Chapter 4, Past Events
This effect was something even Ye Xiu had not anticipated, but he was pleased to see it come to fruition
Indeed, he does not understand the thoughts of men, Feng Youde thought
Following this line of thought, it is not difficult to infer Ji Wujiao's attitude towards the other party, Liu Yue
Before dinner, Feng Youde held the tray with the green nameplates of the various imperial concubines above his head and said, "Your Majesty, please turn over the nameplates."
How could Ye Xiu tolerate the little emperor and Fang Xiuqing exchanging glances right under his nose, as if he were dead? Therefore, he mobilized the officials to submit memorials every day, with the central message of the memorials being a single sentence: It is against the natural order for His Majesty not to marry Ye Zhenzhen
Zhuang Pin still wanted to speak, but Ye Zhenzhen waved her hand, instructing Su Yue to bring forth the gifts meant for the virtuous consort.
The virtuous consort slept for a while longer before getting up, having breakfast, and once again heading to the Kun Ning Palace. Although she had the verbal favor from Ji Wu Jiu, she was always cautious in her actions and did not wish to give others any leverage against her. Moreover, this way she could also earn a reputation for virtue, which was a win-win situation.
She arrived at Kun Ning Palace neither early nor late, and as usual, the last to arrive was Consort Li
This is a compromise solution that all parties involved have expressed their acceptance of the outcome
The atmosphere is just right; it is time to attend to serious matters
He also sought various religious practitioners to analyze the birth charts of Ji Wujiao and Fang Liuyue, and the results yielded three conclusions: the birth charts are incompatible; the birth charts are highly incompatible; the birth charts are extremely incompatible
Ji Wujiao conversed with the virtuous consort for a while. Unlike the gentle and considerate demeanor of the Li Consort, her thoughtfulness stemmed from a clear and transparent mind. When Ji Wujiao spoke the first part of a sentence, she would know how to respond, often making the other party feel immensely comforted with just a few words. As the emperor, Ji Wujiao visited the imperial harem merely to relax; if there were a woman who could cheer him up and make him feel at ease, he would not hesitate to offer a few sweet words.
Ji Wujiao's gaze swept across the various signs, pausing for a moment on the one that read "Su Rouzhi," before ultimately shifting slightly to the right and landing on "Fang Liuyue."
If Feng Youde knew that the Emperor's happiness was due to the Empress's unhappiness, he would not know what to think
Indeed, Consort Li did not disappoint expectations and became angry. She cast a glance at Consort Xian and snorted coldly, "The Emperor merely wishes to try something new!"
Therefore, Ye Zhenzhen believes that her marriage is essentially a tragedy, which is why she cannot develop any feelings for Ji Wujiao. As for Ji Wujiao, he completely regards Ye Zhenzhen as a representation of Ye Xiuming; one could say that the extent of his dislike for Ye Xiuming is matched by his dislike for Ye Zhenzhen.
The next morning, when Feng Youde called Ji Wujiao, the virtuous consort also woke up. She struggled to get up to serve, but her body was simply too weak, and she accidentally fell back onto the bed.
However, the virtuous consort was delicate; just a few intimate words from Ji Wujiu made her cheeks flush crimson, leaving her shy and speechless. Ji Wujiu gently lifted her chin with his index finger, gazing at her cherry lips that quivered with nervousness, and with a low chuckle, he leaned in closer and covered her lips.
This person indeed possesses exceptional skills. In just two short sentences, he can simultaneously infuriate the Queen and Consort Li, while also making Consort Xian wary of Consort Li, and perhaps even incite feelings of jealousy in Her Majesty the Queen towards the charm of Consort Xian
Li Fei's expression changed suddenly, and just as she was about to speak, Zhuang Pin tugged at her sleeve. Zhuang Pin smiled and glanced around at everyone, saying, "The Empress truly speaks from the heart and is straightforward. However, this may inadvertently cause the other sisters to feel disheartened and misinterpret the Empress's intentions." The implication was that if you say Li Fei is not fresh, then apart from Xian Fei, everyone else in the palace is also not fresh, and with one sentence, you have implicated everyone.
Newcomers have their own ways of navigating the world, while veterans have their own means of establishing themselves. If I may say, the distinction between the new and the old is not particularly significant; what truly matters is to clearly understand the situation and to act appropriately. Rushing to take the lead simply because one possesses a few skills often leads to unfavorable outcomes. Ye Zhenzhen actually prefers watching performances; her active participation today is mainly because she finds it amusing to see Consort Li angry and wants to provoke her a little. However, this Zhuang Pin is rather lacking in tact, insisting on opposing her. Thus, she has a dislike for those who are sharp-tongued. Her active involvement today is also due to the amusement she finds in Consort Li's anger, wanting to tease her a bit. Yet, this Zhuang Pin is too oblivious, insisting on clashing with her. Hence, she detests those who are eloquent.
Yes, of course I like it
By a twist of fate, the day after he spoke those words, a major earthquake struck Datong, shaking even the capital. The report on the disaster was expedited over eight hundred miles and reached the capital late that night. The following morning during the court session, Ji Wujiao fully witnessed the true combat effectiveness of the officials of the Great Qi. Those who were in close alignment with Ye Xiuming did not hold back, nearly pointing at Ji Wujiao's nose to accuse him of being a foolish monarch who misled the country. Even those upright officials who had previously disdained to associate too closely with Ye Xiuming began to waver upon seeing the reality of the situation, joining in the criticism. Regardless of their differing political views, criticizing the emperor was a shared pastime among the officials. Those who were in close alignment with Ye Xiuming did not hold back, nearly pointing at Ji Wujiao's nose to accuse him of being a foolish monarch who misled the country. Even those upright officials who had previously disdained to associate too closely with Ye Xiuming began to waver upon seeing the reality of the situation, joining in the criticism. Regardless of their differing political views, criticizing the emperor was a shared pastime among the officials
On the third day after he said this, a solar eclipse occurred
Unfortunately, there is one person who does not agree
Ye Zhenzhen sighed helplessly, this Xi Pin is truly a talent
Ji Wujiao also thought this idea was quite good. Therefore, when he married Ye Zhenzhen, he conveniently brought Fang Liuyue into the palace as well
The virtuous consort was much calmer than the beautiful consort; after expressing her gratitude, she ordered someone to put it away. Because she appeared very composed, the crowd's desire to watch the spectacle diminished somewhat
In those years, Elder Ye advocated marrying his granddaughter to Ji Wujiao, but Ji Wujiao found various excuses to decline. Later, he employed a delaying tactic, using the pretext of mourning for his father to postpone the marriage. Ji Wujiao wished to choose a queen for himself, not expecting the other party to help him restrain the Ye family, but at least to be less controlled by Ye Xiuming. At that time, Fang Xiuqing possessed great talent and was a rising star in the officialdom. Although not as grand as Ye Xiuming, he still had quite a few people surrounding him. Since he entered the cabinet, he had many political disagreements with Ye Xiuming, who began to look down on him. At that time, Fang Xiuqing possessed great talent and was a rising star in the officialdom. Although not as grand as Ye Xiuming, he still had quite a few people surrounding him. Since he entered the cabinet, he had many political disagreements with Ye Xiuming, who began to look down on him.
Ji Wujiao held her down, saying, "You are not feeling well, so it is better to rest more and not worry about those formalities." After a moment's thought, he added, "Today, you should also refrain from going to Kun Ning Palace to pay your respects."
Amidst the cacophony of criticism from both the court and the public, Ji Wujiao had no choice but to abandon his thoughts of marrying Fang Liuyue, obediently waiting for the end of the mourning period to take Ye Zhenzhen into the imperial palace
The noble consort's name contains the character "Yue" (月), and due to her ethereal and cool demeanor, akin to that of a moonlight fairy, she was bestowed the title of Master of the Moon Invitation Palace. This was a decree from the Emperor, a supreme honor, and thus she did not realize she had inadvertently violated the taboo of names
A rather eloquent Taoist meticulously outlined the serious consequences of the marriage between Ji Wujiao and Fang Liuyue, gathering many monks, Taoists, and a few Western missionaries to sign a petition addressed to Ji Wujiao. During the Da Qi Dynasty, the channels for public petitions were open, and it was not uncommon for the populace to submit petitions. However, this was the first petition initiated by a coalition of monks, Taoists, and missionaries.
Ji Wujiao had encountered many beautiful women, and at this moment, his composure remained intact. He stepped forward and grasped the hand of the virtuous consort, only to feel that her delicate palm was as cool as jade. Ji Wujiao smiled and said, "It is getting cold; my beloved consort need not come out to greet me, quickly go inside and warm yourself up."
Ji Wujiao was so enraged that he wanted to take a knife and kill them all one by one, yet he still had to pretend to listen earnestly to their opinions. The eighteen-year-old young emperor finally straightened his neck and gritted his teeth, saying: "As the saying goes, 'Heaven's way is constant; it does not preserve Yao, nor does it destroy Jie.' Your Jade Emperor surely does not care whom I take as my wife. My mind is made up; there is no need for you, my loyal ministers, to persuade me further. Dismiss the court!" Saying this, he disregarded the chattering below the court and left with a flick of his sleeve.
This cannot be considered a coincidence, as the specific date and approximate time of the solar eclipse had already been calculated by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau and reported to the Emperor. However, while he understood this, the ministers understood this, and even the old scoundrel Ye Xiuming acknowledged it, the vast majority of the common people did not grasp the mystery of such celestial phenomena. Furthermore, the popular petition, which could be regarded as a model case of fortune-telling, was widely circulated, and the 'talented' old Taoist became famous overnight, proclaiming various dangers that would occur after the Emperor married Fang Liuyue. As a result, many commoners spontaneously sided with Ye Xiuming, resolutely accusing the Emperor of acting arbitrarily and bringing disaster to the nation. Borrowing a phrase that would become popular in the political arena hundreds of years later, Ji Wujiao's public support rating had fallen to a historical low.
Fang Xiuqing is a clever person; he pointed out to Ji Wujiao that even if his daughter cannot become his primary wife, being a secondary wife is also acceptable
After exiting the Kun Ning Palace, Ji Wujiu's expression finally appeared less grim. Feng Youde was taken aback; yesterday, when the Emperor emerged from the Kun Ning Palace, his face was truly frightening. He had thought that the Emperor harbored a strong dislike for the Empress. However, upon seeing the situation today, it seemed that this could not be taken as a certainty.
several exquisite pieces of jewelry and a ... ... toad
As soon as Consort Li took her seat, Consort Xi smiled and said, "Sister Li, is there something that has held you up? I haven't heard that His Majesty moved to the Luhua Palace yesterday." This blatant mockery nearly caused several lower-ranking consorts to burst into laughter, and they hurriedly covered their mouths with handkerchiefs.
Ye Zhenzhen rubbed her forehead again, wondering how this person dared to say anything. Not to mention that the virtuous consort held the same rank of second grade, even if it were any minor noble in the palace with a rank, being publicly humiliated like this would surely breed resentment, and one could never tell when they might seek revenge. In the depths of the palace, people prefer to avoid trouble, fearing to create too many enemies, yet this Li Fei is quite the opposite, always actively digging for potential adversaries. How lonely must her life be
The virtuous consort, with a blushing face, was led by him into the room. After Ji Wujiao sat down, he pulled the virtuous consort into his embrace, prompting the palace maids and eunuchs to hurriedly retreat.
Ji Wujiao observed for a period of time and increasingly felt that Fang Xiuqing's daughter was a perfect match for him. He thus intended to marry Fang Liuyue as his empress and tested Fang Xiuqing several times. Fang Xiuqing, who often faced difficulties due to Ye Xiu's schemes, naturally hoped that this old fellow would be dealt with soon, and therefore happily agreed to the marriage.
Feng Youde respectfully withdrew and turned to instruct someone to invite the Moon Palace to convey the imperial decree, as the virtuous consort was to attend to the emperor tonight
That bloody statement was shocking, causing Ji Wujiao to slam the table in anger, "Is it possible that marrying a wife could bring about some kind of natural disaster or ominous sign!"
The virtuous consort looked at him with gratitude and deep affection. He lowered his head and kissed her between the brows, saying, "I shall take my leave now and will come to see you again after the morning court."
After having dinner, Ji Wujiao reviewed some memorials before heading to the Invitation Moon Palace. The virtuous consort had been waiting at the door for a while, dressed in a flowing white robe that danced gently in the evening breeze. Her long, ink-black hair was casually styled and secured with a white jade ice lotus hairpin, and she wore no makeup. The moonlight was bright tonight, and under the soft, gauzy glow, her beautiful eyes resembled autumn waves, her skin surpassed frost and snow, her white robe billowed gracefully, and her steps were light as a lotus, resembling a celestial being descended to earth, captivating all who beheld her.
The next morning, the virtuous consort received a toad from the empress.
This idea was confirmed in the following two months.
It was not until this moment that everyone realized that Ye Zhenzhen's earlier remark, "This kind of thing, I have plenty, and there's nowhere to put it," may not have been intended to provoke Consort Li, but was merely a statement of fact.
This time it is ice-type jade, crystal clear and bright, the craftsmanship is impeccable, it feels cool and smooth to the touch, and if one closes their eyes and feels it, it can indeed be quite pleasing.
Moreover, Fang Liuyue is perceptive in her thoughts, acts with caution, possesses a gentle and understanding personality, and is also very beautiful. It is absolutely unreasonable for such a woman to enter the palace and not receive favor. Furthermore, the alliance between the emperor and her has already been firmly established, so he will certainly not treat his daughter poorly
Ye Zhenzhen looked at the Xianfei and saw that her expression was calm, but her fingers were tightly gripping the hem of her garment, indicating a good level of self-restraint. Ye Zhenzhen nodded, thinking that this person had some merit. She then turned her gaze to Li Fei and smiled, saying: "Li Fei makes a valid point. The Emperor's desire for novelty is merely because some have already lost their novelty."
There is another story between the virtuous consort and Ji Wujiao
That night, Ji Wujiao turned over the card of the virtuous consort again