"The Fourth Consort, Ulanara, is skilled in both external affairs and internal duties, contributing to the prosperity of the nation. Born into a distinguished family, she possesses auspicious virtues and governs with kindness and gentleness. She is blessed with good fortune and adept at managing the inner palace. Her virtuous conduct and prudence make her a worthy successor to the imperial family. By the Emperor's decree, she is hereby established as Empress with the golden book and seal. She will oversee the six palaces and assume responsibilities, serving as a model for the inner palace, diligently cultivating dignified conduct, and bringing joy to all. She will diligently perform her duties, upholding propriety within the inner palace. She is hereby granted residence in Jingyang Palace!"
It was no surprise that the Fourth Prince's wife was made Empress. Apart from the Fourth Prince's wife herself, who was so excited that her body was trembling, no one else cast envious or jealous glances at her. Only Lady Nian glanced at her disdainfully and sneered.
"Ms. Nian is gentle and respectful, kind-hearted and virtuous, naturally prudent, diligent and obedient, gentle and pure, with a kind and gentle nature, skilled in domestic affairs, and possessing virtuous character. She is hereby conferred the title of Imperial Concubine and granted residence in the Yikun Palace."
As the eunuch read, he deliberately glanced at Lady Nian, thinking that besides the Empress, she was the most precious mistress in the harem. He nodded slightly as a way of currying favor in advance.
Lady Nian smiled smugly, her body involuntarily straightening up slightly as she glanced at Lanqin, seemingly unintentionally.
However, others questioned Nian's rank, thinking that given the Fourth Prince's favoritism towards Lanqin, the title of Imperial Concubine should have fallen to Lanqin, not Nian.
Then, their hearts sank, and they all began to worry about themselves.
Lanqin knew this would be the outcome and wasn't surprised. She just felt a little guilty towards the three people who had come to her room that day, for letting them down.
"Niohuru Lanqin is gentle and graceful, with a delicate and ethereal beauty, a quiet and refined demeanor, and a virtuous and prudent nature. Her gentleness and virtue deeply please me. I hereby confer upon her the title of Consort Xi and bestow upon her residence in Changchun Palace!"
When it was Lanqin's turn, there was indeed a murmur among the people. They all felt that this arrangement seemed a bit off, but they also thought that Lanqin's family background was not very good, and if it weren't for the Fourth Prince's favoritism, her position as a concubine would probably be in jeopardy.
However, the words "Changchun Palace" were somewhat jarring, after all, several empresses had lived there.
Lanqin smiled bitterly to herself. In ancient times, most women placed their life's blood and hopes on men, believing that gaining favor meant gaining everything. Little did they know that placing their fate in the hands of others meant accepting being controlled and arranged by men. Lanqin was grateful that she was independent, and even more grateful that she could meet the Fourth Prince in such an era. Although she could not have only one love for a lifetime, she hoped to grow old together and never let him down.
Next, Lady Song was conferred the title of Consort Mao and granted residence in Xianfu Palace; Lady Wu was consort Wu and granted residence in Yanxi Palace; and Lady Geng was consort Geng and granted residence in Yongshou Palace. Lady Liu was made a Noble Lady and granted residence in a side hall of Yanxi Palace. Lady Fucha and all the women who had been living in seclusion at Zhanghua Terrace were all banished to the Cold Palace.
Originally, Lady Geng, Lady Song, and Lady Wu had some complaints about the Fourth Prince's arrangement, and were unwilling to only receive the rank of Consort. However, seeing Lanqin full of expectations, they only received the rank of Imperial Concubine, and seemed to understand.
After the imperial edict was read aloud, the Fourth Princess Consort specially ordered someone to give the eunuch a large sum of silver to show that she should have the demeanor of a future empress.
Everyone went back to wait for orders, and everything that needed to be packed was packed.
The maids Baoqin and Yuxiao were somewhat disappointed to see that Lanqin had only been granted the title of concubine. They had thought that Lanqin would at least be a noble concubine.
Seeing their expressions, Lanqin didn't want to explain further. She went to her study and checked the valuable calligraphy and paintings again.
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