Chapter 196 Chang Zai's Promotion 26
Chapter 196 Chang Zai's Promotion 26
Qianlong soon got the news and was so angry that he smashed his favorite inkstone. It can be seen how angry he was.
With the experience from Jihuan, news soon came from Concubine Shu and Concubine Xian that many of the things they used had problems.
As for the concubines who were of bondservant origin, Qianlong did not check. He could tell by the frequency of their pregnancies and childbirths. There was no need to check.
In response to this, Qianlong began to officially turn his attention to his harem.
As the investigation deepened, many things were revealed, for example, the truth behind the deaths of many concubines in the imperial selections was revealed.
Before this, Qianlong might not have been unaware of the conspiracy, but he thought it was just a struggle within the harem. Those who had no chance to get in front of him, to some extent, were not as skilled as others.
But now he realized that although the struggle was real, it was somewhat different from what he had imagined. Most of them died at the hands of the concubines' families.
Qianlong was not a fool, he was the emperor who truly held power and controlled the world. He would not allow his safety to be controlled by others.
To put it simply, what the baoyi did was to make Qianlong feel that his safety was threatened. He didn't care about the concubines who died innocently, but he cared about his own life.
By June, Qianlong had temporarily gotten over the loss of Empress Fucha, as evidenced by the fact that he finally began to sleep with his concubines.
The most favored among them was Shu Fei.
Yes, it’s Shufei, not Jihuan.
Jihuan was not surprised at all. It seemed that Qianlong wanted to promote Shufei.
The death of Empress Fucha meant that he needed a queen, or a healthy imperial concubine who could help him manage the harem. The candidate would undoubtedly be Concubine Xian.
If Noble Concubine Xian is to be promoted, then the position of Noble Concubine will be vacant. Originally it was estimated that it would be Concubine Jia, but now it is impossible for her to be Concubine Jia, even if she has two royal princes under her name.
Shu Fei had a good family background. If she was more favored, no one would question her being made a noble concubine even though she had no children.
At this time, summer was approaching, and Qianlong decided to go to the Old Summer Palace without any surprise.
In fact, the time of going this year was relatively late, and the list of Qianlong's entourage included a few more concubines who were elected to the palace, such as Li Changzai, who was stationed in Huanxianfu Palace and was almost invisible.
When she arrived at the Old Summer Palace, Ji Huan still lived in the Natural Painting. The decoration inside was brand new. Ji Huan keenly discovered that there were almost no problems, which saved her the effort of changing the decoration on a large scale.
Just two days after moving into Natural Painting, Qingyin brought a piece of news.
"Your Majesty, there is news from the Yangxin Palace that the Emperor seems to be planning to appoint a large number of concubines to his harem."
Ji Huan frowned: "Are you sure this news came from Yangxin Palace?"
"Yes, my lady, I think this is a good opportunity."
Ji Huan shook his head: "No, we can't do anything. Although we can find out the news about Yangxin Palace, the news came out too suddenly."
Especially when Qianlong was on guard, she was basically certain that this was news Qianlong deliberately released.
The authenticity of the news is beyond doubt. A great title was certainly conferred, but it is also true that Qianlong used it to achieve certain purposes.
"Well, arrange for someone to tell Nanny Chen to remind Concubine Shu not to do things that shouldn't be done. At this critical moment, it's good enough not to make mistakes."
"Your Highness, do you suspect what the Emperor is going to do?"
"Yes!"
"Yes, I will arrange it right away."
"Remember, you must stay hidden."
"Slaves save it."
"Well, let's go!"
"The slaves retire."
As the news spread, the already hot summer became even more restless. How could one say it? The harem was ennobled, and who wouldn't care about the status?
No one doesn't want to be promoted, which represents not only status, but also the quality of food, clothing and daily necessities.
Shu Fei did plan to move around, but after being reminded by Nanny Chen, she calmed down. Facing Qianlong, she became more enthusiastic, but she did not do anything wrong in private.
As for Imperial Concubine Xian, she was a smart woman. Although she didn't know the details of what Empress Fucha had planned before her death, she knew some things. What she knew was enough for her to know that she didn't need to do anything extra to add to the trouble.
With her current status, even if she doesn't become the queen right away, she will soon be the imperial concubine.
As for choosing a new person to be the queen?
This is impossible. A newcomer cannot suppress the people in his harem. If she is chosen, she will be destined to become a victim.
They can stay stable, but some people can't.
For example, Concubine Jia.
This fertile lady was ready to compete for favor, and then used the child in her belly as a bargaining chip, drinking bowl after bowl of pregnancy-maintaining medicine.
Seeing that she looked bitter after drinking, Concubine Jia's nanny could not help but comfort her: "Your Highness, you don't have to work so hard with the two princes here."
Concubine Jia shook her head: "After the death of that child last year, the emperor has not treated me as well as before. Shu Fei's favor is there, how can I not care? According to the emperor's temperament, Concubine Xian is expected to be promoted to Imperial Concubine, and there is no way to change this. Originally, I also felt that I deserved the position of Concubine, but Shu Fei rose to power."
Mammy then offered another suggestion.
"Your Majesty, I think we can start with Concubine Su."
Concubine Jia understood what the nanny meant, but she was a little hesitant.
"The Emperor is sincere towards Concubine Su, because the eldest and third princes have already stripped her of her title, so he can't lower her status!"
The reason why she wanted a child was because Shu Fei was a slippery person and she couldn't find any evidence against her.
The nanny didn't think so: "Your Majesty, the emperor's sincerity may be true, but that was in the past. Since the emperor has stripped Su Gui of her title, it means that his sincerity is not so true, or it is not so true now. Shu Fei has no handle, but Su Gui Fei is much easier."
Both of them were old acquaintances of the Qiandi Palace. Concubine Jia had wider connections than Concubine Su. The reason why she was not promoted as fast as Concubine Su was simply because Emperor Qianlong's heart was not with Concubine Jia.
"Let me think about it."
In fact, Concubine Jia was moved.
They were both princesses in the imperial palace, but Concubine Su was always superior to her in terms of position, children, and the emperor's love. She was always one step ahead of her and had more.
So, how can she not care?
Especially since Concubine Su's family background is not as good as hers.
Concubine Su was thinking about restoring her title, but as for taking further steps, she had no such idea.
If her son was fine and not scolded, she would have a good title and she wouldn't mind taking advantage of her youthful friendship with Emperor Qianlong to make an active effort. But the situation was beyond her control.
What she urgently needs to do is to restore her title and regain her favor.
As for Concubine Ling, she was also seeking favor and offspring. Although Qianlong was still good to her, she keenly sensed the difference. Originally, she was confident of promotion, but Qianlong's performance made her less confident.
The concubines in the harem all showed their methods, and Ji Huan seemed relatively cold among them.
"Your Highness, would you like to make something for the Emperor and send it to the Yangxin Palace?"
Ji Huan paused for a moment before sighing, "No need. You know my embroidery. I really don't dare to show off my embroidery."
"But I heard that the other ladies are very enthusiastic and said that the emperor is going to make many concubines in the harem. Why don't you take this opportunity, maybe you can make further progress."
Ji Huan shook her head: "I just entered the palace last year. It is a great honor to be favored by the emperor and be appointed as a concubine. I have not been in the palace for long, I am not qualified, and I don’t have children. I dare not think about taking the next step. The emperor may not have an easy time recently, so I will not cause trouble for him."
"But the promotion is the Emperor's will. Why do you have to be so self-deprecating, Your Majesty?"
"I am not belittling myself. The emperor's words are true, but I don't want to embarrass the emperor, so I will keep a low profile. Moreover, whether I am a concubine, a concubine, or a noble concubine, as long as the emperor has a place for me in his heart, I will be happy even if I am just a promise."
"Empress?!"
"No more words, just leave it at that! You don't need to persuade me anymore."
"Yes, ma'am."
After their conversation ended, Jihuan continued reading her book.
Qianlong, who was eavesdropping at the door, left silently.
After confirming that Qianlong had left, Jihuan winked at Shuxiang, and Shuxiang felt relieved.
It's not easy for the concubines and palace maids to have an emperor who likes to eavesdrop!
AWB