Chapter 210 Discussion between the Three Zhang Family Grandparents and Grandchildren (2)
Chapter 210 Discussion between the Three Zhang Family Grandparents and Grandchildren (2)
Zhang Chengde, standing aside, also had a solemn expression on his face. He sighed softly and said, "Hengrui, Grandfather is right. We can't act rashly now. We can only wait until His Majesty's anger subsides a bit before making long-term plans. Ji'er will also take care of my sister. Let's trust that he can handle some things."
Zhang Hengrui gritted his teeth, nodded helplessly, and said in a low voice: "I understand, Grandfather, Father, I just feel sorry for my sister and was anxious for a moment."
The old master sighed slightly, a glint of disappointment flashing in his eyes. He said, "Forget it. You're just too concerned. It's not a bad thing for your sister to suffer. She has always had a smooth life in the harem, and has been praised and protected by everyone. Over time, it is inevitable that she will become arrogant and act more and more without measure. This punishment will just make her sober up and understand how deep the waters in the harem are. She can't just do whatever she wants.
Although we feel sorry for her being punished, from another perspective, this can be regarded as a lesson for her, so that she can be more cautious in her words and deeds in the future and know how to restrain her edge. Otherwise, with her temper, she will sooner or later make a bigger mess, and then it will not be so easy to solve as it is now. What we have to do now is to control our temper and wait for the right opportunity. Don't worry, everything will be a good time once the news of Zhenyuan's success comes back. "As he spoke, he slowly stood up, walked to the window of the study, and looked out the window with his hands behind his back at the slightly bleak courtyard scenery.
Only then did Zhang Hengrui understand what his grandfather meant. It turned out that his grandfather was not going to give up on his sister, but was waiting for a more appropriate time to help.
Zhang Chengde nodded slightly and said thoughtfully: "Father, Zhenyuan's operation is of great importance. If there is any mistake, we will be in a passive position." His brows were slightly frowned, and his face was full of worry.
The old Grand Tutor turned around and said solemnly, "This matter truly cannot afford to fail. Zhenyuan is someone I have carefully trained. He has always been calm and reliable, and I have confidence in him. However, we are playing a game with the Heavenly Family after all, and the risks are certainly not small. All we can do now is wait patiently and make all preparations. Once we receive any news, we must act swiftly and not miss this opportunity."
Zhang Hengrui and Zhang Chengde looked at each other and responded in unison: "Yes, Grandfather (Father), we understand."
The old master then spoke again: "Chengde, you should prepare yourself and go to the palace to apologize!"
Zhang Chengde was stunned at first, then he understood the deeper meaning of his grandfather's action. Such a major event had occurred in the harem. His daughter had committed a misdeed in the palace and was severely punished by the Emperor. As the father of the Imperial Concubine, he came to the palace to apologize. On the one hand, this was to show the Emperor the importance the Grand Tutor's Office took this matter, and to demonstrate their humble attitude towards the Imperial Family. On the other hand, this was also an opportunity to test the Emperor's true attitude towards this matter, so as to prepare for subsequent actions.
So Zhang Chengde responded respectfully: "Yes, Grandfather, I will prepare it right away."
"Hengrui, you should follow the emperor's instructions recently and rest at home. When the emperor's anger subsides, he will naturally let you return to work." The old master looked at Zhang Hengrui and said slowly.
Zhang Hengrui's impatience had subsided. He knew his grandfather's plan wouldn't harm him. "Grandson, I'll remember your teachings," he quickly agreed.
The old master nodded slightly, then slowly said: "Okay, go ahead."
Zhang Chengde and Zhang Hengrui bowed respectfully and left the study one after another. Zhang Chengde then dressed in the court robes of a third-rank official and hurried into the palace to plead guilty to the emperor.
Jin'an happened to be leaving the palace today for her maternal grandmother's home. Having experienced such a change in the palace, she feared her grandmother might be worried, so she decided to go there today. Hearing the commotion outside, Jin'an lifted the curtains a little from her carriage to take in the bustle. She stumbled upon an oncoming carriage. It was quite ornate, its body painted in a glossy black, and the intricate wood carvings along the shafts betrayed its distinguished status. The curtains, also made of rich brocade and intricately embroidered with patterns, swayed gently as the carriage moved.
Seeing such a busy carriage, Jin An couldn't help but squint his eyes and look at the carriage carefully. Just when the two carriages were about to pass each other, Jin An saw the sign on the opposite carriage clearly. It was the sign of the Grand Tutor's Mansion.
It's the Zhang family! Judging by the regulations, it should be Zhang Chengde! Jin'an gently lowered the curtains and leaned back against the soft cushions inside the carriage, wondering what Zhang Chengde was trying to do by entering the palace at this time. Was he going to plead for Concubine Zhang? The recent events in the harem had caused a stir. Concubine Zhang and Jiaoyu had been severely punished by their father, and the entire Grand Tutor's Mansion must have been on edge, anxious and worried. As the Concubine's father, it seemed perfectly logical that Zhang Chengde would enter the palace at this time to plead with the Emperor for his daughter's sake.
However, going to the Emperor at this time to plead for mercy would only invite reprimands. The Emperor was furious, and that wrath wouldn't subside easily. Unless the old Grand Tutor interceded, given his seniority, the Emperor would surely make some concessions. After all, the old Grand Tutor was a highly respected figure in the court, having served the court for many dynasties and made significant contributions. He was a veteran minister greatly respected by the Emperor.
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