The Marquise: I Earn My Own Worship

The virtuous concubine is still the same, arrogant and unruly. A son takes after his mother, and the fourth prince is the same.

As for Concubine De, she is a little different from before.

Queen Zhu tried to remember what Concubine De looked like when she was young, but she couldn't remember. This person left no trace in her memory.

But she is still in a good position now. Her mother's family is powerful and her son is also "highly valued" by His Majesty.

Not bad.

No wonder he started to act arrogantly, but it's understandable. After enduring humiliation for so many years, it's only natural that he's a little proud now.

If you don't reveal your true colors at this time, it will be a problem.

As for the other concubines, some looked familiar, though much older. Others had younger faces, having entered the palace later.

It seems that since she left, few of the old people in the palace have been promoted. According to His Majesty's nature, most of the concubines in high positions now are young concubines.

Glancing over, Queen Zhu saw Concubine An.

After so many years, and with a grown-up son, Concubine An was promoted from Concubine An to Concubine, without even changing her name.

To put it nicely, it means being content; to put it bluntly, it means being unpopular and too mediocre.

As for the second prince, Queen Zhu looked silent. He was not as obedient as his mother.

"There is one more thing. The position of Consort Shu is now vacant, and I intend to promote one of my sisters."

After a pause, she continued, "The Second Prince has been well-educated. He has been helping his father with his worries. He is filial and loyal, which shows that his mother has done a great job in his upbringing. The Second Prince's mother, Concubine An, has served Your Majesty for many years and has made great contributions. She is worthy of the title of Concubine Shu."

Concubine An's heart was so excited that it was about to jump out. She didn't expect that she would be the first person to benefit from the Queen's return to the palace.

It was like a sweet pie flying from the sky. Concubine An was at a loss as to what to do. It was only after the palace maid beside her reminded her that she quickly knelt down to express her gratitude.

"Look at Sister An Fei, she's so happy that she's forgotten the rules."

Concubine De covered her mouth and was so angry when she saw Concubine An's disgraceful appearance.

Now even the former Concubine An has become a concubine, which is just above her. How can she be angry?

I am even more dissatisfied with the queen, she is a bitch.

"Sister Defei, aren't you usually the gentlest person? Why are you different today?"

In the past, Concubine De loved to pretend to be virtuous and liked to smooth things over, but today she finally got humiliated.

Xian Fei sneered inwardly, "But don't call me the wrong name. You should call me Sister Shu Fei now. Don't forget the rules."

The virtuous concubine deliberately emphasized the word "rules".

Defei's face turned pale and purple, and she shut up and stopped talking.

Seeing Concubine An kneeling down to express her gratitude, Empress Zhu gave her a few words of instruction indifferently, which were nothing more than words like "take good care of the royal heir and spend more time on His Majesty and the Second Prince."

Empress Zhu didn't pay any attention to the lawsuit between Concubine Xian and Concubine De. It was normal for the concubines in the palace to have some concerns.

But there is a saying: Those who are not of my race must have different hearts.

Now the most important thing is waiting for her to do, and dealing with them is just a side job, so just wait.

"Empress, do you need to discuss this promotion with His Majesty?"

Concubine De was somewhat unwilling. How could she let Concubine An take the position of Concubine Shu so easily?

She regained her usual gentle demeanor and spoke in a soft voice.

"Don't be upset, Queen. I was afraid you'd forgotten after returning to the palace, so I reminded you specifically to avoid causing any unpleasant surprise to Your Majesty."

Defei asked the question sincerely, as if she was really trying to share the Queen's worries.

When Concubine Xian looked at Concubine De, she felt that it was an insult to herself to have regarded her as an opponent before.

As soon as the queen came back, she was eager to apply eye drops to her.

What? It's just that the queen has returned. Why would she be forced into this state?

Doesn't she think that she is the master of the harem?

The virtuous concubine sneered in her heart with disdain, but it was good to have this idiot, as it was just right for her to see His Majesty's attitude towards the Queen.

I have to say, the truth about Concubine Xian has been revealed.

Not only did Concubine De regard herself as the master of the harem, she also thought that her son was the master of the world.

"No need. Your Majesty is busy with state affairs. Is it possible that this palace cannot make a decision on such a small matter? How about Concubine De ask His Majesty in person tomorrow?"

Queen Zhu looked at her with a smile.

Defei felt very humiliated when the Queen looked at her like this, as if she was looking at some ignorant cat or dog.

When she was told to ask His Majesty in person, she panicked and began to stutter, "No, no, it's just that I'm overthinking it. Please don't blame me, Sister Queen."

Seeing Defei being humiliated, the other concubines in the palace just watched the fun. The one who sticks his head out gets shot. Seeing the Fifth Prince gaining power, Defei became more and more arrogant.

"As the Empress, I should be looking after all my sisters. However, as a daughter-in-law, serving the Empress Dowager is my top priority. I have been away from home for many years and have only just returned today. To compensate my sisters, I will discuss with His Majesty about bestowing titles on the six concubines. The recipients of these titles will include not only the elderly who have worked in the palace for many years, but also those whom His Majesty holds in high regard."

The concubines' eyes lit up again and again, there was a chance for promotion!!!

This is great news. The queen's return to the palace is much better than they imagined.

Among the happy people were the virtuous concubine and the virtuous concubine, as well as the newly appointed Shu concubine.

Concubine Shu stammered, feeling a little uncomfortable. Being promoted was a good thing, but she felt as if she had been devalued when being rewarded along with those other concubines.

But after all, he was promoted, and this way the second brother can also be proud of it.

The first person that Concubine Shu thought of was the Second Prince. As a mother, he was no less important than the other princes.

When she thought about the last rumor she heard outside, that the fifth prince openly rejected the second prince's opinion in the court, her heart ached.

I can't help much, and my second son's life outside is still too hard.

But now, Shufei sat in the back and secretly glanced at Defei. From now on, the seat under her butt would be hers.

Queen Zhu naturally did not miss the hint of unhappiness on Concubine Shu's face.

You have to have both, there are not so many good things in this world.

Every pie comes at a price, Consort Shu.

Seeing how the concubines were trying to endure it, Queen Zhu did not make things difficult for them. These people still lacked some manners.

Queen Zhu shook her head and sent everyone away, leaving only Concubine Ning behind.

She stood up, glanced at Concubine Ning, and went into the inner room without saying anything. Concubine Ning followed closely behind her.

After all the palace servants had left, Concubine Ning knelt on the ground.

"Sister, I..."

"stand up."

Empress Zhu sat on it, looking down at Concubine Ning.

Under her gaze, Concubine Ning slowly stood up. She did not dare and would not disobey any of the Queen's words.

"Sit down and talk."

Concubine Ning sat down. She had many things she wanted to say to the Queen. The only letter she had exchanged with the Queen over the years was the letter about the last fundraising. She didn't dare say anything else because she knew the Queen would not reply.

"Is the Sixth Prince's illness a fate? Or is it man-made?"

When Queen Zhu said the last sentence, her tone was very light, but her eyes were fixed on Concubine Ning.