The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 1065: Bestowed Consorts, a Share for Everyone

If it weren’t for the scandal in Gonghe Hall, Emperor Chu might have ignored Consort Fan’s plea for grace, but alas, his son went ahead and heroically saved the beauty, and quite thoroughly at that, having had physical intimacy. What was to be done?What else could be done but for the father to help cover things up?

Indeed, an emperor is also a father, and now Prince Zhou was cuddling and kissing someone’s daughter; he had to take responsibility, or else the Wen family girl would either die or spend her life as a solitary ancient Buddha clothed in green.

Emperor Chu did not want to dishearten the Governor of Jiangnan.

Thus, as the masses expected, he pretended the scandal in Gonghe Hall hadn’t happened and issued a royal decree on the spot, bestowing the Wen family’s eldest daughter with the title of Concubine Zhou. In addition, he filled the concubine vacancies for all other princes who still had them.

From then on, every prince had one official wife and two concubines, all joyous, impartial, with a share for everyone.

The princes were indifferent, as it was ultimately an advantage to them. Only the princesses ground their silver teeth, casting eyes filled with resentment at Consort Zhou.

Consort Zhou had been despairing, but now she felt balanced inside; she wasn’t the only one. As for the sister-in-law’s resentment, what use was it? If they had the skill, they should resent Father Emperor!

Thinking of this, Consort Zhou calmly sipped her tea, displaying an air of not worrying despite many debts, angering her sisters-in-law such that they nearly stormed off.

Not only did Emperor Chu grant the princes concubines, but he also added three young and beautiful women to his own harem, making the concubines’ eyes squint like fighting cocks.

Song Ci sniffed the air, a sour scent wafting up, making the grand hall seem as if hundreds of vats of aged vinegar had been overturned.

Madam Li glanced at the pale-faced Madam Wen, sneering as she smiled and said, "Madam Wen has indeed raised a good daughter."

Madam Wen’s eyes turned fierce, staring steadily at Madam Li as if she wanted to skin her alive.

Madam Li felt a twitch in her heart, swallowing her saliva. Upon a closer look, Madam Wen maintained an expression of calm and composure, as if Madam Li’s perception of that intimidating glare was merely a figment of her imagination.

In the future, she would have to remind her daughter that Wen Zishan is not simple, and she comes from a high status, so caution is necessary.

...

After watching a thrilling drama, the palace feast gradually reached its end. Song Ci was exhausted, sending someone to apologize to Empress Dowager Wang and Empress before he left the feast early with Madam Song.

In front of the palace gate, they saw the Wen family carriage coming to take Wen Zishan, but her steps seemed weak, her face pale, almost being carried into the carriage by robust servant women.

Perhaps sensing their gaze, Wen Zishan looked over, trembling upon seeing them, tears in her eyes as she ducked into the carriage.

Madam Song softly remarked, "Looking at her not long ago, she was so dignified, aloof, and proud. Now, it seems she doesn’t even dare to face us anymore. Regardless of her noble birth or the pride of her family, she ultimately has no fate with the official position."

Song Ci detected the slight disdain in her tone and said, "You’re mistaken in saying that. Whether she can wear the official title depends on her skills and her family’s support. There’s no absolute in the world; it also depends on strategy."

The most formidable third party is one who can dislodge the official wife and rise to the top. Wen Zishan has been meticulously educated, and in every aspect, she is equal to Consort Zhou, save for lacking an official title and a son beside her.

Undoubtedly, Prince Zhou Mansion would be exceedingly lively in the future, likely ending in bloody and fierce struggles, as newer members enter, the rivalry among the other princes would begin anew.