zChapter 948 - Everyone Has Their Own Needs (1/2)
Zhu Kongshan had begun living in the Sheng Palace. When the members of the eighth prince’s faction heard about this news, they immediately began to move. Each family either sent out their madam or a young miss or both to visit the Sheng Palace.
Although there was the case of the entire Liu family being eradicated, and the officials in court had taken on an attitude of observing from the sidelines, the matters between men were just matters between men. Things could not remain frozen in this state going forward. Now, such an opportunity happened to come along. They could finally send out the female members of their families to try and covertly establish connections while maintaining their stance of observing. First, it was to find out the actual situation. Second, it would keep some doors open. It was impossible that a cousin would be brought into the capital for no reason. Also, she had openly moved into the palace, and she had already gone to visit the two noble ladies in the palace. This was something worth thinking about.
The female family members visiting was an outcome that Xuan Tianmo and Zhu Kongshan had both expected. Xuan Tianmo had even brought her in with this outcome in mind. He would increase the trust that the officials in court had through the inner courtyard. The Sheng Palace did not have a proper female head. To speak of interacting, the court was one aspect, but the force of women in the inner courtyard could not be underestimated. Occasionally, it would be possible that some pillow talk might cause an official who was hesitant to support him to become more resolute. That was why he brought in this cousin. First, he would use this cousin’s greatest ability to regain his reputation. Second, he hoped that he could have her improve his standing through the women that she interacted with.
Zhu Kongshan had a system for handling these matters. She welcomed everyone that came to visit with a smile. Regardless of whether the person that came was the house’s head wife bringing along the daughter of the first wife, or if it was a secondary wife bringing along the daughter of a concubine, she treated them all equally. She even brought out the best tea that the Sheng Palace had to offer. She even deceitfully told them: “This tea was originally served to guests in cousin Mo’s study. I secretly brought some out for you. You must help me keep this secret!”
Was it not just like this between women? Having a shared secret would allow them to become good friends. Although this was not much of a secret, and they all knew that Zhu Kongshan was just saying this, this sort of careless statement made it easier for feelings of friendship to be sparked between girls. Thus everyone quickly warmed up to each other. In addition to this, Zhu Kongshan had a good personality, and she had an elegant appearance. she was not too beautiful, but she had a comfortable appearance. This reduced the distance even further, and it reduced feelings of envy.
The eighth prince, Xuan Tianmo watched these girls through a curtain, as they became more and more familiar after starting out as strangers. Everything happened so quickly and naturally. He could not help but feel even more satisfied with this cousin.
When the female guests had been sent out, Xuan Tianmo invited Zhu Kongshan to eat dinner together. During the meal, he said: “Bringing you to the capital was originally imperial concubine mother’s idea, but this prince has been paying attention to the situation in Peng Zhou. I know that you are an educated and reasonable girl. Now that you have come to the capital, I trust that you should understand what to do.”
Zhu Kongshan quickly put down her bowl and chopsticks and nodded, saying: “Cousin Mo, don’t worry. Eldest aunt has already told me about this. Kongshan does not have any other abilities, but capturing people’s hearts is something done quite often. All citizens are the same. Regardless of whether they’re from Peng Zhou or the capital, as long as we can do things that will provide them with a real benefit and some tangible benefits, they will accept the kindness. Even if there were all of those past mistakes, it will just become a matter of how many good things are done. Everyone’s hearts are made of flesh. Kongshan does not believe that they will not be persuaded.”
Xuan Tianmo nodded, “It’s good if you have your own ideas. If you need money, just take it from the treasury. This prince has already spoken with the treasury. They will cooperate with you fully.”
“Kongshan will keep it in mind.” Zhu Kongshan complied with Xuan Tianmo. When she raised her head, she looked to have something difficult to say.
Xuan Tianmo frowned: “If you have something to say, just say it. We are now standing on the same side. This prince does not like having things kept secret. This prince is clear on what is going on with the two servants at your side. Right now, they aren’t here. If you have something, just say it.” Xuan Tianmo never liked having servants around while he ate his meals, especially those that came from the outside. They were even more disliked. Even if those two servants were even more beautiful, he was not that sort of person.
Hearing him say this, Zhu Kongshan did not hesitate any further and immediately said: “Speaking of, it’s all to do with Peng Zhou’s Zhu family. I originally did not want these matters to annoy cousin Mo, but I just can’t feel at ease. After all, concubine mother is still in that manor. That’s why…”
“This prince understands.” Before Zhu Kongshan could finish speaking, Xuan Tian Mo took the initiative to speak. He was also starting to understand. In order to win over public sentiment, he could not flaunt his position as a prince, nor could he buy it with gold and silver. At a critical moment, it depended on other methods of providing benefits. “This is all minor.” He waved his hand, “This prince will have someone sent to Peng Zhou under the Sheng Palace’s name to send some things to your mother. I want to see who dares to bully the younger sister of a member of the imperial harem.”
With Xuan Tianmo having spoken, Zhu Kongshan was finally able to feel at ease, repeatedly giving thanks. The two then continued eating their meal in silence after this.
At the same time in the Yu Palace, news had reached Feng Yuheng’s ears, as Ban Zou told her: “The one surnamed Zhu has been meeting with people in the Sheng Palace for many days. All of the members of the eighth prince’s faction have sent the female members of their families to visit, and they chatted quite happily. Also, the one surnamed Zhu visited the Feng residence and gave quite a few things to Feng Fendai but did not remain for long before being sent out by Feng Fendai.”
Upon hearing this, Huang Quan interjected: “She shouldn’t be intending to win over Feng Fendai, right?”
Feng Yuheng, however, did not agree. She understood Feng Fendai too well: “That girl has more pride than the heavens. She really does not seem to like that Zhu… Zhu what was it again?”