All the concubines came together, but Hongli's gaze was only on Su Yushan, and he smiled gently at her.
That smile was so bright and captivating that Lan Rong was completely enamored with it. She still remembered how, when she was a young palace maid, he would occasionally smile at her. But now, he would never smile at her again.
His eyes were only on Su Yushan; all other women were mere decorations.
Lan Rong felt a burning jealousy, but she knew that she was no match for Su Yushan. The emperor didn't favor her, and the empress dowager didn't help her. She was isolated and helpless in the palace, and it seemed that she had no other way but to wait for an opportunity.
The auspicious hour had arrived, and the first to perform the investiture ceremony was the Empress. The Empress Dowager arranged for Gao Xiuwen to perform the ceremony second, but Hongli secretly changed it, replacing the second person with Su Yushan.
Upon hearing Su Yushan's name, the Empress Dowager's brow twitched slightly, inwardly scoffing that Hongli had once again defied her wishes. However, with all the princes and ministers present, she could not say anything in public and could only let the investiture process continue.
The chief envoy, Cha Lang'a, read the imperial edict, which read: "I, the Emperor, admire the refined elegance of the imperial court and the profound virtue of your refined conduct. Therefore, I hereby bestow upon you, Consort Chun, née Su, for your steadfast adherence to the precepts for women, your strict adherence to the inner rules, and your mastery of etiquette, for you have long enjoyed the honor of wearing imperial robes and pendants. You are worthy to be granted the radiance of the imperial seal. Now, by the benevolent decree of the Empress Dowager, I hereby confer upon you the title of Noble Consort. May you further cultivate your virtue and prudence, welcome the coming of great fortune, remain humble and modest, and receive lasting blessings. Respectfully yours."
The text being read was so difficult to understand that Su Yushan could hardly comprehend it; it was like listening to gibberish. She simply stood there, hands clasped together, maintaining her elegant demeanor.
This scene was the one that Hongli had always dreamed of. His beloved woman had finally become his Imperial Concubine. The only regret was that Gao Xiuwen also held the same rank and wore the same robes.
Although the golden auspicious robes were dazzling, he hoped even more that Yu Shan could be the most special one. If there was an opportunity in the future, he would definitely fight for her again, for that touch of bright yellow...
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