The struggle for the throne during the Jiajing reign

Chapter 149 Promotion

As dawn broke, Zhu Zaizhen rose with a joyful expression, for today his mother would officially become a Noble Consort.

With neither an empress nor any of the two imperial concubines bearing princes, he could be considered to have gained status because of his mother.

After hastily finishing his breakfast, Zhu Zaizhen went to the palace gate to wait. Before long, he saw a large group of people coming from the West Garden with music and ceremonial accompaniment. At the head of the group was Duke Cheng, Zhu Xizhong, who wore an eight-beam crown, a sable-clothed turban, a red silk court robe, and a jade hook and colorful ribbon. He strode in.

Behind him were officials holding the token and the book, each carrying a vermilion-lacquered golden dragon pavilion. Inside each pavilion were tokens and golden books, covered with red silk and edged with gold, gleaming with a solemn luster.

Zhu Zaizhen did not block the palace gate; he simply stood to the side and waited for them to pass before following behind.

As they passed through the long streets and alleys, the eunuchs and palace maids on duty along the way all bowed their heads and held their breath. When they arrived at Jingren Palace, where Consort Jing lived, a female official in charge led the palace servants to kneel down to greet them.

Zhu Xizhong, holding the imperial insignia, led the way into the palace. The music and drums remained outside the palace, while female musicians were already set up on the palace steps. Upon seeing the envoy enter, strings, flutes, and pipes played in unison. It was the music of the inner court, "Tianxiang Fengshao," with a dignified and elegant melody. Unlike the flamboyant music of the outer court, it had its own graceful and dignified air.

"Dragon towers and phoenix pavilions bathed in the rosy dawn, embroidered curtains open to reveal heavenly fragrance, jade steps warm with spring's warmth amidst a thousand blooming flowers—harmony reigns throughout the four seasons, may we enjoy eternal peace and prosperity!"

Zhu Zaizhen was surprised to hear this. This "Fragrance of the Phoenix" melody was not something that could be sung when a concubine was conferred the title of Imperial Concubine. It was usually the music for the Empress and the Empress Dowager.

He immediately looked at Zhao Jingxian. If it wasn't right, he should stop it. Losing face a little was better than being labeled as transgressing etiquette.

Seeing that Zhao Jingxian only nodded to him and that the Minister of Rites, Ouyang Bijin, did not say anything, he knew that there might be another imperial decree.

But why would the music and ceremonies be suddenly raised? He didn't do anything, and his mother couldn't have done it either. Could it be that his brother, Prince Yu, or Consort Kang did something that caused his father to use such unusual music and ceremonies to punish him?

His mother stood upright in the hall, wearing a dark blue pheasant robe with nine layers of pheasant patterns, and a shawl embroidered with gold clouds and phoenixes, with gold pendants hanging down.

The nine kingfisher and four phoenix crown on her head was made of gold wire mesh and decorated with nine colorful kingfishers and four phoenixes, adorned with jeweled tassels, each holding a pearl in its beak, making the imperial concubine's appearance even more magnificent.

My mother usually dresses too plainly, but today, in her fine attire, she exudes an air of nobility.

If she were the empress, she should wear a crown with nine dragons and four phoenixes. Zhu Zaizhen thought to himself that sooner or later, he would make his mother wear the ceremonial robes of the empress.

"The auspicious time has arrived!"

Led by the female official, Lady Lu performed four bows and knelt on the worship platform amidst loud and clear music.

Zhu Xizhong stood in the center, holding the imperial staff. The sable-embroidered scarf on his eight-beam crown remained motionless, and the hem of his red silk court robe hung down on the gold brick ground.

Only after the music stopped did he unfold the book in his hand, his voice deep and resonant, carrying the solemnity of an angel holding a staff.

"The Emperor decreed: I believe that the inner palace is of utmost importance and must rely on the assistance of virtuous women. The Empress is the perfect match for me and should be honored with this decree. Consort Lu is virtuous, gentle, and kind. She is skilled in etiquette and has served the palace for many years with utmost respect and diligence."

I hereby bestow upon you the title of Imperial Noble Consort. I hope you will cultivate virtue and wisdom, carefully observe the proper conduct of the household, respectfully serve the Emperor, maintain harmony among the nine consorts, and remain neither arrogant nor negligent, so as to fulfill my expectations.

Respectfully yours!

Then came the tedious investiture ceremony, culminating in four bows to complete the ritual.

After the Duke of Cheng and others took their leave and reported back, they then greeted Zhu Zaizhen. As they were imperial envoys with imperial credentials, they could not stop at will, nor could they perform the ceremony or speak to others.

"The Duke of Laocheng and Minister Ouyang have met."

Zhu Xizhong smiled and cupped his hands in greeting: "Your Highness is too kind. We are acting under imperial decree, so there is no hardship to speak of. The Imperial Concubine is virtuous and dignified, and her promotion to Imperial Concubine is a fitting title. We are also honored to share in her glory."

He would not explicitly support King Jing, but he would also never offend King Jing.

Ouyang Bijin then whispered, "The 'Heavenly Fragrance and Phoenix Melody' that was presented was specially approved by His Majesty with his own vermilion approval to be added to the ceremonial proceedings. Your Highness and the Empress can rest assured."

Zhu Zaizhen's lingering doubts were completely dispelled, and a look of gratitude appeared on his face: "Father Emperor's grace is boundless."

"Later, the Imperial Concubine will go to express her gratitude, but she can rest for a while and wait until we report back before setting off."

""

"it is good."

"We take our leave."

Watching their retreating figures, Zhu Zaizhen said to Ma Dezhao behind him, "Go and investigate whether it's because of that Caiyun."

He had heard of Brother Wang's reputation as a little bee, but he didn't expect him to be collecting honey so early.

"Yes."

At this moment, a female official from the Empress Dowager's side came to invite him: "Your Highness, the Imperial Concubine requests your presence."

Zhu Zaizhen entered the palace with a smile. The palace was bathed in the soft light of colorful lanterns, and all the palace servants had uncontrollable joy on their faces.

Consort Lu had temporarily removed her nine-embroidered four-phoenix crown and was sitting on a warm couch, with a palace maid gently rubbing her temples. The crown was adorned with pearls and jewels and was quite heavy. After wearing it for more than an hour, red marks had already appeared on her temples.

The nine rows of colorful pheasant patterns on the dark blue pheasant robe shimmered with a subtle luster under the light. Zhu Zaizhen happily bowed and said, "Your subject congratulates Your Majesty."

95

Consort Lu couldn't quite manage a smile. She'd been up for several days, and had barely slept last night, but she still managed a forced smile: "Alright, get up."

Zhao Jingxian brought over two cups of tea and said, "The changes to the rites and music were so sudden that I didn't have time to inform Your Highness."

"It's alright."

Zhu Zaizhen was actually dissatisfied, but he didn't say anything. After all, Zhao Jingxian was his father's person, and according to Ouyang Bijin's words, it was indeed changed suddenly.

At this time, the Imperial Concubine instructed the head eunuch Ma Fu to distribute the rewards. Everyone in Jingren Palace would receive eight coins, a bolt of fine cloth, cakes, dried fruit, meat, and a pot of wine.

The head stewards and managers received ten taels of silver, two bolts of brocade, and silver-inlaid pearl hairpins, while the most important eunuchs and female officials each received twenty taels of silver, three bolts of fine cloud silk, silver bracelets, and gold earrings, thus celebrating together.

Soon, the sound of people kowtowing and expressing gratitude could be heard from outside; this truly embodies the principle of shared glory and shared loss.

The mother and son sat quietly for a while, then, after calculating the time, set off for Xiyuan.

There had been no snow these past few days, and the snow on the palace roads had long been swept clean. The eight-person, nine-bearer palanquin, second only in status to the Empress's Golden Phoenix palanquin, arrived at Yongshou Palace without any hindrance.

Four female officials stepped forward, standing in pairs on either side of the sedan chair door. With their white silk sleeves fluttering, they reached out and lifted the curtain. Consort Lu stepped out slowly, the hem of her nine-pheasant robe trailing to the ground, her steps graceful.

However, those who know her well can see a hint of impatience in her dignified demeanor.

Mai Fu, Gao Zhong, and others were also present today. They were all powerful eunuchs in the imperial court, who usually wielded great influence both inside and outside the palace. However, at this moment, they all restrained their arrogance, stood to the side with their hands at their sides, and had obsequious smiles on their faces.

There hadn't been any promotions in the palace for a long time, let alone one to the mother of Prince Jing. Gao Zhong secretly rejoiced, thankfully he hadn't offended Prince Jing completely by complaining about that horse.

"Your Highness, we servants offer our congratulations."

The scribes knelt behind them, and Consort Lu glanced at them only once before saying, "You may dispense with the formalities."

Everyone's face seemed to show genuine joy. No matter how high their status was outside, when faced with the imperial concubine who might become the empress, they could only smile like dogs, wagging their tails happily.

Until His Majesty grows tired of the Consort, or Prince Jing gets into trouble, at least on the surface, things will remain the same.

Unlike Prince Jing, who would weigh the pros and cons, the Imperial Concubine might not think that far ahead, and it's not someone you can afford to offend.

As the group entered Yongshou Palace, the Imperial Concubine walked at the front, with Zhu Zaizhen following half a step behind. The rest of the group lagged further behind, with most stopping at the corner to await their summons.

Zhu Zaizhen was also stopped by Huang Jin.

"Your Highness, His Majesty has ordered the Imperial Concubine to come to see you alone—"

Emperor Jiajing looked very well today, his eyes bright as he watched the Consort enter.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects." Consort Lu curtsied, her ceremonial robes slowly unfurling, revealing her beauty.

"Your Majesty's grace has granted me the title of Imperial Concubine, an honor that is beyond my reach. I am truly humbled and apprehensive. I will therefore be even more diligent day and night, strictly observe the proper conduct of the inner palace, respectfully serve Your Majesty, and maintain harmony among the nine imperial harems. I will not dare to be negligent in the slightest, lest I fail to repay Your Majesty's grace."

I humbly pray for Your Majesty's good health and long life. Your humble servant is filled with trepidation and humbly bows in gratitude.

Get up.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Lady Lu slowly rose, her hands clasped in front of her abdomen, her gaze falling on the emperor's chin. Her expression was calm and composed, without any excessive joy.

She only saw the emperor dressed in a black robe with a dragon design, sitting upright on his throne.

Jiajing's gaze slowly swept over her, from the patterns on her Nine-Pig Robe to her calm and composed demeanor, before he slowly nodded.

"You recited those words quite fluently just now." Jiajing smiled. "I've never seen you say so much in one go before."

"Your Majesty is wise. Although I memorized it, I truly did so."

Huang Jin carried over a stool with armrests and a backrest, which was a bit of a struggle.

"Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch Huang."

"It is my duty," Huang Jin replied softly, then went to make tea.

Emperor Jiajing got up and walked down, so Consort Lu, who had just sat down, had no choice but to stand up as well.

"It's been so long since we last met."

Upon hearing this, Lady Lu frowned slightly and hesitated before replying, "Your Majesty, it has been almost a year."

"Prince Jing is intelligent and sensible; you have raised him well."

Lady Lu shook her head, the ornament on her head jingling slightly: "I have been in the palace for almost twenty years. Your Majesty knows what kind of person I am. It's good enough that I can control myself."

Emperor Jiajing was pleased to hear this, for the prince's outstanding talent could not possibly be entirely due to the concubines.

"How about we move to Xiyuan?"

Madam Lu was somewhat surprised, but she wasn't particularly opposed to it. The West Garden had beautiful scenery and many animals, and one could even go boating in the summer and autumn. However, she was worried about Madam Wang.

"Your Majesty, I will naturally obey your command. However, the Imperial Noble Consort is all alone and without my care—I am truly worried about her. I wonder if Your Majesty would grant me permission to move into the West Garden with her?"

Jiajing observed Lu's expression and, seeing that she really only thought that way, felt somewhat helpless.

This person is easygoing and can do whatever he wants. What's even more precious is his childlike heart and gratitude. These are certainly good qualities, but why can't he think of me?

"Then you should stay in the palace."

"Yes, thank you, Your Majesty."

It would be better to stay put, of course; she was used to her own little world in Jingren Palace.

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