Chapter 23 Promotion to Lady-in-Waiting
This resounding promise, like the warmest sunshine, dispelled all the gloom and unease in Su Jingyu's heart. She gazed at her reflection in his deep eyes, which held unreserved love and unwavering determination.
She nodded vigorously, her tears turning into a smile. She wrapped her arms around his neck, buried her face in the crook of his neck, and softly replied in a tearful voice, "Mmm... Yu'er understands... Your Highness mustn't lie..."
"I swear to God I'm not lying." Xiao Jingzhan breathed a long sigh of relief, the heavy weight in his heart finally lifted. He gently patted her back, coaxing her like a child, speaking softly and gently for a long time until her emotions had completely calmed down, before remembering another charge against her.
"And who said I slept at the Crown Princess's place?" His tone was tinged with grievance and an eagerness to clarify. "I did stay at Changchun Palace those few days, but I had my own bed and didn't even touch her! I didn't even glance at her! All I could think about was you, you heartless little thing!"
Upon hearing this, Su Jingyu's little knot in her heart completely disappeared. She couldn't help but chuckle and playfully punched him: "That...that's called water..."
"That was just for show! Don't you care about my arrogance?" His Highness the Crown Prince admitted his childish behavior with a straight face, but his ears turned slightly red.
Looking at him like this, Su Jingyu felt as sweet as if she were soaked in honey. All the misunderstandings and grievances vanished in that moment.
She nestled comfortably in his arms, feeling his steady heartbeat and warm body temperature. Exhaustion washed over her again, and she yawned slightly. With his rhythmic pats, she drifted off to sleep, a sweet smile still on her lips.
Looking at her peaceful sleeping face, Xiao Jingzhan was filled with immense happiness and contentment. He kissed her for a while before carefully laying her down, covering her with the blanket, and just quietly watching her for a long time.
Once Su Jingyu was fast asleep, Xiao Jingzhan quietly got up, his face beaming with undisguised smugness.
He instructed Yun Shu and the others to take good care of her, then changed his clothes and headed straight for the palace in high spirits. He was going to tell his father and mother this wonderful news, and more importantly, to fight for all the honors and favors that his Yu'er deserved!
Xiao Jingzhan strode briskly towards the study in the Liangyi Hall. It wasn't a grand court assembly at this time; the emperor usually handled state affairs and received close ministers here.
Sure enough, inside the palace, the emperor was discussing the transportation of grain supplies from the northern frontier with several trusted ministers, including the Minister of Revenue and the Minister of War.
Before the eunuch's announcement had even finished, Xiao Jingzhan, unable to contain his excitement, strode into the hall. Amidst the astonished gazes of several ministers, he lifted his robe and bowed, his voice booming with barely suppressed joy:
"Your subject kowtows to Your Majesty! Your Majesty, may Heaven bless the Great Sheng! Consort Su of the Liuli Pavilion has been diagnosed by the imperial physician as being more than a month pregnant! The foundation of our Great Sheng Kingdom is secure and has a worthy successor!"
Upon hearing this, the entire hall fell silent!
The emperor's hand, which was holding a pen to review memorials, suddenly paused, the vermilion brush leaving a red mark on the document. He was taken aback at first, then abruptly stood up, his face instantly filled with immense joy, exclaiming repeatedly, "Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Heaven blesses our Great Sheng! Crown Prince, this is a great achievement! I am so pleased! I am so pleased!"
Although he had many sons, he had few grandsons. An ordinary person of the crown prince's age would likely already have several children. The lack of good news from the Eastern Palace had always been a major concern for the Emperor and Empress. Now, this good news came from the crown prince, whom he valued most and on whom he placed his highest hopes; its significance was extraordinary!
The senior officials standing nearby, including Minister of Revenue Li and Minister of War Zhang, were initially taken aback, but then their faces lit up with genuine joy, and they all bowed to congratulate the Emperor and the Crown Prince.
"Your Majesty, we offer our congratulations! Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Highness the Crown Prince!"
"His Highness the Crown Prince is wise and mighty, and now this great joy has been added to our Great Sheng Dynasty!"
These ministers were all veteran officials who had watched the crown prince grow up, or capable officials promoted by the crown prince himself. They genuinely respected this outstanding and patriotic crown prince.
The Crown Prince is young and promising, with commendable achievements in both civil and military affairs. However, the issue of an heir has always been a source of worry for the veteran ministers who care deeply about the foundation of the nation. Now, hearing the good news, they are naturally overjoyed. This is not only a joyous occasion for the royal family but also a blessing for the country, signifying a more stable foundation for the state.
The emperor clapped his hands and laughed heartily, full of vigor. He immediately ordered Dai Quan, the Grand Eunuch who was standing to the side, "Dai Quan! Immediately convey my decree!"
"Consort Su of the Liuli Pavilion is gentle and virtuous. She is currently pregnant and has rendered meritorious service to the nation. She is hereby promoted to the rank of Liangdi and granted the privileges of a Consort! All her expenses shall be in accordance with the highest standards and drawn from my private treasury! I also bestow upon her one bushel of pearls from the East Sea, two pairs of coral trees, twenty bolts of Shu brocade, and ten jade ruyi scepters! The head of the Imperial Medical Academy is hereby ordered to personally oversee the pregnancy. If there are any errors, I will hold her solely responsible!"
This reward is incredibly generous! She is directly promoted to the rank of Liangdi, which is second only to the Crown Princess among the women of the Eastern Palace. She enjoys the privileges of a Consort, and the rewards are extremely honorable. The extent of her favor is evident.
"On behalf of Consort Su, I thank Your Majesty for your great favor!" Xiao Jingzhan was satisfied and kowtowed again in gratitude. This was exactly the effect he wanted, to let everyone know how noble Yu'er, who was carrying his child, was.
"Go quickly and tell your mother this good news! She's been waiting for so long, she'll be overjoyed!" The emperor waved his hand with a smile.
Xiao Jingzhan accepted the order and withdrew. As soon as he left, the emperor smiled at his trusted ministers and said, "Let's conclude today's meeting here. May all my ministers share in the joy! Issue an edict to hold a banquet in the Wenhua Hall, where all officials of the fifth rank and above may join in the celebration!"
"Your Majesty, we thank you for your grace!" The ministers offered their congratulations once again, and the hall was filled with joy. The news that the Crown Prince had an heir spread like wildfire throughout the entire court as these important ministers left the palace.
Inside the Lizheng Hall, the Empress was reviewing the list of noblewomen when a head maid rushed in, her face beaming with barely suppressed joy. She whispered the momentous news that had just arrived from the Liangyi Hall!
The Empress slammed her teacup down on the table with a clatter. She stood up abruptly, her voice trembling: "Is this true? Lady Su is pregnant?!"
"Absolutely true! His Majesty has issued an edict promoting Consort Su to the rank of Liangdi, bestowing upon her countless rewards! Eunuch Dai personally delivered the edict!"
The Empress burst into tears of joy, clasping her hands together and crying, "Amitabha! May Buddha protect us! May our ancestors protect us!" How long had she longed for a grandson! Her Zhan'er was going to have an heir! The Great Sheng dynasty was now even more secure!
"Quickly! Prepare the sedan chair! I want to go to the Liuli Pavilion myself!" The Empress couldn't wait a moment longer; she wanted to see with her own eyes the meritorious official who had brought her such a great surprise.
The news spread like wildfire throughout the palace and naturally reached the Eastern Palace instantly.
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