PNB Chapter 306 Consort Fucha
Chapter 306 Consort Fucha
Nian Shilan smiled slightly and said:
"Ah-Jun said that the palace has made arrangements and we can go back at any time."
Let's pack our things; we'll head back to the palace the day after tomorrow.
The women were overjoyed upon hearing the news.
Feng Ruozhao then remembered that Guarjia Wenyuan and others had asked Nian Shilan.
"Your Majesty, are Consort Wen and the others returning to the palace?"
Nian Shilan shook her head.
"Their princesses are too young to be separated from their mothers, and the little princesses are not suited for long journeys."
I won't go back this time; there'll be another chance next time.
Feng Ruozhao sighed softly and said:
"That's true, the child is still young and shouldn't be separated from his mother easily."
However, once the little princesses are older, they can return to the palace and spend more time with their older sisters.
Lu Yingfeng, however, was worried about Shuhe's marriage. She decided to take this opportunity to bring it up with the Empress Dowager during her return to the palace.
Although the Emperor Emeritus is not yet dead, he has long since ceased to exist in their hearts.
"Empress Dowager" is still not as nice as "Empress Dowager".
Soon, Nian Shilan and the others packed their luggage and prepared to return to the palace.
When they returned to the palace, Fucha Peiyun and Hongchang, along with Princess Shuhe and Princess Wenyi, were waiting at the palace gate.
As soon as Nian Shilan and the others got off the carriage, they saw Fucha Peiyun and Hongchang with Shuhe,
Princess Wenyi and the others stood there waiting.
Their hearts were filled with joy and warmth; this harem had once been a cage that imprisoned them.
But now it also makes them feel like they've come home.
The group quickened their pace, and Fucha Peiyun and others also stepped forward.
Hongchang led the princesses forward one by one to pay their respects to Nian Shilan.
"Mother Nian, you've returned to the palace. Everything has been prepared there."
"Since you and the ladies are back this time, please stay a few more days and get some rest."
Nian Shilan looked at Hongchang, Wenyi, and the others with eyes full of love.
Although she loathed the old man, she had watched all the children in the palace grow up.
Each one of them is sensible and considerate.
Behind Nian Shilan, Feng Ruozhao, Cao Qinmo, Lü Yingfeng, Shen Meizhuang, and others looked at their respective daughters.
Looking at his graceful daughter, his eyes were filled with joy.
Nian Shilan quickly regained her composure. "Your Majesty, no need for formalities. Shuhe, Wenyi, you sisters may all rise."
"Your Majesty, you are very busy right now. Your mother knows how you feel. Go and get on with your work."
Seeing this, Fucha Peiyun said, "Since your mother has said so, you should go and get back to your work."
Just arrive early for the dinner.
Hongchang agreed, "It is the Empress Dowager."
Hongchang then looked at Nian Shilan and Feng Ruozhao and others.
"Your Majesty, ladies, Hongchang has to go now. I'll join you at the banquet tonight."
Hongchang bowed slightly.
Nian Shilan smiled slightly and nodded:
"Go ahead, Your Majesty. Mother Nian knows you're busy. We'll have a proper get-together at the banquet tonight."
Hongchang turned and left with Zhang Hude.
Fucha Peiyun smiled slightly, gently took Nian Shilan's hand, and said softly:
"Shilan, you've been living comfortably in the Yuanmingyuan these past few months, haven't you?"
Nian Shilan allowed Fucha Peiyun to hold her hand:
"Without those worries, I feel really comfortable living here."
The scenery at Yuanmingyuan was beautiful, and the air was fresh.
I spend my days playing cards and chatting with my girlfriends; life's pretty comfortable, aren't you envious?
Fucha Peiyun's words revealed a hint of bitterness; she complained:
"You are all enjoying yourselves in the Yuanmingyuan, while I am left here in the deep palace, busy with all sorts of trivial matters."
You guys have it easy, spending your days playing cards for fun. I'm so envious!
Upon hearing this, Nian Shilan's lips curled up slightly, revealing a dismissive smile.
Nian Shilan rolled her eyes: "If you could really let the emperor stay alone in the palace,
Next time, we can certainly go to the Old Summer Palace together.
Fucha Peiyun sighed helplessly, somewhat resigned to Nian Shilan's words:
"Let's wait until Hongchang marries the Empress before we talk about it."
After all, the affairs of the harem need someone in charge to manage them.
Nian Shilan nodded, understanding Fucha Peiyun's concerns, and then asked:
"The emperor is not young anymore, and it's about time he could get married."
Is anyone in the imperial court urging him to hold a talent selection?
Fucha Peiyun shook her head. "Not yet, but someone should be getting impatient soon."
Knowing about personnel matters too early is not a good thing; there's no rush regarding the talent show.
Nian Shilan's lips curled slightly, and she said with a half-smile:
"This is the position of Empress, who wouldn't be tempted?"
Even if she can't become empress, being a concubine or a high-ranking consort would be excellent.
In this imperial harem, the higher one's rank, the better one's power and treatment.
If a family produces an empress or imperial concubine
That would have many benefits.
Nian Shilan paused, frowned slightly, and then said:
"I'm afraid these ministers are already impatient."
They must all be eagerly hoping to send their own daughters or nieces into the palace.
They hoped to use this opportunity to climb the social ladder and gain more power and benefits.
Nian Shilan's heart stirred, thinking of the two people clinging to life at the Old Summer Palace.
Nian Shilan looked at Fucha Peiyun with a meaningful gaze and asked, "When do you plan to let the emperor select candidates?"
Fucha Peiyun "will have to wait until Hongchang is at least sixteen years old."
After understanding Fucha Peiyun's meaning, Nian Shilan had a clear idea of what was going on.
Nian Shilan nodded slightly, a deeper meaning in her eyes:
Sixteen years old, that's a safe age.
The emperor was intelligent from a young age, but he was still young and inevitably acted impulsively.
By the time he turns sixteen, he should be more mature and able to make better judgments about matters of the harem.
I'm afraid he'll make a mistake in matters of the harem like that old man did.
Fucha Peiyun sighed softly:
"That's what I think too. Matters concerning the harem are no small matter."
Choosing the wrong person could not only disrupt the harem but also potentially affect the administration of the court.
I cannot let Hongchang repeat the same mistakes, nor do I want the harem to become embroiled in conflict again, hindering Hongchang's progress.
Fucha Peiyun paused slightly, then continued:
"It's windy at the palace gates, let's go inside first and talk about these things later."
Nian Shilan nodded, and Fucha Peiyun then called to Feng Ruozhao and the others:
"When you returned to the palace this time, I had already ordered your previous palace to be cleaned and tidied up."
As always, I hope you have a comfortable stay.
You must be tired from your journey. Please return to the palace to rest first, and we can have a reunion dinner together tonight.
Feng Ruozhao smiled slightly: "Thank you for your trouble, Your Majesty."
I've had a very comfortable stay at Yuanmingyuan these past few months.
But I still miss the Empress. This time I'm back, we must have a proper get-together.
Cao Qinmo nodded in agreement: "Yes, although the scenery of Yuanmingyuan is pleasant, we also miss the liveliness of the palace."
"This time I'm back, it'll be a good opportunity to have a good chat with the princesses."
Lü Yingfeng smiled slightly: "Speaking of which, this time when I returned to the palace..."
Your Majesty, I have noticed that Shuhe and Wenyi have changed a lot, even though it has only been a few months since I last saw them.
They've changed so much; it's all thanks to the Empress's excellent teaching.
Fucha Peiyun did not refuse, saying, "I am willing to teach, and I also want them to be intelligent."
These children are all sensible on their own; I only gave them a little pointers.
Now that you're back, it's a good opportunity to have a proper get-together with them.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the group boarded the prepared sedan chairs and entered the palace gates.
Nian Shilan and the others returned to their palace to wash up and rest.
The palace maids had already prepared everything, from hot water to snacks, everything was provided.
It feels like nothing has changed in the past few months.
After they had rested, a sumptuous banquet was prepared for them in the palace that evening.
Fucha Peiyun personally arranged a variety of delicacies.
The banquet was held in Fucha Peiyun's Kunning Palace.
Emperor Hongchang naturally resided in the main seat.
Empress Dowagers Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan sat on his left and right sides.
Feng Ruozhao, Cao Qinmo, Lü Yingfeng, and others sat in order of seniority, and the atmosphere at the banquet was very harmonious.
During the dinner, everyone enjoyed the delicious food while chatting about everyday life.
The banquet didn't end until very late.
The next day, the princesses left the palace early to attend to matters at the textile factory and the "Da Qing Bai Xing Bao" (a local newspaper).
Nian Shilan, Feng Ruozhao, and others gathered at Fucha Peiyun's Kunning Palace.
Sunlight streamed through the palace walls into the courtyard of Kunning Palace, where Fucha Peiyun had already prepared exquisite tea and snacks.
Nian Shilan, Feng Ruozhao, Cao Qinmo, Lü Yingfeng, and others arrived at Kunning Palace one after another.
Everyone sat around the stone table in the courtyard, sipping tea and chatting.
Nian Shilan was the first to arrive, and Fucha Peiyun began to tell her about...
The matter of the Eight Banners descendants' assessment
"Hongchang has already made arrangements for this assessment of the Eight Banners descendants."
This assessment was not only for selecting talent, but also a major overhaul of the Manchu bannermen.
Nian Shilan nodded slightly, a hint of approval in her eyes:
"That's a good idea. The Manchu bannermen have always been rather undisciplined."
This crackdown will give them a chance to refocus and get back on their feet.
It is said that Shilan looked down on these Manchu bannermen next year.
Before she entered Prince Yong's mansion, her family had considered finding her a Manchu nobleman.
Unfortunately, after witnessing firsthand what those Manchu bannermen were like on the streets back then...
That gave up on the idea.
The thought of someone like her going to the battlefield like her brother...
Nian Shilan looked down on them, saying these good-for-nothings weren't even worthy of carrying her shoes.
Nian Shilan shook her head slightly, her tone carrying a hint of disdain:
“Those Manchu bannermen only know how to eat, drink, and have fun; they have no interest in serving the court.”
If such a person doesn't learn from hardship, how can he possibly go to the battlefield?
Fucha Peiyun smiled slightly and nodded, saying:
That's true.
In recent years, the moral character of the Manchu bannermen has deteriorated.
Many people have forgotten the glory of their ancestors and only know how to enjoy life.
Hongchang's decision to reorganize is a way of giving them a chance to bounce back.
If these Manchu bannermen are truly hopeless,
"Then Hongchang had no choice but to withdraw the preferential treatment given to the Eight Banners descendants."
Nian Shilan nodded slightly.
“Well said! Those Manchu bannermen rely on the protection of their ancestors, do nothing all day long, and still think they are superior to others.”
If this rectification fails to bring them to their senses, then we'll have to teach them a lesson they won't forget.
It should have been done a long time ago.
Fucha Peiyun: "Actually, the reason I'm asking you to return to the palace at this time..."
Actually, it was for this very reason that this assessment of the Eight Banners' descendants was held.
I plan to have the princesses give these Manchu bannermen a taste of their power.
I was wondering if you'd like to join in and have a go?
A glint of light flashed in Nian Shilan's eyes. "You mean?"
Fucha Peiyun: "You've practiced martial arts since you were a child, but after entering Prince Yong's mansion, you were confined to the backyard."
Later, after arriving at the palace, you neglected your studies for a while, but you eventually regained your skills, didn't you?
I believe in you; you'll definitely teach them a lesson.
Nian Shilan smiled slightly, a hint of excitement flashing in her eyes:
"You mean, you want me to participate in this assessment of the Eight Banners' descendants as well?"
Fucha Peiyun nodded slightly: "That's right. This assessment is not only a test for the Eight Banners' descendants,
It was also a rectification of the entire court's atmosphere.
I hope to take this opportunity to let those Manchu bannermen know that
The selection process of the imperial court is not a game; one cannot simply rely on the protection of one's ancestors to get by.
More importantly, many of the princesses harbored great ambitions.
And you can give yourself a chance.
Nian Shilan never expected that Fucha Peiyun would know her past wish.
This made Nian Shilan's eyes well up with tears.
"Don't worry, leave this to me."
Fucha Peiyun nodded in satisfaction, "With your participation, this assessment will definitely be even more exciting."
After Feng Ruozhao and the others arrived, Fucha Peiyun briefly explained the matter of the Eight Banners children's assessment.
Everyone expressed their support after hearing this.
Upon learning that their daughter would be participating, my first reaction was naturally worry.
But considering that Fucha Peiyun must have made thorough preparations to involve their daughters,
They were relieved and began to feel proud of their daughters.
They were all thinking about what they could do to help their daughters.
They hope their daughters will have a bright future, but they can't help feeling heartbroken about the hardships their daughters endure.
Shen Meizhuang said, "Your Majesty, the princesses are so busy, we have nothing to do in the palace."
Why not help the princesses?
Although we can't offer much help, we can at least ease some of their burdens.
Feng Ruozhao nodded slightly and echoed:
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The princesses are busy with the affairs of the people, so we can't be idle either.
Even just doing what we can can make things easier for them.
Cao Qinmo nodded and said, "Speaking of which, the princesses were concerned about the *Da Qing Bai Xing Bao* (Great Qing People's Daily) and the textile factory..."
We feel sorry for them as they work from dawn till dusk every day.
While we can't offer advice like they do, we can at least lend a hand.
Lü Yingfeng smiled slightly, her tone carrying a hint of relief:
"Yes, seeing how hard they work, we can't just sit idly by."
Even if it's just doing some small things, it lets them know that we're always there for them.
Fucha Peiyun smiled slightly, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes:
"You are all right. The princesses have indeed sacrificed a lot for the people."
They were busy with preparations for this assessment of the Eight Banners descendants, and it was indeed very hard work for them.
It's wonderful that you're willing to help.
Feng Ruozhao smiled slightly, a hint of pride in her voice:
"Over the years, we have all read a couple more books in order to educate the princess."
Meizhuang was a woman of exceptional talent. Although we cannot compare to her, we still possess some knowledge.
Presumably, this will be able to offer some small assistance to the princesses.
Upon hearing this, Fucha Peiyun was secretly delighted.
She sent the princesses out to do chores to improve the status of women.
To enable more women to step out of their homes and have their own space.
Now that Feng Ruozhao and others have offered to help, this is exactly what she wanted.
Fucha Peiyun's face lit up with joy, and she quickly said:
“That’s great! The textile factory has a lot of accounts and needs someone to help with the accounting.”
The Daqing Baixing Bao newspaper also needs proofreading, and your knowledge can come in handy.
"So, do you want to go to the textile factory or the newspaper office?"