Nowadays, everyone in the outer court says that the emperor banquets every day and is greedy for beauty.
But in fact, the people who are really serving in Nangong all know that the banquet is true, and it is true that they have many concubines, but these concubines are not really favored. The Emperor treats them as well as Queen Qian, Zhou
The imperial concubine, Concubine Wan Chen, Concubine Wang Hui and others are completely different.
In the entire Nangong, Queen Qian has the highest status. She is the real mistress and can take charge of most of Nangong's affairs. Moreover, except for her, almost no one in Nangong can come and go freely.
Next is Concubine Zhou. As the biological mother of the prince, her status is second only to that of the queen. She also has a very high status in Nangong.
Queen Qian was in poor health. Earlier, she lost one eye from crying because she missed the Supreme Emperor. She had poor eyesight, so many documents and documents could not be read clearly. In addition, she had limited mobility and a kind personality, so she treated the palace people wrongly.
, often neglecting jurisdiction.
Therefore, many times, these things are done by Concubine Zhou, such as enforcing palace laws and punishing palace people with sticks, which are basically done by Concubine Zhou. Even those newly promoted concubines who don’t know the importance of the palace are basically done by Concubine Zhou.
, if her words or deeds exceed the rules, Concubine Zhou will also punish her.
If the people in Nangong respected Queen Qian, then they were afraid of Concubine Zhou.
As for the remaining Concubine Wanchen and Concubine Wang Hui, although their status is not as high as that of Concubine Zhou, they are each cared for by a prince and a daughter. In addition, their personalities are not competitive and they only care about themselves, so they do not have a strong sense of existence.
However, those who serve closely in Nangong all know that Concubine Zhou can enforce palace laws on other palace residents and even concubines, but this cannot be done on Concubine Wanchen and Concubine Wang Hui, not only because of their education, but also because of their
He almost entered the palace together with Zhou. Even if he made a mistake, it was not Zhou's turn to deal with it.
As for the other concubines, it is obvious that the Supreme Emperor treats them just like higher-level singers and dancers. Although they are also titled as concubines, and occasionally receive generous rewards, and they seem to be very favored, their status is not the same as that of those who accompany them at banquets outside.
Prostitutes are not much different.
So no matter how respectful these palace people are on the surface, in their hearts, when they see these palace concubines being favored, they will only feel that they can do it too. Only when they treat the several palace concubines who originally followed the Supreme Emperor, will they truly
Treating themselves as slaves.
Therefore, in fact, the Emperor's greed for beauty was just apparent.
Every ten days, the Supreme Emperor must stay with Queen Qian for one day, at least for three days. The Supreme Emperor does not invite concubines. Although there is a lot of banquets and feasts, the concubines who do summon the concubines will...
But not as much as the outside world thinks.
On the contrary, the treatment and status given by the Supreme Emperor were sufficient, so I didn't care about that.
This day was the day when the Supreme Emperor did not summon the concubines as usual. As usual, after dinner, Zhu Qizhen went to Yanchun Palace to chat with Empress Qian, then returned to Qinghe Pavilion and picked up his
I continued reading "Zizhi Tongjian" that I had put aside before.
Beside him, the people serving him were changed from eunuchs to several palace maids.
This is not because he is lecherous, but... the eunuchs available around him are basically gone!
During a spring hunt, Zhu Qizhen let Bodu go, but the price was that all the followers he brought with him were imprisoned.
You know, before Spring Hunting, Zhu Qizhen didn't know Bodu's plan. Since he was leaving the palace, he must have brought out his most trusted people.
But now, it’s all folded in!
The people who serve him now, except for the few confidants who stayed in Nangong, most of them are the maids from Queen Qian's side.
After all, if he is not a truly trustworthy person, he will not trust his food, medicine, clothing, shoes and hats.
Last time, the Queen Mother Sun caused a lot of criticism in the outer court in order to arrange manpower to serve him. If she asked the Queen Mother Sun to send someone again, even if she did not mention whether she had any on hand, just saying that it was sent here would cause a lot of criticism. Quite a storm.
You must know that His Majesty the Emperor of Qianqing Palace maintained the respect of his brothers and brothers so well, but he always 'guarded' the other side and spread the word, which actually won the other side's heart.
Fortunately, it is not without its benefits. With fewer people serving, many things are not so eye-catching. Presumably, after this incident, the other side can feel more at ease.
In this way, it can be regarded as a blessing in disguise.
Holding the scroll in his hand, Zhu Qizhen's mind had already flown to who knows where.
At this moment, a young eunuch with a simple and honest face came in and reported.
"Your Majesty, Our Lady has arrived."
"Queen mother?"
Zhu Qizhen came back to his senses and couldn't help but feel a little surprised.
You must know that although Nangong is not 'forbidden' to enter and exit, all parties are maintaining a fragile balance. The most important one, and what everyone knows well, is that Zhu Qizhen himself must not step out of Nangong. .
Of course, exceptions such as Spring Hunting were included in the ceremony after the emperor and the ministers discussed it.
This point cannot be touched. Once Zhu Qizhen crosses the line, even if he knows that Zhu Qiyu has scruples, there is no guarantee that the other party will take any drastic action.
Apart from this, other things are a little more relaxed. For example, Queen Qian can occasionally go in and out of the Nangong Palace. Of course, the escort of Jin Yiwei is indispensable.
For another example, Empress Dowager Sun would sometimes come over to talk. Of course, this situation was very rare and was much less frequent than Empress Qian's departure from Nangong.
After all, since ancient times, only sons have worshiped their mothers. Unless the son is too sick to walk, how can the mother be allowed to worship her son...
Zhu Qizhen's current identity cannot leave Nangong, and the Empress Dowager Sun's visit would easily arouse debate about her status. Therefore, basically only on major festivals such as New Year's Eve and Winter Solstice, the Empress Dowager Sun would come to Nangong on the pretext of the reunion of mother and son. Look at him.
Like today, it is the first time for me to have a sudden visit.
Putting down the book in his hand, Zhu Qizhen got up from his job and quickly walked out of Qinghe Pavilion under the leadership of the young eunuch.
Sure enough, looking from the palace gate, Queen Mother Sun was already standing outside in a light carriage, accompanied by Wang Jin and several personal maids.
"I've met my mother!"
Seeing this situation, Zhu Qizhen didn't have time to think too much, so he quickly stepped forward to salute and welcomed the Queen Mother Sun in.
Sitting down on the soft couch, Queen Mother Sun frowned and looked around. She looked at the people serving in twos and threes in the huge palace. She spoke before she even mentioned the business.
"The manpower around you is too thin. The Ai family has said before that they will send you more, but you won't allow it. With just this little manpower, how can it be enough?"
"Besides, although you are in Nangong, what does it look like when you are surrounded by a bunch of women?"
Zhu Qizhen gave a wry smile, took the teapot from the hands of the frightened palace maids, motioned for them to leave, poured a cup for Empress Dowager Sun himself, and said.
"It's better to be cleaner. It will be easier to discipline her if there are fewer people. Now that the queen mother is in the palace, she needs to be cared for by caring people. She has been sent to Nangong. How's that going?"
"Don't worry, Queen Mother, I have discretion. If it is really necessary, I will ask Mother for help."
"Besides, personal service as a palace maid is enough. When Ruan Lang left, he left behind a few useful people. Although they are a little younger, they are loyal and reliable, and they can be summoned easily."
What Zhu Qizhen was talking about was the few young eunuchs who were standing outside just now. They were all brought here by Ruan Lang. The leader, who looked innocent, was named Jiang Ping, who was Ruan Lang's godson.
Although Zhu Qizhen said he was dissatisfied, after Ruan Lang died, he had no choice but to use this little eunuch, but found that he was unexpectedly smart and not at all what he seemed, so he continued to use it.
.
Empress Dowager Sun shook her head. Knowing her son's character, she naturally didn't give much advice.
He took a sip of tea to moisten his throat and said.
"The Aijia came to see you this time because they have something to tell you."
"What, Zhang Shi wants to clean up the military government? Or report it to the Qianqing Palace?"
After hearing what Empress Dowager Sun had said, Zhu Qizhen suddenly turned pale and said.
"Is he crazy?"
You know, in Zhu Qizhen's eyes, no matter whether these people belong to the British government or belong to Ren Li's subordinates, in the end, they are all people who can speak for him in the court.
Now, Zhang Shi actually wants to hand over the people himself, freeing up so many manpower in the military government for Zhu Qiyu to fill them as he pleases. How can he not be angry?
Seeing this situation, Queen Mother Sun also sighed and said.
"As a harem woman from the Ai family, I shouldn't say too much about the affairs of the government. In fact, when you first returned to Beijing, the Ai family wanted to tell you that the British government is no longer the British government it used to be."
"The Zhang Fu who is in charge now has neither the wisdom and bravery of Zhang Fu nor the calmness of Zhang Fu. He is very reckless and selfish. He said that he would serve you, but in fact, something happened.
The first thing you should consider is your own interests."
"He is still following you now, just because the British government ship turned around due to the disaster, and it was a helpless move. But to say that he really cares about you, I'm afraid he may not necessarily!"
The more he said this, the uglier Zhu Qizhen's face became.
Indeed, when he first returned to Beijing, Empress Dowager Sun vaguely mentioned this matter to him. However, he did not pay attention to it at that time. The main reason was, of course, that the two brothers Zhang Fu and Zhang Fu followed him.
He died in battle, and someone who failed to carry out his orders unswervingly lost his life in order to save him and return to Beijing.
Zhu Qizhen was naturally grateful for this kindness. Therefore, after returning to Beijing, the person he relied on most was the British government.
However, to this day, he has to say that Zhang Shi did disappoint him.
You can't get things done, but you are good at messing up things.
Originally, Zhu Qizhen had doubts in his heart about Ren Li being sent to prison for no reason, but now, something like this happened again.
How can he not be angry!
"No, I want to ask him personally. Zhang Fu and Zhang Fu were both loyal at the beginning. Now that the British government is in his hands, and I treat him well, why does he treat me like this?"
Zhu Qizhen paced around the hall angrily, gritting his teeth and said.
"Calm down! If you really do this, then why are you coming here? Sit down!"
Seeing her son's anxious reaction, Queen Mother Sun was secretly glad that she did not delay too much, but got the news about Zhu Yi and immediately arrived at Nangong.
Otherwise, given his son's character, if he got the news from elsewhere, he wouldn't know what trouble would happen.
Therefore, Empress Dowager Sun showed a rare stern look and shouted at Zhu Qizhen.
As a result, Zhu Qizhen finally calmed down, but he still sat on the couch beside him without saying a word, obviously still angry.
The more it is at this time, the less forceful it is to be tough. Queen Mother Sun's tone gradually became softer and she said.
"Son, there is a saying that if you don't take care of yourself, you will be punished by heaven and earth. You have experienced so many things. I don't need a mother to teach you these principles."
"In the past, the Ai family didn't like Mrs. Qian, but now, no matter how much you dote on her, the Ai family doesn't think it's too much. That's because she pretends to be you alone in her eyes and heart."
"But, except for the Qian family, everyone in the imperial court does not care for themselves!"
"Today's news was revealed to the Ai family by Duke Cheng Guo, but is he loyal?"
"Perhaps there is, but it doesn't necessarily mean that they are not fighting for power. Now, on your side, there are two major Dukes. If you alienate yourself from the British Duke, you will naturally get closer to the Chengguo Duke."
"So, no matter how angry you are, it's useless. Since you are an emperor, you should know how to balance the power in your hands. You shouldn't be unclear about it. Otherwise, you will have made the same mistake as Zhang Xi!"
"What's more, although the Ai family doesn't want to say this, although Zhang Shi is plotting for the British government and to benefit himself, the British government has grown stronger, which is also good for you. After all, these two Dukes have now
Take a clear stand."
"So, this is nothing more than a trade-off between gains and losses. The Aijia came here this time to explain this truth clearly to you, so that you don't be impulsive."
Empress Dowager Sun knew very well what kind of character her son was, and he was full of intelligence and strategy. However, he was too emotional, and often his mind was so hot that he couldn't care about anything else.
What she fears most is that Zhu Qizhen can't hold back and breaks up with the British government. Now Nangong's situation seems to be blooming, but in fact it is in crisis everywhere.
If at this time, you still can't properly control the available power of your subordinates and become disloyal, then it will be completely over.
Therefore, you have to endure this tone even if you can’t bear it!
Not only must you endure it, but you must also endure it cleanly and without any complaints. Only in this way can you turn disadvantages into advantages and gain advantages.
However, in this case, I am afraid that Zhu Qizhen's side...
Queen Mother Sun looked at her son with a trace of worry in her eyes.
To be honest, she was not sure about this matter, otherwise, she would not have rushed here at this time.
Many times, it is one thing to think clearly about the truth, but it is not so easy to really control your emotions.
Just like at the beginning, Empress Dowager Sun knew that the reason why Zhang Shi sacrificed the title of Huichang Bo was actually a more rational choice.
However, this incident stuck in her heart and she could not get rid of it.
She is like this, not to mention her son, who has always been easily influenced by emotions.
However, this time, Zhu Qizhen calmed down. His fists were still clenched tightly, but his face calmed down and he said.
"Mother, don't worry. I understand. I asked my mother to help me pass on the message. I said that the British government has been loyal to the British government for generations. Now something like this has happened. If you don't establish your authority, it will be difficult to correct the atmosphere. No matter what Zhang Shi wants to do, I
They all support him, and let Zhu Yi, Prince Consort Jiao and others cooperate fully..."