inspire-indiana Chapter 237 The position of the Imperial Concubine is not enough
Chapter 237 The position of the Imperial Concubine is not enough
The Emperor glanced helplessly at the Empress, who was making mocking remarks about him, then subtly flicked his sleeve, casting a look at Li Desheng standing to the side. Li Desheng understood immediately and hurriedly stepped forward. He carefully carried a small box, which, though small, was exquisitely crafted.
Li Desheng approached the Emperor and Empress, bowed respectfully, and then gently placed the exquisite little box in his hand on the small table between them.
After the box was properly placed, Li Desheng gently lifted its lid, then bowed and stepped back until he was beside the Emperor, where he stood quietly.
At this moment, the Empress's gaze had already been drawn to the open wooden box on the table. She narrowed her eyes slightly, examined it carefully, and said, "This was a gift from Consort Zhuang to Your Majesty. Isn't it inappropriate for Your Majesty to let me see it?" As she spoke, a hint of hesitation and doubt was revealed in the Empress's tone.
However, the Emperor waved his hand and said to the Empress with a smile, "Empress, there is no need for this. As I just said, I think our Crown Prince might also find the things that Consort Zhuang sent this time useful."
Therefore, I would like to ask the Empress to take a look first. As for whether to adopt it, that is entirely up to the Empress to decide.” After saying this, the Emperor pointed to the wooden box on the table, indicating that the Empress should quickly check the contents.
Upon hearing the Emperor's words, the Empress no longer hesitated or hesitated, and immediately stretched out a jade hand and reached straight into the box.
With a flick of her fingers, she quickly pulled out the drawings. After a quick glance, the Empress looked up at the Emperor and asked in surprise, "Consort Zhuang actually sent Your Majesty drawings? What kind of drawings are these?"
Before the Emperor could respond, the Empress lowered her head again and continued to carefully examine the blueprints in her hands. After a while, she frowned, looking puzzled, and muttered to herself, "What are these blueprints for? I can't understand them at all."
"This is a brand new military chess game that Consort Zhuang has carefully researched and developed. She said that the fifth prince is ambitious and determined to become a majestic general in the future so that he can assist the crown prince in guarding the border."
To achieve this grand ambition, one naturally needs to deeply study military strategy and tactics, as well as the art of troop deployment. However, the fifth prince is still young and does not yet have the opportunity to go to the military camp for firsthand experience and learning. Therefore, Consort Zhuang devised this ingenious method: using these exquisite and unique chess pieces to replace the traditional red and yellow flags to simulate the scene of troop deployment, making the entire layout clear and easy to understand.
"As the heir apparent, the Crown Prince bears a heavy responsibility. I believe he should not only diligently study the art of governing the country, but also have some knowledge of military strategy and troop deployment. Of course, it is unnecessary to demand that he become an expert, but at least when he ascends the throne and begins his reign, he will not be deceived or manipulated by the officials of the Ministry of War."
Hearing the Emperor's words, the Empress gently put down the chessboard diagram in her hand and said softly, "After Your Majesty's explanation, I feel that there are many complex things that the Crown Prince needs to learn and master. I think he should at least have some understanding of the affairs of the Six Ministries."
The Emperor nodded slightly in agreement, then said slowly, "Now that the Crown Prince is eleven years old, in two years I will arrange for him to travel and gain experience in the Six Ministries." His words revealed his careful planning and earnest expectations for the Crown Prince's growth.
Finally, the Emperor gazed intently at the neatly arranged military chess set on the table and added firmly, "However, I have made up my mind that this ingenious military chess set will be widely promoted to all military camps when the time is right, so that soldiers can use it for daily troop deployment and practical training."
"It is Your Majesty's decision to make matters of state. I am merely a woman and it is truly inappropriate for me to participate, lest the censors and officials accuse me of 'being a hen crowing at dawn.' I wish to live peacefully and healthily for many more years," the Empress said softly to the Emperor.
Upon hearing the Empress's words, the Emperor nodded slightly, indicating that he understood her position. He then picked up the exquisite teacup in front of him, took a sip of the fragrant tea, and slowly said, "In that case, let's stop discussing state affairs."
At this moment, the Empress looked tenderly at the Emperor, who was leisurely sipping tea, and suggested with a smile, "Several princes and princesses have recently been added to the palace. Your Majesty, you might as well visit them more often in your spare time. After all, these children are all your own flesh and blood."
Then, the Empress paused briefly, seemingly considering her words, before continuing, "Furthermore, it is indeed time for the ranks of everyone in the palace to be appropriately elevated. Currently, the position of Imperial Noble Consort is still vacant, and the positions of the two Noble Consorts are also unfilled. Even among the Four Consorts, there is still one seat that has not been filled."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor gently put down his teacup, turned his gaze to the Empress, and asked, "I wonder if the Empress has any specific thoughts on this matter? However, according to the rules set by our ancestors, the title of Imperial Noble Consort cannot be easily conferred, and I cannot break the ancestral rules."
Upon hearing this, the Empress knew that as long as she was alive, there would be no Imperial Noble Consort, and the Emperor would not break the rules.
After a moment's thought, the Empress replied, "Judging from this, whoever gets one of the only two Noble Consort positions will likely be dissatisfied..."
Consort Zhuang is silently guarding the Empress Dowager's tomb. Time flies, and three years have passed in the blink of an eye, but the long ten-year deadline is still far away. Back then, this was an imperial edict issued by the Empress Dowager before her death, and no one dared to disobey it in the slightest.
Therefore, we must not mistreat Consort Zhuang under any circumstances. In my humble opinion, the position of Imperial Noble Consort must be reserved for Consort Zhuang, as a form of compensation from Your Majesty for her years of perseverance.
Let's talk about Consort Qin. She is the consort who has served the Emperor the longest. Long before I entered the palace, Consort Qin was already serving the Emperor. Therefore, whether considering reason or past affection, the position of Noble Consort should rightfully be reserved for Consort Qin.
And then there's Consort Li, whose life was truly remarkable. Years ago, Consort Li suffered an accident that led to a miscarriage, and afterwards, she developed health problems that made childbirth difficult. Fortunately, she later adopted the two princes born to Consort Li (formerly Consort De) and cared for them as her own. In this sense, Consort Li has made many contributions, and therefore, the title of Noble Consort is well-deserved.
"If we calculate it this way, the two available positions of Imperial Concubine are clearly not enough to go around. Under such circumstances, one person will inevitably have to remain in their current position and will not be able to be promoted." The Empress calmly and carefully explained the pros and cons to the Emperor.