Chapter 153 Kangxi Intends to Grant Titles to His Consorts
"Her Majesty the Empress has arrived."
Everyone stood up and greeted him.
"Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress. May Her Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
Fanghua slowly walked to the head seat and sat down, smiling as she looked at the crowd below who were bowing and greeting her, a hint of amusement flashing in her eyes.
As long as I live, you will all be my concubines.
"Rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress."
After sitting down, Fanghua smiled at Consort Hui and said, "Consort Hui, now that your confinement is over, you must be careful in the future and never bring shame to Prince Chengqing again. Remember that."
When Consort Hui saw the Empress call her name, she immediately stood up and stepped forward. "Yes, Your Majesty, I have remembered. Thank you for your grace." She then bowed respectfully.
"Get up. This is not my doing. His Majesty personally told me about Chengqing's hardships and didn't want you, his mother, to disgrace Chengqing, so he lifted your confinement."
Fanghua didn't give her any face; anyway, this person wouldn't listen even if you gave her face.
"Yes, Your Highness, I will remember this and will never again bring shame upon Prince Chengqing."
Consort Hui gritted her teeth in anger.
She knew, of course, that she was able to be released because of her son, but that was precisely what made her feel embarrassed.
I thought that given her relationship with the Emperor, she shouldn't have been confined for so long.
It wasn't her intention to get pregnant during the mourning period; she never expected to conceive during that time, and in the end, she gave birth to a stillborn child.
He was a prince, and she was heartbroken; she never wanted such a thing to happen.
After that, she tried to curry favor with the Empress Dowager, hoping to gain the Emperor's favor through the Empress Dowager's help. Unexpectedly, the Empress Dowager left the palace to become a nun.
Not only did she fail to gain any advantage, but her son was also confined to Zhongcui Palace along with her.
Who can understand the grievances and pain involved?
Although she was able to lift the ban this time by leveraging her son's influence, it still took her a lot of effort.
Now that the Empress has made it so clear, how is she supposed to face herself in the future?
Empress, what a vicious heart you have.
Hmph, she will definitely make Chengqing win the Emperor's favor and he must not lose to Chenghu.
Fanghua was unaware of Consort Hui's thoughts, but feeling that she had given enough of a warning, she said no more.
That's enough.
"By the way, next year will also be the year of the grand show. There will be more and more sisters in the palace. Do you have any preferred residences? If so, please come and report to me."
Speaking of this, she turned her gaze to Lady Nara, "Lady Nara, are you really going to live in Consort Hui's Zhongcui Palace?"
Everyone was startled by the Empress's words, and then turned their gaze to Nara.
Some couldn't understand, some were watching the spectacle, some thought he was a fool—various gazes lingered, but Nara stood up as if oblivious.
She replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, this humble servant is willing."
Seeing her like this, Fanghua didn't ask any more questions and said with a smile, "Since you've made up your mind, then move to Zhongcui Palace. It just so happens that Nara is close to you, which will fulfill your sisterly bond."
You can't wake someone who's pretending to be asleep. Although she didn't know what Nara's plans were, she knew that the sisterly bond wouldn't last.
Since they are willing to perform, she, as an audience member, is naturally happy to watch.
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress."
Consort Hui and Noble Lady Nara expressed their gratitude together.
Seeing that the matter was settled, everyone's eyes flashed with ambiguous smiles.
But nobody said anything.
"Rise, all of you sit down. I have something else to announce."
Although the titles and ranks of the concubines have not yet been finalized, it gives them something to look forward to, otherwise the show wouldn't be so exciting.
"His Majesty told me that he wants to bestow titles and honors upon the concubines. You are all concubines with children, and I imagine you all want to be promoted. The list of those to be promoted has not yet been finalized, so please serve His Majesty more often when you have free time."
At this point, Fanghua paused, then looked meaningfully at the excited crowd below, before straightening her expression and saying, "Don't let your children suffer."
"You've all taken note."
Everyone rose to express their gratitude, "Yes, thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty the Empress."
After paying her respects, the Imperial Concubine stayed behind.
Seeing her youthful beauty gives me a headache.
"What's going on this time, Consort?" This person is really something; he always likes to stay and watch her make a fool of herself at times like this.
But every time I make her very angry, she still enjoys it.
"Your Majesty, it seems you don't welcome me. But I love you so much, what should I do?"
This person's opening remarks were infuriating; one really wanted to kick him out.
"Hmph, I am not the Emperor, and I cannot tolerate your sweet words." This woman would be better off using this energy to deepen her relationship with the Emperor; perhaps she could even be promoted to Imperial Noble Consort.
Why waste your time on her?
"Alright, get to the point. I'm in a lot of trouble lately and don't have time to listen to your nonsense."
Her intention to get rid of him was written all over her face, but unfortunately, Consort Niohuru seemed oblivious to it.
It's heartbreaking.
"Oh dear, Your Majesty, you have hurt my feelings so much. However, I am magnanimous and will not hold it against you."
Seeing that she was still pretending, Fanghua stood up and took a step towards the inner hall.
The imperial concubine panicked and dared not cause any trouble.
"Your Majesty, please don't go. I'm not joking anymore, okay?" She had no choice but to give in; this person was really easy to tease.
"Let's get down to business, let's get down to business."
Fanghua then stopped and sat down. "Speak, what's the important matter?"
This person needs to be taught a lesson; he really thinks he can get away with fooling himself.
"What does this grand conferment of titles upon the harem mean? Does the Emperor intend to bestow titles upon concubines?" Although her rank was high, there was no concubine below her, which laid the foundation for her nobility. If she were to be granted a concubine title, although her status would be different, she would still have no children. Therefore, she wanted to know who would be granted that concubine title.
The Emperor would naturally not discuss such matters with a concubine like her, since the Empress was still alive.
Although the emperor may not necessarily respect the empress much, with the empress around, the emperor would not discuss important matters of the harem with a mere concubine.
Although the news of the grand conferment of titles upon the imperial harem had been circulating for a long time, it had not yet been confirmed, and she also wanted to know who would be conferred the title of concubine.
When Fanghua saw that she was really getting down to business, she put away her earlier displeasure, after all, it was just an act.
"Yes, His Majesty does intend to do so. When the Revolt of the Three Feudatories broke out, His Majesty had to confer titles on the imperial concubines in order to win over those armed groups. Among them, four concubines were appointed: Consort Hui, Consort Rong, Consort De, and Consort Yi. However, this time His Majesty only promoted three of them."
Yes, Emperor Kangxi had already begun to reform the harem system.
Although it officially began in the sixteenth year of Kangxi's reign in the previous life, it changed in this life because she survived. The system of four consorts, six concubines, and nine noble ladies was still established by Kangxi.
Fanghua didn't say much. She didn't think there was anything wrong with it. On the contrary, it gave those ambitious people a direct target.
This is something she is very happy to see.
The selection of Consort De in this life has changed, and Consort Rong has also changed. It's just unknown whether Consort Yi will also change, but it doesn't matter. After all, she is the Empress, and no matter how noble those consorts are, they are just concubines.
"Of course, there are also six concubines and nine noble ladies, but the selection is far from enough." At this point, Fanghua smiled at the Imperial Concubine, "Would you like to let Lady Dong take a concubine's position?"
If she and the Imperial Concubine joined forces, it would be easy to give Dong a concubine's title.
She just wanted to see if the Imperial Concubine was truly willing to let Lady Dong ascend to that high position.
As she expected, the imperial concubine refused.
"The Dong family's foundation is too weak; a position as a concubine might not be a good thing for her." The Imperial Concubine wasn't stupid; she rolled her eyes at the Empress, then chuckled and rejected the Empress's suggestion.
"However, the position of the first palace consort is still acceptable. Consort Dong, it sounds quite nice."
Seeing her say that, Fanghua lost interest. "Then why are you so concerned about this?" This puzzled her.
There's no way another imperial concubine could emerge, and she wouldn't be a threat to her. I don't understand why she's so concerned.
"What do you think?" The Imperial Concubine rolled her eyes elegantly. "Don't tell me you don't know that the Tong family has been making a lot of moves lately." If it were anyone else, she certainly wouldn't care.
But the Tong family was different, and she had to take it seriously.
Fanghua didn't really care. "What trouble is the Tong family causing now?" she asked, not understanding.
Even the imperial concubine was speechless.
Can't this person pay a little more attention to the Emperor?
Didn't she know that someone was eyeing her position as empress?
"Ha, she's got big ambitions. She's already secretly eyeing your position as empress, and you don't even know it." She really didn't know what to say.
The Empress's calm attitude towards the Tong family is truly making this Consort anxious.
"Her?" Fanghua smiled sarcastically. "She doesn't deserve it." Even without her as empress, she wouldn't be able to hold the position.
Whether in this life or the previous one, Lady Tongjia could never be the choice of the Empress of the Qing Dynasty.
Neither Emperor Kangxi, nor the Empress Dowager, nor any member of the imperial clan would allow it.
Because it was impossible for the Qing Dynasty to produce another emperor of the Tongjia clan.
"Oh, Your Majesty, is there some new information that I am unaware of?" The Imperial Concubine became interested. "Would Your Majesty be so kind as to inform me?"
Fanghua didn't mince words. "What could possibly happen? Look at history, what family has ever produced two emperors?" Let's not end up with the royal family changing their surname.
Of course, Fanghua didn't say this explicitly, but she believed that Niohuru was intelligent and would understand.
Sure enough, she understood. Not only did she understand, but she also knew that if Lady Tongjia were to enter the palace, she would pose the greatest threat to her.
"It seems I should worry about myself. Sigh, I said I was here to do you a favor, but it seems I'm the one who's here to ask for a favor." Niohuru gave a wry smile.
"I wonder if this person will enter the palace this year?" That person is destined to enter the palace.
Neither the Tong family nor the Emperor would allow Tongjia to marry an outsider.
"There may be a general election next year." The mourning period is over, and it is time to produce offspring for the royal family. A general election should be put on the agenda.
The Imperial Concubine was unaware of this matter, but it's not too late to hear it from the Empress now.
"If that's the case, then I'm afraid there will be another storm." A general election is not a small one; people from different backgrounds and social classes are all different.
However, each of them is a top talent in their respective families, and they want to be sent to the palace to try their luck in the future.
If one could give birth to a prince, it would be a stepping stone for the family to rise even higher; if one could seize the opportunity, it would bring unparalleled glory.
No wonder the emperor created the system of four consorts, six concubines, and nine noble ladies; it was probably to keep these people in check.
"Well, what does it have to do with us?" Fanghua laughed.
"Although there are two Imperial Concubines, the Emperor would not dare to offend the Niohuru clan unless..." Fanghua did not finish her sentence, but how could the clever Imperial Concubine not know?
"Unless I die." The imperial concubine gave a miserable smile. "Unfortunately, ever since I had a miscarriage and survived, taking my life is no easy task."
How could she not know the Emperor's schemes, how could she not understand the exchange of family interests, but why should her life be exchanged for it?
She refused to accept it, she refused to die, she wanted to see how they would exchange places.
Seeing that she understood, Fanghua said no more.
He looked at her with pity, swallowing back many words of advice.
Everyone has their own destiny, and she didn't want to interfere too much; she only wanted to protect herself and her child for the rest of their lives.
"Your Majesty may not know this, but my mother came to the palace last time and told me that she wanted my younger sister to come to the palace to accompany me."
Seeing her bitterly recounting her grievances, Fanghua was unusually calm.
"They've already started planning for my little sister when she's so young. They know I can't bring much help to the family, so they want to find someone else to support her. But they don't even consider whether I'm willing to do so."
If her family members were to be frank with her, she might grant their request out of gratitude for the family's upbringing.
But they were all plotting against her, and she just didn't want to do as they wished.
Her younger sister was nothing more than a pawn. She cherished her own sister, who was born of the same mother. She didn't want her sister to be imprisoned here for the rest of her life and wanted her to have a happy and healthy life.
Because that was what she had asked for but had not yet been able to obtain.
If her younger sister really entered the palace, she could guess her sister's fate: she would give birth to a prince of the Niohuru clan with the emperor's permission, then die of illness, thus strengthening the bond between the royal family and the Niohuru clan.
To make the Niohuru clan a tool in the emperor's hand.
What the Imperial Concubine didn't know was that all her guesses came true in Fanghua's previous life. In the end, the Tenth Prince Yin married a Mongolian princess and was never destined for the throne.
Niohuru wanted more, after all, her ambition had been nurtured, and who wouldn't want to gain merit by following the emperor?
So they tried to curry favor with the Eighth Prince, Yinzhi, but ultimately suffered a crushing defeat.
However, because of the Tenth Prince, Yinzhen ultimately spared their lives, but did not give them important positions.
Its decline was only a matter of time.
We've gone off on a tangent.
The concubine's pitiful appearance reminded Fanghua of herself, and she felt sympathy, but not much.
"If you want to enter the palace, then go ahead. If we keep you by our side to raise you, you'll be able to find a good husband in the future." That was all the advice Fanghua could offer.
The Imperial Concubine gave a bitter smile. "I hope so." It was a deal between her family and the Emperor, and she couldn't stop it.
Therefore, she could only change her younger sister.
If her sister isn't mentally challenged, she should know how to choose what's best for her.
If she really insists on jumping into this fire pit, her older sister will allow it.
What the Imperial Concubine was unaware was that the Emperor was no longer capable of having children, and even if her sister entered the palace, she would not be able to achieve the Niohuru family's scheme.
Therefore, it's too early to worry. As long as she lives, given her relationship with the Emperor, the Niohuru Clan Consort, the mother of the Tenth Prince, might have had a different life in her previous life.
These youthful days were naturally not told to the Imperial Concubine.
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty the Empress." The Imperial Concubine rose and bowed respectfully as a token of her gratitude.
"Alright, don't hold back your grievances. It's bad for your health. If you want to cause trouble for the enemy, then live well. As long as you live, all your scheming is just a joke."
Fanghua didn't know how to comfort her.
Thinking of her younger sister, she thought, "Well, since she's here in this life, my sister can just settle down, get married, and raise her children."
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