After Consort Dai expressed her gratitude, Kangxi's gaze swept over the concubines in the harem, and he pondered for a moment before saying, "The Consorts, Ladies-in-Waiting, and Palace Ladies in the palace have all served me for many years. Promote them all by one rank. Furthermore…"
"The palace maids Nara, Yi, Wenzha, Lan, Xile, and Chang were granted the title of Lady-in-Waiting and were granted residence in Zhongcui Palace, Xianfu Palace, and Changchun Palace."
Kangxi turned his head and looked at Xu Lejin.
"The specific arrangements for the newly promoted concubines' palaces will be handled by Consort Yu."
Xu Lejin nodded, and with Ru Hua's help, stood up and said respectfully, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will obey your orders and make sure to settle the new sisters properly."
"Um."
Emperor Kangxi responded, and the New Year's Eve family banquet continued.
The next day, the first day of the Lunar New Year
In the afternoon, Ru Hua hurried in from outside the palace and bowed to report to Xu Lejin, "Your Majesty, Consort Le and Consort Chang from Xianfu Palace, and Consort Wen and Consort Yi from Changchun Palace are requesting an audience outside the palace."
"Please let them in."
With a gentle smile, she gave instructions to Ruhua.
A moment later, Ru Hua led four women in palace attire into the hall. The first one was a young woman of about eighteen or nineteen, dressed in a light green palace gown, with her hair styled in two small buns. She was a girl from a modest family.
"This humble servant, Lady Xile, Lady Wenzha, Lady Chang, and Lady Yi, greets Consort Yu. May Consort Yu be blessed."
Le and the others knelt down respectfully, introduced themselves, and bowed to Xu Lejin.
Xu Lejin's gaze swept over the faces of Le Yingying, Wen Yingying, and the others in turn. She nodded slightly and said, "Please get up! Please sit down, sisters."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The four men were humble and respectful, their eyes lowered.
Xu Lejin said softly, "His Majesty has bestowed upon you the title of 'Consort'. From now on, you must serve His Majesty wholeheartedly and strive to produce offspring for him as soon as possible."
"Yes, Your Highness, we will remember your teachings."
He gave a wink to Ruhua, who was serving beside him. Ruhua whispered a few words to Ziwu and Zhulan, who then left and returned a moment later carrying several boxes into the hall.
Just as Xu Lejin was about to speak, a young palace maid bowed and entered the hall to report that Consort Lan and Consort Nara of Zhongcui Palace were requesting an audience.
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