Chapter 458 – Curse

Chapter 458 - Curse

After reading the stack of documents sent by the Empress, He Jinli was overwhelmed.

Nonetheless, he examined them meticulously. Afterward, he stamped his approval: "See, I told you she doesn't want to intervene. Is this not managing well enough?"

Meng Chang chuckled. "Yes, Empress Dowager would never neglect her duties."

The previous Empress Xie was straightforward. While she might not excel in other matters, she had been quite capable in managing the harem.

However, compared to Yun Li's bold reforms, she fell short.

There were many who opposed Yun Li's changes, but the emperor's support rendered their objections meaningless.

Whatever anyone else said was futile.

The main opposition stemmed from the question of how a princess could be responsible for taking care of a dowager empress. Didn't that imply the royal family didn't care about the dowager's wellbeing?

Additionally, the allowance for palace maids to leave the palace after twenty-five years and the selection process every five years were also points of contention.

Some argued that palace maids should never leave the palace, dedicating their lives to serving. Others claimed that selecting them every five years was a waste of resources and burdened the people.

The emperor simply replied, "For the rest of their lives, they are still human beings. Leaving at twenty-five allows them time for marriage, doesn't it? Isn't that better?"

"One selection every five years provides an opportunity for those from humble backgrounds, don't you think? If they enter the palace at ten and serve for fifteen years, they can leave, marry, and have savings for their future families. What's wrong with that?"

Regarding the consorts, Helan Jinsi said, "The consorts are merely reuniting with their children. I will still provide for them, only they'll live elsewhere. If a common woman has no son, does that mean she neglects her daughters? Princesses have their own princess mansions, but it's up to their choice. If the consorts are content in the palace, there's no need for them to leave. You all should refrain from further discussion; this is a matter of my family."

Regardless of what others said, the decision stood.

Calling it a family matter silenced everyone.

Some praised the empress for her decisive actions and courage, while others criticized her for disrupting tradition.

There were even memorials submitted to impeach her. The crown prince dismissed them immediately and later mentioned them to his father, who responded, "Set them aside. Ignore them."

Thus, no one intervened.

The management of the imperial harem underwent a significant transformation under Yun Li's supervision.

She meticulously calculated every aspect of their operations and was well aware of those she appointed.

"In the harem, it's different, especially with the eunuchs. They have no other aspirations in life. Money is their only hope. So, we can't suppress them entirely. You know they're prone to greed, but it must be manageable or at least within a known limit," Yun Li instructed the Crown Princess personally.

"All people are the same. Without blood ties or having served you since childhood, those who fawn over you and treat you kindly won't do so selflessly. This is especially true in the harem. Serving you is their duty, but fulfilling that duty and doing it well are two separate matters."

"You will be the Empress one day. An Empress should never lower herself to vie with concubines. You have your own path. And don't engage in cunning games with servants. If a concubine disobeys, punish her as long as your reasoning is sound and justifiable. As long as the emperor values his reputation and is a rational person, he'll endure any resentment. But consistency in both words and actions is crucial."

"Unruly servants can be replaced without hesitation. As an Empress, your hand must be firm. But remember, they are also pitiable individuals. Those who perform well deserve good treatment. For those who don't, replacement is justified. There will always be people vying for your favor in trivial matters, so there's no need to waste effort on disciplining the incompetent; simply replace them."

"Always show respect to the consorts. You don't have to genuinely revere them, but treat them with a higher regard."

"Be courteous to royal relatives and elders. Regardless, bear in mind to seek integrity rather than fame. Those who seek fame for fame's sake will never truly be welcomed. Yet, a person who consistently behaves with integrity will earn admiration."

The Crown Princess rose to kneel in gratitude for the Queen's guidance, but Yun Li stopped her with a raised hand.

"Yes, Your Highness, I've taken note," the Crown Princess replied, her eyes shining with understanding.

"Take it to heart, but remember, I may not be entirely correct. Use your own judgment," Yun Li chuckled softly.

She had no intention of teaching Ruan about love. After all, she herself was a maiden from ancient times, where love was not a common concept. Women then naturally accepted that men could have multiple partners.

Yet, the path of being a Crown Princess and eventually Empress was a treacherous one.

Yun Li only wished for Ruan to face the future with composure. A man's affection might be significant, but what mattered more was her ability to stand firm on her own.

Even if that man was her own son, Yun Li couldn't guarantee anything.

Still, regardless of their future relationship, Ruan must focus on her own duties.

She needed to become a woman who could remain steadfast even without a man's favor.

Xie's experience should serve as a cautionary tale for her.

In the third month, construction began at the Phoenix Palace.

Now that Yun Li was the Empress, she couldn't continue residing in the Jade Channel Palace indefinitely. The ground had been frozen before, making it difficult to start renovations, but now the serious restoration work finally commenced.

Hekinli issued the order, and Yun Li didn't object. At this point, she wouldn't stop anything anymore.

It was impossible to demolish Fengyi Palace entirely, but it had been thirty years since its last renovation; it was due for a major overhaul.

This time, the renovations showed great attention to detail, as all the interior decorations were replaced with new ones.

Freshly appointed Empress Concubine Qin then went to seek out the deposed empress once more.

"You were still the Empress, huh? Haha, you moved into Fengyi Palace after just a quick cleanup when you became the Empress. Now, someone else is the Empress, and they're tearing down the walls to rebuild them. It's clear who the Emperor favors," Empress Concubine Qin said with animated brows, her mood excellent.

People couldn't kill the deposed empress, but seeing her misfortune every day was pleasing, wasn't it?

The deposed empress gritted her teeth and remained silent.

"You're doing well now, I suppose? I've heard that medicinal tonics are delivered to you regularly. Empress must be kind-hearted, letting you live." Empress Concubine Qin deliberately remarked.

"Oh, right, your nephew divorced his wife and lost his official position. He still has some silver, though, and is just muddling through life. Your sister, on the other hand, was fortunate enough to marry Prince Qin and receive his favor. Unfortunately, she had a short life and passed away recently. Look at what's left of your Xie family," she clicked her tongue and shook her head. "You just don't have the fate for wealth and glory. Why struggle? It would be best for you to stay in Linnan peacefully. Why come to the capital?"

"Fool! Leave, leave, I don't want to see you!" the deposed empress shouted in anger, but she was powerless to do anything.

"Not up to you anymore. Back then, you were above me, and I couldn't compare. Now, I'm a Second Rank Concubine, while you're a powerless former empress. Isn't it right for me to come and watch your drama? You'd better stay alive, for I'm quite lonely and will definitely visit you often," Qian Fei laughed, her body trembling with mirth.

"Get out! Get out! This Empress doesn't want to see you!" the former empress yelled, but she was growing weaker by the day.

Wu Shi stood up. "Hehe, I'll come visit you another day. Do take care and live a long life." To wish someone a long life at this moment was indeed a curse.

There were still over fifty years until she reached a hundred.

"I'll just ask straightforwardly. Are you guys annoyed with Yun Li's coldness from the book reviews? But at first, you all said not to fall in love with her. She's inherently cold, but I think she shows warmth too. Just a discussion, no other intentions," she commented.