funbook-pk Chapter 576: The Six Palaces Are Seal
Chapter 576: The Six Palaces Are Seal
After Su Peisheng scared off his dumbfounded disciple, he hurried back to the hall to report.
"Your Majesty, I have sent Concubine Hui back to Yonghe Palace safely and have also conveyed your order to Madam Shen."
The emperor stopped writing and asked, "What's Madam Shen's reaction?"
"Your Majesty, as soon as I finished speaking, Madam Shen's expression changed slightly. I dare to speculate that Madam Shen has heard the meaning of your words."
Su Peisheng raised the purse he had just obtained above his head.
"Master, this is the wine that Madam Shen gave to me. I haven't dared to check it privately."
The emperor glanced at the purse and said, "You have always been sensible. When have I ever stopped you from accepting money or property from others? As long as you don't go too far, there is no need to worry about your life. You can keep it for your retirement."
"Yes, I obey."
The reward money had been passed to the emperor, and Su Peisheng hung the purse around his waist with peace of mind.
Just as he was about to leave, he heard the emperor's question from above.
"Su Peisheng, Noble Concubine Shu just mentioned that there are many vacancies in the harem, and she intends to ask me to appoint a large number of concubines. What do you think?"
Su Peisheng's heart tightened. Since his master asked him this, it meant that he already had an idea in mind.
He thought for a few breaths and answered carefully.
"I remember that a few years ago, Noble Consort Hua also mentioned the matter of conferring titles on the imperial harem. The two Noble Consorts have reached the pinnacle of their positions. I dare to speculate that they are truly concerned about the other concubines in the harem."
"The ultimate position? That may not be the case."
After the emperor finished speaking, he asked Su Peisheng to leave.
Su Peisheng, who was guarding outside the hall, pondered over his master's words over and over again. Suddenly, an idea flashed in his mind and he grasped some key information.
It seems that the emperor really intends to confer titles on the concubines in the harem this time. This is undoubtedly a great happy event in the harem!
Su Peisheng's first reaction was to seek favor from Concubine Shu, but then he thought, from what his master said, Concubine Shu seemed unaware that he had agreed to confer titles on the six palaces.
If the news leaks out and makes the Emperor furious, don't bring trouble to Concubine Shu.
Su Peisheng thought about it again and again and decided to keep the secret.
At this time, An Lingrong had already stepped into the gate of Yongshou Palace. She handed the hand warmer to Bao E beside her, and turned to give instructions to Bao Que beside her.
"Go and invite Concubine Hua and Concubine Jing, and tell them that I have something to discuss with you."
As the year draws to a close, there are many things to do and she cannot handle it all by herself, so she has to ask for help from outside for the birthday banquet.
Concubine Hua was closer and came faster, and she also brought Anle with her.
After Anle paid his respects in the main hall, he went to the east side hall to play.
Concubine Hua smiled and sat on the other side of the couch, "Lingrong, why did you call me here? Did you miss me?"
"Sister Nian, I..."
An Lingrong raised her chin and motioned her to look outside.
Concubine Hua looked over, the smile on her face disappeared, and she gave her a resentful look.
"So she's called Concubine Jing!"
She picked up a piece of osmanthus cake and stuffed it into her mouth, chewing it hard twice. It tasted good.
Concubine Hua kept reaching out, determined not to leave any for Concubine Jing.
Seeing this, An Lingrong smiled and gave instructions to Bao E.
"It's rare that Concubine Hua likes the snacks from Yongshou Palace. Please bring a few more plates."
Concubine Hua was about to say something polite when she heard An Lingrong say.
"Pack two portions of nougat later and take them back to Princess Anle and the Seventh Prince."
Concubine Hua, with osmanthus cake stuffed in her mouth, rolled her eyes and blinked at Bao E continuously.
Concubine Jing, who had just entered the room, happened to witness her funny appearance and couldn't help but express her concern.
"Empress Hua, are you having an eye cramp? Do you need a doctor to take a look?"
Concubine Jing felt that she had received great kindness from Concubine Shu, and was afraid that the scheming Concubine Hua would cause trouble in Yongshou Palace.
When someone called out, Concubine Hua quickly swallowed the osmanthus cake in her mouth and hurriedly explained.
"I'm fine, I just had some dust in my eyes."
"We are all sisters, please take a seat, Concubine Jing."
Concubine Hua ignored her master An Lingrong and made arrangements for her directly.
Concubine Jing glanced at Concubine Shu nervously, and only sat down on a chair beside her after seeing her nod.
When everyone was present, An Lingrong went straight to the point and told them the reason for inviting them.
"Today, Concubine Hui mentioned the Wanshou Festival in the Yangxin Palace. The Emperor wanted to hold a family banquet and invite close relatives to attend according to the custom of previous years."
"I'm busy with the annual ceremonies and am afraid I won't be able to attend to the many trivial matters of the Longevity Festival. I'm asking you two to come and help."
"I will take care of the banquet and meals myself. I'll leave the rest to you two."
Concubine Hua was busy eating snacks and didn't say anything. Seeing this, Concubine Jing replied with a smile.
"Your Highness, Imperial Concubine Shu, is giving me face by letting me take charge of the Longevity Banquet. Why not let Imperial Concubine Hua choose which part to take charge of first?"
"Let me choose first?"
Concubine Hua clapped her hands and said, "I've got it. Every family banquet has singing and dancing, which is quite interesting. Then I'll be in charge of this aspect."
The emperor has never attached great importance to pleasure. There is a special music department in the palace that is responsible for arranging programs, and they can just arrange a program at random to get by.
She felt that this was the most leisurely thing among them.
Concubine Jing and An Lingrong looked at each other, and she considered her proposal.
"Empress Hua, I believe you are incredibly talented, and this simple arrangement of song and dance cannot fully demonstrate your abilities. How about you take charge of the banquet venue?"
"I've heard that you're quite knowledgeable about flowers and plants. I'm sure the banquet you'll arrange will be a real eye-opener for the guests."
"Okay, okay, Concubine Jing has good taste. I will be responsible for the venue layout."
Concubine Hua was in a good mood and started to think about her.
"Jing Fei, it's a waste of your talent to put you in charge of the singing and dancing. How about letting the one from Zhongcui Palace take charge? Then the Emperor won't say that we, the West Six Palaces, don't let the East Six Palaces have fun."
Her words served as a reminder to An Lingrong that she really could not ignore the existence of the East Six Palaces.
"Jingfei, what do you think?"
"I think what Her Majesty Hua Guifei said is absolutely right. Zhenpin is an expert dancer, so arranging songs and dances should be easy for her."
When Concubine Jing heard that it was Shen Meizhuang who mentioned the Wanshou Festival, she became cautious.
The more people participate in this Longevity Festival, the better.
The three of them discussed the matter in a friendly manner, and An Lingrong asked Bao'e to go to Zhongcui Palace to inform Zhen Huan.
Zhen Huan was fortunate enough to have access to palace affairs, and there was absolutely no reason for her to push them away.
In the blink of an eye, it was the thirteenth day of the twelfth lunar month. After taking a nap, An Lingrong asked Hongzhan to take good care of her two younger brothers and sisters, and then took her people to the Qianqing Palace.
When she went over, Concubine Hua and Concubine Jing were also there, directing the palace servants to make final preparations.
"Have the clan members, concubines, princes, and princesses been notified?"
"Don't worry, I'll take care of things."
Concubine Hua raised her chin proudly.
She even did not forget Ye Lanyi, the concubine of Prince Guo.
I heard that the old Concubine Shu had suffered a stroke. Concubine Hua had never seen anyone who had a stroke, so she actually wanted to send an invitation to Concubine Shu.
Unfortunately, Songzhi and Anle both disagreed.
As the lights came on, the invited guests took their seats.
After the emperor took his seat, the meal carefully prepared by the imperial kitchen was served.
An Lingrong noticed that there were several imperial edicts on Su Peisheng's tray, and she had a vague idea in her mind.
The emperor is going to confer titles on the six palaces!
As expected, after everyone presented their gifts, Su Peisheng stood on the platform and sang loudly.