New Dynasty
Xijing.
On the day when the news came that Emperor Xianshun was seriously ill, Li Qingping, Concubine Li and others were very worried.
Until today, a messenger from the capital arrived at full speed, first announcing the emperor's death, then kneeling before the people in Prince Xuan's mansion, led by Li Qingping and Concubine Li, unable to conceal his excitement, he said: "Before your majesty passed away, he appointed the eldest son, Prince Xuan, as the crown prince. The Left Prime Minister and the other princes are following the imperial decree to invite the crown prince to ascend the throne!"
Hearing this, even Li Qingping couldn't help shaking his body. If the emperor hadn't passed away, everyone would probably have laughed.
"Sister, we really..." After sending the messenger away, Concubine Li still seemed to be in a daze.
Li Qingping clenched his handkerchief, but still couldn't help but hide his face and curl his lips: "That's right, the prince will become the emperor, and we will become empresses too. All right, let's pack up, we are going back to the capital."
The new emperor did not ascend the throne immediately. After crying bitterly in front of the late emperor's spirit, he said that he was extremely sad when he thought of the late emperor's teachings, and insisted on ascending the throne after burying the late emperor.
As a result, the court and the people praised Your Majesty for his benevolence and filial piety.
During the period of mourning, the late emperor's temple name and posthumous title were also determined. He was the fourth emperor of the Great Qi Dynasty, Emperor Wenzong Chengxiao Xianshun.
After Wenzong was buried in the imperial mausoleum, the new emperor ascended the throne after three requests from the cabinet elders and prime ministers.
The new emperor has already decided on the new reign title "Yongping", but this year is still the 39th year of Xianshun, and the new emperor's reign title will not be used until the following year, but he can also be called Emperor Yongping.
Unexpectedly, the first imperial edict issued by Emperor Yongping after he ascended the throne was to posthumously confer the title of Emperor Qianyuan on the previous emperor's Crown Prince Qianyuan.
No matter what, Prince Qianyuan was the crown prince who was legitimately canonized by Emperor Wenzong after he announced it to the world and offered sacrifices to heaven, earth and ancestors. In terms of status, Prince Qianyuan was honorable, and Emperor Yongping's move was righteous and could not be faulted.
Since Crown Prince Qianyuan was posthumously crowned Emperor, his officially canonized Crown Princess naturally became Empress, and their children were all crowned Princes and Princesses. Empress Qianyuan understood that the new Emperor's posthumous conferment was a righteous act, and she could no longer exploit her position and bully others. Furthermore, the Imperial Palace had long outgrown her posthumous title, so she wisely retreated to the Imperial Manor.
While Empress Qianyuan could escape, Emperor Qianyuan's children could not. The palace was large enough to accommodate several children; if it truly "couldn't accommodate" them, Emperor Yongping would undoubtedly be reprimanded by the censors for his "narrow-mindedness and intolerant nature." Therefore, with the exception of Princess Yurong, who had already married, Emperor Qianyuan's remaining children were to remain in the palace, moving from the Eastern Palace, symbolizing the crown prince, to the Chonghua and Qinghua Palaces, built specifically for them.
The Yongping Emperor's second imperial edict honored his grandmother, the Empress Dowager, as Grand Empress Dowager, his stepmother, the Empress Dowager Shizong, as Empress Dowager Chongshou, and posthumously conferred upon his biological mother, Consort Xian, the title of Empress Dowager Renshou. The remaining concubines of the previous emperor were promoted one level above their original rank to Grand Concubine and Grand Concubine. For example, Consort Qing was honored as Imperial Noble Concubine Qing, Consort Ying as Imperial Noble Concubine Ying, and Consort De as Imperial Noble Concubine De.
After these two imperial edicts came the imperial edicts that conferred titles on the empress, concubines, princes and princesses.
Emperor Yongping still ranked the princes and princesses in the same order as when they were in the royal palace, and only gave titles to the married children.
The crown prince, He Xuan, was appointed Crown Prince. His eldest daughter, Yu Jin, was given the title Princess Mingjing. His second daughter, Yu Zhen, was given the title Princess Changle. His eldest son, He Yan, was given the title Prince Gong. His third son, He Xian, was given the title Prince Dun. His fourth son, He Yun, who had previously been engaged, was also given the title Prince Yong. With the exception of the crown prince, who resided in the Eastern Palace, all the others who received titles had their princesses' and princes' residences built outside the palace, while the younger ones continued to live within the palace.
The regulations of the harem of the Great Qi Dynasty were the same as those of the previous dynasty. The main positions were one empress, one imperial concubine, two noble concubines, four concubines, and six imperial concubines. There were also five other ranks, including noble ladies, talented ladies, beauties, Baolin ladies, and Cainu ladies, and the number was indefinite.
It’s simple that there aren’t many people in Emperor Yongping’s backyard.
Consort Li of Prince Xuan was enthroned as Empress, holding the Phoenix Seal and the Imperial Palace Admonitions, and residing in Kunning Palace. Consort Li was enthroned as Consort Ke, Madam Wan as Consort Yi, Consort Yang as Consort without title, Madam Li as Consort Ding, Consort Zhao as Consort Jia, Consort Zhang as Noble Lady An, Consort Liu as Noble Lady Jing, Consort Bai as Noble Lady, Concubine Xiao Liu as Talented Lady Rou, Concubine Qian as Talented Lady Pei, and Concubines Ding and Wu as Beauties. An auspicious day was chosen for the enthronement ceremony for concubines and above.
Except for the Empress, the rest of the people have not yet been assigned palaces, and are now crowded in the Empress's Kunning Palace. This is because the late emperor had too many concubines and it is impossible to move them all at once. These concubines are elders, and these women can only feel wronged and so on.
But it's exciting enough.
"I wonder where the Emperor will let me live."
Concubine Li, who had been promoted to Concubine Ke, looked at the feng shui map with great interest. Empress Li analyzed it for her one by one. "Of the twelve palaces in the east and west, Yanxi Palace was the residence of Empress Dowager Renshou during her lifetime. His Majesty would not allow anyone to live there. Given His Majesty's temperament, you and Concubine Yi will probably each have an east and west palace. Yongshou Palace is close to Qianqing Palace, so it's somewhat possible. Chengqian Palace was formerly the residence of several imperial concubines. Given your importance in His Majesty's heart, this is also a very likely place."
Concubine Ke took a few glances and found nothing unsatisfactory: "Both of these are OK."
"But it was really beyond my expectation that my sister was not made a concubine." Li Qingping was not here today. He Xuan was just eight years old and could no longer live with his mother. He had to go to the prince's place. Li Qingping was worried about going with him to prevent the servants in the palace from neglecting him.
Concubine Ke muttered, "In terms of offspring and seniority, how can my sister not compare to Concubine Yi?"
In terms of offspring, Li Qingping gave birth to two sons and a daughter. The only other harem member who could rival her was Concubine Ke. Concubine Yi also gave birth to three sons, but didn't the third one survive? But if you add Yujin, who she raised and married off, Li Qingping's contributions are far greater than Concubine Yi's.
In terms of seniority, Li Qingping was the one who served Emperor Yongping in the first few years, and she has been busy in the backyard in recent years. How could she not be worthy of a concubine?
Queen Li sighed, "After all, the three of us are destined to be in this situation. But you don't have to worry, His Majesty has already told me that everything for Qingping will be arranged according to the position of concubine. The only difference is a title." There is a pair of sisters in front of her. Li Qingping will probably never have the chance to be one of the four concubines in her lifetime, but she will always be the head of the six concubines.
The title of Consort Yi was likely an apology to Consort Wan. She should have been a concubine of the prince over a decade ago, but was snatched away by Consort Yang, forcing her to remain inferior to Consort Yang. Even if Wan didn't express it, she undoubtedly harbored resentment. This time, Consort Yi was given equal status with the two previous concubines, a measure of compensation from the emperor. Fortunately, however, Consort Yi was ranked after Consort Ke, and would still be ranked lower than Consort Ke at future enthronement ceremonies and banquets.
As for Yang, she had already been disdained by the Emperor while still in the palace. Being granted the title of Consort was the last remaining honor, granted for the sake of the Fifth Princess' safety. Without a title, she possessed the honor of a Consort, but lacked the dignity that came with it. As one of the Four Consorts, she was undoubtedly a head shorter than Consort Ke and Consort Yi, and perhaps even Consort Ding, Li Qingping, was slightly taller than her.
The most surprising person in the harem was Concubine Jia. She had unexpectedly become the head of a palace. Of the four concubines in the original palace, she was the only one to be given the title of Concubine. The other three, including Zhang, who had given birth to a son, were only honored ladies. In this harem, Concubine Jia was only below the Empress and the three concubines, and on the surface, her status was equal to Li Qingping's!
Although Jiapin knew that the emperor only gave her the initial title of concubine because of the already married Princess Changle Yuzhen, Concubine An and Concubine Jing would definitely be promoted in the future.
But so what? The first title was enough for Jiapin to be proud for a while.
Two days later, the twelve eastern and western palaces finally cleared space for the new emperor's concubines. Concubine Ke was assigned to Chengqian Palace in the eastern six palaces, Concubine Yi to Yongshou Palace in the western six palaces, Concubine Yang to the main hall of Jingyang Palace, Li Qingping to the main hall of Yonghe Palace, and Concubine Jia to the main hall of Xianfu Palace. Concubines below the rank of concubine were assigned to side halls in various palaces. Among them, Noble Lady An was assigned to Changchun Palace, and Noble Lady Jing to Yikun Palace. Although they were temporarily living in side halls rather than being assigned to palaces with established principal positions, it was clear that concubines would soon be promoted to principal positions in their own palaces.
Liang Pei'an, who had been promoted to the chief steward of the imperial palace, went to each palace to announce the decree, and the matter was finally settled.
In addition to Li Qingping, Rou Cairen and Wu Meiren also lived in Yonghe Palace.
"My Lady, the two young ladies are already waiting for you outside."
The first day after the end of the mourning period marked the first official visit by the imperial harem since Emperor Yongping ascended the throne. According to protocol, the palace matrons led the lower-ranking concubines to the Empress's Kunning Palace, and then the Empress led them to the Cining Palace to pay their respects to the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager.
After becoming a concubine in the palace, Li Qingping, not counting the menial servants who cleaned and dusted, was surrounded by two first-class maids, four second-class maids, and four young eunuchs. Yun Su and Yun Zao, who had served for so long, were definitely first-class. Fu An, who had always served with her, was appointed the head eunuch of Yonghe Palace. Yun Lian had returned to her service a few years ago as a nanny, and now served as the prince's caretaker of He Luo. The remaining four second-class maids and three young eunuchs were all newly assigned from the Imperial Household Department.
Yun Su and Yun Zao helped her with her dressing and makeup, while the newcomers Yun Yan, Yun You, Yun Guan and Yun Zhi served tea outside and would not be allowed into the inner room to serve her until she had finished her training.
"Now that the mourning period is over, the minds of the various palaces have become active." Yun Zao whispered, "I just took a casual glance and saw that Consort Rou was dressed so beautifully."
Li Qingping laughed and said, "No matter how much the emperor intends, he won't ask her to sleep with him on the first day, bypassing the concubines above."
"Some people won't stay in peace once they enter the palace."
Concubine Wu was fine. After Yu Jin got married, she had both a son and a daughter. Now she was a princess and respected by her husband. She had no regrets in her life. She usually stayed obediently in her little room.
That talented Rouren, however, was a restless person. She had been a coquettish woman in the palace, otherwise she wouldn't have been given this title. Now that she was the Empress in the palace, she was being manipulated by the Empress.
But this was the palace allocated by the emperor himself, so Li Qingping had no intention of disobeying.
"I already have three children and am now the head of the imperial concubines. The Emperor is a man of old times and will give me the proper respect. I have no control over her vying for favors. As long as she doesn't offend me, she can do whatever she wants." Li Qingping glanced at the mirror. "Alright, that's it. Have you packed up Yuxi and Hechang's places? Don't miss the time to pay your respects to the Empress."
The children naturally had to go as well. Those who still lived with their mothers went with them, while those who lived in the prince's residence had to go alone.
Yun Su smiled and said, "Don't worry, the princess and the ninth prince have already taken care of everything."
When Li Qingping walked out of the inner room, he immediately saw Rou Cairen sitting in front of him. She was wearing a green four-season patterned skirt, which was well matched and looked very beautiful. Wu Meiren was still well-behaved.
"Let's go. Don't miss the time to pay your respects."
Li Qingping ignored Rou Cairen who was trying to greet him with a smile, took He Chang from the wet nurse's arms and put him on the sedan chair. Seeing that Yu Xi also sat on his sedan chair, he gave the order to set off.
Rou Cairen looked embarrassed, but fortunately Concubine Wu lowered her head and didn't care, so she had to follow Dingpin's sedan chair in a bad mood.
There were no sedan chairs for those below the rank of concubine, so they had to walk. It would be embarrassing to fall.
Ahead of Yonghe Palace is Concubine Ke’s Chengqian Palace.
Concubine Ke also set out at this time. She also had a noble lady, Bai, in her palace. The third princess, Yulang, and the eighth prince, Hezheng, also set out from Chengqian Palace. When the people from the two palaces met, they each exchanged greetings before continuing on their way.
Concubine Ke glanced indifferently at Concubine Rou's attire, pretending not to notice. She said to He Chang in Li Qingping's arms, "Xiao Jiu isn't feeling well. Why doesn't she stay in the palace?"
He Chang's expression was relatively calm, but he clung tightly to his mother's clothes and wouldn't let go. Li Qingping stroked his son's back and sighed, "It can't be helped. He just entered the palace and isn't familiar with it. He cries when he's away from people."
Yuxi pouted and said, "Ninth brother cries too much, he makes trouble for mother all day long."
Li Qingping and Concubine Ke both knew that this was a uneasiness caused by illness, and they just said, "It will be fine when he grows up."
When they arrived at Empress Li's Kunning Palace, Jiapin and others had already arrived, and the concubines were greeting each other one after another.
"Concubine Yi hasn't arrived yet." After sitting down, Concubine Ke looked around and said lazily, "I remember that Yongshou Palace is not far from Kunning Palace. How come you are later than before when I paid my respects at the palace?"
The two were equally favored. While Concubine Ke could still outrank Concubine Yi in the palace, now that they were both concubines, they were on equal footing. Although Concubine Ke's ranking was higher than Concubine Yi's in the imperial edict, in reality, they were not much different.
"I heard Sister Kefei talking about me outside!"
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