TICIEC Chapter 5.2

She had carefully studied the list of selected concubines.

Under the two jieyus, there are six meirens.

Four of them came from the four great marquisates. As daughters of noble families, this was nothing surprising.

However, two daughters from humbler backgrounds were also canonized as meiren.

They are Wen Meiren, the daughter of the third-rank Minister of Rites, and Song Meiren, the daughter of the third-rank Deputy Censor-in-Chief.

Both of these officials came from humble backgrounds and entered the government through the imperial examinations. Their careers were mediocre during the time of the late Emperor, but the current Emperor personally promoted them and entrusted them with important tasks.

Since ascending the throne, His Majesty has intentionally promoted court officials from humble backgrounds to counter the power of the two great dukes.

There are only two possible outcomes for the person who will sleep with the Emperor tonight.

He will choose between Xue and Cen, favoring one and ignoring the other, inciting internal strife. But honestly, this tactic is a bit crude, and the two dukes are not fools, so they probably won’t be fooled.

Secondly, he will cultivate his own people to suppress the two jieyus. This is an open conspiracy, aboveboard, and even if you guessed it, you can’t do anything about it.

So, today and tomorrow, Song Meiren and Wen Meiren will definitely sleep with him.

Oh, there is another unexpected possibility.

If the Emperor is completely naive, obsessed with women, and favors whomever he pleases regardless of the court situation, based entirely on his own mood, then a chance encounter in the Imperial Garden might be a real possibility.

But this is not a good thing either.

Xue Jieyu and Cen Jieyu haven’t entered the Emperor’s bed yet, and you want to get the first spot before them?

Are you tough enough?

How many lives do you have left?

Without the Emperor’s protection, relying solely on yourself to fight the retaliation of the two dukes’ mansions, you might as well prepare a coffin for yourself sooner rather than later.

In light of all this, Ning Wanyin decided to hold her ground.

She would wait and see how the situation unfolded before seeking an opportunity to gain his favor.

“Master, news has arrived from Qianxin Palace. His Majesty has summoned Song Meiren to the Emperor’s bedchamber!” Dan Li came in to report.

Ning Wanyin was not surprised.

Song Meiren is a famous, talented woman in the capital. Her father has always been outspoken and courageous in his criticism, known for his unwavering integrity.

When she first met Song Meiren today, she seemed aloof and arrogant, not paying much attention to others.

If His Majesty wants to suppress the two great dukes, he will need a sword that would never bend but break.

This seems like a perfectly suitable candidate.

Soon, Xiao Guizi came back dejectedly, carrying a food box. On the way, he heard that Song Meiren had been summoned tonight, and his master would not be favored today.

Lian Rui laid out the breakfast from the food box: a dish of emerald white jade porridge and a basket of steamed dumplings.

This was the guiren’s portion, neither too much nor too little.

But Ning Wanyin prefers sweets, so this wasn’t to her taste.

“Lian Rui, go to the Imperial Kitchen and get some desserts.” Ning Wanyin frowned slightly.

She likes delicious food and fancy clothes.

Isn’t she working so hard every day because she can’t give up the delicacies and pleasures of this world?

If she works so hard to calculate everything in the world, but can’t even enjoy the delicacies she desires, what’s the point of fighting?

“Yes.” Lian Rui accepted the order and retreated.

This exceptional meal requires additional money. Fortunately, Ning Wanyin’s family is well-off, so even if she’s temporarily out of favor, she can still eat her fill.

***

Mozhu Pavilion, the left side hall of Zhongcui Palace.

When Song Meiren received the imperial edict, she was very surprised and immediately prepared to welcome the Emperor.

At home, she had often heard her father praise His Majesty’s wisdom and bravery, so she had long harbored a secret admiration for him.

But with two jieyus in front of her, she did not expect that His Majesty would choose her to sleep with him.

Could it be that His Majesty had also long harbored feelings for her?

At dusk, the Holy Chariot arrived as promised.

After one night, Song Meiren supported her delicate body and helped His Majesty get up…

“No need. You worked hard last night.”

Helian Qi looked at Song Meiren lying on the bed and said meaningfully, “You don’t need to pay your respects to the Empress Dowager today.”

Although Song Meiren had a cold and aloof temperament, she always observed proper etiquette.

She said, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. Paying respects to the Empress Dowager is my filial duty.”

She had learned the palace rules and would not become arrogant due to her favor.

Helian Qi glanced at her, said nothing, and turned to go out to court.

 

*****

Author’s note: Based on the Ming Dynasty’s system of visiting the imperial palace, combined with the system of flipping cards, the emperor could visit the concubines’ palaces and summon them for sexual favors.

 

 

 

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