When Emperor Kangxi established the ranks of the imperial concubines, the news quickly spread from the Qianqing Palace to the ears of the concubines in various palaces, and even reached the Cining Palace of the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager.
After a moment of silence, the Empress Dowager nodded slightly.
"The ranks in the harem established by the emperor are quite good. The number of Consorts, Concubines, and Concubines below the Empress and Imperial Noble Consorts is regulated. The number of Noble Ladies, Attendants, and Ladies-in-Waiting below them is not fixed. Even palace maids who have served the emperor can be granted the title of Official Women."
"In this way, the palace will no longer be as chaotic as before. Concubines of the same surname will be distinguished by rank, and palace maids who have served the emperor will no longer be called 'bedroom maids'."
The Empress Dowager smiled gently and nodded.
Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager pondered, now that the ranks of the empresses had been determined, which of the concubines in the palace could become consorts or concubines and occupy the position of a principal consort in a palace?
“Your Majesty, Consort Xuan and Consort Wang Jia are related to our Khorchin after all. Consort Xuan is fine, she is already a consort now, but what about Consort Wang Jia?”
“If Consort Wang Jia is only granted the titles of Noble Lady or Attendant, I and my sister will likely lose face.”
The Empress Dowager's smile faltered. She turned her head and gave the Empress Dowager a meaningful look, then reprimanded her in a deep voice, "Consort Wang Jia was recommended to the Emperor by you and me. Even if we don't care about her, the Emperor will not let us lose face like this."
"Yes, yes, Your Majesty's admonition is correct. I was confused!"
The Empress Dowager lowered her head and nodded obsequiously, but she breathed a sigh of relief. With the Empress Dowager's words, she could say that she had given an explanation to her sister outside the palace.
Zhongcui Palace
When Consort Ma learned that Emperor Kangxi had decided on the positions of four consorts and six concubines, she was overjoyed. She secretly thought that with her many years of experience, one son and four daughters, a consort position was a sure thing for her.
If things go well, she might even be made a concubine.
“Caiwei, do you think the Emperor will make me a Consort or a Noble Consort? I have borne the Emperor two sons and four daughters. Although Chengrui died young, Saiyinchaze is the Emperor’s eldest son.”
"The third and fifth princesses are all being raised peacefully. I have the most children in the palace."
As Consort Ma spoke, a look of joy appeared on her face, as if she could see herself being promoted to Consort or Noble Consort, enjoying the glory and the scene of the concubines in the harem kneeling before her.
With a smile on her face, Caiwei spoke respectfully, "Your Highness is deeply favored by the Emperor, and the position of Imperial Concubine is within your grasp."
As she spoke, Caiwei knelt down.
"This servant, Caiwei, greets Your Highness, wishing you good fortune."
Consort Ma Jia covered her mouth, her face beaming with smiles, and personally helped Caiwei up. "Very good, very good. If I am granted the title of Noble Consort, I will certainly reward you handsomely. You have been by my side for many years. When the time comes, I will bestow upon you the title of First-Rank Imperial Lady and let you marry in a grand and glorious manner."
Upon hearing this, Caiwei's face lit up with joy.
"This servant thanks Your Highness, Consort Xie."
The mistress and servant were in the east side hall of Zhongcui Palace, dreaming of a better future. Their laughter and chatter reached the west side hall across the way, into the room of Consort Dong.
Consort Dong murmured mournfully, "Although Consort Ma Jia has been confined by the Emperor and can no longer have children, she has one son and four daughters, so she can't escape the ranks of Consort or Concubine."
"But what about me? My second daughter died young, and I finally got pregnant again, but I miscarried. The Emperor promoted me to the rank of Consort, but in my current situation, I'm afraid I won't even be able to get the rank of Noble Lady."
The palace maid, Lühe, sighed softly and comforted her, "Your Highness, there's no need to be too sad. When you think you've reached the end of the road, a new path will appear. Until the very last moment, anything is possible."
"His Majesty is a benevolent ruler. He will appreciate your contribution in bearing the imperial heir and it is possible that he will bestow upon you the title of Consort or Imperial Concubine."
Nodding slightly, Consort Dong lowered her head and fell into deep thought.
Yikun Palace
Consort Xuan burst in, beaming, and said to Xu Lejin, "Consort Yu, have you heard? The Emperor has already determined the official ranks in the harem: two Imperial Noble Consorts, four Consorts, and six Concubines."
"Consort Yu, you gave birth to auspicious triplets of dragon and phoenix, and also gave birth to the thirteenth princess, Wuyoudai, who is being raised by the Empress Dowager. The position of Imperial Consort is definitely yours."
Xu Lejin smiled and shook her head, her red lips slightly parted.
“Sister Xuanpin, you can’t say such things carelessly. The positions of Noble Consort and Consort have always been reserved for those from prominent families who have made contributions to the country. I come from a humble background and have been favored by the Emperor to be granted the title of Consort, which is already a great honor and favor.”
Changing the subject, Xu Lejin added, "Sister Xuanpin comes from Khorchin and is of noble birth. She will surely rise to a higher level this time."
Consort Xuan chuckled.
The silvery laughter echoed from Yikun Palace and was heard by Emperor Kangxi, who was passing by on the long street outside. Kangxi signaled the sedan chair to stop, and after pausing and pondering for a long time outside Yikun Palace, he continued towards Cining Palace.
Cining Palace
The Empress Dowager sat upright, looking old and frail, while the Empress Dowager sat carefully beside her.
"Your Majesty, the Empress cannot be without a ruler for even a day. Consort Zhao comes from the Niohuru clan and is the daughter of the regent Ebilun. Although there has been much opposition to her becoming Empress in the previous dynasty, however..."
"Your Majesty must not disappoint this old minister!"
After a pause, the Empress Dowager continued, "Among the concubines in the palace, only Consort Zhao has the highest birth. The rest are Lady Li, Lady Wangjia, Lady Xiaohesheli, and Consort Xuan."
"Song'etu suggested that the emperor choose a new concubine, but I think it is inappropriate. Not to mention that the Three Feudatories have not yet been pacified and the previous dynasty is in turmoil, even if the Three Feudatories have been pacified and the previous dynasty is peaceful, we should not choose a new concubine and chill the hearts of the old concubines in the harem."
Kangxi nodded, deep in thought.
After a moment, the Empress Dowager continued, "I have heard that Suo'etu has a daughter who is fifteen years old, a beautiful and lovely age. Suo'etu sent Xiao Hesheli to the palace last year, and now he is planning to send his daughter to the palace as well."
"Since Songgotu's daughter is both beautiful and talented, why doesn't the Emperor summon her to the palace and bestow upon her the title of Noble Lady?"
Emperor Kangxi looked surprised and turned to the Empress Dowager.
"I understand what Grandmother means, but there is already a young Hesheli woman in the palace. If another daughter of Suo'etu comes, I am worried that it will embolden the Hesheli family."
"If Empress Xiaocheng had given birth to a legitimate son, I would have been willing to elevate the Hesheli family, since they are the maternal family of the legitimate son. However, Empress Xiaocheng was unfortunate and gave birth to a princess..."
The meaning behind Kangxi's words was that he did not want to embolden the Hesheli family.
The Empress Dowager nodded gently and said kindly, "The Emperor is too worried. She is just a noblewoman. She will have no children in the future. At most, she will be a concubine or a mistress. It's not a big deal."
"If the emperor is really worried, he can use the art of checks and balances. The east wind should prevail over the west wind, but what if the situation is reversed and the west wind prevails over the east wind?"
Kangxi remained silent for a long time, then nodded with a loud laugh.
"Grandmother's teachings are correct, I understand. Tomorrow morning at court, I will issue an edict to confer the title of Empress upon Consort Zhao, of the Niohuru clan, and choose an auspicious day to hold the investiture ceremony for her. She will then move into the Kunning Palace."
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