As to the truth, Hongli did not want to ask too much for the time being, and simply smiled and replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Mother Empress."
Although the Empress Dowager agreed, there were still some things she couldn't help but say: "I certainly support you in building your own power to deal with Zhang Tingyu, but you should have informed me of these matters beforehand. If I knew the truth, I wouldn't be so angry."
After a moment's thought, Hongli had already figured out how Hongzhou had persuaded the Empress Dowager. It turned out that the Empress Dowager had believed Hongzhou's words, which was why she agreed to promote Yushan.
Hongli secretly praised the fifth prince for his quick wit; his half-truths were the easiest to convince people.
However, only the fifth prince could say these words. If Hongli himself said them, the Empress Dowager would definitely think that he was making excuses for Su Yushan. Only by having an observer tell her would she believe it.
So Hongli went along with it, echoing the fifth prince, "This is my duty as emperor, and I cannot shirk it. I only concealed it because I did not want my mother to worry about me."
"But we are mother and son! Even if we occasionally disagree, my heart is still with you." It's good that the emperor has ambition, but the Empress Dowager still needs to offer a word of advice.
“Zhang Tingyu is old, but his power should not be underestimated. Your Majesty, you must proceed slowly and not be too hasty, lest it affect the state of the court.”
“Your subject understands. The best situation is that he and Ortai check and balance each other. Once one side becomes too powerful, the court will get out of control.”
The Empress Dowager nodded with satisfaction, "It's good that you understand this principle. I am not an unreasonable person and will cooperate with you. However, it is not enough for you to only promote the Su brothers. They are weak and isolated. You need to cultivate more officials. Consort Rong's father, Gao Bin, and Consort Rong's brother, Gao Heng, are both people who can be given important positions."
There are two positions for Imperial Concubine. Why not promote both Lady Su and Lady Gao to Imperial Concubine? It would be easier for you to support Gao Heng and then counterbalance Zhang Tingyu.”
Upon hearing this, Hongli's expression immediately changed. "Empress Mother, you know perfectly well that I have no feelings for Consort Rong, so why are you making things difficult for me?"
"I know, but we're here for the sake of the court! Personal feelings are unimportant. You can be promoted even if you don't like it. I'm not forcing you to go to Zhongcui Palace."
Hongli sighed inwardly, realizing that the political situation was a double-edged sword; it fulfilled his wishes while simultaneously giving the Empress Dowager an excuse.
"Your Majesty, you always want me to do as you please, but have you ever considered my attitude? I can agree to promote Consort Chun, but the Gao family father and son are indeed worthy of promotion. For the sake of the court, you should also promote Consort Rong. You can't just favor the Su family, or you will chill the Gao family's hearts."
The Empress Dowager didn't say anything harsh, but her meaning was crystal clear: if he wanted to be promoted, they should both be promoted together. As long as he agreed, she would immediately affix the phoenix seal and hold the investiture ceremony.
That evening, Hongli went to Jingren Palace and mentioned the matter to Yushan. Yushan smiled indifferently and said, "Then let's follow the Empress Dowager's wishes and promote Consort Rong!"
"But in my heart, the position of Imperial Concubine can only be given to you." This was something Hongli had longed for for a long time. He had been working hard for it, only wanting to give Su Yushan the most special position. Unexpectedly, another unexpected complication arose.
She had always understood his feelings, and she had seen all the efforts Hongli had made for him. "As long as I am the most important person in your heart, what does it matter whether she is a concubine or an imperial consort?"
Although she didn't hold it against him, Hongli still felt uneasy. Seeing her smile made his heart ache.
"Why don't you complain about me at all? The more understanding you are, the more guilty I feel. I can never keep the promises I make to you."
Su Yushan didn't blame him because she knew very well that as a commoner Han woman, there was absolutely no way she could rise to the position of Imperial Concubine. She knew better than anyone how difficult the path would be for Hongli to break palace rules and grant her the title.
"The Empress Dowager has already agreed to your promotion, and you have done it. You have worked hard for this day for two or three years, so how could I bear to blame you?"
As she spoke, she took the initiative to hug Hongli, comforting him, "That's enough, really enough. I'm not greedy, don't blame yourself."
He embraced her back and whispered, "You're not greedy, but I am."
He wanted to give her something better, but he didn't say it aloud because he knew very well that promises were useless and that striving for it was what he should do.
The fourth day of the twelfth lunar month was an auspicious day for the investiture ceremony in the imperial harem.
Before dawn, Changyue and the other palace maids began to dress and groom their mistress.
On such an important day, there's no need for elaborate hairstyles; the focus should be on the official attire.
The Imperial Concubine wore a sable hat in winter, adorned with a red tassel. The top had three layers, connected by three large pearls, all supported by a golden phoenix and decorated with three pearls and seventeen pearls.
Zhu Wei's crown is adorned with seven golden phoenixes, each decorated with nine pearls and twenty-one pearls. Behind the crown is a golden pheasant with a tail full of pearls arranged in three rows of two, totaling one hundred and ninety-two pearls, interspersed with lapis lazuli and coral.
Yunfang couldn't help but secretly admire it. This court hat was much more luxurious than the one worn by the concubine. The concubine's court hat was adorned with peacocks, but today's court hat was adorned with golden phoenixes. The auspicious robe had also been changed from dark blue to a golden yellow robe with nine dragons in five colors. Such colors were a symbol of status!
Chang Yue had always served Su Yushan and witnessed her rise from maid to imperial concubine. She knew best the twists and turns and hardships she had endured.
Now that her master has finally been promoted to the rank of Imperial Concubine, Chang Yue couldn't help but tear up, secretly thanking Heaven for its blessing, wishing her master continued success and peace.
After dressing and grooming herself, Su Yushan slowly rose, wearing high-heeled shoes, and walked slowly to the Hall of Supreme Harmony to participate in the investiture ceremony with the other concubines.
Upon arriving at the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Su Yushan immediately spotted Hongli, dressed in a bright yellow satin robe embroidered with golden dragons, who stood out prominently in the crowd.
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