The Emperor has recently taken a new fancy to a woman from the common folk. It is said that she possesses both exquisite beauty and rare talent. In a mere fortnight, the Emperor has made an exception to his usual rules, bestowing honors upon her three times. She has climbed from a minor concubine to the rank of Consort Ji. It is truly remarkable.
At the Qinzheng Hall, the Emperor scanned the joint petitions submitted by his officials while listening to their ongoing impeachments of Commissioner Lu’s concubine. Had this involved a common merchant, the Emperor could have ordered her thrown into prison without a second thought. But this woman was the beloved concubine of Commissioner Lu. With the Eldest Princess acting restlessly in the Northern Frontier, and the Emperor needing to rely on Lu Hanting to hold the line, he could not help but be constrained.
"Very well, I have read all of your memorials; let us put this matter to rest. If there is other business, present it; if not, the court is dismissed."
Chapter 207