Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 216 Discord between the Emperor and Empress, a precursor to the Empress's deposition!
The first year of the Xifeng era, the third month.

As dusk settled and the sun set behind the western mountains.

Royal study room.

On the desk, only one memorial remained unapproved.

Zhao Ceying breathed a sigh of relief and reached out to pick it up.

Your humble servant, Gu Tingye, co-signing the Privy Council, bows and submits this report:

Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have governed the country well, expanded the territory, established clear laws and regulations, and brought peace and prosperity to the people.

However, the responsibility of guarding the capital region is immense, and can only be commanded by capable generals. Shen Congxing, the patrol inspector of Yuzhou, is resolute and courageous, strict with himself, and known for his loyalty and prudence. He is also deeply knowledgeable in the art of offense and defense. His diligence and sincerity are evident.

The stability of the capital region is a heavy responsibility. If this position is granted, it will firstly demonstrate Your Majesty's discerning eye in recognizing talent, appointing the virtuous and capable regardless of personal relationships; secondly, it will stabilize the foundation of the court and consolidate the capital region.

Your humble servant believes that Shen Congxing is worthy of a military post. I humbly request Your Majesty to make a wise decision and issue an imperial decree to confer the title, so as to ensure the stability of the country.

Your subject is filled with extreme fear and trepidation, and respectfully submits this memorial to the Emperor.

The memorial, consisting of just over a hundred words, was submitted by Gu Tingye, a meritorious official who had contributed to the expansion of the border.

The specific details were that Shen Congxing should be recommended.

Previously, Gu Tingye and Shen Congxing were complete strangers, so he would not submit a memorial without a reason.

This memorial was submitted primarily at the emperor's behest.

The purpose is simply to go through the motions.

In order to inherit the throne, Zhao Ceying has been adopted by the late emperor as his grandson.

This means that, from the perspective of patriarchal clan system and etiquette, Shen Congxing was not the emperor's brother-in-law.

Even Zhao Ceying could not address Shen Congxing as "uncle" in public.

Official documents also refer to him as "the Prince of Shu by marriage" rather than "the Emperor's maternal uncle" or "the Emperor's maternal uncle".

Since he was not the emperor's brother-in-law, his appointment process naturally had to be the same as that of a regular official.

Either make contributions and get promoted.

Either they are recommended by someone and rise to the top in one step.

At this moment, Gu Tingye's memorial to the throne was a recommendation.

After only a couple of glances, Zhao Ceying picked up his brush and began to write:
[He was awarded the title of General of the Northern Army, adorned in a purple robe and silver belt.]

The commander of the imperial guards does not need military skills, but loyalty.

My uncle, Shen Congxing, fits that description perfectly.

After reading through all the memorials submitted that day, Zhao Ceying put down his red brush, stretched, and let out a long sigh of relief.

It feels so good to have power in your hands!
Since Emperor Xifeng expanded the borders, he bestowed favors upon many nobles and gradually gained military power. The political struggle between Ouyang Xiu and Lü Gongzhu further led him to bestow favors upon many civil officials and win over many people.

With Jiang Qing's assistance, in less than a year, the region was brimming with talent in both civil and military affairs, showing signs of vitality and revival.

Life is getting more and more comfortable.

Li Xian, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Household Department has presented the menu by imperial decree. We earnestly hope that Your Majesty will take a look."

The food plaques were plaques engraved with the names of the imperial concubines.

If the number of concubines is too dazzling and it is difficult to choose, the emperor may decide who to favor by "flipping the nameplate".

"Alright," Zhao Ceying nodded.

At the beginning of his reign, he had few concubines.

Some of the concubines were beautiful, slender, plump, and kind-hearted, which made them stand out and leave a deep impression on people.

At that time, the main practice was "special designation," and there was very little practice of choosing a particular person.

However, as time went on, the harem gradually filled up, and the characteristics became increasingly "blurred".

Even if they were favored once, they probably wouldn't remember the name at all.

Especially since October, with the regular court sessions suspended and the empress falling out of favor, the harem has been "full of life".

In just one hundred days, the number of concubines, consorts, ladies-in-waiting, beauties, and talented women had reached a total of forty or fifty.

How can this make a name memorable?

Thus, in addition to specifically designating whom to favor, one would occasionally have to choose a concubine.

Li Xian bowed, and a young eunuch, carrying a small plate about a foot long, bowed and awaited his orders.

"Is the Imperial Pharmacy regularly preparing the medicine for Consort Xiang's pregnancy?"

As Zhao Ceying stood up, he asked.

"Everything has been arranged," Li Xian said quickly.

"Yesterday, I did not choose her consort, and I intended to favor her. Who would have thought that she would be pregnant and unable to serve me?"

Zhao Ceying smiled and said, "As expected of Xiang Minzhong's great-granddaughter, a noble lady from a prestigious family, she is naturally blessed."

Xiang Minzhong was a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet during the reign of Emperor Jinzong.

However, being from Bianjing (Kaifeng), even if he were to enter the cabinet and become prime minister, it would be difficult for him to establish a prestigious family lineage.

In order to maintain their wealth and status, their sons and grandsons often married princesses of the county or prefecture.

Decades have passed, and they must have fallen on hard times.

Even so, they are still considered a first-rate scholarly family.

Consort Xiang, having received the education of a noble lady from a young age, possessed first-rate manners, exuding elegance, grace, and gentle tranquility, making her irresistible.

Among the concubines favored by Zhao Ceying was Xiang.

Consort Xiang, also known as Consort Gui, Consort Shu, Consort De, and Consort Xian, are all of the first rank. In terms of rank in the harem, Consort Xiang has reached the pinnacle of the imperial concubine system.

"For medicines to calm the mind and nourish the fetus, remember to have the Imperial Hospital use gentle remedies," Zhao Ceying instructed.

He has no other children besides Zhao Jun.

It was rare for a concubine to be pregnant, so it was naturally taken very seriously.

"Yes," Li Xian replied quickly.

"What a blessed person!" Zhao Ceying exclaimed.

As he spoke, he walked over and looked down at the plate.

The beautiful Chen, a native of Danzhou, was from Chuxiu Palace.

Consort Zhu, a native of Bianjing, resided in Yanfu Palace.

Consort Song, a native of Tongzhou, resided in Yanfu Palace.

Consort Xian, née Lin, was from Nanjian. She was the daughter of Lin Zhu, the Deputy Pacification Commissioner of Guanxi Road, and resided in Kangning Palace.

Each plaque bore the name, place of origin, rank, and residence of the imperial concubines.

Occasionally, if a concubine came from a good family, her maternal clan would be recorded on the plaque.

However, overall, there are still relatively few plaques recording the maternal families of the imperial concubines.

The main reason for this is that civil officials of the third rank or above, as well as powerful and influential veteran nobles, would not allow their granddaughters, daughters, or other female relatives to enter the palace.

Civil officials of the third rank or above already held real power, numbering thirty or forty, and were neither lacking in power nor wealth.

Civil officials valued cultivating their reputation, and sending their granddaughters and daughters into the palace brought them no benefit whatsoever, except for the suspicion of currying favor with the emperor and seeking personal gain.

We can't let relatives of the emperor enter the cabinet and become prime ministers to govern the country, can we?

If a civil official were to bring his granddaughter or daughter into the palace, it would most likely be because he was worried that his political achievements would be exposed as a major scandal. Bringing his granddaughter or daughter into the palace was simply a way to save his life and avoid disaster.

Veteran military officers and nobles, who had held military power for decades and whose influence within the army was deeply entrenched, would naturally not seek to become relatives of the emperor.

If the old-guard nobles were feared by civil officials, then the old-guard nobles who were also relatives of the emperor were simply thorns in the side of the civil officials.

It's really not worth suffering strong suppression from civil officials just for the sake of a title as a relative of the emperor!

Given the compatibility, it's best to be honest.

Therefore, concubines whose maternal families held considerable power were truly rare.

He picked up each of the dozens of signs one by one.

until
high!
Empress Gao, a native of Yuzhou, resided in Kunning Palace.

Zhao Ceying was taken aback.

"How come there's an Empress's plaque?" Zhao Ceying frowned.

As the mother of the nation, the empress should not be among those who "choose concubines."

Li Xian approached and took a look. His expression changed slightly, and he quickly knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, this old servant was negligent."

"Where did this plaque come from?" Li Xian quickly looked at the eunuch in the Imperial Household Department.

The young eunuch replied, "Her Majesty the Empress had it slipped in three days ago."

Zhao Ceying frowned slightly, understanding dawning on her.

Recently, I haven't turned the card over for three days.

The Empress had a nameplate slipped to her, but she was unlucky and her name wasn't chosen for three days in a row.

After a few breaths, he picked up the sign and put it down again.

Zhao Ceying asked, "How long has it been since I last performed the New Year and Full Year rituals?"

The so-called "rites of the new moon and full moon" meant that the emperor would visit the empress alone on the first and fifteenth of each month.

This is why there shouldn't be a queen's nameplate on the plate.

He was favored twice in one month, which was already quite an honor.

Of course, since the Empress's remonstrance, the Emperor and Empress had fallen out, and thus the "New and Full Moon Rituals" could not be followed as scheduled.

Li Xian did a quick calculation in his mind and replied respectfully, "More than one hundred and thirty days."

"Ah."

Zhao Ceying pondered for a moment, then slowly paced back and forth.

The matter of advising relatives of the empress to enter the border region had already come to an end after Ouyang Xiu and Lü Gongzhu were demoted and imprisoned.

However, there is still one person whose problem remains unsolved.

Queen!

When it comes to offering advice and remonstrance, the Empress is undoubtedly the main force, even to the point of lacking the demeanor of an empress dowager.

Otherwise, things wouldn't have escalated to the point where the emperor and empress were at odds, and the empress had fallen out of favor.

However, matters of the palace were ultimately not something that officials could say, so they were not brought up for discussion in the court.

After walking more than ten steps, Zhao Ceying looked at the dozens of dishes on the plate.

Ultimately, the discussion inevitably focused on the three words "people of Yuzhou".

"Ugh!"

Zhao Ceying shook his head and sighed. "Let's move to Kunning Palace."

Gao was, after all, his first wife, and the woman who bore him his eldest son, Zhao Jun.

For an empress, a mother of the nation, to have someone hand her a plaque is undoubtedly a sign of admitting her mistake.

The fact that the Empress had fallen out of favor for over a hundred days could be considered a warning and a lesson.

Since we've already acknowledged our mistake, let's make an exception this time, clarify a few things, and consider this the end of the story.

Of course, no matter what, there is still a hurdle in their hearts, and the relationship between husband and wife can never be the same as before.

"Yes." Li Xian stood up and was about to arrange for someone to inform the Empress to welcome him.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Ceying said, "There is no need to issue an imperial edict."

Issuing an imperial edict would be far too formal.

Today, he has something to discuss with the Empress.

An empress should have the demeanor of a mother to the world.

Kunning Palace.

Empress Gao, seated in the main seat, sipped her tea, her face bearing an unspeakable sorrow.

Below him, on the left and right, sat two women.

The woman in the left row is the younger sister of Empress Gao.

The woman on the right is Shen Congxing's wife's younger sister, née Xiao Zou.

"Sister, I wonder if His Majesty has chosen a concubine?" Lady Gao asked with concern.

That "stuffing the sign" move was clearly her idea.

"For several days in a row, the Emperor has not chosen a concubine. He has either favored Consort Xiang or Consort Lin. He only chooses a concubine when he is about to favor a new one."

Gao sighed softly and shook his head, saying, "I expected it to be the same today."

"Isn't the Emperor being far too inconsiderate of his marital bond?" Lady Gao said indignantly on behalf of her sister. "My sister is the Emperor's first wife, and she has worked tirelessly all the way from Yuzhou!"

These words only deepened Gao's sorrow.

“Last time Jun’er was seriously ill, he had someone carry him to the Imperial Study instead of coming to Kunning Palace.”

Lady Gao couldn't help but complain, "The Emperor really doesn't care much about the bond between husband and wife."

His advice was misguided, and the emperor and empress were at odds for over a hundred days.

With the successive entry of four imperial concubines, nine concubines, and twenty-seven ladies-in-waiting into the palace, she felt increasingly threatened.

Sorrow inevitably arises as a result.

It was rare to have a close confidant to talk to, so Gao didn't shy away from anything.

"Oh, what a pity!"

In a coquettish voice, Lady Zou sighed, "If the border expansion fails, Your Majesty's advice will be effective, and the Imperial Uncle and Brother-in-law can take advantage of the situation to become officials in the border region."

My brother-in-law, Shen Congxing, has been in the capital for over a hundred days, but he holds no official position or power.

This made Xiao Zou very dissatisfied.

"That's true," Gao sighed, her eyes filled with regret. "But..."

"That's not how it's said!" came the rebuke, deep and authoritative.

"His Majesty!"

"His Majesty?"

The three women were startled and quickly bowed.

Zhao Ceying stood on the threshold with his hands hanging down.

His dragon eyes were filled with disappointment.

His face was filled with rage.

Lady Gao looked panicked and quickly explained, "Your Majesty, your concubine..."

"No need for explanations, I don't want to hear them!" Zhao Ceying waved his hand, interrupting.

Originally, it was said that the Empress would be given another chance in order to maintain harmony within the palace.

Who would have thought it would turn out like this?
The Empress, Lady Gao, and Lady Zou even dared to say things like "the border expansion has failed."

It is clear that the discord between the emperor and empress did not cause him to repent in the slightest.

Zhao Ceying felt a surge of anger mixed with disappointment.

Now he finally understood what "small family" and "foolish woman's views" meant.

"An empress should possess the demeanor of a mother to the world," Zhao Ceying said coldly. "Empress, you should behave yourself."

Having said that, he flicked his sleeve.

"Let's move to Huining Palace!"

Less than ten breaths later, all was silent outside Kunning Palace.

"Your Majesty, why have you come so suddenly?" Madam Zou's eyes darted away, not daring to look directly at the Empress.

Gao's expression was unpredictable, shifting between light and dark.

After a few moments of silence, he finally couldn't resist and slapped it on.

"Snapped!"

The following day, at the Jiang residence.

In the main hall, an incense table lay across the room, wisps of smoke rising from it.

Sheng Hualan knelt down solemnly.

She wore a light blue silk robe with gold brocade embroidery on the cuffs, featuring nine rows of pheasant patterns. She had a wide belt around her waist, wore a brocade sash for a first-rank lady, and a crown with nine phoenixes and four pheasants, adorned with a nine-flower hairpin. Her long robe reached the ground, exuding elegance, grace, and nobility.

(As shown in the image: run by AI)

"The Queen's decree:
A ruler governs his household with propriety and harmony; a nation enjoys peace and prosperity thanks to the virtues of women. This year, the seasons are peaceful and spring is in full bloom. I think of the noblewomen who have long been virtuous and learned, assisting their husbands in serving the king. Some are loyal and diligent in supporting their husbands, while others teach their children to be wise and discerning. They cultivate exemplary conduct within the home and contribute to the family's reputation without. They are truly the glory of the nation.

Having long resided within the palace walls, I often yearn to converse with my virtuous consorts, sharing stories of farming and other matters, to exemplify the virtues of gentleness and grace. Therefore, I have decreed that a small gathering will be held in the Kunning Palace at the hour of Wei (1-3 PM) ten days from now, for the sake of these ladies-in-waiting. All those who have received this decree, whether ladies of high rank or wives of meritorious officials, may bring this edict to the Kunning Palace.

A ruler and his subject should be in harmony, like fish and water complementing each other. I hope that all noblewomen will understand this humble sentiment and arrive as scheduled.

Therefore, this is hereby proclaimed so that all may be informed.

The eunuch announced the imperial decree.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace." Sheng Hualan bowed.

Afterwards, a maidservant slipped gold into the bag and led the eunuch out.

Upon receiving the edict, Sheng Hualan glanced at it and couldn't help but be surprised.

Kunning Palace, not Fushou Palace?
gazebo.

A stone table, clear tea, and fruits.

"Practice until your form resembles a crane, and beneath a thousand pines lie two volumes of scriptures!"

Jiang Zhao faced his palms together, stretched out his body, gradually assuming the posture of a "flying crane," and earnestly practiced the Five Animal Fist.

To succeed in officialdom, one must maintain a good mindset and be in good health!
Concubine Sheng Shulan, while munching on melons and fruits, nodded in praise from time to time.

"Let me ask."

"Officer."

With a soft call, Sheng Hualan, holding the decree, approached with light steps.

Jiang Zhao turned around, glanced at the imperial edict, and slowly withdrew from the action.

Sheng Shulan stepped forward at the opportune moment and used a silk handkerchief to wipe the official's sweat.

"What's wrong?" Jiang Zhao looked at his wife.

"By imperial decree, the wives of noblewomen and meritorious officials are permitted to enter Kunning Palace for a chat and a small gathering."

Sheng Hualan exclaimed in surprise, "But generally speaking, people go to the Empress Dowager's Palace of Fortune and Longevity!"

As the wife of a high-ranking official, a noblewoman of noble birth, Sheng Hualan naturally possessed the "sensitivity" expected of a wife of a powerful and wealthy person.

The Kunning Palace and the Fushou Palace have completely different meanings.

Jiang Zhao raised his eyebrows, and in a split second, he understood.

"Does my wife have any idea why?" Jiang Zhao asked gently.

"The matter of offering advice?" Sheng Hualan asked softly.

The Empress repeatedly offered advice, but she showed no sign of being a virtuous mother to the nation, which annoyed the Emperor, and he stopped visiting her.

This matter has never been a secret.

Since the "New Moon and Full Moon Ritual" became invalid, the wives and noblewomen of officials have been discussing it endlessly, and even after more than a hundred days, it is still the hottest topic.

For an empress to be the subject of gossip for over a hundred days is not a good thing.

There are only two possibilities for a noblewoman entering the Kunning Palace instead of the Fushou Palace:

Either the Empress Dowager has lost power, or the Emperor is deliberately targeting her.

Either the empress wanted to regain her dignity as the "mother of the nation" and strengthen her authority among the women.

Based on probability, it is unlikely to be the first one.

Making the Empress Dowager lose face is no easy task.

Ninety-nine percent of the civil and military officials had been selected and promoted by the late emperor.

Even the official Jiang Zhao was highly regarded by the late emperor.

If the Empress Dowager had behaved herself and behaved herself, the civil and military officials left behind by the late emperor would never have allowed her to have a worryy old age.

The most likely explanation is that the Empress wanted to restore her status as a dignified and virtuous mother of the nation.

Jiang Zhao nodded and said calmly, "I reckon that's how it is."

The empress was, after all, the emperor's first wife.

Given the temperament of officials, if someone makes a mistake, they will definitely choose to tolerate it.

Interrupted from practicing his boxing, Jiang Zhao simply stopped practicing, wiped away his sweat, and slowly said, "Today is the day the courtyard is locked."

"I'm leaving now."

With that, he strode away, hands behind his back.

"I came to ask the question, but there is nothing more to say; the clouds are in the blue sky, the water is in..."

……

(End of this chapter)