Chapter 121 The Pepper Chamber, First Favor
Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the auspicious hour had arrived, and bells and drums resounded in unison.
Although Shui Xiu had just received a reward from the emperor, her sister's important matter was still the priority. Because of her status as a member of Consort Jin's family, she and her parents were led to the front of the ceremony.
The Empress sat high on her phoenix throne, inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, checking the various matters of the grand ceremony with the Ministry of Rites. She was unaware that Emperor Zhaoheng had just bestowed a gift upon Shui Xiu outside the hall.
She wore an elaborate phoenix robe and a pearl phoenix crown. Her face was slightly obscured by a beaded curtain, revealing only her gentle, smiling lips.
The Empress looked down and watched as the concubines who were about to be promoted walked slowly into the Hall of Supreme Harmony from one side, guided by the Ministry of Rites.
Her smile was gentle, as if she genuinely felt joy for each of the newly appointed concubines.
Only concubines who were promoted to the rank of principal wife could participate in the promotion ceremony.
As for the promotion of lower-ranking concubines, such as those who were called "Daying" or "Changzai," the Empress only needed to send her personal maid, Granny Sun, to their palaces to give verbal notifications.
Narcissus and Consort Jing stood side by side at the very front.
Behind her stood Consort Qiao, Noble Lady Yao (Yi Shuyao), Noble Lady Tuoba, Noble Lady Li, and others, arranged according to their rank.
Originally, this was an unparalleled glory that Narcissus alone should have enjoyed, but now she has to share it with others.
The Minister of Rites, as the chief envoy, held the bright yellow imperial edict and began reading aloud the decree promoting Shui Xian:
"Consort Erjin, whose given name is Shuixian, is gentle and kind by nature, and virtuous and prudent in her conduct..."
The imperial edict not only clarified the position of Imperial Concubine, but also specifically mentioned why a formal investiture ceremony had not been held even though the Imperial Concubine had already been appointed.
"...Although she had already been granted the title of Imperial Concubine, the frequent wars in the northern frontier have delayed the investiture ceremony until now, which I deeply regret. Therefore, I am holding this investiture ceremony to honor her virtue and express my feelings."
Emperor Zhaoheng's decree conferring the title upon Shui Xian differed from the usual official decrees of conferment.
Although it was only a few sentences longer, it clearly distinguished it from the other concubines who only received ordinary titles.
The empress on the phoenix throne had a slightly darkened gaze, which was naturally concealed by the beaded curtain and would not reveal anything.
She realized that Emperor Zhaoheng's special treatment of Shuixian was definitely not because Shuixian could conceive...
Could it be that Emperor Zhaoheng truly has a place for Narcissus in his heart?
The Empress silently gazed at the narcissus below the steps, a bitter feeling rising in her heart.
Narcissus was dressed in an incomparably luxurious imperial concubine's robes, displaying a graceful demeanor.
She knelt respectfully, raised her hands, and accepted the golden book and seal handed to her by the Vice Minister of Rites.
At this moment, dressed in her finest attire, she was breathtakingly beautiful. All eyes in the hall were on her. She was showered with honor and favor, and naturally exuded elegance, grace, and captivating beauty.
Just as the ceremony was about to conclude, a eunuch's announcement suddenly came from outside the palace gate.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
Everyone stared in shock and disbelief at the entrance to the main hall.
The Empress, in particular, was swaying in front of her beaded curtain, which concealed the surprise in her eyes.
Emperor Zhaoheng actually came to the Hall of Supreme Harmony in person!
It should be noted that the emperor's personal attendance at the investiture ceremony for the imperial concubines was an unprecedented honor!
Historically, the emperor's personal presence was only required for the investiture of an empress!
This is an honor comparable to that bestowed upon an empress!
When the Empress saw Emperor Zhaoheng clearly, the flawless, gentle smile on her face froze instantly, her pupils contracted slightly, and her hand on the armrest of the phoenix chair tightened abruptly.
Her well-maintained nails were almost embedded in the gilded wood, and the slight pain reminded her that it wasn't an illusion!
To my utter surprise, the emperor would disregard ancestral rules and regulations and openly give Shui Xian such a huge favor!
Emperor Zhaoheng ignored the shocked looks he received.
He strode through the astonished crowd and came to the foot of the steps, personally helping up the still kneeling Narcissus.
"My beloved concubine, please rise."
His clear voice resounded throughout the hall, demonstrating his affection for Narcissus.
"It's a joyous occasion today, no need for formalities."
The emperor made an exception and personally attended the investiture ceremony!
No one present believed that the Emperor had come because of the grand investiture of the six palaces.
It's clearly because Narcissus was conferred the title of Imperial Concubine today!
Whether they were imperial concubines, high-ranking officials, or family members of concubines, everyone turned their gaze to the narcissus in the hall.
However, the emperor's favor was not yet over.
Emperor Zhaoheng, supporting Shui Xian's arm, swept his gaze over the shocked crowd and announced loudly: "Consort Jin is gentle and virtuous, and has won my heart."
"Today, I bestow upon you another favor... granting Consort Jin the surname 'Jiang' from her family name!"
A surname bestowed upon him!
This surname was bestowed upon him personally by the emperor!
It should be noted that the Narcissus family was of lowly birth and did not have their own names, only the slave names given to them by their masters.
Now, Emperor Zhaoheng has bestowed the surname upon Shui Xian's entire family in front of everyone, which is enough to show how much the emperor values Shui Xian!
Narcissus's eyes shimmered with moisture.
Although Emperor Zhaoheng's reaction was within her calculations, Shui Xian did not expect that Emperor Zhaoheng would actually bestow a surname upon her and her family!
Having escaped the practice of borrowing a surname, the father made the decision, thinking that since the two sisters, Shui Xian and Shui Xiu, already had this name, why not let him take the girl's surname!
The suggestion was rejected by Narcissus in a letter.
The surname Shui is a bit strange, and the name Shuixian was originally bestowed by the Yi family. Shuixian doesn't want the surname Shui to follow her family.
The father couldn't think of anything better for the time being, so he put it aside.
Unexpectedly...
Narcissus looked moved and knelt down to express her gratitude, but Emperor Zhaoheng held her arm firmly.
"My beloved concubine is pregnant; there is no need for such a grand ceremony."
At the very front of the viewing area, Shui Xiu and her parents were already moved to tears. They knelt down with a thud and kowtowed heavily in the direction of the emperor.
"This humble subject thanks Your Majesty for your great favor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
From then on, they bore the surname "Jiang," bestowed upon them by the Emperor himself!
This is an honor they never dared to dream of before!
The envious gazes from all around almost overwhelmed them, but Narcissus's parents showed no sign of timidity.
Now that their daughter has been bestowed the title of Imperial Concubine and is standing on it, they will never let their daughter be disgraced because of them!
Emperor Zhaoheng's personal visit and the bestowal of a surname upon Shui Xian made the subsequent investiture of other concubines seem like a mere formality in comparison.
The empress on the phoenix throne had a slight twitch in her facial muscles, and her forced smile was already on the verge of collapse.
She barely made it to the end of the investiture ceremony, and then the Ministry of Rites led everyone to a side hall.
At the banquet held in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the emperor and empress sat side by side on the most honorable throne.
Although Emperor Zhaoheng did not sit with Shui Xian, he did something that made everyone take notice again.
He actually ordered the Grand Eunuch Feng Shunxiang to personally serve the food to Consort Jin at her table!
What kind of treatment is this?
Feng Shunxiang was the emperor's most trusted man!
This move is tantamount to announcing to the world that Consort Jin enjoys the Emperor's favor, which is unmatched by anyone!
The newly appointed members of the "Jiang" family sat at the table, excited yet cautious. Shui Xiu looked at her sister, who was being treated with such favor, and felt a surge of joy and pride.
The other concubines and their families mostly lost their appetite, feeling as if the emperor's favor towards Shui Xian was hurting their eyes.
Two hours later, the banquet finally ended.
Emperor Zhaoheng only exchanged a few words with the Empress before descending the steps and, in front of everyone, naturally took Shui Xian's hand and boarded the sedan chair outside the palace.
The Empress felt the gazes from below, but her face remained dignified and gentle, as if she were completely unaffected by the Emperor's special favor towards Narcissus.
Only her hand, clenched tightly under the table, betrayed her resentful state of mind.
——
At the same time, Narcissus left the banquet alongside Emperor Zhaoheng.
She didn't think it was too high-profile; she was already a Noble Consort, and there was no higher position than that.
Only the emperor's exception to her rules could truly demonstrate how much he cared for her.
Shuixiu is now sixteen, a perfect age for a woman to find a husband. If she can attract a noble son-in-law through this, it would be a wonderful thing.
However, after driving for a while, Narcissus realized something was wrong.
She gently lifted the curtain of the sedan chair and discovered that this was not the way back to Yongle Palace.
"Your Majesty," she leaned against him and asked softly, "this doesn't seem to be the way back to Yongle Palace? Have we gone the wrong way?"
Emperor Zhaoheng looked down at her, a mysterious smile in his eyes.
"Xian'er, I have been preparing for you for more than half a month. Today, I can finally give you a surprise."
He kept her in suspense, refusing to reveal the answer no matter how much Narcissus asked.
Soon after, the palanquin finally stopped in front of the Lihe Palace.
Shui Xian's doubts deepened. No concubines lived in Lihe Palace, so what were they doing here?
Emperor Zhaoheng had already taken her hand and led her inside.
Upon entering the palace gate, Narcissus was taken aback.
The palace was brightly lit and newly decorated.
A unique and warm fragrance permeated the air, like the scent of flowers and a kind of spice, refreshing and delightful.
Emperor Zhaoheng led her into the inner room, which was even more exquisitely decorated.
What was striking, however, were the dark walls, carrying the faint, sweet fragrance she had caught upon entering the hall.
As if she had guessed something, she slowly approached and examined the wall closely.
The dark walls were not painted, but carefully coated with countless peppercorns mixed with soil!
The wall has a unique warm yellow color, with countless tiny peppercorns embedded in it like stars, emitting a lasting and warm aroma.
"Today I bestow upon you the surname 'Jiang' and I will also grant you the favor of the Empress's Chamber."
Emperor Zhaoheng embraced her from behind, his voice deep and tender, "May our love be like this boudoir, warm in all seasons, fragrant and abundant, with many children and blessings, lasting forever."
Narcissus turned around, her eyes already brimming with tears of emotion.
She said nothing, but simply tiptoed and took the initiative to kiss the emperor's gentle, smiling lips.
Layers of gauze curtains hung down from behind.
In the morning, the Imperial Concubine put on her elaborate auspicious robes one by one.
Now, however, they have been untied piece by piece and placed aside.
The warm fragrance of pepper leaves filled the room, stirring emotions more powerfully than any other incense.
The night is still long...
......
After a long while, the rain and clouds finally stopped.
Narcissus lay languidly on Emperor Zhaoheng's sweaty chest, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the area around his heart.
"Your Majesty," her voice still carried a hint of husky allure, "I do not know why you have bestowed upon me the surname 'Jiang'?"
Emperor Zhaoheng played with a strand of her sweat-dampened black hair, then suddenly whispered, "Consort Jiang has abandoned the Ruizhu Palace, and a fairy from the Milky Way has been banished here. She occasionally takes advantage of the bright moonlight to play on the waves, her body like ice and snow dancing in the spring breeze."
He was reciting a poem about daffodils by a poet from a previous dynasty.
After speaking, he turned to the side and kissed her glistening cherry lips, chuckling in a hoarse voice:
"My fairy is a flower fairy who has mistakenly fallen into the mortal world. She has fair skin and jade bones and is incomparably beautiful."
Emperor Zhaoheng sighed softly, as if lamenting.
"I am extremely fortunate to have obtained it."
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