roccoschili Chapter 1635 His Majesty Has Psychological Trauma (Bonus Chapter for 255 Million Reward Points)
Chapter 1635 His Majesty Has Psychological Trauma (Bonus Chapter for 255 Million Reward Points)
Previously, Consort Wei did not understand, but now that she has seen the Imperial Noble Consort up close, she knows that these words are true.
In comparison, the newlyweds' deliberately made-up, vibrant appearance is like peach and plum blossoms just beginning to bloom on a spring branch. Though bright, it ultimately appears thin and frail.
Consort Tang had always been quite confident in her sweetness and charm, but at this moment she felt her cheeks burning.
The Imperial Noble Consort's overall demeanor was something I could never match...
She suddenly understood why the Imperial Noble Consort was so favored by His Majesty, even though she wasn't the youngest and most delicate woman in the harem.
The attendants and concubines immediately lowered their heads, feeling both envy and fear.
Many people glanced discreetly at Consort Mei, who was standing to the side and behind Consort Zhuang.
She was known for her charming and alluring appearance, as well as her exceptional skills in bed. She received a title shortly after entering the palace and was considered one of the most outstanding newly promoted concubines.
Today, Consort Mei was clearly dressed up meticulously. Her crimson palace gown, embroidered with crabapple blossoms, accentuated her snow-white skin. The beauty mark at the corner of her eye added a touch of alluring charm. Her figure was exquisitely graceful, swaying with every step.
If the Imperial Noble Consort were not present, Consort Mei would undoubtedly be an extremely dazzling presence, enough to attract everyone's attention.
But at this moment... compared to the Imperial Noble Consort, Consort Mei's charming attire somehow appeared somewhat gaudy.
Many newlyweds suddenly understood.
No wonder the Imperial Noble Consort's favor has never waned.
Having seen a woman like this, how could one still be tempted by the stream?
Consort Mei may have been popular for a while, but she could never compare to the Imperial Noble Consort.
Despite being swept over by many subtle glances, Consort Mei's face remained expressionless, her eyes slightly lowered, maintaining a respectful posture.
Consort Zhuang seemed oblivious to the undercurrents in the hall, leading everyone in a respectful bow: "Your humble servant/concubine greets Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort, may Your Highness enjoy boundless blessings and peace!"
Shen Zhinian raised her hand to help them up: "Get up, everyone."
"The Imperial Concubine rarely comes to my palace, and she brought many young ladies with her, making Yongshou Palace unusually lively."
"Give me a seat."
Everyone curtsied and said, "Thank you, Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort!"
The palace servants immediately and nimbly brought over the embroidered stool.
Consort Zhuang, Consort Xian, and Consort Xuan sat at the lower end of the table, close to the main seat.
Consort Mei and several other noble ladies, consorts, and ladies-in-waiting sat in positions further back.
Shen Zhinian asked bluntly, "I wonder what brings you all here today?"
Consort Zhuang smiled and said, "It's nothing important."
"Your Majesty, I was just thinking that it had been a long time since I had paid my respects to the Imperial Noble Consort, so I invited Consort Xian, Consort Xuan, and a few other newly arrived consorts to come and have a chat with you."
Shen Zhinian's gaze swept over the faces below, some bright, some beautiful, and some feigning composure. She understood and smiled slightly, saying, "Thank you all for your kindness."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Consort Zhuang steered the conversation toward the main topic: "...Speaking of which, His Majesty has been busy with the affairs of the court lately, and it must be quite tiring."
"The sisters are worried about her, but they dare not disturb her."
"Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort manages the six palaces. I wonder if His Majesty is in good health? If His Majesty is too tired, we sisters will serve him wholeheartedly and share his burdens."
That sounds very high-sounding.
The newlyweds below listened intently.
Shen Zhinian said slowly and deliberately, "Your Majesty is in good health, but the affairs of state are complicated."
"Just two days ago, I heard Li Changde mention that His Majesty often reviews memorials until late at night."
"We, the concubines of the harem, cannot share the burden of the affairs of the court with Your Majesty, so we should be even more careful to fulfill our duties, manage the palace affairs well, and raise our children well, so that Your Majesty has no worries about the future. This is the right thing to do."
These words were flawless.
Consort Zhuang's smile remained unchanged: "Your Highness is right."
"However... the new sisters have only been in the palace for a short time, and while they are full of enthusiasm, they have not seen the Emperor's face for a long time, so they are inevitably uneasy. If this continues, it will not be good for the harmony of the harem."
"I wonder if Her Highness the Imperial Noble Consort... could go before His Majesty and offer a few words of guidance?"
She promoted the newcomer, while she herself appeared to be thinking about the bigger picture.
The newlyweds below immediately cast expectant glances their way.
Shen Zhinian put down her teacup and slowly swept her gaze across the young faces.
She saw the urgency, longing, and grievance in their eyes.
The loneliness of the deep palace and the uncertainty of the future make it only natural to want to grasp onto something.
But... Shen Zhinian couldn't very well say that His Majesty was traumatized by being cuckolded twice, which was why he stopped entering the harem, could he?
"I am aware of my sisters' feelings."
Shen Zhinian said gently, "It's just that the affairs of the previous dynasty come first, and His Majesty is well aware of the matters of the inner palace."
“If we interfere with His Majesty’s wishes based on personal feelings, we will not only fail to understand His Majesty’s intentions, but may also cause him distress.”
"The Imperial Concubine is always considerate and understands the proper boundaries. I'm sure she can reassure the new brides and let them wait patiently for the Emperor's favor."
The question was gently passed back to Consort Zhuang.
Consort Zhuang's fingers tightened slightly in her sleeve, but her smile became even more gentle: "Your Highness is right, it was I who did not think things through."
Consort Xuan, who was listening nearby, almost burst out laughing, and quickly picked up her teacup to cover it up.
The Imperial Noble Consort's words were truly a masterful use of minimal force to achieve maximum effect.
Consort Xian lowered her eyes and drank her tea, without saying a word.
Seeing the clash between the two high-ranking concubines, with the Imperial Noble Consort's attitude clear and the Noble Consort seemingly backing down, the newlyweds' hopes were dashed, and they all became dejected.
After exchanging a few more casual words, Consort Zhuang took the lead in rising to take her leave.
Even though the newlyweds were unwilling, they had no choice but to follow the crowd and leave.
Soon, only Shen Zhinian, Consort Xian, and Consort Xuan remained in Yongshou Palace.
Consort Xuan relaxed her straight back, picked up the red date and longan tea beside her, took a sip, and then let out a long sigh. The dignified expression on her face was instantly replaced by an irrepressible smile.
"Oh dear, they're finally gone!"
Consort Xuan put down her teacup and looked at Shen Zhinian in the main seat, her eyes full of mischievous smiles: "Imperial Noble Consort, did you see how the Noble Consort looked just now?"
"With a worried and concerned expression, she subtly hinted at His Majesty's long absence from the inner palace, trying to get information out of you."
"Your Majesty, I think, is the Noble Consort trying to test you, to see if there has been a change in the Emperor's favor towards Yongshou Palace? Otherwise, why would His Majesty not even come here anymore?"
"As a result, my sister skillfully deflected the Consort's words and also gave a warning to those newcomers who were wavering in their thoughts."
"Your Majesty, I think you might have choked a little while drinking that cup of tea."
Although Consort Xian's emotions were not as outwardly expressed as Consort Xuan's, her originally aloof and distant eyes had softened considerably.