Chapter 160: Volume One, Chapter 160  The New Emperor's Grace

Volume One, Chapter 160  The New Emperor's Grace

Liu Yingying laughed as she listened to Rong Luoge's words; having cooperated for so long, they had developed some affection, and being of similar age, though their seniority differed, their relationship was actually quite good.

"I have something to ask your help with," Liu Yingying said bluntly as she sat down.

Rong Luoge had tea brought, and watching Liu Yingying survey the hall, she smiled and asked, "What's worth looking at?"

"I passed by Yuzhao Gong a few times back then; compared to now it's a world apart. His Majesty placed you here with great care," Liu Yingying sighed. Their first half of life was similar, but clearly she lacked Rong Luoge's luck.

Nevertheless, there was nothing to regret; she had gotten everything she wanted.

"You came to talk about this?" Rong Luoge was skeptical.

"There are two matters," Liu Yingying, dressed in plain clothes, could not hide her beauty; it seemed her inner pressure had lifted, and she radiated vibrant vitality.

Rong Luoge, intrigued by her demeanor, asked, "What matters? Speak."

Liu Yingying chuckled lightly, "The stalemate at Fengyi Palace isn't a solution; shall I go in your stead?"

Rong Luoge raised an eyebrow, smiling at Liu Yingying, "Why are you willing to meddle in this trivial affair?"

In fact, Liu Yingying's relationship with the Empress Dowager was not particularly harmonious; it was mostly one of exploitation.

"I exert this effort so I can ask you for the next favor," Liu Yingying said with a happy smile.

"What matter makes you go to such lengths?" Rong Luoge was curious.

"I want to raise her child together with Zhong Taimeiren."

Rong Luoge was startled; she hadn't expected that. Seeing Liu Yingying not joking, her expression turned serious, "Have you thought it through? Has Zhong Taimeiren also agreed?"

Liu Yingying nodded, "She agreed. In fact, a Concubine raising an unborn child is very difficult; my assistance would help."

Rong Luoge understood Liu Yingying's meaning, thought for a moment and said, "I thought you would want to leave the palace for a freer life."

She had already figured out how to change her identity.

"I originally thought the same, but then I changed my mind. Though the world is vast, first I don't want to marry again, and second, as a weak woman living alone outside, danger is greater. Anyway, wherever one lives, it's still life; better to stay, bearing the title of Noble Consort, surrounded by servants, everything convenient—wouldn't that be more comfortable than going out?"

Rong Luoge found some sense in it, saying, "Aside from not being able to go out freely, it does seem not bad."

The two exchanged smiles, and Liu Yingying said, "Although I don't have much affection with the Empress Dowager, we've dealt with each other enough. If I go, it gives her a way down. After the Empress Dowager moves the palace, you can take over smoothly here."

Rong Luoge smiled, "I'm not in a hurry, but Senior Chancellor Su should be anxious."

In Xiao Guo, the two ministers on either side, Chancellor Yun's daughter married Prince Qi, Senior Chancellor Su's daughter is now the Empress Dowager, and his grandson became the new emperor. It should have been a time of glory for the Su family, yet the Su family has not received any ennoblement, which raises questions.

Liu Yingying smiled as she listened; people's hearts are never enough. The Empress Dowager wants to continue holding the Hou Gong's great power, but neither the emperor nor Consort Rong would allow that.

The Su family's stance should be to support the Empress Dowager; otherwise they would have urged her to move the palace long ago.

Now it's indecisive; the Su family must be uncertain. Yet the Empress Dowager is proud, never having bowed to the late Concubine Ming in her life; asking her to bow to her own son now would be hard.

At this moment, Liu Yingying going to persuade would be better than Rong Luoge appearing herself.

"Then I trouble you," Rong Luoge said with a smile.

"What's troublesome about that?" Liu Yingying stood, "I'll go now; wait for my news."

Rong Luoge saw Liu Yingying off; next she had to send the childless Noble Consort to the temporary palace. Liu Taizhaoyi and Xu Taizhaoyuan, these childless consorts, were easy to handle, but Liao Huifei was harder to decide.

Huifei had once had a son, but he died of illness at six. Moreover, Huifei has been dutiful in the Hou Gong; sending her to the temporary palace to spend her remaining days seems somewhat heartless.

Rong Luoge thought it over and walked to Huifei's place.

Huifei now resides in Dongming Hall; she looked a few years older, and was surprised by Consort Rong's sudden visit.

Rong Luoge smiled and greeted, "Huifei, how is your health lately? His Majesty has instructed me to ensure the Concubines are well cared for."

Huifei laughed at Consort Rong's words, "All fine, please have a seat, Noble Consort."

The two sat on the warm couch; Rong Luoge inquired about her health and daily life, relieved to learn the palace staff had not neglected her, "His Majesty has just ascended the throne, and the Hou Gong's affairs are numerous. If any care is insufficient, Concubine, you must tell me; the Concubine must never be wronged."

Huifei felt comforted, replying, "Consort Rong, worry not; those serving you have attended the palace for years and are obedient."

Rong Luoge said, "Good then, I have another matter to ask the Concubine's guidance on."

Huifei looked at Consort Rong puzzled, unsure what else she could help with, and said, "Please speak, Consort Rong."

"Here's the matter: in a few days, the childless consorts will be sent to the temporary palace, but you differ from others. The second prince also died at six, and His Majesty often reminisces about that younger brother, so I wish to ask whether you prefer to return home for care or be placed in the temporary palace."

Huifei was startled and asked, "May I return home?"

She had always prepared to go to the temporary palace; after all, though she bore a child, the child died years ago, making her a childless consort. By rule, childless consorts must go to the temporary palace.

"Of course you may," Rong Luoge said with a smile, "His Majesty is considerate of the Concubine's difficulty. If you discuss with your family and they agree to take you home for support, the palace will release you."

Huifei's heart raced at this; honestly, she did not want to trek to the temporary palace, far from the capital, where she could never leave—no different from being a prisoner. Moreover, at her age she craved bustle, and the temporary palace is far from any liveliness.

However, Huifei now didn't know whether her family would accept her back, and her smile faded.

After all, she was now just a useless Concubine.