mesbooks Chapter 161: The dispute between the two sides in the Nan Na transaction (revised)
Chapter 161: The dispute between the two sides in the Nan Na transaction (revised)
In the northwest corner pavilion of the Imperial Garden, Nara Chang was sitting on a bench, fanning herself with a round fan. Behind her, her personal maid Qi'er asked in confusion:
"My lady, why did you tell Empress Xian what you saw that day?"
Nara was looking at the lotus flowers in full bloom in the pond and asked instead of answering:
"Qi'er, what do you think is the most important thing for me right now?"
Qi'er didn't even think about it when he heard this:
"Of course it's because I was favored and had a child."
After saying that, she understood a little.
"My lady, you want to be favored and have a child, but the emperor won't pick you. You have tried to send soup before, but you were unfavored. In addition, we live in Changchun Palace, and with that sick little prince here, the emperor will not come."
Nara Changzai looked indifferent. She wanted to meet Concubine Xian because she knew all this. When she thought of Concubine Xian, she couldn't help but look a little dazed.
During the re-election period, who could have thought that Princess Shi Er, who followed Princess Shi Da closely, would make the leap to become the high and mighty Empress Xian after the selection.
She now regretted very much that she had listened to the advice of the fourth concubine, Ulanara Hesui, from the direct line of the family, and had done something provocative. Otherwise, based on the relationship they had when they were in the same selection, she would have grabbed Concubine Xian's thigh even if she had to.
Fortunately, she was lucky enough to accidentally see Concubine Ping's personal maid Xinlian crying. Thinking of what she had heard while hiding nearby, Nara Changzai regained her composure. If there was any information to be exchanged, Concubine Xian would definitely be happy to help.
"Qi'er, it is precisely because I have no other options that I must try even if there is only a slight possibility."
"My lord, you are wise." Qi'er looked at her with admiration, then thought of something and became puzzled:
"But since you were planning to trade the news you heard that day with Concubine Xian, why did you say half of it and hide the other half?"
It was only said that Concubine Ping spread rumors that Concubine Xian had a strong fate and would kill the young prince, but she concealed the matter of the Buddhist temple. What would happen if Concubine Xian found out?
Naturally it was out of jealousy and resentment. Nara Changzai bit her lip. Why were they all noble ladies of the Manchu military flag? When Concubine Xian entered the palace, she was a high and mighty concubine, while she was just a little concubine. The gap was too big.
But he said in a profound and mysterious way:
"Empress Xian is gaining more and more favor, while Concubine Ping is the empress's younger sister and has a little prince. One is favored and the other is powerful. If they fight, I will be the one who benefits."
"I see. My Lord is very thoughtful."
Qi'er was now full of admiration for his young master. At this moment, he suddenly noticed three people walking towards him and hurried to report.
"Your Majesty, Empress Xian is here."
Not far away, looking at the master and servant in the pavilion, Hongying whispered:
"My lady, are you really going to keep your appointment with Nara Changzai?"
Shi Nanxi walked at a leisurely pace.
"Of course, since I'm here, I have to see what Nara Chang is planning to do." She guessed it was related to Concubine Ping.
Nanny Yang on the side didn't say much, she was mostly silent, and she still didn't say anything at this moment.
Soon the group arrived at the pavilion. It was a remote place with nothing special about the scenery and not many people walking around. As soon as they entered, Nara Changzai stepped forward to pay his respects.
"This concubine greets Her Majesty, Empress Xian. May Your Majesty be blessed with good fortune."
"Nara Changzai, get up quickly." Shi Nanxi glanced at Hongying. Hongying understood and stepped forward to help Nara Changzai up.
Nara Chang felt relieved, it seemed that Empress Xian did not hold a grudge against her for that provocation. She stood up and waited for Empress Xian to sit down before sitting down.
"I wanted to see the queen before, but the young prince of Concubine Ping of Changchun Palace was not in good health. I live in the back hall and it is not convenient to disturb you. That's why I have been asking for an audience with the queen for a long time."
Nara often looked at Concubine Xian opposite her. Her figure was still slim and frail, but her complexion was much rosier than during the re-election. It turned out that she was different after being nourished by the emperor. She tightened her hand holding the handkerchief.
Shi Nanxi had met many different kinds of people in her previous life, and although Nara Changzai concealed it quickly, she still caught a hint of jealousy.
She was very calm about this. There was only one emperor, and anyone who wanted to win favor in the palace was an enemy. She was not naive enough to think that there were any true sisters. Mutual benefit was the mainstream.
If necessary, she can turn against someone.
"It's okay. The little brother's health is more important." Shi Nanxi seemed to know nothing and spoke in a soft voice as usual.
Nara slowly loosened the handkerchief that she had been clenching tightly. It seemed that even though this man held a high position and was favored by the emperor, he was still timid and reserved. She became more confident in her goal.
"Your Majesty is right. The child is pitiful and innocent, but adults don't think so." She spoke in a low voice with profound meaning.
Shi Nanxi seemed startled when he heard this and pretended to take the bait.
"What does Nalachang mean by this?"
"My lady, you are kind and generous, but some people are not."
Nara Chang met Shi Nanxi's gaze and told her what she had accidentally heard that day.
"That day, I wanted to pay my respects to Concubine Ping, but before I even reached the main hall, I saw Xinlian lowering her head and covering her face. She hurried out of the main hall. I was a little worried, so I followed her. As a result, I heard her talking to the palace maid in the same room..."
Nara paused and looked at Shi Nanxi.
"It is said that Concubine Ping has become so angry and violent now, it is all because of Concubine Xian. If it were not for Concubine Xian, Concubine Ping's brother would not have been exiled to the frontier, Concubine Ping would not have been detained in the Changchun Palace Buddhist Temple every day and unable to leave the palace, and the little prince would not have been taken away by Elder Liu to treat his illness and died soon.
All this happened because of Concubine Xian. Concubine Xian's horoscope was bad and brought bad luck to Changchun Palace, the Empress, and the young prince."
After he finished speaking, there was total silence around the pavilion, and even the wind seemed to have stopped.
Shi Nanxi originally thought that Nara Changzai would talk about the Changchun Palace Buddhist Temple, but she didn't expect that it was not the case.
The horoscope is unlucky for you?
Her expression became serious. In ancient times, the eight characters were very important and affected a person's entire life, especially in the royal family, where there were many taboos.
His mind raced, and he thought of what Zhou Rong said about the Buddhist temple. He immediately came up with a plan, but his face looked as if struck by a bolt from the blue. He couldn't believe his ears, and after a long while he finally spoke with difficulty.
"Miss Xinlian...did you really say that?"
"I heard it with my own ears. It is absolutely true."
Nara always spoke with certainty, and was even afraid that Shi Nanxi would not believe her, so she raised her hand and swore.
"I swear to heaven that what I just said is absolutely true. If I tell a lie, I will be struck by lightning."
She really didn't lie, she just concealed part of the truth, so she looked very righteous.
Seeing Nara Changzai's expression, Shi Nanxi showed a look of having to believe it. She clutched her handkerchief, bit her lower lip tightly, and tried hard not to lose her composure. She thanked Nara Changzai:
"Thank you for telling me, Nara Changzai, I wonder if you are used to living in the palace?"
What she wanted came, and Nara Chang was greatly encouraged. She sat up straighter imperceptibly.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am used to living in the palace, but..."
She glanced at Concubine Xian secretly and whispered:
"Because the young prince is in poor health, it is inconvenient for the imperial physician to go in and out every day. I heard that you are the only one living in the Queen's Chuxiu Palace..."
He didn't say anything else, but his meaning was very clear: he wanted to move to Chuxiu Palace.
So greedy!
Hongying and Nanny Yang frowned. They wanted to move to Chuxiu Palace based on a piece of news they didn't know whether it was true or not. It would be too loud, but they were not worried that the Empress would not agree.
Sure enough, the next moment, the queen said without thinking:
"I like quietness."
Nara's proper expression was broken for a moment, but before she could react, she heard Concubine Xian say:
"In two days, the Emperor is going to take me to Changchun Garden to escape the summer heat. Changchun Garden has beautiful scenery and a pleasant temperature. I wonder if Nara Changzai is willing to go there?"
Nara Chang's eyes lit up and she quickly weighed the matter in her mind. Judging from Concubine Xian's reaction just now, moving to Chuxiu Palace was unlikely. It would be better for her to go to Changchun Garden to escape the summer heat.
According to past practice, the emperor would stay in Changchun Garden for a few months. Having made the decision, she nodded.
After watching Nara Changzai and his servant leave, Shi Nanxi's expression returned to normal. Nanny Yang spoke:
"My lady, that Nala is always hiding something."
After the conversation, Shi Nanxi answered:
"I have noticed it."
Hongying looked at the Empress, then at Nanny Yang, and seemed to be thinking:
"Hidden? Your Majesty, are you referring to... the Changchun Palace Buddhist Hall?"
"It's exactly that incident, if nothing unexpected happens." Shi Nanxi stood up and smiled, "Nala Changzai is smart, but she's too greedy. If she wants to take advantage of the conflict between the snipe and the clam, it depends on whether she has the ability to do so."
When Madam Yang heard this, the corners of her mouth curled up slightly. The Empress is so good at planning and strategizing that no one can match her.