Chapter 107

Chapter 107

"Your Eminence, although rumors of the star of ill omen are spreading in the capital, it is not Sui Ning who caused the trouble. As you know, I have never provoked anyone."

Geng Shuning stood up and knelt in the hall, responding with neither humility nor arrogance.

"It was never Sui Ning's intention to stand out, but the words of Consort Yi resonated deeply with her."

"In the future, there may still be people who will slander Sui Ning. Unless I abandon my loyalty to the Emperor, Sui Ning cannot do so, Your Eminence!"

Geng Jia De Jin let out a loud sob, as if echoing his daughter's words. The Geng family is known for their unwavering loyalty!

Emperor Kangxi: "...Speaking of which, because of you, the Lantern Festival imperial banquet was disrupted. Not only will it be a laughingstock if it spreads, but it also damages the dignity of the imperial family. Do you intend to pretend as if nothing happened?"

Geng Shuning sighed helplessly and said respectfully, "Sui Ning has always known that being too outstanding always invites jealousy. How could I possibly act as if nothing happened? Otherwise, I would be bullied to death in the future!"

Consort Yi couldn't help but chuckle. Seeing Emperor Kangxi glare at her, she quickly picked up her teacup.

This girl's demeanor is indeed endearing. Consort Yi also likes Geng Shuning's eloquence, no wonder the Empress Dowager shields her.

Yinzhen also curled his lips and took a sip of tea. Their little fox would never allow anyone to outwit her in conversation, not even the Emperor.

The expressions of the others were quite complex, especially Yunxiang and the others. Who is really the one being bullied here? They have eyes, don't they?

Geng Shuning gritted her teeth and closed her eyes, adopting a righteous and fearless stance. She took a deep breath and looked up at the throne.

"To spare the Empress Dowager, Your Eminence, and the Emperor from these petty concerns, Sui Ning is willing to step forward to resolve the issue."

"What concerns the court officials and the consorts is nothing more than the Emperor being bewitched by Sui Ning, losing the composure of a wise ruler, which is detrimental to the state and the royal lineage."

"Then I simply won't join the rear palace!" She looked at Yinzhen with deep affection.

"As long as it doesn't damage Your Eminence's reputation, Sui Ning doesn't need any title!" That scoundrel had better not take it seriously, or I'll make him regret it.

"The so-called exclusive favoritism... Sui Ning dare not claim it!" No! She dares! She especially dares!

"In fact, it's because the consorts and concubines do not serve to the Emperor's satisfaction. Sui Ning is willing to assist the Emperor in selecting considerate ladies during the selection process, so that the court officials and consorts need not be concerned."

Of course, if after the selection, the Emperor still doesn't find anyone suitable, then it's not her problem anymore.

But she promises to ensure satisfactory follow-up, so there's no need for anyone to know about it.

After speaking, Yinzhen remembered the little fox's repeated reminders about playing along. He couldn't bring himself to verbally agree, so he simply nodded slightly as if in agreement.

Playing along doesn't always require verbal agreement. The Emperor's approval carries more weight than ten thousand words from others.

*

Sure enough, upon seeing Yinzhen nod, those present who had daughters participating in the selection were greatly surprised.

What they were worried about was Geng Shuning leveraging the Emperor's favor to climb up, leaving no room for other women seeking advancement in the palace.

But it turns out it's just the incompetence of the consorts and concubines? Their daughters can do better!

If they can force Geng Shuning out of the rear palace and climb up using her as a stepping stone, there's no need to oppose her, right?

Some who had secretly been involved in the earlier commotion cursed inwardly, why didn't you say this earlier? Otherwise, why would we have gone through all this trouble!

Others didn't believe that Geng Shuning would willingly give up her high position and push other women forward. Could Geng Jia De Jin, that old fox, really raise a foolish daughter?

Geng Jia De Jin didn't believe it either!

His daughter couldn't possibly be so foolish as to spit out the meat already in her mouth. What on earth is she trying to do?

Geng Shuning, worried no one would believe her, thumped her chest and boasted under Geng Jia De Jin's astonished gaze.

"Anyone in the palace who knows Sui Ning is aware that Consort Xi and Lady Guaerjia can serve the Emperor, all thanks to Sui Ning's efforts."

"When it comes to serving the master, Sui Ning has a few tricks up her sleeve." She glanced at Yinzhen, slightly narrowing her eyes, "Your Majesty, wouldn't you agree?"

Not saying a word? What kind of support is that!

We agreed to put on this grand show together, so don't think you can skip your lines!

Yinzhen could only watch helplessly as the little fox spouted nonsense. If he didn't know her plans, he'd be tempted to give her a good slap.

Only this troublemaker would dare take on the Shangqin Mama's duties and dangle him like a prize in front of other women.

Under Geng Shuning's veiled threats and Emperor Kangxi's amused gaze, he said flatly, "When it comes to understanding people's intentions, no one beats Sui Ning."

Those eyeing the concubine selection were practically holding their breath.

If Geng Shuning could actually deliver real benefits in exchange for peace in the palace, it'd be a deal worth making!

Better than a lose-lose situation... where the net might not even tear.

All eyes were on Emperor Kangxi. If the retired emperor gave his blessing, they'd figure out how to handle the old fox, Geng Jia De Jin.

Emperor Kangxi thought for a moment, "This might just work. Empress Dowager, what do you think?"

The Grand Empress Dowager, well aware Geng Shuning was spinning tales, nodded with amusement.

"I think it would be best to follow the precedent of the previous dynasty and appoint Sui Ning as an Imperial Attendant, with 'Sui Ning' as her honorific title. This way, she can rightfully oversee palace affairs and manage the selection of palace maids."

In the early days of the Qing Dynasty, the system of female officials from the previous dynasty was implemented. At that time, there was no Department of the Imperial Household, only the Thirteen Bureaus, and many systems were based on the previous dynasty.

Later, with the establishment of the Department of the Imperial Household and the Six Bureaus, the system of female officials gradually declined, and its presence was only evident in the monthly stipends, with no actual power left.

Above the female official of the inner court of the fourth rank were the Imperial Attendant and the Edict Bearer of the third rank.

The Imperial Attendant specifically served before the emperor, overseeing all palace maids from the previous dynasty and issuing edicts to the inner court, equivalent in status to a consort.

The Palace Edict Bearer specifically served beside the Grand Empress Dowager, Empress Dowager, and Empress, managing all palace maids in the inner court and drafting edicts on behalf of their mistresses, also equivalent in status to a consort.

The highest rank a female official could reach was the third rank, to ensure that those of consort rank or higher in the inner court would not have to show deference to a female official.

Of course, there were exceptions.

If an Imperial Attendant or Edict Bearer was especially trusted by their master or had made significant contributions, they could be bestowed with an honorific title.

A one-character title corresponded to the second rank, equivalent to a Noble Consort, while a two-character title corresponded to the first rank, equivalent to an Imperial Noble Consort.

However, whether in the previous dynasty or the Qing Dynasty, it was uncommon for a female official to receive such an honor.

If it did happen, it was usually during a time when the inner court lacked a ruler, and no suitable candidate could be found to oversee palace affairs. In such cases, a respected noble lady would temporarily assume the role, but the authority would quickly revert to the mistress of the inner court.

Before Emperor Kangxi could speak, the Empress Dowager exclaimed—

"Ancestor, this is against the rules!"

Her expression was particularly grim, and she even forgot her usual deference to the Emperor Emeritus.

"Since the Imperial Household Department was established, with the Accounting Office responsible for selection and the Bureau of Works in charge, each servant has performed their duties. If titled female officials are established, how will the Imperial Household Department and the Six Bureaus handle themselves?"

Most importantly, the palace affairs are ostensibly managed by the Empress Dowager. Establishing titled female officials would mean taking power from her, where would her dignity be then!

Emperor Kangxi had previously admonished the Empress Dowager several times, thinking she would show restraint and not want to engage in disputes with Lady Wu Ya.

Emperor Kangxi, since his youth, was not one to indulge his consorts. Although it is said that Kangxi was affectionate, in matters of love, he was much colder and harder than Yinzhen.

After all, whether plump or slender, favoring one was no different from favoring another. Previously, when the Empress Dowager left the Changchun Garden, it was also a hint from Kangxi to Yinzhen.

Lady Wu Ya, because Kangxi did not confer upon her the title of Empress Dowager, had a very poor relationship with the Grand Empress Dowager and the imperial consorts at the Changchun Garden, always stirring up some minor but annoying issues.

At that time, Kangxi, due to poor health, was too lazy to manage and simply had Yinzhen bring the Empress Dowager into the Cining Palace, which at least made her behave somewhat.

Recently, Lady Wu Ya's subtle provocations during court greetings and her blatant troublemaking today have completely disgusted Kangxi.

Originally, when Lady Wu Ya was the Virtuous Consort, her favor was due to her gentle and understanding nature. Without this advantage, if not for Yinzhen, Kangxi wouldn't even want to remember old affections.

She was disrespectful to Yinzhen in public, and also lacked respect for the Grand Empress Dowager, causing Kangxi's face to darken immediately.

"Lady Wu Ya, you are presumptuous! With the Empress Dowager here, matters of the inner court are not for you to speak on!"

Lady Wu Ya was startled, turning her head to meet Kangxi's particularly cold gaze.

Her body gradually stiffened, suddenly remembering that she could enter the Cining Palace only because the Grand Empress Dowager had yielded it.

With the Grand Empress Dowager present, she, a Dowager without the authority of an Empress, was nothing, which was what troubled her the most...

Kangxi coldly said, "You were previously weak and unable to manage palace affairs, causing several disturbances in the inner court. I think it would be better for you to recuperate at the hot spring palace for a while; the palace needs someone reliable to manage."

Regardless of the Empress Dowager's increasingly pale face, Kangxi turned to the Grand Empress Dowager, his tone softening considerably.

"The Empress Dowager's idea is good; let's leave the palace affairs and the selection of consorts to this girl!"

"Alright, I will have someone deliver the decree later," the Grand Empress Dowager said, glancing at the Empress Dowager who was swaying unsteadily while looking at Yinzhen, and nodded with a smile.

She detested women who overstepped their bounds and didn't know their limits. Lady Wu Ya, who dared to talk about rules, the more honor she was given, the more she courted death, deserved it!

*

The anticlimactic Lantern Festival palace banquet not only opened the eyes of those who attended but also caused quite a stir in the capital within a few days.

In this early spring season, even the common people could chew on a few words as a side dish, the excitement comparable to the New Year.

"Have you heard? The newly rewarded Duke of Wu by the old emperor was beaten with boards and carried out from the Ministry of Justice! My second uncle's grandson works at the Duke of Wu's mansion, heard his buttocks were all beaten to a pulp!"

"That's not new, the old emperor just favored a woman, these black-eyed chickens are more despicable than the quarreling women in the village, heard the Emperor was ruthless in his youth, could he let them?"

"Do you know the old man who struts around the Liulichang with a birdcage? He slandered the Geng family's master for wearing a green hat, and lost his own official hat!"

"Was it taken by the master born to the Tong family's young lady? The other day someone heard E Lundai cursing in a tavern after drinking too much, tsk tsk~ the Tong family has quite a bit of excitement too..."

...

The people were abuzz with gossip, just watching the excitement.

The nobles and civil and military officials in the capital quickly saw the origin of the previous farce.

The Niohuru Duke was stripped of his position as Minister of the Board of Ritual, succeeded by the Left Vice Minister of War, Fahai.

The new Duke of Wu, for forging evidence and slandering County Princess Sui Ning as a star of ill omen, damaging the Emperor's reputation, was given eighty lashes in consideration of his grandfather and father's merits, and ordered to return home for reflection.

Hesheri Songzhu, bribed by the Left Censor Wang Hongxu, directed Vice Minister of Works Wang Zehong, Vice Minister of Rites Cheng Tai, and former Duke of Wu, Wuge, to assassinate the Governor of Henan. All were dismissed and investigated.

Wang Hongxu and Wang Zehong had their homes confiscated, and their families were exiled to Ningguta.

Wuge was again imprisoned in the Imperial Clan Court, with no amnesty to be released.

Songzhu and Cheng Tai were sent back to their hometown in Shengjing, and their families were barred from holding office for two generations.

Majia Maersai was demoted two ranks to Cloud Cavalry Captain.

The punishment was severe, shocking the entire court, and no one dared to oppose the Emperor again.

Regardless of the faction, the losses were significant this time, with the only beneficiaries being those who followed the Emperor.

Fahai assumed the position of Minister of the Board of Rites, and Qi Chong'an, the Vice Minister of Rites, succeeded as Minister of Works.

Zhang Tingyu succeeded Nian Xialing as Minister of War, and Geng Jia De Jin replaced Yiergenjueluo Geng'e as Minister of Justice.

The position of Governor of Henan was taken by Li Guangdi, clearly demoted from first rank to second rank.

The position of Minister of Rites fell into the hands of Chen Tingjing, the Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion and Minister of the Interior.

The Left Censor-in-Chief position was taken by Nalan Kuixu, Vice Minister of Works and Academician of the Hanlin Academy.

Other vacant positions were quickly filled with the Emperor's own people, and thus the power of the entire court completely fell into the Emperor's hands, with no one able to oppose him.

The Retired Emperor remained silent on this matter, and even at the Lantern Festival palace banquet, old foxes like Li Guangdi and Nalan Kuixu could see that the Retired Emperor was supporting the Emperor.

By the Dragon Head Raising Festival, everything was quickly settled, and everyone fully understood.

The Emperor's previous favor towards Geng Shuning was clearly a performance, actually a means to consolidate imperial power again.

Even Yunzhi, who had been listless in his mansion, couldn't help but give a thumbs up to his fourth brother after figuring it out in his study.

In terms of acting, their group couldn't compare to the Fourth Brother, who was seen as rigid and inflexible by outsiders.

By now, even those who were unwilling had mostly let go of their grudges.

Even Yunxiang admitted to Yun'e: "The old man didn't make a mistake choosing the Fourth Brother for that chair. In terms of tricks, we really can't outdo him."

Yun'e looked confused: "But County Princess Suining still became a titled female official, controlling the harem, and even the selection of concubines depends on her. Yun Tao said the Imperial Household Administration is now currying favor with her."

Didn't the Fourth Brother also care deeply about the Geng family? Wasn't it really a case of anger for the sake of a beauty?

Yunxiang rolled his eyes: "You know nothing! There are plenty of women out there. The Geng family is just smarter, willing to sacrifice themselves to support the Fourth Brother in his act!"

He said angrily: "Look how long mother has been supporting her. The Geng family has gained a lot of benefits, their threshold is almost worn out by visitors. Geng Jia De Jin is just one step away from joining the cabinet, and mother hasn't even gotten a definitive word."

Not to mention us three brothers, who have been busy inside and out, quietly sending any problems to the imperial front to prevent anyone from acting out of desperation, isn't that enough to be considered helping in times of need?

Up to now, we haven't even gotten a word of thanks from the Emperor, and the tenth brother and I are still toiling away in the Board of Rites dealing with those northern Mongol tribes.

Mother didn't misjudge; she just underestimated how dirty an emperor's heart can be, hmph!

*

Of course, Yunxiang only dared to curse a few words in secret when drinking with Yun'e in his mansion, not daring to say anything openly.

Haven't you noticed that the forces left by Yinti, Yinreng, and Yin Shi are almost completely crushed, even Tong Guowei and his son have quieted down, and Nalan Kuixu no longer visits Changchunyuan.

Times have truly changed.

These brothers, living cautiously and fearing retribution, no longer had the energy to make a stand.

What Yunxiang didn’t expect was that just as he finished cursing, before the alcohol had even worn off, an imperial decree arrived from the palace.

Yun Tao assisted the Commander of the Nine Gates, Tuoheqi, in uncovering the mastermind behind the Star of Ill Omen case and was enfeoffed as the Prince of Lü Commandery.

Yunxiang, having contributed by investigating the assassination case outside the capital, was enfeoffed as the Prince of Yi and concurrently appointed as the Commander of the Nine Gates.

The former Commander of the Nine Gates, Tuoheqi, was promoted to the first rank and appointed as the Minister of the Board of Personnel.

Yunqi, who had been in charge of the Imperial Clan Court for two and a half years, was ordered by Yinzhen to take over as the Head of the Imperial Clan Court, becoming the official head of the Imperial Clan.

Yunxiang, having performed well in the Board of Ritual Affairs, was promoted to the Prince of Xiang and appointed as the Left Vice Minister of the Board of Ritual Affairs, in charge of the Trade Bureau.

Yun'e was appointed as the Commander of the Mongolian Affairs Department in the Board of Ritual Affairs, overseeing all matters related to the northern Mongols.

The last bit of resistance in Yunxiang’s heart disappeared.

Not just him, but also the various families within the Eight Banners, who had been watching the Emperor’s iron-fisted tactics in the court with cold eyes and secretly harboring dissatisfaction.

Those who had wanted to incite the Banner Lords and Commanders to stir up trouble, those who had wanted to act out of desperation, all fell silent.

No matter how cold and unfeeling Yinzhen’s methods as Emperor were, everyone could see one thing: the Emperor punished mistakes harshly, but he also truly rewarded merits.

Perhaps accustomed to being suppressed, knowing that one cannot fight against the powerful, the court became unprecedentedly subdued.

In contrast, the consorts in the inner palace, who had just been released from confinement, were not affected by the turmoil in the court, nor were they disheartened by the many palace servants sent to the Imperial Punishment Bureau.

Upon learning that the Empress Dowager had been sent to the hot springs palace and that Geng Shuning had become a first-rank titled Imperial Attendant in charge of palace affairs, even Consort Mao was restless.

Especially after learning that she would preside over the selection of new consorts for the Emperor, the anger in the inner palace exploded like a skyrocket.

*

Before the Shangsi Festival, Geng Shuning, accompanied by Qiao He, Qingfang, and Qiao Jing, distributed the festival provisions to the various palaces.

During the more than a month of confinement in the inner palace, she took the opportunity to quickly familiarize herself with the rules and protocols of palace affairs and immediately verified the selection protocols with the Six Bureaus and the Board of Ritual Affairs.

She was so busy that she didn’t even have time to flirt with Yinzhen or add some color to their interactions.

Finally, after finalizing the selection protocols, faced with the increasingly bitter pleading looks from Su Peisheng and Zhao Song, she decided to bring some warmth to the imperial study room... and reward herself with some playful fun.

For this, she specially changed into the newly made court dress of the Imperial Attendant from the Imperial Clothing Bureau.

Inside the orange and vermilion-edged crane-patterned court dress was the specially made corset and lace panties she had Qiao He sew, ensuring a surprise upon opening.

Around her neck was a peach branch dragon ornament, tied with snow-white, candlelight-reflecting brocade, ensuring no traces were left.

Adorned with deer leather tassels and streamers, well... there was also a place for the whip.

She entered the imperial study room with full sincerity.

Upon entering, without looking at Yinzhen, who was exuding an air of dissatisfaction but pretending not to hear anything, she first turned to close the palace doors.

Turning back, seeing Yinzhen expressionlessly looking up, Geng Shuning smiled mischievously, her voice undulating—

"Your~ Majesty..."

Before she could finish, Zhao Song’s urgent voice from outside the door cut off her last note—

"Your Majesty! Something terrible has happened, Your Majesty!"

Geng Shuning: "..." Whether Your Majesty is fine or not, I don’t know, but Zhao Song, you’re done for!