During the morning court session, a report accusing Su Tongwan of deliberately misreporting expenses and squandering silver tael for the snow disaster relief sparked another verbal dispute between Wei Qingchen and Ji Yanyu.
The Emperor arranged for someone to thoroughly investigate, while the rest listened to the two exchange words one after another.
The report only provided an overview, and the details needed to be verified by him.
In a short while, a decision couldn’t be made at the morning court, and the two were engaged in a verbal battle, with an aim to extend the session and to unsettle each other.
"A report to the Emperor, Su Tongwan disregarded the court’s orders, neglecting the safety of the affected citizens. If this is verified to be true, merely punishing this person might not suffice."
The Emperor asked how his favored minister planned to address the situation.
Wei Qingchen spoke boldly, insisting on a thorough investigation, and even if no fault was found, a charge of inadequate supervision should be imposed.
Ji Yanyu shuddered, as further investigation would lead to his faction.
"Mr. Wei’s statement is inappropriate,"
Ji Yanyu stepped forward and pondered before speaking, "Su Tongwan’s issue has not been verified, and to create a big disturbance during the New Year for investigation, Mr. Wei’s words imply guilt, wouldn’t this dishearten those working steadfastly?"
The Emperor watched their performance coldly.
Initially, it could be said they were arguing based on reason, but later on, it was merely opposing each other’s opposition.
Quickly, the Emperor found that Yun Jiao’s reply was conveniently applicable here, especially the word "indeed." A simple "indeed" from the Emperor was enough for one side to anxiously counter the argument, remaining impartial, as they looked like they would soon come to blows.
Within these repeated affirmations, he increasingly missed Yun Jiao.
After the court session, the Emperor’s first question was, "Where is Qing Que?"
Last night, he restrained himself from reading Yun Jiao’s reply, holding off until the next morning’s session, waiting all night in vain. The letter contained only four meaningless words.
"Zun Du Jia Du, Zun Du Jia Du..."
In a slightly hoarse voice, he repeatedly recited these four words.
The surrounding incomprehensible patterns held some meaning? A small circle, a dot, a large circle...
The Emperor was utterly baffled.
Equally baffled was Wei Qingchen, who received the message transmitted from the palace.
Other concubines wishing to send messages outside the palace might have to wait for the day palace maids were granted leave to see their families, but the Empress, holding palace authority, effortlessly accomplished this trivial task. Wei Qingchen took the transcribed copy of Concubine Xi’s secret message back to his residence, pondered over it first, and when unable to unravel, enlisted trusted retainers to decode together.
"A mere woman’s secret, and we are completely unable to understand it!"
"Perhaps we need to consider palace happenings?" someone suggested.
"Mr. Wei, has the Empress been up to anything recently?" another queried.
"Uh..."
Speaking of the deeds of his daughter, there were truly endless matters, one could spend ages recounting.
To speak of the immediate, this morning, new Servant Consort Zhen had made her greetings at Jianzhang Palace and created a joke.
Actually, Consort Jiang spoke first, "I heard last night the Emperor favored a palace maid, and in the morning bestowed her a title. That palace maid supposedly has some connection to the Empress, it seems indeed the Lady has a keen eye. Another sister joined the palace, only I wonder how this Servant Consort Zhen looks."
She covered her mouth and smiled.
In truth, during greetings, the rank of Consort doesn’t typically allow excessive speech, but her familial ties with the Empress Dowager granted her more face than other consorts.
"Is this matter true?"
Concubine Feng was a bit unsettled.
With many seeking few rewards, Concubine Xi’s recent pregnancy and withdrawal from the favor list, could she possibly have her turn?
The Empress responded indifferently, "She stands at the back, naturally Consort Jiang couldn’t see her. Wait until she serves tea to me, then she’ll be visible. By noon, she’ll be visiting each sister palace for greetings."
After visiting and serving tea, she would be considered part of the harem establishment.
Although during greetings, encountering those with ill-hearted tricks might lead to some suffering, but she could simultaneously receive rewards from the Ladies, accumulating quite a substantial foundation.
Concubine Feng clutched her handkerchief, unable to resist glancing backward, "She is merely a Servant Consort and yet gets a title, previously only Concubine Xi had such honor! How grand an honor is this for Zhen."
"What honor could this be," the Empress sneered, "merely a tea-serving palace maid."
Concubine Wei hesitated to speak while looking at the Empress.
In fact, she intended to utter similar bitter remarks, but the Empress preemptively spoke, leaving her without lines.
When the conversation was about finished, Lady brought up suitably, "Should Servant Consort Zhen serve the Empress tea now, or later at Jianzhang Palace?"