In a world ravaged by catastrophe, the formidable Ye Wanwan is suddenly transmigrated to the Qing Dynasty. After her experiences in the apocalypse, Ye Wanwan no longer trusts anyone.
She was ...
Some ideas were already deeply ingrained. Although I tried to adapt during the Qing Dynasty, I still couldn't get over that hurdle in my heart.
Moreover, Wanwan is still the child of a soldier, so her mindset is even more steadfast, and she eventually became a soldier herself.
The clash of these two ideas made Wanwan very uncomfortable. She kept trying to convince herself that she could only adapt to this place, and besides, she had never intended to live a good life here in the first place. She was looking forward to the next world, because she knew from the beginning that she could never be happy living in the Qing Dynasty.
Since she was unhappy anyway, she chose to take the initiative to accumulate more merit so that she could live a more comfortable life in her next life.
But people have thoughts; they are not machines. She can change her thoughts as her environment changes. Just like before entering the palace, all she wanted was to reach a high position in the harem, then strive to succeed and do good deeds.
The higher she stands, the greater her influence and the more she can do.
The power of a family member of an official throughout their life is far less than that of a concubine in the imperial harem. Therefore, the higher her rank, the more her words could change the lives of many people, especially after Emperor Kangxi died.
Because in the author's view, Yinzhen was a filial son who would not refuse his mother's normal requests (?′ω`?).
Therefore, when she became Empress Dowager, the merit she gained from a single word or deed was far greater than what she could gain by fighting alone.
Okay, we've gotten a bit off-topic. Let's get back to the main point.
Emperor Kangxi said, "It's not that I don't want to make you Empress, but... I guess it's because I'm too strong-willed, and I'm afraid of you..."
Kangxi then added, "This time I will bestow upon you the title of Imperial Noble Consort, but I will have the Ministry of Rites conduct the Imperial Noble Consort conferment ceremony according to the standards for an Empress."
Emperor Kangxi said, "Although you are not my wife in name this time, you are truly my husband and wife."
Emperor Kangxi said, "I have long regarded you as my wife, the one I want to grow old with."
If Wanwan had heard Kangxi say this before she knew these things, she might have been genuinely happy, but now that happiness has become much less genuine.
Wanwan replied, "Your Majesty, I will obey your every command."
Kangxi heard Wanwan's self-reference and how she addressed him, but he didn't pay much attention. After all, what made him truly happy was that Wanwan had finally become his wife.
Kangxi said, "Good. The imperial edict will be sent to all the palaces tomorrow. This is a good thing."
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Jingren Palace
I, Your Majesty, believe that virtue and imperial grace originate from the palace. Your virtuous conduct will be recorded in history, and your exemplary conduct will serve as a model for the nation. I hereby bestow upon you, Imperial Noble Consort Wanyan, daughter of Grand Secretary Wanyan Honglie, of noble lineage and auspicious family ties. You have been diligent and frugal in your service, and filial in your household. Your virtues are as numerous as those of a cicada, and your conduct as virtuous and prudent. You have long been renowned for your virtue and are deserving of this grand honor. Therefore, I hereby, in accordance with Your Majesty's decree, hereby appoint you as Imperial Noble Consort, bestowing upon you the title of "Li" (俪). May you reverently accept this auspicious mandate, safeguard your health, and spread your virtuous influence throughout the land, further upholding your illustrious legacy. May your honor and prosperity be everlasting. Respectfully yours, Your Majesty.
The one who came to deliver the imperial edict this time was Minister Mingzhu. The Imperial Noble Consort was no ordinary person, so it was naturally impossible for a eunuch to deliver the edict.
Wanwan said, "Your Majesty, I accept the decree. Long live the Emperor!" After saying this, she stood up after receiving the decree.
Nalan Mingzhu congratulated the Imperial Noble Consort Li.
The Imperial Noble Consort herself did not have a title, but the Emperor chose the character "Li" as her title, which shows that the Emperor wanted to have a deep and loving relationship with the Imperial Noble Consort.
Wanwan murmured, "Listen to the rain."
Tingyu immediately presented the prepared gold leaf to Nalan Mingzhu. This gold leaf was exquisitely crafted and highly ornamental, so it was a gift that could be given to a minister.
Wanwan said, "Thank you, Lord Nalan. This gold leaf is naturally offered by me to Lord Nalan for tea. Please don't find it offensive, my lord."
Nalan Mingzhu replied, "Your Highness is too kind. This servant thanks Your Highness for the reward."
Nalan Mingzhu said, "In that case, this servant will go to Chengqian Palace to deliver the imperial decree. Your Majesty, please wait."
Wanwan said, "Listen to the wind, go see Lord Nalan off."
Turning to everyone at Jingren Palace, he said
"Today, Jingren Palace is filled with joy, and everyone in Jingren Palace will be rewarded with their monthly allowance for three months."
……………………………………………………………
Chengqian Palace
I, Your Majesty, have carefully observed the Five Virtues and the profound influence of the Gui River and Yu River, and the virtuous conduct of the Two Southern Dynasties and the Guan Ju River, which served as a model for the virtuous consorts. Drawing upon the ancient rites and customs, I hereby elevate you to the rank of Imperial Consort. Therefore, I hereby bestow upon you, Consort Tong, born into a distinguished family, who assists the inner court. You are gentle and kind, virtuous and upright, and have always upheld the highest standards of conduct. You diligently observe the laws of history and are diligent day and night. Your exemplary conduct is exemplified in the imperial robes, and your speech and demeanor are always measured. Now, by the benevolent decree of the Empress Dowager, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Noble Consort. May you illuminate the inner court, welcoming abundant blessings to the future. May you further cultivate your wifely virtues, ensuring the prosperity of your family for generations to come. Respectfully Your Majesty.
Consort Tong replied, "Your Majesty, I obey the decree. Long live the Emperor!"
The one who came to deliver the imperial decree to Consort Tong was also Nalan Mingzhu, after all, he and Suo'etu were both favored ministers of the emperor.
After some polite exchanges, he went to the Qianqing Palace to report back and announce the imperial decree.
I won't write about the imperial edicts for the other people, as they are not very important. The edicts for Wanwan and Consort Tong are more important, so I've only written about them.
Thus, the current structure of the imperial harem is as follows:
One Imperial Noble Consort: Wanyan
One Imperial Concubine: Tongjia Clan
The ranks of concubines include:
Consort An, née Li
Consort Hui, of the Nara clan
Consort Rong, of the Ma Jia clan
Consort Xi and Hesheli
And with benefactors always around, the answer becomes even less important.
When Guo Luoluo received the imperial decree, she was somewhat surprised to hear that she was not a concubine.
The Emperor had already promised to make her a concubine and even cleaned out the main hall of Yikun Palace, thinking that after the grand conferment of titles upon the six palaces, she could move directly into the main hall of Yikun Palace. But now... could it be that the Imperial Noble Consort is obstructing her?
Although Guo Luoluo was somewhat unhappy, she appeared cheerful on the surface, accepted the imperial decree, and expressed her gratitude.
And the most noteworthy one is Lady Uya, the future Consort De, who is currently only a concubine.
This wasn't because Wanwan had surpassed his rank, but because Kangxi had just confiscated the property of bondservants, so naturally he wouldn't give her a high rank.
They just casually bestowed upon him the title of "Consultant," which wasn't even as prestigious as the title "Virtue."
Then Uya agreed.
It must be said that Lady Wuya was indeed an indestructible cockroach. After giving birth to Yinzhen, she was on the verge of death, but she still managed to survive.
She has been living well for the past two years. Although Emperor Kangxi did not favor her much, she still managed to do better than the unfavored concubines in the palace because of her gentleness and attentiveness.
Upon receiving the imperial decree, she was merely granted the title of "Consort," which, though displeased, spurred her to greater action. Initially, she thought that since she had given birth to a child—though under the name of the Imperial Noble Consort—she was still her own flesh and blood, and would at least be granted the title of "Noble Lady." But she never expected…
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