Chapter 65: Chosen Oxen and Horses
The next morning, two imperial edicts and a palace seal were delivered to Roufu Palace.
Song Wanyan originally thought that the Empress Dowager was not feeling well today and she could sleep in without having to say good morning, but she did not expect the sudden imperial edict.
She was still in a dream when Hanlu came to deliver the message.
When she heard the news, she jumped up from the couch in shock.
After quickly tidying up her appearance, Song Wanyan hurried out of the hall with a group of palace maids.
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for so long, eunuch." Song Zhaoyi apologized briefly.
The eunuch announcing the decree waved his hands repeatedly, "Oh, no, no, I dare not. I am waiting for the Empress Song to receive the decree. This is my duty."
Everyone in front of the hall was stunned when they heard this, and then they all became happy at the same time.
Empress Song!
The Queen got promoted again?
Song Wanyan was stunned again and again, with a bad feeling in her heart.
Wasn't it Noble Lady Shen who served in the emperor's bed yesterday? She had no merits and no hard work, so why was she suddenly being canonized as Consort Song today?
Oh no, it might be a trap.
What on earth is your Majesty planning?
Song Wanyan looked at the eunuch who announced the decree with suspicion, "Eunuch, are you sure it's Concubine Song?"
The eunuch was delighted and said, "Your Majesty will understand after hearing the decree."
After saying this, he began to read the imperial edict in a high, shrill voice:
"The Emperor, by the grace of Heaven and the Mandate of Heaven, proclaims: There is a Third Rank Zhaoyi, surnamed Song, born into a distinguished family, virtuous and gentle. To appease her, I appoint her as a Consort of the Second Rank. I decree this."
After hearing this, Song Zhaoyi frowned. Apart from the fact that she was also a Zhaoyi, had the surname Song, and came from a prominent family, did the rest of the commendations in the imperial edict have anything to do with her?
Song Wanyan even wondered if she had offended Xiao Chenglan in some way.
Using words like virtuous and gentle to describe her is simply full of bad taste.
"Congratulations, Her Majesty Song. Please accept the decree."
Song Wanyan forced a fake smile and happily accepted the order.
"Haha, I bow to thank Your Majesty."
Unexpectedly, she saw the eunuch who announced the imperial edict actually took out a second imperial edict.
Song Zhaoyi's ominous premonition grew stronger and stronger.
The eunuch announcing the decree was even more arrogant than before, with an expression of pride, and said loudly:
"Concubine Song of Roufu Palace is of a gentle and kind nature, with exemplary virtues. She is a model of virtue. Over a hundred days have passed since I ascended the throne, and the six palaces are without a master. I now permit Concubine Song to hold the seal and temporarily manage the affairs of the six palaces. I decree this."
Song Wanyan's eyes went dark.
She was promoted to concubine for no reason, it must be a trick!
In this messy harem where everything needs to be rebuilt, what's the difference between being a servant with a seal and taking the blame?
Not only do you have to work hard, but you will also be held accountable if something goes wrong.
She must have offended His Majesty in some way.
So insidious.
"Congratulations, Concubine Song! This is a great news. Please accept the imperial decree. This palace seal was carved by His Majesty last night."
Song Wanyan tried hard to force a smile and took the imperial edict and the palace seal.
After the eunuchs in front of the emperor left, everyone in Roufu Palace happily congratulated Concubine Song on her promotion and power.
Only Hanlu could see that her master was unhappy, so she ordered:
"Alright, go collect your rewards, and don't say anything more."
The palace people who came to congratulate him fell silent.
Song Wanyan entered the hall in a depressed mood. Hanlu carefully put away the palace seal and the imperial edict. Turning around, he saw his own queen muttering like chanting a sutra.
"Why can't the Queen Mother say a word right now? Doesn't she support Su Qingrong? She should at least do everything she can to pave the way for Su Qingrong. Why is it my turn now?"
Hanlu consoled her, "Your Majesty, it's a good thing that the power of the palace is in our hands. From now on, during the morning meetings of the six palaces, all the concubines must pay their respects to you, including Concubine Xin."
Song Wanyan became even more resentful.
"Stop talking about Hanlu! I get a headache just thinking about having to get up early every day to entertain a room full of chattering people."
Hanlu pursed her lips awkwardly.
Just after breakfast, the head maids in charge of the palace's food, clothing, and bedroom affairs, who were in charge of all matters related to clothing and food in the harem, came to Roufu Palace to pay their respects to Concubine Song.
He also brought a pile of official documents waiting for Song Wanyan's decision and seal.
Song Wanyan finally couldn't help but complain about Xiao Chenglan in her heart.
It's so insidious. Knowing that she will never be able to become the queen in the future, he still wants her to take care of the six palaces. Isn't this just a waste of time?
Forget it, it’s her surname Song. If the king tells me to do something, I have to do it.
Song Wanyan rolled up her sleeves and stamped the first palace seal.
The Roufu Palace was bustling with activity, while the Qixiang Palace was feeling rather cold.
"How is that possible? Even if His Majesty has no intention of appointing a queen, how could Song Wanyan take over the palace power? His Majesty clearly..."
I clearly hinted to her that she was the one I liked.
Su Qingrong was restless all day, and His Majesty asked her to be gentle and virtuous. She heard that Concubine Shen had come to the emperor's bedchamber again yesterday, and she tried her best to restrain herself from being jealous or angry. But the next moment, His Majesty actually let Song Wanyan take charge of the palace.
What then is her forbearance?
At night, Xiao Chenglan came to Qixiang Palace.
"Your Majesty, your concubine pays homage." Su Qingrong's voice was listless and aggrieved.
"My beloved concubine, why are you unhappy today? Who made you angry?"
Su Qingrong was acting like a spoiled brat just to get Xiao Chenglan to comfort her. Now, she heard Xiao Chenglan's soft voice of concern for her, and she complained like pouring beans:
"Your Majesty is lying. Have you forgotten everything you said to me yesterday? What you said about being gentle and virtuous, and being a good role model, is just to coax me."
Xiao Chenglan pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "I haven't forgotten. I owe you this matter. Tomorrow I will issue an edict to confer you the title of Zhaoyi as compensation."
Xiao Chenglan's gesture of goodwill fueled Su Qingrong's temper. She cried out:
"I don't want such compensation! When I think about having to go to Roufu Palace every day to pay my respects to Concubine Song, I just can't swallow this!"
Xiao Chenglan's face darkened. "Then I'll take a month's leave for you."
Su Qingrong felt even more aggrieved. "What's the point of one month? After one month, I will still have to go to Roufu Palace."
"Xin Jieyu, you've gone too far." Xiao Chenglan's tone suddenly turned cold.
Su Qingrong, who was busy complaining about her grievances, was stunned for a moment. When she came to her senses, she found her own words incredible.
How did she say those offensive words?
His Majesty actually indulged her again and again.
But now, His Majesty is really angry.
Su Qingrong finally realized that she had indeed gone too far today. She wanted to go over and grab Xiao Chenglan's hand to show her goodwill, but then she remembered the taboo of one step and felt sad again.
"Your Majesty, I was just sad for a moment and said something wrong..."
Xiao Chenglan looked at her with disappointment. "I thought that the power in the palace was just the icing on the cake for you, and that your feelings for me were unique. I didn't expect you to disobey me so much just because you didn't get the power in the palace. It seems that I really can't compare to the power in your heart. I was just being too sentimental."
Xiao Chenglan said a few words calmly and turned to leave.
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