Chapter 133 Reputation

When Mrs. Shu heard these rumors, she felt somewhat anxious.

Upon Shu Yuting return to the Shu residence, she couldn’t help but say a few words to her eldest daughter.

“It’s clear that the emperor, in his wisdom, is reducing palace expenses for the people’s benefit. But when it reaches the officials, it turns into accusations of your sister’s jealousy. These people are simply envious of your sister,” Mrs. Shu said.

Shu Yuting replied, “Mother, this can’t go on. The emperor will eventually need to strengthen the harem; otherwise, the civil and military officials will keep targeting your sister.”

Mrs. Shu looked at Shu Yuting and asked, “What do you suggest?”

Approaching her mother, Shu Yuting said, “Mother, think about it. Since the emperor will eventually take concubines, instead of letting others do it and opposing your sister, why not choose someone from within our own circle? This way, we can assist sister in the palace and silence the courtiers.”

Deep in thought, Mrs. Shu asked, “Whom do you propose to send to the palace?”

Seeing a chance, Shu Yuting eagerly said, “There’s a distant relative in Changping, a suitable age and gentle in nature.”

Mrs. Shu inquired, “Was this suggestion from Changping?”

Shu Yuting shook her head and replied, “It was my idea.”

Amused, Mrs. Shu tapped her daughter’s forehead and remarked, “The older you get, the more your mind seems to deteriorate. Sending a relative from your husband’s family to the palace to compete with your sister is not wise.”

Shu Yuting anxiously pleaded, “Mother, this isn’t about competing with my sister. She’s the empress, and the emperor will eventually take concubines. If we choose from the Shu family, the harem will be dominated by the Shu family. Others will surely object. Selecting from the Zheng family won’t draw as much attention. Besides, the person I choose will be gentle and compliant.”

Amused, Mrs. Shu said, “If the emperor truly likes her, there’s no controlling the situation.”

As Shu Yuting tried to explain further, Mrs. Shu interrupted, “Enough. If your sister wants us to find someone for the palace, she will let us know. Since she hasn’t, it means it’s unnecessary. Let’s not cause trouble for her.”

Shu Yuting realized that despite her sister becoming empress, things weren’t going smoothly. Her son wanted to marry a princess, but her sister was unwilling to help. Now, when she tried to send a compliant girl from the Zheng family to the palace, her mother accused her of causing trouble for her sister.

Feeling frustrated, Shu Yuting couldn’t voice her concerns. She knew that once the princess entered the household, she would lose her say and status at home. While others could expect to become respected mothers-in-law over the years, she had no such hope. Even if she became a respected mother-in-law, what difference would it make? She would still have to defer to the princess.

Shu Yuting suddenly felt despondent.

In this matter, Mrs. Shu was no longer indulging her eldest daughter. She didn’t offer kind words but instead sternly warned, “Tingting, now that your sister is empress, you should stay calm. No one can harm you. If you say things you shouldn’t in front of your sister and hurt her feelings, no one will protect you in the future.”

Shu Yuting was not too pleased with this and said, “Mother, even my sister isn’t helping me now.”

Mrs. Shu knew she was referring to the marriage proposal with Princess Pingyi and felt her eldest daughter’s temperament was becoming more difficult. She angrily said, “This marriage proposal was agreed upon by your husband in front of the late emperor, and Yange himself is willing. How can you blame your sister for this marriage!”

Shu Yuting remained silent.

Mrs. Shu continued, “Furthermore, your sister also mentioned that although Princess Pingyi is favored and lively, she is not overbearing. As long as you follow the rules and treat the princess well, who is your junior, she won’t cause you trouble.”

“Think positively in all matters, and life will be smoother.”

“Think about it, how many families envy you in the capital now. In the future, Yange’s children, your grandchildren, will have royal blood.”

The only comfort Mrs. Shu felt was that Shu Yuting husband and Zheng Changping had a decent relationship. She hoped her eldest daughter could live a peaceful life, and then she would be at ease.

Compared to Mrs. Shu’s worries and the mixed feelings of other onlookers, Shu Yuwan took the rumors lightly.

Qing Dai said, “Your Highness, these rumors will eventually cause trouble if they persist.”

Shu Yuwan naturally understood this principle but wasn’t in a hurry. People sought benefits, and if a daughter from the family or clan entered the palace and bore a prince, it could lead to great opportunities.

The current situation was merely a way for the emperor to test her, as he found her easy to manipulate and used her as a subject of discussion.

Shu Yuwan asked, “Who is spreading these rumors?”

Qing Dai had already investigated and replied, “No high-ranking officials in the court are saying such things. In the capital, many storytellers in teahouses and taverns are spreading rumors. Princess Ning’s mother sent a message, saying that at some banquets, people were secretly discussing that you have a way with the emperor… They also said that the reason Miss Wei couldn’t enter the palace and was instead granted the title of princess was because of you, as you couldn’t tolerate her.”

“It seems like more than one party is involved.”

Shu Yuwan nodded and didn’t dwell on the matter further. Seeing this, Qing Dai refrained from saying more.

During dinner time, the emperor came to the Kunde Palace  to dine with Shu Yuwan.

Shu Yuwan didn’t mention the rumors but asked, “Your Majesty, I would like to see Zhao Qing Qing. You brought her into the palace; is that possible?”

If Shu Yuwan hadn’t brought it up, the emperor would have forgotten about Zhao Qing Qing.

He replied, “I’ve been busy lately and almost forgot about Zhao Qing Qing. Bringing her into the palace is fine, but you must promise me that after this meeting, Zhao Qing Qing cannot stay any longer.”

Shu Yuwan nodded without hesitation.

She had no intention of keeping Zhao Qing Qing around. She was simply curious about the world Zhao Qing Qing described, where women could freely choose their marriages, engage in business, hold official positions, and do everything men could. She also feared the unknown and wanted to meet Zhao Qing Qing while finally feeling a sense of relief and security. The emperor always felt Zhao Qing Qing was peculiar and shouldn’t remain in this world. Seeing Shu Yuwan agree to not keep Zhao Qing Qing, he immediately instructed Ah Qing, “Quietly bring her to the Kunde Palace.”