vstars Chapter 323 Consort Fucha
Chapter 323 Consort Fucha
Three years can feel like a long time, or it can feel like a short time.
During his period of mourning, Hongchang devoted himself to the affairs of the court and the development of the Qing Dynasty.
Over three years, he vigorously promoted economic development.
The encouragement of establishing new factories in various regions promoted industrial prosperity.
With the lifting of the maritime ban, maritime trade flourished.
The Qing Dynasty's merchant ships sailed to all parts of the world, bringing back substantial profits.
It also introduced a lot of equipment and advanced technology that the Qing Dynasty did not have.
The Qing Dynasty's economic strength improved significantly in three years, the national treasury was full, and the people's lives became increasingly prosperous.
In terms of science and technology, the Qing Dynasty also made great strides.
With continuous improvements in firearms manufacturing technology and the emergence of new firearm models, the combat effectiveness of the army has been greatly enhanced.
With these advanced weapons, those Japanese who pretended to be pirates at sea...
They can no longer act recklessly as before; they must obediently leave behind their ships and lives.
As the Qing Dynasty's coastal defenses grew stronger, the people in the coastal areas also enjoyed a more peaceful life.
In agriculture, Hongchang has promoted new planting techniques and introduced crop varieties from overseas.
As grain production increased, people's lives gradually became more prosperous.
In terms of culture and education, Hongchang strongly advocates for promoting education and valuing schooling.
Academies and schools sprang up like mushrooms after rain in various places.
Medicine also made great strides, and the widespread use of cowpox virtually eradicated smallpox within the Qing Dynasty.
Thanks to the efforts of Wen Shichu, Wei Lin, and others, many epidemic diseases have developed effective prevention and control methods.
After the three-year mourning period ended, the ministers in the court began to stir again, discussing the selection of imperial concubines in private.
In Hongchang's mind, besides continuing to govern the country well...
She also began to think about her life's most important matter.
As a monarch, he naturally wouldn't be thinking about those romantic relationships.
But he also needs an empress who can stand shoulder to shoulder with him, provide him with a strong home front, and be a model of virtue for the nation.
The draft is a big deal, and Hongchang still wants to ask Fucha Peiyun for her opinion.
After processing the memorials, Hongchang set off for the Cining Palace.
Three years ago, Fucha Peiyun moved from Kunning Palace to the renovated Cining Palace.
Nian Shilan also moved in, and the two lived together in Cining Palace.
The renovated Cining Palace is now spacious and comfortable.
Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan live here; it's convenient and not too lonely.
As for Feng Ruozhao and the other concubines of the late emperor, they were all taken to their respective princess residences by the princesses.
As Hongchang entered the Cining Palace, he could hear a lively atmosphere coming from within.
Occasionally, a few cheers could be heard, and Hongchang knew it immediately from those sounds.
That year, my mother once again challenged me to a martial arts duel.
Hongchang's lips curled slightly, and he strode inside. Sure enough, in the courtyard...
Nian Shilan held a long whip, her figure lithe and agile.
The long whip danced in her hands with great force, its shadow like a dragon emerging from the sea, agile and swift.
Fucha Peiyun, on the other hand, wielded a long sword, her swordsmanship agile and graceful.
The flashes of sword light resembled countless cold stars.
It echoes the fierce power of the long whip, yet subtly counters it in its moves.
Hongchang stood aside, quietly watching his two mothers spar, his eyes gleaming with admiration.
I heard that back then, Nian's mother acted domineeringly and even made things difficult for Nian's mother.
But now the two are so close; life is truly unpredictable.
Hongchang did not go forward to disturb them, but simply stood quietly to the side.
Watching the two of them go back and forth
Only after the two had finished their moves did Hongchang take the handkerchief from Ye'er's hand.
He personally handed it to Fucha Peiyun and bowed to the two of them to pay his respects.
"Your subject greets both mothers."
Fucha Peiyun handed the long sword in her hand to Ye'er to put away.
He took the handkerchief from Hongchang, wiped his sweat, and smiled.
Get up.
At this moment, Nian Shilan took the handkerchief from Songzhi and threw the long whip in her hand to Zhou Ninghai, who was guarding to the side.
He said while wiping his sweat
"The Emperor is coming at this time because he has something to say to your mother, right?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, I do have something I would like to ask you two mothers."
Fucha Peiyun said, "You sit down and rest for a while. Your mother and I will go and wash up first."
Hongchang nodded and sat down to wait.
Soon someone brought Hongchang his favorite pastries and tea to him.
Before long, Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan finished washing up and changed into fresh clothes.
After Fucha Peiyun sat down, she looked at Hongchang and said gently:
"Speak, what is it that you wish to ask us?"
Hongchang put down his teacup and said:
"Now that the mourning period is over, the court officials have brought up the matter of selecting candidates for the imperial concubine selection again."
Your son would like to hear your two mothers' opinions on how to handle this selection of concubines.
Fucha Peiyun said, "Why don't you tell us your own thoughts first?"
Hongchang said earnestly, "Your Majesty, I have been thinking about how these court officials have been thinking about the imperial concubine selection for years."
Your subject thinks it might be better to go along with their wishes, but who to choose is not something they can control.
Your son has not forgotten what Mother said: it is not good for one's health to become involved in sexual activity too early.
After the talent show, it will take more time to prepare for the wedding.
Furthermore, it also takes time for the young ladies to learn etiquette and manners.
After the selection of the emperor and empress, their wedding can be scheduled for a year later.
Other concubines were also not allowed to enter the palace before the Empress.
This delay makes the timing just right.
Fucha Peiyun nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes.
She said softly, "Chang'er, you've thought this through very well."
The selection of imperial concubines is a matter of national importance, as well as the peace and tranquility of the imperial harem.
Now that you have a plan, things will be easier.
However, the selection of an empress still requires careful consideration.
The Empress is the head of the six palaces; she must be able to work hand in hand with you.
Furthermore, one must be able to empathize with those below, possessing both virtue and talent.
Nian Shilan also spoke up: "Your Majesty, since you've come to ask me, I'll keep you brief."
I think your mother is right.
The empress not only needs to have a good background, but also needs to be gentle and able to share your burdens.
You can't just look at the surface; don't follow in the footsteps of the late emperor and marry someone who appears virtuous on the surface.
However, she harbors dark thoughts and is intolerant of others; palace intrigue is inevitable.
But the royal offspring cannot be lost.
Your empress must be upright and resourceful enough to keep the harem in check.
Having some of your mother's methods would be the best.
Only when the inner palace is at peace can you concentrate on state affairs.
Hongchang nodded and smiled, "What Mother Nian says is true, I understand what you mean."
Your subject will have someone investigate the true nature of the selected women.
Choosing a suitable empress will require much guidance from both mothers.
Nian Shilan jokingly said, "Your wife hasn't even entered the house yet, and you're already thinking about making your mother and me worry."
Hongchang smiled and said, "Both mothers have many years of experience managing the harem, and their knowledge and experience are extremely rich."
With your guidance, I am at ease.
Fucha Peiyun said, "Once you've chosen your empress, we'll have someone to take over all our affairs."
Your mother and I can finally relax and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Hongchang smiled and said, "Your children are still young, and we still have a lot to rely on our two mothers for."
With both mothers around, I feel at ease.
Fucha Peiyun continued, "Now that you have a plan for the selection of officials, you should get started on it."
When are you planning to issue the decree for the talent selection?
Hongchang laughed and said, "Let's wait until they submit their memorials before we talk about it. There's no rush."
Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan exchanged a glance upon hearing this, their eyes filled with smiles.
A few days later, a minister submitted a memorial mentioning the selection of imperial concubines.
Hongchang looked at the memorials but didn't say much; he simply put them aside.
Until a minister directly submitted a memorial in the court.
Of the three unfilial acts, the greatest is having no offspring.
The emperor observing three years of mourning is already the height of filial piety.
Now that the mourning period has ended, everyone in the court hopes that His Majesty will hold a selection of consorts as soon as possible to continue the royal bloodline and stabilize the foundation of the nation.
After listening, Hongchang glanced around the court and slowly spoke:
"I understand the intentions of my beloved ministers, and I have indeed arrived."
When considering marriage.
Since that is the case, I hereby issue an edict to select candidates.
Manchu and Han are one family
This talent show included not only Manchu bannermen, Mongol bannermen, and Han bannermen.
Daughters of Han officials who were not enlisted in the Manchu banners were all eligible to participate.
A murmur of discussion immediately arose in the imperial court.
The ministers were surprised by Hongchang's decision, and many Manchu officials were quite dissatisfied.
Although they are aware of the drawbacks of consanguineous marriage, traditional values remain deeply ingrained.
It was believed that Han Chinese blood was less noble than Manchu blood, and that it would be best for imperial concubines to be of Manchu descent.
Only in this way can the noble status of the Manchu people be maintained.
If the daughters of Han officials became empresses or concubines, much of the family honor and benefits they would receive would be taken away by these Han officials themselves.
The power of the Manchus will inevitably be weakened.
However, since the new emperor ascended the throne, he has heavily relied on Han officials, and although young, he is very powerful and can be said to rule unilaterally.
The emperor will always find a way to do what he wants, and he will never compromise with his court officials.
Although the ministers were dissatisfied, they dared not stand up and refute them.
If you displease the Emperor, you'll be in deep trouble.
They didn't want their family affairs to be published in the "Da Qing Bai Xing Bao" (a local newspaper).
That was so shameful that it would have been a disgrace to the entire Qing Dynasty; the spittle from which people would have drowned a person.
The Manchu officials were dissatisfied, while the Han officials were secretly pleased.
If a concubine appears in this family and gives birth to a son or daughter...
The status of Han Chinese would then rise accordingly.
However, no matter how happy they were inside, they didn't show it on their faces.
The atmosphere in the imperial court became somewhat heavy for a moment.
Hongchang was well aware of the thoughts of his court officials, but he pretended not to know.
Hongchang's gaze swept over the assembled officials again.
"Any Han official with a daughter of suitable age in his family can register to participate in the imperial concubine selection."
However, there is one thing I absolutely will not allow among the candidates for the imperial concubine selection that any woman with bound feet be included.
Once discovered, the individual will be immediately disqualified, and their family will be held accountable.
I selected concubines to enter the palace so as to ensure the continuation of my imperial line.
The practice of foot binding was harmful to a woman's health and to the continuation of her lineage.
I have already issued an order forbidding this, yet some still outwardly comply while inwardly defying it. This selection of officials will be thoroughly investigated, and there will be no leniency.
Upon hearing Hongchang's words, the ministers were startled, while many Han officials felt a sense of relief.
Fortunately, the women in the family had their feet unbound two years ago, and the younger ones were not bound again.
That was close! I almost lost the chance to become a member of the royal family.
Hongchang paused for a moment, then continued, "Once the imperial decree for the selection of candidates is issued, all regions must ensure the safety of the young women coming to the capital."
The rest stops along the way should arrange food and lodging to ensure their safe journey.
If any mishap occurs, the relevant officials will be severely punished.
All the officials knelt down and shouted, "Your Majesty is wise!"
Hongchang nodded in satisfaction. "This selection of officials is a matter of national importance. All of you ministers must assist the Ministry of Rites in handling this matter well."
The ministers accepted the order and dared not raise any further objections.
The imperial decree quickly spread throughout the country, and families with women of marriageable age across the land were busy preparing.
Some parents hope their daughters will one day rise to a high social status and become wealthy.
Some were worried that their daughters would be caught up in the power struggles after entering the palace.