "Your Majesty, thank you for your compliment. I am only doing my duty. Empress Chunyuan's virtue has always been a role model for me to learn from. I will definitely live up to the expectations of both Your Majesty and Empress Chunyuan."
Zhen Huan nodded slightly and echoed, "Sister Mei is absolutely right. When the harem is harmonious, the emperor is at peace, and when the emperor is at peace, the empire is at peace. Sister Mei and I will definitely work together to ensure the peace of the harem and relieve the emperor's worries."
Yongzheng nodded slightly, his eyes full of approval. "With you here, I feel much more at ease. However, the harem is now without a leader, and there's no one to coordinate all the affairs of the six palaces. I've thought about it and decided to appoint an Imperial Noble Consort, with the same rank as the Vice Empress, to act as Empress. What do you think?"
Listening to Yongzheng's words, the two looked at each other secretly.
What does the emperor mean by this? If he wants to appoint her as the Imperial Noble Consort, then just do it. Why don’t you tell us what to do?
It seems that the emperor's intentions are not as simple as they seem.
Yongzheng put his hands behind his back and walked slowly and steadily to the front of Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang.
His eyes were gentle yet concealed with deep meaning. He first looked at Shen Meizhuang and said, "Noble Concubine Hui, you have assisted in the management of the six palaces for many years. You have handled everything in an orderly manner, and have clearly distributed rewards and punishments, and have always made appropriate decisions. Whether it is the daily arrangements for expenses or the dispatch and management of personnel, there has never been a single mistake. Everyone in the palace, from the maids and eunuchs to the concubines, respects you. You have made an invaluable contribution to the stability and order of this harem."
As he spoke, he slightly turned his gaze towards Zhen Huan, his approval growing even stronger. "Noble Concubine Xi, you prayed for the country and went to Ganlu Temple to practice cultivation. You endured much hardship, yet never complained. After returning to the palace, you gave birth to auspicious twins, expanding the royal family and continuing the royal bloodline. You have made great contributions to both the country and your family."
After saying this, Yongzheng stood up straight and looked down at them: "I want to choose one of you as the Imperial Noble Consort, but I am a little hesitant at the moment, so I want to discuss it with you."
As Yongzheng finished speaking, the atmosphere in the palace suddenly grew solemn. Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang were both shocked. The emperor had clearly distinguished their achievements and status, clearly testing their attitudes, or perhaps hoping they would express their own stances.
After hearing this, the two of them knelt on the ground and said in fear and trepidation, "I have absolutely no such intention. I hope Your Majesty will understand."
There was a hint of nervousness in their voices. After all, in this deep palace, any words could be misinterpreted, any action could be misunderstood, and the slightest mistake could lead to eternal damnation.
"What are you doing!"
Seeing their attitude, Yongzheng was very satisfied. He stepped forward and pulled one up with his hand. "I want to appoint an Imperial Noble Consort for the sake of the stability of the harem. I know you have no intention of fighting for power, but now the harem is without a master, and various forces are surging undercurrents. I am afraid that other people in the harem will take advantage of this to cause trouble, so appointing an Imperial Noble Consort is a must."
Zhen Huan bowed slightly and said respectfully, "This is a matter of the Emperor's dictatorship. I dare not interfere."
Shen Meizhuang then said, "Everything is up to the emperor, and I dare not object!"
"That being said," Yongzheng sighed softly, his gaze flickering between their faces, "but you've borne me children, managed my harem, toiled day and night, and endured immense hardship. I've always remembered this, but I'm also concerned that the title of Imperial Noble Consort will affect your sisterly bond. That's why I wanted to make this clear in front of you so I can rest assured."
Zhen Huan lowered her head slightly, her eyes full of thought. After a moment, she spoke first, "Your Majesty values me and Sister Mei so highly, and considers everything for us. I am deeply moved. However, the position of Imperial Noble Consort is indeed a heavy responsibility. On a daily basis, I am in charge of the six palaces, with numerous affairs, both large and small. I have to balance relationships with all parties, and manage various palace celebrations, daily expenses, and many other matters. The slightest mistake will cause a stir. I am not talented enough, and I am afraid I am not up to this heavy responsibility. If my failure to fulfill my duties causes chaos in the harem, wouldn't I be betraying the Majesty's trust and love?"
Shen Meizhuang nodded in agreement, her expression sincere. "Huan'er is absolutely right. I, a concubine, am also deeply aware of my own limitations. Although I have assisted in handling some affairs in the palace over the years, the responsibilities of the position of Imperial Noble Consort are far beyond ordinary comparisons. I often worry that if I cause trouble in the harem because of me, I will not only betray the emperor's trust, but also be unable to explain myself to the palace. It will also cause the harem to lose its peace and tranquility. If this were to happen, I would never be able to atone for it even if I die."
Yongzheng waved his hand and said earnestly, "I have made up my mind. You two are both my right-hand men. There is no need to underestimate yourselves. I have seen everything you have done in the palace over the years. Now, this harem needs an imperial concubine who can maintain order and maintain stability."
"Your Majesty, there are many sisters in the harem who are more experienced than me. I really cannot take on such a heavy responsibility. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider."
"The position of Imperial Noble Consort is truly of great importance. I, a concubine, am afraid to even dream of it. If the Emperor has a will, I will assist him with all my strength."
Seeing the two people decline, Yongzheng smiled and said, "You two are so humble that it makes me feel even more embarrassed. My original intention is to hope for harmony in the harem. If there is any discord because of the appointment of an Imperial Noble Consort, it will go against my original intention. This matter is not urgent. You can consider it. I await your reply."
After Yongzheng finished speaking, he returned to the Yangxin Palace.
After he left, Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang also walked out of the palace.
The breeze was gentle, but it brought with it a hint of heat, making people feel a little annoyed for no reason.
As Shen Meizhuang walked out, she asked, "Where's Rong'er?"
Jin Xi replied in a low voice: "Empress Wen is waiting for the two ladies in Yongshou Palace!"