Chapter 280: Volume 1 Chapter 280  Surprised by the Empress

Han Xinglan looked at Rong Luoge, "It could be worth a try."

Rong Luoge's biggest worry was that Han Xinglan would refuse out of pride, but after his initial objection he actually agreed, which made her feelings rather complicated.

"Alright, after you've arranged the Weaving Workshop, we'll take over. To make it easier for the consorts to move, how about temporarily placing it in Dong Gong?"

"Dong Gong probably won't work; those old fellows would overturn the court," Han Xinglan said while thinking, "Otherwise, you could use that plot of land right next to the imperial city; exiting through the West Palace Gate from the imperial garden isn't too troublesome."

Rong Luoge thought for a moment and said, "I recall that area is the officials' yamen, right?"

"It's not the grand yamen of the Three Departments and Six Ministries, just a minor yamen; moving them is fine." Han Xinglan didn't think it was a big deal. "If you think it's okay, I'll have people remodel that spot into a Weaving Workshop."

"Alright, His Majesty really solved a big trouble for me." Rong Luoge thanked sincerely, looking at Han Xinglan, "You treat me with utmost sincerity; I will never betray your heartfelt intention."

Han Xinglan's smile deepened at her words, "I'll remember what you said."

We can't keep having things that just want to run away.

After finishing the meal, Rong Luoge went straight to the study to plan it. Han Xinglan, as usual, went to see his son; the father and son felt odd without Rong Luoge nearby, so the Emperor carried his son to the study.

Rong Luoge wrote and drew while the father‑son's chatter drifted to her ears; the elder spoke freely, the younger hummed as if replying, which was rather amusing.

Planning was routine for Rong Luoge; she finished in less than an hour, and Kang Kang, having played enough, fell asleep.

Han Xinglan sent his son back, then returned to see Rong Luoge smiling at him. He hurried over and saw the drawings spread on the desk.

He picked one up, examined it closely, and said with some surprise, "Is this a combined weaving and dyeing design?"

"Weaving and dyeing are inseparable; rather than expanding later and causing trouble, it's better to do it from the start. The only issue is water diversion—any solution?"

"There's no inner‑city river in the palace; we'll have to dig a well, and later have the Ministry of Works inspect."

Rong Luoge nodded, "That works. How long will the reconstruction take?"

"Your project is sizable—digging a well, building a dye pool, and forging looms; it'll probably take one to two months," Han Xinglan estimated.

Rong Luoge nodded, "Perfect, during that time I can also sort out which consorts can use it and which cannot."

Han Xinglan: …

That's truly a flawless plan; he thought of every detail.

"Alright, tomorrow I'll clear the space for you and have the Ministry of Works survey and start construction," Han Xinglan said cheerfully.

"Do we have any surplus silver?" Rong Luoge asked. Though the project isn't huge, it's still costly; looms aren't small items, and there can't be too few, otherwise there's no scale. No scale means no output, thus no profit.

"Others may not ask for money, but you asking will naturally get it."

Rong Luoge was amused, slipped a hand around Han Xinglan's waist, "That's really pleasant to hear."

Han Xinglan lifted her, "Alright, stop staying up, rest now."

Rong Luoge wrapped her arms around Han Xinglan's neck, "You still have the morning court; you should rest earlier."

Han Xinglan counted the days; there's still a little over half a month. Sigh, holding the beautiful young lady, he can only look, not eat—truly a bit of grievance.

Rong Luoge had something on her mind and woke early the next day; unsurprisingly, Han Xinglan had already gone to the morning court.

After she got up and washed, the wet nurse brought Kang Kang over. Rong Luoge played with her son for a while; the little fellow always seeks her as soon as he wakes.

Once the youngster was amused, he was willing to be taken away by the wet nurse.

Rong Luoge had breakfast, then sent for Kang Shufei and Lady Qiongzhang.

Kang Hualu and Fu Shuangshu didn't know why the Empress summoned them; they were both surprised when they met on the road, not expecting to go to the Phoenix Ritual Palace.

"Sister Hualu, what do you think the Empress summoned us for?" Fu Shuangshu asked anxiously.

Kang Hualu also didn't know, shaking her head, "I'm not sure either; we'll find out when we get there. The palace staff seem friendly, not like they're making things difficult for us."

Fu Shuangshu remained worried, but realizing she hadn't done anything against the Empress, she gradually eased her mind.

When they entered the Phoenix Ritual Palace and saw the Empress's gentle smile, their anxious hearts gradually settled, yet they still dared not let their guard down.

"Your Highness, I, the concubine, pay my respects."

"Your Highness, I, the concubine, pay my respects."

Rong Luoge looked at the two, smiled and said, "There are no outsiders here; no need for such formalities, sit and speak."

The two exchanged glances, both thanked and took their seats. Just as they sat, the Empress laughed, "Come to think of it, we've met before; I never imagined we'd have such a fate today."

Kang Hualu glanced at Fu Shuangshu and laughed, "The Empress still remembers, indeed; life's encounters are truly marvelous."

Rong Luoge observed them and at that moment knew Kang Hualu was the decision‑maker, while Fu Shuangshu seemed more timid.

The Empress turned to Rong Xin, who immediately bowed and led the palace staff away; she and Que Cai guarded the entrance, preventing easy approach.

Seeing the stance, Kang Hualu couldn't help but feel a bit nervous, her back straightening.

Rong Luoge smiled at the sight and said, "No need to be nervous, come over; I have something to discuss with you."

"Whatever the Empress commands, just say it," Kang Hualu replied.

Fu Shuangshu nodded beside her.

"Alright, I'll be blunt," Rong Luoge, who was straightforward, said, "I already know why you entered the palace; this may be a transaction, but I think it's not very fair to both of you."

Kang Hualu and Fu Shuangshu's faces turned as white as paper; they stood up abruptly, at a loss for how to respond—how did the Empress know?

"You're probably wondering how I learned of this, right?"

Both women nodded, and Kang Hualu forced a smile, "Empress, what do you want us to do?"

Kang Hualu assumed the Empress was grasping their shortcomings to threaten them into doing her bidding.

"Sit down and speak; I told you not to be nervous. How I know this isn't important, but one thing you must know is crucial," Rong Luoge paused, looking at them, "Do you want to waste a lifetime in the harem, or spend a few years living gloriously and getting married?"

What?

Even bold Kang Hualu was startled by the Empress at this moment!

Marry?

Does the Empress know what she's saying?