Chapter 97: Conferred as Consort
In Jingren Palace, the Queen was extremely furious. Even now, she kept thinking about what the Emperor had just said to the Queen Mother in Shoukang Palace.
"This time, Wanpin gave birth to twins for me. This is a great joyous event. I must reward her well."
Ever since the Emperor learned that Zhen Huan had safely given birth to twins, his face was visibly happy, and even the noise of the ministers in the court every day sounded less irritating to him.
"That's natural, but I wonder what kind of reward the emperor wants to give her?"
The emperor's words were addressed to the empress dowager. Although the queen wanted to refute him, she knew very well that it would be of no benefit for her to have an unpleasant relationship with the emperor at this time.
"Your Majesty, I have made up my mind. The Nian family handled Prince Dun's matter very reliably. I have decided to promote Shilan to Noble Consort, and Wanpin to Wanfei."
After the matter of Prince Dun was dealt with, the emperor actually tentatively asked Nian Gengyao what kind of reward he wanted, but Nian Gengyao refused. He repeatedly stated that what he did was the duty of a subject, which made the emperor very happy.
Although the Nian family has handed over their military power, after all, they have been operating in the court for so many years that their influence has long been deeply rooted in the court, so the emperor actually does not want to give them any extra favors. Now that Nian Gengyao has taken the initiative to say such words, it is exactly what the emperor wants.
However, as a meritorious official in this matter, he could not really say nothing, even if it was just for other court officials to see. Therefore, the emperor thought that the best solution was to give the reward to Nian Shilan. In this way, the Nian family would not have any ideas, and the other court officials would not be disappointed.
"Wanpin is promoted to concubine? Your Majesty, isn't this a bit inappropriate? Wanpin has not been in the palace for very long. Isn't this a bit..."
After hearing what the emperor said, the queen finally couldn't hold back and spoke out. She knew how important Zhen Huan was in the emperor's heart, but she didn't expect it to be so important now.
The purpose of conferring the title of Imperial Concubine on Nian Shilan was just to pave the way for Zhen Huan. This way, everyone's attention would not be focused on Zhen Huan.
The Emperor really has good intentions towards Zhen Huan!
"Is there any difference in the Queen's arrangements for me?"
Although the words were spoken in a questioning tone, the emperor looked at the queen with a look of great majesty, and the emperor's aura instantly rushed towards the queen.
"How could that be? I am also happy for Wanpin."
After returning to Jingren Palace, the queen was still angry when she thought about this.
She was careless and did not deal with Zhen Huan when she first entered the palace, allowing her to grow up like this.
"Your Majesty, please take care of yourself. With so many new women entering the palace every year, the Emperor will eventually grow tired of her."
"Jianqiu, none of the women in the palace are easy to deal with. We must be even more cautious in the future."
The queen finally calmed down her anger. Now was not the time for her to be angry. She still had to think carefully about what to do next.
After what happened in Shoukang Palace, the Queen now sees clearly that the Queen Mother will not go against the Emperor's wishes too much, and she still has to rely on herself.
In fact, the empress dowager knew what the queen was thinking, but she also knew the queen's temperament very well. Many things that happened in the palace before were caused by the queen. No matter what, the empress dowager still had to consider the emperor's offspring. She just had to ensure that the position of queen was that of Ulanara.
The ceremony of conferring the title of consort was scheduled for the day after Zhen Huan returned to the palace. Seeing that there was not much time left, everyone in the palace was seizing the time to prepare everything.
"By the providence of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: Consort Hua Nian, gentle and virtuous since entering the palace, possesses both talent and virtue, and is respectful and prudent. In compliance with the benevolent order of the Empress Dowager, I appoint her as Noble Consort Hua. This is my decree."
"I thank the Emperor for his great grace and the Empress Dowager for her kindness."
After receiving the imperial edict, Concubine Hua did not have much feeling in her mind. She just asked Songzhi to quickly give money to the eunuch who came to deliver the edict.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty! This is the first imperial concubine since the Emperor ascended the throne."
After her father-in-law left, Nian Shilan stood up and walked to the court robes sent by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. She carefully stroked the patterns on it, with a sarcastic smile on her lips.
In his previous life, it was this court dress that cost his family their lives. At that time, the emperor first sent him the court dress of the imperial concubine to test him, and later directly issued an imperial decree to appoint him as the concubine. Because of this, his suspicion of the Nian family grew deeper and deeper.
Now, in her new life, the imperial concubine's court dress was placed before her again. However, unlike in her previous life, this time, she knew very well that this imperial concubine was the emperor's consolation to her Nian family, only because her brother did not make any demands after successfully putting an end to Prince Dun's rebellion.
"My lady, are you unhappy?"
Songzhi seemed to see that Nian Shilan was upset, and she asked in confusion.
"It's okay, Songzhi, you don't have to worry, I'm fine."
The news that Nian Shilan was named a noble concubine spread throughout the harem in an instant, and Chen Meizhuang came to congratulate her as soon as possible.
"Congratulations, Concubine Hua. I'll have to ask for your advice in the future."
Chen Meizhuang teased Nian Shilan with a smile.
Looking at her sisters who were acting as usual in front of her, Nian Shilan felt relieved. She always told herself that her past life was a thing of the past and she couldn't dwell on it all day. However, many things often reminded her how painful the previous lessons were. Fortunately, she had so many good sisters by her side in this life.
"I heard Huan'er has also been named Consort Wan, but the Emperor's edict hasn't been sent to Penglai Island yet. I guess the Emperor wants to wait for her to return and tell her the news in person."
“Sister Shen, do you feel lost in your heart?”
Nian Shilan looked at Shen Meizhuang seriously. In the future, Zhen Huan's status would only get higher and higher, even more noble than her as the imperial concubine. She didn't want any rift to arise between the sisters.
"You're joking, Madam. I never cared about these things. Besides, this is Huan'er. I hope she lives a good life. Besides, the higher your status, the better it will be for me."
Chen Meizhuang knew what Nian Shilan was worried about, and she smiled gently. These were not her thoughts at all, and what she said was right. The higher Zhen Huan's status, the more she could protect everyone, which was a good thing anyway.
"It's great that you think so. From now on, we sisters must be more united."
Concubine Hua held Jinghe in her arms and kept teasing her. The Nian family now was different from the previous life, and she felt less worried.
"Huan'er will be back soon. I haven't seen her for so long, and I still can't let her go. Even though I know she's doing well there, I still have a lot of thoughts about her."
Shen Meizhuang will be able to see Zhen Huan in a few days, and she is looking forward to it.
"Yes, I have never seen twins before. When sister Wan comes back, I will definitely take a good look at them."
Concubine Duan and Wen Yi happened to come to Yiku Palace to congratulate Nian Shilan. They happened to hear what Chen Meizhuang said and walked into the house with a smile on their faces.
"Oh, our little Princess Wen Yi is here. Come quickly and let Mother Hua take a good look at her."
Nian Shilan waved to Wen Yi.
Now Wen Yi is raised more delicately by Concubine Duan, and her temperament is much more lively than before.
"Mother Hua, I'm going to go see my younger brothers and sisters after Mother Wan comes back. Can I bring Jinghe and Shuhe with me?"
"Okay, okay, okay, let's do whatever Wen Yi says."
Nian Shilan looked at the child lovingly. Although she had no children of her own in this life, she felt very happy now.
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