That Imperial Concubine is both wicked and cunning! Your Majesty, wake up!

Song Shuangning leaned against the sedan chair, a hint of mockery flashing in her eyes. Why bother with elaborate schemes and elaborate plans to deal with fools? Just let them run headlong into their own doom.

There's an old saying: "It's not that I'm afraid of people being stupid or foolish, it's that I'm afraid of people being idiotic. It's not that I'm afraid of bad people racking their brains, it's that I'm afraid of stupid people coming up with a clever idea."

After Su Yu Nu died, the second princess was taken away to be raised.

The fate of a young princess after the death of her birth mother naturally became a pretext for the intrigues among the women of the harem.

Consort Qing was particularly enthusiastic about this, and before the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet, she repeatedly expressed her desire to raise the second princess.

As for Consort Ye, she cannot be allowed to live.

She was originally Su Yunu's confidante. In terms of cunning, she was not particularly deep, but she was not simple either. The Jiang family had plotted against her for the sake of the Yun family before, and Song Shuangning would never let the past repeat itself. However, she would take action to eliminate them one by one, which was too troublesome and laborious.

The Empress had just recovered from a cold, but her health remained poor, so the daily greetings were changed to once every three days.

The power in the harem was also divided, and it was ultimately decided that it would be shared by three people.

Consort De was appointed to the Imperial Household Department. She was upright and always acted alone, never forming cliques or engaging in private activities, which made her the most suitable candidate.

The responsibilities of managing the palace rules and regulations and dispatching palace servants fell on Consort Shao's shoulders. Coming from a prestigious family, Consort Shao handled these matters with great efficiency.

The position of the Imperial Household Department fell to Song Shuangning.

All the concubines could see that the Emperor and Empress's decision to put the newly promoted Consort Yuan in charge was a deliberate act of favoritism.

This arrangement was the result of a detailed discussion between the Emperor and Empress under the lamp in the Phoenix Palace the night before.

Consort De and Consort Shao were personally recommended by the Empress. Finally, the Empress also mentioned Consort Xu, saying that Consort Xu had been in the palace for many years and had been learning from Consort Shao for a long time, so she was quite capable.

To everyone's surprise, Xiao Yan immediately rejected the idea, stating that Consort Xu was not suitable.

If Consort Shao is to take charge of the Imperial Palace Bureau, she will definitely be very busy, and the Third Prince will need someone to take care of him.

Then, Xiao Yan recommended Song Shuangning.

The Empress smiled bitterly. "What did the Emperor say last night?"

"Consort Yuan may seem gentle, but she is actually opinionated, sensible, and acts prudently, so she is definitely suitable."

The Empress gently advised, "Consort Yuan has only recently been promoted and knows nothing about the affairs of the inner palace or the Imperial Household Department. I'm afraid she is not up to the task."

Xiao Yan did not concede, saying dismissively, "If you don't understand, then learn; you have palace servants to assist you."

The Empress was speechless for a moment. Looking at the Emperor's calm expression, she knew that the matter was settled, so she said no more.

The Emperor intends to elevate Consort Yuan.

As night deepened, the Emperor was already fast asleep, but the Empress was wide awake. The red candles had burned down to their last bit, yet she still tossed and turned.

The Empress Dowager's birthday celebration was not well-received, and she remained depressed for several days, causing a stagnant atmosphere in the Shou Kang Palace.

Xiao Yan noticed all of this, and for the past few days he has been staying at Consort Shen's palace. When the Empress Dowager heard about it, her expression softened.

As the afternoon sun began to set, Song Shuangning had just woken up from her bed, her hair slightly disheveled.

Tingyu entered quietly and reported, "Your Majesty, the head steward of the Imperial Household Department has arrived. He's been waiting for you in the side hall for half an hour now."

Song Shuangning was slightly taken aback: "Half an hour has passed?"

Tingyu replied, "Yes, this servant said that Your Highness was resting, and the head steward said that you should rest as well, and he would wait for you to wake up."

Song Shuangning straightened her clothes and said calmly, "It's kind of him to wait. Please invite him in."

The head steward of the Imperial Household Department stepped in and bowed respectfully.

"What brings you to see me today?"

"Your Majesty, I have come here with two matters. First, I have briefly explained the daily affairs of the Imperial Household Department to Your Majesty in order to prepare you for the task. Second, this is the Imperial Register; please take a look."

But she didn't say she wanted to see the book.

Tingyu, who was standing nearby, quickly handed the red book to Song Shuangning.

Song Shuangning then flipped through a few pages.

Surprisingly, there was no record of this in the imperial register two months ago. Even the fact that the Emperor stayed overnight in Consort Shen's palace a few days ago was not recorded.

Is this... His Majesty's intention?

"The Imperial Register is a closely guarded secret of the palace. No one except the Emperor, Empress, Empress Dowager, and you has the right to access it. As the one in charge, Your Highness can access it at any time, and no one dares to stop you. Furthermore, Your Highness can also determine the monthly rotation of the green-headed plaques and verify the records of the emperor's bedchamber visits submitted by each palace..."

Song Shuangning couldn't help but smile as she listened.

Who says power is bad? This power is wonderful!

Now I understand why everyone wants to climb the ladder and take charge. Who doesn't like that?

She even felt it wasn't enough.

She wanted more.

After listening to what was said, Song Shuangning slowly said, "I understand."

As dusk settled, the palace lanterns were lit.

Song Shuangning stood as usual among the spring flowers in the courtyard. The evening breeze carried the sweet fragrance of crabapple and magnolia, fluttering the pearl hairpins at her temples.

Xiao Yan's bright yellow figure came stepping into the moonlight. Her eyes lit up, and she quickly went to meet him. Like a little animal looking for its home, she softly put her arm around his shoulder and gently rubbed her cheek against his sleeve.

Xiao Yan stiffened for a moment, then chuckled and reached out to ruffle her hair.

For the past two weeks, she had deliberately distanced herself from him, speaking less, smiling less, and when they met, she would only bow formally, without a trace of her former charming and clingy nature. Finally, she started clinging to him again.

Xiao Yan grasped her hand and cut to the chase: "Tong Ce, have you seen it?"

Song Shuangning looked up at him, her eyes clear, with a touch of charming worry: "I've seen it. But Your Majesty, what if Consort Shen goes to the Empress Dowager to complain?"

Xiao Yan lowered his head and met her eyes. "This matter was bound to happen sooner or later. You don't need to worry. I have my own way of dealing with it."

Upon hearing this, Song Shuangning's brows relaxed instantly, and she tiptoed to place a light kiss on his cheek. "Okay."

It's best if the Emperor handles it himself, without needing her to. It must be said, the Emperor is becoming more and more like a human being.

After entering the hall, Song Shuangning pushed Xiao Yan down onto the bed. Xiao Yan was stunned at first, then his eyes darkened.

"What does Ningning want to do?"

Song Shuangning asked, "Does Your Majesty miss me?"

What do you think?

"Your Majesty, I miss you too." After saying that, Song Shuangning leaned down and kissed Xiao Yan. She had promised to give Xiao Yan a reward.

……

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