The harem is too complicated; the empress, a lazy bum, wins by doing nothing.

Chapter 235: Numb scalp
"How could I, a humble subject, dare to sit down in Kunning Palace and drink tea with Her Majesty the Empress?"

As Luo Zhongyi spoke, he knelt on the ground. “Your humble servant just took over the position of Director of the Imperial Observatory yesterday. I have heard that Your Majesty the Empress is quite knowledgeable about celestial phenomena and constellations. I have come here today not only to pay my respects to Your Majesty the Empress, but also to seek your guidance when Your Majesty has some free time in the future.”

Ask for advice?

Upon hearing those two words, Shen Qingwan's eyelids twitched involuntarily. "I am merely a woman confined to the inner palace. I simply enjoy reading miscellaneous books when I am bored in the harem. I have no profound knowledge of astrology or celestial phenomena. Lord Luo, you are exaggerating."

Luo Zhongyi knelt on the ground, head bowed, his eyes trembling. "Your Majesty is too modest."

"Since Lord Luo has come to Kunning Palace to visit in person today, I also have a few words to say. I am now in charge of the inner palace, and I will not tolerate any injustice. The Imperial Observatory observes celestial phenomena, which are considered to be closely related to the fate of the nation and the fortunes of individuals. Since His Majesty has promoted you to the position of chief envoy, it is clear that he trusts you. I think you know what happened to Hu Zhouce. His Majesty used the boiling punishment on him to warn everyone in the inner palace not to harm innocent people for the sake of temporary personal gain. I will absolutely not stand idly by."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will remember your teachings." After saying this, Luo Zhongyi presented two books that he had brought in advance to Shen Qingwan. "Your Majesty, I have brought two books about celestial phenomena. These two books record some folk tales about celestial phenomena. If Your Majesty does not mind, you may keep them to read when you are bored."

Book?
Shen Qingwan was quite interested in the book, so she had Zhen'er accept it.

Although Luo Zhongyi sent these two books only to show his respect to the Empress, the duties of the Imperial Observatory, while not directly related to the inner palace, were still used by the Imperial Observatory in many ways because the daily lives and various ceremonies of the concubines in the inner palace needed to be conducted according to the calendar.

Moreover, the Empress is different from the other concubines in the harem.

It was no secret within the Imperial Observatory that Hu Zhouce was a man in office but did not perform his duties, yet Emperor Yuanwu still believed his lies and did many incomprehensible things.

If the Empress hadn't directly refuted Hu Zhouce's plan that day, given the astrological signs were suspicious, I'm afraid Consort Xian and the Fourth Prince might have...

In the past, it wasn't that no one had ever spoken to the emperor about Hu Zhouce's astronomical observations. Instead of gaining the emperor's trust, they were punished with beatings. Over time, even if people realized that Hu Zhouce had problems, they would only talk about it behind his back, and no one dared to contradict him to his face.

Unfortunately, Emperor Yuanwu not only listened to the Empress's words, but also believed them.

This is enough to prove that the Empress's position in Emperor Yuanwu's heart was not as the rumors suggested—that she was annoying or unimportant—but rather, from the depths of his heart, she was someone he was willing to trust.

He naturally dared not be negligent.

Shen Qingwan didn't take Luo Zhongyi's two books for nothing. Before leaving, she had someone go to the storeroom and give him a finely crafted bronze armillary sphere that had been stored there.

After Luo Zhongyi left, Zhen'er cut some fresh fruit for Shen Qingwan and brought it over.

"Your Majesty, I never would have guessed that this newly appointed Director of the Imperial Observatory is so adept at currying favor." Zhen'er took a bamboo skewer, stuck a piece of fruit on it, and placed it in Shen Qingwan's hand. "He just took office yesterday and came to pay his respects to Your Majesty today. It's clear that he respects Your Majesty. If the Director of the Imperial Observatory can be Your Majesty's man, it will be much easier for him to do things in the inner palace in the future."

Shen Qingwan didn't speak, but her thoughts were completely different from Zhen'er's.

Throughout history, the fates of countless princes and concubines in the imperial harem have been completely altered by a single celestial phenomenon observed by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau.

Even if ancient emperors did not have unwavering faith in astrology, their thoughts would be altered by it, which gave those with ulterior motives an opportunity to exploit the situation.

Once a favored prince or concubine is labeled as an unlucky or jinx, even if they are not banished to the cold palace, they will likely be relegated to a life of obscurity within their original palace.

Consort Rou almost fell victim to these people back then.

Regardless of whether Luo Zhongyi was one of hers or not, she would never use astrology to harm anyone, but she couldn't be without a sense of caution. Right now, Luo Zhongyi seemed to have yielded and was extremely respectful to her, but you can't judge a book by its cover, and who knows what he really wanted from this trip?

Even if he is upright and incorruptible now, it doesn't mean he will never be bribed in the future.

People... are always fickle.

The princes in the harem are few in number and young, and Emperor Yuanwu is still young. Even if someone mentions the selection of a crown prince, it will not be taken seriously. However, if a few more years pass and the princes grow up, and there are more princes in the harem, some people may have ulterior motives and extend their reach to the Imperial Observatory. Even if Luo Zhongyi can remain honest and upright, he cannot guarantee that his subordinates will not be loyal to their duties.

After all, the Imperial Observatory wasn't just staffed by the Chief Astrologer; Consort Rou is a prime example!
She must keep this in mind at all times and use it as a reminder.

When Shen Qingwan said she was tired, she wasn't just saying it casually; she was genuinely tired.

After Luo Zhongyi left, she went to her bedroom and took a nap on the bed.

When I woke up, daytime had turned into night.

Shen Qingwan sat on the edge of the bed and lazily yawned, "What time is it now?"

"Your Majesty, it is already 7 PM."

Xu time?

It's getting late indeed.

"Your Highness, are you hungry? I've asked the kitchen to make some bird's nest porridge. I'll get you a bowl so you can have something to eat first. See if there's anything you'd like to eat, and I'll have someone make it for you." Zhen'er said, kneeling on the ground as she helped Shen Qingwan put on her shoes.

Speaking of food, she was actually quite hungry.

"It's getting late, so there's no need to go to all that trouble. Just have the kitchen staff stir-fry the pickled mustard greens we prepared earlier. Remember to add some dried chili peppers and a little sugar; it'll be sweet and spicy and refreshing. Also, just stir-fry some other greens..."

Before Shen Qingwan could finish speaking, the voice of a eunuch announcing something came from the direction of the palace gate.

"His Majesty has arrived..."

emperor?

Shen Qingwan frowned slightly. Why was he here at this hour?
It's already well past dinner time, and we're not here to eat, so could it be that we're going to...

Thinking of this, Shen Qingwan's heart skipped a beat for no apparent reason.

The image of the man staring at her when she nearly fell on the ship earlier that day, and Emperor Yuanwu unintentionally pulled her up, involuntarily, flashed through her mind.

Shen Qingwan felt a chill run down her spine. She had just gotten out of bed when Emperor Yuanwu was already standing in front of her. "Empress..."