Chapter 227: Volume 1, Chapter 227 Willing to Bow to Consort Rong

Grand Consort Ming has spent her whole life navigating the palace; she knows best the thoughts of those who sit on the throne. This time Xiao Shen won a battle and Qingxuan Kingdom came to negotiate peace—why would the Emperor agree?

She was only a former favored concubine of the inner palace, not well‑versed in state affairs, but she served the Late Emperor all her life; being cherished by him for a lifetime does require some skill. She knows that any Emperor dislikes sharing with others.

The Emperor's acceptance of Qingxuan Kingdom's peace proposal—does he truly wish to coexist peacefully?

Not necessarily.

Back then the Emperor overruled everyone to let Xiao Shen lead troops into battle; the treasury was empty, so the Emperor used his personal petty treasury to fund the army.

She reasoned that the reason the fighting stopped, and that it ended so quickly, was because the Emperor ran out of money.

Moreover, now the Emperor has spun off a Military Industry Bureau from the Ministry of War, while cutting the budget of the Official Manufacture Bureau, and recently His Majesty has begun to clean up the Inner Court Office. This cleanup differs from the previous loud‑but‑ineffective one, and she gets a very dangerous premonition.

All of this proves one point: the Emperor lacks money—greatly lacks money.

Agreeing to Qingxuan Kingdom's peace is merely a tactic to buy time; what will happen when the Emperor has money again in a few years?

Grand Consort Ming now thinks very clearly: regardless of whether His Majesty launches a campaign in the future, Rong Dai must never become Princess Consort Qi, and not only must she not become Princess Consort Qi, she also intends to devise a way for her son to fall out with Rong Dai and drive her out of the Qi Wang Fu.

This is truly a once‑in‑a‑thousand‑years opportunity; her interests align with Consort Rong's, and she can act through Consort Rong's hand—she must not miss it.

Rong Luoge watched Grand Consort Ming and couldn't help but sigh: truly, someone who has enjoyed palace favor for decades can remain steady; when speaking with a clever person, there's no need to beat around the bush. She said, "I think the Grand Consort also doesn't want Rong Dai flaunting her power in the Qi Wang Fu, nor does she want to get entangled with Di Yue Nu. Princess Zhaoqing's situation is indeed a heaven‑sent opportunity; why not use it to curb Rong Dai's prestige? As long as we can lift Yun Shizhuang, Rong Dai won't be able to stir up a big storm."

Grand Consort Ming felt a knot in her heart; she had indeed planned it that way, and didn't expect Consort Rong to be on the same wavelength.

Rong Luoge knew that without sufficient benefit, Grand Consort Ming would never genuinely help her deal with Rong Dai and her mother; she calmly tossed out a bait, "Grand Consort also knows about the Inner Court Office cutting the expenses of palace consorts, right?"

Princess Zhaoqing was not impatient about these matters, but after so many events—especially after being scolded by her mother—she now sits nearby, listening to the conversation between her mother and Rong Luoge, and even catches a few hints, so she doesn't rush to leave.

Moreover, she was used by Rong Dai; even if it was because she herself was foolish, Rong Dai isn't any better, and she will settle this debt.

Grand Consort Ming listened as Consort Rong mentioned this matter and immediately became cautious; her position in the Hou Gong is already awkward, and she steers clear of anything involving palace authority.

At her age she's lived enough, but her son is a worry, her daughter remains unmarried, and she still has to stand tall for both children—she absolutely cannot collapse like this.

She spoke cautiously, "I didn't know before, but later Consort Rong investigated and heard some rumors. Such matters are common in the Hou Gong; the Inner Court Office's staff are numerous, and the Late Emperor did try to reform them, though with little effect."

Grand Consort Ming said that on purpose, intending to tell Rong Luoge that the matter isn't impossible, but it's truly difficult to handle.

Rong Luoge smiled and nodded, "Grand Consort means that the Inner Court Office is colluding throughout; swapping one high‑ranking official changes nothing, because the whole Inner Court Office is rotten through and through."

Grand Consort Ming was startled; she hadn't expected Consort Rong to speak so boldly. Her expression flickered, unable to discern what she truly meant, so she remained cautious and didn't reply.

Rong Luoge wasn't surprised by Grand Consort Ming's attitude; she looked at her and continued, "His Highness Prince Qi is still idling in the residence; doesn't the Grand Consort want him to step out of the mansion and take a post?"

Grand Consort Ming's heart leapt; she looked up at Consort Rong, wondering whether this was Consort Rong's intention or the Emperor's.

Is it a test, or does he truly intend for his son to enter official service?

Her heart fluttered, weighing the matter, she dared not speak lightly.

Princess Zhaoqing, hearing this, couldn't hold back and said, "Noble Consort, do you really intend to let my brother go out to serve?"

Rong Luoge turned her head toward Princess Zhaoqing, "Princess Zhaoqing, are you asking whether I would set a trap for Prince Qi?"

Princess Zhaoqing's face turned pale; she hurriedly waved her hands and said, "I don't mean that; I just think… think…"

"I think my past separation from His Highness Prince Qi was not very dignified, that we have become enemies, so I wouldn't be willing to see Prince Qi make a comeback?"

Princess Zhaoqing thought that way, but she truly didn't dare to say it, only biting her lip in silence.

Grand Consort Ming immediately scolded her daughter, "What nonsense are you spouting? Your brother and the Noble Consort were a case of mistaken fate, no destiny together. Moreover, although the separation was a bit unpleasant, the outcome was fine; the Noble Consort has always been magnanimous—how could she still remember such trivial matters?" She then turned to Consort Rong, "Noble Consort, don't be angry; this child is truly too naive because I raised him, speaking bluntly, but he has no ill intent."

"Grand Consort, there's no need to worry; Princess Zhaoqing's question is candid, and I'm truly not angry. To be honest, my marriage to His Highness Prince Qi was never my wish; I was forced by my family to consent. Both you and Princess Zhaoqing know that I was powerless then, but Prince Qi was indeed an accomplice in cruelty, and my dislike for him is natural. Yet, making Prince Qi lose face during the separation settled our feud, and I have long let it go."

Grand Consort Ming's feelings were indescribable upon hearing this; after listening to Consort Rong say she would not dwell on the past, she sighed in relief and said to the Noble Consort, "I didn't act well back then, treating you harshly; it's rare that you bear no grudge, and I feel some guilt recalling it now."

"Grand Consort, there's no need to speak like that. If anyone's son were to marry a girl from the countryside, even if she were a legitimate daughter of a noble house, what of it? You were merely reacting as a mother should have. I am about to become a mother myself, and I truly understand how you felt then." Rong Luoge said sincerely.

Grand Consort Ming, hearing Rong Luoge's words, immediately replied, "Noble Consort means that the past is past; now that you are doing well, it's a case of good deeds receiving good rewards."

As long as Noble Consort doesn't intend to set a trap for her son, what's wrong with admitting a mistake and saying a few pleasant words?

As long as her son can re‑enter official service, no longer live a muddled life in the Qi Wang Fu, and be able to hold his chest up again, she would even be willing to bow to Noble Consort.