Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 469 Mediating Conflicts, the Root Causes of Conflicts

As the infighting among the concubines in the harem intensified, seriously affecting the harmony and tranquility of the palace, the emperor had no choice but to entrust the important task of mediating the conflict to Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling.

Upon receiving this task, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling knew how arduous it would be, but they had no choice but to accept it despite their difficulties.

They first conducted an in-depth investigation into the situation in the inner palace. Su Jinxiu summoned some senior palace maids and eunuchs to inquire about the personalities of the various concubines, the reasons for their struggles, and their daily relationships.

"The Imperial Concubine and the Empress have always been at odds, and they've fought countless times, both openly and secretly, for the Emperor's favor," a palace maid said cautiously.

Xiao Ling then used his connections in the palace to gather evidence and clues about the infighting among the concubines.

"These concubines really went to great lengths to frame each other," Xiao Ling said, frowning.

After understanding the general situation, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling decided to speak with each of the concubines separately.

They first arrived at the Queen's palace.

"Your Majesty, we have come here to mediate the conflicts within the harem. We hope for your support," Su Jinxiu said respectfully.

The Empress nodded slightly: "I understand, but the struggles in the harem have a long history, and it is easier said than done to resolve them completely."

Su Jinxiu said, "As long as Your Majesty is willing to prioritize harmony, I believe the other concubines will also restrain themselves."

Next, they went to see the Imperial Concubine.

The Imperial Concubine looked disdainful: "What wrong have I done? They are all jealous of my favor."

Xiao Ling said, "Your Highness, being favored is not a long-term solution. Only harmony in the harem can put the Emperor at ease."

Faced with the strong-willed Consort, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling did not back down, but patiently tried to persuade her.

In their interactions with the concubines, they encountered all sorts of difficulties and resistance. Some concubines cried and threw tantrums, while others made sarcastic remarks.

"You think you can mediate the conflict between us?"

"Don't waste your energy, this is impossible to solve."

However, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling remained calm and rational, not swayed by the emotions of the concubines.

On the one hand, they advised the concubines to be tolerant and understanding of each other, and on the other hand, they suggested to the emperor that he should appropriately increase his care and rewards for the concubines in order to balance their feelings.

"Your Majesty, if all the concubines could feel your care, there would surely be less infighting," Su Jinxiu said.

The emperor found their suggestion reasonable and adopted it.

However, the mediation process was not smooth sailing. Some concubines outwardly agreed to reconcile, but secretly continued to engage in underhanded tactics.

"Hmph, they're thinking too simply. I won't let my opponent off so easily."

Just when Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling were feeling overwhelmed, an even bigger crisis erupted.

Two concubines got into a fight over a trivial matter, and one of them was injured.

"What should I do?"

While Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling were struggling to mediate the conflicts among the concubines in the harem, they gradually discovered some clues that led them step by step closer to the root of the conflict.

Through in-depth conversations with the concubines, they noticed some unusual phenomena.

Su Jinxiu discovered that many concubines vied for the emperor's favor not only for their own wealth and status, but also, and perhaps more importantly, for the benefit of their families.

"If I fall out of favor, my family's standing in the court will plummet," a concubine said worriedly.

During his investigation, Xiao Ling learned that some forces in the palace were secretly manipulating the infighting among the concubines to achieve their ulterior motives.

“This matter is far more complex than it appears on the surface; there must be a hidden force pulling the strings behind the scenes,” Xiao Ling said.

They also discovered that the emperor's lack of attention to the harem led to the concubines' insecurity, forcing them to resort to fierce competition to gain the emperor's attention.

"The Emperor hasn't summoned me alone for a long time," a concubine cried, feeling wronged.

At the same time, the hierarchical system and uneven distribution of resources within the palace were also important reasons for the conflicts.

Su Jinxiu discovered that high-ranking concubines had more privileges and resources, while low-ranking concubines were often bullied and ostracized.

“We low-ranking concubines don’t even have decent jewelry or clothing.”

When Xiao Ling reviewed the palace accounts, he discovered many unreasonable aspects in the expenditures for the concubines, which exacerbated the dissatisfaction and infighting among them.

Furthermore, the jealousy and competitive mentality among the concubines also acted as a catalyst for conflict.

"Why should she receive the Emperor's reward?"

"In what way am I inferior to her?"

During their in-depth investigation, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling also discovered some secrets hidden deep within the palace.

It turns out that a palace coup many years ago suppressed some families, and the women of these families are now in the harem trying to regain their family's prestige by vying for the emperor's favor.

"This is our family's only hope for revival."

Other concubines were forced to participate in the struggle in order to protect themselves and their families from persecution by other forces.

"If I do not fight, I will be harmed by others."

As the investigation deepened, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling increasingly realized that the conflicts among the concubines in the harem were not simply about jealousy and rivalry, but rather involved a complex interplay of factors such as family interests, court power, and resource allocation.

"The root of this conflict is much deeper than we imagined," Su Jinxiu remarked.

Xiao Ling said, "But now that we've discovered it, we can't back down; we must find a way to solve it."

However, their investigation has raised concerns among some people.

"We can't let them continue their investigation, or our plan will be exposed."