The Queen sealed her heart and locked up her love, and the Emperor was trapped in the crematorium

Isn't the Qi family the best example? Originally, it was just an ordinary, inconspicuous, third-rate family, and even began to decline. However, because a concubine in their family gave birth to a prince, and this prince eventually ascended the throne and became the new generation of emperor, the Qi family also rose with the tide and instantly became a powerful new noble, which can be said to be full of glory.

How could one not be tempted by such a vivid example? The current emperor has no children, so if he were to be so lucky, it would be a great blessing for the entire family.

As long as you can step into the palace, it means you have a slim chance; but if the concubines are sent out of the palace, then even a glimmer of hope will no longer exist.

As for those ministers whose families did not have women who entered the palace as concubines, they also strongly opposed this practice. After all, from ancient times to the present, it was normal for men to have three wives and four concubines. It could be said that it was natural and justified. If an emperor set an example and adhered to the principle of "one life, one couple", and it became a trend, then men would not be able to be as romantic and amorous as before.

Therefore, on the matter of disbanding the harem, many ministers showed unprecedented unity and solidarity, and tried their best to persuade Xiao Chengxu to give up this absurd idea.

Among them, there was an old imperial censor whose beard and hair were all gray. He was so old that he was out of breath even when he walked. However, he still couldn't help but sighing to the sky, beating his chest and stamping his feet, saying with great sorrow: "It is really ridiculous. The emperor's behavior is simply the biggest joke in the world."

He coughed as he spoke, which made people wonder if the old censor might get too emotional at any time and go directly to the underworld to meet his ancestors.

Unlike other ministers, the Xie family father and son in Yongchang Marquis's Mansion had extremely complicated and mixed feelings.

are you happy?

It seems not, because the emperor's doing this is tantamount to putting the Yongchang Marquis's Mansion and the Empress in dire straits. If it is said that the dismissal of the harem was entirely the emperor's decision and had nothing to do with the Empress and the Yongchang Marquis' Mansion, who would believe it if it were spread? Even if they had a mouth, they couldn't explain it clearly.

Did the Empress know about this? Was this something she and the Emperor had planned together?

Marquis Yongchang pondered in his heart and soon came up with the answer. He felt that it was impossible. Based on his understanding of his own daughter, although she was occasionally a little spoiled and willful, she would never be confused when it came to major issues.

Are you unhappy?

It doesn't seem so. If the emperor's harem can be peaceful and calm, the queen may be able to live a more leisurely and comfortable life without having to worry about other concubines' jealousy all day long. It is not a bad thing for her daughter/sister to be like the other members of the Xie family, with loving husband and wife and harmonious relationship.

The sudden news was like a thunderclap, leaving the Yongchang Marquis, who had experienced countless changes in the court and had extensive knowledge, at a loss as to how to respond.

Xiao Chengxu sat quietly, listening to the ministers below making noises, some even howling like ghosts and wolves. When the noises gradually died down and the situation calmed down, he coughed lightly and spoke slowly, his tone as calm as water.

"I am the emperor. Once I say something, it is as good as gold. How can I go back on my word? Don't you know that the emperor never jokes?"

The implication is that he is serious and is not just making up stories or joking around. Since he said he wants to disband the harem, then he wants to disband the harem.

At this time, the Minister of Rites kowtowed and said, "I am old and weak, and I am deaf. Today I feel like I am in a fog, and I really didn't hear what the emperor said."

After someone took the lead, many ministers followed suit, saying that they, like the Minister of Rites, had not heard anything.

For a moment, the huge crowd in the court openly pretended to be deaf and dumb. Seeing this, Xiao Chengxu was almost laughed out of anger.

He had just said that a wise ruler never jokes, but these officials pretended not to hear him and even dared to openly disobey him. When did they start to ignore his words? With just this trick, did they think they could control him? It was ridiculous.

"If you didn't hear clearly, that's fine. I will issue an imperial decree soon to announce it to the world."

After Xiao Chengxu said this, he stood up and left.

The civil and military officials who stayed behind looked at each other in bewilderment. Some of them shook their heads and sighed, some stared in amazement at what was happening before their eyes. There were even some indignant ministers who wanted to meet the Emperor to remonstrate with him, and some even ran up to Marquis Yongchang and started to act sarcastic.

However, the Marquis of Yongchang was not a good-tempered person. He scolded all the ministers who came to provoke him. He scolded one for each and two for each. What was the point of making innuendos and blaming others in front of him? If you really have the ability, you can scold the emperor. They were a bunch of old guys who bullied the weak and feared the strong. But he was not a soft persimmon.

After the court session, Xiao Chengxu saw Feng An had returned, so he called him over and asked him a few questions: "Does the Queen like the lotus root powder and osmanthus sugar cake?"

Feng An nodded quickly and said, "Your Majesty likes it very much. When Your Majesty knew that the osmanthus flowers were picked by Your Majesty, she was very moved."

When Xiao Chengxu heard this, he immediately realized that Feng An was not telling the truth. His tone suddenly became serious, his face showed a bit of anger, and he said in a cold voice: "Feng An, do you know what will happen if you deceive the king?"

How could Feng An dare to hide anything when the emperor was angry? He immediately knelt down to plead guilty, saying that he dared not, and honestly told Xiao Chengxu the truth.

Hearing this, Xiao Chengxu's expression did not improve much, but instead looked a little sad. However, he soon cheered up, with a smile flashing in his eyes.

The lotus root powder and osmanthus sugar cake was left in Kunning Palace. As long as it could make Qingqing a little happy, even just a little bit, that would be enough.

Qingqing loves sweets so much that when she eats the lotus root powder and osmanthus sugar cake, she will definitely be in a good mood and a happy smile will bloom on her face, which is even brighter than the peach blossoms in March.

From the corner of his eye, he saw Feng An's embarrassed look, as if he had something else to say, but was hesitant and stammering. He couldn't help but frown, "Tell me, is there anything else I don't know?"