amaotonovel Chapter 228 Heart-to-heart talk
Chapter 228 Heart-to-heart talk
Concubine Jiang couldn't help but smile and said, "You didn't come here to talk to me, did you?"
Lan Qingwu smiled lightly: "I just came here to talk to you."
"Oh? Are you talking about the women's prison? His Majesty has already made the final decision on this matter, so there's nothing to worry about, right?"
Lan Qingwu replied, "But sister, your family isn't very opposed to it, but they're not very supportive either!"
Including those families that are on good terms with the Jiang family, they are now just like what Concubine Jiang is doing now, keeping a low profile and not making mistakes.
"You call me sister? As far as I know, Concubine Yi, you never call us concubines in the harem sisters. It seems that you have never bothered to address us as sisters!"
Lan Qingwu pursed her lips slightly, but did not deny it: "Yes, I am not calling you sister, Your Majesty, but you, Concubine Jiang!"
"I?"
"Yes! Empress Jiang has held great power in the harem for many years, yet she has always been able to uphold her integrity and maintain a fair mind towards everyone in the palace. She doesn't fight for power or engage in intrigue or conspiracy. This is rare! Isn't this enough for me to call her sister?"
This time, Concubine Jiang laughed sincerely. "Alright! You and His Majesty are indeed similar in some ways, even your words are very similar. But, what does this have to do with my family and the women's prison?"
Lan Qingwu sighed softly, "Sister, His Majesty has made up his mind to abolish the women's prison. This is irreversible. It's just a matter of speed, duration, and success. Concubine Wen is running around in the palace, clearly trying to hinder His Majesty's implementation. At this time, His Majesty needs other people in the harem and the front court who have influence and appeal to the aristocratic families to stand up and support His Majesty!"
Concubine Jiang took a sip of the sweet tea and said, "You want me to make a public appearance in the harem?"
Her expression was slightly dejected as she whispered, "For His Majesty?"
Lan Qingwu shook his head gently: "No! It's for the Second Prince!"
Lan Qingwu said seriously, "Sister, this is to pave the way for the Second Prince. There is nothing wrong with His Majesty's decree. If your family contributes, it will be easier to implement. If your family just stands by and watches, it will be more difficult. These will not be obstacles, but sister, why don't you go with the flow and do His Majesty a favor? His Majesty will see it and will definitely remember these good things for the Second Prince in the future. We women in the harem are actually the same as ordinary women. We are all for the future and prospects of our children. Sister, don't you agree?"
Concubine Jiang was genuinely surprised this time. "I thought you were going to tell me some great truths, to make me sympathize with the plight of women all over the world, or to do something for the sake of women all over the world. I didn't expect..."
"Of course, this is the ultimate goal of this matter, sister. Equally important is our child. Ever since I had my child, I've completely understood this saying: Parents who love their children plan for them far-reachingly! Abolishing the women's prison will have far-reaching implications and significance for women, men, and even the entire world. This is a social advancement for our Dasheng Dynasty!"
Concubine Jiang looked deeply at Lan Qingwu and said, "Your Majesty is not mistaken. Concubine Yi, you have your eyes on the world. You are far superior to those of us who only see the small piece of land in the harem!"
Concubine Jiang lamented the differences between people. People like Concubine Chen, Concubine Wan, and Concubine Xie only knew how to argue and plot every day, while people like Concubine Wen and Concubine Li racked their brains every day to compete for favor, form cliques, and consolidate their status. But there was only one woman like Lan Qingwu who had a pure mind without a trace of distractions and just quietly accompanied the emperor.
Even if she asked herself honestly, she couldn't do that. Concubine Jiang couldn't help but sigh, "Concubine Yi, I find it incredible that a woman like you appeared in the harem. You treat His Majesty with such pure and innocent heart, without any hypocrisy or ulterior motives. Even an ordinary woman can't be like you!"
Lan Qingwu felt a surge of guilt as she listened. She said to herself, "No! I do! I want to possess this man completely. I don't want to share even a tiny bit of him with you. My ambition is greater than anyone else's!" This was her selfishness and willfulness. She felt sorry and would improve the treatment of the six concubines in the palace in the future. But she would not say sorry, nor would she give up.
Concubine Jiang straightened her face slightly. "Alright, we've finished our idle chatter and our inner thoughts. I will do what I have to do, and you can rest assured that His Majesty's new decrees will not be hindered much."
Concubine Jiang's delicate hands picked up the teacup. Lan Qingwu stood up and bowed, "Then I won't bother you any more."
Lan Qingwu led Ruping out of De'an Palace. When they reached the main gate, she looked back at the three large characters "De'an Palace" and said, "If it weren't for me, Concubine Jiang would truly be the only candidate for Empress. Her virtue is more than enough to bear the responsibility of being the Empress' wife!"
Lan Qingwu's voice was so low that Ru Ping couldn't hear clearly: "Master, what did you say?"
Lan Qingwu shook his head: "Nothing, let's go!"
Two days later, Concubine Jiang arranged a small banquet. Her connections within the harem were extensive, and everyone she invited attended the banquet, quietly shifting the mood within the harem. Lan Qingwu also appeared at the banquet. Concubine Jiang and Lan Qingwu respected each other, and they worked together tacitly at the banquet. Concubine Jiang even showed a subtle preference for Lan Qingwu as her leader.
There were rumors before that His Majesty was going to make Lan Qingwu the Imperial Concubine. Concubine Yi was now the most favored in the six palaces. The concubines in the six palaces were originally half-believing and half-doubting. Now seeing Concubine Jiang acting like this, they were not fools. The concubines who were familiar with each other looked at each other and had their own considerations in their minds.
The women who came from military families would definitely follow Lan Qingwu. They had already been inclined towards Lan Qingwu, and now seeing this sign, they naturally accepted it with pleasure.
After such an operation, Concubine Wen's prestige in the harem was greatly reduced. It was no longer possible for her to win over the hearts of the people and make the families of the concubines obey her orders.
Concubine Wen secretly regretted Concubine Jiang's ignorance of the current situation and her secret stance.
That day, Emperor Shenwu went to Suowu Palace in the evening.
Lan Qingwu was dozing on the bed. She was fully awake only when Emperor Shenwu gently held her in his arms.
Lan Qingwu reached out and hugged the Emperor Shenwu's waist, saying dazedly, "Brother Heng, you're here."
Emperor Shenwu said lovingly, "Why don't you lie down and have a good sleep?"
"Weiweiwei is waiting for you!"
Emperor Shenwu got on the bed and said, "It's really hard for me. It's also hard to attend Concubine Jiang's banquet."
"The one who worked the hardest was Sister Jiang Fei. I was just showing up."
"Ruoruo, I understand everything you've done for me, but I don't need you to do these things. As long as you stay by my side peacefully and happily every day, that's all that's needed!"