The following day, the Fourth Prince once again raised the issue of bestowing the title of Imperial Noble Consort Xi upon Consort Xi in court. Opposition grew stronger, and for several days people submitted memorials in an attempt to change the Fourth Prince's mind, but to no avail. Instead, it only made the Fourth Prince more determined.
Seeing the crowd discussing among the princes, the Fourth Prince slowly spoke up: "Yesterday, Ji Tianming from the Imperial Observatory came to report to me that a Ziwei star is rising in the east, which is an auspicious sign! It foretells the prosperity of our Great Qing Dynasty!"
As soon as the words were spoken, everyone offered their congratulations to the Emperor.
The Fourth Prince smiled and said, "I think things have gone very smoothly since I ascended the throne. Not only has the reform of merging the poll tax into the land tax been very effective in the local areas, but I also recently escaped death..."
Everyone knew that the Fourth Prince was referring to the assassination attempt at the Old Summer Palace, so they dared not speak freely.
Seeing everyone silent, the Fourth Prince sighed spontaneously, "I'm still shaken when I think about it. Luckily, Consort Xi stepped forward in time to take that blow for me, otherwise I probably would have been in grave danger..."
Upon hearing Fourth Master's words, everyone whispered among themselves, but no one dared to voice any objection.
The Fourth Prince then gave a wink to the Thirteenth Prince and Li Wei, among others. The Thirteenth Prince immediately reacted, stepped forward, and exclaimed, "Your Majesty, I believe that Consort Xi deserves the most credit for the Yuanmingyuan incident. It takes immense courage to step forward at such a crucial moment, and Consort Xi did not hesitate for a moment. Therefore, Your Majesty should reward Consort Xi handsomely..."
The Fourth Prince nodded, and Li Wei also stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, don't you think that the Ziwei star mentioned by Ji Tianming of the Imperial Observatory is none other than Consort Xi?"
Li Wei's words attracted everyone's attention. The Fourth Prince had just said that the Ziwei Star was an auspicious sign, and Li Wei then said that the Ziwei Star was Lanqin, which meant that Consort Xi was an auspicious star.
The Fourth Prince smiled with satisfaction: "What does Lord Li mean?"
Li Wei argued vehemently, "His Majesty's escape from death is thanks to His Majesty's good fortune, and His Majesty's survival despite such severe injuries proves that she is blessed by Heaven. Now, the Purple Star of the East has suddenly appeared, which perfectly signifies that His Majesty is the lucky star! As long as His Majesty remains by His Majesty's side, the Qing Dynasty will surely prosper and flourish..."
The Fourth Prince said frankly, "I think what you two said makes sense. Ever since Consort Xi came to my side, I have felt that everything has gone smoothly. Especially after the assassination attempt at the Yuanmingyuan, Consort Xi's actions deeply moved me. She is my lucky star, and also the lucky star of the Qing Dynasty..."
Before anyone could interrupt, the Thirteenth Prince hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, since that's the case, the investiture ceremony for Consort Xi should be prepared immediately, firstly to express our gratitude for her saving our lives, and secondly to welcome auspicious omens to our Great Qing..."
Some people wanted to refute, but couldn't think of any reasons. Watching the Fourth Prince and the Thirteenth Prince sing in unison, they could only feel anxious and frustrated.
The Fourth Prince nodded and said, "The Thirteenth Prince is right. Since Consort Xi is an auspicious star, then my conferring of the title of Imperial Noble Consort on her is in accordance with the will of Heaven. Do you have any other suggestions?"
When the Fourth Master asked the question, everyone looked at each other, feeling resentful but not daring to utter a sound.
The Fourth Prince immediately decreed: "Since no one has any objections, then this matter is settled..."
The Fourth Prince ordered, "Ministry of Rites..."
Sun Jiacheng reluctantly stepped forward: "Your subject is here!"
The Fourth Prince glanced around and said sternly, "Prepare for the investiture immediately, without any mistakes, the sooner the better..."
Sun Jiacheng had no choice but to raise his hand and bow, replying, "Your subject obeys the decree!"
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