in2ebook Chapter 137 The Four Concubines' Encirclement and Suppression Finally Became a Foregone Conclus
Chapter 137 The Four Concubines' Encirclement and Suppression Finally Became a Foregone Conclus
After the shock, Concubine Nianhulu was still confused, so she spent two days speculating on the reason why the Emperor had specifically told her to leave the nameplate of Princess Shi Er in order to allow her to enter the palace, and she thought of countless reasons, but this was not one of them.
Although others didn't know, she knew that the emperor hated Shi Rongyue to the extreme. How could he allow her second sister to enter the palace to accompany him? Wouldn't that remind the emperor all the time that the future crown princess he had chosen and his son, the fourth prince, had betrayed the crown prince?
But it did happen, so... there must be a reason. At this moment, she suddenly had an idea and remembered a message she had received before.
It is said that before the Wanshou Festival, Shi Ergege and her sister had a falling out for unknown reasons. So is it possible that the emperor hated Shi Rongyue so much, and the prince was unable to deal with her, so he honored the sister who had fallen out with her to slap her in the face?
As soon as this thought came to her mind, her tense expression relaxed slightly. However, the next moment she became a little skeptical about this guess. The emperor was not a man who would put himself in a difficult position. Would he make himself uncomfortable just to slap Shi Rongyue in the face?
She never doubted that Kangxi was simply attracted to Shi Ergege, because in the more than ten years since she entered the palace, the emperor had had countless women, but never violated palace rules because of any of them.
After Concubine Hui and Concubine Rong reacted, the smiles on their faces were a little stiff. They didn't know about Shi Rongyue's complicated relationship with the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince, and thought that the Emperor asked Concubine Nianhulu to keep the name of Princess Shi Er in order to compensate the Shi family for losing the position of Crown Princess.
But at most people thought that Princess Shi would be given to the crown prince or other princes, but they never expected that the emperor would allow her to enter the palace!
They have been accompanying the young emperor until now, for a longer time than Concubine Nianhulu, and they know the emperor better. He is a person who attaches great importance to his reputation. Given that Shi Ergege was supposed to be the future sister-in-law of the prince, she was destined not to stay in the palace.
Even if something happened to Princess Shi Da and she needed compensation, there are many ways to do it. However, the emperor chose to take Princess Shi Er into the harem, which shows that he must have feelings for Princess Shi Er, and they are strong enough to withstand the criticism brought about by this incident.
Their hearts sank. When did this happen?
More importantly, in this case, the other party's status is not low to begin with, and with the emperor's intentions, it is possible that she will become the concubine of the master of a palace as soon as she enters the palace. That is a concubine's position, and all of them have served the emperor for several years before they were finally awarded the title of concubine.
If Princess Shi Er gives birth to another child, wouldn't she be on equal footing with them?
Thinking of this possibility, the two of them became uneasy.
How is this possible?
They have worked so hard for so many years to climb up, how could they be overtaken by a little girl?
Compared with Concubine Niu and the other two who were more shocked and disbelieving, Concubine De's first reaction after the shock was suspicion.
Suspicious about what happened on the Wanshou Festival, she used Shi Ergege to plot against Tong Jia Wanru and Concubine Yi. During that time, it was heard that Shi Ergege, who was sent away by her, met the emperor's cat and finally went to the dressing room with the emperor.
At that time, I thought it was a coincidence, but because of Shi Da Gege's identity, I didn't think much about it. Now, looking at the emperor's attitude, I suddenly became suspicious.
Did Princess Shi really not notice anything that day?
The atmosphere suddenly became quiet. Kangxi seemed unaware of it, but looked at Shi Nanxi with admiration.
"Speaking of spiritual women, Your Majesty." At this time, Concubine Hui suddenly leaned over and looked at Kangxi.
"I think of Concubine Wang in the palace. She comes from the Jiangnan region, where many talented people live. She has been well-versed in poetry and literature since she was young. She is very talented. Although her handwriting is not as good as that of Princess Shi Er, it is also smooth and flowing, and her strokes are as beautiful as clouds and smoke."
So, Your Majesty, there is already a concubine in the palace who is not only good at handwriting but also has a spiritual aura!
"I also thought of Concubine Wang." At this time, Concubine Rong followed up, looking like she was reminiscing:
"I have never liked studying since I was young, and my handwriting is crooked. It was only after I entered the palace and was influenced by the feng shui of the Forbidden City that I was able to write properly. I once asked Concubine Wang for advice, but unfortunately I am too dull and not as talented as Concubine Wang."
When Concubine Niu saw this, she came to her senses and joined in praising Concubine Wang for her harmony and words. Finally, she concluded:
"Not only does Concubine Wang have good calligraphy, she is also a beautiful lady from the Jiangnan water town. If the emperor wants to discuss calligraphy, he can summon Concubine Wang. She will definitely be a good choice!"
Among the four concubines present, only Concubine De has not spoken. She has a faint smile on her face, as if she has no objection to the emperor's wish to let Princess Shi Er enter the palace. Compared with the other three who seem to be praising Kangxi but are actually admonishing him, she is as calm as a chrysanthemum and does not fight or compete.
Kangxi's heart was as clear as a mirror. He slowly stroked the jade ring on his hand. His expression did not change at all from beginning to end. After everyone stopped, he spoke slowly:
"Concubine Wang is well-read and has some talent, but she has been distracted by her studies. Although her handwriting is not bad, it lacks the elegance and charm of Shi Ergege's handwriting, which can only be achieved when calligraphy reaches a certain level."
As he spoke, he seemed to have thought of something and chuckled:
"There is a piety between the lines that even I cannot write. It is so rare. I really can't put it down."
Can't put it down? Is this referring to the person or the word?
Concubine Niu's heart skipped a beat. She looked at Shi Nanxi with a hint of scrutiny and hostility. She began to doubt her previous guess again. If it was really as she had guessed, then the emperor was overacting.
Concubine Hui and Concubine Rong felt depressed. As expected, their guess was right. The emperor really had feelings for Princess Shi Er. But since the emperor had said so, how could they sing a different tune? They felt sick in their hearts, but they had to praise him.
Shi Nanxi stood below, listening to the praises from the concubines, but her eyes were sharp and cruel. If looks could kill, she would have died hundreds of times already.
Being a timid girl, she bit her lip gently, her eyelashes trembling as if she was very nervous and uneasy. However, her brain secretly memorized a message: the name of Wang Shufei's name is Shan. It is also the word Shan, so she will definitely have to deal with her in the future when she enters the palace.
At this moment, Concubine De, who had been silent all this time, spoke:
"Speaking of Second Princess Shi's good calligraphy, it reminds me of First Princess Shi's stunning paintings. I don't know how Madam Shi taught her. I have two princesses, but unfortunately I have no talent. I am really worried that I will delay the princesses."
Seeing that this person has entered the palace and settled down, instead of making the emperor unhappy, it is better to let the emperor plant an impression of this person first, and then guide him a little later. As the emperor attaches great importance to his reputation, he will sooner or later feel resentful.
When Kangxi heard Concubine De mention Shi Rongyue, his hand, which was stroking the jade ring, paused slightly.
Concubine Nianhulu, who was paying attention to the emperor, noticed this scene and became excited. The emperor's reaction... She thought of something, and her panicked and gloomy heart suddenly calmed down.
It seems that I have thought too much. Judging from the emperor's hatred for the eldest princess Shi and his wish to kill her as soon as possible, whether it is as I guessed or not, the emperor has a deep grudge against her. Maybe there is another purpose for the second princess Shi entering the palace.
Kangxi did have a deep grudge against Shi Rongyue, but not as Noble Concubine Nianhulu thought. Instead, he felt more pity for the little girl who was framed by Shi Rongyue. Thinking of everything that had happened before, his tone softened when he mentioned Shi Rongyue to Concubine De.
"There is no need to rush the education of the princesses. They are still young. If they want to learn, they can ask their foster aunts. But the princes will have to share my worries in the future. They have greater responsibilities and need to study harder."
As he spoke, he touched the jade ring and tapped it gently:
"De Fei, I know you have always loved your children very much. You have to devote more attention to the three younger ones because of their age, but you have to pay attention to the older ones as well."
How could he not know how Concubine De treated the Fourth Prince? However, he felt a little guilty because his cousin had taken the Fourth Prince away when he was just born, but only a little.
At that time, Concubine De was of low status and was unable to raise a child. If she didn't give the child to her cousin, she would have given it to some other concubine.
Later, he felt more guilty because after his cousin took the Fourth Prince away, he kept a close watch on Concubine De and did not give her any chance to contact him. He watched her cautiously trying every possible way just to catch a glimpse of the Fourth Prince, so he became more tolerant.
But who would have thought that because of this experience, Concubine De had a grievance against the fourth son. When the fourth son returned to her after his cousin passed away, her attitude was always lukewarm, and sometimes even harsh. When she couldn't stand it, she would give him a beating, but he would soon return to normal.
The fourth brother was entangled with Shi Rongyue and made a big mistake. It was certainly his own fault, which made him extremely disappointed, but the influence of Concubine De on the fourth brother was also a big reason.
Defei's gentle face froze for a moment, but returned to normal the next moment, and she nodded to Kangxi with an instructive look on her face.
"Your Majesty is reminding me that I neglected the fourth child because the younger ones were too noisy. I am really remiss. I will pay more attention in the future."
Kangxi did not comment, but looked down at Shi Nanxi again with a smile on his face.
"However, Shi Ergege's calligraphy is more than enough for the princesses to teach. In the future, the princesses can ask Shi Ergege for advice." After saying that, he glanced at Liang Jiugong.
Liang Jiugong understood immediately, and without the need for the eunuch in charge to announce it, he spoke himself:
"The Han army's Zhengbai Banner Guarjia clan Nanxi left a sign and gave a sachet."
After these words were spoken, everyone inside and outside the hall fell silent.
The next moment, Heather's voice rang out:
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace. Long live the emperor."