Chapter 72 Preparations for Girls' School

"Cough cough..."

All the women of the household were crammed into the four residences in Qianxi, so no secret could be kept there. Gao Xiyue, who was drinking tea, soon learned from Xingxuan about Qingying's request to the Empress Dowager to change her name to Ruyi. She choked on her tea and took a long time to recover.

"master……"

"It's nothing, it's nothing," Gao Xiyue waved her hand, looking incredulous. "Has Qingying gone mad? Why would she change her name? And to Ruyi no less? Doesn't she know that the Empress Dowager's head maid also has that name?"

“It’s different,” Xingxuan tried to explain, recalling the information she had heard from A’Ruo, that big mouth: “Qing…ru…”

Not knowing how to address the other person for a moment, Xingxuan hesitated for a long time before simply omitting the specific form of address.

"The concubine's name is Yi, which means 'virtuous'. It is said that the Empress Dowager praised her for her good character, not Ruyi, which means 'jade ruyi'."

"Tch," Gao Xiyue sneered disdainfully, "Qingying really knows how to flatter herself. I guarantee that this name is definitely not a compliment to her."

"Your Majesty, the concubine has sent word that from now on there will be no more Qingying, only Ruyi."

Mo Xin walked in, her expression complicated, and reported back.

Gao Xiyue rolled her eyes. "So pretentious."

"Your Highness, is the concubine deliberately trying to please the Empress Dowager?" Xingxuan asked with some concern.

Seeing her like this, Gao Xiyue chuckled, "What's the rush? You think you have the Empress Dowager as your backer just because you changed your name? Impossible, Qingying... no, Ruyi, you're dreaming."

Xingxuan smiled somewhat embarrassedly, "This servant only said that because A'Ruo sounded so confident and proud..."

Gao Xiyue pouted, "A'Ruo, she always exaggerates things. Both she and her servant love to daydream, they're not normal. Stay away from them, don't catch their bad habit."

"Yes, I understand."

...

It wasn't just Gao Xiyue and her servants who were discussing it; to be precise, everyone was discussing it while waiting for the final promotion results. But compared to the envy Ruyi had anticipated, the fact that others didn't mock her was already a sign of respect.

Soon, His Highness the Prince of Yangxin issued imperial edicts conferring titles upon the concubines.

Empress Fucha Langhua, the primary consort, was made empress. She had a son and a daughter and moved into Changchun Palace, where she took charge of the harem.

Consort Tongjia Zhilan gave birth to the Emperor's eldest daughter and was promoted to Noble Consort Shu, moving into Chengqian Palace.

Consort Gao Xiyue gave birth to the second prince, Yonghuang. She was promoted to Consort Hui and moved into Yikun Palace.

Consort Ruyi was promoted to Consort Xian and moved into Yanxi Palace.

Princess Su Luyun, who was pregnant, was promoted to the rank of Consort Chun and moved into Zhongcui Palace.

Princess Chen Wanyin was given the title of Noble Lady Wan and lived in Zhongcui Palace with Su Luyun.

Princess Jin Yuyan was given the title of Noble Lady Jia and moved into Qixiang Palace.

It was only after Hongli issued the imperial edict of investiture that everyone noticed that the emperor's harem consisted of only a handful of women. As a result, many court officials were eager to participate, but the emperor declared that he would observe a genuine three-year mourning period for the late emperor.

The courtiers whose daughters had reached the required age felt some regret, while those whose daughters were almost of age couldn't help but feel overjoyed. The selection of officials after the mourning period was already a lively affair that could be expected.

But soon, the court officials lost interest in this matter. Not long after Hongli conferred titles on the concubines in the harem, he quickly issued an edict to open a girls' school in the palace, led by the Empress Dowager, to educate the princesses of the imperial family and the daughters of some ministers.

In the previous dynasty, members of the imperial family and court officials were all eager for this spot in the girls' academy, regardless of what they would study. However, entering the palace to be raised by the Empress Dowager would be beneficial in every way, both in terms of proximity and in terms of reputation for future marriage. Who wouldn't want to send their daughter there?

As for whether the emperor would raise the child for a marriage alliance, they naturally weren't worried about that.

On the very first day of the Emperor's reign, he decreed that from then on, the Qing Dynasty would "not engage in marriage alliances, not pay tribute, the Emperor would guard the nation's gates, and gentlemen would die for the state." These sixteen characters were then engraved on a stone tablet and erected at the entrance of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, requiring future emperors of the Qing Dynasty to strictly abide by them.

After the battle of the Dzungar Khanate, everyone knew that their new emperor was full of martial virtue. Just look at the generals supported by the newly appointed emperor in the court, and the brothers of the late emperor who were feared by the late emperor but submitted to him.

Military generals couldn't possibly object, as they were single-mindedly focused on getting things done. Civil officials also dared not object, because there were too many covetous colleagues, and they feared that if they objected, they would be assassinated while still in power.

As for the fact that these sixteen characters are the national policy of the Ming Dynasty, what does that matter? Could the emperor possibly overthrow the Qing and restore the Ming?

This is called learning from history, proving that their new emperor has foresight, magnanimity, and broad-mindedness!

The official in charge of recording the emperor's daily activities wiped his sweat and, under the threatening glares of Prince Xun and Prince Guo, added the compliment. Seeing the two princes smile with satisfaction, the official also breathed a sigh of relief. Good thing, another day has passed—

Meanwhile, in the inner palace, imperial edicts issued by the empress also stirred up the desires of the concubines.

"Your Majesty, are you serious? Are you asking us to become teachers at the girls' school?"

Inside the main hall of Changchun Palace, all the concubines were gathered, and Gao Xiyue was the most eager to ask.

"The imperial decree has already been issued, how could it be false?" Fucha Langhua nodded with a smile. The Emperor had also told her about the general plan. Therefore, she naturally knew the importance the Emperor attached to girls' education.

"I know that all of you sisters are quite curious about the girls' school. Today, I can tell you frankly that His Majesty has made it clear that your future promotions, rewards, and the treatment of your maternal families will be linked to the effectiveness of the girls' school. Of course, this is not mandatory. If you do not participate, there will be no punishment. After all, everyone has many things to consider. For example, Consort Chun is already more than six months pregnant. Even if she wanted to, I would not let her go."

Upon hearing this, Jin Yuyan's eyes lit up instantly. Although she had given up her affection for the Lamb Skewer Prince, she still valued her motherland. Coupled with her strong ambition, she certainly wouldn't let go of such a good opportunity to climb the social ladder.

What could she possibly have to worry about? Nothing could stop her from climbing up the ladder!

She immediately asked, "Of course I am willing to serve Your Majesty, but I wonder what I can do at the girls' school?"

This is a problem for most of the concubines. Of course, Ruyi, who was dozing off, is an exception; everyone has already learned to ignore her.

Empress Fucha Langhua smiled slightly, "Sisters, there's no need to worry. You can choose any skill you are good at, such as playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, perfumery, or accounting. The Emperor and I will select from among them. Those who are selected should prepare diligently, and those who are not selected should not be discouraged. There will be another opportunity next time..."

After Fucha Langhua finished explaining in detail inside Changchun Palace, the concubines, having resolved all their concerns, were full of confidence and wanted to go back to carefully consider the skills they had reported.

Even if I'm not selected, I can't be worse than others. Everyone else has skills that can be reported, but I don't. How embarrassing would that be?

Thinking of this, Gao Xiyue couldn't help but giggle.

"Your Majesty..."

Xingxuan and Moxin, who were following behind her, looked puzzled. Why was she so happy?

After Gao Xiyue finished laughing, she explained, "I just suddenly thought of Ruyi. What do you think she has to offer? Is it her half-baked literature or her bizarre fashion sense?"

Xingxuan and Moxin exchanged a glance, suppressing a laugh. Oh right, what could Consort Xian possibly teach?

Xingxuan's eyes darted around, and she cautiously leaned closer, replying softly, "Perhaps Consort Xian could teach opera appreciation, right now..."

"Hahaha……"

Gao Xiyue burst out laughing immediately and waved her hand, "That won't do. What if we corrupt the princesses of the imperial family?"