bookcurios Chapter 270 Noble Lady Fucha
Chapter 270 Noble Lady Fucha
Time flies like an arrow, and Zhen Yurao's confinement period finally came to an end.
Once her confinement was lifted, Zhen Yurao went to Kunning Palace to pay her respects to Fucha Peiyun.
After paying her respects, Zhen Yurao knelt at the feet of Fucha Peiyun.
Upon witnessing this scene, Fucha Peiyun was quite surprised.
She seemed unable to understand why Zhen Yurao would suddenly act in this way.
Zhen Yurao knelt down, her face solemn, as if she had something important to tell him.
Seeing this, Fucha Peiyun quickly stretched out her hands, gesturing for Zhen Yurao to get up, and asked with concern:
"Consort Zhao, what do you mean by this?"
"Let's talk about it when you get up, Ye'er. Quickly help Consort Zhao up."
Upon hearing Fucha Peiyun's instructions, Ye'er, who was standing to the side, hurriedly stepped forward and reached out to help Zhen Yurao.
After thanking Ye'er for her kindness, Zhen Yurao did not get up.
Instead, she turned to Yaoqin beside her and whispered an instruction:
"Yaoqin, bring that book over here."
Upon hearing this, Yaoqin immediately took out something that looked like an account book from her bosom.
It was carefully presented to Fucha Peiyun.
Zhen Yurao straightened her back and knelt upright.
Her expression was serious and solemn, revealing a firmness and determination.
Zhen Yurao took a deep breath and said in a clear and steady voice:
"Your Majesty, during my confinement, I accidentally discovered something."
This matter is of great importance, and I dare not conceal it in the slightest. That is why I have come here to report to Your Majesty.
"Your Majesty, please take a look at this account book first. After you have seen it, you will naturally understand the whole story."
Fucha Peiyun took the account book from Yaoqin, her heart sinking slightly.
She had a vague feeling that this matter might be of great importance.
She took a deep breath, slowly opened the ledger, and scrutinized the records line by line with keen eyes.
As time went on, her expression grew increasingly serious.
His lips, which had been tightly pressed together, parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but didn't know where to begin.
Zhen Yurao knelt on the ground, her body straight, her gaze fixed firmly on Fucha Peiyun.
Zhen Yurao said, "Your Majesty, this account book was compiled by me little by little during my confinement."
Every single account recorded therein is absolutely true and accurate, without the slightest falsity.
Zhen Yurao paused, then continued:
"His Majesty is busy with many affairs of state and has not set foot in Yanxi Palace for the past few months."
Sometimes, when concubines wanted to use items that exceeded the allowance for noble ladies, they could only ask Yaoqin to use money to pull strings and obtain them.
However, the concubine was astonished to find that the prices in the palace were so high, it was simply unbelievable.
Zhen Yurao's tone revealed a hint of helplessness and indignation.
"Take eggs for example, they only cost two or three coins each outside the palace."
But in this palace, it costs at least five taels of silver per piece!
The concubine originally thought that the chickens in the palace had something special about them, which was why they were so expensive.
But later, the concubines discovered that the chickens in the palace were no different from the chickens outside the palace that cost one or two coins each.
The chickens used in the palace were all purchased from outside the palace.
But after these chickens entered the palace, their price was inflated by such a huge amount!
Moreover, the prices of other items are equally outrageous.
Take the silk in the palace for example; outside the palace, a foot of silk cost only a few coins.
But once they got to the palace, the price was several taels of silver per foot!
The price difference is simply astonishing.
Then look at the spices in the palace; ordinary spices outside the palace cost only a few coins per ounce.
However, the spices in the palace cost tens of taels of silver per tael!
Such an exorbitant price is simply unacceptable.
The price difference is simply too great; I, your humble servant, cannot tolerate this situation.
Among the sisters in the palace, some were favored and some were not.
It's impossible for everyone to have the money to buy these things.
Prices in the palace are so high that some of the ladies might not even be able to afford chicken.
This account book has been compiled, and I hope Your Majesty will review it and see if there are any problems.
Fucha Peiyun nodded, closed the ledger, pondered for a moment, and said:
"Consort Zhao, I am already aware of what you have said."
This matter is of great importance, and I cannot handle it arbitrarily.
Fucha Peiyun looked at Ye'er and said
"Ye'er, go to Lingkun Palace and invite Shilan over."
Tell her I have something important to discuss with her.
Ye'er accepted the order and left, then went personally to Lingkun Palace to fetch someone.
Fucha Peiyun's gaze returned to Zhen Yurao, her tone carrying a hint of approval:
"Consort Zhao, you are cautious in your work and it is truly rare that you can organize these matters so clearly."
However, the affairs within the palace are incredibly complex, and the problems you've discovered are likely not as simple as they appear on the surface.
Zhen Yurao raised her head and said with a firm gaze:
"Your Majesty, I know this matter is of great importance, but now that we have discovered it, we cannot stand idly by."
"I implore Your Majesty to investigate this matter thoroughly and seek justice for my sisters in the palace."
Fucha Peiyun said, "You did a great job. Let's sit down and chat."
Before long, Nian Shilan arrived in a flurry.
As soon as she entered Kunning Palace, she said, "What do you want with me? Why are you in such a hurry?"
When Zhen Yurao saw Nian Shilan approaching, she quickly bowed to her.
"This humble concubine greets Your Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
Nian Shilan waved her hand, indicating that Zhen Yurao did not need to stand on ceremony.
Fucha Peiyun handed the account book to Nian Shilan.
"Take a look at this first."
Nian Shilan took the ledger, quickly glanced through it, and then flew into a rage.
"These bondservant officials in the Imperial Household Department are incredibly audacious."
"They are so corrupt and lawless, openly embezzling money all these years."
Not only did they drive up prices in the palace, but they also treated us masters like fools, making us run around in circles.
This is absolutely outrageous!
After saying that, Nian Shilan slammed the account book down on the table.
The ledger traced an arc in the air, and then...
It slammed heavily onto the table with a "bang".
Seeing this, Fucha Peiyun quickly picked up the account book.
Fucha Peiyun frowned and said softly:
"This matter is indeed very serious, but the corruption within the Imperial Household Department is secondary."
These bondservants had already formed a powerful force during the reign of the previous emperor.
Which of the masters in the palace, or the imperial clans outside the palace, didn't have bondservants?
These masters' daily lives, including their food, clothing, and shelter, were all controlled by these bondservants.
And think about it, when the late emperor was alive, most of the concubines who were favored were from bondservant families.
Moreover, the concubines who were able to safely give birth to and raise their children were mostly from bondservant families.
Just like Empress Dowager Uya and the late Emperor's Consort Yi, Guo Luoluo, they were both born into bondservant families.
Upon hearing this, Nian Shilan's expression changed slightly, realizing the seriousness of the matter.
She now understood that this matter was probably not discovered by Zhen Yuyao.
This must have been deliberately orchestrated by Empress Fucha Peiyun, who had Zhen Yurao expose it.
If these protective coatings aren't cleaned up soon, it will cause another big problem when Hongchang ascends the throne.
Fucha Peiyun deliberately wanted to take advantage of the old man's still-living condition.
To clear obstacles for his son, to plan ahead, and to eliminate future troubles.
Nian Shilan understood Fucha Peiyun's intentions and was naturally willing to cooperate.
After hearing what Fucha Peiyun said, Zhen Yurao...
Only then did I realize that Empress Fucha's intentions went beyond simply exposing the corruption within the Imperial Household Department.
Rather, it has a deeper purpose.
These wrappers are so powerful that she, a mere noblewoman, could hardly contend with them.
No wonder her sister kept stopping her from doing this for Empress Fucha.
Nian Shilan looked at Fucha Peiyun and said, "You mean, these bondservantes are even bold enough to control the royal princes?"
Fucha Peiyun nodded slightly, a rare sharpness appearing in her eyes:
"That's exactly right. These bondservants have been entrenched in the upper echelons for many years, and their influence is deeply entrenched."
They not only controlled the palace's supply of materials,
Most of the servants in the palace came from bondservant families, and they could do whatever they wanted with ease.
If this matter is not handled properly, it could become a major disaster.
Nian Shilan's expression grew increasingly solemn. She clenched her hands tightly, her nails almost digging into her palms.
She felt that what Fucha Peiyun said was true.
The influence of these bondservants had long since infiltrated every corner of the palace, even affecting the stability of imperial power.
She raised her head, looked firmly at Fucha Peiyun, and said:
"Now that things have come to this point, we can no longer sit idly by."
These bondservant servants need to be properly disciplined.
This will also let them know who is the master and who is the slave in this palace.
Fucha Peiyun nodded slightly: "Shilan, you and I are both the Emperor's women, so naturally we should share the Emperor's burdens."
The corruption within the Imperial Household Department is merely the tip of the iceberg. If it is not eradicated completely, the consequences could be dire.
What Yu Rao discovered this time, although it was just a small opening,
But it has provided us with an excellent opportunity.
Zhen Yurao sat to one side, listening to the conversation between Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan, and couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.
She hadn't expected the matter to involve such a complex level.
She looked up, a hint of confusion in her eyes, and asked softly:
"Your Majesty, what should we do next?"
Fucha Peiyun smiled slightly:
"Consort Zhao, you have done very well."
Leave the rest to us.
You just need to stay in Yanxi Palace.
Zhen Yurao breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. She stood up, bowed her head slightly, and said respectfully:
"Your Majesty, I understand. I will follow Your Majesty's arrangements."
Fucha Peiyun nodded and said softly:
"Consort Zhao, you have done a great service this time."
Although you can't be directly involved in this matter, rest assured, the Emperor will definitely know of your contributions.
You should go back first. Shilan and I are going to the Hall of Mental Cultivation later.
Report this matter to the Emperor, and he will make a decision then.
After hearing this, Zhen Yurao curtsied and slowly withdrew from Kunning Palace.
After Zhen Yurao left, Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan discussed for a while longer.
Then, carrying the account book, the two prepared to go to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation
Xiao Xiazi was pacing back and forth at the palace gate when he suddenly saw the two empresses' palanquins slowly approaching from afar.
He hurried forward, a fawning smile on his face, and bowed respectfully, saying:
"Your Majesty the Empresses, your humble servant Xiazi greets you."
Fucha Peiyun sat in the sedan chair, nodded slightly, and gestured for Xiaoxiazi to get up.
Her voice was calm and serious, revealing a sense of authority:
"Xiao Xiazi, go and inform the Emperor that Shilan and I have important matters to discuss."
Xiao Xiazi's heart tightened; he knew the identities and status of these two empresses all too well.
They understood even more clearly that their simultaneous arrival meant that the matter they were discussing must be of great importance.
He dared not delay in the slightest, and hurriedly turned around and ran into the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Inside the hall, the chubby orange cat sat on the dragon throne, leisurely enjoying the song and dance performance.
The musicians played melodious tunes, and the dancers danced gracefully, creating a breathtaking scene.
However, this pleasant atmosphere was interrupted by Su Peisheng's announcement.
"Your Majesty, the two Empresses have come together, saying they have important matters to discuss."
Su Peisheng bowed his head and reported, his tone revealing a hint of nervousness.
Big Fatty Orange felt a chill run down his spine; he immediately realized that the two empresses' intentions were definitely not simple.
He waved his hand to stop the singing and dancing and to dismiss them.
The chubby orange sat up straight, straightened his clothes, and prepared to receive the two empresses.
"Su Peisheng, go and invite them in."
Su Peisheng responded and stepped back out.
Outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan saw two women emerge from the hall.
Those two women were the dancers who had just performed songs and dances for the big fat orange in the hall.
Upon seeing the two empresses, they quickly lowered their heads, bowed, and hastily withdrew, not daring to say another word.
Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan exchanged a glance, nodded slightly, and then followed Su Peisheng into the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Inside the hall, the chubby orange cat was already sitting on the dragon throne, looking at them with a serious expression.
After Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan bowed and paid their respects
The chubby orange cat nodded slightly, gesturing for them to stand up. Once they were standing, the chubby orange cat asked:
"What brings Ah-Jun and Shi-Lan here together today?"
Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan exchanged a glance and a look, then knelt down together.
Fucha Peiyun took a deep breath and spoke first:
"Your Majesty, we have come here today specifically to apologize."
Upon hearing this, the chubby orange was somewhat surprised.
Nothing major has happened in the palace recently; everything seems peaceful and calm.
What could have prompted both empresses to come together to apologize?
Big Fat Orange subconsciously looked at Su Peisheng standing to the side.
Seeing this, Su Peisheng could only shake his head helplessly, indicating that he knew nothing about the matter either.
Upon seeing this, the chubby orange frowned slightly, its doubts deepening.
His gaze returned to Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan, his tone carrying a hint of seriousness:
"A-Jun, Shi-Lan, what exactly happened?"
Fucha Peiyun took a deep breath, raised her head, looked firmly at the chubby orange cat, and slowly said:
"Your Majesty, your concubine and Shilan have come today."
"It is because a grave problem has arisen in the palace that we, your humble servants, simply cannot stand idly by."
The chubby orange cat paused for a moment, then leaned forward slightly, signaling them to continue:
"What exactly is going on? Please stand up and speak first."
Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan exchanged a glance and slowly stood up.
Seeing this, Su Peisheng hurriedly prepared tea for the two of them.
Su Peisheng quickly brought over two cups of hot tea and gently placed them in front of Fucha Peijun and Nian Shilan.
After the two nodded slightly in thanks, Fucha Peiyun continued:
"Your Majesty, your concubine and Shilan have come today."
"It is because a grave problem has arisen in the palace that we, your humble servants, simply cannot stand idly by."
Big Fat Orange frowned slightly, his tone tinged with urgency:
"What exactly happened?"