Chapter 57 Conferring of a Kingship (First published on Jinjiang Literature City)
"Today marks the Empress Dowager's birthday, and all of you ministers join me in celebrating," the Emperor said, picking up a wine cup from the table.
The ministers and princes below naturally raised their cups as well, shouting congratulations in unison, and then drank a full cup.
The eunuch beside him, looking towards the direction of the inner palace, loudly relayed the message: "His Majesty congratulates the Empress Dowager on her birthday!"
The message traveled back and forth, and after a long while, the Empress Dowager finally replied: "The Emperor is benevolent and filial."
The emperor accepted the empress dowager's praise with satisfaction, and then sat down again: "Let's start the singing and dancing." He waved his hand to Zhao Defu, the chief eunuch beside him.
Zhao Defu immediately summoned a song and dance performance to the palace.
"My lords, there's no need for you to be so formal," the emperor said in a very good-natured manner.
The ministers responded tremblingly, and only then was the emperor satisfied.
After all that commotion, Fu Mingzi was quite tired. Seeing the singing and dancing in the hall and the people around her starting to talk, she leaned close to Zhou Xiaoyan and whispered, "His Majesty looks gentle, but his entourage is quite grand."
Zhou Xiaoyan pursed his lips and remained silent.
At this moment, the Third Prince also returned. Seeing the two of them huddled together, he couldn't help but come over and ask, "Fifth Brother, what are you and Young Master Fu talking about?"
Zhou Xiaoyan remained silent, while Fu Mingzi replied with a smile, "I told His Highness that the song and dance were quite beautiful. What does Your Highness think?"
The Third Prince glanced at the singing girl in the hall, chuckled, and took a sip of wine: "Indeed, quite good."
Fu Mingzi smiled and said no more.
The Third Prince sensed Fu Mingzi's rejection of him, and looked embarrassed. He didn't dare to speak to her again, but simply sat back down in his seat and stared blankly at the singing and dancing in the hall.
The emperor seemed to have noticed what was happening in their corner and laughed, "Fifth Prince, I heard that you presented your grandmother with a jade cabbage, and you even designed the pattern yourself. I didn't expect you to have such talent."
When the emperor suddenly called out his name, Zhou Xiaoyan was neither surprised nor astonished. He slowly rose, bowed to the emperor, and said, "It was just a little trick. Father, you flatter me." He was very humble in his words.
The emperor, however, did not let it go: "You are too modest. Although it is not a big deal, it is enough to show your filial piety. Previously, an imperial censor suggested that several princes leave the palace to establish their own residences. I thought it was a bit hasty, but now I see that I was wrong. You are kind-hearted and so humble and respectful. You can indeed help me and the crown prince with court duties."
Without waiting for the reaction of those below, he waved to Zhao Defu behind him. Zhao Defu hurriedly stepped forward with a scroll of imperial edict. Upon seeing this, all the people below stood up and performed the full kowtow.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The Fifth Prince Zhou Xiaoyan is diligent, frugal, benevolent, filial, and kind. He is hereby granted the Imperial Decree and the title of Prince of Jin, which shall be passed down through the ages."
Upon receiving this imperial edict, regardless of what others thought, Fu Mingzi felt a pang of panic. In Fu Yunjia's memory, Zhou Xiaoyan was not granted the title of Prince of Jin. It should be noted that the title of Prince of Jin was not bestowed arbitrarily. Throughout history, many Princes of Jin had achieved great things, so the title of Prince of Jin could only be held by princes whom the emperor valued.
However, Zhou Xiaoyan appeared very calm and respectfully performed the three kneelings and nine kowtows ceremony: "Your subject Zhou Xiaoyan receives the imperial decree and thanks Your Majesty for your grace."
Zhao Defu personally delivered the imperial edict to Zhou Xiaoyan.
The emperor watched this scene with a smile of satisfaction on his face: "Yan'er, get up quickly, today is your special day."
Zhou Xiaoyan thanked him again before getting up.
Fu Mingzi frowned. Zhou Xiaoyan was granted a title, but what about Zhou Xiaoheng? He subconsciously glanced at the Fourth Prince opposite him, and sure enough, the Fourth Prince's usually gentle face had turned ashen. The Emperor was practically slapping him in the face in front of all the civil and military officials.
However, Grand Secretary Zhao Chengdong was quick-witted and hurriedly asked, "Your Majesty, since the Fifth Prince has been granted an official title, what about the Fourth Prince?"
The emperor then seemed to suddenly realize something, and said, "Oh, I almost forgot about the fourth prince." He then gave Zhao Defu a slightly annoyed look and said, "Hurry up and announce the decree."
Zhao Defu appeared fearful, but remained calm inside. He quickly produced another imperial edict.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The fourth son of the Emperor, Zhou Xiaoheng, is hereby granted the title of Prince of Chu, to be passed down through the ages."
After another round of kneeling and bowing, the imperial edict was finally delivered to Zhou Xiaoheng.
However, it is clear to anyone with discerning eyes that the King of Chu is far less favored by the Emperor than the King of Jin.
The fourth prince also put away his previous livid expression and put on a docile one, quietly accepting the imperial edict.
The emperor smiled, his eyes narrowed: "Alright, the affairs of the previous dynasty are finished. Taking this opportunity, it's time to bestow titles upon the six palaces."
Zhao Defu was very perceptive and immediately produced the last edict, which was much thicker.
Zhao Defu read for a quarter of an hour before finishing. Basically, all the women in the harem who had names had been promoted. The Empress, because of her pregnancy, received a large reward. Consort Luo was promoted to Imperial Noble Consort, and Consort Shu and Consort Xian were given many gifts. However, Consort De was not mentioned at all, which shows that the Emperor still harbored some resentment towards the Second Prince.
As for Consort Wan, she was smoothly promoted to Imperial Concubine Wan, while Consort Wu was granted the title of Consort Wu. Although both were of the third rank, the emperor did not even grant Consort Wan the title of Consort, which was the highest among the nine concubines, despite Consort Wan having vacated the position of Consort. Fu Mingzi was slightly surprised.
After the reading was finished, the people below were a mix of joy and sorrow. Marquis Dingyuan stroked his beard, looking very happy. After all, the Empress was still in the palace, and Consort Luo had been promoted to Imperial Noble Consort. This was a huge slap in the face to the Empress, and it also showed the Emperor's favor towards Consort Luo. The chances of their Marquis Dingyuan family succeeding in their gamble this time were not small.
The Xia and Ye families both looked gloomy. Even though Consort Luo had vacated her seat, they hadn't yet been granted the rank of Consort. It seemed that the Emperor was only showing them respect.
Fu Mingzi took in everyone's expressions, a hint of a smile flashing in her eyes. The emperor's dislike for the Xia and Ye families was very obvious, but he might not be so sincere towards Consort Luo. Otherwise, he wouldn't have put her in such a precarious position under these circumstances. After all, the rank of Consort and the power to manage the six palaces were enough for her.
If another Imperial Noble Consort were appointed, not only would the Empress be wary, but the court officials below would also be even more wary of Consort Luo. After all, an Imperial Noble Consort is equivalent to a secondary Empress, and she is not appointed casually. Basically, those who have served as Imperial Noble Consorts will later become Empresses.
Isn't this just a target that's been blatantly erected?
Thinking of this, Fu Mingzi recalled what Fu Yunjia had said about the cause of the Crown Prince's death, and couldn't help but admire the Empress and Consort Luo. These two must have seen through the Emperor's intentions, and not only did they not confront him openly, but they also secretly joined forces.
Fu Mingzi chuckled and glanced at the emperor indifferently. He had gone to great lengths and exhausted all his efforts, but it was unclear what the emperor was after all.
Fu Mingzi lowered her head, her face returning to its usual indifferent expression.
The emperor was unaware of Fu Mingzi's expression, but was quite satisfied with the reactions of his ministers. He then turned to the crown prince and said, "Your Highness, when the fourth and fifth princes leave the palace, as their elder brother, you must fulfill your responsibilities and take good care of them."
The Crown Prince simply smiled faintly, as if nothing that had just happened had ever occurred: "Your subject knows, Father, please rest assured."
Then he glanced casually at Zhou Xiaoyan and Zhou Xiaoheng, a smile on his face, but coldness in his eyes.
Zhou Xiaoyan lowered his head, appearing meek and submissive, while Zhou Xiaoheng nodded slightly in greeting, looking like a good younger brother.
The crown prince's smile grew wider, but his heart was as cold as ice. He almost regretted his actions, wondering whether his two younger brothers were truly as harmless as they appeared, or whether they were deeply scheming.
The crown prince pinched his palm to suppress his emotions.
The emperor glanced at the crown prince's tightly clenched hands, a cold smile flashing in his eyes.
The royal family's schemes and calculations were fleeting, followed by joyous singing and dancing, and the whole court celebrating. The emperor seemed to be in high spirits today, not only rewarding several ministers but also giving away many singing girls. As for Zhou Xiaoyan, he was even given three imperial meals. In the end, the ministers below looked at Zhou Xiaoyan with a strange expression.
The crown prince sat on it, his smile almost impossible to maintain.
Zhou Xiaoyan maintained a quiet and unassuming demeanor, seemingly oblivious to the change in atmosphere.
However, the emperor did not go too far, and the crown prince maintained his composure to some extent, preventing him from losing his composure on the spot.
As Fu Mingzi watched this scene, his eyes grew increasingly cold. Even his own flesh and blood could be schemed against like this. He wondered what kind of fun it was for him to be the emperor.
The emperor was helped away by Zhao Defu after the banquet ended.
Once the emperor left, the crown prince had no more scruples and his face darkened completely. He drank cup after cup of wine. Zhou Xiaoyan tugged at his clothes slightly and said in a low voice, "I'm feeling a bit bored. Let's go for a walk."
Fu Mingzi nodded, hurriedly got up, and followed Zhou Xiaoyan away quietly.
The crown prince glanced at them as they left, but did not ask any questions.
The third prince was already quite drunk and had no idea they were leaving.
The fourth prince, on the other hand, frowned slightly and beckoned the eunuch behind him to speak.
Fu Mingzi followed Zhou Xiaoyan out of the main hall. As soon as they were outside, Zhou Xiaoyan said to Wei Baocheng, "You wait here. Young Master Fu and I are going out for a walk."
Wei Baocheng hesitated, wanting to refute, but ultimately didn't dare to speak. Seeing that Zhou Xiaoyan was in a bad mood, Fu Mingzi quickly smiled and said, "Don't worry, Eunuch Wei, I will take good care of His Highness."
Zhou Xiaoyan glanced at Fu Mingzi, his dark eyes carrying a hint of coldness that sent a shiver down one's spine in the deep night.
Fu Mingzi's smile froze instantly; he seemed somewhat lonely at that moment.
"Let's go." Zhou Xiaoyan turned his face away and walked outside.
Fu Mingzi hurriedly followed, while Wei Baocheng stood there, somewhat at a loss.
They walked out of the main hall in silence, not uttering a single word.
I walked until I reached the edge of Weiyang Pond and stood there, looking at the calm lake water. The moonlight was reflected on the surface of the lake, emitting a faint glow.
After a long silence, Zhou Xiaoyan finally spoke: "Who did you go to see before?"
Fu Mingzi was taken aback, only then realizing that Zhou Xiaoyan was asking him about something that happened before.
"Nobody." Fu Mingzi lowered her eyes and touched her nose, feeling somewhat guilty.
"Is it Miss Yang Liu?" Zhou Xiaoyan paused, then suddenly asked.
Fu Mingzi's heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but look at Zhou Xiaoyan. His handsome profile was very calm, but his eyes revealed a loneliness that was completely different from usual.
"Yes." What she had intended to say vaguely turned out to be the truth, startling even herself.
Zhou Xiaoyan chuckled softly, turned his head to look at Fu Mingzi. The moonlight shone on his face, making him look like an immortal who was detached from the world: "Why did you hide it from me?" he asked in a casual tone.
Fu Mingzi was so captivated by the scenery that she was speechless for a moment. When she suddenly came to her senses, she hurriedly looked away as if to hide her face, which was slightly flushed.
"I was just afraid you'd overthink it," he muttered softly.
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Author's note: The words about being crowned king were just something I made up myself. Just take a look and don't take them seriously.
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