On this day, it was not the time for the noble relatives of the harem to enter the palace to pay respects, but Consort Li couldn't wait. She pretended to be ill and requested the Empress Dowager's permission to see her family. The Empress Dowager knew what Consort Li was up to without even thinking, but still granted permission.

Madam Xu and Madam Luo quickly changed into formal attire and entered the palace upon receiving the message. Seeing her mother and eldest sister-in-law, Consort Li felt slightly more confident. She explained in detail what had happened recently and said through gritted teeth, "Mother, look at what Si is trying to do. Although her entering the palace was a bit different from our original plan, what's done is done, and we have to accept it. I just thought I had gained an extra helper, but Mother, look, does Si even consider me? Before she used to call me 'Aunt' this and 'Aunt' that, but now she completely ignores me. What exactly is she trying to do?"

Madam Xu also didn't expect that after Zhen Si entered the palace, she wouldn't team up with Consort Li. Before Zhen Si entered the palace, Madam Xu had vaguely felt that this girl's temperament had changed. Initially making her marry Chu Shaoling was indeed wronging her, but in the end, she didn't truly marry him. Now that she had entered the palace, could it be that she still held a grudge?

"Your Highness, please set your mind at ease. Perhaps Consort Zhen is still not used to many things after just entering the palace and temporarily cannot take everything into consideration," Madam Xu slowly consoled Consort Li. "Consort Zhen is young and doesn't quite understand the ways of the world. Perhaps Your Highness will have to endure some grievances."

Upon hearing this, Consort Li became furious and sneered, "She can't take me into consideration? She goes to Ci'an Palace for morning and evening greetings, leaving early and returning late every day. When other consorts and concubines visit Yongfu Palace, she practically escorts them all the way to the palace gate when they leave, being so courteous! With such manners and etiquette, how come she treats only me like this?"

Consort Li was angry at Zhen Si, and seeing Madam Luo, she also showed an unpleasant expression. "This child used to be so close to me. How come as soon as she entered the palace, it's as if she became a different person? Could it be that someone said something to her behind my back?" Consort Li sneered coldly, "Initially letting her marry Chu Shaoling was not my idea. You had a good plan, making me waste so much effort for nothing. Then you ended up sending her into the palace. I've endured all this, but now she wants to oppose me. Is she thinking of establishing herself as a ruler?"

Madam Luo had long been filled with grievances. At first, she was unwilling to promise Zhen Si to Chu Shaoling, but her husband's family had no say and had to endure it. Now that things had reached this point, Madam Luo's heart had found its backbone. Rather than relying on this sister-in-law who didn't treat her and her daughter as human beings, it was better to rely on her own daughter. Now that Zhen Si had entered the palace as a consort and was so favored by the Emperor, it was only a matter of time before she had her own child.

No one was a fool. Zhen Si being favored made Madam Luo and Consort Li's elder brother Zhen Binsi have other thoughts in their hearts. Indeed, they had gained many benefits by relying on Consort Li in the past, but no matter how close a sister was, she couldn't be closer than a daughter, and a sister's son couldn't be closer than a daughter's son.

Madam Luo still maintained a humble and obedient appearance, mumbling, "I never dare to speak nonsense. Consort Zhen also doesn't have the audacity. When it comes to being favored, who in and out of the palace doesn't know that Your Highness is number one? With your high rank and the Second Prince also being loved by the Emperor, no matter what, Consort Zhen can't surpass Your Highness."

Consort Li found these words pleasant to hear and calmed down. Gently touching the pearls and jades by her temples, she slowly said, "After all, she is still young. Does she really think she can establish herself in this palace relying on herself alone? Now she won't come see me, but when something happens and she needs me to save her, she better not come then either. I've said all that needs to be said. We're family, so let's not mince words. Mother and Eldest Sister-in-law, go to Yongfu Palace in a bit and explain these serious matters to her."

Madam Xu and Madam Luo nodded in agreement.

The two left Linzhi Palace and, following the eunuch, went to Yongfu Palace. Although Zhen Si didn't meet with Consort Li, she still had to see her grandmother and mother. In the side hall, Madam Xu and Madam Luo watched as Zhen Si, dressed in splendid attire and wearing a phoenix hairpin with precious stones, properly performed the formal greeting. Zhen Si was indifferent and had the palace servants help them up and offered them seats.

Madam Xu could tell from her granddaughter's demeanor that today's conversation would not go well. So she first asked in detail if Zhen Si was feeling well today and if she was used to life in the palace. Madam Xu smiled, "If there's anything Your Highness is not used to, just find Consort Li. Consort Li is Your Highness's aunt, so naturally she will take care of you."

Zhen Si smiled and said, "Thank you, Grandmother, for your concern. me is doing very well now. The Empress Dowager is kind, and the sisters are willing to chat with me to pass the time. There's no need to trouble Consort Li."

Madam Xu was embarrassed and nodded, "It's good if there's nothing, it's good if there's nothing." Using this opportunity, Madam Xu explicitly and implicitly told Zhen Si not to be at odds with Consort Li, but no matter what, Zhen Si just wouldn't take the bait and deflected everything. Madam Xu felt very disappointed and could only smile and say, "Your Highness entering the palace must miss your own mother. Your mother also has a belly full of private words to say to you. I'll go outside first."

Madam Xu gave Madam Luo a look and turned to wait in the outer room.

Madam Luo hadn't seen Zhen Si for half a month. It wasn't Madam Xu's turn to speak, but now in the inner room, there were only her and Zhen Si. Seeing her daughter, Madam Luo's tears immediately fell. Afraid that crying out loud would let the palace servants outside see and gossip about Zhen Si, she had to cover her mouth tightly. After a while, she choked out in a low voice, "It's all Mother's fault, for not being able to protect you."

Zhen Si couldn't help but also tear up. She turned her face away, and after a while, she said hoarsely, "It's not Mother's fault. I know you have no say."

Madam Luo suppressed her grief with all her might and said in a low voice, "Your Highness must not be willful. Consort Li is in a rage now. Your Highness's foundation in the palace is not stable yet, and there are still many areas where you need to rely on Consort Li's help."

Zhen Si sneered coldly and said, "Of course I know this, but I can't suppress the hatred in my heart for now. Forget it, I understand."

Seeing that Zhen Si had shown signs of giving in, Madam Luo felt relieved. Her voice was low as she slowly said, "First, you need to handle Consort Li's side well. Also, Your Highness needs to think of yourself. The Emperor's favor may not last forever. The Emperor is in his prime now, so Your Highness needs to seize the opportunity."

Zhen Si nodded, "I know."

Madam Xu was still waiting outside, so Madam Luo didn't dare stay long. After saying what needed to be said, she kowtowed and left, leaving Zhen Si leaning on the couch, deep in thought.

In the council hall, Chu Shaoling was discussing this year's autumn harvest with officials from the Ministry of Revenue. Chu Shaoyang was also listening on the side. After discussing for half a day, everyone decided to focus on the autumn harvest taxes first. The old accounts were cumbersome, and if they were to investigate the old accounts now, they might not have enough manpower to handle matters when the autumn harvest arrived.

The Minister of Revenue, Chang Dongmao, slowly said, "This year is a bumper year, but the southern regions are using a few flood disasters as an excuse to evade taxes. However, they haven't properly reported how many places have been affected by the floods and how many fields have been inundated. This is taking advantage of the famine."

Chang Dongmao was a former student of Marquis Zijun, so Chu Shaoling was very reassured about him. He nodded, "Indeed, we must send someone to personally take a look."

Chang Dongmao frowned slightly. Sending someone to investigate was naturally good, but who should be sent? Chang Dongmao gently shook his head, "If the person's status is too low, they won't be able to exert pressure. If their character is greedy, they might be drawn in by those corrupt officials."

Chu Shaoling chuckled. Before he could speak, Chu Shaoyang said, "Big brother, send me. I will definitely investigate these miscellaneous matters thoroughly for you."

Chu Shaoyang had his own ideas. He thought Chu Shaoling was troubled by this matter, and if he volunteered, his big brother would surely regard him more highly. At the same time, it would ease the relationship between the two of them.

Moreover, this was a good assignment for Chu Shaoyang. Unlike Chu Shaoling, who had the support of Marquis Zijun and the Empress Dowager's maternal family behind him, with ample manpower and money, Chu Shaoyang had fewer supporters due to his young age and faced many restrictions in doing things. The south and taxes, these two words implied benefits. Chu Shaoyang didn't want to miss such a good opportunity.

Chu Shaoling frowned slightly. Fearing Chu Shaoling wouldn't agree, Chu Shaoyang added, "Big brother, don't worry. There are so many matters in the court now, it's not convenient for you to go personally. Isn't it good for me to make a trip on your behalf? Whatever you want to do or investigate, just tell me, and I will do it for you without the slightest mistake. There won't be any issues."

In his heart, Chang Dongmao silently nodded. Chu Shaoyang was indeed a good candidate. However, he had also heard rumors of discord between the two legitimate princes recently, so he kept his mouth shut, not daring to interject.

Chu Shaoling still seemed hesitant. After a while, he said, "Forget it, I really can't leave. Let you go then."

Chu Shaoyang felt smug. See, his big brother still had to compromise with him. This was the advantage of being a legitimate brother. Chu Shaoyang put on a solemn face and nodded, "Big brother, don't worry. I definitely won't let you down."

Chu Shaoling put the documents in his hand on the desk and said, "However, this trip will take at least half a month. Let Wei Zhan accompany you. He was just promoted to the Cavalry Battalion Commander. It will be appropriate for him to escort the silver and grain on the way back."

Chu Shaoyang was unwilling to let someone promoted by Chu Shaoling go with him, especially since Wei Zhan was the biological elder brother of that Wei Ji. However, it was not good to refuse Chu Shaoling at this point. Chu Shaoyang nodded with a smile, "That would be great."

Chu Shaoling and Chang Dongmao also decided on the accompanying officials and wrote up a memorial to be submitted, waiting for the Emperor's approval. Seeing the barely concealed smugness in Chu Shaoyang's eyes, Chu Shaoling sneered inwardly. Enjoy being happy for a few days.

At noon, Chu Shaoling summoned Wei Zhan and gave him detailed instructions about this matter. Fortunately, Wei Zhan was reliable and understood without Chu Shaoling having to say much. He nodded, "Your Highness, don't worry. This official will definitely not fail the mission."

Chu Shaoling was very reassured about Wei Zhan. He chuckled, "I'm putting you through hardship. After returning this time, you can be promoted again. The position of General will be yours."

Wei Zhan quickly knelt down and said solemnly, "Serving Your Highness is my duty until death. I do not seek prosperity."

Chu Shaoling chuckled, "Get up. I know your intentions. There's still half a month. Prepare well first."

Wei Zhan nodded and subconsciously glanced around the hall. Chu Shaoling smiled, "Wei Ji went to the military camp with Zhang Lifeng today. He will only return in the evening. You probably won't see him today. Don't worry about him. Wei Ji is doing very well under my care."

Wei Zhan bowed and said, "I wouldn't dare. It's my brother's fortune to receive Your Highness's shelter."

Chu Shaoling chuckled and gave him a few more instructions before allowing Wei Zhan to take his leave.

Before dinner, Wei Ji returned. He took a bath before coming to pay his respects to Chu Shaoling. Chu Shaoling had the imperial kitchen add a dish of braised beef and a dish of braised pig trotters. The braised beef had lean meat connected by tendons, stewed until tender, with the sauce permeating the beef, tasting very good. Wei Ji loved it and was also hungry. He ate three bowls of rice with the braised meat. Chu Shaoling saw him eating heartily and also ate a lot himself. He chuckled, "Eat slowly. Don't tell me you didn't have lunch in the military camp?"

Wei Ji smiled, "I did, but I didn't stop all afternoon. General Zhang led me to train the troops. Arranging the troops on the battlefield is indeed harder than on paper."

Chu Shaoling patiently listened to Wei Ji chattering about military matters, occasionally asking him a few questions and testing him. By the time the two finished dinner, it was already the second watch of the night. Both of them had been busy all day and went to bed early.

It was still a bit hot in the imperial city. In the bedchamber of the Bitao Palace, several basins of ice were placed. The inner room was cool and comfortable. Wei Ji was tired from the day and couldn't help but snuggle into the fluffy thin quilt. Chu Shaoling looked at Wei Ji's appearance and chuckled, "With you going to the military camp, you left me alone in the palace for a day."

Wei Ji pursed his lips. Although he was unwilling to say it, he also missed Chu Shaoling after not seeing him for a day. Now, looking at Chu Shaoling, his heart felt warm. He moved closer to Chu Shaoling. Chu Shaoling hugged Wei Ji and kissed him, gently caressing and rubbing Wei Ji's back, without lust, but making Wei Ji's bones feel soft. Wei Ji also tentatively caressed Chu Shaoling's body. The two cuddled intimately for a good while before falling asleep.