dognovel Chapter 680: The Imperial Decree (113 million votes plus additional content)
Chapter 680: The Imperial Decree (113 million votes plus additional content)
In the past, most of the government affairs were controlled by the Duke Zhenguo Mansion and the Duke Dingguo Mansion, and Nangong Xuanyu really had no say in the matter.
Unfortunately, he is no longer the same person he used to be, and the court is no longer the same as before.
He fell in love with a woman and wanted to make her a concubine and give her a unique title. Does he need the consent of others?
The emperor sneered, his voice carrying endless pressure, and his cold eyes slowly swept over those who opposed him: "I want to grant a title to Consort Xian, but I am not going to give her the throne. Why not?"
"I don't know if I need your permission when I want to favor a concubine in the harem."
"What? You take care of state affairs, and you want to take care of my family affairs?!"
The censors could only lower their heads and say, "Your Majesty, please calm down. We dare not do that!"
"It's just... this is really against the rules!"
Nangong Xuanyu didn't indulge them at all, and immediately said: "My imperial decree is the rule!"
"Everything has its own way, and there will always be a precedent."
The censors knew that most of the power in the court was now in the hands of His Majesty, and they could no longer influence His Majesty's decisions as they did before.
At this moment, many people set their eyes on Gu Jinxiao.
Although Lord Gu is young, he is very old-fashioned and abides by the rules. Moreover, he is deeply trusted by His Majesty and is a favorite of the Emperor.
I believe Your Majesty can listen to some of his advice, right?
"Master Gu, you are the Minister of Rites. What do you think about this matter?"
Gu Jinxiao was wearing a scarlet official robe, and his facial features were slightly stern. His eyes were like deep pools of water, deep and calm, and his eyes seemed to contain a firm determination to abide by the rules.
His nose was straight and high, and his lips were pursed into a straight line, revealing a sense of alienation that made people dare not approach him easily. His hair was neatly tied up, and he wore a black official hat, which added a bit of nobility.
He is cool and old-fashioned, but within this old-fashionedness, he exudes a handsomeness that makes people unable to take their eyes away.
Shen Maoxue narrowed his eyes slightly, like a shrewd fox.
It’s hard to say about other people, but having served in the same court for so long, he has some understanding of Gu Jinxiao’s personality.
This Minister of Rites is indeed famous for being old-fashioned. If he also objects, Your Majesty will not be shaken and affect the title of Consort Xian, right?
Seeing that everyone's eyes were on him, Gu Jinxiao still had no extra expression on his face.
He lowered his eyes slightly, and said in a cold and indifferent voice: "This is indeed against the rules."
"But as Your Majesty said, the harem is Your Majesty's family affair."
The implication is that what the emperor said is right.
He wanted to make an exception and confer a title on a concubine. Did he need the consent of the court officials?
Even Lord Gu said so, and everyone was completely speechless.
A hint of suspicion flashed across Shen Maoxue's face.
Why did Minister Gu change his personality today?
That's right, there is no fool who can become the emperor's favorite. His Majesty's determination to make an exception and grant the title of Empress Xianfei has been made clear, so how could Minister Gu go against His Majesty?
Duke Dingguo lowered his head, his face was very gloomy!
However, things have come to this point, and even if he wanted to object, there was nothing he could do.
……
Zhongcui Palace.
Li Changde came over with a happy face and announced the decree: "The Emperor, in accordance with the will of Heaven, proclaims: I rule the world, obey the will of Heaven, and work day and night to seek the well-being of the country and the happiness of the people. Now the adopted son of the Shen family has won the top three places in the imperial examinations, which is a great omen! In order to comply with the will of Heaven, I now promote Concubine Shen to the rank of Imperial Concubine, and grant her the title of 'Chen'. I hope that she will continue to be virtuous, assist in managing the six palaces, and set an example for the harem. I decree this!"
After reading the imperial edict, Li Changde's face was as bright as a flower, and he stepped forward and complimented, "Congratulations, Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine Chen! Congratulations, Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine Chen!"
"Don't even mention all the ladies in the harem. You are the first imperial concubine in the history of the Great Zhou Dynasty to be granted a special title!"
"Your Highness, please accept my order!"
He said that when he first met Concubine Chen, he felt that she was extraordinary. He always wanted to be more respectful to Concubine Chen.
Looking back now, my vision was correct!
After waiting for so long, she finally got what she wanted. Shen Zhinian's lips curled up slightly, and she took the imperial edict and said, "I thank the Lord for his grace! Long live His Majesty!"
Handan and Fuqiu stood up and helped Shen Zhinian up, one on each side.
All the palace servants in Zhongcui Palace could not suppress the joy on their faces.
"Congratulations, Imperial Concubine Chen! Congratulations, Imperial Concubine Chen!"
Today, Shen Zhinian was in a very good mood. Not only did she order Fuqiu to give generous rewards to Li Changde and the eunuch who came with her to announce the decree, she also gave a year's salary to all the palace servants in Zhongcui Palace.
Everyone became even more joyful and kept saying auspicious words.
Chu Xiyan stood among the palace maids, her eyes full of blessings.
Only someone as good as Concubine Chen is worthy of the position of Concubine! How could Liu, that vicious woman who took people's lives lightly, be worthy?
Li Changde said some congratulatory words again, and then said: "...The Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have been ordered to start preparing for the ceremony of conferring the title of Consort Chen."
"I have to go back and report to His Majesty. If the Imperial Concubine Chen has no other instructions, I will take my leave."
Shen Zhinian nodded: "Yuanbao, send Eunuch Li out."
"Yes!"
Concubine Sun also lived in Zhongcui Palace, so naturally she came out to receive the imperial edict.
After Li Changde and his group left, she walked over to Shen Zhinian with a smile on her face, looking happier than she, the person involved.
"Congratulations Xian...ah, no, congratulations to Concubine Chen!"
As Concubine Sun said this, she bowed deeply to Shen Zhinian.
She was now in a heavy body, so Shen Zhinian naturally wouldn't really let her perform the ceremony, and personally helped Concubine Sun up: "There's no need for these empty formalities between you and me, sisters."
Lady Sun didn't bother to be polite with Shen Zhinian, she looked at her with a smile: "That's great!"
Since Sister Guifei Chen entered the palace, they have been living together. She watched all the way, how Sister Guifei Chen went from a small concubine to the current position of Guifei, and also had such a noble and important title as "Chen"!
A bold idea suddenly emerged in Concubine Sun's mind -
Will Concubine Chen become the queen someday?
Considering His Majesty's love for Concubine Chen and her abilities, this doesn't seem impossible...
The position of Imperial Noble Consort is the same as that of Vice Empress, so when there is an Empress in the palace, Imperial Noble Consort is usually not appointed. Noble Consort is the most honorable concubine under the Empress!
Shen Zhinian was first conferred the title of Imperial Concubine. The next morning, all the concubines in the harem, big and small, came to Zhongcui Palace to pay their respects to her.
Concubine Sun knew that Shen Zhinian still had a lot of things to do, so she didn't disturb her. She said a few words of congratulations and went back with a smile.
Zhu'er followed behind Concubine Sun, looking puzzled.
How come Imperial Concubine Chen has ascended to a high position, and the young lady seems to be happier than Imperial Concubine Chen?