Chapter 455 - Harem Meeting (8)
Xiao Li clenched her fists tightly as she said those words. She doesn't want these policies to get implemented either especially the equal distribution of the budget.
The amount of budget allocated to harem is no little. Even if it will be divided equally among all the consorts and Empress Dowager, it won't be less.
But since Xiao Li and Wen Xu have enjoyed the status of being on a high level and have used most of the budget themselves, they need to worry about them since they won't get the same amount they used to get.
Also, they won't be able to enjoy the special luxury that they used to enjoy because of the distribution of budget on the basis of status.
But she had no option other than to agree to Zhao Ming's policies. If Ji Cheng has finalised her ideas then no one can stop the implementation of these policies.
That's why she decided to save her image by being understanding rather than shout like an idiot, and what Wen Xu was doing.
Zhao Ming raised her brows when she heard Xiao Li's understanding words.
She nodded and said, " Consort Xiao Li, you're very understanding." though Zhao Ming was smiling but her words were not sincere at all.
Wen Xu wanted to say something as she doesn't want the policies to get implemented.
Xiao Li knows this very well. She forced a smile as well while tugging at Wen Xu's hand.
Wen Xu frowned when Xiao Li was tugging at her hand. She glanced at her because she didn't like that she was trying to control her.
But she understood that Xiao Li has a kind heart and she doesn't want her to shout more at Zhao Ming
She thought that see was doing this to save Zhao Ming from her scolding but in reality Xiao Li was trying to save herself from further humiliation that Wen Xu can possibly bring her.
….
" Oh, by the way I forgot to address a very important thing in the meeting. We need to find someone else who can take the position of Head Consort since Consort Xiao Li cannot do her duties for the next three months." Zhao Ming said while looking up from her paper.
Everyone was stunned, especially Xiao Li when she heard Zhao Ming's words.
She is the Head Consort then why find someone else?
.
" Sister Zhao Ming, what do you mean by this? Why do you think that I can't work as the Consort head for three months? Are you doing this to me because of our yesterday's argument? Sister, you know that I didn't mean any harm to you."
" I was just worried about you that you won't be able to handle the pressure of managing the harem. How can you remove me from my position for that?"
Xiao Li said with her welled up eyes. She was stunned because she only has more power than others because she is the Head Consort other than being Wen Xu's favorite.
If she was removed from her position, then others won't look at her the same way they do now.
" ZHAO MING!"
" Who are you to remove Xiao Li from her position as the head Consort in the palace? I was the one who appointed her then who are you to remove her. You may be the Empress but I am the Empress Dowager. You cannot do this. You have no authority to remove Xiao Li. "
Wen Xu said righteously. Though she does not have the powers to manage the harem anymore, she is still the Empress Dowager and no one can change her decisions like this.
Others were shocked when they heard Zhao Ming's words. They didn't say anything and carefully saw all the drama unfolding in front of them.
….
Zhao Ming smiled and replied, " You're the right mother. You're the Empress Dowager and I am 'just' the Empress. I am not going against your decision. "
Wen Xu smiled smugly when she heard Zhao Ming's words.
' At least she has some self awareness.' Wen Xu folded her hand arrogantly around her chest as she looked at Zhao Ming in disdain.
" It's not me who wanted to remove Consort Xiao Li from her position but it is His Majesty's orders himself. That's why I have to find a replacement for Consort Xiao Li." Zhao Ming took a letter from Lu shi's hand and passed it to Xiao Li to see.
" This is the official Red Letter that his majesty has issued a while ago. Since I was coming here, Feng Ju gave it to me and requested me to pass it to you. And according to the rules, you can't possibly continue to work as the Head Consort in the harem after receiving the warning letter. " Zhao Ming said with a hint of regret on her face.
" So I need to find someone to replace you and help me with the harem works. That's why I said that I need to find someone to help me in work. "
After Zhao Ming finished her words, there was a long silence in the room. No one spoke for a while as they were all shocked.
Xiao Li's face turned red from embarrassment because she was not only removed from her position but Zhao Ming deliberately gave this letter to her in front of everyone.
Everyone was looking at her suspicion and pity in their gazes. Xiao Li pursed her lips as she couldn't understand why Jk Cheng issued the Red Letter for her.
She opened it and saw the reason for issuing the letter.
It said, " Unexplainable reasons."
Xiao Li: "-_-"
Xiao Li couldn't believe that Ji Cheng gave her the Red Letter without any reason? He didn't even state the reason clearly.
Her hands trembled when she read the letter again and again.
All the other consorts were stunned when they heard Zhao Ming's words.
They started whispering to each other in a state of confusion and panic. They all knew what Red Letter meant and were shocked to see that Xiao Li had received her first warning.
Isn't she the Head Consort? Not only that she was the most favorite Consort of Empress Dowager. How can she receive this warning letter? That too from the Emperor himself.
Wen Xu frowned and snatched the letter from Xiao Li's trembling hands. She gritted her teeth as she read the letter.
She glared at Zhao Ming because she understood that it was all because of her.
'She must be behind all this.'
Wen Xu remembered Ji Cheng's outburst yesterday. She looked at Zhao Ming and asked in the authoritative tone, " What is this? How can Xiao Li receive the Red Letter? And on what basis? Unexplainable reasons? Are you kidding me?"
" Red Letter is not a joke. Xiao Li hasn't done anything wrong, so I don't accept this red letter. You don't need to find anyone else for the position of Head Consort either. Xiao Li will continue her duty like before. " Wen Xu domineeringly.
She thought that Ji Cheng was just showing tantrums. If she goes and talks to him, everything will be fine.
There is no reason to give a Red Letter for such small things.
" But mother, I am afraid that you cannot take the decision about Consort Xiao to work as the Head Consort ." Zhao Ming said hesitantly.
Wen Xu frowned and said, " What do you mean? Are you trying to ignore my decision? I am the Empress Dowager. I can take this decision and I will make him take back his order as well. "
" It's not that I am trying to ignore your decision. But you can't make this decision because you don't have the power to do so. Because you also have received a Red Letter as well . " Zhao Ming took another red letter from Lu shi's hand and passed it to Wen Xu politely.
Wen Xu:" - _-"
Xiao Li:" - _-"
Others:" - _-"
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