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

After hearing what Shen Jiayu said, the hall fell silent.

The concubines looked at each other, mostly at a loss, as this had all come too suddenly.

When it comes to one's future, no one can make a hasty decision.

Shen Jiayu did not rush them, but ordered someone to bring tea, giving them time to think it over.

Time passed second by second.

The first to rise was Consort Zhang, who was always cautious and prudent. She used to be on good terms with Consort Lu, but was later hurt by her, which made her even more taciturn. Now that she had been promoted to Consort, she remained low-key.

Her arrival immediately drew attention from everyone in the hall.

Sitting on the high seat, Shen Jiayu said in a gentle voice, "Consort Zhang, just say what you're thinking."

Consort Zhang's voice was not loud, but her tone was firm: "Your Highness, I wish to leave the palace."

Shen Jiayu asked her, "Are you really sure?"

Consort Zhang nodded, her eyes bright and resolute: "This concubine has made up her mind."

She entered the palace in the first year of the Zhaoqi era, and it has been fourteen years since then. During these years, she has lived in the palace in constant fear, as if walking on thin ice, for fear that she might lose her life if she is not careful.

Despite all her precautions, her trusted friend, Sister Lu, almost took her life.

Fortunately, in the past two or three years, the Imperial Noble Consort has been in power, and life has become slightly easier.

But the night was too long.

She was terribly lonely in this palace.

Now that we have the opportunity to go out, we should naturally fight for it.

Seeing that she had made up her mind, Shen Jiayu nodded, "Okay."

With Consort Zhang setting the example, the other concubines set aside their distractions and began to seriously consider the matter.

Before long, two concubines in the back stood up together.

They are Bai Cairen and Ji Cairen.

These two people were selected for the palace in the same batch as Shen Jiayu.

Five people entered the palace in total. Ruan and Cen are no longer here. On the contrary, these two have never competed or fought for anything and have remained obedient to this day.

Consort Bai spoke first, cautiously asking Shen Jiayu, "Your Majesty, after leaving the palace, are we truly completely free?"

Shen Jiayu solemnly assured him, "Of course. I have discussed this with His Majesty, and if you wish to remarry, it is permissible."

Lady Bai shook her head: "This concubine does not wish to remarry. I only wish to use the gold and silver I have accumulated over the years, along with the rewards Your Majesty has given me, to open a dance studio in the capital and teach young women to dance."

Dajing has an open and welcoming atmosphere.

Even after a daughter from a prominent family divorces, it is not uncommon for her to remarry or remarry.

However, there was indeed no such thing as a concubine getting married.

Despite the emperor and empress's promise, criticism was inevitable.

She didn't want to get involved in any more trouble; she just wanted to live as she pleased.

Shen Jiayu remembered that this Bai Cairen was an excellent dancer. At the Emperor's birthday banquet, she wore a light blue dance dress and danced gracefully, like a fairy from the Jade Pool, stunning everyone present.

Hearing that she wanted to open a dance studio, Shen Jiayu was happy for her. "As long as it complies with the laws of the Great Jing Dynasty and is reported to the government according to the procedures, there is nothing wrong with it."

Consort Bai was overjoyed: "Thank you, Your Highness and His Majesty, for your kindness."

Consort Ji, who was standing nearby, said, "Your Majesty, I live with Consort Bai. If she opens a dance hall, I will go and be her accountant."

Bai Cai Ren and Ji Cai Ren smiled at each other and took hands.

Shen Jiayu nodded with a smile.

The remaining concubines looked at the two of them with envy; taking this step truly required a great deal of courage.

Now that their futures are settled, what about yours?

After Bai Cai Ren and Ji Cai Ren's destinations were decided, two more palace concubines stood up and shared their plans.

Shen Jiayu expressed her agreement.

The remaining concubines did not vote. Some hesitated, while others were concerned about their families. Shen Jiayu did not force them and told them to disperse and go back to think it over.

Consort Hui was left behind alone.

Shen Jiayu said slowly, "You can choose to leave the palace on your own like them, or you can go to the mansion with Qi Rui. No matter which choice you make, His Majesty and I will respect your decision."

Consort Hui remained silent for a moment, then said, "I am already extremely grateful to have gained my freedom. Qi Rui is still young and needs constant care, so I should stay by his side and take good care of him."

As a mother herself, Shen Jiayu understood her choice, but she still asked as usual, "Have you thought it through? If you leave the manor with Qi Rui, you won't be able to get married?"

Having chosen the identity of the birth mother of a prince, she naturally could not remarry.

Consort Hui smiled faintly: "No, it's quite nice to be a matriarch in the manor."

To her surprise, it was over a decade earlier than expected, saving her from wasting her time in the palace. How wonderful!

This was the best news she had heard since entering the palace.

*

Until the tenth day of the eighth lunar month.

The future of the concubines in the six palaces has been decided.

Only two chose to go to the imperial palace together to live out their remaining years, while the rest of the concubines chose to leave the palace.

Some people choose to return home rather than stay at the mansion.

Shen Jiayu gave them money as usual.

Some people choose to start their own businesses and open shops.

Shen Jiayu also supported this, and exchanged the fertile land for a shop in a prime location on Zhuque Street.

Some people want to live a secluded life in the countryside, detached from worldly affairs.

Shen Jiayu then selected a beautiful estate for them and sent servants there.

One of the more unusual cases is Consort Wen, who did not want a house in the suburbs of the capital. Instead, she gave up her money and said she wanted to settle in Jiangnan.

In my spare time, I travel to all corners of the country and explore the landscapes of different places.

As for Consort Hui and her son, the Emperor issued an edict granting the Second Prince the title of Prince of Qi and bestowing upon him a new residence.

On the day the concubines left the palace, Shen Jiayu and Pei Yan stood on the palace wall and watched them leave.

They were all young women in their prime, in the best of their lives, and now they had a bright future ahead of them, ready to escape the cage that had confined them for so many years. Naturally, they were overjoyed.

Each of them had relaxed brows and bright, spirited expressions.

Watching the crowd gradually walk away, leaving the palace gates one by one, until the last person was gone.

Shen Jiayu then spoke: "Once they leave the palace, there will be no turning back."

Pei Yan intertwined his fingers with hers, turned his head slightly, and asked, "What's there to change?"

Shen Jiayu turned to look at him: "Your Majesty's reputation as a wise and benevolent ruler throughout the ages will forever have a stain on it. Perhaps a thousand years from now, I too will be called a femme fatale."

Pei Yan raised an eyebrow slightly: "That's fine too."

Shen Jiayu asked with a smile, "What's so good about it?"

Pei Yan said in a deep voice, "When you mention me, you will be there. When you mention me, you will think of me. The two of us will never be separated, no matter how the mountains and rivers change or how the years pass."

Shen Jiayu shook her head slightly, then pulled the person down from the city wall: "Let's go, let's prepare for the next thing."

Pei Yan asked knowingly, "Your Majesty, what is the next matter?"

Shen Jiayu also pretended, spreading her hands: "Your Majesty, I've forgotten too, what should I do?"

Pei Yan narrowed his eyes, grabbed the back of the man's neck, and said with a hint of threat, "Forgot?"

With his weakness in her grasp, Shen Jiayu had no choice but to admit defeat: "Your Majesty, I remember now."

Pei Yan stared at her intently.

Shen Jiayu smiled, her eyes crinkling, and shook his hand, "Prepare for our wedding!"