Chapter 136

Chapter 136

As the saying goes, when men and women work together, the work becomes less tiring. Geng Shuning liked to earn her rightful position through her own efforts, but she was not an inflexible person.

Her boyfriend was willing to collaborate with her, and she was naturally happy to accept this affection.

Moved by this, Female Official Suining couldn't hold back her playful thoughts, and her hands started to wander.

Yinzhen tried to stop her: "I still have something to say, and it's still the mourning period..."

He also couldn't bear to make Geng Shuning drink too much birth control soup.

Geng Shuning stopped his unfinished words, whispering against his thin lips, "Ning'er won't let you make a misstep, I just want to repay your understanding..."

Her tongue slid slightly, undoing the buttons of his bright yellow inner garment, and then the warm touch fell on his suddenly tense skin.

Yinzhen's Adam's apple involuntarily moved up and down. Which part of his clothes was this rascal undoing?!

During the mourning period, proper marital relations were not allowed, but there were many ways to play within the curtains. As long as one was willing, it was not difficult to satisfy.

One was burning with desire, the other... well, not exactly resisting either, and soon their clothes were "understandingly" flying out of the curtains.

After a night of passion, they shared a dream of love.

The next morning, the servants of the Hall of Mental Cultivation came in to attend to them, and the two lingered for a while longer before getting up with smiles.

One went to court, the other to the Shufang Zhai, both refreshed and ready to face their shared challenges.

*

As the end of the year approached, there weren't many major events in the court.

Although there had been several snowfalls this year, with the Linglong stoves and Linglong coal, as well as the exceptionally cheap thick cloth, the people didn't suffer as much during the winter. They had the energy to clean and organize their homes, and there were no incidents of houses collapsing under the snow and injuring people.

After the Dzungars were destroyed, the northern Mongolian tribes became much more stable. The supply of wool increased, and they exchanged a large amount of grain and cloth with the court. Life improved, and conflicts between tribes lessened.

The southern regions also enjoyed favorable weather this year, with no major floods or disasters.

The year-end tax revenue was collected on time under the policy of returning fire consumption to the public.

At the beginning of the morning court, the civil and military officials were relaxed, just going through the motions, lazily counting the days, looking forward to the emperor sealing his brush and anticipating a good New Year.

At this moment, Yunxiang stood up.

He said loudly, "Your Majesty, I wish to present a petition!"

"Female Official Suining has presided over the selection of concubines, bringing benefits to the people and advancing the households of the Eight Banners, which is a great achievement..."

"Since Female Official Suining took charge of the harem, she has been virtuous and talented, allowing His Majesty to go on expeditions without worries, sitting securely in the court, setting an example for women throughout the land..."

Some officials understood his intention as soon as Yunxiang opened his mouth—he was going to propose the appointment of the empress!

Those with quick minds were not surprised.

Given Geng Shuning's favor with the emperor and her position in the palace, it was inevitable.

Even A Linga and E Lundai just smirked, picked their ears, and listened without surprise as Yunxiang praised Geng Shuning.

However, the Minister of Justice, Geng Jia De Jin, looked somewhat pleasantly surprised.

He thought the petition for the empress's appointment would have to wait until after the Empress Dowager's mourning period was over, but he didn't expect the Prince of Xiang to present it now.

Without the Emperor's tacit approval, Prince of Xiang would never dare to be so reckless.

The Emperor is in a hurry to crown an Empress!

Thinking that his eldest daughter is even more favored by the Emperor, and the Geng family's status in the capital will rise accordingly, Geng Jia De Jin could hardly contain his excitement and wanted to laugh out loud to ease his inner thrill.

But just as he began to smile, he heard Yunxiang continue—

"Your Majesty, we deeply admire Female Official Suining's exemplary demeanor as a mother to the nation, and we cannot bear to see the position of Empress left vacant. We petition Your Majesty to appoint an Empress to honor the ancestors, stabilize the realm, and secure the royal lineage!"

Geng Jia De Jin was momentarily stunned, then felt a surge of even greater joy. The Emperor isn’t just crowning an Empress—he plans to make Shu Ning the rightful Empress!

The moment Yunxiang finished speaking, Ma Wu, brother of the Minister of Revenue, Fu Cha Ma Qi, stepped forward from the ranks of military officials and declared loudly—

"I support the proposal!"

Bu Kai, cousin of Dong E Zeng Shou and Vice Minister of Works, followed closely behind.

Next was Guo Luo Luo Ming Bao, Yunxiang’s cousin and a clerk in the Ministry of Rites, and Wan Yan Luo Cha, the father of the Fourteenth Princess Consort and Vice Minister of War, who also stepped forward one by one.

Yunzhi hesitated briefly but stayed put.

Yunqi rolled his eyes, dismissing his earlier words at Prince Yinzhi of Cheng's residence as nonsense, and promptly stood up himself.

"I, too, support the proposal!"

Yunyou gritted his teeth and followed suit, then came the eager Yun'e, Yun Tao, and Yunxiang.

The four of them nearly spoke in unison, backing the petition, making it clear to all the civil and military officials in the Golden Hall.

It was clear Prince of Xiang had planned this for a while, working with the Geng family to read the Emperor’s intentions, and had even received explicit approval from the Emperor.

Otherwise, these princes would not have stepped forward in such a swarm.

A Linga couldn’t hold his tongue any longer, and E Lundai, who had been fiddling with his ear, clenched his fist behind his back, his brow furrowed into a knot.

Fahai frowned slightly, knowing that crowning an Empress and appointing a rightful Empress carried very different meanings.

As a member of the Tong family, he did not oppose crowning Geng Shuning as Empress, but he was unwilling to see the Geng family surpass the Tong family and become the next Hesheri clan.

He discreetly glanced at Zhang Tingyu, Minister of War, and Chen Tingjing, Minister of Rites, standing at the front. Both old foxes stood with downcast eyes and hands tucked into their sleeves, feigning sleep, clearly intending to remain neutral and not involve themselves in this matter.

The Ministry of War remained silent, but many military officials supported the proposal.

Chen Tingjing, ever loyal to the Emperor, stayed silent—a tacit show of support.

Fahai glanced at E Lundai, paused, then lowered his eyes, holding his tongue.

As Minister of the Board of Ritual, Fahai wasn’t the one to decide the Tong family’s future.

E Lundai, Chief of the Imperial Guards, was the Tong family’s true leader.

As expected, the chorus of supporting voices was interrupted by E Lundai's booming voice.

"I object!!"

"The Geng family were originally bondservants, of low status. Even if they were elevated, they could only belong to the upper three banners of the Han Army, and their ancestors had no military achievements. Crowning her as Empress is already pushing it—she’s nowhere near qualified to be the rightful Empress!"

A Linga, who only held the title of Duke and attended court, followed closely behind E Lundai, his voice even louder than E Lundai's.

"All past empresses of the Qing Dynasty have been noblewomen of Manchu and Mongol descent. Even disregarding military achievements, their bloodlines are noble!"

"Female Official Suining, tracing back three generations, is still Han Chinese. She has only been in the banner for two generations. Manchus and Han Chinese do not intermarry; she can be a concubine but not a wife. Otherwise, it would violate ancestral rules. Your Majesty, please reconsider!"

As soon as the two spoke, officials from the Hesheri clan, the Irgen Gioro clan, the Niohuru clan, and the Tong Jia clan in the court all followed with their endorsements.

The Ula Nara clan, the Ma Jia clan, and the Wu Ya clan no longer had representatives in the court, but ministers and relatives friendly with these three families also stood up in opposition.

Guaerjia Guanyinbao, who had been appointed as the Minister of Personnel, remained silent.

Nalan Kuixu, the Left Censor, also did not speak.

The Gua Jia clan and the Sotoro clan, led by the Nalan clan's Shumulu, did not speak either, barely maintaining a neutral stance.

Thus, the court was roughly evenly split between supporters and opponents, and amid Yunxiang's cold sneer, a heated debate began.

Yinzhen knew that appointing an empress could not be done overnight and remained silent, calmly observing the commotion below, showing no emotion.

Even led by A Linga and Yunxiang, they had already rolled up their sleeves and started cursing each other's long-buried ancestors, more down-to-earth than bargaining at a market.

Su Peisheng, having received his master's orders in advance, carefully monitored the water clock.

After estimating that half an hour had elapsed, he immediately stepped forward and announced loudly—

"His Majesty's decree: The matter of appointing an empress concerns the state's dignity and is of great importance. All ministers may submit memorials to express their opinions. This matter will be revisited later!"

"Court is adjourned!"

*

After the court session, Yunxiang and others requested an audience with the emperor. A Linga and E Lundai, fearing they might privately spread slander, also clamored to enter the imperial study for an audience with the emperor.

Yinzhen did not meet with anyone, only instructing Su Peisheng to relay the message for them to return and cool down.

Lin Fu had been waiting early in the imperial study. "I have noted the opposing officials, mostly affiliates of the Niohuru clan, Tong Jia clan, and Hesheri clan."

"The Vice Minister of Personnel, Gao Yin, is a disciple of Henan Governor Li Guangdi. Shumulu Bayan of the Hanlin Academy, originally affiliated with Duke Huaqi, was actually saved by Shi Huashan's father, so he should be from the Guaerjia clan."

Yinzhen lightly tapped his ring on the table, his amber phoenix eyes slightly closed in thought.

Li Guangdi had implemented new policies in Henan, and this year's personnel evaluation was excellent, yet Henan's tax revenue had not significantly changed. The source of this evaluation was self-evident.

Thus, the Guaerjia clan, seemingly neutral, was actually opposing his appointment of an empress. Guanyinbao's eldest daughter would be thirteen in two years, just in time for the selection.

Their family's ambition to become the imperial in-laws was not dead.

Yinzhen chuckled softly, "Hand over the list and the evidence in the possession of the Sticky Rod Department to Nalan Kuixu. Order the Censorate and the Ministry of Justice to conduct a thorough investigation. Send the evidence to the frontlines and to these families, allowing them to make their own choices."

He was no longer the black-and-white character of the past, knowing some charges could not be overly scrutinized, and had to turn a blind eye to prioritize urgent matters.

But if they remained obstinate and opposed him, with Yinzhen's current control over the court, it was time to employ iron-fisted measures to make these unclear minds understand what imperial authority meant.

Lin Fu hesitated, then asked, "The third branch of the Geng family and the stepmother of Female Official Suining, from the Nara clan, had previous dealings with the Niohuru clan. The Nara clan also opposed the appointment of an empress today. Should this evidence be given to Minister Nalan?"

The third branch of the Geng family was from Geng Xue's line. Since Geng Xue's family was exiled, the third branch declined and was particularly dissatisfied with Geng Jia De Jin, constantly making underhanded moves.

Yinzhen expressionlessly said, "No need, just discreetly give it to Geng Jia De Jin."

This matter concerned Geng Shuning's dignity. If Geng Jia De Jin could not even manage his inner court and clan members, he should not expect to benefit from the little fox, just like the Uya clan's mansion, remaining a leisurely duke.

As Lin Fu reached the palace door, he saw Geng Shuning rushing in like a gust of wind.

He quickly stepped aside, worried that Sui Ning might accidentally bump into him again.

"Greetings, Mistress Sui Ning..."

"Lin Main Officer, no need for such formalities. Have you finished your discussion?" Geng Shuning entered the hall with a gust of cold wind, shivering slightly despite the warmth from the floor heating.

Lin Fu responded with a "Yes," bowing as he said, "This servant will now take his leave."

Geng Shuning didn't rush to ask questions. First, she handed her cloak and hand warmer to Qiao He and Qingfang.

After they left, she took advantage of the morning's warmth and sat directly in Yinzhen's lap, slipping her hands under his arms.

She spoke with a coquettish tone: "The sun is strong today, and it's so cold after the snow melted. Even with cotton gloves, my hands won't warm up."

Yinzhen rubbed her hands, "Aren't they warm?"

Geng Shuning hummed, "Not my hands, feel higher..."

Yinzhen paused, then obligingly moved his hands upward.

Geng Shuning glanced down at the wandering hand on her chest: "...I meant for you to feel my wrists, not to act like a scoundrel!"

Yinzhen chuckled softly, grabbing her wrist and pulling it to his neck, gently rubbing it to warm her.

"What were you doing out so early this morning?"

Geng Shuning replied, "Among the newly selected palace maids, a few look promising, but there are too many of them. Yinghui can't manage them all alone, so I asked Nanny Chen to pick some experienced nannies and aunties who are well-versed in palace rules to help train them."

Remembering last night's conversation, she asked, "So, did anyone fight during this morning's court session?"

Yinzhen looked at Geng Shuning's small face. There wasn't a trace of worry on her face; instead, she seemed excited, as if listening to gossip, clearly enjoying the drama.

He couldn't help but laugh, "Are you worried your father got beaten, or are you worried about Ninth Brother getting beaten?"

Geng Shuning's eyes lit up: "Did they really fight? Who got beaten? My father?"

"Oh dear, he's not a military man, so he's not very adept. He must have weakened his body from all that philandering, tsk tsk~"

Far from being worried, she seemed eager to grab a plate of melon seeds and watch the spectacle in the Golden Hall.

Yinzhen, however, was not much of a storyteller and simply said, "No one fought, but there was a lot of arguing, as I expected. You don't need to worry about it. The troubles of the court are something I can handle—"

Before he could finish, his lips were covered by a small hand.

Geng Shuning looked at him disapprovingly, "It's already a pity that I couldn't be there to support my comrades fighting for me. You can't deprive me of the right to join the battle, can you?"

Perhaps because Geng Shuning had been too busy recently and hadn't caused any mischief for a while, Yinzhen found her sudden burst of antics hard to handle.

He patted her helplessly, "Speak properly. What are you planning now?"

Geng Shuning, covering her bottom, pouted unhappily, "You don't love me anymore. In the past, when I spoke like this, you would—oh! I'll speak properly!"

She had intended to continue her antics, but before her voice could even rise, and before she could even get goosebumps, she was suddenly scooped up.

Seeing Yinzhen heading straight for the bedroom, she had no choice but to settle down, sitting obediently on the couch and explaining her plan to Yinzhen in advance.

"I plan to send representatives to the Southern Study and the six ministries to lobby for votes, explaining the benefits of making me the empress and the drawbacks of not doing so, and to persuade them in a friendly manner."

Geng Shuning didn't understand politics, but after spending so much time in the palace, she had a clear grasp of the current court dynamics.

At present, there is no Grand Council. Yinzhen established the Southern Study during the emergency of the previous flood. The cabinet meetings and the meetings of the council of ministers and princes are all held in the Southern Study, making it the central hub of power in the Qing Dynasty.

The selection of ministers within the Southern Study is known only to the Emperor. Officially, the cabinet still plays the leading role.

The cabinet is divided into six ministries, which are the functional departments responsible for day-to-day operations. Below them are other civilian and military bureaus, most of which are under the jurisdiction of the six ministries, except for the Censorate, the Hanlin Academy, and the Imperial Household Department.

Therefore, she only needs to persuade the cabinet ministers and the six ministries to support her. Whether others oppose or not is irrelevant, as you can't fight city hall.

Yinzhen didn't understand, "How do you plan to rally support?"

Even though he stands on Geng Shuning's side, he knows that making her the Empress is beneficial to the Geng family. Others oppose it because it harms their interests.

Securing this vote won't be easy.

Geng Shuning smiled with great certainty, "Of course, by laying out the facts and making a logical case. I am someone who convinces others with logic."

Making her the Empress would harm the interests of others, but who says not making her the Empress wouldn't harm others' interests?

She has done so much over the years, working tirelessly these past few months, and it hasn't been for nothing.

When faced with two evils, choose the lesser one. Those who can sit in the power center must be sharp-minded, to say the least.

Yinzhen stared at Geng Shuning, seeing her blink innocently but refusing to say more, and laughed.

"Will your actions force the old censor to protest to the death?"

Geng Shuning shook her head, "No!"

"Will it make the old man throw a fit?"

"No!"

"Can you save your skin?"

"No—" Geng Shuning almost bit her tongue, glaring at Yinzhen.

"No problem!"

Yinzhen smiled and tapped Geng Shuning's nose, "I will have Lin Fu give you the list. The matter of making her the Empress will become widely known. I will insist on it in the court. Just don't give others a chance to undermine me."

Geng Shuning happily grabbed his hand, kissed his palm, and seriously raised four of his fingers, her eyes sparkling with bright smiles.

"I know your kindness, I swear on my husband's throne!"

Yinzhen: "..." That's my wife for you!

*

The two of them played around for a bit, had lunch, and were about to take a nap when Qiao He suddenly came in and whispered—

"Master, Lady Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui says there is an urgent matter and asks you to come over."

Geng Shuning sat up from Yinzhen's arms, "Bring me some water to wash my face, I'll go right away."

Lin Fu had already given her the list. At this moment, Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui sent someone to call her, likely because some factions outside the palace have begun to make their move.

What's the use of napping now? Once I'm Empress, I'll have all the time in the world to sleep.

Without even a word to Yinzhen, she quickly threw on her clothes and ran to the Shufang Studio, making Yinzhen feel the same sense of urgency.

Well, he won't sleep either.

She got up to continue reviewing the memorials, pondering how to deal with those neutral old foxes.

*

As Geng Shuning entered the second floor of the Shufang Studio, she saw Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui sitting by the stove, roasting lamb skewers.

The aroma was irresistible—high-quality lamb seasoned with cumin. Even after lunch, Geng Shuning couldn't help but salivate.

Hearing the noise, Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui waved at Geng Shuning without any regard for etiquette. "Come and have some. Did you know Tong Guowei went to Changchun Garden despite his illness?"

Geng Shuning didn't mind the lack of decorum either. After all, Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui currently held a higher rank than her.

She sat down across from Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui, took a lamb skewer, and began roasting it slowly, turning it herself. She also asked Qiao He to get some evodia oil from the imperial kitchen.

Qingfang went out to guard the door.

Geng Shuning finally asked, "Is it just Tong Guowei?"

Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui chuckled. "How many more do you want running to the former emperor to denounce you as a femme fatale?"

"Tong Guowei went to Zhang Yushu's residence. Zhang Yushu might go too. In any case, if you want to become the legitimate empress, it's going to be difficult."

Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui, being the legitimate wife herself, understood Geng Shuning's insistence on legitimacy. For women, status was a matter of lifelong respect.

But as empress, legitimacy didn't matter much.

First, secure the title of empress and solidify your position as the palace's head. Then, gradually win over the court's factions. Isn't that better than holding onto meaningless principles?

Geng Shuning didn't argue right away. Instead, she brushed a thin layer of evodia oil onto the lamb, carefully roasted it, and handed it to Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui.

As she began roasting another skewer, she raised an eyebrow at Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui, who was squinting at her.

"If you could enter through the main gate, would you settle for being a concubine, never having a grand wedding?"

Every woman dreams of a wedding.

In her previous life, Geng Shuning had also imagined herself in a wedding dress.

If it were a matter of life and death, she could give it up. But the difficulty? There are always more solutions than problems, especially for someone as cunning as her.

Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui swallowed a mouthful of the spicy roasted lamb and asked curiously, "Your confidence doesn't just come from the emperor, does it?"

Geng Shuning shook her head with a smile. "No, it's based on myself."

Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui: "...No wonder I felt a connection with you the moment I saw you. You're even more confident than I am, and you dare to boast even more."

Geng Shuning grinned, handing over the freshly roasted skewer with a charming expression.

"Of course, this confidence wouldn't be possible without the support of Lady Ying Hui and the Prince of Xiang. I still need you all to help me boast, hehe~"

Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui: "..." She had a bad feeling about this.

Suddenly, the skewer in her hand didn't seem as appetizing.