Chapter 187: Volume 1 Chapter 187 Betrothal

Rong Luoge soon received the news sent by He Huai; as she read the contents of the letter, it seemed that Su Ying and Lady Zhen Shen's collusion inside the palace was not accidental.

Outside the palace, Prime Minister Su and Marquis Ningyuan have already joined forces; if so, the earlier vigorous impeachment against me can be understood.

Rong Luoge let out a light laugh; she hadn't expected that she had indeed become the target of everyone's arrows.

It seemed everyone was determined to seize the position of Empress.

Rong Luoge sat there in contemplation; this situation was something she hadn't foreseen. She knew the struggle for the Empress throne would be fierce, but she hadn't expected those people to act so hastily even before the mourning period ended.

After a light laugh, she of course would not just stand by and be beaten; that was not her usual style.

Rong Luoge, rarely stirred to fight, let her fingertips lightly trace the tabletop; she wasn't without a way, she just didn't want to lose her bottom line like those people.

After sitting briefly to think, Rong Luoge looked at Rong Xin and said, "Tomorrow you will summon Cang Yun to come see me."

Rong Xin was startled, then recovered, and immediately said, "Yes, I have noted it."

She knew Cang Yun was the lady's most trusted person; later, fearing she would not adapt after entering Dong Gong, she kept her in the old residence.

Now the lady wants to use Cang Yun, surely there is an important matter to command.

Rong Xin felt uneasy inside, but did not dare to ask why.

Rong Luoge leaned on the soft pillow, half‑closing her eyes. "If people do not offend me, I will not offend them; but if the world comes to offend her, she will certainly cut the weeds at the roots."

Rong Luoge formed a plan in her mind, and felt much more at ease.

Early the next morning, Han Xinglan got up to attend court, and Rong Luoge also rose. He looked at her and said, "Why are you up so early?"

Rong Luoge smiled at him, "Of course I have important matters to attend to. Since others are scheming against me, I must return the favor."

Han Xinglan let out a light laugh, "Do you want me to help?"

"This is a trivial matter; where would His Majesty's help be needed? Isn't it a waste of his talent?"

Han Xinglan burst into laughter, pulled her into his arms, and said, "Alright, whatever you want to do, go ahead; I'll cover for you."

That's about right.

Rong Luoge saw the person off, then called Que Cai, "Go to the Protector Duke's residence and convey to the Duchess Who Guards the State and the Second Lady to enter the palace."

Que Cai was startled for a moment, then replied, "Yes, I will go at once."

When Que Cai left, she happened to meet Rong Xin, who was also about to leave the palace; the two walked the same road and were both taken aback.

Upon asking, they learned both were leaving the palace to look for someone; they dared not inquire further, and each boarded a carriage and left.

Rong Luoge summoned Zhao Grandma inside the palace, looked at her and asked, "How are things at the Inner Court Residence?"

Zhao Grandma immediately bowed and replied, "Since the last time the court physician hanged himself and the officials impeached the lady, which His Majesty blocked, the Inner Court Residence has now become stable; the remaining people are all capable of getting things done. Does the lady have any instructions?"

"There is nothing for now; Grandma, observe discreetly and see who is usable; after the mourning period ends, I will employ people."

Zhao Grandma felt a chill hearing the Noble Consort's words; in her mind, things began to turn. It seemed the lady intended not only to trim the Inner Court Residence, but after the reduction, to keep it in her grasp.

In that case, it would inevitably lead to a clash with the Empress Dowager.

Since Zhao Grandma had boarded the Noble Consort's ship, she naturally thought of the Noble Consort, and nodded, saying, "Very well, I will watch carefully."

Rong Luoge nodded, thought for a moment, and said, "Xu Shuyuan will continue to liaise with the Inner Court Residence on inner palace affairs; let Qin Zhaohua handle the distribution of monthly allowances in the Hou Gong."

Zhao Grandma said, "Yes, I will go to Chang Le Palace for a visit."

"Go then." Rong Luoge nodded. Although Qin Zhaohua is not as capable as Xu Shuyuan, since she has taken refuge under her, she must support her; without benefits, who would be willing to serve you loyally?

Cang Yun arrived quickly; when she saw Rong Luoge, before she could speak she began to weep, "Miss…"

Rong Luoge personally helped her up and, unable to laugh or cry, said, "Why are you crying? Sit down and speak."

Rong Xin, seeing this, bent and stepped back; Cang Yun was different. Cang Yun had walked alongside the lady all the way; they had no such relationship with the lady, so when the lady wanted to speak with Cang Yun, she naturally knew to step aside.

Cang Yun quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears and, embarrassed, said, "I'm just a bit emotional. Miss, have you been well lately?"

Rong Luoge looked at Cang Yun, smiled and nodded, "Quite well. Look, I've put on some weight lately. How are you at the old residence? The Protector Duke hasn't caused you any trouble, has he?"

Cang Yun dried her tears, then said, "No. Earlier the Protector Duke visited a few times, but I never opened the door. After you became Noble Consort, the Protector Duke hasn't gone again."

Rong Luoge scoffed, "The Protector Duke is always pragmatic; it's good he hasn't troubled you. If he does, you needn't fear; just tell me. This time I called you into the palace because I have something to ask you. You are of marrying age now; have you thought about marriage?"

Cang Yun's face flushed, and she lowered her head, "I haven't thought about it. I only wish to stay with you, go nowhere."

Rong Luoge laughed lightly, "I know your heart is devoted to me, but I must also think for you. You are now in the prime of your youth; after a few years when you want to marry, choices will be limited. Unlike Rong Xin and Que Cai who serve me, even if you marry later, their respectable marriages before me are not a concern, but you haven't entered the palace, always lacking something; I don't want to wrong you."

Cang Yun, hearing the lady's words, paused before saying, "Miss, I don't want to marry and then never see you again; I still wish to stay with you."

"I see, that's not impossible." Rong Luoge wasn't entirely comfortable sending Cang Yun far away in marriage; she couldn't protect her in places she couldn't see. Suddenly her eyes brightened, and she looked at Cang Yun, "What do you think of He Huai and Jing Chu? Neither is married yet; which one seems more suitable for you? Let me inquire on your behalf."

Cang Yun's face reddened, and after a moment she stammered, "I think Steward He is more steady and reliable."

Rong Luoge smiled, "We're on the same page. I also think He Huai is more suitable for you. Very well, I'll ask He Huai—if he has no existing betrothal and is interested in you, then the marriage is settled."

"Thank you, Miss." Cang Yun quickly rose and bowed, her face as red as a persimmon, "Did you summon me to the palace for this matter?"

"Besides that, there is another matter." Rong Luoge looked at Cang Yun and whispered a few instructions.

Cang Yun nodded, then said angrily, "How can those people be so shameless? Rest assured, Miss, I will see to it."

Rong Luoge smiled, "With you handling it, I am of course at ease; you also take care, safety first."

Cang Yun stood up, "Rest assured, Miss, I will serve you for a lifetime."

Rong Luoge treats Cang Yun unlike anyone else; she does not see her as a servant, but regards her as a sister from the heart.