The Fourth Prince had not attended court for several days. The ministers all knew that the Fourth Prince was hosting a banquet for the imperial relatives at the Yuanmingyuan. However, since Consort Xi was currently residing at the Yuanmingyuan, it inevitably caused people to gossip in private, saying that Lanqin had bewitched the Emperor and was neglecting state affairs to accompany him on his excursions.
At the court meeting that day, as was customary, the ministers' memorials were heard and various matters were arranged. Everyone thought that was the end of it, but unexpectedly, the Fourth Prince suddenly sat up straight and said with great seriousness that he had an important matter to announce.
Even the Thirteenth Prince was taken aback, wondering what the Fourth Prince was going to announce since nothing major had happened recently.
The Fourth Prince said calmly and firmly, "I plan to promote Consort Xi's rank in the coming days, and bestow upon her the title of Noble Consort Xi..."
These words caused an uproar in the court, who were caught off guard by the Fourth Prince's decision.
The Thirteenth Prince, the Seventeenth Prince, and Su Peisheng all knew about the assassination attempt and could understand the Fourth Prince's feelings. Lanqin disregarded her own safety and selflessly saved the Fourth Prince at a crucial moment, taking a fatal stab to the groin. For such kindness, it was entirely appropriate for the Fourth Prince to bestow upon Lanqin the title of Imperial Concubine.
The others, however, did not know the reason and speculated that the Fourth Prince had been bewitched by Consort Xi because of the flower viewing banquet at Yuanmingyuan, which led him to make such a decision.
Minister of Rites Sun Jiacheng was the first to object, standing up angrily and bowing to the Fourth Prince.
The Fourth Prince always respected Sun Jiacheng as a veteran official, loyal to the Qing Dynasty, and abiding by the rules, so he patiently allowed him to speak.
"Your Majesty, according to ancestral rules, a concubine is promoted either for giving birth to a prince or for rendering great service. Although Consort Xi has always been gentle, virtuous, dignified, and elegant, these are not reasons for promotion. Please, Your Majesty, reconsider your decision..."
The Fourth Master's expression changed slightly, his face darkening with displeasure, but he pursed his lips and remained silent.
Knowing that the Fourth Prince had not changed his mind, Sun Jiacheng continued, "Your Majesty, I know that Your Majesty dotes on Consort Xi, but I must still offer this advice: the Empress is the mother of the nation, and Your Majesty should show more concern for her..."
The Fourth Prince suppressed his anger and stared at Sun Jiacheng, asking, "The Empress is the Empress, and Consort Xi is Consort Xi. I only wish to elevate Consort Xi to the rank of Noble Consort Xi. Is that not allowed?"
Everyone was worried for Sun Jiacheng, but Sun Jiacheng was not afraid. On the contrary, he became even more convinced of his idea that the emperor was bewitched by Consort Xi!
Sun Jiacheng said urgently, "Your Majesty! Throughout history, there have been many instances of emperors favoring their concubines, leading to the downfall of the country and the suffering of the people. King You of Zhou lost his kingdom because of his favoritism towards Bao Si, and King Zhou of Shang also lost his kingdom because of his favoritism towards Daji. Have you forgotten all of these? Your Majesty's responsibility is to protect the people of the Great Qing and maintain peace and stability in the court. A thousand-mile dike can be destroyed by an ant hole. How can Your Majesty let your efforts be ruined for the sake of a mere concubine?"
Upon hearing this, the Fourth Prince slammed his fist on the table and rose in a rage, saying, "Sun Jiacheng, I have treated you with respect because you are a veteran minister. Yet you compare me to King You of Zhou and King Zhou of Shang? King You of Zhou was incompetent and foolish, short-sighted, greedy and selfish. King Zhou of Shang indulged in wine and women, was extravagant and corrupt, cruel and tyrannical, and brought ruin to the whole country. Is that how you see me?"
Sun Jiacheng knew he had gone too far, but he meant well and was trying to advise the Fourth Master. He didn't expect to make the Fourth Master so angry, and he was extremely disappointed in him.
"Old man! Sun Jiacheng, you're probably getting senile..."
The Fourth Prince surveyed the court, and everyone remained silent. Only a few ministers, though resentful, dared not speak out.
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