Soon after, the news of the enfeoffment finally arrived, and everyone in Chonghua Palace who received the news felt a mix of joy and sorrow.
Upon receiving the news, the happiest person was Madam Gao. Overjoyed, Madam Gao rushed to Mingyu's place to offer her congratulations, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress! May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
Now that the positions have been determined, there's nothing inappropriate about Gao addressing Mingyu this way. So Mingyu didn't want to refuse as before, and said with a smile, "Get up."
Mingyu gestured for Gao to sit down. After Gao sat down next to Mingyu, she quickly said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your guidance."
Upon hearing Gao's words, Mingyu smiled and said, "This is all your good fortune. Congratulations on receiving the title of Imperial Concubine."
Mingyu thought to herself that the Emperor clearly treated Lady Gao indifferently, so why did he give her a high position? She hadn't mentioned anything to the Emperor.
To Gao, this was merely Mingyu being modest.
However, Mingyu was actually quite surprised when she learned that Lady Gao had gained favor with the Imperial Concubine. Although Lady Gao and Lady Jin had always flattered Mingyu, how could Mingyu possibly support a rival of hers?
Meanwhile, just like in Mingyu's palace, in the east side hall, the Keliyete clan and the Su clan also came to Xueying to offer their congratulations.
Xueying's attainment of the rank of imperial concubine was expected. Xueying was usually very gentle, and the group got along very well. Therefore, Su Shi and Keliye Te Shi were also happy for Xueying.
However, thinking of Lady Gao, Lady Su felt somewhat resentful. "Lady Gao has now become a Noble Consort, and her rank is only below that of the Empress."
Although Lady Su did not continue speaking, Xueying and Keliyete could see what she was thinking. Lady Su had given birth to Yongzhang for the Emperor, but only received the rank of Consort. Lady Su must have felt somewhat disappointed.
Seeing the fleeting resentment in Su's eyes, Xueying comforted her, "The Emperor must have his own reasons for sealing off the palace like this. Besides, you have Yongzhang. Even as a concubine, you are still a principal wife and can raise your son on your own."
If it weren't for the fact that Lady Su was the head of the palace, Yongzhang wouldn't have been able to be raised under her care. It would have been fine if he had been raised by Xueying, but if Yongzhang had been raised by Lady Gao or Mingyu, Lady Su would probably have felt even more heartbroken.
Seeing this, Lady Keliye also quickly helped to persuade Lady Su. Lady Su had taken good care of Lady Keliye since she entered the mansion, so she felt a little sorry for Lady Su when she saw the disappointment in her eyes. "Yes, what Consort Xian said is right. Consort Mao, you can take Yongzhang with you yourself."
Seeing the two of them say this, Madam Su nodded.
"If only I could be assigned to Consort Xian or Consort Mao's palace." After all, Lady Gao is not someone to be trifled with. If someone like Lady Keliyete, who is not competitive and doesn't fight for anything, were assigned to Lady Gao's palace, she would probably have a hard time.
Seeing that the gloom between Su's brows had not yet dissipated, Xueying reached out and patted Su's clenched hand, and said with a smile, "Don't worry, the Emperor has specially given you the title of 'Mao'. Although Gao has obtained the position of Consort, she does not have a title."
Hearing them say that, Su felt much better. Although her rank was not as high as Gao's, she at least had a title personally bestowed by the Emperor.
And so the last trace of melancholy in Su's eyes dissipated.
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