Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 268 Promotion?

Consort Song and Consort Wu were already waiting in the hall. When Consort Chun brought Hua Yan in, the two stood up and bowed. Even Consort Song, who was as cold as ice, was momentarily stunned when she first saw Hua Yan's attire.

Wu Yunu, being of low rank, bowed to Consort Chun and then to Hua Yan.

Congratulations, Consort Meng.

Hua Yan nodded slightly in response.

After all the concubines were seated, the Empress, supported by Lu Wei, entered the main hall.

Consort Chun rose and led the other concubines in bowing and paying their respects to the Empress, saying, "Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, greet Your Majesty."

The Empress sat regally on her throne, her gaze lingering on Hua Yan for a moment.

"Consort Meng looks even more beautiful than before. The shimmering brocade that was presented as tribute in previous years has been bestowed upon the Empress Dowager and the imperial concubines. The one Consort Meng is wearing now must have been recently made by the Imperial Clothing Bureau. It is truly dazzling on her."

While the concubines were still curtsying, the Empress seemed to only remember after saying this, and said to everyone, "Look at me, I forgot that my sisters are still holding back their formalities. Please rise and sit down."

Consort Chun and Consort Mei took their seats first, followed by the others.

Hua Yan moved into the hall, then knelt down on both knees, placed her palms down on the ground, and slowly touched her forehead to the ground, performing the kneeling ceremony to the Empress according to the palace rules after her first night with the Emperor.

The Empress, with a dignified expression, gazed at Hua Yan kneeling on the ground and slowly spoke: "Rise. The Emperor's favor towards you shows that you, a talented woman, possess extraordinary qualities. In the future, when serving the Emperor, you should be devoted and obedient."

"Your Majesty, I will remember your teachings."

"You and Consort Chun are like sisters, but you must also be mindful of your place and not overstep your bounds. If you can wholeheartedly consider the Emperor and the harem, I will naturally look after you." The Empress's gaze shifted between Hua Yan and Consort Chun as she spoke gently.

Zhixue presented Huayan with a brocade box containing a pair of white jade bracelets bestowed by the Empress. Luwei helped Huayan up and led her to sit down to the left of Consort Shen.

Hua Yan handed the jade bracelet to Green Willow behind her for safekeeping. As she turned around, she saw Shen Meiren gazing at the golden phoenix hairpin in her hair, her eyes practically overflowing with envy...

Seeing this, the Empress smiled and said to Consort Shen, "The Emperor recently ordered the Imperial Household Department to make three golden phoenix hairpins. If I am not mistaken, the one on Consort Meng's head is one of them. It should be engraved with the words 'Made by Imperial Decree in the First Year of Zhenghe,' which is truly an unparalleled honor."

Lady Shen sighed sincerely, "Lady Meng is truly blessed to receive such favor from the Emperor."

Consort Mei suddenly chimed in: "The fact that mistress and servant are one is more like Consort Chun's good fortune."

Consort Chun's face was cold, and she blurted out sarcastic words: "Consort Mei is just like the title 'Mei' (plum blossom). She has endured ten years of hardship in the Northwest, and now she has finally reaped the rewards of her suffering. She has been granted a second term as a 'plum blossom,' which is truly a rare and profound blessing."

The Empress smiled slightly: "What Consort Mei said makes sense. I am very pleased that Consort Chun is sharing the Emperor's burdens. Consort Chun, the imperial concubine selection is imminent. How are the preparations going?"

Hua Yan couldn't help but look at the Empress. It seemed that the Empress had changed somewhat since her miscarriage.

Consort Mei was about to speak again, but fell silent after hearing the Empress's words.

"Your Majesty, the preliminary selection has concluded, and the grand selection will be held in the Linde Hall in early March. Everything has been arranged," Consort Chun replied coldly.

"By the time of day, Xiu Rong's confinement should be lifted, and with the upcoming arrival of the new imperial concubines, the palace will soon be bustling with activity. The affairs of the inner palace are numerous and complicated, and the sisters must perform their duties on a daily basis. Those who diligently maintain the palace and ensure the continuation of the emperor's lineage will be rewarded by me."

The Empress offered further encouragement and instructed Consort Chun to handle the selection of concubines. Consort Chun, recalling Hua Yan's previous advice, seized the opportunity to say:

"Your Majesty is currently in good health. The selection of concubines is of great importance. I will assist you from the sidelines, but Your Majesty will still need to oversee the overall situation."

The Empress said in a deep voice, "It was His Majesty who personally decided that Consort Chun would assist in managing the affairs of the six palaces. Although the selection of concubines is an important matter, Consort Chun is certainly capable of handling it. I feel at ease entrusting it to you."

Consort Mei remained silent, coldly observing the Empress and Consort Chun passing the buck to each other.

About half an hour later, the Empress said, "It's getting late, everyone may leave."

As Consort Mei rose, she heard the Empress say, "I have recently acquired a pipa score. Would Consort Mei be interested in taking a look?"

Everyone rose, bowed, and took their leave, but Consort Mei stayed as the Empress wished.

After Hua Yan returned to Huining Palace, Aunt Mei and Meng Zhu, along with other palace maids, bowed to her and said, "Congratulations, Consort Hua Yan."

Hua Yan quickly stepped forward and reached out to help Aunt Mei up, gently scolding her, "Aunt Mei, why do you have to do this?"

"The proper etiquette must not be disregarded. It is the first time that the talented lady has served the emperor. We servants would like to offer our congratulations and add to the joy of our Huining Palace." Aunt Mei said with a smile, supporting Hua Yan's arm.

"If that's the case, it seems I should prepare some rewards as well." Hua Yan's gaze slowly swept over everyone. Seeing that everyone was genuinely happy for her, her heart swelled with joy and she felt very warm.

Xia'er respectfully replied, "Green Willow had already given instructions, and this servant has already distributed the gifts on behalf of the lady as per custom."

Mengzhu, supporting Consort Chun, pointed to Donggua, Chun'er, and the others, saying, "Your Highness also gave them a reward before leaving this morning. They received double the reward."

Ruizhu replied with a smile, "We are truly happy for the great joy of Huining Palace."

Although Donggua did not step forward, he kept staring at Huayan's body with concern in his eyes. "Your Highness and Consort must be hungry. I have prepared a breakfast."

Consort Chun smiled and extended her hand to Hua Yan, who smiled back and took her hand. The two then walked hand in hand to the inner palace.

At the beginning of Chen Shi (7-9 AM), at Taiji Palace.

The civil and military officials who received the sour drink were truly refreshed and invigorated.

The morning court session lasted for more than an hour, and all the officials remained energetic. Even Prince Rui, who was often drowsy and absent-minded, was unusually vigorous for his age.

Marquis Tang Xian of Lin'an recently left the capital, fortunately escaping the "torture" of the sour drink. Tang Xian is a fifth-rank Hanlin Academician and also serves as a drafter of imperial edicts. Zhou Bai is now qualified to attend court. When the two saw the sour drink, they immediately thought of a plump winter melon, so they only took a small bite.

Upon seeing this, the Emperor smiled slightly and reminded everyone, "The Imperial Kitchen has been busy since the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), just so that you, my beloved ministers, can taste this unique drink."

Tang Lin and Zhou Bai looked at each other speechlessly, and had no choice but to drink it all in one gulp...

After the court session, the emperor rested for a quarter of an hour at the Taiji Palace before proceeding to the Renming Hall.

Inside the Renming Hall, the Empress was chatting with Consort Mei.

The Empress estimated the time and knew that the Emperor had just finished court. She also roughly knew the purpose of the Emperor's visit. After she and Consort Mei paid their respects to the Emperor, Zhixue led people in to serve tea.

The Empress glanced at Consort Mei discreetly and said to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, has come here regarding Consort Meng's promotion?"

Consort Mei frowned slightly, puzzled, and said, "According to the rules, the promotion of newly entered concubines after their first night with the emperor is only for those who have been selected as imperial concubines. Consort Meng was selected as an imperial concubine, and she has already been promoted to the sixth rank of Consort..."

"Consort Mei may not know this, but Consort Meng, although she was born into the Imperial Concubine Selection, has a good relationship with the Prince because of her time in the Prince's residence, and her previous promotion was for a reason. Therefore, this promotion is also well-deserved."

The Emperor secretly recalled the scene of Hua Yan falling on him this morning, and a smile appeared on his lips. He said to the Empress, "Your Majesty is virtuous. Promoting Consort Meng is secondary. I would like to propose a title for her."