Chapter 483

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Protagonist:

Shen Yao

"Three years and another three years, Cheng'er is already thirteen, how much longer can His Majesty's broken body hold out."

Time flies so fast, in the blink of an eye six years have hurriedly passed.

His Majesty's body has inevitably aged considerably, and coupled with the wound on his chest flaring up repeatedly, it has tormented him until the whole person appears even more haggard and irritable.

The relationship between this pair of halfway spouses has grown even fainter than six years ago, truly achieving the essence of meeting without recognizing each other; without any important matters, His Majesty would not come to Fengyi Palace, and Shen Yao would even less run off to Qianqing Palace.

"Host, recently the weather has turned cool, and His Majesty's old ailments have begun to flare up.

In this system's view, he won't last much longer."

The system spoke in a strange, peculiar manner, somewhat like those few eminent monks and Daoren His Majesty had previously taken great pains to invite in.

Shen Yao rolled her eyes speechlessly, "I'd be delighted if he went offline early.

Every year his old ailments recur, the Imperial Physicians of the Imperial Hospital truly have methods."

Although the Imperial Hospital has been unsettled these past few years, compared to other places in the Huang Hou, it already counts as the department with the fewest personnel losses.

His Majesty ultimately still cherishes his life; his mouth shouts "drink today's wine today," but his actions practically beg to summon Imperial Physicians three times a day, guzzling medicine crazily at the slightest minor illness, perfectly interpreting what is called saying one thing but meaning another.

"No matter how skilled the Imperial Physicians of the Imperial Hospital are, they cannot stop a person bent on suicide.

His Majesty indulges in rich food and beautiful women, and every few days swallows alchemical pills," *tsk tsk tsk*, the Daoists' alchemy in this era cannot compare to system products; calling them poison would not be an overstatement.

Just for three to five minutes of pleasure he dares swallow things into his stomach to digest; the system feels His Majesty surviving until now is truly the blessing of the Yu ancestors — swap in someone with thin fortune and they would have long since perished.

"This kind of thing cannot be dissuaded even if you try, especially when so many Imperial Physicians won't open their mouths," each and every one choosing to cautiously protect themselves, who would risk speaking up in warning.

His Majesty perhaps also has a bit of this premonition, so the Imperial Physicians of the Imperial Hospital get pointed at and scolded every few days, and in severe cases get kicked out of the Imperial Hospital.

"Host, we"

The system's words had not finished when a sudden commotion was heard from outside the door.

Hongguo entered and hastily reported to Shen Yao, "He Chongyi has come."

Shen Yao rose from the couch, "Why has she come? Wasn't she told to rest more in the palace."

Only with great difficulty did she extract herself from the He family affair; the wounds she suffered from kowtowing haven't even properly healed yet.

Hongguo shook her head, not knowing, only saying He Chongyi was waiting right at the doorway.

Shen Yao, helpless, "Invite her in."

Since she's come all this way, she can't very well be sent back; besides, there's still a private agreement between them — the He family's fall is no benefit to He Chongyi, and for her to kick her while she's down at this moment would be improper.

Hongguo nodded in acknowledgment, turned, and ushered He Chongyi in from outside the door.

He Chongyi still had a circle of white gauze wrapped around her head, and the area around her cheeks was swollen red, unable to be concealed even by cosmetics — all due to the He family's misfortune implicating her.

"This subject greets Her Majesty the Empress, may Her Majesty enjoy ten thousand blessings."

"Rise, sit."

Shen Yao beckoned He Chongyi to find a round stool and sit, "Is there something at Changle Palace?"

Otherwise why would she run out to find her? It's been barely half a month since the He family's downfall.

He Chongyi raised a hand to touch the wound left on her forehead, bit her lip, and mentioned wanting to switch palaces.

Shen Yao didn't speak, but signaled He Chongyi to continue stating her reasons.

"Your Majesty, Changle Palace has too many concubines, among whom quite a few were once bullied by He Cairen and He Jieyu."

Now that the He family has fallen, the ones jumping for joy the most, He Cairen and He Jieyu, have both gone to the Cold Palace, lonely and destitute; He Chongyi, openly a He family daughter, escaped the Cold Palace's suffering but could not escape others kicking her while she's down.

He Chongyi had not failed to consider enduring, but certain people's actions were too excessive; He Chongyi still wanted to live a few more days, and was unwilling — indeed, impossible — to waste energy on these matters.

Running to seek help from Shen Yao, He Chongyi felt justified; these past years she had also accomplished some things for the Empress, so collecting repayment in advance was not excessive.

Shen Yao: ……Indeed not excessive

"Leaving Changle Palace, do you have any other palace you particularly favor?"

In recent years the Huang Hou has constantly seen people coming and going, but overall more enter than leave, no palace sits vacant; the difference lies only in how many concubines reside inside.

He Chongyi hurriedly shook her head, indicating she was not picky about palace location at all; anyway, someone like her was destined to have no connection with favor.

Even to make His Majesty not have to think of her, He Chongyi felt the more remote the residence, the better.

Shen Yao stroked her chin, mentally circling a few palaces.

"This matter this palace will arrange; after you return, remember to act low-key."

Directly ordering a palace transfer won't do; at minimum a passable excuse must be found.

Shen Yao had Hongguo see He Chongyi off, while she herself pondered what excuse to use.

The system jumped out, "How simple, just use He Chongyi's facial injuries, and the concubines of Changle Palace ostracizing her," ready-made reasons.

His Majesty didn't throw He Chongyi into the Cold Palace (in which Shen Yao had a hand), which means He Chongyi is still a normal concubine in the palace.

Those people in Changle Palace sneakily doing these little troublemaking things — without a formal complaint it's "officials don't investigate if the people don't sue," but if anyone runs their mouth, it won't stand.

Shen Yao sits in Fengyi Palace handling myriad affairs daily; Hongguo and Lvying report no small amount of harem matters every day.

Among them, more or less, mention is always made of Changle Palace's little awkwardness.

Shen Yao secretly noted this down; when Hongguo and Lvying mentioned it again, Shen Yao expressed concern for He Chongyi's situation, "His Majesty does not pursue He Chongyi's matter, so other concubines should not target He Chongyi."

Otherwise it would be striking His Majesty's face, not taking His Majesty's words to heart.

Hongguo and Lvying understood the hint immediately and agreed it was exactly so.

"Your Majesty, why not have this servant summon Zhao Jie Yu from Changle Palace?"

He Chongyi's identity is awkward now; the only one in Changle Palace who can hold the scene is Zhao Jie Yu, and daily it is also Zhao Jie Yu who targets He Chongyi the most; otherwise the other concubines of Changle Palace would not have such great audacity.

"Mm, please come over."

Zhao Jie Yu was also an old person; she was already there when Shen Yao entered the palace.

If memory serves, at that time Tang Meiren, who liked to stomp her feet and stir up trouble, still lived in Changle Palace.

What a pity Tang Meiren became a passing cloud, perishing early in the Yu dynasty's Huang Hou.

Lvying made a trip for Shen Yao, then turned around and invited Zhao Jie Yu over.

A person in their thirties, no matter how well maintained, is not as lively as those young ones.

When Zhao Jie Yu came over she was still somewhat uneasy, not knowing why the Empress had summoned her.

Until the Empress opened her mouth and mentioned He Chongyi of Changle Palace, Zhao Jie Yu only then reacted — could it be that her previous targeting had been a bit too much?

Impossible, right? He Chongyi's family had committed a crime; how could a consort without backing still stir up waves?

"No matter what, she is still the Emperor's consort, and she holds the proper Second Rank consort position. Zhao Jie Yu, some things must not be done to excess. The Emperor has not yet pursued the matter, yet you act beyond your bounds — that violates palace rules."

The palace rules indeed have relevant stipulations, but the palace rules are many; who would idly stare at the palace rules for daily life?

Zhao Jie Yu muttered in her heart that the Empress was making trouble out of nothing, but the situation is stronger than the person; she herself is not favored, so she can only accept whatever the other party says.

She obediently lowered her head and admitted fault, guaranteeing she would never repeat it, only to hear the Empress suddenly sigh, "Some things have happened; it's not good to pretend ignorance.

How about this: let He Chongyi move palaces, to Weiyang Palace not far away; then the internal situation of your Changle Palace can also be more peaceful."

Weiyang Palace was previously the palace where the selected maidens resided; later the selected maidens were moved to Song Xue Xuan, and Weiyang Palace only housed some unfavored consorts.

It's not that they are truly unfavored; basically all the older ones get thrown there, because Weiyang Palace is relatively far, has more palace buildings, and can accommodate however many people.

Now hearing the Empress wanted to move He Chongyi to Weiyang Palace, Zhao Jie Yu was immediately overjoyed.

A turn for the better!

She had thought the Empress was admonishing her, telling her to keep her tail tucked and behave in the future; she never expected it was to kick He Chongyi out — simply wonderful!

With a smile at the corner of her mouth, she thanked the Empress for the arrangement; Zhao Jie Yu stood up and was about to return to her palace to tell He Chongyi the good news, wishing He Chongyi could move today.

He Chongyi also wanted to move today, but unfortunately the palace has many things; packing up would take at least a few days no matter what.

"Master, if we go to Weiyang Palace, your health..." the palace maid worried.

"My health is fine; staying here and suffering anger every day, you all would suffer even more."

He Chongyi herself could avoid going out, but other people have to go out to handle affairs.

At that time this one disgusts you a bit, that one speaks in yin and yang; just thinking about it is enough to be vexing.

The palace maid followed her master's train of thought and instantly understood.

Indeed, forcibly staying in Changle Palace is not great; going to Weiyang Palace might not be worse.

She turned to organize the things in the hall to take along, including the Ku Fang and some ornaments; moreover, with Shen Yao's special reminder, the Imperial Household Department did not make trouble on this, and He Chongyi's life afterwards was very good.

Shen Yao shook her round fan and lamented, "This counts as doing right by her; the Jiangnan Clans have nothing more to do with her from now on."

The He Family's downfall announced the Jiangnan Clans' complete submission. On the surface, the Emperor handled only the parts Shen Yao and the Shen Family were willing to reveal; in private, the Jiangnan Clans had long become the biggest trump card in the Shen Family's hand.

The System also did not expect everything to develop according to their plan.

Perhaps in the future they will still conflict with the Emperor, but given the Court situation and the Shen Family's power, their side will find it very hard to suffer a loss.

He Chongyi's silence drew a line under the He Family's matter.

The Huang Hou still has a constant stream of Favored Consorts appearing — as few as a few days, as many as a few months — their influence on Shen Yao can be said to be close to none.

Yu Cheng stayed very well in He Lan; the tutors by his side changed one batch after another, letting Yu Cheng grow up to a great extent.

Yu Xi moved out of Fengyi Palace several years ago, living happily in the Princess Residence; occasionally running back for a trip is even more whirlwind.

"Your Majesty, just now, Li Zong Guan of Qianqing Palace sent someone to request an Imperial Physician again; this is already the fifth time this month."

This month isn't even half over; the Emperor's old ailments flare up frequently, and it's far more severe than last year.

Hong Guo hung her head and spoke softly; having finished, she also mentioned some movement in He Lan: "The Imperial Household Department's people have big ambitions; the coarse palace maids arranged to go there all have striking appearances."

Whatever schemes they're playing need not be spelled out; it's simply disgusting.

Shen Yao was not angry, because this kind of thing is common in the Huang Hou; the palace maids serving by the Emperor's side are all beautiful, and isn't this exactly the shortcut work the Imperial Household Department does?

"Cheng'er is already thirteen; he has long been exposed to some things himself," she could not treat him as a child.

If Yu Cheng has to find her for everything he encounters, how will he handle ascending the throne in the future? Shen Yao cannot watch over these things every moment.

"Hong Guo, the palace maids arranged by the Imperial Household Department certainly have someone else behind them.

Send someone to investigate; no need to interfere further — just see how Cheng'er handles it himself."

Similar things will only increase as Yu Cheng grows up; they don't count as unforgivable evil, at most just disgusting people.

Hong Guo acknowledged and turned to investigate the Imperial Household Department, which she had already gone over not ten times but eight.

Like leeks, cut one batch and another grows; the Imperial Household Department remains deeply entrenched, showing no weakening.

The old are trampled down, and new ones always rise; this piece of cake called the Imperial Household Department is too big — even Shen Yao cannot achieve fairness.

Opportunism is unacceptable; Hong Guo held the evidence she had uncovered and presented it to her master — a thick stack of paper filled with the Imperial Household Department's own wrongdoings.

Shen Yao laughed aloud, "No matter how much time passes, they cannot change their greedy nature."

Like a dragon guarding mountains of gold and silver, greed is engraved in their bones, uncontrollable.

"Your Majesty, He Lan cannot stir up waves for the time being; do you want this servant to give them a lesson first?"

Not asking to kill them with one stick, but giving them a long memory is enough.

"No need, go invite the Crown Prince over," Shen Yao casually tossed the evidence on the tea table and leisurely tapped the tabletop, "How to handle it should be Cheng'er's own choice."

Yu Cheng has actually already come into contact with many matters in private, even handling government affairs several times.

The Emperor's health is poor; as the only son, Yu Cheng's life cannot be too relaxed.

The Emperor, no matter what, still has to cultivate his own son; even if he sometimes fears father and son turning against each other, hating that he cannot tightly grasp his own power.

Hong Guo went to fetch Yu Cheng; in just half a day, Yu Cheng arrived with people from He Lan.

The thirteen-year-old youth had clear, handsome features, was tall with long legs, and the baby fat on his face had all faded.

To be fair, Yu Cheng's appearance was extremely good, his features greatly resembling Shen Yao's.

"Mother Empress"

"Cheng'er"

Shen Yao smiled and beckoned, then handed over the papers in her hand along with her, "Look at these things first, they are all Imperial Household Department problems."

In the future, when Yu Cheng rises to power he will also have to deal with Imperial Household Department troubles; having a psychological preparation in advance has no harm.

Yu Cheng sat in the Bedchamber, turning over the dense evidence his birth mother handed over.

Hm, somewhat surprised yet also within expected results; the Imperial Household Department is just this sort of place that conceals filth and corruption — if one day the Imperial Household Department suddenly becomes clean and upright, that will certainly be the day this department is abolished.

"Mother Empress, your son feels they should be given a lesson; the usual methods are too soft," use some hard ones, perhaps they can even dig deeper down.

Shen Yao leaned against the Soft Pillow behind her, "Not afraid of being bitten back? Nowadays the palace servants of He Lan are all allocated by the Imperial Household Department."

Including some personnel arrangements, Shen Yao has the decision-making authority yet cannot monitor to the bottom; if there are any changes in the process, it is very difficult to discover.