Chapter 4: Establishing Authority

The long-awaited visitor has finally appeared. Zhu Changluo took just one glance and nearly choked; this person was definitely not Concubine Zheng

Feeling ignored, Gui Zhi cast an angry glance around the room. Concubine Gong, feeling guilty, quickly lowered her eyelids and dared not meet her gaze. Sensing her mother’s nervousness to the point of sweating, Zhu Changluo furrowed her brows. This lowly maid is quite audacious.

Just let it go like this? It is truly hard to accept! With a firm resolve, Zhu Changluo made up his mind to take down Gui Zhi today, to catch the rat and bring along the jade bottle. For his mother and for himself, he would first let that group of blind fools in the harem see that Yonghe Palace is not to be trifled with

The Concubine, born of humble origins, possesses a gentle disposition; otherwise, she would not have allowed herself to be molded and shaped by others for so many years. Feeling the strength emanating from her son's hands and the firmness in his tone, she, being a person without strong opinions, instinctively followed his lead since he had said so.

Zhu Changluo determined that Emperor Wanli certainly did not have such a peculiar taste, as this individual had a very distinctive appearance. While most people's faces are generally oval in shape from top to bottom, how is it that yours is oval from side to side? Upon entering, one does not see the person first but rather the face. From his perspective, he could barely make out a pair of large nostrils that were flaring outward.

Looking at the old and dilapidated furnishings around him, and at the haggard and sorrowful face of the Concubine Gong, Zhu Changluo felt a surge of hot blood rush to his head. He suddenly grasped the hand of Concubine Gong and declared loudly: "Rest assured, from now on, with me here, no one will dare to bully you again"

A child with a mother is like a treasure, while a child without a mother is like a blade of grass. It seems that heaven has been quite kind to me; after all, it has given me a mother who cares for me. This was the first moment of deep emotion for Zhu Changluo upon arriving here

Because in the past, Zhu Changluo and the books had never been like this, although the son is young, ever since he became aware, it seems he understands that due to his lowly status, he has been subjected to various forms of neglect. He is usually very indifferent towards himself, and has always been taciturn and reserved. As a mother, how could she not feel sad? For this reason, the Concubine Gong has secretly shed many tears.

When Gui Zhi first appeared, Concubine Gong wanted to stand up. However, as soon as she moved, her hand was pulled back forcefully. One could hear Zhu Changluo's low voice saying: "Mother, please remain calm and do as your child says!"

Heaven blesses the son with recovery from a serious illness, and Concubine Gong feels both joy and worry. The joy comes from seeing her son in such a confused and dazed state, perhaps confirming what Caihua had predicted, as his previous memories may have been lost due to the prolonged fever. The worry lies in whether his body might still have any lingering issues as a result.

As expected, the Empress Dowager was frightened, and Gui Zhi, feeling a sense of relief, finally revealed a hint of a satisfied smile

The one who has arrived is Guizhi, a first-class palace maid from Chuxi Palace. It is customary for a palace maid to be announced by the eunuchs at the palace gate before meeting a consort of the palace, such as Consort Gong. Upon meeting the master, even the most significant matters must first be preceded by greetings and well-wishes; this is both a rule and a formality. However, who is Guizhi? Having followed Consort Zheng for several years, she has not learned much else but has certainly acquired an air of arrogance.

Thinking of this, she squeezed the hand of the Concubine with force, lowering her head to meet her son's gaze, as Zhu Changluo broke into a broad smile at her.

In the historical knowledge he possessed, there were quite a few records about that extremely unfortunate emperor, but very few concerning his own mother. However, given that Zhu Changluo from his previous life ended up in such a miserable state, as his mother, one could easily imagine her fate.

It had long been known that Consort Zheng would not easily let herself go, and indeed there were matters of etiquette to consider. However, with the emperor's child on the brink of death, she herself no longer wished to live, so how could she find the heart to congratulate Consort Zheng? She was a woman of the inner palace without strategy or background, and a heavy, unforgivable label was ruthlessly placed upon her, one that she could hardly bear. In an instant, her whole body trembled, her legs grew weak, and she collapsed to the ground.

Observing the astonished expression of Concubine Gong and the painted Zhang, whose mouths could swallow an egg, Zhu Changluo suddenly realized that what he needed now was to be low-key. If people were to discover that the body of a child housed the soul of a person in their twenties, they would surely regard him as a monster.

The Noble Consort Gong has been acquainted with Consort Zheng for so many years, and she is thoroughly familiar with the latter's underhanded tactics. Even on ordinary days, Consort Zheng seeks to create trouble, pestering her every few days. If she were to indulge her whims and allow her to act as she pleases, that would be one thing. However, if there is even the slightest resistance, what follows will undoubtedly be a torment multiplied tenfold or a hundredfold.

To all the deities and celestial beings, I beseech you to bless my son with a life of peace and joy, and good health. Should any calamity arise, let it be borne entirely by this unworthy mother. Even if it means sacrificing my life and shortening my years, I shall do so without complaint or regret. The Empress Dowager turned with tear-filled eyes, knelt down, and with hands clasped, offered her sincere prayers.

But who would have thought that upon waking, the son's actions and words would be vastly different from before. At this moment, his true feelings were laid bare, and astonishingly, he even spoke words of self-protection. The child's sincere heart made the Empress Dowager's heart swell with joy.

A good omen descends from the heavens, and the sun and moon shine together. Yesterday marked the grand ceremony for the promotion of the Imperial Noble Consort. According to ancestral regulations, all concubines in the inner palace must pay their respects and congratulate her according to their ranks. However, Consort Wang, relying on the pretext of the Crown Prince's critical illness, arrogantly refused to attend the court, showing contempt for the established laws, a crime that cannot be forgiven

Regardless of the circumstances, any mother would be overjoyed to hear such heartwarming words from her son, whom she has raised with great effort and sacrifice. This is especially true for Consort Gong!

Aunt Gui Zhi was quite displeased! She was accustomed to walking through the Yonghe Palace, and every time she came in with a feather duster as if it were an imperial edict, even Concubine Gong would fall silent and dare not speak. However, this time was different; Concubine Gong not only did not stand aside early as she had in the past, but instead sat calmly on the couch, gazing deeply into the eyes of that wretched child, as if she were invisible.

Rationality told him that, given his current status, it was not a big deal to deal with such an arrogant, rude servant. However, the fact that this servant was backed by Consort Zheng made him greatly apprehensive

Zhu Changluo was furious! His own mother, no matter how inadequate, was still a palace matron, a dignified empress. How could she allow a lowly maidservant to insult her indirectly and humiliate her so brazenly? How could this not make him seethe with anger!

For some unknown reason, the fear in the heart of Concubine Gong surprisingly diminished significantly in the face of her son's smile. She gathered her courage, realizing that for her son, she could not afford to be afraid.

"I wonder if Aunt Gui Zhi has come, but has Her Imperial Highness the Empress Dowager issued a decree?" Cai Hua silently lamented, as this large and small pair were acting unusually, leaving her to bear the brunt of it.

Anyone could detect the sarcasm and retorts in the words, but being humiliated by a palace maid in front of her son was truly difficult for Consort Gong. Her face flushed red and then pale, with tears welling up in her eyes.

Regarding the suddenly appearing Empress and the * pictorial * book of kinship, Zhu Changluo had never felt a visceral connection. Yet at this moment, he realized how erroneous his thoughts were. He was no longer the Zhu Changluo of the past, but Zhu Changluo was indeed his current self. The responsibilities and obligations that this body should bear, how could he possibly remain aloof from them

Once again, his gaze shifted to Gui Zhi, and the corners of Zhu Changluo's mouth curled into a faint sneer, blaming only your misfortune for coming to him today

The mother and son were deeply interacting on this side, leaving the attendant, Caihua, utterly astonished. The young prince had fallen ill, and upon waking, he seemed like a different person; not only were his behaviors and mannerisms drastically changed, but even his speech was unlike before. Caihua became increasingly convinced that Zhu Changluo's severe illness had undoubtedly affected his mind.

It is strange that Consort Gong did not attend the conferral ceremony for the Empress Dowager, and yet no one seems to know that the grand performance of "The Three Mothers Teaching Their Sons" is currently being staged in Yonghe Palace. The arrival of a person is preceded by their voice

With great expectation, he thought that such a bold statement must surely come from the renowned Consort Zheng. Zhu Changluo had reason to think this, as compared to the obscure Consort Gong, Consort Zheng was indeed quite famous in history

Her words flowed smoothly, with spittle flying. At this moment, Concubine Gong felt a sense of relief; not to mention kneeling for two hours was merely enduring some hardship, as long as she could ensure her son's safety, what was it to kneel to death?

"Convey the Empress Dowager's imperial edict..." This call was drawn out for a long time, and at this moment, Consort Gong no longer dared to sit, instead turning to the side and standing with her robes neatly arranged: "This humble servant, Wang, respectfully awaits your instruction." Gui Zhi shot several fierce glances at Consort Gong, thinking to herself: Just wait! How dare you humiliate me, I will show you something fierce later.

The rules and regulations must not be disregarded. The Empress Dowager has lost her decorum, and this matter shall be severely punished to uphold the order of the imperial court. However, considering that the Crown Prince has just recovered, leniency shall be granted outside the law. Therefore, the Empress Dowager Wang shall, starting today, wear the female admonition on her head, hold a censer in her hands, kneel on a cushion made of porcelain tiles, and spend two hours every day at noon kneeling outside the palace in quiet reflection.

You must be informed that your rudeness warrants severe punishment. However, the Empress Dowager has interceded on your behalf, recalling the bond we once shared as master and servant, and has pleaded with the Emperor for your leniency. You must remember the Empress's kindness and refrain from behaving as you did before, being ungrateful and oblivious to your blessings.

Zheng, this woman, is described by some descendants as a beauty as lovely as a flower yet as cruel as a scorpion, while others depict her as fierce, domineering, and a jealous shrew

Finally, someone has come forward to engage in conversation; otherwise, Gui Zhi would truly have no way to save face. The pent-up anger has finally found an outlet, and Gui Zhi lets out a cold laugh.

Seeing the trembling figure of Concubine Gong, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger. Since heaven has placed me in this body, I shall live according to my own will! No matter who you are, if you think you can bully my mother, then you are merely dreaming a grand dream!

The sound was loud, crisp, and quite astonishing, leaving Consort Gong in a daze and Caihua stunned

No matter how one puts it, one point must be made clear: during the reign of Emperor Wanli, this woman thrived remarkably, enjoying both favor and power, with even the Empress Dowager and the Empress unable to do anything about her. For such a formidable character, Zhu Changluo would never dare to harbor any contempt.

Upon hearing the sound, Consort Gong's face instantly turned pale. Zhu Changluo observed clearly from the side; could it be that the legendary Consort Zheng was the one who could instill such fear in Consort Gong

At this moment, Caihua had already hurriedly stepped forward, raised her hand to lift the beaded curtain, and after a cold snort, a person swaggered in.

Zhu Changluo, who has lived two lives, felt a surge of mixed emotions in his heart when he met the concerned gaze of Empress Gong.