novelAbuy Chapter 258 Three concubines are sealed together
Chapter 258 Three concubines are sealed together
The echoes of the Empress's investiture still lingered in the square before the Taiji Hall when the solemn and melodious ceremonial music seamlessly transitioned to another piece of music, similar in style but slightly more lively. This foreshadowed the imminent commencement of the second act of today's grand ceremony—the investiture of the three consorts. The atmosphere, which had relaxed slightly due to the audience with the Empress, returned to solemnity and focus. All eyes were subtly drawn to the three women, dressed in the robes of consorts of different ranks, waiting quietly in a designated area below the steps.
Chen Xing sat upright on his throne, his gaze calmly sweeping over Su Xiaoxiao, Lin Wan'er, and Lan Fenghuang. All three stood respectfully with their heads bowed, but their subtle postures and expressions still revealed their respective states of mind.
Su Xiaoxiao wore a crimson imperial concubine's gown, its intricate patterns second only to the empress's robe, embroidered with gold thread depicting peonies and clouds symbolizing wealth. Her posture was upright, her makeup exquisite, and beneath her lowered eyelashes, her gaze was calm, as if she were silently calculating the imperial treasury expenditure for this ceremony, or perhaps assessing the practical benefits and responsibilities that her new identity as an "imperial concubine" would bring. Her expression possessed a coolness that perfectly separated emotion from calculation.
Lin Wan'er wore a lake-blue Consort Shu's robe, adorned with orchids and scrolls, elegant and refined. She pursed her lips slightly, her hands clasped gently within the wide sleeves, her fingertips a little cold. Feeling the gazes of countless eyes, especially those of the Emperor and Empress on the imperial steps, her heart pounded slightly faster. Consort Shu… this once-noble title, existing only in poetry and classical tales, was about to be bestowed upon her. She recalled their first encounter amidst the chaos of war in Jiangnan, the days and nights spent as a military advisor, the moments spent with His Majesty and Prime Minister Jia in the Wenhua Hall formulating regulations… A myriad of emotions welled up within her, a mixture of excitement, trepidation, and anticipation, ultimately coalescing into an almost reverent deference. She glanced briefly at the throne before quickly lowering her gaze again.
Lan Fenghuang's ceremonial robes were a light turquoise, embroidered with lively vines and butterflies, and were lighter in style than the previous two. She seemed unaccustomed to the slightly heavy jeweled crown on her head, and couldn't help but shake her head slightly, causing the jewels to jingle softly. The lady-in-waiting beside her quickly gestured for her to remain still. Lan Fenghuang stuck out her tongue and stood obediently, but her bright eyes couldn't help but secretly glance around, filled with curiosity about this grand and solemn scene. She didn't quite understand the complex etiquette and symbols; she was simply happy that "Brother Xing became Emperor," "Sister Mingyue became Empress," and that she herself would also have a powerful "concubine" title. Thinking about having more resources to research medicinal herbs and treat more people in the future, she couldn't help but smile slightly.
The master of ceremonies announced again in a loud voice: "Perform the ceremony of bestowing titles upon the Imperial Concubine, the Virtuous Concubine, and the Wise Concubine!"
The investiture ceremony proceeded in sequence, though slightly simpler than the post-investiture ceremonies, it was equally solemn and extraordinary. The Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and officials from the Ministry of Rites took turns reading the investiture document.
First was Su Xiaoxiao. The imperial edict praised her for being "intelligent and talented, knowledgeable in commerce, and a great help to the country and the family," and specially conferred upon her the title of Imperial Concubine, granting her residence in Chengxiang Palace to assist in the management of some affairs of the inner court, and allowing her to enjoy the salary and rites of an Imperial Concubine.
Su Xiaoxiao, her expression solemn, stepped forward according to etiquette, knelt at her designated place to receive the golden book. Her bow of gratitude was precise and impeccable. As she rose, her gaze briefly met Chen Xing's on the throne. She saw the clear affirmation and reliance in his eyes, and the last trace of uncertainty in her heart quietly dissipated. The position of Imperial Concubine was well-deserved, and it would be the starting point for her to realize even greater ambitions.
Next was Lin Wan'er. The edict described her as "gentle and virtuous, prudent in demeanor, well-versed in classics and history, and possessing outstanding literary talent. She served as an advisor to the army and contributed greatly to the administration of rites and regulations." She was specially conferred the title of Consort Shu, granted residence in Qiyun Pavilion, and given the authority to manage some of the palace's books and documents, assist the Empress in managing the education of the princes and princesses, and enjoy the salary and rites of a Consort Shu.
Lin Wan'er stepped forward gracefully, her steps elegant. As she knelt and received the heavy golden book representing her status as a Consort from the envoy, the slight tremor in her fingertips betrayed the turmoil in her heart. She kowtowed deeply, her voice clear and gentle: "Your Majesty, I, Lin Wan'er, thank you for your grace! I will certainly uphold the virtues of a Consort and wholeheartedly assist Her Majesty the Empress, living up to Your Majesty's expectations." As she rose, she felt Empress Murong Mingyue's gaze fall upon her, a gaze that was gentle yet scrutinizing. She quickly bowed slightly again in greeting.
Finally, there was Lan Fenghuang. The style of the edict was quite different from the previous two, praising her as "pure and intelligent, benefiting plants and trees, possessing benevolent skills to save the world, and uniting different customs to return to the king's rule." She was specially conferred the title of Virtuous Consort, granted the residence of Fangzhi Pavilion next to the Hundred Herbs Garden, and was still appointed as the supervisor of the Imperial Physicians, enjoying the salary and rites of a Virtuous Consort.
Lan Fenghuang only half understood, but knew it was a compliment to her medical skills and for her help. She happily stepped forward and, with a female official's whispered reminder, clumsily but earnestly completed the ritual of kneeling to receive the golden book and kowtowing in thanks. She raised her head, flashing a bright smile towards the throne, and subtly waved her sleeve. Seeing this, Chen Xing's eyes couldn't help but smile, and even Murong Mingyue, sitting beside him, softened her lips slightly.
After the three concubines were officially appointed, they returned to their original positions.
The master of ceremonies announced: "Noble Consort, Virtuous Consort, Wise Consort, pay homage to the Emperor and Empress—"
Su Xiaoxiao, Lin Wan'er, and Lan Fenghuang faced the Emperor and Empress on the imperial steps and performed a formal court ceremony.
"Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!"
Their voices, some calm, some gentle, some clear, blended together, creating a wonderful harmony in this solemn occasion.
The master of ceremonies announced again, "The ceremony is complete!"
The melodious ceremonial music reached a climax before slowly fading away. A solemn silence fell before the Taiji Hall. The sunlight shone brightly, illuminating the emperor in his black robes and imperial crown, the empress in her phoenix coronet and ceremonial robes, and the three concubines below the steps, each with their own distinct and elegant attire.
At this moment, the core structure of the harem of Chen Xing, the founding emperor of the Xingqi Empire, was officially established in the most authoritative and formal manner. One empress and three consorts, their positions fixed and their hierarchy clearly defined. This was not merely a matter of the emperor's family affairs, but also a political declaration, marking the establishment of order within the harem and influencing the delicate balance of power among various factions in the court.
The investiture ceremony concluded successfully. Chen Xing rose, and accompanied by Empress Murong Mingyue, slowly retreated back into the Taiji Hall amidst the cheers of the officials. Su Xiaoxiao, Lin Wan'er, and Lan Fenghuang, also guided by female officials, exited in turn to their newly bestowed palaces.