freenovelworld Chapter 94 Consort Fucha Chaogui
Chapter 94 Consort Fucha Chaogui
Lü Yingfeng was prepared and bowed to the Empress.
A hint of embarrassment appeared on her face, and she answered softly:
"Your Majesty, a few days ago Shuhe said to me..."
She said she hoped her concubines could give her a little sister so she could play with her.
"It wouldn't be good for the concubines to disappoint Shuhe."
The Empress felt as if she had seen a ghost today. Had all the concubines in the harem become so Buddhist after not seeing them for several months?
None of these three pregnant women wanted a son? She didn't believe it.
Feng Ruozhao had considered having a prince, but it had been so many years since she had managed to conceive.
I don't want to ruin my good fortune because of my insatiable greed.
Being too greedy in the harem is not necessarily a good thing.
Consort Xin, Lü Yingfeng, had similar thoughts, while Cao Qinmo benefited from having powerful backers.
With Consort Shu as her mistress, what does it matter whether one has a son or not?
The Empress simply couldn't understand why these women, who should have lost their fertility long ago, would suddenly become pregnant.
She didn't believe that it was the Imperial Hospital staff who had cured them.
The Empress also did not believe that it was due to the good fortune of Consort Shu and her son.
If we're talking about good fortune, the most fortunate woman in the entire harem should be the Empress.
The Empress had considered whether they possessed any secret methods for conceiving children.
Unfortunately, after so many days of investigation, nothing unusual has been found.
It seems that it was Consort Shu who persuaded the Emperor to visit their palace once, and then she became pregnant.
The Empress was furious that they hadn't given her any face, and no one was helping her change the subject.
Just as the atmosphere became slightly awkward, the eunuch outside called out:
"His Majesty has arrived!"
Everyone was startled and quickly stood up to greet them.
The emperor walked in, looked at the crowd, and said, "I have just finished court and heard that you have gathered here, so I came to see you."
The arrival of the chubby orange cat disrupted the already delicate situation, forcing the queen to force a smile.
Welcoming the large, fat orange cat to the seat of honor, and waiting for everyone to chat for a while...
Big Fat Orange started talking about the Dzungar's proposal to marry the princess.
Upon hearing this, Consort Jin, Cao Qinmo, and Consort Xin, Lü Yingfeng, both of whom had daughters, changed their expressions.
They couldn't help but look at Fucha Peiyun.
Fucha Peiyun gave the two a look, signaling them to calm down. Seeing that no one responded...
The Empress said, "It is common for princesses of the Celestial Empire to marry into foreign lands for political alliances."
"Just choose a suitable woman from the imperial clan, bestow upon her the title of Princess Heshuo, and marry her off."
The chubby orange sighed, "The problem is that they are asking to marry a princess from their own family, not a woman from the royal family."
Shen Meizhuang: "The Dzungars originally belonged to the Qing Dynasty, but they were just a frontier tribe."
The fact that the Qing Dynasty was willing to marry off a princess was already a great honor for them.
They even dared to demand his own daughter, a princess of his own blood; this was truly pushing their luck.
Shen Meizhuang's words were exactly what Fucha Peiyun wanted to hear.
Nian Shilan said, "A border tribe wants my dynasty's princess?"
"Your Majesty, why not let my brother crush the Dzungars?"
"Big Fat Orange, Shilan is thinking too simply. I have only been on the throne for less than three years."
Having just pacified the Northwest, if war were to break out again, there would be a shortage of money and provisions.
At this moment, Fucha Peiyun said, "Your Majesty, is the money earned from the cement production still insufficient?"
Big Fat Orange said, "Although I earn a lot of money from cement work, there are too many places where I need to spend money."
This amount of money is still far from enough.
Using force at this time is not the best course of action.
Fucha Peiyun sneered. It was nothing more than a matter that a woman could handle, so she didn't want to waste any more effort on it.
The Empress said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right; everything should be prioritized in the affairs of the court."
The fat orange cat said, "To pacify the internal, we must first repel the external; for now, a marriage alliance is the only solution."
However, my own daughters, Princess Shuhe and Princess Wenyi, are still too young.
"We simply couldn't find a suitable candidate at the moment."
Feng Ruozhao, Cao Qinmo, and Lü Yingfeng exchanged glances, all having made up their minds.
We need to work harder to raise our daughter properly, so that she won't be completely clueless on the day of the marriage alliance.
The Empress said, "The Dzungars only said they wanted to marry a princess from the Emperor's own family, but it doesn't necessarily have to be one of the Emperor's biological daughters."
The chubby orange cat looked at the queen and asked, "You mean?"
Fucha Peiyun lowered her eyes to hide the mockery in them, watching the emperor and empress put on a show.
The Empress said, "The late Emperor's youngest daughter, Princess Chaogui, is of marriageable age and has not yet been betrothed."
"The most suitable candidate"
The chubby orange cat said, "But she is, after all, my youngest sister."
Fucha Peiyun saw Nian Shilan beside her clench her fists, looking like she wanted to beat up the fat orange cat.
He patted her hand to comfort her.
The Empress said, "The Emperor works tirelessly for the country day and night, even sacrificing himself for it."
Empress Fucha Peiyun almost burst out laughing at these words; the Empress had finally spoken the truth.
This big, fat orange cat is practically selling itself into servitude to govern the country; it's given itself entirely.
How could the Empress possibly be stingy with the affections of a half-sister?
Moreover, Princess Chaogui's birth mother was merely a concubine of the late emperor.
Even if the emperor were to arrange a marriage in the future, it would only be to choose a middle-class family from within the court.
How could that compare to marrying into the Dzungar Khanate, a life of dignity and honor?
Nian Shilan said, "This dignity is for you, do you want it?"
"Thank goodness, Your Majesty, you don't have a daughter."
Upon hearing Nian Shilan's words, Big Fat Orange's face darkened.
He glared at Nian Shilan and scolded her:
"Shilan, you must not be disrespectful to the Empress."
Nian Shilan snorted coldly, knowing that the old man in the Empress's heart secretly agreed with what she said.
The couple were like snakes and rats, but thinking of the Nian family and his brother, they remained silent.
Seeing this, Fucha Peiyun quickly spoke up to ease the atmosphere: "Your Majesty, please calm down. The Imperial Noble Consort was just speaking rashly in a moment of anger."
"It's heartbreaking that Princess Chaogui has to marry far away from home at such a young age."
Big Fat Orange pretended not to hear Nian Shilan's words, "What the Empress said makes sense."
I only have one younger sister, Chao Gui, and I cannot fail to plan for her future.
Considering this, the Dzungar Khan can be considered an excellent candidate.
The Empress replied, "Yes."
Since Chao Gui is the only candidate, then Shi Lan will make the preparations.
She will marry the Dzungar Khanate ten days later.
Fucha Peiyun then said with a solemn expression:
"Your Majesty, regarding the Dzungar Khanate's request to marry the princess..."
Your Majesty believes there is a deeper meaning behind this; it is probably a test they are putting our Great Qing Dynasty to the test!
If we agree so easily, wouldn't people think that the Qing Dynasty is too weak and easily bullied?
In my humble opinion, the Dzungars should first present generous betrothal gifts to demonstrate their sincerity.
At the same time, a series of conditions need to be proposed to them.
For example, it is essential to ensure the princess's status and rights after marrying into the other side.
Upon hearing this, the chubby orange cat's expression changed drastically; he hadn't considered this possibility at all.
Then, he looked at Fucha Peiyun with admiration and nodded.
The chubby orange-haired man praised, "What Consort Shu said is absolutely right. It was I who did not consider things thoroughly enough."
Although the Empress was dissatisfied with Fucha Peiyun, she had no choice but to agree with her at this moment.
Then, the chubby orange cat asked again:
"Consort Shu, do you have any other thoughts on this matter?"
After a moment's thought, Fucha Peiyun replied:
"Your Majesty, I believe that while we can certainly marry the princess off, we must not rush into it."
Only in this way can the noble and precious status of my Qing princess be demonstrated.
After all, the princess had grown up in the capital since childhood, and her living environment and customs were very different from those of the Dzungars.
Suddenly marrying far away from home must be difficult for her to adapt to.
A healthy, living princess is far more useful than a sickly one.
Therefore, I believe this matter requires careful consideration and should not be acted upon hastily!
After listening to Fucha Peiyun's words, the chubby orange nodded slightly.
"Consort Shu has considered things very carefully. In your opinion, how should this be carried out in practice?"
Fucha Peiyun curtsied and slowly said:
"Your Majesty, this is a matter of state. As a woman in the inner palace, I should not presume to interfere in matters of state."
His words were filled with unease
After hearing this, the big fat orange waved its hand and said loudly:
"My dear consort, you are mistaken! This marriage alliance concerns Princess Chaogui's lifelong happiness."
The beloved concubine was not only Chao Gui's sister-in-law, but also offered advice and strategies to her younger sister-in-law.
How can meticulous planning be considered interference in politics?
Upon hearing this, Fucha Peiyun lowered her head and replied softly:
"Your Majesty, although I am a Noble Consort, I am still just a concubine. How dare I presume to be the sister-in-law of the princess?"
The chubby orange looked at the Empress, asking her to persuade Fucha Peiyun.
The Empress secretly resented Fucha Peiyun's cunning, but had to reluctantly persuade her.
The Empress coughed lightly, a hint of reluctance in her eyes, and said:
"Consort Shu, today we gather in Jingren Palace."
That is, the sisters sat together chatting and worrying about Princess Chaogui's marriage.
Nothing I say or do here concerns the affairs of the court. If you have any good ideas in mind, please feel free to express them.
Princess Chaogui will surely be deeply grateful to her sister once she learns of her feelings.
I imagine Princess Chaohun would thank you, little sister.
Fucha Peiyun raised her eyes, seemingly troubled, and after a moment of contemplation, said:
"Your Majesty, I dare to speak."
Big Fat Orange: "Consort Shu, you said today is just a casual chat among family."
Fucha Peiyun: "Your Majesty can tell the Dzungar envoy..."
This marriage alliance is a matter of great importance; you need to consider it for some time.
Don't rush to agree to their requests; wait a while.
Fucha Peiyun paused for a moment and then continued:
"The Emperor will agree when they send someone to inquire again."
However, marriage is a union between two families, and we will prepare a proper dowry for the princess.
"I wonder what kind of betrothal gifts the Dzungars have prepared to marry our princess?"
Upon hearing Fucha Peiyun's words, the chubby orange clapd its hands gently, "Consort Shu's plan is excellent."
The Empress, standing to the side, gave a forced smile, "What if the betrothal gifts offered by the Dzungars are not to your liking?"
Fucha Peiyun responded with a slight smile, "Although the Dzungars are only a frontier tribe..."
As the head of a tribe, the Khan needs to save face, so it's unlikely that his request to marry the princess would be too sullen.
If the Dzungars are shameless and send too meager betrothal gifts,
That shows their lack of sincerity. Does this mean the Dzungars want to humiliate our Great Qing?
Then we'll naturally have to reconsider this marriage.
I am but a woman in the imperial harem; all I can think of is this dowry and betrothal gift.
"With so many capable ministers in the court, they must be able to offer the emperor even more advice."
Big Fat Orange pondered Fucha Peiyun's suggestions, and his heart grew even more proud.
In this way, the initiative has also fallen into the hands of the Qing Dynasty.
There are many things that can be done.
The chubby orange suddenly had more ideas and wanted to consult with the ministers.
When Zhen Huan heard Fucha Peiyun's suggestion, she felt a mix of emotions.
Originally, she wanted to take this opportunity to suggest to the Emperor that the marriage of Princess Consort be handled by Consort Jin.
Although Consort Jin is pregnant again, she is not favored by the emperor, and her daughter may very well face a political marriage.
She wanted to use this incident to hurt Consort Jin's feelings and avenge the time she pushed her at the flower viewing banquet.
Also, she wanted to get a little revenge on Consort Jin for rejecting her advances.
Unfortunately, Consort Shu's suggestion caused things to go astray.
This also made Zhen Huan realize the gap and perspective between herself and this Noble Consort Shu.
Princess Chaogui had no grudge against Zhen Huan, yet she sought revenge against Consort Jinhao, thinking only of her own marriage.
While Consort Shu appeared to be sharing the Emperor's burdens, she was actually planning for Princess Chaogui's future.
Although they couldn't stop the marriage alliance, they bought Princess Chaogui some time.
Zhen Huan wondered if she was really inferior to Consort Shu.
"My beloved consort's words today are excellent. I will discuss the details further with my court officials."
Princess Chaogui is hereby conferred the title of Princess Gulun, and your dowry will be prepared by you and Shilan.”
Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan quickly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."
After seeing off the chubby orange, everyone took their leave, ignoring the Empress's displeasure.
In Jingren Palace, after everyone had left, the Empress angrily smashed her teacup again, gritting her teeth as she said:
"The Fucha clan and the Nian clan are quite the stars, always stealing my thunder."
"I am becoming increasingly humiliated as Empress, and I will certainly not let this go unpunished."
The palace maids standing to the side didn't dare to breathe and just stood there silently.
After leaving Jingren Palace, Nian Shilan said she wanted to visit Fucha Peiyun's Yanxi Palace.
Feng Ruozhao and others were also there, and in the end, besides Shen Meizhuang and Zhen Huan, oh, the Empress was also present.
The imperial concubines all gathered at Fucha Peiyun's Yanxi Palace.
Upon arriving at Yanxi Palace, the concubines sat together.
Nian Shilan then said with great dissatisfaction:
"That old man is incompetent; he sent his own sister to marry a foreign ruler. He's infuriating me!"
"It would be better to go out and see the world than to be confined to this square palace."
Fucha Peiyun said quietly.
Nian Shilan snorted coldly, "That may be true, but after all, it's a marriage alliance, a marriage to a distant land, and the future is uncertain."
Nian Shilan has changed so much now that it's hard to hate her.
Feng Ruozhao spoke slowly, "Imperial Noble Consort, please don't upset yourself."
Royal affairs are inherently complex, and there's little we can do while trapped in the inner palace."
Nian Shilan rolled her eyes at her, "You're good at playing the good guy, but I can't swallow this insult."
Fucha Peiyun gently patted Nian Shilan's hand.
"Calm down, let's worry more about Princess Chaogui's dowry."
This way, the princess can have a grand and glorious wedding.
Lü Yingfeng said, "In today's matter, it was Consort Shu who thought things through. It's always good for Princess Chaogui to have a larger dowry since she is marrying far away."
Fucha Peiyun smiled and replied, "Sister Xinpin is too kind. I was only doing my bit."
At this moment, Cao Qinmo, who had been silent all along, spoke:
"It's just that once the princess leaves, it's unknown when she will be able to return home. It's truly pitiful."
Everyone who heard this sighed with emotion.
Fucha Peiyun said, "Let's discuss what preparations we need to make for this marriage alliance with Chao Gui."
Lü Yingfeng: "Yes, yes."
When Zhen Huan returned to Suiyu Pavilion, the more she thought about it, the more upset she became.
Jinxi noticed this and asked softly, "Why is Your Highness so downcast? Are you worried about Princess Chaogui?"
Zhen Huan, of course, would never reveal her dark thoughts.
Following Jinxi's words, she continued, "Princess Chaogui's marriage to a foreign ruler means leaving her homeland; just thinking about it makes her future seem fraught with difficulty."
Only then did Zhen Huan realize that if her daughter were born safely, would she also be sent to marry a foreign ruler when she grew up?