coobybook Chapter 284 The draft is in turmoil
Chapter 284 The draft is in turmoil
Zhen Huan sat on the soft couch in the palace, a hint of worry in her eyes: "Lingrong, this selection of women may seem ordinary, but it actually hides a mystery. Behind each selected woman, there may be a game of power between various forces."
An Lingrong nodded gently. "Huan'er is right. Just like what happened with Concubine Kang before, who could have imagined that she would be used and involved in such a conspiracy? We must be doubly careful in this talent show."
Concubine Hua picked up the teacup and took a sip. "Humph! Who cares if she's just a concubine or how many schemes she has? I've been in the harem for many years, so I'm not afraid of them! But Huan'er is right. It's always good to know something in advance."
Chun'er blinked her big eyes at the side and said, "Sisters, I heard that some of the girls selected this time are daughters of officials and officials, and some are daughters from scholarly families. Isn't it interesting?"
Mei Zhuang smiled faintly: "Chun'er, this harem is not as simple and interesting as you think. Every concubine may become an opponent or ally in the future."
Zhen Huan thought for a moment and said, "Sister Meizhuang is right. I have asked Xiao Yunzi to find out the family backgrounds and personalities of those concubines. When he returns, we will know something."
A few days later, Xiao Yunzi returned with a report: "Your Majesty, I have learned everything. This time, there is a beautiful girl from the Guaerjia clan, the daughter of the court minister Guaerjia Emin. I heard that she has been spoiled since childhood and has a rather fierce personality. There is also a cousin of Shen Meizhuang, named Lin, who is well-educated, gentle and quiet."
Zhen Huan frowned slightly. "If this Guaerjia family member is selected, I'm afraid she'll be difficult to get along with. As for Lin, she's related to Sister Meizhuang, so I think she should keep an eye on her."
An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, since this Guaerjia is the daughter of a minister, she must have family support. If she really entered the palace, I'm afraid she would side with the Queen."
Mei Zhuang said, "No matter who she favors, as long as we stick to our original intentions and treat her with courtesy, we will not be afraid if she wants to cause trouble."
Concubine Hua sneered, "Hmph! If she dares to act so presumptuously in front of me, I will make sure she knows the rules of this harem!"
On the day of the selection, the palace was decorated with lights and the beauties entered the palace one after another.
Zhen Huan, An Lingrong, Hua Fei and others sat in high seats, examining the arriving beauties.
Guaerjia stepped forward, her head held high and her chest puffed out as she saluted, a hint of arrogance in her eyes: "Greetings to all the majesties, I, Guaerjia, pay my respects to all the majesties."
Zhen Huan asked softly, "Guarjia, do you have any talents?"
Guarjia replied, "Your Majesty, my daughter is good at playing the zither and has some knowledge of calligraphy and painting."
Concubine Hua said from the side: "Oh? Then play a song for me to listen to."
Guarjia sat down at the zither and began to play. Although her skills were decent, a hint of arrogance emanated from her fingering.
An Lingrong whispered to Zhen Huan, "Huan'er, this Guaerjia family member may seem extraordinary, but in reality, she is too ostentatious. I'm afraid she won't last long in the harem."
Zhen Huan nodded slightly.
When it was Lin's turn, she shyly bowed and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am Lin. I have loved poetry since I was young. I would like to recite a poem for you, ladies and gentlemen."
When Lin recited poetry, his voice was clear and pleasant, and his verses were quite poetic.
Mei Zhuang showed a look of relief: "This Lin is really a smart woman."
After the selection, the Emperor said to Zhen Huan, "Huan Huan, which girls do you think should be kept in this selection?"
Zhen Huan replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, this Guaerjia woman has decent talent, but seems a bit overbearing. Lin is well-educated, gentle, and generous, and is a good choice. However, everything still depends on Your Majesty's decision."
The emperor thought for a moment and said, "I have my own considerations."
A few days later, the imperial decree of enthronement came down, and Guaerjia was conferred the title of Changzai, and Lin was conferred the title of Guiren.
After entering the palace, Guaerjia Chang came to visit Zhen Huan and others.
She walked into Zhen Huan's palace. Although she was respectful when she saluted, her eyes still had a hint of unruliness: "Greetings to Her Majesty the Imperial Consort Xi, Her Majesty the Imperial Consort An, and Her Majesty the Imperial Consort Hua. I am new to the palace, and if I have offended you in any way, I hope you will forgive me."
Zhen Huan smiled and said, "Since you have entered the palace, you must abide by the rules of the palace. Sisters should support each other in the future."
Guaerjia often responded, "Yes, your majesty," but she had other plans in her mind.
Concubine Lin came forward and said, "Sister Meizhuang, Sister Huan'er, Sister Lingrong, it is my great honor to be able to enter the palace and keep you company. I will learn the palace rules and regulations well and will not cause any trouble to you sisters."
Mei Zhuang held her hand and said, "Girl, if you have any questions in the future, feel free to ask me."
However, this calm did not last long.
One day, news came from the palace that Concubine Guaerjia had an argument with a young lady in the imperial garden.
Zhen Huan and the others rushed over, only to see the maidservant of Guaerjia with a scowl on her face: "How dare you, you lowly maidservant, block my way!"
The young lady opposite was trembling with fear: "Sister Chang Zai, I...I didn't mean it."
Zhen Huan scolded: "Guarjia Changzai, this is in the palace, how can you be so presumptuous!"
When the Guarjia maid saw that it was Zhen Huan, she calmed down a bit, but still said stubbornly, "Your Highness, this young lady was blind and bumped into me. I was just teaching her a lesson."
An Lingrong said from the side, "Sister Changzai, sisters in the palace, regardless of their status, should respect each other. If you hit or scold each other at will, it will not be good if it gets out."
Guaerjia often snorted: "Empress An, this is my business, please don't meddle in it."
Concubine Hua angrily said, "Hmph! You are such an ignorant person, and you dare to be so rude in front of me!"
Zhen Huan looked at the chaotic situation and sighed inwardly: I'm afraid the harem disputes are about to begin again. This Guarjia concubine is so arrogant, she is bound to cause a lot of trouble. And they will have to protect each other and the peace of the harem in this endless struggle.
At this time, Concubine Lin stepped forward and said, "Sisters, please don't let this little girl ruin your relationship. This may just be a misunderstanding. Can you all take a step back?"
Zhen Huan looked at Concubine Lin and nodded slightly. "Concubine Lin is right. As long as Concubine Guaerjia is here, let's put today's matter to rest. If it happens again, I will not let you off lightly."
Although Guarjia Changzai was reluctant, she could only agree: "Yes, your majesty."
Back in the palace, Zhen Huan said to An Lingrong, "I'm afraid this Concubine Guaerjia won't let it go. We have to be careful."
An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, she's so arrogant, she must be trying to establish her authority in the harem. We might as well hold our ground for now and wait and see what she does next."
Concubine Hua said, "Hmph! I don't have that much patience. If she dares to cause trouble again, I will let her know how powerful I am!"
Mei Zhuang said, "Let's first take a cautious approach and start with the maids and eunuchs around her to see if we can find any evidence against her. If she does have any ill intentions, we'll have a plan to deal with her."
Zhen Huan nodded: "Sister Meizhuang is right. Let's do this for now."
Therefore, Zhen Huan and others began to secretly pay attention to the movements of Guaerjia Changzai, and the harem was once again plunged into undercurrent disputes because of Guaerjia Changzai's arrival. Zhen Huan, An Lingrong and others had to write their own legendary stories in this complicated situation and protect the peace and status they had worked hard for.