bookcurios Chapter 1359: Ruined reputation and irretrievable secret (174 million reward)
Chapter 1359: Ruined reputation and irretrievable secret (174 million reward)
Baharguli lowered her head, covered the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief, and her shoulders twitched slightly, as if she was sobbing silently with tears of gratitude.
However, hidden under the rough handkerchief, the curve at the corner of her lips was cold and sarcastic.
Sisterly affection?
Oh! Where does true love come from in the deep palace?
When she was in power, how many people fawned over her and flattered her?
Once she loses power and falls into the muddy abyss, who wouldn't try to avoid her?
Concubine Kang, that woman who appears gentle on the surface but hides so many thoughts inside, how could she come to this unlucky cold palace just because of a little false love in the past?
The vulnerability that Baharguli had previously revealed in front of the young eunuch, and her memories and expectations of "sisterly love" with Concubine Kang, were nothing but a carefully choreographed performance.
The purpose was to use the young eunuch's mouth to accurately convey the news that she wanted to see Concubine Kang to Chuxiu Palace.
Because she was holding a secret of Concubine Kang in her hand.
A secret that is enough to bring disgrace and ruin to the seemingly peaceful Concubine Kang!
Concubine Kang came not out of nostalgia, but because she had to.
Baharguli slowly stopped sobbing, raised her tear-stained face, and smiled weakly at the young eunuch: "Thank you, eunuch..."
"If Sister Kangfei comes, please help me, father-in-law."
"Easy to say, easy to say!"
The young eunuch readily agreed. Now, he looked at Baharguli, no longer as a destitute criminal waiting to die. His attitude became even more polite: "Don't worry, I know the seriousness of this matter."
He said a few more words of comfort, then bent his body, retreated quietly, and closed the door gently.
The weak and helpless expression on Baharguli's face disappeared completely in an instant, leaving only cold calculation.
……
It was the sixth day of April, and there were only two days left until the Imperial Noble Consort's enthronement ceremony.
In Yongshou Palace, the scene was busy yet orderly.
The palace servants walked briskly, holding brocade boxes or carrying boxes and baskets in their hands, moving between the palaces and pavilions. Even the air was filled with a sense of cautious tension.
Nanny Xiao was like a magic needle that stabilized the sea. Her gray hair was combed meticulously and her back was straight.
She was personally taking along a few capable palace maids to make a final inventory of the ceremonial objects, costumes, and furnishings needed for the enthronement ceremony.
Nanny Lin brought out the court dress specially prepared for the Imperial Consort from the storeroom. Her fingertips traced the intricate patterns embroidered with gold thread, and she inspected each jade pendant on the jade belt. After confirming that everything was correct, she handed it to the palace maid for safekeeping.
A palace maid reported, "Two maids, we have checked every place we can think of, inside and outside the palace, three or four times. It should be foolproof."
Madam Xiao hummed, but her eyes still scanned every corner sharply. She said in a deep voice, "It's especially at times like this, we can't let our guard down even a little bit."
"Keep your eyes open and be more careful!"
The palace people said in unison: "Yes!"
Outside, Handan was directing the young eunuchs to wipe the vermilion pillars under the corridor.
Seeing how serious Madam Xiao was, she moved closer to Fuqiu, saying with some lingering fear, "Fuqiu, Madam Xiao's attitude is truly worthy of being an elder in the palace."
"It's just that...we can certainly protect Yongshou Palace impenetrably, but last time Her Majesty held the ceremony to confer the title of Consort Chen, the imperial seal was unexpectedly cracked by someone..."
"How could we possibly feel the joints in advance? Thinking about it now, I still feel scared..."
She wasn't being a jinx, she was just deeply impressed by the thrilling scene.
The Imperial Noble Consort's seal is more important than that of the Imperial Noble Consort Chen. If there is any mistake on the day of the enthronement ceremony, the consequences will be disastrous...
Fuqiu was arranging a bunch of fresh flowers to decorate the hall. Upon hearing this, she paused, looked up towards the inner hall, and said in a much calmer tone than Handan: "Be careful with your words."
"This is a different time. Your Majesty's position is now secure, and His Majesty is placing even greater importance on this enthronement ceremony. How could he allow such demons and monsters to cause trouble?"
As he was speaking, Shen Zhinian walked out from the inner hall.
She was dressed in casual clothes, her expression calm. She had obviously heard a few words, and a calm curve appeared at the corner of her lips. "What are you mumbling about? You look so worried."
Handan hurried forward and expressed her concerns, concluding, "...Your Majesty, this servant did not mean to bring bad luck. It's just..."
Shen Zhinian understood, and said with a reassuring power in his tone: "Don't worry."
"Your Majesty also remembers what happened last time. This time, you specifically asked Minister Gu to personally supervise the production of the Imperial Concubine's seal. From selecting the materials to carving, he personally oversaw every process."
Upon hearing this, Fuqiu's eyes flashed with understanding, and she nodded, "If Lord Gu is in charge, then it will indeed be safe."
"Master Gu is a man of integrity and meticulous in his work. He adheres to every detail according to the law and will not tolerate even the slightest flaw."
When Handan heard that it was Gu Jinxiao who was in charge, her heart was relieved.
Minister Gu was well-known in the palace for his old-fashioned and serious nature. He was the perfect choice to be in charge of the imperial seal production.
A smile returned to her face, and she patted her chest: "So it's Master Gu. I'm relieved now!"
The atmosphere in the hall became slightly more relaxed due to Shen Zhinian's words.
All the palace ladies' faces were filled with anticipation and glory.
The Imperial Noble Consort held the same rank as the Vice Empress. What an honor! Everyone in the Yongshou Palace shared this honor!
Shen Zhinian walked to the window and looked at the several precious flowers and trees that had been newly transplanted in the courtyard for the enthronement ceremony.
The early summer sunshine was just right, falling on her charming face.
Everything is ready, just waiting for the auspicious day.
……
Changchun Palace.
The palace is magnificent and the furnishings are elegant.
Little Caizi bowed his head and quietly walked into the inner hall. He reported to Concubine Zhuang, who was copying scriptures by the window, "Your Majesty, everyone in the palace is busy with the ceremony of conferring the title of Imperial Concubine. It's very lively."
"I will wait and see. Once this important matter is completed, it will be time to prepare for the ceremony of conferring the title of Imperial Concubine upon you, Your Majesty."
Concubine Zhuang never stopped writing, and lines of delicate small calligraphy with hairpin flowers appeared on the rice paper, just like the gentle and decent smile on her face.
She hummed softly, her tone calm, "The Imperial Noble Consort's enthronement ceremony is a major event, and it's only natural that the entire palace be busy."
Little Caizi observed her expression and added with a smile, "When Her Majesty officially canons you, you will be a legitimate imperial concubine. We servants are all looking forward to that day!"
Concubine Zhuang finally put down her pen, picked up the plain silk beside her, and gently wiped the ink stains that were accidentally stained on her fingertips. A hint of expectation flashed across the depths of her eyes.
She had waited long enough for this day.
The eldest princess ran in from behind the screen, wearing a lotus-pink palace dress. Although she was still young, she already had an elegant demeanor.
She walked over to Concubine Zhuang, snuggled up to her and sat down, saying softly, "Mother, Yun'er is also happy for the Empress Dowager and Mother!"