AWB Chapter 392: Subduing Xiang
Chapter 392: Subduing Xiang
Concubine Qing stood up.
"It's getting late. Now that Concubine Zhao has settled in, it's time for me to go back."
Shixiang must have come here late at night for something, and Concubine Qing didn't want to be in the way. As for how she got hurt, it was an old story, so it was better not to mention it.
"Her Majesty, wait a minute." Fei Wan stopped her, "Xiang Yi, help Her Majesty to the west room and sit for a while. Let Madam Shixiang come in."
Concubine Qing then understood Fei Wan's intention.
Shixiang came to see him late at night. If the emperor knew about it one day, he would probably ask about it. She stayed to be a witness.
So he happily agreed and went to the west room to rest.
In a blink of an eye, Tohka entered the inner room and kowtowed to Feiwan as soon as they met.
"The lives of this old servant and my family are all saved by Her Majesty, Concubine Zhao. Without Her Majesty, I would have been involved in a rebellion, and my entire clan would have been implicated. I bow to Her Majesty and thank her for her great kindness!"
She knocked her head so hard that her forehead turned red after two or three hits.
Fei Wan asked Xiang Yi to stop her and show her a seat.
Shixiang didn't dare to sit down until she found that Feiwan was giving way again and again with great sincerity, then she sat sideways on the small stool.
"Thank you, Madam. I also want to thank you. The Queen Mother was the first to murder Sister Ying. If it weren't for Madam's reminder, how would we know that her murder of Sister Ying was just a facade, just to cover up her hidden agenda!"
Shixiang bowed her head humbly. "Although I hinted at it, I didn't dare speak openly, fearing she would notice. Fortunately, Your Majesty is intelligent. You understood even my subtle words, which made me feel greatly relieved. When Empress Ying and Concubine Hui quarreled and then moved into Ciyun Palace, I knew the situation was stable. It is truly thanks to your wisdom that I am alive and speaking here today!"
During the time when Zhishu was faking pregnancy and miscarriage, Shixiang didn't use excuses to pass on messages very often, only twice in total.
But it was these two times that made Fei Wan even more certain that the Queen Mother was inappropriate.
By taking advantage of the opponent's strategy, all that happened later happened.
Actually, the alliance between them was basically reached ever since Tohka followed the Empress Dowager back to the palace and sent a little palace maid to deliver things and messages at night.
Collaboration among smart people.
There is no need to meet and talk in detail, just a glance and a word can make each other understand.
Fei Wan smiled and said gently, "Madam, you came to see me so late at night. I wonder what you want?"
"I have already asked for mercy from Your Majesty and will leave the palace tomorrow morning. Your Majesty has already instructed the Ministry of Internal Affairs to remove my slave status and allow me to become a commoner. Tonight, I have come specially to say goodbye to Your Majesty."
Shixiang looked at Feiwan, her eyes slightly red, and she forced a smile, "After this farewell, I may never see you again. I only wish that you will always be in good health and look beautiful forever, and may all your wishes come true."
As she spoke, she was about to stand up and salute, but was stopped by Fei Wan.
"Mammy, please don't be so sad about saying goodbye. We may meet again in the future."
Tohka was stunned.
The concubine cannot leave the palace, and if she leaves, she will never come back, so where can she meet him?
Then he thought of Fei Wan's visit to his parents.
Suddenly she said, "When the Queen comes back to visit her parents next time, I will go to the Yu Mansion and wait for you early!"
Fei Wan said, "That's not it."
Ming Xiangyi wrote a note and handed it to Shixiang.
"I have some businesses outside. If you have nothing to do, you can help me manage them. You are thorough and thoughtful, and I trust you. If you are willing, you can come here and find a woman named Lan'er."
The note contained Lan'er's address.
Ever since she helped Lan'er to get rid of her citizenship and settle down outside when she came home to visit her parents, Fei Wan has assigned Lan'er many tasks these days.
But Lan Er couldn't handle it alone, and even having help wouldn't be enough. Fei Wan had already considered recruiting Madam Shixiang as her own.
"My queen... this..."
Tohka held the note in her hand, lost in thought.
Fei Wan's proposal surprised her, but also made her happy.
Although she gained freedom and could live a normal life after leaving the palace, she also lost her greatest support.
As a former servant of the Empress Dowager who had colluded with the enemy and betrayed the country, she would only be despised in the capital. She could not publicize her treasonous deeds everywhere, for one thing, it would be difficult for people to believe her, and two, she was afraid of retaliation from the Empress Dowager's old party.
Even the children and grandchildren are in an awkward situation.
She had once worried about her future and had considered leaving the capital with her children and grandchildren to settle down elsewhere. But even if she did, if her true identity were known to others, she would still be ostracized.
"Your Majesty, it's rare that you don't despise my old age. I thank you for your kindness! After I leave the palace and settle down tomorrow, I will go find this Miss Lan'er."
Tohka made a quick decision.
Working for Concubine Zhao, relying on this big tree, you will have nothing to worry about in the capital in the future!
Concubine Zhao was not an ordinary favored concubine. She could be favored today and out of favor tomorrow. However, just because she was able to escape unscathed when the Empress Dowager raised an army, and even made further progress, she was definitely a safe and reliable person.
Fei Wan nodded and smiled: "Then I'll have to trouble you from now on, Madam. I have a few shops, some land, and perhaps other things. With Madam's ability, you will definitely be able to handle it."
"Although this old servant is dull, I will do my best. Please rest assured, Your Majesty."
Shixiang knew that Zhao Fei's success within the palace was due to external support. Her duties were definitely not as simple as simply managing the shop and land.
Unspoken to each other.
Tohka also took out a note and handed it over.
She whispered, "This is the location of some of the Queen Mother's private property, which Your Majesty is unaware of. Your Majesty shared the credit for bringing the Queen Mother back with me, and Your Majesty spared my family's lives. I have no way to repay you, so I offer this as a filial tribute to Your Majesty. Please accept it."
Fei Wan's heart skipped a beat.
It was originally in her plan to win over Tohka, because she knew Tohka was in an awkward situation and would definitely agree.
But the Queen Mother's private property...
But it was a pleasant surprise.
She took the note and looked at it carefully.