Harem Daily Life

Chapter 1070 Fear of the Power of the Empress Dowager's Relatives

The gifts Tao Yanyan gave this time were quite varied, and everyone thanked her after receiving them, with smiles on their faces.

At noon, three tables were set up for a banquet at Chang Le Palace. People kept talking while eating, and the group didn't leave until the afternoon.

Consort Xian held her forehead. She had drunk a few extra cups at noon in her joy and was feeling a bit dizzy. She decided to sober up at Chang Le Palace before returning.

"When Her Majesty returned, they were all as energetic as if they had been injected with chicken blood, much more lively than in the previous months. Even the Princess Consort, who was the least talkative, was talking to her heart's content."

Tao Yanyan had someone prepare a hangover soup for her: "We've been sisters for so many years, and we've developed a bond over time. By the way, why does Min'er seem a little unhappy today? I noticed she wasn't as talkative as usual."

Consort Xian sighed, "Young lovers, it's normal to bicker. They'll be fine tomorrow. I'm used to it."

Tao Yanyan was surprised that Xiao Nan would also argue with He Min.

Consort Xian then recounted several of the disagreements that had occurred between the two.

"Ultimately, Xiao Nan is just too bookish and a bit pedantic, and doesn't know how to make a young girl happy. But such a person is honest and sincere, and will genuinely care for Min'er. Fortunately, they both love poetry and literature. If Xiao Nan makes someone angry, a new poem will be published the next day and sent to Min'er to read first. His poems are very popular in the major bookstores in the capital now, and many copies have been printed, earning him a lot of money."

Tao Yanyan couldn't help but laugh: "So, Min'er has become Xiao Nan's source of inspiration."

He Min and He Yinuo were chatting about their experiences in Xia Kingdom, with He Xiaoqi occasionally adding her own comments, making it quite lively.

"By the way, Third Sister, you should quickly gather up your secret stash of money. My mother is going to open the 'South and North Food City' in the capital. It's a very lucrative business. If you invest with us, you'll make a fortune!"

He Min was immediately intrigued: "Food City? Just from the name, I can tell it must be a huge place. Okay, I'll go back and prepare the money." After saying that, she became a little sad: "If only Yanran hadn't married so far away, we girls would be so happy together."

He Yinuo patted her arm: "Sister Yanran's husband treats her very well. The Empress Dowager said that if there is a chance, we will definitely meet again. Sister, don't think too much about it."

"Crown Princess of Xia Kingdom, Crown Princess of Xia Kingdom." He Xiaoqi flapped her wings to spread the message.

He Min stroked the bird's head: "She married well, a hundred times better than He Qian. I just wish her a happy life."

Speaking of He Qian, He Yinuo raised an eyebrow. She was so full of pride when she first learned that she was to be married into the Jinghou family. Now she was so dejected. It was a blessing that she was not implicated when the Jinghou family fell.

"You don't know, after Consort Liang learned of the collapse of the Marquis of Jing's mansion, she fell seriously ill. If it weren't for my mother's kindness in sending several imperial physicians to treat her, she probably wouldn't have made it this far. She didn't come today either; I heard she's been bedridden and hasn't even left the palace gates for over a month. This morning I heard she sent someone to see Father Emperor, hoping he would support He Qian's husband and allow him to take over Yanzhou."

He Yinuo shared the local specialties she brought back: "My Aunt Jiang's husband, Uncle Qi, was granted the title of Marquis of Protectorate. Yanzhou will be guarded by the Marquis of Protectorate in the future. It has nothing to do with the Jing family anymore. Why does Consort Liang still think about these things?"

In the Imperial Study of the Hall of Diligent Governance, several officials had differing opinions regarding the conferment of a marquisate upon Qi Yizheng.

"Your Majesty, General Qi is a military officer. Can he really govern such a vast Yan Province well? Perhaps you should change his assignment and reconsider the control of Yan Province."

He Linzhang glanced at him and said, "Qi Yizheng is exceptionally capable. When I appoint people, I always value their virtue and talent, not their background. Besides, he is my study companion, and I trust him completely. I believe he will not disappoint me."

"His Majesty favors Empress Tao and has promoted her sworn sister's husband to the rank of Marquis, which is an exceptional honor. Now Empress Tao has two Marquis's mansions and a General's mansion as her backing, and her power is growing. I'm afraid she will become too powerful to control in the future."

He Linzhang frowned: "The Crown Prince has been established, and Empress Tao is his birth mother. What are you afraid of? The Crown Prince has so many families supporting him, isn't that better? From now on, don't say anything about maternal relatives in front of me, and don't try to sow discord between me and the Empress."

The official looked fearful, opened his mouth, but ultimately dared not utter another word.

"Your Majesty, during the Tang Dynasty, Empress Wu Zetian's chaotic rule harmed countless members of the royal family. Learning from history, I urge Your Majesty to take precautions, as things are most likely to develop in an undesirable direction."

He Linzhang waved his hand: "You are all worrying unnecessarily. I have said that the Empress is loyal to the Great Zhou. The Tao family, the Ningyuan Marquis's Mansion, the Huguo Marquis's Mansion, and the General's Mansion behind her will only serve the Great Zhou. Time will prove everything. Do not say these words outside the Imperial Study today. If I hear them again, I will not tolerate it."

Upon hearing this, several ministers were intimidated by the emperor's imposing presence and ultimately fell silent.

After everyone left, He Linzhang said irritably, "You worry about this and that all day long, you're just causing trouble."

Eunuch Zhang stepped forward to serve the tea: "Your Majesty, please don't be angry. The Emperor and Empress's love is stronger than gold, and they can't be swayed in the slightest." After saying this, he sorted out the memorials from today in piles: "The Crown Prince is filial. He even came over to help me sort out the memorials just now. He has only been practicing for a few months, but he is already quite capable. He is truly intelligent. No wonder so many noble ladies outside are interested in him."

He Linzhang glanced at him: "Are you still playing riddles with me? Tell me, what kind of families do you come from?"

Eunuch Zhang took out a piece of paper from his pocket and read aloud: "Several ministers, apart from the Tao family, all the other families are eager to make a move. The Zhao family, the maternal family of the Marquis of Ningyuan, is also inquiring. There are also the families of the Grand Secretariat, the Hanlin Academy, and the maternal families of the princesses of the various princes' mansions... In short, there are many people who are eyeing the Crown Prince's marriage."

He Linzhang said helplessly, "It's all about interests. I still hope that Yu Cheng can choose someone he likes to marry in the future, and there's no need to rush."

Eunuch Zhang lowered his eyes. It seemed he would have to communicate with the various families outside. He shouldn't even think about it for the next two years. He should focus on raising each family's daughters to be outstanding, so that they could gain fame in the capital as soon as possible and win the Crown Prince's favor.

He Linzhang was busy until very late. After Tao Yanyan returned from visiting Chief Eunuch Li outside the palace, she went to her study and sat quietly for a long time.

Chang Tai was later called in. Tao Yanyan's eyes were slightly red. She instructed him, "Keep an eye on Steward Li. If he still has any unfinished business, go and take care of it for him. Make preparations for his funeral as soon as possible. He probably doesn't have much time left."

Chang Tai felt a lump in his throat. He had seen Steward Li today, and he was as thin as a bamboo pole. He never imagined that illness could torment a person to such an extent.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I have worked with Steward Li for more than ten years and will make proper arrangements."

Tao Yanyan sighed: "You can hand over the affairs of Chang Le Palace to your apprentice. Starting tomorrow, you will go to the Imperial Household Department to learn. I intend to have you succeed Chief Eunuch Li."

Upon hearing this, Chang Tai immediately knelt down to express his gratitude. The Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Department was the highest position among eunuchs. Who would have thought that more than ten years ago, when he was assigned to the Empress's side, he was just a lowly steward!