"What? His Majesty wants Hua Yingting to take charge of the 30,000 Imperial Guards in the capital?!" Upon hearing this news, Consort Xian was so shocked that she almost dropped the jade cup in her hand. She stood up and paced around the room several times in disbelief, muttering, "How is this possible? How could it be..."
On the surface, the Imperial Guards in the capital seemed to be just a few thousand people. However, during emergencies, the soldiers and guards from several neighboring counties would also be under the command and dispatch of the Imperial Guards in the capital. This was a significant amount of power.
In other words, the majority of the safety and protection in the capital was now entrusted to the Hua family. Although the Palace Golden Armored Army was not under the command of the Imperial Guards, the meager three thousand soldiers in the Palace Golden Armored Army would probably not be a match for tens of thousands of Imperial Guards in crucial moments.
What was even more frightening was that the Hua family also controlled hundreds of thousands of troops on the border. Although Hua Yingting had already left the military camp, his two sons remained in important positions within the army. Given the prestige of the Hua family in both the military and civilian sectors, it was only a matter of time before Hua Yingting's two sons gained control over the main forces.
What did His Majesty mean by this?
Did he truly trust the Hua family, or was he deliberately lulling them into complacency, waiting for the right moment to strike them?
Consort Xian felt some regret. If His Majesty had no suspicions about the Hua family, why would she not agree to His Majesty's arrangement to have her son marry Hua Liuli? Even if Hua Liuli didn't want to marry, she would have made her son beg and cry to bring her back.
Before she could fully process this news, another piece of information arrived—Royal Princess Leyang had returned to the capital.
Consort Xian's face instantly turned sour. She had a terrible relationship with this Royal Princess Leyang, but as a consort, she had to pretend to welcome the arrival of her younger sister-in-law in front of His Majesty.
She and Princess Shunan had become allies precisely because they shared a common dislike for Leyang.
"But Royal Princess Leyang has lost a lot of face this time she returned to the capital," Consort Xian's close palace maid, aware that her mistress disliked Royal Princess Leyang, recounted the incident that caused Royal Princess Leyang's embarrassment, "I also overheard a piece of gossip. Royal Princess Leyang submitted a memorial to appoint her second daughter as a Junzhu, but His Majesty rejected it."
"Her eldest daughter passed away just a year ago, yet she's already in a hurry to establish another Junzhu?" Consort Xian raised an eyebrow in astonishment. Did Leyang lose her mind?
She had married into the southern region, yet His Majesty still kept the Princess's Estate in the capital for her. It was because His Majesty valued the relationship between Leyang's birth mother and the Empress Dowager. Anyone with a brain could see that His Majesty liked people who had both affection and loyalty. As a birth mother, how could Leyang so eagerly abandon her deceased daughter and start seeking benefits under His Majesty's nose? Could His Majesty be pleased with that?
"Idiot," Consort Xian sneered, "Bengong has never seen such a foolish woman."
"Your Highness, there are rumors that Royal Princess Leyang wants to make Xie Yao a Crown Princess," the palace maid whispered, "But it's all hearsay. The palace attendants in Shoukang Palace keep everything tightly sealed, and no information can be obtained."
"It's normal that you couldn't find out," Consort Xian said, "Don't think that the Empress Dowager is easily fooled just because her temper is good these days and she always smiles. During the chaotic harem period of the late emperor, the Empress Dowager was able to sit firmly on the throne of the empress. How do you think she managed that?"
The palace maid fell silent.
Consort Xian sneered, "Xie Yao wants to become the Crown Princess? Ha. In her dreams!"
She wanted to teach that annoying sister-in-law a lesson. Although they were nothing more than lowly concubines in her eyes, they were still the Emperor's concubines.
In this harem, it was the world of the consorts, and it had nothing to do with her, Ji Leyang.
How could Royal Princess Leyang not understand that she would appear too eager by requesting to establish her second daughter as a Junzhu at this time? But she had no other choice now. Even Hua Liuli, someone not of the imperial family, was a Junzhu. If Xie Yao were to mingle around in the capital, wouldn't she still be beneath an outsider?
She thought her Imperial Brother would secure her eldest daughter's title while establishing a new one for Yao Yao. She never expected that the memorial would be directly rejected.
"The eldest daughter of your family passed away less than a year ago, this matter will be discussed in the future," she read that sentence from the memorial in a low voice, her voice trembling.
This was almost a subtle criticism of her as a mother lacking compassion.
It seemed that her Imperial Brother was displeased with her, likely due to her ostentatious actions upon entering the capital. Otherwise, he wouldn't have so blatantly disregarded her face.
"Mother, what should we do now?" When Xie Yao saw those two lines in the memorial, her face turned red, and she felt as if the Emperor was scolding her.
How would her cousin, the Crown Prince, view her?
Would he think that she was eager to replace her sister?
"Why panic?" Royal Princess Leyang looked at her daughter with some dissatisfaction, "If your eldest sister were still alive..."
Her eldest daughter was more beautiful and talented than her second daughter. If it weren't for her eldest daughter's poor health and early death, she wouldn't have gone through the trouble of promoting her second daughter as a Junzhu.
Xie Yao lowered her head and remained silent.
"Men are fond of delicate and lovely women. The more fragile and pitiful you appear, the more likely they are to feel protective of you," Royal Princess Leyang sneered mockingly, "You need to learn how to use this weapon. It can be used not only against men but also against women."
Xie Yao thought of Hua Liuli, the little enchantress who was treated tenderly by her cousin, the Crown Prince. Wasn't it because she was weak and pitiful that the Crown Prince treated her differently?
Seemingly aware of what Xie Yao was thinking, Royal Princess Leyang's expression turned cold, "Don't you understand how to deal with a young lady?"
Xie Yao pursed her lips, "Daughter will remember."
"Let's go," Royal Princess Leyang stood up, "I'll take you to choose rouge and face powder."
"Mother, I already have plenty of those in my room."
"If you want to become the Crown Princess, you can never have enough of such thoughts," Royal Princess Leyang said, "Having a beautiful face is your capital to captivate men."
The most expensive rouge and face powder shop in the capital was always filled with wealthy women.
Just as Hua Liuli entered the shop's gate, she heard familiar voices. She followed the sound and indeed saw Yao Jiamin, Yao Wenyin, and Tian Shan. Tian Ruidong was following behind the three girls, paying for their purchases with silver notes.
"Fushou Junzhu!" Tian Shan saw Hua Liuli and waved at her with a smile. After waving, she remembered that they seemed to have some conflicts with Hua Liuli before, so she discreetly retracted her hand.
"Junzhu," Tian Ruidong hadn't seen Hua Liuli for a long time, and now that he finally saw her, he straightened his body, smoothed out the wrinkles on his robe, and approached her with a bow, "Junzhu, are you also buying rouge? What kind do you like?"
Seeing Tian Ruidong warmly approaching her, Yao Jiamin and Yao Wenyin didn't find it strange. They even took a step back in unison and continued to select lip rouge.
"Second Young Master Tian," Hua Liuli returned Tian Ruidong's bow on an equal footing and smiled, "I'm just browsing."
"Junzhu, no matter what rouge you use, you will look good because of your outstanding appearance," Tian Ruidong quickly changed his words, "Any rouge that catches your eye will be the luckiest one in the entire shop."
"What arrogant language from a junior?" A woman dressed in embroidered golden palace attire walked into the shop. The eunuchs and palace maids behind her blocked the entrance, no longer allowing unrelated people to enter the shop.
Tian Ruidong didn't even lift his head, "What do you mean by arrogant? I'm just speaking the truth."
"Brother," Tian Shan lightly pulled Tian Ruidong's sleeve, "You should see who the person is before you argue back."
Sensing something amiss, Tian Ruidong looked up at the entrance and clenched his teeth. He took a step forward, blocking Hua Liuli behind him, and saluted, "Greetings to Royal Princess Leyang."
"So, you're the maternal family member of that consort with the family name Tian," Royal Princess Leyang smiled inexplicably, her eyes filled with a hint of disdain.
Although Consort Xian had a title, Royal Princess Leyang addressed her by her maternal family name, showing obvious disrespect, even in front of Consort Xian's maternal family junior. This princess was truly arrogant.
Indeed, be it in the commoners' families or in the imperial family, the relationship between sisters-in-law was a difficult problem.
Hua Liuli walked out from behind Tian Ruidong and respectfully greeted Royal Princess Leyang, "Greetings, Royal Princess Leyang."
Royal Princess Leyang stared at her for a moment before smiling faintly, "Fushou Junzhu, my daughter Yao Yao is the same age as you. You should have a good time together."
"Aunt, Fushou Junzhu is here with us. If you trust us, you can let Cousin join us," Yao Jiamin said with a fake smile, "We will take good care of her."
Xie Yao had so many malicious methods. Whoever was alone with her would be unlucky.
"Jiamin is here too? Sorry, there are so many handsome young men and beautiful women in the room that Aunt didn't notice you," Royal Princess Leyang pretended to notice Yao Jiamin just now and smiled reservedly, "Well, Yao Yao is shy. I'll take her upstairs to have a look. Next time, you can all play together."
After speaking, she took Xie Yao and walked upstairs.
Watching Royal Princess Leyang and her entourage go upstairs, Yao Wenyin expressed her concerns, "Jiamin, what if Aunt ends up arguing with Royal Princess Leyang?"
Yao Jiamin rolled up her sleeves, turned to look at Hua Liuli, and said, "Hua Liuli, you once said that we are lifelong sisters, right?"
Hua Liuli crossed her arms and replied, "Not long ago, someone said we weren't sisters."
"Times change, so do circumstances. If you help me this time, I'll consider you not only my sister but also my elder sister," Yao Jiamin held her arm and whispered, "My mother is upstairs choosing jewelry. She has always had conflicts with Royal Princess Leyang, but every time they clash, my mother ends up losing. I'm worried she'll suffer again this time. Can you do me a favor?"
With so many young people present this time, if her mother lost face, she might not be able to eat for several days.
"Sister Jiamin, I am so delicate and helpless..."
"As long as you help this time, I'll accompany you no matter what you want to do, alright?"
"Don't say things like that. We're sisters, there's no need to emphasize these things. How can I just stand by and watch Aunt suffer a loss?" Hua Liuli extended her hand toward Yuan Yi, "Yuan Yi, support me upstairs."
Yao Jiamin quickly followed behind Hua Liuli, her initially worried heart miraculously calming down.
Somehow, she felt confident that with Hua Liuli's help, her mother wouldn't suffer a loss this time.
"We'll go up and take a look too," Tian Shan suggested, noticing Yao Wenyin's concern about Yao Jiamin.
"Shan Shan, I'm afraid this might involve your Tian family. I'll go up alone, you don't have to..."
"It's fine. Good sisters share blessings and difficulties. Besides, according to the law of storybooks, someone like Royal Princess Leyang will be slapped in the face by the protagonist," Tian Shan patted her chest and whispered, "Moreover, in this case, the protagonist is on our side."
"Who's the protagonist?" Yao Wenyin didn't refute Tian Shan's law of storybooks this time, "Is it you or me?"
"What does it have to do with us? When I say the protagonist, I mean Fushou Junzhu."
Yao Wenyin fell silent for a moment, "Just keep quiet. Thank you."
Tian Ruidong couldn't feel at ease leaving a few girls to deal with the cunning and malicious Royal Princess Leyang. He hurriedly followed them upstairs. If there was a fight later, as a man, he could at least punch a couple of people.
The shop owner looked worriedly at these noble individuals who were marching upstairs and silently prayed in his heart. He hoped they wouldn't start fighting, please don't start fighting.
"This young master, there are important guests in the shop. Please come back later," a servant from Royal Princess Leyang's estate intercepted a handsomely dressed young man.
"Important guests?" the attendant behind the young man raised his voice and said, "What kind of thing is your master? How dare they call themselves an important guest in front of His Royal Highness?!"
As soon as he finished speaking, two guards behind him stepped forward and pushed away the person standing at the entrance.
"You short-sighted dog!" the attendant kicked the servant who was blocking the Crown Prince, then wiped the door frame that the servant had touched with his sleeve, "Your Royal Highness, please."
Just as the Crown Prince's foot stepped into the door, he heard the sound of something falling from upstairs.
It seemed like there was also the gentle sound of a woman sobbing.
"What? His Majesty wants Hua Yingting to take charge of the 30,000 Imperial Guards in the capital?!" Upon hearing this news, Consort Xian was so shocked that she almost dropped the jade cup in her hand. She stood up and paced around the room several times in disbelief, muttering, "How is this possible? How could it be..."
On the surface, the Imperial Guards in the capital seemed to be just a few thousand people. However, during emergencies, the soldiers and guards from several neighboring counties would also be under the command and dispatch of the Imperial Guards in the capital. This was a significant amount of power.
In other words, the majority of the safety and protection in the capital was now entrusted to the Hua family. Although the Palace Golden Armored Army was not under the command of the Imperial Guards, the meager three thousand soldiers in the Palace Golden Armored Army would probably not be a match for tens of thousands of Imperial Guards in crucial moments.
What was even more frightening was that the Hua family also controlled hundreds of thousands of troops on the border. Although Hua Yingting had already left the military camp, his two sons remained in important positions within the army. Given the prestige of the Hua family in both the military and civilian sectors, it was only a matter of time before Hua Yingting's two sons gained control over the main forces.
What did His Majesty mean by this?
Did he truly trust the Hua family, or was he deliberately lulling them into complacency, waiting for the right moment to strike them?
Consort Xian felt some regret. If His Majesty had no suspicions about the Hua family, why would she not agree to His Majesty's arrangement to have her son marry Hua Liuli? Even if Hua Liuli didn't want to marry, she would have made her son beg and cry to bring her back.
Before she could fully process this news, another piece of information arrived—Royal Princess Leyang had returned to the capital.
Consort Xian's face instantly turned sour. She had a terrible relationship with this Royal Princess Leyang, but as a consort, she had to pretend to welcome the arrival of her younger sister-in-law in front of His Majesty.
She and Princess Shunan had become allies precisely because they shared a common dislike for Leyang.
"But Royal Princess Leyang has lost a lot of face this time she returned to the capital," Consort Xian's close palace maid, aware that her mistress disliked Royal Princess Leyang, recounted the incident that caused Royal Princess Leyang's embarrassment, "I also overheard a piece of gossip. Royal Princess Leyang submitted a memorial to appoint her second daughter as a Junzhu, but His Majesty rejected it."
"Her eldest daughter passed away just a year ago, yet she's already in a hurry to establish another Junzhu?" Consort Xian raised an eyebrow in astonishment. Did Leyang lose her mind?
She had married into the southern region, yet His Majesty still kept the Princess's Estate in the capital for her. It was because His Majesty valued the relationship between Leyang's birth mother and the Empress Dowager. Anyone with a brain could see that His Majesty liked people who had both affection and loyalty. As a birth mother, how could Leyang so eagerly abandon her deceased daughter and start seeking benefits under His Majesty's nose? Could His Majesty be pleased with that?
"Idiot," Consort Xian sneered, "Bengong has never seen such a foolish woman."
"Your Highness, there are rumors that Royal Princess Leyang wants to make Xie Yao a Crown Princess," the palace maid whispered, "But it's all hearsay. The palace attendants in Shoukang Palace keep everything tightly sealed, and no information can be obtained."
"It's normal that you couldn't find out," Consort Xian said, "Don't think that the Empress Dowager is easily fooled just because her temper is good these days and she always smiles. During the chaotic harem period of the late emperor, the Empress Dowager was able to sit firmly on the throne of the empress. How do you think she managed that?"
The palace maid fell silent.
Consort Xian sneered, "Xie Yao wants to become the Crown Princess? Ha. In her dreams!"
She wanted to teach that annoying sister-in-law a lesson. Although they were nothing more than lowly concubines in her eyes, they were still the Emperor's concubines.
In this harem, it was the world of the consorts, and it had nothing to do with her, Ji Leyang.
How could Royal Princess Leyang not understand that she would appear too eager by requesting to establish her second daughter as a Junzhu at this time? But she had no other choice now. Even Hua Liuli, someone not of the imperial family, was a Junzhu. If Xie Yao were to mingle around in the capital, wouldn't she still be beneath an outsider?
She thought her Imperial Brother would secure her eldest daughter's title while establishing a new one for Yao Yao. She never expected that the memorial would be directly rejected.
"The eldest daughter of your family passed away less than a year ago, this matter will be discussed in the future," she read that sentence from the memorial in a low voice, her voice trembling.
This was almost a subtle criticism of her as a mother lacking compassion.
It seemed that her Imperial Brother was displeased with her, likely due to her ostentatious actions upon entering the capital. Otherwise, he wouldn't have so blatantly disregarded her face.
"Mother, what should we do now?" When Xie Yao saw those two lines in the memorial, her face turned red, and she felt as if the Emperor was scolding her.
How would her cousin, the Crown Prince, view her?
Would he think that she was eager to replace her sister?
"Why panic?" Royal Princess Leyang looked at her daughter with some dissatisfaction, "If your eldest sister were still alive..."
Her eldest daughter was more beautiful and talented than her second daughter. If it weren't for her eldest daughter's poor health and early death, she wouldn't have gone through the trouble of promoting her second daughter as a Junzhu.
Xie Yao lowered her head and remained silent.
"Men are fond of delicate and lovely women. The more fragile and pitiful you appear, the more likely they are to feel protective of you," Royal Princess Leyang sneered mockingly, "You need to learn how to use this weapon. It can be used not only against men but also against women."
Xie Yao thought of Hua Liuli, the little enchantress who was treated tenderly by her cousin, the Crown Prince. Wasn't it because she was weak and pitiful that the Crown Prince treated her differently?
Seemingly aware of what Xie Yao was thinking, Royal Princess Leyang's expression turned cold, "Don't you understand how to deal with a young lady?"
Xie Yao pursed her lips, "Daughter will remember."
"Let's go," Royal Princess Leyang stood up, "I'll take you to choose rouge and face powder."
"Mother, I already have plenty of those in my room."
"If you want to become the Crown Princess, you can never have enough of such thoughts," Royal Princess Leyang said, "Having a beautiful face is your capital to captivate men."
The most expensive rouge and face powder shop in the capital was always filled with wealthy women.
Just as Hua Liuli entered the shop's gate, she heard familiar voices. She followed the sound and indeed saw Yao Jiamin, Yao Wenyin, and Tian Shan. Tian Ruidong was following behind the three girls, paying for their purchases with silver notes.
"Fushou Junzhu!" Tian Shan saw Hua Liuli and waved at her with a smile. After waving, she remembered that they seemed to have some conflicts with Hua Liuli before, so she discreetly retracted her hand.
"Junzhu," Tian Ruidong hadn't seen Hua Liuli for a long time, and now that he finally saw her, he straightened his body, smoothed out the wrinkles on his robe, and approached her with a bow, "Junzhu, are you also buying rouge? What kind do you like?"
Seeing Tian Ruidong warmly approaching her, Yao Jiamin and Yao Wenyin didn't find it strange. They even took a step back in unison and continued to select lip rouge.
"Second Young Master Tian," Hua Liuli returned Tian Ruidong's bow on an equal footing and smiled, "I'm just browsing."
"Junzhu, no matter what rouge you use, you will look good because of your outstanding appearance," Tian Ruidong quickly changed his words, "Any rouge that catches your eye will be the luckiest one in the entire shop."
"What arrogant language from a junior?" A woman dressed in embroidered golden palace attire walked into the shop. The eunuchs and palace maids behind her blocked the entrance, no longer allowing unrelated people to enter the shop.
Tian Ruidong didn't even lift his head, "What do you mean by arrogant? I'm just speaking the truth."
"Brother," Tian Shan lightly pulled Tian Ruidong's sleeve, "You should see who the person is before you argue back."
Sensing something amiss, Tian Ruidong looked up at the entrance and clenched his teeth. He took a step forward, blocking Hua Liuli behind him, and saluted, "Greetings to Royal Princess Leyang."
"So, you're the maternal family member of that consort with the family name Tian," Royal Princess Leyang smiled inexplicably, her eyes filled with a hint of disdain.
Although Consort Xian had a title, Royal Princess Leyang addressed her by her maternal family name, showing obvious disrespect, even in front of Consort Xian's maternal family junior. This princess was truly arrogant.
Indeed, be it in the commoners' families or in the imperial family, the relationship between sisters-in-law was a difficult problem.
Hua Liuli walked out from behind Tian Ruidong and respectfully greeted Royal Princess Leyang, "Greetings, Royal Princess Leyang."
Royal Princess Leyang stared at her for a moment before smiling faintly, "Fushou Junzhu, my daughter Yao Yao is the same age as you. You should have a good time together."
"Aunt, Fushou Junzhu is here with us. If you trust us, you can let Cousin join us," Yao Jiamin said with a fake smile, "We will take good care of her."
Xie Yao had so many malicious methods. Whoever was alone with her would be unlucky.
"Jiamin is here too? Sorry, there are so many handsome young men and beautiful women in the room that Aunt didn't notice you," Royal Princess Leyang pretended to notice Yao Jiamin just now and smiled reservedly, "Well, Yao Yao is shy. I'll take her upstairs to have a look. Next time, you can all play together."
After speaking, she took Xie Yao and walked upstairs.
Watching Royal Princess Leyang and her entourage go upstairs, Yao Wenyin expressed her concerns, "Jiamin, what if Aunt ends up arguing with Royal Princess Leyang?"
Yao Jiamin rolled up her sleeves, turned to look at Hua Liuli, and said, "Hua Liuli, you once said that we are lifelong sisters, right?"
Hua Liuli crossed her arms and replied, "Not long ago, someone said we weren't sisters."
"Times change, so do circumstances. If you help me this time, I'll consider you not only my sister but also my elder sister," Yao Jiamin held her arm and whispered, "My mother is upstairs choosing jewelry. She has always had conflicts with Royal Princess Leyang, but every time they clash, my mother ends up losing. I'm worried she'll suffer again this time. Can you do me a favor?"
With so many young people present this time, if her mother lost face, she might not be able to eat for several days.
"Sister Jiamin, I am so delicate and helpless..."
"As long as you help this time, I'll accompany you no matter what you want to do, alright?"
"Don't say things like that. We're sisters, there's no need to emphasize these things. How can I just stand by and watch Aunt suffer a loss?" Hua Liuli extended her hand toward Yuan Yi, "Yuan Yi, support me upstairs."
Yao Jiamin quickly followed behind Hua Liuli, her initially worried heart miraculously calming down.
Somehow, she felt confident that with Hua Liuli's help, her mother wouldn't suffer a loss this time.
"We'll go up and take a look too," Tian Shan suggested, noticing Yao Wenyin's concern about Yao Jiamin.
"Shan Shan, I'm afraid this might involve your Tian family. I'll go up alone, you don't have to..."
"It's fine. Good sisters share blessings and difficulties. Besides, according to the law of storybooks, someone like Royal Princess Leyang will be slapped in the face by the protagonist," Tian Shan patted her chest and whispered, "Moreover, in this case, the protagonist is on our side."
"Who's the protagonist?" Yao Wenyin didn't refute Tian Shan's law of storybooks this time, "Is it you or me?"
"What does it have to do with us? When I say the protagonist, I mean Fushou Junzhu."
Yao Wenyin fell silent for a moment, "Just keep quiet. Thank you."
Tian Ruidong couldn't feel at ease leaving a few girls to deal with the cunning and malicious Royal Princess Leyang. He hurriedly followed them upstairs. If there was a fight later, as a man, he could at least punch a couple of people.
The shop owner looked worriedly at these noble individuals who were marching upstairs and silently prayed in his heart. He hoped they wouldn't start fighting, please don't start fighting.
"This young master, there are important guests in the shop. Please come back later," a servant from Royal Princess Leyang's estate intercepted a handsomely dressed young man.
"Important guests?" the attendant behind the young man raised his voice and said, "What kind of thing is your master? How dare they call themselves an important guest in front of His Royal Highness?!"
As soon as he finished speaking, two guards behind him stepped forward and pushed away the person standing at the entrance.
"You short-sighted dog!" the attendant kicked the servant who was blocking the Crown Prince, then wiped the door frame that the servant had touched with his sleeve, "Your Royal Highness, please."
Just as the Crown Prince's foot stepped into the door, he heard the sound of something falling from upstairs.
It seemed like there was also the gentle sound of a woman sobbing.
