Before noon, an official decree was passed down. Concubine Lan was promoted to a noble concubine and was given the position of the head of Auspicious Auspicious Palace.
The harem didn't expect the reward to come so quickly and so heavily, and I didn't expect it either. Other than the time the ceremonial director had to prepare the decree, Jing Yi had already issued the decree early in the morning, fulfilling the promise he had made to me at the best time.
So everyone understood that I wasn't just speaking casually. All I could do was put on airs and say a few dignified words. Even though Jing Yi didn't come to me for the next few days, and no one in the harem took the initiative to talk to me, I had already made it very clear. Since the Imperial Consort and I both stood at the top because of our family background, the weight of my words in front of Jing Yi wouldn't be much different.
Those who are smart can naturally see it. Those who are tempted don't care if they come to my Kunyi Palace to express their loyalty. As for those who still don't understand, they deserve to go somewhere.
However, to everyone's surprise, Lan Guipin, who had received the most benefits, also didn't make any moves. Auspicious Auspicious Palace used to be Rong Chengmin's place, so who wouldn't understand what I was trying to do by giving her the main seat? However, whether it was in the open or in the dark, Lan Guipin didn't show any signs of gratitude. She didn't even thank me, whether it was real or fake.
Even if Lan Guipin didn't show up, I wasn't in a hurry. I never lacked calmness and patience. This wasn't Jianghu, after all, where victory and defeat could be decided with a simple move. Splitting up the harem was harder than I had imagined. So far, I could only see that Duan Guipin was a noble consort. She was used as a stand-out bird. She was brave but not resourceful, so there was no need to rope her in. The rest was still unclear. Other than making my attitude clear, I didn't have a good starting point. I could only wait for her to find me first.
The 20th of October was Jing Yi's birthday. With his tacit approval, the palace banquet was prepared in full swing. Of course, it was the Imperial Consort's credit for organizing the banquet. She must have known about my background and deliberately asked me for some dishes, songs, and guest lists before the banquet. I understood her intentions. On the surface, she respected me, but in reality, she wanted me to make a fool of myself.
In fact, it wasn't that I couldn't say anything about these things. It was just that they weren't my forte after all, and it wasn't the focus of my attention at this time. I might as well sell her a short story and say that if I couldn't handle it well, I would let the imperial concubine make the decision.
Therefore, the Imperial Consort continued to proudly represent me as the Empress. The Longevity Festival was much more important than the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Imperial Consort also wanted to show off. For a time, the Golden Jubilee Palace was bustling with people, and many people came in and out every day to ask for instructions.
The banquet was indeed much grander than the last time. Many royal family members were present, including Jing Tang and Shen Lin. I didn't know why my father, who was supposed to be present, didn't come. I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.
I didn't have the chance to say anything to Jing Tang. She seemed to be chatting with a princess beside her as usual and rarely looked in my direction.
A few of the royal family members who were a generation older than Jing Yi only sat there for a short while before leaving with the empress dowager. Jing Yi and I stood up to personally send them off. After we returned, we watched some singing and dancing. Most of the princes and concubines of the same generation had also left, so only the harem remained in Changyang Hall.
At this point, this banquet was no different from the Mid-Autumn Festival. Jing Yi was still that lazy and innocent appearance, indulging in beautiful women, wine, and singing and dancing concubines. If I was still able to do it the last time I saw it because I was surprised, I was finally troubled. I had been far away from the hustle and bustle since I was young. At this time, I could not join in that wine and music. Moreover, as the Empress, it seemed inappropriate to do so.
After silently enduring for a while, I saw a few concubines who were also not good at this kind of thing leave. I chose the latter between defending the position and being invisible. When I stood up to resign, Jing Yi raised her head and looked at me indifferently. She didn't say anything and just smiled and waved her hand in agreement.
All the concubines stood up to send them off, and I also smiled and waved my hand.
It was already late autumn by the time the tenth month arrived. The cold night air suddenly thickened as they stepped out of the wide doors of Changyang Hall.
I, who didn't like crowds, also didn't like the hot summer days, but preferred the cold of autumn and winter. I had practiced martial arts for many years and wasn't afraid of the cold. I always felt that staying away from the heat could make me more clear-headed and rational, and keep my vigilance at all times.
I sat on the carriage and stopped Shui Mo from putting down the curtain for me. I swayed forward and let the cold of the first night hit my face. I took a few deep breaths and felt much more comfortable.
The Changyang Hall was quite a distance away from the Kun Yi Palace, so the carriage wasn't as fast as I was. However, in this palace, there were times when I had to display these things to distinguish between the different ranks. Suppressing the helplessness in my heart, I used my hand to support my chin in boredom. After two months, I still felt that sitting here was extremely ironic.
The location of the Kun Yi Palace was very prominent in the palace. Naturally, there were many ways to get there. As usual, I didn't take the main road to go around the main gate. From the main gate of the Kun Yi Palace to the palace courtyard where I lived, I had to pass through several courtyards. This kind of long and troublesome way of walking was only used for people to see. Other than the day I entered the palace, the number of times I used the main gate could be counted on one hand.
He instructed them to go through a garden and head to the east side door. Unexpectedly, just as they turned into the path in the garden, they saw a person standing by the roadside.
I raised my hand and stopped the carriage. I looked at Concubine Ning, who had left earlier than me. She was clearly waiting for me alone. She stood silently by the side of the road, bowed her head, and did not speak.
It wasn't unexpected. I helped Shui Mo down and quickly gave her a look. Shui Mo and I had a tacit understanding. Without saying anything, we sent the carriage forward and returned to the palace as usual.
After everyone left, I said to Concubine Ning,"There is only a wall between here and Kun Yi Palace. No one will disturb us. Concubine Ning can say whatever you want.”
She raised her eyebrows slightly.”
" You're waiting here because you're sure I'll come this way." I smiled and analyzed her motive." Since you're so sure, you must have been observing me for a while. You can't be here to admire the moon and chat with me."”
" Even though we're separated by a wall, we're still outside. The weather's getting cold. Concubine Ning, you don't have to waste time on those empty words and formalities. It'll be troublesome if you catch a cold later," I warned casually and made my position clear." As long as you're not here to harm me, then no matter what you say, I won't do anything to you. After all, you're the only one left in the Third Concubine. You're someone I have to fight for."”
"What if you can't win it?" She quickly asked," Or should I say, if I don't show up, what will you do?”
" There's no need to do anything," I said faintly." If that's the case, I just need to do nothing. I'll wait and see if you'll follow Consort Ping's old path or Consort Hui's footsteps."”
Before she could say anything, I added,"Of course, the emperor can only keep you here because he definitely doesn't want you to have such an ending.”
She was stunned for a moment before she slowly smiled."The Empress is indeed different from Consort De.”
"Oh?" The meaning behind her words was obvious. I looked up.
" In the beginning, I felt that your aura was lacking, and your thoughts were simple." Her words became straightforward, and she paused for a moment before continuing," Later, I saw the way you dealt with Consort Hui, the way you dealt with the Xue family, and this time-"
She quickly smiled.”
It was my turn to be stunned. Simple and effective. This was exactly what Jing Yi had described me to be. It was also what Jing Tang had mentioned before. I couldn't compare to those women who had been educated by imperial concubines since young. I had no choice but to use my other strengths. I didn't care if the arrangements were strict or complicated. As long as I was sharp and accurate, I could kill with a borrowed knife.
This caused me to be interested in and admire Consort Ning. Out of the five people above the Consort position, she was the only one left other than the Consort. After investigating, I found that she was neither the Consort's person nor Consort De's person. To be able to live well today, it was not enough to rely on both sides. She must have a high status. At this time, she naturally had her reasons for not staying out of it.
She thought so in her heart, but she did not comment."So?"
" That's why I realized you weren't simple-minded," she concluded cheerfully." You actually saw it clearly and chose the most convenient way.”# Cancel all reviews: wdd201302 Time:111420185: 54PM #
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