The unfounded story sounded very ridiculous. Lan Qi asked Huanchun if Mr. Ping had seen them that day. Huanchun smiled bitterly and said, "This slave just wants us to go away quickly. How can I dare to take another look at Mr. Ping."
Concubine Rong snorted coldly: "If it was really her fault, her family would have to worry about it. Why would Suo'etu tolerate his niece in the palace and embarrass the Hesheli family? Let's investigate this matter seriously.
, what good fruit can she get?"
Lan Qi didn't care about the rumors in the palace at first, but the rumors recently became more and more bizarre, putting Yonghe Palace at the center of the storm at every turn. Fortunately for her, she ignored them and ignored them. She must have irritated those who spread the rumors, so she kept talking more and more.
It was outrageous. Seeing that Concubine Rong was angry on her behalf, she comforted her: "Why are you so angry, sister? I am the one who purifies himself. Mr. Ping knows best what is going on. Let's see what other tricks she can come up with."
However, Lan Qi's calmness did not calm the situation. Two days later, a court official wrote a letter saying that the concubines in the harem tortured the palace maids and eunuchs, violating the emperor's early decree strictly prohibiting slave abuse. They believed that the emperor could not condone the harem's abuse of human life, and even pointed out that the concubines in the harem were abused.
Character, I hope the emperor can intervene.
When the matter in the harem was brought to the court, how could the emperor have a good face? When he came to Chengqian Palace that day and mentioned this matter, he couldn't help but blame the imperial concubine: "You are in charge of Fengyin, and you can't even give me an explanation."
?”
The imperial concubine was originally impatient, but when she saw the emperor blaming her, she could not swallow her breath and asked Xuan Ye: "If Yonghe Palace had not been involved, would the emperor blame the concubine for a palace maid?"
Seeing that they were about to break up on bad terms, Concubine Rong arrived just in time. Concubine Huang blamed her for her poor performance in front of the emperor. Concubine Rong was full of grievances. Fortunately, Xuan Ye remained calm and said, "She is too busy to touch the ground.
"I know everything" is enough to appease people.
"I sent someone to investigate privately. Ping Guiren has always been harsh to the palace maids and eunuchs, beating and scolding them at every turn. When I was still in the Chuxiu Palace, even Tong Bin's palace maids would do it." Concubine Rong calmed down and slowly told the second concubine.
She knew something and said, "The palace maid who committed suicide accidentally stepped on the hairpin that fell from Ping Guiren's bun on the palace road that day. Ping Guiren got so angry that he let his eunuch slap him and even took the broken hairpin.
It was stuck on the instep of her foot, and there was a cut on her face, so her appearance must have been disfigured. This matter has nothing to do with Concubine De, she was just passing by on her way back from Cining Palace."
Xuan Ye also said: "I came out of Cining Palace with her that day. In all these years, I have never seen her beating or scolding a palace maid, let alone someone who is not in her room."
The imperial concubine stood there with a straight face and didn't say a word. She felt sour and unconvinced. It was Xuan Ye who asked her later that he finally managed to speak: "Find Mr. Ping and ask. Your Majesty is crying and pretending to be here."
Poor, I am really afraid that you are soft-hearted. Why don't you condescend to avoid me, so that you can see what little Hesheli looks like when dealing with me and Concubine Rong."
In fact, she was so impulsive just now that she almost mentioned Queen Hesheli. The imperial concubine had no impression of this legendary queen. She couldn't say she respected her, nor did she look down upon her. But now that she was in contact with her own sister, she really had no idea about the so-called legend of a virtuous queen.
She dared to compliment her, but she didn't expect that her sisters' personalities were so different.
How could Xuan Ye do such a thing? He didn't even bother to look at little Hesheli's face. He already knew her character well and said coldly: "This should be your business. I only wait for you."
result."
The emperor said these words and left. Concubine Rong saw that Concubine Huang was gnashing her teeth in anger. She couldn't guess why she was angry. Just as she didn't know what to do, Concubine Rong spoke first: "Gather everyone, Mr. Ping."
Be it Concubine De, who should speak clearly."
Concubine Rong didn't want to deal with her alone. Why was she always the one getting offended? She asked Ji Xin to send people to various palaces to invite her. In less than a quarter of an hour, Concubine Hui and Concubine Yi came one after another, and the lower-ranking Concubine Chang Zai also came.
The palace was packed to the brim. In addition to Concubine Wen's body, even Wan Liuha's family came with a full belly.
After everyone arrived, the imperial concubine directly mentioned the matter of the palace maid's suicide, and called Mr. Ping to ask questions. Seeing this situation, which was like a three-court trial, Mr. Ping did not dare to be as arrogant as before, so he knelt respectfully in front of the court.
In the middle, the imperial concubine asked her questions and she answered them, but none of them were on point.
"The Emperor has repeatedly ordered that you not abuse your slaves, but you can force people to death?" The imperial concubine scolded Ping Guiren, her eyes passed over Lan Qi inadvertently, thinking that the emperor had just made trouble for her, and now she could not relax the usual harmony.
, no matter how I looked at it, I felt that Lan Qi was not pleasing to the eye, so she couldn't help but ask coldly, "Concubine De, since you saw Ping Guiren beating the palace maid that day, why didn't you step forward to stop him? As a concubine, it is also your responsibility to teach the concubines under you.
.”
When Lan Qi saw Concubine Rong blinking at her, and seeing Concubine Huang's angry look, she knew that nothing she said would satisfy her, so she simply leaned forward calmly and responded: "I was feeling unwell that day, so I hurried back.
Yonghe Palace invited the imperial doctor, and indeed saw Mr. Ping scolding the palace maid, but it was common for the master in the palace to teach his slaves. Mr. Ping also had his own way of teaching his slaves. Although the concubine had the responsibility to teach Mr. Ping, there was no reason to interfere with her house.
thing."
The imperial concubine sneered: "Yes, your few words have completely cleared up the matter."
Several concubines sitting nearby looked at each other and said to the imperial concubine: "Your Majesty, please forgive me for talking too much. I heard that this matter has gone in the wrong direction. There is an unpleasant commotion inside and outside the palace now. Is it right?"
It was said that Concubine De was abusing the palace maids, and the concubine now asked Concubine De as why she didn't stop Noble Ping. It seemed to be two different things. Naturally, I know that Concubine De was gentle and tolerant and would not abuse her servants."
The imperial concubine gave the concubine a cold look, "You've been talking for a long time, but it's all nonsense. Since I know that Concubine De will not abuse her slaves, why do I still ask?"
Xi Concubine was so frightened that everyone present was also a little surprised. Even Lan Qi herself did not expect that although the imperial concubine had a bad attitude towards her, she did not seem to take those rumors seriously and caused such a big fight.
It seemed like he was just asking about Ping Guiren's fault.
The little Hesheli who was kneeling opened his mouth and stared at Xi Concubine and asked: "Why did the empress bring up these things? Speaking of which, I still find it strange. I didn't wrongfully accuse Empress De of concubine and forced her maid to death. Such words
I still don’t know who spread the news. I can’t stop the palace maid from seeking death, but I’m right to punish her for doing something wrong.”
There was an uproar in the palace. Everyone believed that the rumor was spread by Ping Guiren herself. However, she actively denied it and did not hide her objection to beating the maids. However, this was inconsistent with the voice in the court. Even if there was a result today, what would the emperor do?
look?
Concubine Hui and Concubine Yi didn't say anything. Concubine Rong, who had been robbed by the imperial concubine just now, didn't bother to speak at the moment. Concubine De was half of the party, but she had finished what she should say. Concubine Xi, who had spoken rashly just now, blushed for a while.
It took a long time to say, "Yes... I really don't know who spread the rumors and how they can slander Concubine De in such a way."
Ping Guiren snorted: "This has nothing to do with my concubine."
"Shut up, everyone." The imperial concubine scolded, straightening her spine slightly, and said coldly, "There is always this trend in the palace recently, but if you all take care of the people in your own palace, how can there be so many of them?
Noisy business? But I came to you today not because of any rumors, but because Ping Guiren’s palace maid committed suicide. I want to warn each of you. As we look at the end of the year, don’t make yourself unhappy.”
Everyone said yes and waited quietly to see how the imperial concubine would deal with Ping Guiren. However, little Hesheli on the ground still had some anger and straightened up to defend himself: "I have the right to punish my own maid. She wants to seek my death."
How can we stop it? Punishment and abuse are two different things, and I will not admit that I abuse my servants."
The imperial concubine sneered, with a look on her face that said she didn't care whether she admitted it or not. She raised her hand and raised her slender armor and pointed at Concubine Rong, "The noble concubine will be fined for one year, and will be banned for another month to think about her mistakes. The dead palace maid will send someone to her home."
To deal with the aftermath and appease him, since word has spread that he could not bear the abuse and committed suicide, don't hide it. Naturally, as much money has been spent, Pinggui will take it out. The palace's money is not used for this."
"Empress, concubine..."
"Shut up!" The imperial concubine stood up suddenly. Seeing that little Hesheli still dared to stare at her unconvinced, she couldn't help but vent her resentment towards Lan Qi on her, and said quietly, "I have been in the palace for more than half a year, and there are no rules.
If you don't talk about it if you can't learn it, you will become more and more unpopular. I heard that the Queen Mother taught you the rules a while ago, but it seems that you still haven't learned it well. Mr. Ping, if you don't behave like this, Queen Hesheli will lose the face of you.
It’s over.”
Because the imperial concubine was angry, all the concubines stood up to listen to the lecture. Lan Qi moved slowly because she was pregnant. When she lowered her head, she saw Concubine Hui and Concubine Yi looking at each other. She quickly glanced at each other, listening to the imperial concubine's lecture.
Thinking of the look on their faces when they looked at each other, even though it was just a quick glance, she always felt that there was something behind it, so she naturally warned herself not to be unable to look at people and things calmly because of the words "Beware of Concubine Hui".
"In a moment, you go to the place where the palace maid was beaten on the road that day and kneel for two hours. The cold wind will blow you away and you will wake up." After saying this, the imperial concubine also left the people in the whole room to leave. They all bowed to see each other off.
But Ping Guiren was still unconvinced and shouted that she was wronged. The imperial concubine stopped suddenly and called Concubine Rong: "Send someone to watch her. If it takes four hours or less than a moment, whoever takes care of her will kneel to me for a day."
"
The imperial concubine walked away in a hurry, and everyone was relieved. They looked at each other and dared not say anything. It was clear that the imperial concubine had just taught everyone not to be abusive, but in fact, the imperial concubine herself had a bad temper in the first place. She has gotten better these years, but a few years ago
No palace maid or eunuch in the Chengqian Palace had ever been beaten before. Even because of those bluffing words just now, she would have to kneel all day long. To put it bluntly, only the state officials were allowed to set fires and the people were not allowed to light lamps.
After everyone dispersed, Concubine Rong went to order people to take Ping Guiren away. Because she refused to live or die, she also said some harsh words to scare her. Then she came back to see Lan Qi supporting Ping Guiren and slowly walking out, and asked worriedly:
"Is the joy getting worse again?"
"No one dares to touch me when I'm like this." Lan Qi smiled slyly, "Otherwise, everyone would come over to talk, which would be very annoying. But when they saw that I wasn't energetic, they didn't dare to come near me."
Bu Guiren also smiled and said: "Did you scare the empress? Don't worry, Concubine De is fine."
Concubine Rong didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It was only when they returned to Yonghe Palace that Lan Qi became energetic. The concubines also came to sit down. Talking about what happened just now, she sighed: "I thought the imperial concubine would embarrass you, but I didn't expect her to be like that."
Apart from a word, I am on your side."
Lan Qi also found it incredible. If she had to think of the best reason for this, it would probably be the fourth elder brother. For the imperial concubine, if she caused trouble, she would also bring shame to the fourth elder brother. That was what she hated most.
, as for whether the palace maid or the eunuch died, or even if Ping Guiren himself committed suicide, she might not be able to take a second look at him.
Concubine Rong said, "Do you think Little Hesheli's statement that she didn't spread rumors is true or false?"
Everyone calmed down and thought, Bu Gui was the first to say: "How can someone like her be fake?"
The sisters did not discuss the matter and come up with an outcome. Duan and the others left first. Concubine Rong stayed alone for a while and said to Lan Qi in private: "I will tell you that day, why did Suo'etu let Ping Gui do it?"
For such stupid things, I can find out how she abused the servants in the house. The superiors really want to deal with her, but they still can't find out? Today, I feel that it may not be her who is spreading these words."
Lan Qi thought of the look between Concubine Hui and Concubine Yi, but did not mention it to Concubine Rong. She wanted to see for herself what they were planning, and then consider whether to discuss it with Concubine Rong in the future.
But after Concubine Rong left the Yonghe Palace, the people under her command came back and forth, saying that the nun who was watching over Ping Guiren's kneeling was replaced by someone else. It was Zhang Sheng's face. For a moment, she didn't know where she was from.
Concubine Rong felt strange, so she ordered her subordinates: "No matter what happens, just watch it with a cold eye. There is an evil wind blowing in the palace. You must see it clearly before talking."
In this matter, as the imperial concubine severely punished the nobles, the rumors about the imperial concubine abusing the maids were disproven, and the emperor no longer had to deal with the voices in the court. Finally, the world was at peace. Although the imperial concubine was more domineering, this kind of thing was true
He had to press hard to silence people. Xuan Ye was satisfied with the results given by his cousin, so he naturally wanted to praise her afterwards so that she could continue to understand what to do with the Phoenix Seal.
In the days that followed, the palace finally found peace again. Time passed by in a flash. The Mid-Autumn Festival in August seemed to be still in front of us, and it was already the twelfth lunar month in the blink of an eye.
On the fourth day of the twelfth lunar month, Wan Changzai of Jingyang Palace successfully gave birth to his little brother. Wan Liuha was unable to raise him personally due to his low status. He thought that Concubine Rong would take over. All the palaces were ready to come to congratulate Concubine Rong on the birth of the prince. However,
However, she reported to the two palaces that the palace was too busy, and she was afraid that her little brother would be neglected in Jingyang Palace, so it would be most appropriate to send him to his care instead of becoming her adopted son.
No one understood why Concubine Rong let go of such a good opportunity. She only said to Duan Concubine in private: "If she was a girl, I would raise her, but I had already decided that if she was a prince, I would not raise her. I am outside the palace."
There is no support, and the palace relies on the face I have earned for more than ten years. I cannot withstand a little trouble. If I am targeted by those things because I have an extra son, it will definitely outweigh the gains. As a mother-in-law, I should keep a low profile.
Third brother will make life more peaceful."
After the little brother's third bath, it was Laba. Because it was a happy event for the royal family to have another son, more clan nobles came to the palace to congratulate Laba than in previous years. It was bustling all day long, and all the palaces were exhausted, except for the study room.
The elder brothers there did not suspend classes. The fourth elder brother came back from the study at the usual time. Chengqian Palace was unexpectedly deserted. Xiao Hezi said that the ladies had gone to Ningshou Palace, so he asked the young master to change his clothes and go there.
Yinzhen went to his house and put down his things. Suddenly he saw a five or six-year-old girl crawling out of his bed, sleepy-eyed and barefoot. Suddenly he saw Yinzhen's master and servant, half asleep and half awake, and was frightened.
As if crying, he suddenly burst into tears: "I want my mother-in-law..."
Yinzhen was even more surprised and asked her: "Why do you sleep in my bed?"
Naturally, someone came to take care of things here soon. Yinzhen also recognized this little girl as the young lady of Ulanala's family. He remembered that her name was Yuxi. She had played in the palace during the Dragon Boat Festival, but she had not seen him again since then. And Yinzhen
When Zhen saw Yuxi, he could not help but think of his younger brother. It was so good for the children to play together at that time, and he couldn't help feeling uncomfortable. He didn't even want to go to Ningshou Palace, so he sent Xiao Hezi and said: "You go and talk to Er
Mom said, today’s book is very difficult, so I have to memorize it at home.”
Yuxi was playing with Eniang in Chengqian Palace in the afternoon. Because she felt sleepy after lunch, the imperial concubine asked her to put her to sleep in Si Age's room. Afterwards, the adults went to Ningshou Palace to get together, leaving a few nuns behind.
Mammy took care of her. Just now, the mamas were lazy and had some snacks, so Brother Si and Xiao Hezi walked in. Yuxi woke up and frightened her. At this time, the mamas had dressed up the young lady and wanted to go there.
Go to Ningshou Palace.
Yinzhen sat at the desk, flipping through the books in front of him aimlessly. Thinking of his brother, his heart ached. He raised his hand to rub his red eyes, and bit his lips tightly to prevent himself from crying. He has always adhered to the principle that a man should have
I don't shed tears easily, but every time I think of my brother, I feel so uncomfortable that I want to shed tears.
"Brother Si, why are you crying?" The beautiful and exquisite Yuxi suddenly appeared in front of the door. She awkwardly crossed the high threshold and staggered to the desk. She was not tall enough, and stood on tiptoes to pull the desk.
He raised his neck with difficulty to look at Yinzhen, and asked sweetly, "Brother Si, did your husband scold you?"
Yuxi also had her husband teach her homework at home. She didn't understand why her carefree days suddenly ended after the Dragon Boat Festival. Now she had to learn many things every day, and she got a lot of blame from her mother just for learning the piano.
He was beaten, so when he saw the fourth elder brother’s eyes were red and he was rubbing them hard, he thought he had also been scolded by his teacher.
Yinzhen said angrily: "I won't cry. Why don't you leave? I have to study."
Seeing how fierce Fourth Elder Brother was, Yuxi couldn't help pouting and said softly: "Fourth Elder Brother, let's go to Ningshou Palace together. I'm hungry, and grandma said there are a lot of delicious food in Ningshou Palace."
Outside the door, Lan Qi and Huan Chun were coming over. It turned out that everyone was going to Ningshou Palace from here in the afternoon. Since Lan Qi wanted to go back to rest, the imperial concubine asked her to take Yu Xi with her when she went there in the evening. Now she is here to pick it up.
Yuxi, then Qiao Yinzhen came back. When he came in, he met Xiao Hezi who was going to send a message. He asked him a few words and told him not to leave yet, and also wanted to come and persuade Yinzhen.
"Brother Si, aren't you hungry?" Yu Xi's voice was sweet and waxy in the room.