Chapter 172 The Cannon Fodder Concubine in the Harem—Promotion

Even though he barely slept a wink all night, Emperor Jingping felt incredibly energetic and didn't feel tired at all.

When it was time to wake the emperor for court, the eunuch Wang Bao lowered his eyes and, with palace maids behind him, tiptoed into the room.

The bed curtains completely concealed the people inside. Emperor Jingping gestured for the people who had entered to remain silent, and no one dared to disobey the emperor's wishes.

After the palace maids carefully and quickly helped the emperor dress, Emperor Jingping glanced at the bed curtains, picked up a small box from the table, and left.

Since the late Empress has passed away and there is currently no new Empress, the concubines do not need to get up early to pay their respects. They only need to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager on the first and fifteenth of each month.

After the court session, Emperor Jingping first handed the medicine to the leader of the Imperial Guards, ordering him to send someone on horseback to the frontier to give the medicine to Wu Feng.

"Wang Bao, go to Qinyuan Palace later to announce the imperial decree, promoting Consort Xu to the rank of Jieyu and bestowing upon her the title of Jia. Also, go to my private treasury and select a few bolts of silk from the tribute from Jiangnan this year, as well as the glass lamps from the tribute from Wu Kingdom. Also, pack a hundred taels of gold in a box. Oh, and also select a few beautiful pieces of jewelry and send them to Consort Jia."

The emperor sat on the dragon throne, reviewing memorials as he gave instructions.

"Your Majesty, isn't this...a bit too much?" Wang Bao asked, somewhat surprised. He knew that the Emperor was very fond of Consort Jia, after all, His Majesty's actions last night proved that, but such a reward was far too generous.

"Is that enough? If Wu Feng can truly emerge unharmed, I feel it's not enough!" the emperor said with a smile.

"Yes, Your Majesty is wise," Wang Bao replied hastily. He secretly sighed in his heart, thinking how fortunate Consort Jia was to receive such favor from the Emperor.

Wang Bao arrived at Qinyuan Palace with the imperial edict and rewards. This was Wang Bao's first time here. Looking at the remote and small courtyard, he was filled with emotion. Who could have imagined that Jia Jieyu, who lived here, would have such great fortune!

When Wang Bao met Consort Jia, he respectfully handed her the imperial edict and conveyed the emperor's decree to her.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor!" Yao Yao excitedly accepted the imperial edict, kneeling and kowtowing in gratitude. She hadn't expected the Emperor to actually keep his word, and that her rank would be directly promoted from a seventh-rank concubine to a third-rank lady!

Emperor Jingping was far too generous!

Afterwards, Wang Bao presented Yao Yao with various rewards. Yao Yao looked at the precious gifts, her eyes sparkling with joy.

The glittering gold is dazzling!

"Thank you, sir. Please convey my thanks to His Majesty," Yao Yao said excitedly.

"Your Highness, you are too kind. This is His Majesty's favor upon you; you should cherish it," Wang Bao said with a smile.

Yao Yao nodded firmly. Of course she knew she had to cherish the emperor's favor. Her goal was not only to be favored, but also to be loved!

Hongguo slipped some silver to Wang Bao, and soon after, Wang Bao left with the eunuch.

After dismissing the palace maids around her, Yaoyao took Hongguo to her storeroom and immersed herself in admiring the imperial gift.

News spread quickly in the harem. For someone like Yaoyao, who had only served the emperor for one night, her rank had been promoted four levels—this was unprecedented! This caused an uproar among everyone in the harem!

The sound of shattering echoed through the palace once more.

Now, the new concubines who hadn't yet served the emperor were filled with hope, anticipating that they would be the next to receive his favor. Meanwhile, the higher-ranking concubines were filled with anger. They never imagined that the newcomer they had looked down upon would be so beloved by the emperor, and they feared that one day, Xu Yaoyao would surpass them!

As long as the harem is without a ruler, people's hearts will not be at peace. Every ambitious person wants to sit in the highest position!

*

For several days in a row, Emperor Jingping rested alone in the front hall and did not enter the inner palace again. The turmoil caused by Yaoyao's promotion subsided during these days.

The old women in the harem found temporary comfort. Look, the emperor is still engrossed in state affairs and not particularly interested in women. Fortunately, the balance in the harem has not been broken.

The newcomers to the harem were somewhat disappointed. They had thought that after the emperor began to frequent the harem and favored Consort Jia for two days, it would be their turn, but it wasn't.

Newlyweds always liked to brave the cold wind to go to the Imperial Garden, hoping to see the Emperor, but they were disappointed time and time again.

Emperor Jingping was unaware that he didn't have enough time each day to deal with various tedious political affairs, let alone take a stroll in the Imperial Garden.

In the afternoon, just as Emperor Jingping was about to take a nap, a guard outside announced an urgent report from the border. Emperor Jingping's heart skipped a beat, fearing it was bad news.

Wang Bao took the letter from the guard and presented it to Emperor Jingping with both hands.

After receiving the letter, Emperor Jingping closed his eyes and pondered for a while before opening his deep eyes, silently opening the envelope, and reading the entire contents at a glance.

"Good, good, good!" Emperor Jingping shouted three times after reading it. He completely lost his previous calm and composure, and was full of vigor and smiles.

Upon seeing Emperor Jingping's actions, Wang Bao immediately knelt down and said happily, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

Wang Bao always thought that Consort Wan was a lucky woman. Look at her now, she's a great general who saved the emperor. Her good fortune is yet to come!

Emperor Jingping: "Rise, this is indeed something to celebrate!"

The letter begins with General Wu Feng's gratitude to Emperor Jingping. The general, who usually dislikes flattery, actually wrote a whole page to thank the emperor for saving his life.

Emperor Jingping couldn't help but chuckle. The one who should be thanking him was not him, but his Consort Jia.

The letter stated that the antidote was delivered that very night, and the accompanying physician immediately gave it to General Wu Feng. There were no abnormalities that night, and when the sun rose the next day, Wu Feng woke up, full of energy, with a rosy complexion and a radiant spirit. He did not look like someone who had woken up from a poisoning coma at all, but rather like someone who had woken up after a good night's sleep.

The accompanying imperial physician suggested at the end that if the emperor had any more such antidotes, he hoped that the medicine could be given to the Imperial Medical Academy for research, as such a good medicine should not be buried.

Emperor Jingping looked helplessly at the last suggestion in the letter. He also wanted to produce more of this medicine, but he knew that Consort Jia only had one antidote pill left.

Although he was an emperor, he was not an autocrat, nor would he force anyone to do anything against their will.

Emperor Jingping rubbed his throbbing temples. He would ask Consort Jia's opinion tonight.

"Wang Bao, go and compile a list of the Yangzhou prefect's achievements," Emperor Jingping ordered in a deep voice.

"Yes." Wang Bao acknowledged the order and withdrew. Look! Consort Wan is so lucky!

Xu Chonglou served in Yangzhou for five years without causing any major trouble, so he was eligible to be transferred back to the capital. This would give Jia Jieyu a chance to see her family again.

Such a spoiled and tearful girl must be very sad to leave her hometown and come to the capital. Oh well, let's just consider it a surprise for her.

Emperor Jingping could already imagine Yaoyao's expression after learning about this; she must have been jumping around, laughing and crying at the same time.

As the sun slowly set, its afterglow illuminated the dignified and grand palace, eunuchs from various palaces hurried to the kitchen to fetch food.

Emperor Jingping finished his dinner in the front hall and intended to continue reading for a while, but suddenly remembered the letter from that morning. Looking at Wang Bao, who was standing diligently beside him, he put down his book, got up and walked towards the door. Wang Bao came to his senses and quickly jogged after him.

The sky was still somewhat bright when Wang Bao, who was a step behind Emperor Jingping, suddenly heard Emperor Jingping's voice from ahead.

"Is Qinyuan Palace located in a very remote area?" At this moment, there were only the two of them on the road. Wang Bao's eyes darted around, and he instantly understood what the emperor meant.

"Your Majesty, the location of Qinyuan Palace is quite acceptable. Shall I take you there to have a look?" Wang Bao thoughtfully offered Emperor Jingping's suggestion.

"Hmm, lead the way," Emperor Jingping said calmly, standing there without moving. Wang Bao stepped forward to lead the way for Emperor Jingping.

At this moment, Qinyuan Palace was quiet. Lanterns had been hung on the porch. Because her rank had been promoted to Jieyu, the Imperial Household Department had sent four eunuchs and palace maids.

The newly arrived eunuch stood guard outside the gate, while some of the palace maids were clearing away dishes and others were boiling water in preparation.

Yaoyao ate too much for dinner, so she took Hongguo for a slow walk in the yard to digest.

Yao Yao has been in a great mood these past few days. Besides the fact that she got promoted, what makes her happiest is that she can eat all kinds of delicious food every day!

*

Emperor Jingping's expression remained grim throughout the journey. The further they traveled, the more remote the area became, and the more weeds grew along the way. Was this acceptable?

Emperor Jingping had not informed anyone before his arrival, so when he stood outside the gate of Qinyuan Palace with a gloomy expression, the two eunuchs who were about to close the gate were so frightened that they knelt down with a thud, the sound of which was painful.

The noise at the door caught Yao Yao's attention. At that moment, Yao Yao was about to go to the bathroom to wash up.

Yao Yao led Hong Guo toward the main gate and saw Emperor Jingping approaching. Yao Yao's eyes were filled with surprise.

Emperor Jingping, dressed in a purple brocade robe with auspicious dragons, stood there tall and upright, his face looking rather unwell. Yaoyao didn't dare to run over and act coquettishly; instead, she stepped forward and respectfully bowed to the emperor.

Emperor Jingping looked at the person bowing before him, a hint of unease in his beautiful eyes. He quickly adjusted his expression, trying to appear more approachable.

"Rise," Emperor Jingping said to the kneeling palace servants, then helped Yaoyao up, took her small hand in his large hand, and walked into the room.

Yao Yao looked up at the emperor, who was much taller than her. His superior jawline was as smooth as a line, his thin lips were pressed into a straight line, his nose was high and straight, and his features were three-dimensional. Everything about him was so perfect.

Yao Yao was overjoyed. She lowered her head, her free hand holding Emperor Jingping's arm, while her other hand slightly broke free, and then her fingers were intertwined and held together instead of being held by Emperor Jingping.

From the courtyard to the house, it's just a few steps, but Yao Yao kept peeking, hugging his arm, and holding his hand. Emperor Jingping slightly curled his lips, thinking to himself: This little clingy thing really can't be separated from me for a moment, always wanting to stick by my side.

"Do you really like sticking to my side that much?" Emperor Jingping sat on a round stool in the inner room, teasing Yaoyao who was sitting on his lap.

"Mmm, Your Majesty, I want to stay by your side every day. It makes me feel very safe and warm, and I don't feel cold at night," Yaoyao murmured, nestled in Emperor Jingping's arms.

Upon hearing that it was for warmth, Emperor Jingping lightly patted her bottom, feigning anger, and said, "So you're treating me like someone to keep you warm?"

Yao Yao's ears turned bright red. Her true thoughts had been revealed by Emperor Jingping. She was a little embarrassed and snuggled against the emperor in his arms, saying coquettishly, "I always wake up cold at night. I can't sleep well at night when you're not here."

That's the truth. Yaoyao can't keep her bed warm. Even if there's a charcoal fire in the room, she'll still wake up cold in the middle of the night and has to curl up to sleep, which is very uncomfortable.

Emperor Jingping chuckled. This little thing really knew how to seize an opportunity. He lowered his head and whispered in Yaoyao's ear, deliberately lowering his voice: "Then how about I sleep with you every day from now on?"

Yao Yao felt that the Emperor was seducing her!

Yao Yao was also captivated. Her ears went numb, and her body trembled at the deep voice. She then climbed her hands onto Emperor Jingping's neck and pressed her alluring lips to the emperor's face.

The sound of a "snap" was unusually loud in the quiet room.

After the kiss, Yaoyao immediately nestled into the Emperor's arms like a quail, pretending to be silly.

Emperor Jingping was stunned by Yaoyao's series of actions, but he quickly realized what was happening and chuckled softly. Yaoyao became even more embarrassed after hearing this.

Suddenly, Emperor Jingping remembered the purpose of his visit, having been so captivated by Yaoyao that he almost forgot.

"My beloved concubine, do you know that you have rendered meritorious service!" Emperor Jingping said in a low voice, his dark eyes fixed on Yaoyao.

Yao Yao was somewhat puzzled and asked in confusion, "Your Majesty, when did I perform any meritorious service? How come I didn't know?"

Emperor Jingping raised his hand and rubbed her ear, explaining affectionately, "The pills you gave me were used to poison General Wu on the frontier, who almost lost his life. Fortunately, you gave me the pills, and I had them sent to the frontier for him to take. The imperial physician said that Wu Feng is now out of danger."

Yao Yao stared wide-eyed in surprise and exclaimed in shock, "So, I really did achieve something!"

"Then General Wu should thank Your Majesty even more. Without Your Majesty, my pills would not have been able to be delivered."

"But then, His Majesty will have no pills left!"

As Emperor Jingping listened to the soft words spoken by the person on his body, he was inexplicably moved when he heard the last sentence.

Emperor Jingping smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'm fine and don't need any pills."

Yao Yao didn't reply, but her eyes darted around as if she had thought of a good idea. Her bright eyes fixed on the emperor, she said happily:

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, since that antidote pill is so effective, I wish to give you the one I have on me. Please have the imperial physicians see if they can make one based on the finished product. That way, Your Majesty will have one, and I will have one too, and we can save even more people!"

A tremendous storm surged within Emperor Jingping's heart. The beauty before him seemed to know everything he was thinking, as if she could read his mind.

But looking into those clear and innocent eyes, Emperor Jingping realized he had been overthinking things; she was simply kind and innocent.

Emperor Jingping scooped Yaoyao up in his arms and said affectionately, "On behalf of all the people of the world, I thank you. Yaoyao, you are wonderful!"

This was the first time Emperor Jingping called Yaoyao by her maiden name.

Yaoyao said shyly, "Your Majesty, you're welcome. I love it when you call me by my name."

Emperor Jingping laughed loudly, "Good! From now on, I will call you by your name!"

After saying this, Emperor Jingping picked up Yaoyao and the two went to the bathroom to wash up, spilling water all over the floor.

None of the palace servants in Qinyuan Palace were asleep.

The water keeps boiling...