The investiture ceremonies for Xu Lejin, Consort Gong, Consort Xuan, and the seven lower-ranking concubines were held in Kunning Palace. As for the lower-ranking noble ladies, Changzai, and Daying ladies, because of their low status, they did not have investiture ceremonies.
The newly appointed female officials, imperial consorts, and ladies of the court gathered at Kunning Palace to participate in the investiture ceremony of the three imperial consorts and seven concubines, a grand and impressive event.
Xu Lejin, Consort Gong, and Consort Xuan, dressed in their imperial concubine robes, were dignified and composed as they accepted the golden books and seals from the female officials. Next, the seven women above the rank of Consort received their golden books of rank.
After the investiture ceremony, everyone was officially granted the titles of Consort or Imperial Concubine!
Consort Gong, dressed in a royal blue court robe, walked down the long street with the help of palace maids, heading towards Chuxiu Palace. Xu Lejin, Consort Xuan, and others followed closely behind Consort Gong.
Consort Xuan turned her head and said softly to Xu Lejin, "Sister Consort Yu, although Her Majesty the Empress has not yet formally performed the investiture ceremony, we should still listen to Her Majesty the Empress's teachings after the investiture."
"This is the dignity and glory of the Empress, the mother of the nation."
Xu Lejin nodded slightly.
Consort Gong, who was walking unsteadily with the help of a palace maid, suddenly stopped, turned around and looked at Xu Lejin, and said in a cold voice, "It is normal for Consort Yu, who was born a palace maid, not to know the rules of the palace."
“Sister Xuanfei, this morning the Emperor issued an edict lifting your confinement. Your family outside the palace sent a lot of fashionable fabrics that you don’t have on the grasslands. I’ll have someone send some to you later so you can cut them into clothes.”
As she spoke, Consort Gong walked to Consort Xuan's side with a smile and affectionately took her arm.
Consort Xuan's face stiffened. "Consort Gong, this—"
“Oh dear, Consort Xuan, why are you calling me Your Highness? I’m a bit older than you, so just call me Sister. We both serve the Emperor, so calling each other sisters will make us feel closer.”
Consort Gong, with practiced ease, linked arms with Consort Xuan, deliberately ignoring the extremely uncomfortable expression on Consort Xuan's face.
Xu Lejin nodded slightly and gave Consort Xuan a look that said, "Take it easy."
The seven concubines following behind each lowered their heads slightly, quickly pondering in their hearts, wondering if the sun had risen in the west today. How could Consort Gong, who was always arrogant and haughty, suddenly seem like a different person?
Chuxiu Palace
The Empress, dressed in a bright yellow palace gown, with her hair styled in an elegant bun and adorned with pearls and a phoenix hairpin, sat smilingly in the main seat, her gaze sweeping over Xu Lejin and the other concubines dressed in court attire.
In a nearby corner, several noble ladies, concubines, and imperial consorts watched with envy, wondering when they too could be conferred the title of concubine or imperial consort, wear the court robes, and receive the investiture ceremony!
"Today is the investiture ceremony for Consort Gong, Consort Yu, Consort Xuan, and several other concubines. I am very happy. Now that they are officially investitured, they will be honored ladies in the palace."
"His Majesty only has three sons, which is a bit too few offspring. All of you sisters must serve His Majesty diligently in the future, so that His Majesty can continue his lineage and have many children."
Consort Gong, Xu Lejin, and others maintained their curtsy posture and said respectfully, "Yes, Your Majesty, we will follow Your Majesty's teachings and serve Your Majesty wholeheartedly, sharing your burdens and difficulties."
"Okay, okay."
The Empress's face was gentle, but her hands, hidden in her sleeves, were tightly gripping her handkerchief. She spoke softly, "My sisters, please rise!"
"Lian Xing,"
She called out towards the outside of the hall, and a moment later, Consort Gong, Xu Lejin, and others had just sat down when the palace maid Lianxing led seven or eight secondary palace maids, carrying teacups, into the hall.
The Empress smiled and said, "This is a Lu'an melon seed tea that the Empress Dowager bestowed upon me a few days ago. I found it quite delicious. Today is a joyous occasion for all my sisters' investiture, so please have a taste."
Xu Lejin and Consort Xuan smiled faintly and remained silent.
Consort Gong's expression changed slightly, and the corners of her mouth curled up in a contemptuous and disdainful arc.
Lifting the lid of the teacup, Consort Gong spoke softly, "The tea from Her Majesty the Empress's palace is naturally excellent, but I am very picky and have always been accustomed to drinking West Lake Longjing tea. Although this Lu'an Melon Seed tea is good, I don't really like it."
"I have failed Your Majesty's good intentions, and I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."
The Empress's expression froze.
"My sister, Consort Gong, doesn't like tea brewed with Lu'an Melon Seed tea."
Changing the subject, the Empress covered her mouth and said softly, "It's been a long time since Consort Gong has visited my palace. I forgot about her preferences for a moment. It was my oversight."
"Lianxing, quickly replace Consort Gong's tea with the best West Lake Longjing tea."
Lianxing respectfully agreed.
Consort Gong's pretty face turned from white to green, and her teeth were clenched so tightly they made a grinding sound.
The Empress shifted her gaze from Xu Lejin and Consort Xuan to the concubines below, finally settling on Consort Rong, Ma Jia, and said with a smile, "It's been a long time since I've seen Consort Rong. Consort Rong is as good as ever."
"Today is the grand ceremony for the investiture of all my sisters, and His Majesty has also lifted Consort Gong's confinement. There are two joyous occasions in the palace. I've been thinking, to add to the joy, I'll also lift Consort Rong's confinement."
Consort Rong was delighted upon hearing this.
With the help of a palace maid, she quickly stood up and respectfully addressed the Empress, saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness. I am deeply grateful."
"Um."
The Empress responded lightly, then said, "Consort Rong, please rise. You are the birth mother of the fourth prince. After your confinement is lifted, you must serve the Emperor wholeheartedly and manage your Zhongcui Palace well."
Consort Rong should be pleased.
The group continued to chat with the Empress in Chuxiu Palace. Half an hour later, the Empress suddenly realized what had happened and said with a smile, "Look at my memory! Today is a joyous occasion for all my sisters' investiture. I was so happy that I forgot about the important matter."
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