Chapter 149: Not Knowing What's Good For You
The imperial edict was sent to Roufu Palace. Song Wanyan received it, glanced at her own handwriting, and was very satisfied.
Besides that, she also did not forget to ask, "What characters did Concubine Yu bestow upon the other palaces?"
Lian Qiao answered them one by one, and Song Wanyan became more satisfied.
"It seems the best word is for me."
After Lian Qiao and Xiao Xiao Xia Zi and their group left, Song Wanyan gave instructions to everyone in her palace.
"From now on, you will call me Empress Hua Fei. Got it?"
"I will follow the instructions of Concubine Hua."
Hanlu could see that her queen was very happy, and she was happy too. She thought that Concubine Yu was really thoughtful.
If His Majesty comes to bestow a name on you in the future, perhaps he will give you the name "Rou".
Just like the Empress's name, it was chosen to remind her to be careful with her words and actions.
Or the word "Hua" is more in line with the Empress's temperament.
Being promoted in rank and receiving a title before the end of the year was a great New Year's gift, and everyone was happily preparing for the New Year.
But there are exceptions. Concubine Gu accepted the imperial edict sent to Feiyu Pavilion on the surface, but after Lianqiao left, she threw it on the table and called her maid Wandong to come.
Wandong was immersed in the joy that his young master had finally been promoted and given a title.
Although it was Concubine Yu who made the decision to confer titles on the six palaces this time, and everyone had a share, but if you don't compare yourself with others, there are always benefits to getting a higher rank. A higher rank means better food, clothing, and other necessities.
These are all tangible benefits.
Wandong was delighted and began by congratulating Concubine Gu, her words very sweetly saying, "Congratulations, young lady, on being promoted to Concubine Jieyu. The word 'rui' in 'young lady' is also a good word. I wish our young lady good luck and happiness!"
After Wandong finished saying the auspicious words, she was given a cold look by Concubine Gu.
"Stop making noise, Wan Dong, you are a member of my palace. Today I do not accept this position and title. Do not call me Concubine, I am still the noble lady Gu."
Wandong knelt down quickly, but was very confused.
"Not accepting position or title, what does this mean, young master?"
Concubine Gu was extremely disdainful. "She gave us promotions and titles as if they were alms, expecting us to be grateful to her? This is so hypocritical. Besides, I don't need any reward without merit."
Although Wandong was well aware that his young master was aloof and arrogant, he was still a little at a loss when he heard these words.
"My lady, even if it's alms, as long as we can actually benefit from it, there's no need to worry about merit or salary. You should think about yourself."
Your Majesty is unwilling to favor the harem, and the concubines are like nothing. It is impossible for them to rely on favor to win glory for themselves. It is already the best thing that Concubine Yu is willing to manage the harem and give grace to everyone.
"Go, return this imperial edict to the emperor in Changqing Palace and say that I don't want to receive the reward without any merit, and that I have wasted Concubine Yu's efforts." Guiren Gu ordered.
Wandong was angry, but did not dare to disobey his master's order. He took the imperial edict and went to report obediently.
After all, it was something stamped with the phoenix seal, so Wandong was able to enter the Changqing Palace without any hindrance.
Fu Wanquan looked at the item in her hand, and his already small eyes narrowed into slits, filled with confusion: "No merit, no reward? Don't you want this reward?"
Wan Dong nodded with gritted teeth, "Yes, please return the imperial edict."
Eunuch Fu sneered in his heart.
If he doesn’t want it, then don’t give it. Return it to Concubine Yu. He respects her noble character.
But instead of returning it to Concubine Yu, she asked the palace people to bring it to the emperor, and she even made a high-sounding excuse, saying that there is no reward without merit, just to show that she is different from others.
She wants His Majesty to praise her for being sensible. Bah, it seems she doesn't know what's good for her.
It just happened to be a good time. Right now, the southwest is going to mobilize troops, and Your Majesty has to rely on General Gu. If it were any other time, he would be so ungrateful and would be stripped of his position and sent to live in seclusion in the palace.
**
After three days of heavy snow, the New Year's palace banquet arrived as scheduled.
Because there were envoys from other countries visiting, the palace banquet was not held in the imperial garden, but in a palace with very luxurious decorations.
Civil and military officials were seated together, while the women sat at separate tables behind a curtain.
At the innermost part of the hall, there is a high arched jade staircase with a golden dragon screen still placed on it. There are several ceremonial guards on both sides. Sitting on it, one can overlook the ministers in the hall.
There were three seats on it. The one in the center was naturally the imperial throne, the one on the right was Jiang Yingli's seat, and the one on the left was the empress dowager's.
Xiao Chenglan and Jiang Yingli entered the palace together. Today was a palace banquet. Xiao Chenglan wore a black and red wide-sleeved gown that matched his court dress.
Everyone in the hall knelt and kowtowed.
Xiao Chenglan walked in front with his hands behind his back, and Jiang Yingli followed him half a step behind.
Xiao Chenglan stood in front of the ceremonial guard, glanced at the people below, and said calmly, "Stand up."
Then he lowered his eyes to look at the seat in front of him. The seat on the right was very close to him, with almost no gap.
Xiao Chenglan secretly glanced at Jiang Yingli who was standing beside him waiting for him to take a seat.
He was quite thoughtful and knew to ask people to move the seats closer together.
Last time, Concubine Song had placed two seats, and there was still room for one person in the middle. It was fine for her, but she also placed Jiang Yingli so far away.
Xiao Chenglan sat down while thinking about what happened last time. Yu Guangzhong and Jiang Yingli followed his action and sat down.
A fleeting smile appeared on Xiao Chenglan's lips, and his arm moved slightly.
The next second, Jiang Yingli widened her eyes slightly and looked to her side.
Xiao Chenglan sat upright on the side, his face serious and stern, looking like an emperor with a majestic look without even getting angry.
Who would have thought that in such a serious occasion, His Majesty would secretly hold her hand.
But then again, she ordered the staff to move her seat closer to His Majesty's so that they could hold hands secretly.
Although she wanted to do this after everyone had three rounds of drinks to avoid attracting attention, the emperor took her hand right away.
Jiang Yingli quickly sat down and pretended nothing had happened, but secretly pinched Xiao Chenglan's thumb.
Empress Dowager Xue had not yet recovered from her illness and arrived late. She had difficulty walking and was supported by a group of palace maids and nannies when she entered.
"Mother, be careful." Xiao Chenglan said with concern.
Empress Dowager Xue slowly took her seat, and the palace banquet officially began.
The envoys from other countries who came to pay homage came forward one by one to present gifts.
"Auspicious snow indicates a good harvest. God bless Daye. Daye will surely have good weather and good harvests next year. I hope you all will drink this cup with me." Xiao Chenglan raised his cup to the officials below.
"God bless Daye, and may the weather be good and the harvest be prosperous!" All the ministers responded in unison.
After all the necessary etiquette was completed, the banquet began.
Xue Ning, who was sitting in the female seat, seemed calm, but was actually observing secretly.
It’s about time she heard the name she wanted to hear.
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