Chapter 175: The Title of Consort - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 175: The Title of Consort
Guarding the imperial tomb was merely a result of the Emperor’s temporary anger. Once the storm passed, he would find a way back. He loudly exclaimed, "Thank you, Your Majesty for granting my wish."
With that, he rose and left, leaving the onlookers with many thoughts.
The happiest were naturally the Crown Prince's faction. With Duke Wei, the stabilizing force, gone, their actions would be much easier to execute.
Duke Wei, oh Duke Wei, who would have thought your lifelong wisdom would fail you at such a critical moment? By the time you return from the tomb, the court might have changed entirely.
Thinking this, the Crown Prince felt elated and found the Qinglei's goddess more pleasing to the eye than before.
He immediately bowed, saying, "Your son congratulates Father on gaining another beauty. Greetings to Consort Shu."
The goddess before him appeared no older than twenty, much younger than he was. But what did that matter? As his father's woman, she was naturally his 'stepmother.'
Emperor Qi, seeing the Crown Prince's respectful attitude, regarded him more favorably. "My son, you have worked hard. Your handling of the envoy reception was thorough. In a few days, I shall reward you."
"Thank you, Father!"
Glancing at the Ninth Prince's dark, brooding face, the Crown Prince felt all his long-standing grievances dissipate.
Standing beside Emperor Qi, Yueyao remained indifferent, neither pleased nor opposed. To her, being made a consort seemed as routine as a daily chore.
Her slender fingers were tightly held by Emperor Qi. If not for the many people present, he might have pulled her into his arms.
The once astute Emperor Qi now seemed bewitched, his eyes fixated on Consort Shu like a lovesick youth, oblivious to the subsequent gifts from the envoys. His heart and mind were wholly occupied as he led his newly appointed consort away, leaving the Crown Prince to handle the aftermath.
"Honored envoys from afar, your presence graces our Jin dynasty. The banquet at Ninghui Hall is ready. Please join me." The Crown Prince's courteous manner led many envoys to reconsider their positions.
Given the current situation, the Crown Prince's chances of becoming the Crown Prince seemed high. It was better to befriend him than make an enemy. Thus, many envoys treated him with extra respect.
The Sixth Prince, accompanying them, occasionally interjected, making the Crown Prince quite comfortable. Pleased, he patted the Sixth Prince’s shoulder, saying, "You are doing well, Sixth Brother. In the future, I won't forget your efforts."
Though his words were not explicit, the Sixth Prince understood their meaning.
Smiling, he replied, "Thank you for your guidance, Elder Brother. I will serve diligently."
His respectful attitude resembled that of a subordinate. Unfortunately, the Sixth Prince’s maternal family was weak, and he had no support from his wife's family, making him insignificant in the court. If not for the recent favor of the Crown Prince in managing the envoy reception, he wouldn’t have had the chance to be seen.
The Sixth Prince in the front court was akin to Concubine Liu Xian in the back palace.
Both were unimportant, but no one troubled them.
Concubine Liu Xian, once a maid, had risen to a consort's rank but now often resided in quiet temples, not due to loss of beauty but due to her noncompetitive nature. She neither flattered nor slighted anyone, becoming a rare tranquil presence in the palace. Thus, Emperor Qi would occasionally visit her to calm his mind.
Today, while the front court received envoys, the back palace was also bustling.
First, the Crown Prince’s wife was about to give birth. Second, Consort Wei’s niece was getting married, one joyous event after another, seemingly heralding a good year.
The Empress, dressed in a golden phoenix robe, looked radiant. Her hair was meticulously styled, adorned with a gold hairpin set with colorful gemstones, and a phoenix tassel in the middle of her forehead added to her elegance.
To her left sat Consort Wei, looking charming and youthful, showing few signs of aging. Her lazy demeanor and seductive gestures made her appear still in her prime.
To her right, Consort Liu Xian wore a simple green palace dress, neither striving for attention nor seeking fault.
However, below her, Concubine Zhen dressed extravagantly, eager to wear all the Emperor’s gifts, which earned a disdainful glance from Consort Wei, who whispered, "Dressed like a wild pheasant, utterly vulgar."
Concubine Zhen didn’t hear and remained smug.
Other palace concubines sat according to their ranks, filling the room with a scene more delightful than the imperial garden.
The Crown Prince’s wife, about to give birth, had a large belly. She should have sat lower, but the Empress, feeling for her daughter-in-law, had a stool brought to her side, with several maids attending her meticulously.
"Seeing the Crown Princess’s belly, it looks as round as a pomegranate. I’m sure Princess Fuyue will have a sister soon." Consort Wei smiled, her eyes fixed on the Crown Princess, wishing her ill.
Princess Fuyue, the Crown Prince’s eldest daughter, was almost ten. Since her birth, the Crown Princess and the Crown Prince’s household had no other children. This pregnancy, likely a male heir, was highly valued by the entire family.
The Empress, especially, had carefully chosen midwives, maids, and wet nurses for the birth.
Hearing Consort Wei’s words, the Crown Princess remained unprovoked. "Thank you for your kind words, Consort Wei. Regardless of gender, the child will be our treasure. You should urge the Ninth Prince to focus less on duties and more on providing the royal family with heirs. Otherwise, your longing for grandchildren might age you."
"The Crown Princess is quite sharp-tongued. I hope your birth goes smoothly. I’m looking forward to presenting gifts."
"Don’t worry, Consort Wei. You won’t be missed at the full moon celebration."
Their verbal sparring might have continued if not interrupted by an eunuch delivering an imperial decree.
"Greetings to the Empress, Consort Wei, Consort Liu, and the Crown Princess."
"Rise, Eunuch Wang. Is the banquet ready?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Everything is prepared. You may lead the consorts to the feast."
The Empress smiled in satisfaction, taking the Crown Princess’s hand, and nodded. Understanding her intention, the Crown Princess said, "Mother, rest assured. With His Highness in charge, everything will be perfect."
Consort Wei, impatient, asked Eunuch Wang, "Where is His Majesty? Has he already gone?
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