PDLP Chapter 407 Humility
Chapter 407 Humility
"Your Majesty, I believe that Sister Duanfei has served Your Majesty since the time she was in the Imperial Residence. She has extensive experience and has made great contributions. It is most legitimate for her to be the Imperial Noble Consort."
Shen Meizhuang also said: "What Noble Concubine Xi said makes sense. I second your opinion."
Seeing the two of them singing the same tune, Feng Ruozhao's eyes moved slightly. With her sharp mind, she instantly understood what they meant, "I also think Sister Duanfei is very suitable."
On the other side, Qi Yuebin had already started to think quickly the moment Zhen Huan called out her name.
Anyone with a discerning eye can see that the Emperor intended Zhen Huan to be the Imperial Noble Consort, so why did she mention herself? Was it to be humble, to gain a reputation for magnanimity? Or was it to win people's hearts?
Her mind raced, and she immediately understood what Zhen Huan meant: she was pushing herself out to shield herself and show the emperor that she had no ambitions!
You are so good, Zhen Huan.
She raised her eyes and put on that gentle smile again on her face: "Your Majesty, I am weak and I am afraid I can't bear the position of Imperial Concubine!"
As she spoke, she coughed lightly a few times and covered the corners of her mouth with her handkerchief. She looked so fragile that it seemed as if a gust of wind could blow her down.
Zhen Huan still had a gentle smile on her face, her eyes sincere, "Sister Duan Fei, you're worrying too much. The Imperial Hospital is now full of talented people. I've seen you these days, and you look more rosy and energetic. You're in great shape now, so there's no need to be so modest."
"Illness comes like a mountain falling, and goes like a thread being pulled out. Although my health has improved somewhat, I still have a root cause of my illness, and I need to slowly recuperate. The position of Imperial Noble Consort is of great importance, and as one in charge of the six harems, it must be filled by someone who is capable and responsible. Your Majesty, in my opinion, Imperial Noble Consort Hui is of noble birth and distinguished family background. She has assisted in the management of the six harems for many years, and has managed all matters in the harem in an orderly manner. All the concubines in the palace respect her. I feel that Imperial Noble Consort Hui is an extremely suitable candidate."
Qi Yuebin smiled with a dagger in his heart and threw this hot potato into Shen Meizhuang's hands.
Shen Meizhuang stood up calmly and said softly, "Your Highness, you're joking. I've only been in the palace for a few short years, and my experience is still young. How can I compare to yours? Besides, your Highness comes from a family of military commanders, with a clean and upright family tradition. She has been in the harem for many years, and has been personally taught by the Empress Dowager Renxian. Through her words and deeds, whether in dealing with people or managing palace affairs, she is a hundred times better than me."
After saying that, she raised her head slightly, her eyes showing a hint of humility and a bit of confidence. This response was very appropriate. She praised Qi Yuebin for the same reasons that Qi Yuebin praised her, and there was nothing wrong with it.
These words choked Qi Yuebin so much that he rolled his eyes. He was angry but couldn't show it, so he could only grit his teeth.
In order to push herself to the "throne" of Imperial Noble Consort, Shen Meizhuang even pulled out Yongzheng's grandmother.
Upon hearing this, Yongzheng's gaze lingered on Qi Yuebin's face for a moment, then he looked at Zhen Huan and said meaningfully, "Huan Huan, do you really think Concubine Duan is suitable?"
Zhen Huan bowed slightly, her posture becoming increasingly respectful. She raised her eyes, her gaze filled with sincerity and determination. Meeting Yongzheng's gaze, she spoke softly but forcefully, "Your Majesty, Sister Duanfei is indeed the best choice for the Imperial Noble Consort. She has been with Your Majesty since the time she was in the palace, weathering every storm. Her devotion to Your Majesty is evident. Over the years in the harem, she has acted prudently, treated others with generosity, and never made a single mistake. If she were to become the Imperial Noble Consort, commanding the six palaces, she would surely manage the harem in perfect order, leaving Your Majesty with no worries."
Shen Meizhuang nodded slightly and said, "Your Majesty, Huan'er is absolutely right. Sister Duanfei is both virtuous and talented, and has great prestige in the harem. Having her assist in managing the six palaces is truly a blessing for the harem. I am ashamed to be inferior to her."
Seeing this, Feng Ruozhao also hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I agree. Sister Duan Fei's character and abilities are obvious to all. I am willing to assist Sister Duan Fei with all my strength and work together to ensure the stability of the harem."
Yongzheng listened quietly to what everyone was saying, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrests of his chair. His eyes darted back and forth among the group, his expression unfathomable, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.
After a long moment, he sighed slightly and said slowly, "I understand your intentions. I still need to consider this matter carefully."
After saying this, he slowly stood up, and the eunuchs hurriedly shouted: "Your Majesty, please rise——"
Everyone knelt down and saluted, watching Yongzheng leave.
The atmosphere in the hall relaxed slightly. Qi Yuebin slowly stood up, his smile still gentle, but a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.
She stroked her sleeves gently, her eyes sweeping over Zhen Huan, Shen Meizhuang, and Feng Ruozhao: "I am truly flattered by your kindness today, my sisters."
Zhen Huan smiled calmly, "Sister Duanfei, you are too modest. What you just said came from the heart. Your talent and virtue are well known to everyone in the harem, and the Emperor has great trust in you."
Qi Yuebin sneered inwardly upon hearing this, but kept it a secret. "I had no idea I was such an important person in your hearts." She paused, then turned to look at An Lingrong. "Do you really want me to be your Imperial Consort, or do you have other plans?"
Zhen Huan stepped forward, standing between her and An Lingrong. She looked at Qi Yuebin and said with a smile, "Sister Duanfei, it doesn't matter whether I have other thoughts or not. What matters is the Emperor's thoughts. And every word I say is for the peace of the harem and for the Emperor to be able to focus on state affairs. As for whether I can ascend to the position of Imperial Noble Consort, it depends on the Emperor's will. However, no matter who becomes Imperial Noble Consort, it is the Emperor's wise decision. I and others will obey His Majesty's will and assist him with all our strength."
Zhen Huan's expression was bright and gentle, making it impossible to tell what she was really thinking.
Behind her, although Shen Meizhuang and An Lingrong were drinking tea, their eyes fell on them intentionally or unintentionally.
Feng Ruozhao lowered his head and fiddled with his handkerchief, as if he didn't hear their conversation.
"In that case, let's wait for the emperor's order!" Qi Yuebin's voice broke the delicate calm. She raised her head slightly, with a gentle yet somewhat distant smile on her face.