ebookland Chapter 409 Imperial Concubine
Chapter 409 Imperial Concubine
A few days later, an imperial edict spread throughout the harem:
I believe that the influence of the imperial palace is the true foundation of the nation; the virtue of the queen's obedience is truly illustrious in history. Only by mastering the internal rules can one assist the emperor in his residence.
I ask your Imperial Consort Xi, of the Niuhulu clan, to be of a distinguished family, and to promote the good conduct of the people. She was early selected to serve in the imperial court, and has ably assisted in domestic affairs. She is of a gentle and kind disposition, dignified and cautious, yet always willing to accept favors. Her demeanor is dignified and calm, and she maintains a sense of order and leads her subordinates. Her henghuang (a type of jade pendant) has its own rules, harmonizing with the melody of the hengpei (a type of jade pendant); her algae and apple are fragrant, complementing the offerings of the dou (a type of rice bowl).
I now appoint you Imperial Noble Consort and bestow upon you the imperial seal. Alas! Your position is held high above the nine imperial consorts, bringing glory to the Central Palace; your virtues are felt throughout the six imperial chambers, spreading your glorious reputation for eternity. I commend your unwavering diligence and unwavering care, and I only receive the blessing of Heaven. Respectfully!
(I believe that the education of the palace is the foundation of a nation's prosperity; the docile character of women should be recorded in history. Only those who are familiar with the rules of the inner court can assist me in managing the harem.
Consort Xi, of the Niuhulu clan, was born into a distinguished family and enjoyed a far-reaching reputation. Selected for the imperial court at an early age, she diligently assisted in the management of harem affairs. Gentle and kind, you embraced divine blessings with a reverent heart. With dignified demeanor, you led the harem with a sense of the greater good. Your words and actions were rites of passage, and the clinking of your jade pendants was harmonious and melodious. With your virtuous character, you assisted in the completion of sacrificial rituals.
Now, I confer upon you the title of Imperial Noble Consort, bestowing upon you the imperial seal and imperial decree. Ah! Your status is exalted, and a grand ceremony will be held in the Central Palace. Your virtues will benefit the harem, and your reputation will spread forever. I hope you will diligently accept the blessings bestowed by Heaven, and remember these deeply!
Inside Yongshou Palace, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified, yet also somewhat festive. Zhen Huan had already changed into the yellow robe embroidered with a dragon, the attire reserved for Imperial Noble Consorts. The vibrant golden color shone dazzlingly in the sunlight, and the silk-embroidered dragon was so lifelike it seemed ready to soar into the air at any moment.
Except for this unique robe color, all other clothing combinations are purchased according to the Queen's specifications. From head to toe, it shows that Zhen Huan has now become the second person after the Emperor in the palace.
The golden seal, which symbolizes the queen's supreme status, is now being enshrined on the table in the main hall.
Shen Meizhuang walked over to Zhen Huan and asked softly with a look of concern on her face, "Huan'er, I heard that the Emperor has issued an edict granting you the power to issue memorials to the Empress?"
Upon hearing this, Zhen Huan's gaze slowly turned towards the golden seal. A complex emotion flashed across her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. Her tone was indifferent, as if she were discussing an insignificant matter: "Yes. However, this power is rather useless; it's just a nice-sounding title!"
The so-called Empress's Letters could be used with this golden seal to directly present letters of congratulations to the Emperor or to make her own requests during the three major festivals, namely the Emperor's Birthday, New Year's Day, and the Winter Solstice Festival, as well as some special festive days, or when the Empress had special requests.
The weight of the Imperial Palace Memorandum was extremely high. It was similar to an imperial edict; once issued, it could not be easily refuted, not even by imperial decree. Within the palace, it also served as a check on the imperial concubines and princes. However, this power ultimately rested with the emperor, who could stop the use of the Imperial Palace Memorandum at any time if he chose.
Take Emperor Taizu for example. When Empress Xiaohuizhang was ill, she was accused of being "lacking in etiquette and violating filial piety". Emperor Taizu immediately ordered that the Empress's letters and memorials to the emperor be stopped. This shows the instability of power.
"Take the Empress, for example. She was inevitably dissatisfied with the many actions of the concubines in the harem. But even so, she never used the 'sharp weapon' of the Imperial Palace Letter. Because she knew that the true ruler of this palace was the Emperor.
While the Imperial Palace's memorials could, to a certain extent, constrain the imperial concubines and princes, they were insignificant in the face of imperial power. If used rashly, and if they angered the emperor, not only would they fail to achieve their goals, but they could also backfire and lead to the loss of their hard-earned power and status. Therefore, she could only bury her discontent deep within her heart, weigh the pros and cons, and act with caution.
After saying this, Zhen Huan sighed, "For me now, the position of Imperial Noble Consort is already very precarious, and he has given me this kind of power. Sigh, I'm afraid I have to be even more cautious in the future!"
Shen Meizhuang also looked towards the golden seal in the main hall, her tone carrying a certain indifference of someone who had seen through the world: "What's the use of being an Imperial Noble Consort? What's the use of being Empress? They are just a beautiful decoration attached to the imperial power. In this deep palace, no matter how noble one's position is, they are just a pawn in the hands of the Emperor, and can be replaced and discarded at any time."
Zhen Huan slowly walked toward the golden seal, her fingertips gently tracing the delicate coiled dragon pattern on the button. It felt cold and hard. Her voice was calm, yet a subtle chill lingered. "The Emperor can grant me the power to write letters and memorials today, and he can take it back tomorrow. Just like he did to the Empress back then, seemingly supremely honored, but in reality, a mere puppet of the Emperor's power. There's never been any real power in this harem, only the Emperor's favor and suspicion, depending on how we act."
The palace was completely silent, with only the occasional chirping of birds outside the window. The sunlight shone on Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang's faces, making their eyes appear even deeper.
Listening to Zhen Huan's words, An Lingrong nodded secretly. Now, she has the courage and aura of a heroine.
Seeing the somewhat dull atmosphere in the hall, An Lingrong's eyes rolled around, a mischievous smile curled up at the corner of her mouth, and she said calmly, "Sister Zhen, why do I feel like there's something wrong with your outfit?"
Listening to her words, Zhen Huan became a little nervous and asked, "What's wrong?"
"Shouldn't you be decked out in jewels, wearing a hundred or eighty pieces of jewelry?"
Zhen Huan was speechless for a long moment before she asked, "Who told you that the Imperial Concubine wears so much jewelry?"
I saw it on TV.
"Really? I was waiting for you to fall so I could pick up your equipment after you!"
Shen Meizhuang chuckled and patted her head: "Okay, stop making trouble. Today is Huan'er's big day. There are still many rules and etiquette to follow. After she is done, we will see how she dresses."
An Lingrong nodded: "Okay!"