In the following period, with Yunyi's encouragement, Zhang Mama's arrangements, and Kangxi's tacit approval, Wanliuhashi and the other two women were all able to get rid of their status as palace maids and become concubines like Wuya Xinyue.
In no time, the news that four concubines had emerged from Chengqian Palace spread throughout the harem, making Chengqian Palace the focus of attention in the harem.
This was another day to pay respects at Kunning Palace. Early in the morning, Yunyi finished dressing up and had just stepped out of the main hall when she saw the four members of the Wuya clan, who were already dressed and waiting outside for a long time.
According to Qing Dynasty palace rules, only concubines of the rank of Pin (嫔) or higher, and who were the principal consorts of their respective palaces, were entitled to pay their respects to the Empress at Kunning Palace alone. Lower-ranking concubines could only be accompanied by the principal consort of their own palace when paying their respects.
Concubines like Wuya were among the lowest-ranking concubines in the harem, even lower than a Lady-in-Waiting. They were not required to pay their respects at Kunning Palace unless specifically summoned by the Empress.
Today is a different story. After their first time serving the emperor, the concubines in the harem must go to Kunning Palace to pay their respects and greet the other concubines. This is also to let everyone get to know each other and let the older concubines know what the new concubines look like and what their personalities are.
Logically, Wuya and the others should have gone to pay their respects long ago, but Yunyi had been ill and had asked for leave to attend the previous greetings. This directly resulted in the fact that none of the four concubines in her palace had paid their respects after serving the emperor.
Today was Yunyi's first time paying respects since her recovery, so the four members of the Wuya clan waited early at the door, waiting for Yunyi to take them to Kunning Palace.
She glanced at the four of them out of the corner of her eye, then took off her palace maid clothes and put on the palace attire of a concubine. With her face lightly powdered, the four of them became beautiful young women with delicate features.
The thought of being followed by these four beauties made Yunyi incredibly happy.
After boarding the palanquin and instructing them to stay close to her, Yunyi leisurely headed towards Kunning Palace.
The timing of their arrival at Kunning Palace was perfect; they had barely sat down when the Empress came out. After paying their respects, she announced the final decision regarding the matter that had been left unresolved last time.
"Regarding the matter of the Golden Gift Festival that we discussed last time, after discussions between the Emperor and me, it has been decided that Consort An, Consort Hui, and Consort Yi will assist me in handling various matters related to this Golden Gift Festival."
Knowing that others still had some objections, she explained, "Consort An is the head of all the consorts, and her position is appropriate. Consort Hui is a senior member of the palace, and her qualifications are appropriate." At this point, hearing some discontented murmurs below, she paused, "As for Consort Yi, although she has only been in the palace for a short time, His Majesty praises her for being dignified and intelligent. In this matter of assisting, she is only playing a supporting role. Although she is young and inexperienced, it will not be a problem."
Having only explained why she chose the three of them, the Empress took a sip of tea and continued, "Although Consort Tong's status and position are suitable, she caught a cold a few days ago for saving the imperial heir and is still recovering. I do not want her to be overworked while she is ill, so I did not choose her."
Yunyi nodded with a smile, thanked the Empress, and also expressed that she didn't mind at all and was very happy to accept.
The Empress smiled. She had overheard Consort Tong and Consort Rong's conversation that day and knew their ulterior motives, so she did not include them on the list.
"Consort Rong has a prince and princess to take care of, so she probably doesn't have the time. She's also overwhelmed." In her last words, she said to Consort Rong, "The imperial heir is the most important thing. The prince and princess are both young. As their mother, Consort Rong, you need to put in more effort. This time, you should take good care of the imperial heir, and I will not choose you."
Consort Rong stood up and bowed gratefully. "Her Majesty the Empress has decreed that I cannot help you, and instead cause you worry. I am ashamed. It is Your Majesty's kindness that is so great. Please rest assured, I will take good care of the imperial heir."
"Yes! I understand. Consort Rong, please sit down." The Empress nodded and continued the previous topic, then explained why Consort Jing, Consort Duan, and Consort Xi were not chosen.
Although the Empress's reasons sounded good, in Yunyi's opinion, it was simply that they lacked favor and authority, and choosing them would not be convincing.
After discussing these important matters, it was time for the new concubine to pay her respects.
The Empress glanced at the four beauties behind Yunyi, her gaze lingering on Wuya Xinyue for a moment.
Consort An, who was paying attention to the Empress, followed her gaze and clenched her handkerchief tightly. "Hmph! So alluring, another vixen."
Consort Hui also noticed Wu Yaxin Yue among the four. She calmly took a sip of tea, concealing the fleeting glint in her eyes. Indeed, she was a rare beauty. She wondered where Consort Tong had found her. Thinking this, she couldn't help but sigh, "This palace is about to be in turmoil again!"
Turning her gaze away, the Empress gestured to the palace maid beside her. The maid stepped forward and announced loudly, "Consort Wuya, Consort Wanliuha, Consort Zhangjia, and Consort Liu, please step forward to pay your respects."
Wu Yaxin looked at Yun Yi, who was puzzled. "Why are you looking at me? The Empress has already summoned them. Why aren't you going?" She nodded, gesturing for them to step forward.
The four women stepped forward and performed a grand salute: "Your Majesty, we, the concubines of Chengqian Palace, of the Wuya clan, Wanliuha clan, Zhangjia clan, and Liu clan, pay our respects to Your Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
The Empress sat at the head of the table, and after they paid their respects, she presented each of them with a piece of jewelry.
Uya received a cloisonné bracelet, Wanliuha a jade hairpin, Zhangjia a necklace, and Liu a tassel hair ornament. Each person received a different piece of jewelry, yet all were treated equally, with little difference between them.
He then said a few more words in a low voice, telling them to be mindful of their duties as imperial concubines, to serve His Majesty well, and to bear children for the royal family as soon as possible, before concluding the greetings for the day.
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