The palace banquet was nothing more than eating, drinking, and various performances. Just as a dance ended, the girl's voice was heard, drawing the attention of all the ministers and their families who were still chatting.

"Get up, good child! The Emperor and I wanted to hear your singing, so the Emperor summoned you here!"

Harigana also believed that the Empress Dowager was just making things up. After all, although she hadn't heard clearly just now, she was certain that this person was the Borjigit who looked very similar to her after he got closer!

She trusted Kangxi, but Kangxi was filled with unease. Before the Empress Dowager could finish speaking, she looked at Harigana, and their eyes met.

I believe in you!

Harigana looked at Kangxi, silently uttered three words, and then smiled.

Emperor Kangxi understood those three words, and only then did he feel relieved.

The interaction between the two was witnessed by many people. Kangxi did not hide it, and personally placed the fruit on the table in front of her, patted her hand, and then turned his head away.

Harigana did not expect Kangxi to be so bold, but she felt that this was to establish her authority. Although she might become the target of public criticism, it would also deter many people with ulterior motives.

There are advantages and disadvantages to every option, so the two of them chose the one that was most comfortable for them.

"Okay, let's go with that song, 'The Vast Grassland'!"

The Empress Dowager was in high spirits. After selecting a song, she leaned back in her chair and waited for Borjigit Manau's performance.

Everyone present was shrewd; how could they not understand the implications?

Harigana was naturally unaware of this, but aside from the people she brought, everyone wanted to see whose concubine His Majesty would choose tonight. The Emperor had been away on a tour of the border for almost three months, and the first person to serve him upon his return would undoubtedly be the one he favored most.

They never considered Harigana, after all, she had come with the Emperor, and they figured he would definitely want to try something different.

Now that we see the Empress Dowager summoning Borjigit, isn't it just to leave an impression on the Emperor?

"Yes! I obey!"

To be honest, Borjigit Manau really has a beautiful singing voice. Although I don't know if she had discussed it with the Empress Dowager beforehand, her singing is truly excellent.

"Jiaojiao, don't you like it? Listen to it carefully!"

Looking at Harigana, Kangxi turned slightly to the side and whispered something in her ear.

"Okay, I'm listening to you. Sit down properly!"

Harigana nudged him quietly. Knowing full well that her ears were very sensitive, he still managed to seduce her with his favorite voice in such a setting. It was really too much!

"Okay! I'll listen to Jiaojiao!"

Because he had just returned to the palace and some court officials had toasted him, Emperor Kangxi was somewhat tipsy, which is why he wanted to get closer to Harigana.

Although the two were speaking very softly, Tongjia still managed to catch them.

Overwhelmed with mixed feelings, she had never seen an emperor like this before.

Jiaojiao, is that the name of that vile woman, or was it given to her by the Emperor?

So the Emperor truly never loved her. During those days when she thought she was favored, Kangxi mostly referred to her as just his cousin. Never before had he called her "Jiaojiao" so softly and gently!

The Empress Dowager did indeed have her own plans. Harigana was already pregnant, so naturally she could not serve the Emperor.

Although Kangxi kept saying he wouldn't take anyone else but her, what if? Besides, this agate looks very similar to that woman from Borchijin; she just wanted to give it a try.

"reward!"

When the song ended, Bumbutai thought that Kangxi would at least be attracted by his similar appearance, but instead, he was either talking to Borchijin or turning around to instruct Li Dequan on something, without ever glancing at him once.

So after Borjigit Manau finished singing, the Grand Empress Dowager spoke first, followed by the Empress Dowager.

"Li Dequan, reward him!"

Emperor Kangxi's taciturn nature caused Borjigit Manau to lose face. Even the Empress Dowager almost couldn't hold back, barely managing to suppress her displeasure.

Now, no one dared to offend the Emperor. Especially those officials who had hoped to use the palace banquet to make their daughters look good—they all abandoned their schemes. After all, if they weren't favored, they'd be spending their lives in seclusion!

Fortunately, the draft is next year, so they can make plans then. It's only a matter of six months later, and they can afford to wait.

Just when everyone thought the matter was over, Li Dequan took out two golden imperial edicts from his pocket.

"The Emperor has decreed!"

Not to mention the Empress Dowager, even Harigana glanced at Kangxi with a puzzled look, but still knelt down with everyone else.

Kangxi reached out to help the man up, but seeing Harigana already kneeling on the ground, he could only clench his fingers and pull back.

By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:

Consort Tong of the Tongjia clan is granted the title of Jin; Consort Hui of the Nara clan is promoted to Consort Hui; Consort Rong of the Magia clan is promoted to Consort Rong; Consort Yi of the Guoluo clan is promoted to Consort Yi; Consort De of the Uya clan is promoted to Consort De; all those below the rank of Noble Lady are promoted; Noble Ladies are granted titles; Noble Ladies of Liang are promoted to Consort Liang; and Noble Ladies of Borjigit Manau are promoted to Consort. This is by imperial decree!

A simple imperial edict was issued, and all those who were due for promotion were promoted.

Everyone except for Tongjia was delighted.

"Consort Chen, heed the imperial decree!"

Harigana quickly replied, "Your Majesty, I obey!"

Everyone was already curious about why Lady Tongjia hadn't been promoted to Imperial Noble Consort, and now that they saw that the Empress had received a separate imperial edict, everyone's hearts were in their throats.

The Empress Dowager wanted to say something, but the Empress Dowager held her hand down, and she remained silent with a dark face.

By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:

"I, the Emperor, deem her a model of virtue and the head of the six palaces. Therefore, in accordance with established rites, I hereby elevate her to a higher rank. She possesses both virtue and beauty, is of a virtuous and gentle nature, and assists in the administration of the inner palace, deeply winning my favor. Therefore, I hereby bestow upon her the title of Kang, and hereby confer upon her the title of Noble Consort, granting her residence in the Qingxi Palace. This is my decree!"

Many people don't actually know that the palace where Harigana is currently staying is called Qingxi Palace, and the plaque was only hung up before Emperor Kangxi and his entourage entered Beijing!

This was also Li Dequan's intention after consulting with Emperor Kangxi, to prevent anyone from using this matter to cause trouble. Now that it has been posted, even if they wanted to criticize it, it would be impossible!

So, upon hearing this title and seeing that palace, they truly believed that this Mongolian concubine was extremely favored. There was even a glimmer of hope that it might be something they didn't want to anticipate!

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor! Long live the Emperor!"

Little Li received the imperial edict first, so Kangxi readily helped the man up.

"Get up, all of you!"

Kangxi's voice sounded pleasant, and when they got up and saw the two of them holding hands, they instantly thought of the scene at the palace gate that morning.