Daming: Dad, you are really not good at governing the country

Concubine Guo Hui was alone in the palace, carefully adjusting her hairpins and rings in front of the mirror.

The corners of her mouth rose slightly, and there was a hint of confidence and expectation in her eyes.

I only heard Concubine Guo Hui whispering to herself: "I am usually friendly to others and I am best at dealing with people.

If I were to take charge of arranging the reception and reception of the diplomatic delegation,

I will definitely let the delegation feel the hospitality of the Ming Dynasty, and let Your Majesty see my abilities."

When everyone gathered together to discuss the matter, Concubine Guo Hui took the lead and said to Empress Ma with a smile: "Empress, receiving the delegation is a matter of great importance to the dignity of our Ming Dynasty.

I usually get along well with the sisters in the palace and I know best how to make people feel comfortable.

Just like the spring breeze, moistening everything silently.

"I will host this event and I'm sure the delegation will be satisfied. I will do my best to ensure that you and your majesty are not disappointed."

Concubine Yong Guifei listened to this and frowned slightly, saying coldly: "Humph, receiving an envoy is not just about making people feel comfortable, it also has to comply with the rules in every aspect.

Any mistake will lead to the loss of the dignity of our Ming Dynasty.

Just like a towering mountain, it cannot be shaken in the slightest.

I am capable and can set up the reception rules very well, so this matter should naturally be my responsibility.

If you only care about comfort and not the rules.

The delegation thought that there were no rules in the imperial harem of the Ming Dynasty. This is absolutely unacceptable."

Concubine Chengmu also said softly: "Your Majesty, receiving the delegation should be both pleasant and decent.

Although my ability is limited, I am willing to do my best to help with the arrangements.

I also take care of some palace affairs on a daily basis and have accumulated some experience. I hope the Queen can give me this opportunity.

Although my power is limited, I am willing to contribute my part to the reception."

Imperial Concubine Zhenmu frowned slightly and said, "In my opinion, matters of etiquette are the most important.

Many aspects of the delegation's visit must be carried out in accordance with etiquette. I have studied etiquette and rules in depth and have put a lot of effort into this over the years.

There can't be any mistakes in this reception, and I feel that I am the most suitable person to take on this responsibility.

If there is a mistake in etiquette, people will laugh at us, the imperial harem of the Ming Dynasty, for not knowing etiquette."

Everyone was talking at the same time, and no one was willing to give in.

The atmosphere in the harem became increasingly tense, as if one could hear the invisible smoke and the sizzling sound filling the air.

Empress Ma frowned slightly, sighed softly and said, "Sisters, please stop arguing.

The matter of receiving the delegation is of great importance and must be considered carefully."

Zhu Yuanzhang sat aside, looking at these concubines who each had their own characteristics but were caught up in disputes, and he sighed in his heart again.

The sigh sounded like the autumn wind sweeping the fallen leaves, full of helplessness and desolation.

He looked gently at Queen Ma, his eyes full of helplessness and reluctance.

Just like a traveler who is about to go on a long journey, looking at his loving mother at home with full of attachment.

"Sister, you've put me in a difficult position by mentioning this.

They all have their own strengths and weaknesses, and it’s really hard for us to make a decision right now.”

Empress Ma nodded slightly and said, "Chongba, I also know that this is not an easy task.

But as the day is getting closer, we have to make plans early.

Please take your time to think about it, but don’t let my illness delay the affairs of the harem and affect the stability of the court.

Just like a ship sailing on the sea, we must not let a single leak put the entire ship in danger. "

Zhu Yuanzhang held Empress Ma's hand tightly and said, "Don't worry, sister, we know what's going on.

But this matter is of great importance, and we need to consider it carefully.

It is necessary to take into account the harmony of the harem and make the court feel appropriate. It also needs to be able to hold up the scene in those important occasions, which really requires some thought.

Just like a craftsman who meticulously carves a beautiful jade, he needs to study it carefully before he can make it into a useful piece.”

From that day on, after dealing with state affairs, Zhu Yuanzhang would often sit in the imperial study and ponder for a long time by the candlelight, repeatedly weighing the pros and cons of several concubines.

The candle flame flickered and jumped, as if it was also struggling with this difficult decision.

It reflects Zhu Yuanzhang's solemn face, just like the silhouette in the painting, revealing depth and worry.

And in the harem, the atmosphere became increasingly tense.

Just like a fully drawn bowstring, ready to burst at any moment.

Everyone was waiting for Zhu Yuanzhang's final decision, and the tense atmosphere seemed suffocating.

Everyone was cautious, yet secretly hoping that the situation would develop in their favor.

Just like a traveler waiting for the dawn in the dark night, he is full of hope but also full of anxiety.

At this critical moment, some unfavorable rumors about the imperial concubine in the harem suddenly came out from nowhere.

It was said that some imperial concubines secretly formed cliques, and some imperial concubines treated the palace maids harshly.

These rumors spread quickly in the harem like a raging wildfire.

This also reached Zhu Yuanzhang's ears, causing him to fall into deep thought.

The already complicated situation in the harem became even more confusing and full of variables.

Just like the ever-changing chess game, it is hard to predict the next move.

There were also many problems in the process of preparing to receive the delegation.

Just like those troubled times, troubles never cease.

First, the palace servant who was responsible for preparing singing and dancing for the banquet accidentally sprained her foot.

The program that had been rehearsed was about to go haywire.

Concubine Guo Hui was busy comforting everyone and making new arrangements.

While directing the palace servants, she said, "Don't panic, don't panic.

This is just a small accident, we can just rearrange the order of the program."

But Concubine Yong felt that Concubine Guo Hui was overstepping her authority, so she stepped forward and said coldly, "Concubine Guo Hui, what are you doing?

There is someone specifically responsible for the singing and dancing.

What is your intention in intervening like this?"

Concubine Guo Hui was displeased when she heard this and retorted, "Concubine Yong, I am doing this to ensure that the reception of the delegation can proceed smoothly. Please don't misunderstand me."

The two had another argument over this, and then when decorating the delegation's residence, Noble Concubine Zhenmu and Noble Concubine Chengmu disagreed on the decoration of the house.

Concubine Zhenmu emphasized etiquette and regulations, pointing to an ornament in the room and saying, "This is where we should put solemn things to show the majesty of our Ming Dynasty."

Concubine Chengmu focused on warmth and comfort. She shook her head and said, "The envoys have come from afar, so we should make them feel at home. It would be more appropriate to place some flowers and plants here."

The two of them insisted on their own opinions and refused to give in to each other, which almost delayed the construction schedule.

This series of accidents and conflicts made the competition among the concubines more intense.

Everyone is waiting for the final outcome in this ever-changing situation.

I wonder what kind of changes this decision to replace the person in charge of the harem will bring to the harem?
Is it really possible to stabilize the situation in the harem as Empress Ma wishes, so that everyone inside and outside the court can safely pass through this special period?
By the 14th year of Hongwu, Zhu Yuanzhang already had ten sons.

As the Spring Festival approached, they gathered at the Prince's Eastern Palace where Zhu Biao was.

Zhu Biao looked at his brothers and said with a smile: "The Spring Festival is approaching, and another delegation is visiting.

We must prepare well and not lose the style of our Ming Dynasty." (End of this chapter)