The evil forces roaming the heavens

Chapter 1316 Yuan Chun is made a concubine, and the foolish king rises up again!
The capital city, Ningguo Mansion

On a bitterly cold winter day, snow was falling heavily.

Seeing a group of women admiring the plum blossoms, Zhang Cheng curiously approached.

"Hey, our First-Class Marquis has arrived!"

Looking at Zhang Cheng, Wang Xifeng couldn't help but chuckle.

"Sister-in-law, you jest. I've only been waiting because of His Majesty's favor!"

Looking calmly at Wang Xifeng, Zhang Cheng smiled.

In the original novel, Wang Xifeng is extremely ruthless towards outsiders, fiercely competitive, and even more formidable than men.

After all, she was a woman who dared to take on lawsuits, break up marriages, and even cruelly kill You Erjie.
However, Wang Xifeng owed the Jia family nothing; even the money she earned outside was used to maintain the Jia family's "face."

Even when using her own dowry, Wang Xifeng never complained to Grandmother Jia or the others.

But it was precisely this kind of woman who ultimately died from postpartum hemorrhage after being divorced.

After all, the Wang family lost control of the Rongguo Mansion's eldest branch after losing Wang Xifeng. As the elder brother, Wang Ren could not care for his niece, so how could he let Wang Xifeng live?

Don't forget, in this era, it was extremely difficult for a woman from a prominent family to survive after being divorced, unless she could really gain a foothold in her natal family!

"Brother, can you write poetry?"

Looking at Zhang Cheng with curiosity, Xi Chun asked with a face full of doubt,

"No, because my brother is a barbarian!"

Looking at Xichun with a big smile, Zhang Cheng joked.

"Brother Jue, who would call themselves a barbarian!"

Upon hearing Zhang Cheng's words, Wang Xifeng and the others all laughed.
Just then, Tan Chun spoke up, "Brother is a hero in the army, it's normal that he's not good at poetry!"

"Ah, Third Sister is right! Brother is indeed a hero!"

Patting Jia Tanchun's head, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but blink.

"My lord, an angel has arrived!"

Just as Zhang Cheng was talking with his girlfriends, Qin Keqing came over arm in arm with Shirley.
Looking at the two sisters getting along well, Zhang Cheng smiled and said, "Okay, I'll go take a look ahead!"

"Sister-in-law!"

Upon seeing Qin Keqing, Jia Yingchun and the others all bowed in greeting.
"We're all family, no need to be so polite. Come, let's go inside and have some tea, it's too cold outside!"

Inviting everyone, Qin Keqing smiled.

Outside the Ningguo Mansion, a grand procession passed by.

Seeing this scene, Zhang Cheng stepped forward and said, "Long time no see, Eunuch Luo! Is there any joyous occasion today?"

Looking at Eunuch Luo with a broad smile, Zhang Cheng joked.
"Oh, Lord Jia, seeing you is the greatest joy of my life!"

Happily stepping forward, Eunuch Luo, holding the imperial edict in his hands, hurriedly whispered, "His Majesty has bestowed the title of Imperial Concubine upon Jia Yuanchun!"

"Female concubine?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Cheng was taken aback, for he did not quite understand what the Hongde Emperor was thinking.
After all, what does it mean to bestow the title of imperial concubine upon Jia Yuanchun at this time?
Regarding the previous debt owed to the Ministry of Revenue, the Rongguo Mansion has already repaid it. However, given the current situation, Emperor Hongde doesn't need the Rongguo Mansion. Could it be that he intends to do something to stabilize the Jia family? The power of the Four Kings, Eight Dukes, and Twelve Marquises is immense, with numerous protégés and former officials, most of whom are in the military.
Such a figure would keep even some less capable emperors up at night, let alone Emperor Hongde.

With the Rong and Ning mansions weakened, Prince Teng seized the opportunity to rise to power. He could have become the Jia family's representative in the army, but due to Zhang Cheng's appearance, Prince Teng currently does not control the military.

Moreover, even without Zhang Cheng, the Jia family's old connections might not necessarily become a resource for Wang Ziteng.

After all, Jia Yuan, Jia Daishan, and even Jia Jing were all capable people. How could you, Wang Ziteng, think that just because you're in a position in the Jia family, you can command their respect? That's impossible!

Moreover, the relationship among the Four Kings, Eight Dukes, and Twelve Marquises was not entirely harmonious; they were mostly in a "cooperative" relationship.
Just as Zhang Cheng had significant disagreements with the four kings, their excessive military power was not a good thing.
If Zhang Cheng can also chat with the four kings of the border town, then the one who can't sleep will be the retired emperor!

"What about the account being banned?"

While questioning Eunuch Luo, Zhang Cheng slipped the gemstone into his sleeve.
With a flick of his finger, he concealed it in his sleeve. Eunuch Luo said grimly, "Virtuous Consort!"

"The Virtuous Consort?"

Upon hearing this title, Zhang Cheng was somewhat taken aback, because Emperor Hongde was clearly giving a warning to the Jia family!
But did the Rongguo Mansion do something that they themselves didn't know about?

When Jia Yuanchun visited her family, she said something inappropriate. After all, who would dare to openly say that the palace was a shameful place? This wasn't just a lack of common sense; it was complete stupidity!
Moreover, Jia Yuanchun looked down on Aunt Zhao and Jia Huan too much. Even if you don't like them, you can't be so obvious about it. That's very ill-mannered!
In most large families, the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children is highly valued, but as Jia Yuanchun represents the imperial family, she cannot be so obvious about it!

"Was His Majesty's decision to bestow the title of Imperial Concubine voluntary?"

Looking at Eunuch Luo, Zhang Cheng began to suspect something: that Emperor Hongde did not want Jia Yuanchun, but was forced to marry her!

"It was the Emperor Emeritus's order, but the title of Consort Xiande was bestowed by His Majesty!"

Speaking cautiously, Eunuch Luo shook his head involuntarily after saying this, indicating that His Majesty was very angry!
With a twitching smile, Zhang Cheng looked at Eunuch Luo and finally understood why Jia Yuanchun was called the Virtuous Consort—because she was neither of those qualities!
Wealth is nonexistent, but virtue is even more so!
Having served as a lady-in-waiting in the palace for so long, yet still not being favored by Emperor Hongde, how unpopular must Jia Yuanchun be!

Jia Yuanchun was selected to enter the palace, so her appearance must have been quite good. However, if she had failed in certain aspects, she certainly wouldn't have caught the eye of Emperor Hongde.

The reason she was able to be made a concubine now, besides the Emperor Emeritus's order, was that Emperor Hongde was giving the Jia family a warning, letting them see clearly who the real emperor was!

"Alright, Lord Jia, the Rongguo Mansion is probably ready. I'll head over now!"

With a smile on his face, he watched as Eunuch Luo and his men left.
Watching Eunuch Luo leave, Zhang Cheng frowned and said, "The Rongguo Mansion is not being honest!"

"Uncle, what a title!"

Looking at Zhang Cheng beside him, Jia Wei broke out in a cold sweat.
Even he could sense that something was wrong with the title!

"The Jia family is about to go crazy again!"

Speaking to Jia Wei beside him, Zhang Cheng could already guess what Madam Wang, that silly girl, was going to do.

Inside the bustling Rongguo Mansion,
When Lady Wang learned that Jia Yuanchun had been made a concubine, her face was filled with joy, and even Grandmother Jia was very happy.
However, compared to the happy women, Jia She's expression became extremely gloomy.

He was somewhat incredulous when he learned that Jia Yuanchun had been made a concubine. After all, if Jia Yuanchun had the ability, she would have been made a concubine long ago. Why had it been delayed until now?

And it's a two-word title—is that for the living or the dead?

Looking at Grandmother Jia not far away, Jia She suddenly remembered his visit to the palace half a month ago. It was said that he went to see the Empress Dowager. He guessed that Jia Yuanchun's conferment of the title of imperial concubine was orchestrated by her!

"Crack!"

Gritting his teeth, Jia She clenched his fists, knowing without a doubt that the emperor would be angry after this was done!

Applying eye drops is one thing, but this is like applying pepper spray!
(End of this chapter)