vrcanaries Chapter 1210 He was right to choose her as the queen
Chapter 1210 He was right to choose her as the queen
The lights in the hall were turned on, but the light still seemed a little depressing.
Ruoli held a cup of freshly brewed silver needle tea, walked lightly to the side of Concubine Zhuang who was standing quietly by the window, and gently placed the cup on the small table.
"My lady..."
Ruoli's voice was filled with a lingering worry: "In the past, the Liu family regarded Concubine Chen as their mortal enemy. With the restraint of the Cining Palace, Concubine Chen was always cautious in the harem."
"Now that Empress Dowager Gongsu has passed away... Noble Consort Chen is at the peak of her power."
"From what I've seen, Your Majesty's favor towards the Zhongcui Palace is growing stronger day by day... If this continues, I'm afraid..."
She didn't dare to finish, but her unfinished words were obvious -
Concubine Zhuang's status will be threatened unprecedentedly!
Concubine Zhuang did not look back, but twisted the warm sandalwood Buddhist beads on her wrist with her fingertips.
Hearing Ruoli's words, her gentle and calm face was no longer filled with worry. Instead, a confident smile slowly appeared on her face.
"Foundation?"
Concubine Zhuang's voice was not loud, but it carried a hint of unquestionable authority: "The Shen family... has too shallow a foundation."
"Noble Concubine Chen's father is only the Minister of Personnel, a clean official. How much real influence can he have in the court?"
How can it be compared with the banker, a family of scholars with a history of a hundred years, whose disciples and former officials are spread all over the world?
Concubine Zhuang tilted her head slightly, her gaze fixed on the flickering candlelight. Deep within her eyes was the deep-seated confidence of a prominent family: "Just wait and see."
"Soon... this harem will be different!"
……
In the imperial study room.
Shen Zhinian was still invited by Nangong Xuanyu to come over from time to time to serve him with writing materials.
The emperor put down the red brush and rubbed his swollen eyebrows.
He looked at Shen Zhinian who was quietly grinding ink beside him. There was a barely perceptible ease between his calm brows.
"Near."
The emperor's voice broke the silence, and he sounded very happy: "The matter that I have been concerned about, Master Zhuang... has finally agreed!"
Shen Zhinian paused for a moment while grinding. "Your Majesty, are you referring to...Teacher Zhuang, who has been retired for many years?"
"Ah."
Nangong Xuanyu nodded, his deep eyes revealing a thirst for talent and a sense of control over the situation. "With the collapse of the Zhenguo and Dingguo mansions, the court urgently needs a respected and experienced official to take charge. This will calm people's hearts and set the record straight."
"Taifu Zhuang is a great scholar of the time, with students and former officials throughout the government and the country. His knowledge and reputation are both top-notch!"
"I have written to him many times, inviting him sincerely. He is concerned about the country and has agreed to return to the court soon!"
The emperor's words were calm, but Shen Zhinian's mind was so perceptive that he instantly understood the man's hidden meaning.
The return of Grand Tutor Zhuang to the court, taking charge of the central government, represents not only the Zhuang family itself, but also the support of the upright civil officials for the emperor, which is an important factor in the stability of the court!
With such an important figure returning to the court, how could his daughter, Concubine Zhuang, not have a higher status in the harem?
A promotion in rank is almost a certainty.
Shen Zhinian's eyes moved, and he figured out many things.
Rather than waiting for the emperor to take the initiative to propose it, or for the dealers to take the opportunity to put pressure on them, which would make both sides look bad.
How about...she, the Concubine Chen who is in the emperor's favor, take the initiative to offer the way forward.
It can not only demonstrate her magnanimity and broad-mindedness in front of the emperor, but also turn Concubine Zhuang's inevitable promotion into one due to her understanding and virtue.
In a flash, Shen Zhinian had already made up his mind.
She put down the ink stick, picked up the warm wet towel beside her, and carefully wiped the ink marks on her fingertips with elegant and calm movements.
Then he raised his eyes and met the emperor's gaze.
There was no trace of displeasure or hesitation in Shen Zhinian's eyes, only gentle concern: "Grand Tutor Zhuang is highly respected. It is a blessing for the country and a great honor for Your Majesty to have him return to the court to assist Your Majesty!"
Her voice was clear and pleasant, filled with sincere admiration.
Shen Zhinian paused slightly, then changed the subject, his tone just right, expressing his consideration: "Your Majesty, Grand Tutor Zhuang, for the sake of the country, has resolutely returned to the court despite his advanced age."
"Concubine Zhuang has always been gentle and dignified in the palace, and she has devoted herself to raising the eldest princess. Her virtue is a model for the harem."
She looked at the trace of approval and understanding that flashed across the emperor's eyes, and a gentle and light smile spread across the corners of her lips. Her voice became even softer, with a sense of complete trust and consideration: "Your Majesty, I dare to ask..."
"Sister Zhuang Fei was demoted by you previously due to certain misconduct as a sign of remorse. Now, times have changed, the eldest princess is healthy, and Sister Zhuang Fei has fulfilled her duties. Grand Tutor Zhuang also shoulders the heavy responsibility of serving the country..."
"I'm wondering if I should reinstate Concubine Zhuang as Concubine Liang."
"It not only fulfills Grand Tutor Zhuang's desire to share his concerns for the country, but also affirms the virtue and integrity of Concubine Zhuang's sister."
The two words "Liang Fei" came out of Shen Zhinian's mouth softly, like pearls falling on a plate, crisp and natural.
She struck the right balance, giving dignity to the Zhuang family while not letting Concubine Zhuang climb too high and threaten her position.
Nangong Xuanyu looked at Shen Zhinian steadily.
The candlelight danced on her calm face, and her fox eyes were filled with sincere suggestions and complete trust.
There was no reluctance, nor any jealousy.
Not only did Nian Nian instantly understand his intentions, she also proactively and appropriately proposed the most appropriate solution, defusing a potential storm and providing him with the perfect platform to appease the dealer.
This thoughtfulness, this broad mind, this understanding that always considers him and the overall situation...
An indescribable warmth surged in the emperor's chest!
"Niannian..."
Nangong Xuanyu's voice was deep and rich, filled with unprecedented emotion: "You are always so thoughtful, so... considerate of me!"
He looked deeply at Shen Zhinian, his deep eyes showing undisguised admiration and happiness: "It is a blessing from heaven that I have Nian Nian!"
Thinking about this heart and this pattern...
He was right to choose her as the queen!
"Your Majesty is overly complimentary."
Shen Zhinian nestled in the emperor's arms, her eyes lowered, revealing a calm expression as clear as water. "It is precisely because I love Your Majesty so deeply that I always put Your Majesty first."
"As long as Your Majesty is happy, I am happy..."
Nangong Xuanyu's heart suddenly softened: "Nian Nian..."
Even if Concubine Zhuang was restored to her position, in his heart, she would be no different from before.
Only Nian Nian is the most different!
She is his wife.
Shen Zhinian smiled sweetly.
This was something that was destined to be unchangeable, but the opportunity she offered was exchanged for the emperor's deeper trust.
In the chess game of the deep palace, Shen Zhinian always knows when to advance and when to retreat.
……
The winter morning light, with a hint of coolness, penetrated the thick window lattices of Changchun Palace, casting long slanted beams of light on the smooth golden brick floor inside the palace.