Chapter 392 - Imperial Concubine
Chapter 393 of "Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life" begins unfolding events: "Fang Pin, what situation are you talking about?" After rebuking Qiao Qingyue, Ye Qiu turned... Continue reading!
"Fang Pin, what situation are you talking about?" After rebuking Qiao Qingyue, Ye Qiu turned her head and asked Fang Pin with a cold face.Fang Pin was already scared; perhaps Ye Qiuâs more relaxed attitude over the past two years had made her somewhat complacent, but now standing here, she recalled the fear of being dominated. How could she dare to make a direct fuss to Changchun Palace? The Wang family is so powerful that they could seize her familyâs property, how could she fight against the Imperial Concubine? Her own family is minor, the Eldest Prince already attracts jealousy, wouldnât this make it even more dangerous?
Fang Pin trembled inwardly, and stammered, "It was the Eldest Prince who suddenly wanted to see his Father Emperor; this servant really couldnât appease him and had to come to Changchun Palace. Sister, forgive me, this servant didnât do it intentionally."
"First, take the Eldest Prince to see the Imperial Physician to check if he is sick, and if he wants to see the Emperor, report it first. What kind of behavior is this fuss, if you were punished, you wouldnât even be able to voice your grievances," Ye Qiu coldly scolded.
She looked at Qiao Qingyue again and said, "Donât always just listen to othersâ instigations, use your own brain."
"This servant acknowledges her fault," Fang Pin quickly said, by now she also realized her mistake. Usually, the Eldest Prince cried and wanted to see the Emperor, the wet nurse could soothe him after a while; why did she rush to Changchun Palace today as soon as Qiao Zhaoyi arrived?
Fang Pin suspiciously glanced at Qiao Qingyue, increasingly feeling that this person had ill intentions. Was she just being used by her as a shield? Was she actually the one wanting to see the Emperor?
The more Fang Pin thought, the more she felt this was the truth. Otherwise, why would the Imperial Concubine say such things? Empress Dowager Wang and Lady were forced to the summer resort, and in the harem, there was no one to restrain the Imperial Concubine. If she wanted to deal with her and the Eldest Prince, wouldnât it be easy? Why bother saying all this?
So, were these words actually intended for Qiao Zhaoyi?
It must be so, Fang Pin thought, seeing the embarrassed expression on Qiao Qingyueâs face, she snorted coldly, never expecting someone who appeared non-competitive and weak on the surface to be so scheming on the inside!
"This servant will go to the Imperial Hospital to invite the Imperial Physician, Iâve bothered you, sister." Fang Pin respectfully bowed, and only when Ye Qiu nodded did she leave relieved.
Qiao Qingyue stood there, not knowing whether to go or stay, previously uncompetitive and serene like a Fairy, but now Qiao Zhaoyiâs heart was filled with negative emotions, wishing she could viciously curse Ye Qiu.
But Ye Qiu had no time to bother about her, as the firearms from her second uncleâs place had just been developed, many things could be advanced now.
When she returned to the sleeping palace, Ji Fei had already woken up, but his vitality was dwindling, sometimes lying in bed for most of the day looking confused, barely recognizing even An Fu, only showing excitement when Ye Qiu was close.
Palace Attendants and An Fu had watched the Emperor deteriorate like this. Although none had seen Ye Qiu administer any drugs, they all believed that if Ye Qiu hadnât drugged him, then she must be a fox spirit, otherwise how could the Imperial Physicians not find out?
"Beloved princess, you are back." Ji Fei, half-lying in bed, listlessly said, "Where have you been for so long, my love?"
Ye Qiu sat in a chair nearby, sipping tea lightly: "There was a new development in the Military Camp, I went to take a look. On my way back, I ran into Fang Pin, she said the Eldest Prince hasnât seen you for a while and missed you."
Ji Fei sipped a bowl of supplemental soup served by a Palace Attendant, and after finishing it, he sighed heavily with effort. The nearby Palace Attendants were so frightened that they dared not look directly at him, afraid that the Emperor might pass away given his condition, which didnât seem like that of a man in his twenties, rather like someone critically ill.
When Ye Qiu mentioned the Eldest Prince, Ji Fei thought for a moment then frowned, quickly dismissing the thought.
"The Emperor should rest now, this servant has some matters to attend to, and will come back to accompany you in the evening," Ye Qiu personally helped Ji Fei to lie down, even though she knew it was wrong to let him sleep again so soon, no Palace Attendant dared to remind her.
After arranging matters for Ji Fei, Ye Qiu went on to review the memorials. Seeing the submissions from Qiao Zhenglian and his followers, she sneered mockingly, thinking they would never expect that both the harem and the previous dynasty were currently under her command!
However clever Qiao Zhenglian might be, he had never revealed his ambitions and schemes to others over the years. Precisely because he was so secretive, he did not have many followers, and notably, he lacked the support of any military generals. This was his biggest flaw.
Civil servants can govern in times of stability but become powerless when the state falls into chaos.
Though she wished to avoid needless casualties, some people, failing to read the situation, might force her to take drastic measures eventually.
"Lady, Old Qiao and some civil servants have gathered at the palace gate, requesting to see the Emperor." Ye Qiu wondered whether to praise Qiao Zhenglianâs efficiency for showing up just a day after submitting his memorial, or to criticize his recklessness.
"Let them proceed to Yangxin Hall, and also invite Mr. Zhang, Mr. Du, and Mr. Li to come."
"Yes."
After everyone had arrived, Ye Qiu calmly walked out from the inner palace. By then, An Fu had already arranged for a little eunuch to place a chair slightly in front of the throne that Ji Fei usually sat on.
Seeing this, Qiao Zhenglian and others frowned. It was true that the Empress and the Emperor were equals in terms of ritual hierarchy, and as the Imperial Concubine equivalent to a Vice Empress, Ye Qiu had the right to sit beside Ji Fei. However, this was typically reserved for banquet settings, and this was Yangxin Hall, the Emperorâs working place!
"Paying respects to the Imperial Concubine." Before Qiao Zhenglian could begin nitpicking, Mr. Zhang took the lead in saluting, followed closely by the Ministers of Revenue Mr. Du and Ministry of Industry Mr. Li. On seeing this, other officials who had been observing and gauging the mood also knelt down, leaving Qiao Zhenglian with no choice but to salute Ye Qiu as well.
"My lords, please rise. An Fu, provide seats."
"Thank you, Lady!"
Qiao Zhenglian gazed deeply at Mr. Zhang, sensing that his usually annoying rival seemed strangely profound today.
"Lady, the elder official and the rest of us have come to request an audience with the Emperor today. May I inquire why the Imperial Concubine is presiding here today?" Qiao Zhenglian stood up and asked, "Isnât this a bit against the rules?"
"Which rule says I cannot sit here?" Ye Qiu looked at him nonchalantly.
Qiao Zhenglian puffed up with self-righteous indignation: "The royal decrees state that the harem must not interfere in politics!"
"Rules are made by man. The ancestors said that the harem must not interfere in politics, but the Emperor has asked me to manage state affairs. Since both are Emperors, Mr. Qiao, whom do you think I should listen to?"
Ye Qiuâs dismissive attitude was already infuriating Qiao Zhenglian, and even the officials behind him were left speechless and frowning.
"Of course, the ancestral teachings are important."
"But if I were to follow Mr. Qiaoâs advice and adhere to the ancestral teachings, then Mr. Qiao, you would be defying the Emperorâs orders. Mr. Huang, may I ask, how should one be punished for defying the Emperorâs orders?"