Chapter 195: It’s Her! The Mastermind Will Reveal Themselves! 【 Monthly Ticket Bonus Update 19 】
Prince Yan’s Mansion, the study.
The candlelight flickered, casting Prince Zhu Gaochi’s plump figure heavily on the wall.
He had just finished listening to Zhu Gao Sui’s stammered yet excitedly delivered account, and had seen the sweet potato, still caked with soil, that Zhu Gao Sui had presented like a treasure.
A deathly silence filled the study.
Zhu Gao Xu’s eyes widened, staring intently at the unremarkable lump of earth, his breathing heavy.
“A yield of a thousand catties per mu? Third Brother, are you sure Zhang Biao isn’t delirious and spouting nonsense again?!”
He suddenly looked at Zhu Gao Sui, his voice distorting with excitement.
Zhu Gao Sui hunched his neck but insisted:
“Second Brother, Brother Biao may… be a bit crazy, but he has no reason to lie to us about something like this, does he?”
“He said it’s sweet and soft when roasted, and filling enough to be a staple food when cooked! If it’s true, our Beiping…”
“Enough!”
Prince Zhu Gaochi suddenly spoke, his voice not loud, but carrying an irrefutable authority that instantly quelled Zhu Gao Xu’s agitation.
There was no surprise on his plump face, only a deep solemnity and a suppressed surge of anger.
His gaze was like a knife, scraping across Zhu Gao Sui’s face:
“Did I not strictly forbid you from going out? And further forbid you from having any further contact with that Zhang Biao?! Do you disregard my words like a gust of wind?!”
“Elder Brother, I…”
Zhu Gao Sui shivered in fear and quickly defended himself:
“I just couldn’t resist going to buy some pickled vegetables, who knew it would be such a coincidence…”
“Coincidence?”
Prince Zhu Gaochi sneered and interrupted him:
“Where are there so many coincidences in this world! Who is Zhang Biao? He’s a monster who could shake the heavens in the Imperial Prison, and after coming out, he could still make the Imperial Grandfather wary, not daring to act against him lightly!”
“He just happened to appear there when you secretly sneaked out? Third Brother, you’ve been tricked by him!”
“I”
Zhu Gao Sui’s face turned pale, and he dared not speak.
“Elder Brother means… Zhang Biao deliberately sought out Third Brother?”
Zhu Gao Xu also realized what was happening, his brow furrowed: “He’s targeting our Prince Yan’s Mansion? What does he want?”
“What does he want?”
Prince Zhu Gaochi picked up the sweet potato, weighing it in his hand, his eyes sharp as an eagle’s:
“He hasn’t said anything explicitly, only offering this ‘thousand catties per mu’ divine object as bait, wanting to ‘cooperate’ with us… That’s the most terrifying part!”
As he spoke, he stood up and paced slowly around the study, his fingers unconsciously fiddling with prayer beads.
“He can barely protect himself now, being closely monitored by the Imperial Guard, yet he still finds ways to contact us princes’ heirs. His intentions must be immense! It’s definitely not a small matter!”
“He dared to audit the Six Ministries before, causing Prince Qin, Prince Jin, and Prince Zhou to stumble. Even the late Prince Lu Huang couldn’t escape, and Consort Guo Ning was killed by the Imperial Grandfather!”
“Next, the trouble he’s going to stir up will only be bigger and more dangerous!”
“He’s coming to us now to use our Prince Yan’s Mansion as a shield, to share his tremendous misfortune with us!”
“This sweet potato…”
Prince Zhu Gaochi placed the sweet potato heavily on the desk, his eyes narrowing:
“is arsenic wrapped in honey! It looks sweet, but eating it might be the death warrant for our Prince Yan’s Mansion!”
Zhu Gao Xu and Zhu Gao Sui’s hearts turned cold.
They finally realized that behind this seemingly ‘auspicious omen’ lay such a dangerous scheme.
“Then… what should we do?”
Zhu Gao Sui asked softly, “Should we refuse him?”
“Refuse?”
Prince Zhu Gaochi stopped pacing, a flicker of helplessness and coldness in his eyes: “He’s approached us now, we know his intentions, but we don’t report it. To the Emperor, this is harboring dissent and withholding information!”
“If we refuse, with his kind of madness, would he retaliate and falsely accuse us of colluding with him from the start, or even claim this ‘sweet potato’ is something our Prince Yan’s Mansion is plotting with for ill intent?”
“Furthermore…”
Prince Zhu Gaochi stopped, a glint of shrewdness in his eyes: “The Imperial Grandfather’s stance on establishing the Crown Prince is ambiguous. If Yunwen ascends, given his temperament, he will surely rely on civil officials and be even more suspicious of us princes.”
“If Yunteng ascends… with his hatred for his ‘father’s murderer,’ his methods might be even more brutal. Regardless, the future for our Prince Yan’s Mansion is not optimistic.”
“This way is no good, that way is no good!”
Zhu Gao Xu said anxiously, “Are we really going to cooperate with that madman and do something that could cost us our heads?”
Prince Zhu Gaochi remained silent for a long time, a look of solemnity flashing across his face.
He walked back to the desk and carefully wrapped the sweet potato in silk, placing it in a secret compartment.
“This matter concerns the life and death of our Prince Yan’s Mansion. It is no longer something we can decide.”
He said in a deep voice, his gaze directed north: “We must report to Father King immediately, and let Father King decide!”
After speaking, he looked at Zhu Gao Xu again:
“Second Brother, you must immediately contact Old Man Ya, and using the most urgent channel, report this matter in its entirety – including Zhang Biao’s proposal, the existence of the sweet potato, and my analysis – to Father King! Request Father King’s strategy for the next course of action! Do you understand?”
“Understood, Elder Brother!”
Zhu Gao Xu realized the gravity of the situation and accepted the order without hesitation.
Prince Zhu Gaochi then looked at the nervously uneasy Zhu Gao Sui, his tone stern: “Third Brother! From this moment on, you will stay in the mansion honestly. Without my permission, you are never to step outside the mansion gate again!”
“And you are not to have any contact with Zhang Biao in any form! If you dare to act rashly again, you will be punished by family law!”
“I… I understand, Elder Brother.”
Zhu Gao Sui hung his head, completely subdued.
“As for contact with Zhang Biao…”
Prince Zhu Gaochi pondered for a moment, then said without room for doubt:
“We’ll stall for now. If he sends a message through the City God Temple, do not reply. Everything waits for Father King’s orders!”
Zhu Gao Xu and Zhu Gao Sui exchanged glances and said in unison: “Yes! Elder Brother!”
Prince Zhu Gaochi looked out at the deep night sky, his plump face etched with worry and determination.
Zhang Biao had thrown out a dangerous invitation of unknown content and an irresistible lure.
To accept might lead to eternal damnation.
To refuse might also invite disaster.
This decision, concerning the fate of their family, was too heavy.
It had to be made by their father, Prince Yan Zhu Di, who reigned in Beiping.
The study of Prince Yan’s Mansion fell into a heavy silence once more.
Only the crackling of the candlelight illuminated three faces, each with a different expression, yet all equally solemn.
On the other side, in the side hall of Kunning Palace.
Dozens of imperial consorts were seated in order of rank.
Each of them was exquisitely made up and sumptuously dressed, but their eyes could not hide their surprise, calculation, and a hint of imperceptible fear.
【 The Emperor’s action is too abnormal! 】
【 At a sensitive time when the mystery of the Crown Prince’s case is not yet settled, three princes have been punished, and Consort Guo Ning was just killed, you suddenly ask us to recommend the mistress of the harem? 】
【 This is by no means a simple matter of harem affairs, but more like a meticulously arranged test, or perhaps… a trap! 】
Unknowingly, the atmosphere became so heavy it felt like it could drip water.
Yun Ming stood at the head of the hall with a blank expression, followed by several young eunuchs holding paper and pen, responsible for recording.
His high-pitched voice broke the deathly silence:
“His Majesty has decreed that all empresses are to discuss and recommend a person of virtue and talent who can preside over the affairs of the six palaces. Please express your opinions and state your reasons. We will record them truthfully and submit them to the Emperor.”
As the words fell, an awkward silence ensued.
Everyone knew that the first person to speak would most easily become the target of everyone’s criticism.
However, no one could remain silent forever.
Consort Guo Hui, mother of Prince Shu Zhu Chun, cleared her throat and spoke first:
“All sisters are clear about His Majesty’s decree. We are all sisters, so let’s speak freely about who you favor and… the reasons.”
She deliberately emphasized the word ‘reasons.’
After a brief silence, Consort Yang, mother of Prince Ning Zhu Quan, stood up directly, bowed slightly to Consort Guo Hui and everyone, and said:
“Since His Majesty and Sister Consort Guo have asked me to speak, I will be bold and speak directly. I believe Sister Consort Guo has managed palace affairs for many years, is fair in her dealings, and is highly respected. She is the most suitable candidate.”
Her words seemed to praise Consort Guo Hui, but her eyes flickered slightly.
Consort Guo Hui smiled faintly, did not respond, but picked up her teacup and took a sip, her gaze thoughtfully sweeping over Consort Yang.
【 Consort Yang, Consort Yang, my son has been enfeoffed for many years longer than your son. Are you trying to put me on the spot by recommending me now, or are you trying to clear yourself? 】
“Heh!”
Consort Da Ding, mother of Prince Qi Zhu Fu, let out a light laugh, the sound carrying a hint of laziness and mockery.
She didn’t even stand up, merely adjusted her posture slightly, saying casually:
“Sister Consort Guo is naturally excellent. However… Sister has assisted Consort Guo Ning in handling palace affairs for so many years; we all feel for her.
“Since His Majesty is asking for recommendations now, perhaps he wants Sister to rest and have a younger, more energetic sister share the burden?”
Her words were barbed, both rejecting Consort Yang’s proposal and implying that Consort Guo Hui, having not been chosen before and now being older, shouldn’t expect it.
Consort Guo Hui’s expression remained unchanged, but the fingers holding the teacup tightened slightly.
Consort Hu Shun, mother of Prince Xiang Zhu Bai, hearing Consort Da Ding’s words, seemed to have found a lifeline and quickly agreed with Consort Da Ding, her voice tinged with urgency and flattery:
“Sister Consort Da Ding is right! Sister Consort Guo should have a good rest. I… I think Sister Consort Da Ding, with her noble background and extraordinary insight, could take on this responsibility!”
She just wanted to quickly recommend someone to end this suffocating process so she could go back and inquire about her son.
Consort Da Ding glanced sideways at Consort Hu Shun, the mockery on her lips deepening, but she did not respond.
【 Recommend me? Consort Hu is such a fool, probably in a panic. My son, Prince Qi, has also been enfeoffed in a distant region for many years. If I step forward now, won’t it bring trouble? 】
The scene became somewhat tense.
The lower-ranking consorts were even more terrified, not daring to speak easily.
After a long while, Consort Hu Chong, mother of Prince Chu Zhu Zhen, sitting in the second seat, coughed lightly, drawing everyone’s attention.
She was slightly older and more experienced, speaking at a steady pace.
“Since the sisters are being modest, I will offer a humble suggestion.”
Consort Hu Chong’s voice was gentle, but her tone carried an undeniable force:
“Presiding over the six palaces is no small matter. One needs deep qualifications, shining virtue, and… hmm, the prince must be an adult to share the burden and stabilize the nation’s foundation.”
Her words seemed fair, but they implicitly excluded consorts whose sons were young or had not yet been enfeoffed.
However, as soon as she finished speaking, Consort Yang, sitting opposite her, frowned slightly.
“Sister Hu’s words are reasonable.”
Consort Yang replied, her tone neither warm nor cold:
“However, while qualifications and virtue are important, one also needs to be meticulous, fair in dealing with matters, and able to empathize with the sisters. After all, harmony in the six palaces will allow His Majesty to be free from worry in the imperial court.”
Her words implicitly suggested that Consort Hu Chong was not ’empathetic’ enough in the past.
Consort Hu Chong smiled noncommittally and looked at Consort Da Ding again:
“Sister Consort Da Ding mentioned earlier that someone young and energetic is needed. Sister Consort Da Ding is always intelligent and quick-witted, and well-versed in etiquette. Perhaps she is a good candidate?”
Consort Da Ding’s expression darkened slightly, and she said coldly:
“Sister Consort Hu is joking. What qualifications do I have? Besides, I heard that the palace grounds have been rather turbulent recently, with some rumors, even involving some forbidden medicine… At such a time, it’s better to avoid suspicion.”
She voluntarily brought up the taboo topic of ‘forbidden medicine,’ her gaze subtly sweeping over several consorts whose sons might be related to medicine or local tributes.
As soon as this was said, the temperature in the hall dropped sharply.
Everyone remembered the old lawyer who beat the drum of hearing petitions and the secret palace affairs that might be involved in the iron box.
Consort Hu Chong inwardly cursed Consort Da Ding for her maliciousness in revealing this can of worms at this time, but outwardly she had to maintain her composure:
“Sister Consort Da Ding, speak with caution! How can palace rumors be believed lightly? His Majesty sees all, and will make his own wise judgment.”
Having said this, she looked around and saw that the atmosphere had become even more tense due to Consort Da Ding’s actions. She then turned to Consort Guo Hui and said:
“Sister Consort Guo, you take charge!”
Consort Guo Hui heard this, slowly stood up, faced everyone, and her tone became solemn: “Since the sisters have their own considerations and cannot reach an agreement, how about this?”
She paused and said, “I recommend… Sister Consort Hu to temporarily oversee palace affairs.”
“Ah?”
Consort Hu Chong was stunned.
Consort Guo Hui ignored her surprise and continued:
“There are three reasons: First, Sister Consort Hu has a forthright personality and is decisive in her actions, able to maintain order.”
“Second, her son is enfeoffed elsewhere and has fewer ties to matters in the capital, perhaps enabling her to handle affairs more impartially; Third…”
She paused, her gaze sweeping over Consort Da Ding, Consort Hu Shun, and Consort Yang, and said meaningfully:
“Sister Consort Hu is not involved in medicine or spices, and has no connection to the matters mentioned in recent rumors, making her the cleanest! Having her temporarily in charge may, to the greatest extent, quell public criticism, stabilize the harem, and await His Majesty’s final judgment!”
This speech was extremely shrewd.
It provided a scapegoat, hinted at the suspicions of Consort Da Ding and Consort Hu Shun, and put stability and avoiding suspicion on the table.
Consort Hu Chong opened her mouth, wanting to refute, but under Consort Guo Hui’s sharp gaze and the bizarre situation, she finally swallowed her words back, her face turning pale.
Consort Da Ding snorted coldly and turned her head away, speaking no more.
Consort Yang’s expression was inscrutable.
Consort Hu Shun was deferential and dared not object.
Seeing that the high-ranking consorts had already acted this way, the other consorts also echoed: “Sister Consort Guo’s considerations are thorough; we have no objections.”
A harem meeting, which seemed democratic but was filled with hidden daggers, hastily concluded under Consort Guo Hui’s decisive actions.
When Old Zhu looked at the record submitted by Yun Ming, especially the part highlighting Consort Hu Chong’s ‘recommendation’ and Consort Guo Hui’s ‘righteous’ statement, he let out a cold snort from his nose.
【 Hu Shi… seems clean, but it’s hard to say for sure. Prince Chu’s enfeoffment in Wuchang is also a regional pillar. If she presides over the six palaces, her son’s influence will likely grow. 】
【 Da Shi… a Mongolian noblewoman, her thoughts are not shallow. Did she bring up the matter of forbidden medicine to muddy the waters, or to clear herself? Or perhaps to warn Hu Shi, or even hint at others? 】
Old Zhu tapped heavily on the words ‘forbidden medicine,’ a cold glint in his eyes.
This undoubtedly touched his most sensitive nerve.
Finally, his gaze fell upon Consort Guo Hui’s ‘righteous’ statement.
Consort Guo Hui’s words seemed humble and considerate of the overall situation.
But in Old Zhu’s eyes, wasn’t this also a very clever way of self-preservation and counterattack?
She cleverly diffused her own influence, placing herself in a detached and ‘impartial’ position.
【 Guo Shi… daughter of Guo Zixing… 】
Old Zhu murmured to himself.
Consort Guo Hui’s background, and her years of managing palace affairs without being ostentatious, came to mind.
【 Her son has been enfeoffed for many years, but he has always been low-key, unlike Second Brother and Third Brother who are so flamboyant. 】
【 In this recommendation, she did not actively compete, nor did she obviously form factions… 】
Old Zhu’s brows furrowed deeply.
He suspected that the mastermind behind the scenes might be related to the mothers of the enfeoffed princes, hoping to uncover clues through this recommendation.
Consort Hu Chong’s ‘exclusivity’ and Consort Da Ding’s ‘malice’ both made him vigilant.
But Consort Guo Hui’s performance left Old Zhu uncertain.
【 Is she truly uninterested in power, seeking self-preservation? Or… is she more deeply hidden, and knows better how to bide her time? 】
This uncertainty made Old Zhu restless.
He detested anyone or anything that was beyond his control.
However, given the current situation, he had to stabilize the harem quickly and prevent the turmoil in the front court from causing greater waves in the harem.
【 Consort Hu Chong, her son Prince Chu also has considerable influence. Using her now would likely boost her son’s prestige and be inconsistent with the principle of ‘avoiding suspicion.’ 】
【 Consort Da Ding, her thoughts are unfathomable, her words are sharp, not a candidate for stabilizing the harem. 】
【 Consort Yang, Consort Hu Shun, and others are too timid and incompetent to shoulder such a responsibility. 】
【 In comparison, Consort Guo Hui has the longest seniority, a special background, and has behaved quite steadily in the past. 】
【 As for her reasons? 】
A cold glint flashed in Old Zhu’s eyes.
【 Humph, when did I ever make decisions for you all? 】
【 No matter who it is, I believe you will all eventually reveal your true colors! And when that time comes… 】
With this thought, Old Zhu made up his mind.
He picked up the vermilion brush and slowly wrote a character next to Consort Guo Hui’s name on the record: 【 Approved. 】
The brushstrokes were sharp, carrying unquestionable authority.
Putting down the brush, he said indifferently to Yun Ming, who stood respectfully at his side:
“Issue an edict: Affairs of the six palaces will be temporarily managed by Consort Guo. I hope she will uphold impartiality, diligently serve, bring harmony to the harem, and not fail my expectations.”
“Your servant obeys the decree.”
Yun Ming quickly bowed in response.
“And also!”
Old Zhu’s voice suddenly turned cold, carrying a strong warning:
“Tell Consort Guo, and all those in the harem! Stay in your respective palaces honestly. Eat what you should eat, sleep where you should sleep!”
“If anyone dares to stir up trouble again, inquire about court affairs, or transmit any news to the outside…”
He paused, each word like a shard of ice:
“I don’t care who she is or who her son is, she will be punished as one who spies on the inner court and plots treason! No leniency will be shown!”
“Yes! Your Majesty! Your servant will definitely convey the decree clearly to every empress!”
Yun Ming trembled with fear and quickly assured him.
The decree was quickly spread throughout the harem.
Not long after, the old nanny went to the Buddhist hall and relayed Old Zhu’s decree.
The woman kneeling before the Buddhist hall had a fleeting smile of “As expected” on her lips, which quickly disappeared, and she calmly said:
“I understand. Remember to prepare a generous congratulatory gift.”
Third watch completed, requesting monthly tickets~~
