Zhao Hua faced Consort Yin's questioning look, and calmly explained:
"The North Tribe has a formidable army, and the North Tribe's soldiers are loyal to their tribe. No matter what, they would never submit to the Qi Dynasty. I remember that when Ning Grand General conquered the North Tribe, he urged the North Tribe's soldiers to surrender, but tens of thousands of them would rather die than submit. That's why the Qi Dynasty gave up on the idea of conquering the North Tribe's army.
So you must understand, what the Emperor desires is not the abundant resources of the North Tribe, but the military power held in your father Ada Kehan's hands, which cannot be shaken by anyone."
Consort Yin did not understand, "Does the Empress Dowager want me to persuade my father to hand over the military power to the Qi Dynasty?"
She shook her head repeatedly, "Impossible! With the military power in my father's hands, the North Tribe is already on the verge of collapse. If he hands over the military power, wouldn't the North Tribe be in even greater danger?"
Zhao Hua said, "I'm not asking your father to hand over the military power, but to lead the North Tribe's army into Qi territory and request that the Emperor bestow a military rank upon him. In this way, the North Tribe's army would become part of the Qi army, and the North Tribe would naturally become part of the Qi Dynasty. How could the Emperor then mistreat the North Tribe? Furthermore, with your father serving as an official in the capital, you two could see each other frequently and ease your homesickness."
This solution seemed like a win-win situation, but allowing Ada Kehan to serve in the court would be equivalent to making the North Tribe a subordinate state of the Qi Dynasty. In a few generations, this nation may even be assimilated and cease to exist.
Consort Yin pondered briefly, but firmly refused to agree.
"No way! If we follow the Empress Dowager's suggestion, wouldn't the North Tribe become a vassal of the Qi Dynasty? In the future, there would be no more North Tribe, and our ancestors' territory would be lost. How is that any different from selling out our country for glory? The men of the North Tribe all have a backbone and would never do such a thing!"
"You're wrong," Zhao Hua firmly cut her off. "It's not about seeking glory, but survival. You said it yourself, the people of the North Tribe are starving to death, with corpses littering the land. Think carefully, is pride more important than human life? Or do you think you can preserve your ancestors' territory when all the people have died out?"
Upon hearing this, Consort Yin stood dazed, remaining silent for a long while.
Ever since learning of her homeland's plight, Consort Yin often wept for the innocent lives lost.
She was the legitimate daughter of the North Tribe's ruler, and the beloved celestial maiden of all the people.
She still vividly remembered the scene when she entered the palace as a consort, with the people seeing her off in jubilation. At that time, everyone wore a smile, thinking that with the celestial maiden becoming a consort, their lives would only improve.
But now...
Most of those who lined the streets for miles to send her off were probably gone...
Thinking of this, Consort Yin's eyes turned red with tears.
She turned away, unwilling to let Zhao Hua see her sorrow, and said faintly,
"Thank you, Empress Dowager. This servant will carefully consider your words when I return to the palace. I shall take my leave now."
She walked away swiftly, her figure disappearing around the corner in an instant.
As Xiao Fuzi helped Zhao Hua return to her phoenix carriage, she asked in puzzlement:
"Your Majesty, why did you urge Consort Yin to hand over the North Tribe's military power? This matter has nothing to do with us."
"How can you say it has nothing to do with us? The lives of the North Tribe's people are also lives. The Emperor may commit such atrocities, but I cannot bear to watch. Moreover, I'm not doing this solely for Consort Yin's sake."
Zhao Hua glanced back at Xiao Fuzi, arching her brow as she asked, "What do you think the Emperor will do next if the North Tribe's army submits to the Qi Dynasty and the North Tribe becomes a vassal state?"
Xiao Fuzi pondered for a moment, then shook her head uncertainly.
Zhao Hua then explained, "Once the Emperor tastes success, he will set his sights on the armies of the Mongolians, the Zhu Yin, and even other nations. The North Tribe is now backed into a corner, and surrendering their military power to become a vassal of the Qi Dynasty is their only chance for survival. But for other tribes whose situations differ from the North Tribe, demanding they hand over their military power would be even more difficult than taking their lives."
Xiao Fuzi said, "Your Majesty has thought this through, but the Emperor must have as well. Perhaps he won't act hastily against the other tribes and nations?"
Zhao Hua smiled, "Whether he acts or not, the outcome will be the same. As you said, if I can think of it, the Emperor can think of it too. How could the parties involved not anticipate this? As soon as they have this thought, they will prepare for the worst. If someone behind the scenes encourages them to unite, the Emperor will have a headache on his hands."
She flicked the sleeves of her phoenix robe, her eyes flashing with sharp brilliance.
"I have to give him a headache, so he won't have time to nitpick and find fault with those around him."
Three days later, at the grand bestowal ceremony in the Rear Palace,
Chen was promoted from Noble Consort to Imperial Noble Consort, Consort Shun became Consort Shun, Ru became Concubine Ru, He became Noble Consort He, the low-ranking palace woman Li became Concubine Li, and Kang Daying became Concubine Kang.
After the ceremony concluded in the Rear Palace,
the next day, the new consorts entered the palace to pay respects to Zhao Hua at the Phoenix Palace.
After the new consorts completed their courtesies, Zhao Hua first smiled kindly and said:
"Now that you have entered the palace to serve the Emperor, you are all like sisters. If you encounter any difficulties, you can tell me, and I will be happy to help resolve your troubles."
After saying this, she suddenly became solemn, her voice grave.
"However, there is one point I hope you understand: do not make the mistake of vying for the Emperor's favor. From now on, if anyone behaves improperly under my watch, there will be no chance for redemption. Anyone who commits an offense will be punished, either by demotion or being sent to the Cold Palace, and no one's pleas will be heeded. Do you all understand?"
The consorts and concubines responded in unison: "We servants understand the Empress Dowager's instructions and will behave properly and maintain harmony in the Rear Palace."
After paying their respects, the new consorts returned to their respective residences.
Ru Ge followed Rongyue to the Xiunuai Palace, so they walked back together.
Along the way, Ru Ge remained silent like a mute, trailing behind Rongyue.
Upon entering the palace, Ru Ge noticed that the courtyard was filled with blooming lingxiangcao, the light purple flowers stretching out in a continuous swath - an uncommon sight within the palace.
Lingxiangcao was Xiao Jingyan's favorite flower, and also adorned the Unity Knot.
Ru Ge couldn't help but ask, "Does Consort Shun also like lingxiangcao?"
Rongyue glanced at the light purple hue and said indifferently, "I simply thought the color was vibrant yet not gaudy, so I casually planted them."
Then she pointed to the east wing and added, "I have ordered the east wing to be prepared for you. Take a look and let me know if there is anything unsatisfactory."
Ru Ge knelt and bowed to Rongyue.
"Consort Shun has been so considerate in making these arrangements. This servant is deeply grateful and would not dare to nitpick."
Rongyue gave her a slight nod before returning to the main hall.
