ebookland Chapter 314 Amnesty for Women in the Cold Palace
Chapter 314 Amnesty for Women in the Cold Palace
"Orchid? Who is Orchid? Who are you?"
Ling Lanhua snatched the rice bowl from her hand with dissatisfaction, continuing to rummage through the already dirty food in the bowl while turning her face away.
Seeing this, Ling Jiawei strode over, snatched the bowl from her hand, and threw it on the ground with a 'smack,' then yelled at her:
"Orchid, let's go home."
Ling Lanhua looked at the overturned rice bowl on the ground and shook her head violently in extreme fear.
"I won't leave, I want to be the Empress, I won't leave, I won't leave..."
Seeing Ling Jiawei reach out to pull her, she gripped the doorknob tightly, pressed herself against the door, and shook her head desperately.
Cui tried to pull her up, but she bit her hand. Ling Jiawei was furious and, taking advantage of her inattention, slapped her unconscious and carried her out of the Cold Palace.
Watching the family of three leave, Lan Zhi felt a mix of emotions.
She felt sorry for Ling Lanhua, but also felt that she deserved her fate.
She felt sorry for Cui, who would have to face such a mentally unstable daughter in the future, but she also felt that she, as the mother, bore a great responsibility for Ling Lanhua's current state.
She felt even more sorry for her eldest brother, Ling Jiawei. After all, Lan Hua was his sister, and he must have been heartbroken to see her like this.
The Empress decreed that all the concubines who had been banished to the Cold Palace be sent home.
This news caused a stir in the imperial court, with ministers offering their opinions and expressing their opposition.
Some people believe that these women, after all, had served the late emperor, and after leaving the palace, they might remarry, which would be disrespectful to the royal family.
Some people believe that after these women left the palace, they would inevitably reveal things that were not suitable for outsiders to talk about, which would further damage the image of the royal family.
Some people say that the palace is a mysterious place, and if these women are allowed to leave the palace easily, then more women will want to enter the palace one after another, because the cost of entering and leaving the palace is too low.
Anyway, very few of these people support this.
Zhu Kui listened to the ministers' advice, his brows furrowed slightly, and stepped forward to say:
"Your Majesty, this old minister thinks that Her Majesty the Empress's actions are commendable. This is a good deed and should be vigorously promoted. Firstly, it is indeed cruel to let these women in the Cold Palace die of old age there. Secondly, they occupy the palace courtyards and eat and drink in the palace, which is also a considerable expense. If they are allowed to leave the palace as they wish, they will be grateful, and the palace will also save a lot of expenses. As for matters concerning the harem, Her Majesty the Empress has told them to keep quiet, and I believe they will not dare to go out and talk nonsense."
Lin Xingliang echoed:
"Lord Zhu is right. Her Majesty the Empress's actions have won the hearts of the people. After all, those dozens of women in the Cold Palace represent dozens of families. It would be cruel to prevent them from seeing their families for the rest of their lives. Her Majesty the Empress is kind-hearted and truly embodies the virtues of an empress. The people will not consider whether this will affect the face of the royal family. They will only feel that Her Majesty the Empress is doing good for the people and that she is a person who truly cares about the people. I believe that the people's opinion is more important than anything else."
Hearing Zhu Kui and Lin Xingliang speak up for Lan Zhi, Wei Jianning finally managed a smile.
"Yes, although the women in the Cold Palace once served in the palace, the Empress has instructed them not to speak ill of others after leaving the palace. I also believe that the Empress's actions demonstrate the magnanimity of the royal family and there is nothing wrong with them. Alright, let's not mention this matter again. I'm tired, court is adjourned!"
Wei Jianning rose and walked out of the hall. After everyone paid their respects to him, Zhu Kui followed him to the Imperial Study.
Wei Jianning seemed to know the purpose of his visit, and as soon as he sat down, he asked:
"You've come for my mother?"
Zhu Kui bowed, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and nodded, saying:
"It's not a good idea for Consort Liang to stay at the Grand Commandant's residence. Would you like to bring her back to the palace?"
Wei Jianning's face darkened, and he smiled helplessly.
"Is she throwing a tantrum again?"
Zhu Kui hesitated for a moment, then shook his head.
"No, it's just that I feel it's not proper for me to live in the Grand Commandant's mansion."
Wei Jianning was truly in a dilemma regarding Consort Liang's matter.
He knew her temperament best. She wasn't in the harem, and under Lan Zhi's management, everyone lived in peace.
If she comes back, who knows how much trouble she'll cause.
This is also why he has not dared to bring her back since he ascended the throne more than a month ago.
After hesitating for a moment, he said in a deep voice:
"Lord Zhu, I have been thinking about where my mother is going for a long time. Some time ago, I prepared a residence for her in the east of the city. The decorations there are no less than those in the palace, and it is equipped with maids and servants. I would like to trouble you to go back and discuss it with her, and let her stay outside the palace for the time being!"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Kui's eyes showed an indescribable expression, but he quickly bowed and agreed.
"I understand. I will go back and tell her now."
"Lord Zhu..."
Wei Jianning called out to him, and Zhu Kui quickly clasped his hands in greeting:
"Does Your Majesty have any further instructions?"
"Thank you for taking care of her during this time. Please go back and talk to her about this matter so that she doesn't have any other ideas."
"Old minister understands."
Wei Jianning had witnessed the affair between Zhu Kui and Consort Liang.
Over the years, he had lived with Lan Zhi and absorbed many of her new ideas, so he didn't find this kind of thing difficult to accept.
However, given the special status of the imperial concubine and Zhu Kui's important position in the court, the two of them...
Thinking of this, Wei Jianning let out a long sigh.
Phoenix Palace
Lan Zhi received the paternity test results from Xiao Xin, which proved that she and Aunt Feng were biologically mother and daughter.
This news surprised and delighted her.
She remained calm until everything was confirmed, believing she could accept any outcome.
But when the test results came out, she was overjoyed.
People always called her an orphan, but now she has a mother.
So good, so good.
She immediately ordered someone to bring Wei Jianning back, as she wanted to tell him the good news.
When Wei Jianning rushed back, she, like a child, joyfully threw herself into his arms.
"My lord, I have good news to tell you."
Wei Jianning was surprised by her sudden action.
"My dear wife, what's wrong? I haven't seen you so happy in a long time. What's the good news? Share it with your husband!"
She looked at him with unwavering eyes and said mysteriously:
"I've found my biological mother."
'what? '
He looked at her with a puzzled expression.
"Your own mother?"
"Yes, she's my own mother, and you know her too."
Wei Jianning was taken aback at first, then blinked a few times and asked in surprise,
"Wife, you didn't mention this when I left this morning. It's only noon, and suddenly you have a mother? Don't scare me!"
"No, no, do you remember telling you before that Aunt Feng stole my silver bell?"
"I remember we used to laugh at her, saying that she was so rich but still liked to steal."
"Yes, now I know the real reason why she stole my pair of silver bells."
"what reason?"