0p0 Chapter 413 Negotiation
Chapter 413 Negotiation
The two were chatting and laughing when An Lingrong came out from the inner hall. Seeing them laughing so happily, she couldn't help but ask, "What are you sisters talking about? Why are you so happy?"
Shen Meizhuang turned to look at An Lingrong, her eyes full of tenderness: "It's nothing, it's just that someone was being slick and I gave him a lesson."
Zhen Huan immediately responded, "Rong'er, please judge the situation. Sister Mei is biased. She only allows you to be smooth-talking, but not me. Do you think this is fair?"
An Lingrong couldn't help but chuckle, her lips covered with her hands, a hint of cunning in her eyes. "Sister Zhen, you're really wronging me. She's been so devoted to you, even I envy her. You're going to make me sad when you say that!"
After hearing this, Shen Meizhuang feigned helplessness and shook her head: "You two are really becoming more and more alike. You teamed up to tease me."
The three of them smiled at each other, and the atmosphere in the hall became more warm.
The sun outside was still blazing, but inside the Yonghe Palace, it felt like another world. Their laughter, in this quiet afternoon, was particularly clear and moving.
After a few jokes, Zhen Huan's smile faded, her expression gradually becoming serious. She took a sip of tea, set down the cup, and slowly said, "The Emperor has agreed to the appointment of the six concubines. He asked me and you to draw up a list for his review, and..." She paused, her gaze settling on An Lingrong, her tone carrying a hint of meaning, "The Emperor also said he would appoint another imperial concubine."
"Noble Concubine..." Shen Meizhuang's eyes flickered as she repeated thoughtfully, and her gaze turned to An Lingrong.
An Lingrong had already understood what they meant from their expressions and shook her head gently: "I'm not suitable."
"Why?" Zhen Huan frowned slightly, a hint of confusion in her tone. "With your talent and contributions over the years, the position of Imperial Concubine is not unattainable."
An Lingrong raised her head, looking at Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang calmly, and said softly, "With my family background and favor, the position of Concubine is already the highest point. Any higher would not only be unworthy of the title, but would also attract criticism."
Zhen Huan shook her head. "You don't need to worry about that. The Emperor has seen everything you've done in the harem over the years. Sister Mei and I are where we are today thanks to your silent support. You're worthy of the position of Imperial Concubine."
"Sister Zhen!" An Lingrong interrupted her. "I originally proposed the conferment of titles on the six palaces so that you could win people's hearts and consolidate your position. If the position of Imperial Concubine is given to me, the meaning of this move will be completely changed. Others will think that you are dragging them into the role of foil in order to help me advance. This will not only fail to win people's hearts, but will also make those who are promoted resentful. This goes against our original intention."
"You're right." Zhen Huan thought for a moment, then sighed softly, her tone apologetic. "I feel a little uncomfortable that neither you nor Sister Mei can advance this time. You've sacrificed so much for me, yet you can't openly receive the rewards you deserve."
An Lingrong smiled faintly. "Sister Zhen, you don't have to feel guilty about this. Everything Sister Mei and I have done has never been for fame. As long as we sisters are united and support each other, it is enough. Moreover, only in this way can you show your selflessness, right?"
Shen Meizhuang also nodded in agreement: "Between us, there's no need to use status to prove anything!"
Zhen Huan then asked, "Who would be the most suitable person to take on the position of Imperial Concubine?"
An Lingrong extended her index finger: "Duan Fei"
He extended his middle finger again: "Jing Fei."
Shen Meizhuang pointed at her index finger and said, "Based on seniority, this one is suitable."
Then he pointed his middle finger again: "But I prefer this."
An Lingrong asked knowingly, "Why?"
Shen Meizhuang said seriously, "Over the years, thanks to Concubine Jing, I've been taking care of all the chores for me. Otherwise, I wouldn't have a single moment to myself. Every time I see her bowing to me, I feel a little ashamed. Although she doesn't have the same seniority as Concubine Duan, she gave birth to Princess Xinyue and has assisted in the management of the six harems for many years. Whether judging by her contributions to the palace or the hard work she put into raising the princess, she is fully qualified to be a noble concubine."
Zhen Huan and An Lingrong both nodded.
"Before the Imperial Noble Consort was canonized that day, you strongly recommended Concubine Duan. Now you won't even give her the title of Noble Concubine. I'm afraid she'll feel resentful!"
Zhen Huan gave a sly smile. "That day, she refused the position of Imperial Noble Consort on the grounds of poor health. They can use the same excuse to refuse her promotion to Noble Consort today. As Imperial Noble Consort, I don't care about things. If I promote another Noble Consort to me, won't it just cause more chaos in the harem?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang frowned slightly, and a hint of caution appeared in her tone: "Concubine Duan is thoughtful and cautious. Although she appears humble on the surface, she is also thinking about promotion in her heart. We must be careful and vigilant."
Zhen Huan nodded slightly, her expression turning serious. She whispered, "Sister Mei is absolutely right. We must be wary of Concubine Duan's attitude." She paused, her tone firm, "However, if Rong'er doesn't want to be the Imperial Concubine, then the Imperial Concubine position can only go to Concubine Jing. Concubine Jing is a loyal and honest person, and has helped us a lot over the years.
She doesn't fight or compete, so the Emperor trusts her. This promotion is, firstly, a reward for her, and secondly, it will balance the power of the harem, preventing the Emperor from having other ideas when he sees that our power is too great."
Feng Ruozhao was originally a chess piece used by Yongzheng to divide Shen Meiyu's power, but An Lingrong completely pulled her into their camp.
After saying this, Zhen Huan took a sip of tea, her eyes shifted slightly, and she slowly spoke, "Noble Lady Mu did a great job with the Guarjia clan's red musk beads. She also stayed outside the palace during Mei Jie's delivery, doing her best. I thought that since she has both merits and loyalty, promoting her to the rank of concubine would be a reward for her."
Upon hearing this, An Lingrong lowered her head and thought for a moment before nodding, "Noble Lady Mu has indeed made great contributions. There is nothing wrong with promoting her to the rank of imperial concubine." She paused, then continued, "Noble Lady Xin has always been law-abiding and prudent. Why not promote her to the rank of imperial concubine as well?"
Shen Meizhuang said, "Although Concubine Xin is not very conspicuous, she is a down-to-earth person. It is only right that she be promoted to the rank of concubine."
Zhen Huan stroked her sleeves, her eyes filled with thought as she continued, "And Concubine Zhen and Concubine Kang, shouldn't they also be promoted?"
Shen Meizhuang frowned slightly: "Zhenpin has little experience and no outstanding performance. If we rashly promote her to a concubine, I'm afraid it will be difficult to convince the public. As for Kang Changzai, promoting her to a noble lady is not a big deal."
Zhen Huan looked at An Lingrong.
An Lingrong nodded.
"Then this matter is settled. I will discuss it with the Emperor later!"