After ascending to the position of Consort Chen, Shen Wei boldly reformed the palace's monthly stipend system. Not only were the stipends distributed punctually each month, but additional rewards were also granted based on the servants' seniority and performance. Those who were capable and diligent received higher stipends and bonuses.
Liu Qiao'er, who deliberately avoided seeking favor, came from an unremarkable family background and lived a frugal life with simple meals. The maids serving under her naturally received no extra rewards, and over the years, their savings remained meager.
However, with the implementation of Shen Wei's new system, the head maid in Liu Qiao'er's palace received an extra two strings of coins as a "bonus" this month, in addition to her regular stipend. Saving this money would allow the maids to live comfortably outside the palace after being discharged at the age of twenty-five.
Grateful servants were not few in the palace.
...
...
Rumors that the Eighth Prince had angered Yang Xuanji into illness did not spread far in the palace and quickly died out. On one hand, the lower-ranking servants, grateful to Shen Wei, refrained from spreading the gossip. On the other hand, Shen Wei acted swiftly, expelling a group of servants who loved to gossip.
The number of servants in the inner court was already excessive, with many idling in their positions. Shen Wei had long wanted to reduce their numbers and seized this opportunity to do so.
"Master, these rumors are too suspicious," Cai Lian said. "This servant believes someone is deliberately tarnishing the prince's reputation."
Shen Wei took a sip of chilled drink and fell into thought. Among the palace consorts, only one or two were cunning enough to orchestrate this.
Cai Lian suggested, "Master, should we report this to His Majesty and request punishment for the rumor-mongers?"
Shen Wei shook her head slowly.
Li Yuanjing was the emperor, preoccupied with state affairs. He had no time to deal with trivial matters in the inner court.
Moreover, even if Lu Xuan were exposed as the culprit, she could easily shift the blame to her talkative servants and escape punishment.
"Revenge is a dish best served cold," Shen Wei mused, stroking her chin. "She has given me an idea. When Consort Shu's son turns four or five, I’ll return the favor."
Lu Xuan came from the Duke of Lu's household, and the Duke had high hopes for her son.
When Lu Xuan's son reached four or five, the Lu family would undoubtedly select a tutor carefully to provide scholarly education. That would be Shen Wei's opportunity.
Shortly after, Cai Ping hurried back to Yongning Palace.
She reported to Shen Wei, "Master, this servant brought Doctor Mo to Yang Xuanji's residence. The old scholar personally told me that he was not angered by the Eighth Prince but had caught a chill from the lakeside breeze. He also said that once he recovers, he will enter the palace to teach His Highness."
Shen Wei was taken aback. "Is that true?"
Cai Lian nodded quickly. "Yes! Yang Xuanji is diligently recuperating, taking his medicine on time, and eager to recover soon."
Shen Wei drew a sharp breath. There was no need to debunk the rumors—once Yang Xuanji entered the palace, the rumors would collapse on their own.
She instructed Cai Ping, "Tell Doctor Mo to ensure Yang Xuanji's cold is cured without delay!"
Cai Ping replied, "Rest assured, Master. Doctor Mo has personally prescribed medicine and acupuncture. Yang Xuanji will recover within five days."
Nearby, Cai Lian frowned and reminded Shen Wei, "Master, His Majesty has already issued an edict this morning appointing Grand Tutor Zhang and Scholar Zheng from the Hongwen Academy to teach the two young princes. They will instruct them for two hours every afternoon."
Shen Wei fell silent.
Though Li Chengtai showed remarkable political acumen at a young age, Li Yuanjing had not forgotten his other son, Li Chengyou. The emperor valued both sons equally and had chosen tutors with distinct strengths for them.
Zhang Fenghua, the Grand Tutor, had traveled extensively across the empire in his youth, broadening his horizons.
Scholar Zheng, once a military officer, had been forced to abandon the battlefield after losing his right leg and turned to scholarly pursuits, mastering both civil and martial arts.
Each had unique expertise, ensuring a well-rounded education for the princes—moral, intellectual, physical, and artistic.
Now, it was too late for Yang Xuanji to teach Li Chengtai.
Shen Wei also foresaw a deeper crisis. The emperor's open favoritism toward his sons would attract envy. Inside and outside the palace, malicious individuals might attempt to harm Li Chengtai and Li Chengyou.
She immediately ordered sternly, "Cai Ping, go to Cining Palace and inform the Empress Dowager that the servants around the children must be strictly monitored. No one should be given the chance to harm the princes or princesses."
Cai Ping rushed off to Cining Palace.
...
...
By the Falling Moon Lake, Yang Xuanji was actively recuperating, dutifully taking his medicine.
A servant brought him unfortunate news: "Master, His Majesty has already decreed that Grand Tutor Zhang and Scholar Zheng will be the Eighth Prince's tutors."
Clatter—
Yang Xuanji dropped his medicine bowl.
He threw off his blankets and bellowed, "To the palace! To the palace! This old man must see His Majesty! That Zhang Fenghua isn’t even thirty—he hasn’t read half the books I’ve eaten salt! How can he teach? And that Zheng Yuandong can barely walk—I could outrun him... cough cough... To the palace!"
The servant hurriedly supported Yang Xuanji, frowning. "Master, you’re still ill!"
Yang Xuanji cared little for his condition!
The opportunity he thought was his had slipped away—his student had been snatched by others!
A scholar of unparalleled learning, with disciples across the empire, Yang Xuanji prided himself as the foremost scholar of the Great Qing. How could he tolerate such humiliation?
Ignoring his illness, he dressed and prepared to enter the palace. Unable to stop him, the servant summoned Mrs. Luo.
Mrs. Luo was applying Qixiang Studio’s new concealer in her chamber when she heard of her husband’s plans. Clutching a white jade comb, she stormed out and dragged him back by the collar.
"Stop right there!" she roared. "If you insist on going, at least finish your medicine and submit a formal request first. Have you forgotten all decorum in your old age?"
A fierce woman, Mrs. Luo was the only one Yang Xuanji—a master debater—could not outargue.
Defeated, he obediently returned to drink his medicine and draft a petition to the emperor. The palace soon replied: His Majesty advised him to rest at home, assuring him that Grand Tutor Zhang and Scholar Zheng were more than capable of teaching Li Chengtai.
Yang Xuanji fumed, his beard bristling.
He refused to accept that he was inferior to those two!
Stubborn by nature, Yang Xuanji persisted, submitting petitions daily until Li Yuanjing, exasperated, finally granted him an audience.
By then, after days of agitation, Yang Xuanji had fully recovered. He bathed, changed, and rushed to the palace in his carriage.
Eagerly, he hastened toward Chang'an Palace.
Just then, a delighted voice called from behind: "Master Yang! What a coincidence to see you here today!"
Li Chengzhen, who had been escorting his uncle out of the palace, spotted the white-haired scholar at the gates and hurried over to greet him.
