Chapter 9 Consort Hui is finally promoted in rank.
Consort Hesheli has not been doing well lately.
After she began to show signs of falling out of favor, the Imperial Household Department began to neglect her. In the past, she never had to ask for ice in the Chuxiu Palace during the summer.
But now things are different.
She only needed ice during the hottest part of the day.
Feeling the stickiness on her back, Consort Hesheli's anger flared even higher. "The Imperial Household Department is simply going too far!"
Although, this is the ice cube in a normal portion for a princess.
But since Consort Hesheli was previously quite favored.
The people in the Imperial Household Department may not be good at other things, but they are absolutely competent, even overly competent, when it comes to currying favor with the imperial concubine.
The palace maid beside her also looked displeased.
Knowing that her mistress disliked Consort Guo Luoluo, she looked disdainful and said, "The Imperial Household Department has always been one to fawn over the powerful and trample on the weak. When Consort Guo Luoluo fell out of favor, they hid away as fast as they could, but now that she's back in favor, they're eagerly clinging to her again."
"However, Consort Guoluo is also stubborn. Even after being humiliated like this, she just pretends that nothing has happened."
Although the truth may not be as they say, they don't care what the truth is; they just want to say something.
Consort Hesheli said a few words symbolically, "Alright, she is, after all, a junior consort, how can she compare to a lowly princess like me?"
However, this can't go on forever.
She didn't want to live like this forever.
"Let's think of a way to regain favor."
When the matter was brought up, the master and servant exchanged a glance and sighed simultaneously.
Gaining favor is not such a simple matter.
After much deliberation, Consort Hesheli had a sudden inspiration—she would seek refuge with Consort Niohuru.
There are only two high-ranking concubines, and Consort Tong certainly wouldn't help her.
Only Consort Niohuru had palace power, and the Emperor gave her some face.
Even if she can't regain favor, with Consort Niohuru's protection, her life will be a little easier.
After discussing it for a while, the master and servant felt that the idea was more and more feasible, and they couldn't wait to go to Consort Niohuru to show their loyalty.
With hopeful expectations for the future, Consort Hesheli drifted off to sleep.
Early the next morning, she brought the gifts she had carefully prepared to pay her respects to Consort Niohuru.
"This humble concubine greets Consort Niohuru, may Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
"Get up."
Consort Niohuru was somewhat curious about the purpose of Consort Hesheli's visit.
As far as she knew, Consort Hesheli had been behaving herself these days and hadn't had any conflicts with the other concubines.
Consort Hesheli smiled shyly, "I recently acquired some fine silk thread, and thought I would embroider a handkerchief and make a purse for Your Majesty as a token of my affection. I hope Your Majesty will not find it offensive."
She also has a quick wit.
Knowing that Consort Niohuru was born into a wealthy family, they probably wouldn't have been interested in her small amount of possessions.
At this point, only sincerity can make up for it.
Should I give her a handkerchief and a purse?
Consort Niohuru was unusually surprised.
Even Granny Wu looked at Consort Hesheli with a strange expression.
What is this young lady thinking?
If you want to win the emperor's favor, you should focus your efforts on the emperor himself.
Besides, their master has skilled maids who are good at needlework, so there's no need for concubines to send him purses.
"This is a small token of my appreciation, Your Majesty. Please accept it."
Consort Niohuru looked at Consort Hesheli, still not quite understanding what she was thinking.
But she never uses things of dubious origin.
"I appreciate your kind intentions, but there's no need to send you any more handkerchiefs and purses."
Consort Niohuru refused a offer of allegiance.
Consort Hesheli was not someone who couldn't read the room.
Seeing that Consort Niohuru insisted on not accepting it, she also put away the handkerchief and purse.
It wasn't easy for her to embroider these.
This can be used again when presented to the Emperor next time.
However, Consort Hesheli possessed a certain resilience.
He would visit Consort Niohuru's palace every day to pay his respects, and would occasionally bring small gifts.
Seeing that she was well-behaved and didn't cause trouble, Consort Niohuru turned a blind eye and let her be.
-
Life went on uneventfully, and before we knew it, it was August.
The emperor was caught off guard and rewrote the harem system.
Empress, Imperial Noble Consort, Noble Consort, Consort, Concubine, Noble Lady, Attendant, Lady-in-Waiting, Palace Maid.
The hierarchical system was strict, and only the concubines were the principal wives of the palace and had the right to raise their children personally.
In an instant, the imperial harem was like hot water splashed into a pot of oil, causing a great uproar.
"Is His Majesty about to bestow titles and honors upon the harem?"
"That's right! We've endured so many years as princesses, and finally there's hope!"
"Do you think I can be promoted to the rank of Noble Lady? Although my family isn't exactly a prominent one, I've been in the palace for three years now..."
It's heartbreaking to think that the Emperor was quite stingy with ranks, leaving a large number of concubines stuck at the rank of Gege (a low-ranking concubine), while they were eager to rise in rank.
To put it jokingly, there's absolutely huge potential for advancement.
Inside Jingren Palace, Consort Niohuru remained as steady as Mount Tai.
She was sitting in front of her dressing table, having Granny Wu comb her hair, and asked calmly, "How are the preparations for the auspicious attire going with the Imperial Household Department?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, it's already being made," said Granny Wu with a smile as she inserted a hairpin into her hair. "The Emperor has already discussed the matter of bestowing titles with Your Majesty. Your Majesty is set to become Empress, Consort Tong will be promoted to Imperial Noble Consort, and the titles of the others have also been decided. Your Majesty, there's no need to rush."
Consort Niohuru smiled faintly and said nothing more.
Apart from her, the Emperor had not revealed the specific title to anyone else, so the liveliness in the harem would continue for a few more days.
Yunyun remained calm.
She's destined for the rank of concubine.
Lingzhi, however, seemed a little anxious: "Your Highness, recently many concubines have been sending sweet soup to the Qianqing Palace. Should we send some too?"
Although the emperor might not actually eat those sweet soups.
"No need," Yunyun comforted Lingzhi. "The closer we get to this point, the less we should rush. The Emperor must have already made his decision. We just need to wait for his decree."
Seeing her master looking so calm and collected, Lingzhi was no longer in a hurry.
"Your Highness has already made up your mind, so I won't say any more."
-
Chengqian Palace.
Consort Tong was fiddling with the newly delivered roses from the flower shop when she asked, "Have you found out? Is this true?"
Although the emperor established a new system for the imperial harem, he did not give a definite answer on the specifics.
It just so happens that Consort Tong also has some connections in the Imperial Household Department, all left behind by her aunt, Empress Xiaokangzhang.
Chunzhi served tea with a cup in hand. “Your Majesty, our people at the Imperial Household Department said that the fabric for the auspicious robes has already been sent over, and the embroiderers have already started working on it. It seems that they are really going to bestow titles upon the imperial harem.”
Consort Tong seemed to be deep in thought, "Whose concubine did the Emperor choose today?"
“The Emperor didn’t choose a concubine today; he said he’s resting in the Qianqing Palace,” Chunzhi shook her head.
Consort Tong understood.
The emperor was so annoyed by the thoughts and intentions of his concubines that he deliberately avoided them.
-
As the concubines eagerly awaited the imperial decree, the investiture was finally issued.
After seeing off the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree, Lingzhi and Fuling were both beaming with joy.
"Your Highness! No, Your Majesty! You are now Consort Hui, and the head of Yanxi Palace! This is an incredibly joyous occasion!"
Lingzhi was incredibly excited.
The transition from Noble Lady to Consort is like climbing a mountain; the position of the head of a palace finally makes one a legitimate mistress in the harem.
The palace maids and eunuchs serving in the hall also gathered around, kneeling on the ground in unison, their voices loud and clear.
Congratulations, Consort Hui! Congratulations, Consort Hui! May Consort Hui enjoy boundless blessings and peace!
Everyone's face was beaming with genuine smiles.
When their master is promoted, those who serve him can also benefit, and they can hold their heads higher when they walk in the palace.
Infected by their joy, Yunyun also smiled and generously joined in.
"Rise, all of you. Today is a special day for me and for our Yanxi Palace. By my order, everyone in the palace will receive three months' wages. Let's all be happy together."
Only the ruler of the first house can refer to himself as "this house".
From now on, Yanxi Palace will be her territory.
The wedding dress was beautiful, but it was a bit heavy. She felt her scalp being pulled tightly and was worried she would go bald.
Sitting in front of the mirror, watching Fuling skillfully remove her hairpins and jewelry, Yunyun suddenly asked, "By the way, how's the investigation into keeping an eye on the palace maids going?"
According to the newly established regulations for the imperial harem, a concubine could be accompanied by six palace maids, divided into two of each of the first, second, and third ranks.
She already had four palace maids, including Lingzhi and Fuling, by her side. The Imperial Household Department would send two more maids later, and according to the rules, the newly appointed maids would start from the third rank.
Even a second-class palace maid was considered someone who was quite close to the person.
However, she had been seriously ill before, and one of the palace maids had made some unusual moves.
She then instructed Fuling and Lingzhi to keep an eye on the palace maid to see if she wanted to climb the social ladder or if she had someone backing her.
When the first prince died young, although it was said to be due to his poor health, the original owner always felt that something was wrong.
Lingzhi was overjoyed to see that her master had finally remembered this matter. "Master, there was nothing unusual about Baizhu. However, when you were seriously ill, Maidong thought we were all in a panic, so she secretly went to the Imperial Garden."
Yun Jun lowered her eyes.
“Find a fault, demote her to a third-class palace maid, and don’t give her any personal service. Arrange for her to sweep and clean outside the palace.”
Although she feels more at ease when things are under her watchful eye, she wouldn't leave any potential threats to her safety.
——
Hearing the joyful sounds coming from ahead, Consort Nara found them extremely grating.
"How could someone be a benefactor?"
She silently shed tears.
Only those in the first palace position can raise their children by their side. Now that she is only a noble person, her children can only be raised in Zhaoxiang's residence.
Consort Nara suddenly grabbed Bai Lan's hand, her knuckles turning white from the force, a glimmer of hope still lingering in her eyes.
What if she's not the only one like this?
What if this conferment process is very strict, and many people only get promoted one level?
"Go, go and check what ranks the other concubines have been given," Consort Nara thought with a glimmer of hope.
Bai Lan quickly agreed and strode out of the palace gate.
The inner palace was the most well-informed place. As soon as the eunuch delivering the imperial decree finished his rounds, the ranks of each palace were spread among the maids and eunuchs as if they had grown wings.
Before half an incense stick had burned, Bai Lan returned, lifting the curtain.
She looked at Consort Nara with some concern, and spoke very softly.
"My lady, the news has spread throughout all the palaces."
"Consort Niohuru is conferred the title of Empress, Consort Tong is promoted to Noble Consort, and the remaining consorts, in the order of the imperial decree, are: Consort Li is conferred the title of Consort An, Consort Wang Jia is consort Jing, Consort Dong is consort Duan, Consort Ma Jia is consort Rong, Consort Nara is consort Hui, Consort Guo Luoluo is consort Yi, Consort Hesheli is consort Xi, and you and Consort Zhang are conferred the title of Noble Lady."
The order of concubine ranks was arranged according to family background, offspring, and favor with the emperor, making it easy to understand at a glance.
"Even though Lady Dong only gave birth to a daughter, she was still granted the title of Consort Duan. I have a son, so what is it about me that I can't compare to them!"
Consort Nara cried very sadly. Even in her own room, she didn't care about how beautiful she looked crying, her face streaked with tears.
This incident was a huge blow to her.
As if remembering something, she grasped Bai Lan's hand, her voice trembling with fear, "Bai Lan, tell me... has the Emperor truly abandoned me?"
Even Hesheli, who was confined to her quarters along with her, became Consort Xi.
How come she's the only one considered a benefactor?
She only said one wrong thing.
The Emperor is truly heartless.
The more she thought about it, the more heartbroken she became, and Consort Nara wept bitterly.
Bai Lan quickly dissuaded her, "My lady, please don't cry. If you cry any longer, your eyes will swell up and you won't be able to open them. Tomorrow we still have to go to Kunning Palace to pay our respects to the Empress. The Empress has just been conferred her title, so we can't be impolite. I'll go find you some ice to put on your eyes, so you can at least look presentable tomorrow."
When the topic of paying respects to the Empress came up, Consort Nara's sobs gradually subsided.
She was concerned about her image and didn't want the other concubines to see that she had cried and then laugh at her.
She sniffed and let Bai Lan bring her ice cubes, wrap them in a handkerchief, and apply them to her eyes.
He muttered to himself, "From now on, I will be extremely careful with my words and actions once I leave Yanxi Palace."
She initially thought being confined to her quarters was no big deal, but when it came to her rank, she realized the Emperor was truly angry with her.
You can learn something in one go.
She has learned her lesson for saying the wrong thing.
She would never mention the other concubines in front of the Emperor again.
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