newbobooks Chapter 1101 Zhan Weiran Reports
Chapter 1101 Zhan Weiran Reports
After these words were spoken, even Handan and Fuqiu, who were standing by, couldn't help but exchange surprised glances.
Not going autumn hunting?
This is an opportunity that many concubines dream of!
Shen Zhinian's eyes also flashed with a hint of surprise, but more of it was understanding: "Oh? The autumn hunting event is so lively, why don't you go, sister?"
Concubine Xue's expression remained indifferent, as if she was stating something that had nothing to do with her: "Thank you, Concubine Chen, for your concern."
"It's just that the Second Princess is still young, and she caught a cold a few days ago, so her body has never been strong. The autumn wind is strong, and the hunting grounds are busy, so I'm afraid it's not suitable for her to rest."
"I am worried and want to stay in the palace to take care of her."
This reason sounds reasonable and full of maternal love.
But Shen Zhinian's fox eyes that could see through people's hearts easily caught the flash of alienation and fatigue deep in Xue Fei's eyes.
Shen Zhinian smiled inwardly.
It is true that he wants to take care of the second princess, but the more real reason is probably that he doesn't want to join in the fun, doesn't want to deal with the hypocritical people in the hunting ground, and doesn't want to face the emperor.
Concubine Xue's coldness towards the emperor was no secret in the harem.
All she wanted was to protect her own piece of land and watch her daughter grow up safely.
The hustle and bustle and competition for favor in the hunting grounds was nothing but a nuisance that she could not avoid.
Shen Zhinian was not surprised by this, and even admired Xue Fei's sober detachment.
In a harem where everyone wants to climb up, it is rare to know so clearly what you want and what you don't want, and to dare to speak out.
"I see."
Shen Zhinian put down the teacup, an understanding look on her face, and said in a gentle voice: "The Second Princess' health is important. I understand your mother's love for her. It is only right for you to stay in the palace and take good care of her."
She paused, then changed the subject: "Since my sister is staying in the palace, I have an unwelcome request."
"During the autumn hunting season, neither I nor His Majesty will be in the palace. This huge harem needs someone to take care of daily affairs."
"Sister has always been steady and thoughtful. I wonder if you can take over the affairs of the six palaces while I am away from the palace?"
This proposal was obviously beyond Xue Fei's expectations.
A hint of obvious surprise flashed across her cold eyes, followed by deep thought.
Temporarily take charge of the affairs of the six palaces on behalf of Concubine Chen?
Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine Chen was undoubtedly entrusting her with great trust and authority.
Xue Fei's ears turned red and she was silent for a moment.
Although she doesn't like to take power, she is well aware of her responsibilities.
Now that Concubine Chen has left the palace, it would be easy for chaos to occur in the harem without a high-ranking concubine to take charge.
Besides, it is better for this task to fall on her than on those people with quick minds who might take the opportunity to cause trouble.
At least all she wanted was for the harem to be stable and her daughter to be safe.
"Thank you for the trust of Her Majesty the Concubine Chen."
Concubine Xue raised her eyes, her gaze clear and calm, and nodded slightly to Shen Zhinian: "Don't worry, your majesty, I will do my best to maintain the stability of the harem and wait for your majesty and His Majesty to return!"
No excuses, no politeness, just a clear and powerful promise.
"it is good!"
Shen Zhinian smiled, like ice and snow just beginning to melt, with a hint of sincere approval: "With your words, I can follow you with peace of mind."
"I'll leave all matters concerning the harem to my sister!"
Concubine Xue stood up and bowed again: "I will definitely live up to your trust, Concubine Chen."
"If your majesty has no other instructions, I will take my leave first."
Shen Zhinian nodded slightly, watching Xue Fei's cold and moon-like figure leave, with a satisfied smile on his lips.
Xue Fei's staying behind was a pleasant surprise for her and also the best arrangement.
She feels much more at ease having Concubine Xue, who has no intention of vying for favor and only seeks a stable life, in charge of the palace, rather than having an ambitious person who might take the opportunity to seize power.
As for those who are still worried about the autumn hunting list...
Shen Zhinian's gaze fell back on the thick account book, and his fingertips tapped lightly on the table.
The list will be finalized soon.
……
The palace roads were swept spotlessly clean in late autumn, and the tall palace walls on both sides cast long shadows.
Zhan Weiran, wearing the black armor of the commander of the imperial guards, led a team of personal soldiers on a routine inspection. He walked steadily and his sharp eyes swept through every corner.
He was always worried about the matter that weighed on his mind...
My wife’s sister Lin Wan’s sudden inquiries that day.
He had always wanted to pass this matter on to Concubine Chen, but he never found the opportunity.
Zhan Weiran knew that there were many spies in the harem, and it was too risky to ask for an audience directly or pass on a message. He needed a safe opportunity to get in touch with the empress's confidants.
Zhan Weiran tried his luck many times and finally saw a familiar figure on the palace road.
It’s lotus!
The lively and naive palace maid beside Concubine Chen.
At this moment, she was holding an exquisite food box and walking briskly towards Zhongcui Palace.
Zhan Weiran's heart moved, and he immediately quickened his pace and called out, "Miss Handan!"
Hearing the sound, Handan stopped and turned around, the sunlight fell on her round face.
Seeing that the person who called her was Zhan Weiran, Handan's eyes flashed with a flash of emotion, but then calmed down in an instant, just like a lake surface that quickly regained its clarity after a stone was thrown into it.
She once had a vague affection for this heroic and extraordinary commander of the imperial guards, but when she knew that he was granted marriage by His Majesty, she suppressed that little girlish thought with her own hands and buried it deep in her heart.
Now that they meet again, Handan no longer feels any wavering in her heart.
"Commander Zhan."
Handan bowed slightly, and said politely and calmly: "You called me, is there something wrong?"
Zhan Weiran waved his hand to signal his personal soldiers to wait where they were. He took a few steps forward and stopped a few steps away from Handan, making sure that the sound could be heard by her but not by others.
He lowered his voice and said solemnly, "Miss Handan, there is something very important. Please tell Concubine Chen."
Seeing Zhan Weiran's expression, Handan also became serious: "Excuse me, Commander Zhan, what is the matter?"
Zhan Weiran spoke concisely and clearly recounted the incident that day when Lin Wan visited Lin Shuang, she specifically asked Madam Lu, Shen Nanqiao, whether she had entered the palace to visit Concubine Chen.
Finally, he added: "...my wife felt that this matter was a little abrupt, so she told me. After thinking about it, I felt that there might be something strange about it. I dare not hide it, so I came to tell the girl."
"My wife's elder sister, Lin Wan, is the second young lady of the Duke Dingguo's mansion, and her status is sensitive. She suddenly inquired about Madam Lu's movements, which may not be due to ordinary curiosity."
As Handan listened, her expression gradually became solemn.
Dingguo Gongfu.
Mrs. Lu.
The combination of these two names itself is unusual.
The scandal of the eldest lady in the Summer Resort has just been known by the Queen, but the second young lady of the Duke Dingguo's Mansion has already inquired about her movements. This is definitely not a coincidence!