Entering the palace means entering a high position; I'm His Majesty's cousin, who am I afr

August 1st, the fourteenth year of Zhaoqi.

The Emperor officially issued an edict. The first decree was to establish Imperial Noble Consort Shen as Empress, and the second decree was to dismiss the six palaces.

The world was in uproar, and the court and the public were all shocked.

This was not surprising because of the appointment of an empress. When the empress was deposed, most people realized that the position of the new empress belonged to the Imperial Noble Consort.

What shocked the world was the subsequent imperial decree, which dismissed the six palaces.

This has never happened before in history.

The Censorate was in an uproar, with numerous memorials submitted, vehemently criticizing the move as absurd and absolutely unacceptable. Some censors even declared they would risk their lives to remonstrate.

The cabinet, which is supposed to set an example for all officials, was also in chaos at this time, with endless arguments.

Grand Secretary Yang, accompanied by the other cabinet ministers, went to the Xuanzheng Hall to personally meet the emperor.

Pei Yan did not turn them away and met them in the Imperial Study.

Upon seeing the assembled officials, Pei Yan spoke first: "Bring some chairs and invite all the Grand Secretaries to take their seats."

This is when important matters need to be discussed.

Since the elders are getting old and can't come out for a while, they will sit and discuss matters.

Qing'an did as he was told, bringing chairs for the elders and serving them tea.

After the Grand Secretaries were seated, Chief Minister Yang went straight to the point: "We have come to request Your Majesty to rescind your decree."

Pei Yan said calmly, "I guessed it."

Chief Minister Yang handed over a memorial from his sleeve: "This is our humble servants' petition. Please take a look, Your Majesty."

Qing'an accepted it at the opportune moment and presented it before the Emperor.

Pei Yan took it but didn't look at it. He placed it face down on the table and glanced at the ministers in the hall. "I also have a few words from the bottom of my heart that I would like to say to you ministers."

Heartfelt words from the bottom of my heart.

Emperors don't often say this.

Emperors usually kept their emotions hidden and were taciturn by nature, so the Grand Secretaries mostly guessed and speculated about their intentions.

Hearing this suddenly, I was somewhat surprised.

Therefore, they did not urge the retraction of the order, and instead adopted a posture of listening attentively.

Pei Yan asked them, "I have been on the throne for fourteen years now. What do you all think of me as a good emperor?"

Chief Minister Yang clasped his hands and bowed: "Your Majesty's civil and military achievements are timeless, as evidenced by the sun and moon, and praised by all the people."

Pei Yan then asked, "Under my rule, is the court incorruptible? Are the people prosperous? Is the realm at peace?"

Without hesitation, Chief Minister Yang replied: "Your Majesty has dealt with cruel officials, eradicated corruption, promoted the imperial examination system, improved water conservancy, reduced corvée labor, quelled the Northern Qiang, and pacified the borders. It can be said that the world is in great order and a prosperous and peaceful era has arrived."

Pei Yan nodded and instructed again, "Would it cause turmoil in the court and chaos throughout the land if I were to issue an edict to dismiss the harem?"

After a long silence, Chief Minister Yang bowed and said, "Emperors throughout history have often used their harems to stabilize the court. But now, in this great era, the world is at peace and prosperous, and there is no need for empresses and concubines to check the court."

Pei Yan's voice softened: "Gentlemen, since sending them to the six palaces will not hinder the court, will not disturb the people, and will ensure the safety of the Great Jing Dynasty, why can't I make this decision?"

The assembled elders exchanged bewildered glances and fell silent.

Pei Yan asked again, "Previously, the elders said that I am a competent emperor. Now, without affecting anything, I have this small personal desire. Do the elders think it's unacceptable?"

The emperor's words were profound and thought-provoking, silencing the advice of the Grand Secretaries.

They truly had no way to refute it.

On this day, however, the Grand Secretaries were defeated and left the Xuanzheng Hall dejectedly.

*

In the inner palace.

When the concubines received the news, they were paying their respects at Yihua Palace.

Shen Jiayu told them the news.

At first, none of the concubines believed it, thinking that Shen Jiayu was joking. Only Consort Hui sat in her seat, seemingly lost in thought.

It wasn't until Shen Jiayu slowly explained the specific arrangements and treatment that the concubines of the six palaces realized with astonishment that what he said was not false, but actually true!

Your Majesty really intends to dismiss the six palaces!

The younger concubines were terrified and didn't know what to do, while the older ones listened attentively to what Shen Jiayu was saying.

The dismissal of the six palaces did not mean that their families were directly returned to their original families; the concubines were given very generous treatment.

First, a separate household register was established for them in the capital. Although the title of "Inner Lady" was abolished, they were granted imperial titles and promoted two ranks from their original positions, receiving a monthly salary from the imperial court.

In addition, they were given independent mansions and servants, as well as thousands of acres of fertile land.

Although she lacked a prestigious title in the palace, she held an imperial decree, ensuring a life free from worries about food and clothing and a carefree existence.

If you don't want any of these, you can choose to live in a separate palace, where you will still receive the same treatment as in the palace.