HomeAfter I Bloom Hundred Flowers DieChapter 629: The Noble Consort's Reinstatement

Chapter 629: The Noble Consort’s Reinstatement

This rainfall caused many people anxiety. Emperor Youning had complex feelings about the memorial in his hands – he was more interested in knowing who was advising Xiao Changqin from behind the scenes, making predictions even more accurate than the Imperial Astronomers.

The Emperor didn’t believe Xiao Changqin would bet his life without someone giving him confidence. Someone who could so precisely calculate heaven’s will couldn’t be ignored, so he visited Xiao Changqin early in the morning.

“With the rain in Dengzhou relieving the people’s urgent need, Fifth Son, your contribution cannot be overlooked,” Emperor Youning said, sitting beside the bed where Xiao Changqin lay, unable to rise due to his injured knees.

“It is Your Majesty’s blessed fortune. I merely consulted some ancient texts out of desperation – I dare not claim credit,” Xiao Changqin replied with exceptional humility.

Emperor Youning wouldn’t believe the drought was caused by accumulated yin energy in the imperial harem, so he would naturally assume there was an expert advisor involved. This was precisely why Xiao Huayong hadn’t allowed Shen Xihe to step forward. By drawing him into the situation, they achieved a balance – he had someone who could calculate heaven’s will behind him, while Shen Xihe had the Northwestern army.

Now the Emperor’s wariness extended beyond just Shen Xihe. If both powers were concentrated on Shen Xihe alone, the Emperor might disregard face and reputation entirely – even at the cost of being condemned, he wouldn’t tolerate Shen Xihe.

“During Emperor Taizong’s reign, though there was a precedent, it remains the only such case throughout history, while droughts are not uncommon,” Emperor Youning said methodically. “You showed quite some nerve, betting your life without any foundation.”

“Your Majesty, since there was a precedent, how can you say there was no foundation?” Xiao Changqin replied submissively, head lowered. “I was merely anxious about Dengzhou’s situation. Someone had to bring this matter up, and amnesty for the imperial harem is no ordinary matter. If I hadn’t staked my life on it, everyone would rush to imitate it – how would that end?”

Emperor Youning suddenly looked up, fixing Xiao Changqin with a sharp gaze: “Did you consider how it would end for you if there had been no rain?”

Long lashes lowered to conceal all emotion in his eyes, Xiao Changqin’s slightly pale lips spoke: “I only knew that if Dengzhou received no more rain, the people would suffer, Your Majesty would be in a difficult position, and court officials would shift blame. If this continued, it would surely lead to great chaos in the nation.

As a prince receiving salary and territory, I should share Your Majesty’s burdens from above and speak for the common people from below.

After half a year of drought, from Your Majesty down to the common people, the entire nation has exhausted all methods without resolution. Though I didn’t know if this method would work, I was willing to sacrifice my humble self for the greater good of the empire.”

Xiao Changqin spoke passionately, displaying complete loyalty to both people and sovereigns, as if he hadn’t understood the Emperor’s probing and intentions.

At this point, Emperor Youning knew this son would not reveal a single word of what he wanted to know.

Emperor Youning showed no displeasure; instead, he patted Xiao Changqin’s shoulder with approval and admiration: “To have such a son is a father’s fortune; to have such a subject is a nation’s fortune.

In the matter of Dengzhou, your merit cannot be denied. You are already a Prince of First Rank, and We have no higher rewards to give. Noble Lady Rong has followed Us for decades. Though she committed a grave error and was punished, considering her son’s merit, We shall restore her position as Noble Consort, lift her confinement, and return her to preside over Hanzhang Palace.”

Hearing this, Xiao Changqin clenched his jaw while showing great joy on his face, struggling to rise and give thanks: “Son thank Your Majesty on mother’s behalf.”

Releasing Noble Consort Rong would restrain Shen Xihe while binding Xiao Changqin, and let everyone see the Emperor’s reward to Xiao Changqin – a reward he had to accept whether he wanted it or not!

Shen Xihe had just received the approved release registry from the Department of Internal Affairs and the Court of Imperial Clan. None of the people she wanted released had been retained by either department. Nodding with satisfaction, she handed the register to Zhenzhu: “Go with the eunuchs from the Department of Internal Affairs to implement this personally. Ensure everyone leaves the palace safely, and prevent any private dealings.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Zhenzhu accepted the register with both hands and withdrew, passing Hongyu who was entering. Hongyu came forward: “Your Highness, His Majesty has decreed that due to Prince Xin’s merit, Lady Rong is restored to the position of Noble Consort.”

Shen Xihe raised her eyes slightly, expression calm. She had anticipated this outcome as soon as Xiao Huayong had pushed matters onto Xiao Changqin. Given Xiao Huayong’s intentions and Emperor Youning’s wariness of both Xiao Changqin and Shen Xihe, Noble Consort Rong’s reinstatement was inevitable.

Smiling lightly, Shen Xihe rose slowly. Her gauze robe fell gracefully, its silver-threaded lotus leaves showing faintly as she moved, elegant and ethereal.

“Bring everyone who’s been prepared. We’ll go congratulate Noble Consort.”

Before her words faded, she was already distant, the wind-blown lotus leaves trailing behind her.

Many people remained in the palace – Emperor Youning hadn’t taken all the consorts away – but no one dared visit Noble Consort Rong at this time, because Shen Xihe was in the palace, and though the Noble Consort was reinstated, her palace authority now lay in Shen Xihe’s hands.

Shen Xihe arrived at Hanzhang Palace with over twenty palace maids in an impressive procession. Noble Consort Rong, dressed in plain clothes, was already waiting at the palace gates. Though her face showed some weariness, she maintained her grace, showing no displeasure or resentment at seeing Shen Xihe.

“Thank you for coming to see me, Crown Princess,” Noble Consort Rong exchanged pleasantries with a smile.

“His Majesty has decreed Noble Consort’s reinstatement. The palace maids of Hanzhang Palace have all been released. As I manage the Six Palaces, how could I neglect Noble Consort? Thus, I’ve brought some palace maids from the Bureau of Ceremonies,” Shen Xihe explained calmly, turning to address the maids behind Hongyu, “From today, you will serve in Hanzhang Palace.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Noble Consort has full authority over how to assign these people,” Shen Xihe added to Noble Consort Rong.

“The Crown Princess is most thoughtful,” Noble Consort Rong accepted everyone with a smile, without any objection or criticism.

Shen Xihe smiled faintly. Noble Consort Rong had maintained her position in Emperor Youning’s harem for many years – she was never an ordinary character. Previously, they had never crossed paths, and having stood at the peak of the imperial harem for so long, she had grown complacent, which was why Shen Xihe had so easily ruined her reputation.

Having learned her lesson this time, she seemed to have regained her wit.

Shen Xihe never enjoyed empty pleasantries: “Noble Consort, take care of yourself.”

“I will take the Crown Princess’s advice to heart,” Noble Consort Rong replied impassively.

After leaving the people there, Shen Xihe returned to the Eastern Palace with Hongyu and others. Though it was September, the capital’s intense heat would last until October. Despite her intolerance for heat, Shen Xihe didn’t plan to return to the temporary palace, using the excuse of being busy with matters following the imperial harem amnesty to stay in the capital and fill all necessary positions.

The various factions’ hidden agents in the palace weren’t limited to palace maids – there were also eunuchs, though she hadn’t found a way to dismiss them all yet. However, they couldn’t stand alone; these people would never operate individually in the palace but would surely help each other. By dispersing the palace maids, Shen Xihe had to some extent left them isolated and helpless, making them hesitant to act rashly

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Chapters