After the rebellion was successful, I realized that this place was the Red Mansion

Chapter 185: Rika-in becomes the Later Court

The room was quiet for a moment.

Wang Xifeng smiled at Lingguan, who was kneeling, and said, "Aren't you going to thank the emperor?"

Lingguan just stood there crying.

Daiyu sneered, "With the Emperor himself setting the bet, whoever comes will lose?"

Chu Yan laughed: "That's easy to handle. I won't get involved. You and Bao... oh, you and Jia Qiang can decide. I've said I won't punish you for it."

Lingguan had no choice but to kowtow and agree, thinking to herself that it would be good to see him one more time, and she would decide what to do next after they met.

"Get up."

Chu Yan said calmly, then instructed Qingwen, who was standing to the side, "Go and call Xia Shouzhong in."

Qingwen went out to call for help, and when Xia Shouzhong arrived, Chu Yan gave the order: "Third Miss, you should also listen."

Tan Chun hurriedly stood up.

Chu Yan said, "Later, you will move the three families, including Xiao Hong's, away from the back gate. Xia Shouzhong, you will go with Dai Wei to deliver the imperial decree. From now on, the guards on duty will serve at the former Lin Zhixiao's house. Also, go and deliver the imperial decree to the ministers who will attend the morning court session, and tell them to come to Lixiang Courtyard for the court meeting tomorrow. When I was living in Daguan Palace, I worked in Lixiang Courtyard."

He should have held court at Rongxi Hall in Rongguo Mansion, but he thought Rongxi Hall was too far away and he had to pass through the inner quarters every day. It was also close to where Lady Wang lived, so he simply didn't go there.

Pear Fragrance Courtyard is close to the main hall. It was originally where the Duke of Rongguo spent his later years recuperating, and the dozen or so rooms were sufficient.

After waiting a while and not receiving any instructions from the Emperor, Xia Shouzhong said, "This servant will have someone arrange the rooms next door and add some tables and chairs so that the ministers can handle state affairs."

Chu Yan nodded: "Let's do it that way."

I thought about it for a while longer.

The young ladies remained silent. Wang Xifeng was also somewhat apprehensive. The emperor had been amiable last night and this morning, but when it came to issuing imperial edicts, summoning ministers, or instructing eunuchs and guards, his demeanor was truly terrifying. The life, death, honor, and disgrace of everyone in the mansion were all in his hands.

Looking at Fangguan and the others, Chu Yan laughed: "I forgot about you, and you didn't even remind me. Here's what we'll do: Xiaosheng Ouguan, you go to Lin Meimei's room; Xiaodan Ruiguan, you go to Bao Guniang's room; Dahua Mian Kuiguan, you go to Yun'er; Douguan, you go to Qin Meimei; Aiguan, you go to the Third Miss; Qieguan, you go to Er Yatou; and the rest will be arranged by... Feng Nu."

Sister Feng was suddenly startled.

She was surprised that the emperor had assigned her tasks, and even more surprised that the emperor would call her Feng Nu in front of the girls!

Fengjie glanced over subconsciously, only to see the emperor looking at her with a hint of a smile in his eyes.

Daiyu also glanced over.

In his address to her, he called her Lin Meimei, Yun'er, Qin Meimei, Er Yatou, Bao Gu Niang, etc., but when he called her Feng Jie, he used "Feng Nu", and it's unclear which character it was.

"The remaining two, Bao Guan and Yu Guan, can be given to Miss Xing and Fourth Sister."

Sister Feng blushed with embarrassment and quickly got up to speak to cover it up.

If the girls knew that the emperor called her "Phoenix Slave," she would be mortified!

The civil official smiled and said, "We thank Your Majesty for your grace."

When the leading civil official expressed his gratitude, the group of young actors followed suit and bowed. Lingguan no longer acted independently and obediently followed suit.

Chu Yan said, "Pack your things and move out today. Qingwen, you take some people and have Fangguan and the others stay in the side room. The sky is overcast today, and it might rain this afternoon, so hurry up."

Everyone stood up and agreed. Chu Yan then ordered Xia Shouzhong to send someone to summon Jia Qiang so that he could meet with Lingguan.

Upon seeing this, the civil official said he would stay and keep an eye on things.

She was the leader of the young actresses. Lingguan had an affair with Jia Qiang, and she couldn't shirk responsibility. Now that the Emperor had granted her a pardon, it was already a fortunate thing.

Chu Yan ignored him and left.

Tan Chun and Wang Xifeng stayed behind to handle the moving chores, while Qingwen also stayed behind to tell Wen Guan, Fang Guan, and Di Guan to move to the side room of Yangxin Hall. Ou Guan wanted to speak several times, but ultimately dared not.

Before leaving, Baochai glanced back at Pear Fragrance Courtyard. She had lived here with her mother a few years ago, but she never expected it to become the place where the emperor handled important state affairs. Tomorrow, the prime minister, generals, and others would come to this court for a meeting.

……

After leaving Pear Fragrance Courtyard, Chu Yan noticed that they weren't very interested and the weather wasn't great, so he told them to go back. He and Baochai then went to Huifang Garden to take a stroll and familiarize themselves with the various houses and the terrain.

When he passed by Tianxiang Tower, he made a point of going up to take a look, but unfortunately Qin Keqing was not there, and Baochai was a bit reserved and not as charming as Qin Keqing, so he gave up and returned to Yangxin Hall, while Baochai also returned to her Hengwu Garden.

After sitting for a while, Xiuyan and Baoqin arrived together.

Baoqin smiled and said, "My sister said she wanted me to stay at Tubi Villa, and I thought it was a good idea, so I went to tell Sister Xing about it."

Xiuyan also said with shame, "Your Majesty has been very worried about where my sister Qin and I live, so I have come to apologize."

The two of them came together specifically to discuss accommodation.

Chu Yan said, "It's nothing. I just took the opportunity to stroll around the garden with the girls and looked around. Since you plan to stay there, Sister Qin, you can have someone renovate it to your liking and build a warm pavilion for you to live in."

Baoqin agreed, and Xiuyan also said, "I used to rent a place in the temple. There is a Jade Emperor Temple next to Longcui Nunnery. Why don't I stay there and keep Miaoyu company again?"

Chu Yan laughed and said, "I haven't been inside the Jade Emperor Temple. If you want to stay, then stay. We'll add anything you need. You are now concubines in the harem, so you mustn't be too shabby."

Both of them blushed and agreed.

Seeing that it was getting darker and worried that it would rain, the two quickly said goodbye and went back.

Chu Yan was leaning against the couch reading a book when Xiang Ling came in to report: "Your Majesty, the civil officials Fang Guan and the others have moved in and are waiting outside to see you."

"Tell them to come in."

Chu Yan gave the order, and Xiang Ling led them in, followed by Qing Wen and Yu Chuan.

A room full of young and pretty maids stood there, and Lingguan lowered her head, her eyes red and swollen from crying.

Chu Yan asked her, "Have you seen Jia Qiang?"

Lingguan's eyes welled up with tears, and she nodded.

The civil official quietly tugged at her sleeve, and Lingguan knelt down and kowtowed: "This servant is willing to serve Your Majesty from now on, I only ask for..."

"What do you want?"

Chu Yan asked, but she did not answer. "Very well, considering your sincere service, I will issue an imperial decree to have Jia Qiang do some light work. As for what happens after that, we'll see."

Lingguan then kowtowed to express her gratitude.

Chu Yan then instructed Qingwen to tell Xia Shouzhong about this matter, and everyone else left while he continued reading.

Now, Qingwen, having just received the imperial decree for the first time, hesitated for a moment after leaving before raising her hand to call the eunuch on duty.

"What are your orders, Miss Qing?" the two eunuchs asked with smiles.

On her very first day, the eunuchs called her "Miss." Qingwen vaguely sensed that her ability to serve in the emperor's room meant that her status in the palace had immediately become extraordinary.

At least all the eunuchs on duty and the numerous female officials had to show her respect.

He said, "His Majesty has ordered me to convey a decree to summon Xia Shouzhong to receive orders."

The eunuchs hurriedly sent someone to invite Eunuch Xia over.

Before long, Xia Shouzhong came running up breathlessly to hear the imperial decree. Qingwen relayed the emperor's words verbatim before returning to report. However, she found the emperor reading a book, so she waited for him to rest before reporting back.

"understood."

Chu Yan put down his book and went outside for some fresh air. He saw that the sky was getting darker and dark clouds were rolling in, so he asked Qingwen to bring out a chair.

Qingwen didn't go immediately, but asked curiously, "Does His Majesty like to see the scene before it rains? I think it will rain soon."

Chu Yan laughed and scolded, "It's not like I'm asking you to carry it. Your fingernails are too long, you can't do this kind of work. You should ask the actors or eunuchs to go in and carry it."

Qingwen felt somewhat aggrieved: "I didn't mean to be lazy, besides, my nails... if Your Majesty doesn't like them, I'll just cut them!"

Chu Yan raised his hand and pulled her over, holding her small hand and carefully examining her nails. Seeing that her ten fingers were as delicate as scallions, he couldn't help but pinch her slender fingers.

Qingwen blushed.

Chu Yan said, "You've taken good care of yourself. I heard you're very good at needlework?"

Qingwen glanced at him and said, "Your Majesty, who told you that? Only the old lady and Xiren and the others in Yihong Courtyard know that I have skillful hands and can do needlework well."

As she spoke, a hint of pride appeared on her pretty, oval face.

Her eyes held a certain charm, unlike Xiangling, who simply did whatever Chu Yan instructed her to do; she would ask questions before acting.

"Make me something nice to use when you have time," Chu Yan said with a smile, releasing her hand.

"What does Your Majesty desire?" Qingwen took on the task.

"Just do it your way."

Qingwen stopped asking questions, went inside to call Xiangling and Wenguan, and together they moved tables and chairs out and placed them under the eaves, and poured a cup of tea.

Chu Yan sat down to sip tea and watch the clouds. Qingwen and Wenguan sat on the veranda. When Fangguan saw them, she brought out some fruit from inside the house and ate with them, smiling.

Qingwen glanced at her and said, "Even if you're eating, His Majesty should be given the food first. At least he should have been asked. How could you just take it and eat it yourself?"

Fangguan had never served anyone before, so upon hearing this, she pouted and took a plate of fruit to Chu Yan. After a while, she returned and said triumphantly, "The Emperor has ordered us to eat!"

“Imperial decrees are not to be used indiscriminately. We’re not asking you to relay messages. You’ve been performing too much, and you can call any imperial decree an imperial decree.”

Qingwen rolled her eyes, grabbed a handful of melon seeds, cracked them open, spat the shells on the ground, and said, "After we finish eating, go find a broom to sweep them up."

While eating melon seeds, Fangguan said, "Why did you have to call me? Melon seeds are for everyone to eat together."

"Are you suggesting I go again?" Qingwen glanced at them sideways.

The young actresses are here to learn how to serve others; they are second-class maids, and should be called elder sisters.

Fangguan said, "His Majesty has instructed us not to serve others on ordinary days, but to continue performing in plays."

Qingwen was about to speak with a cold smile when the civil official quickly pulled Fangguan back and pointed at the emperor, telling them not to disturb His Majesty's enjoyment, and that she would sweep it up later.

Qingwen, feeling awkward, said that the four of them were in cahoots.

As they were chatting, they suddenly saw a graceful figure walking in from outside. Qingwen recognized it as Consort Qin, so she told them to stand still, but did not go to greet her.

"Why is Ke'er here?"

Chu Yan beckoned to Qin Keqing, and when she came closer, he pulled her slender and graceful body into his arms.

Upon seeing this, Qingwen glared fiercely at the eunuchs, signaling them to leave with her eyes.

"I was on my way home, and passing by the garden, I knew the ladies weren't there, so I stopped by to pay my respects to His Majesty."

Qin Keqing fell into the Emperor's arms, nestled in his embrace, and laughed.

Chu Yan laughed and said, "The girls won't come if you're here?"

Qin Keqing hurriedly said, "I have already been favored, so naturally I must leave the opportunity to receive your favor to the young ladies."

Chu Yan gently pinched her cheek and sighed, "Ke'er is so virtuous and cherishes her sisters. Let her stay tonight."

Qin Keqing asked curiously, "Where is Your Majesty going?"

Chu Yan was taken aback for a moment, then realized what was going on and laughed, "Ke'er is so clever, she figured out I was going out in a second."

Qin Keqing nestled in his arms and covered her mouth with a smile. Her appearance was both gentle and charming. Her graceful figure was nestled in the man's arms. She said with a smile, "If Your Majesty wishes to favor me, you will not say anything about staying tonight. You will only say 'I love Keqing,' or carry Ke'er into the room."

She was alluring, with a soft voice, and every smile and gesture left the maids, who had never seen such feminine charm, speechless. The civil official was already blushing with embarrassment, but he knew in his heart that His Majesty had summoned them to his room to serve him, intending to have them serve him in bed, just waiting for the right moment.

Chu Yan laughed and said, "Qing Keqing really knows me inside and out." He paused for a moment and then said, "I'll go to Xiaoxiang Pavilion tonight."

Ke Qing didn't ask any further questions, and said with a smile, "In that case, Your Majesty, if you summon Consort Xiande tonight, or go to the Princess's place, I'll go home with Yun'er later."

Chu Yan realized that she and Xiangyun had already discussed it, so he didn't say anything more.

After a brief moment of tenderness, Qin Keqing noticed the dark clouds gathering and hurriedly got up and left.

(End of this chapter)