Steal my marriage? Turn around and marry the tyrant to take the throne

Chapter 1243: The Great Seal of the Six Palaces

Concubine Dun was already upset and her blood circulation was not flowing smoothly because of Shen Zhinian being named Imperial Noble Consort.

When she heard Ba's agreement, her face turned even more pale, and her skinny fingers tightly grasped the handkerchief, wishing she could cover the other person's mouth!

Because no matter how they fight to the death in Yikun Palace, outside, Ba Da Ying is still a member of her palace, and if they make a mistake, it is because she, the queen, did not discipline them strictly enough.

This foreign tribute is seeking death and bringing trouble to others!

Receiving a look from Dunpin, Xiao Tianzi sarcastically said, "Ba agreed, this is what you don't know."

"The Imperial Noble Consort is a noble woman, holding the same status as the Vice Empress and the Crown Prince. This position itself is unique, and there is no need for titles to distinguish rank or highlight favors."

He paused, as if giving Ba Ying time to digest the information, before continuing his explanation: "There are many concubines in the harem, and the hierarchy is strict. From Imperial Concubine, Four Concubines, Concubine, Imperial Concubine, to Noble Lady, Maid, and Maid, there are fixed numbers for each, and there are also differences in rank."

"Thus, Your Majesty occasionally bestows titles, firstly to distinguish the identities of the various masters, and secondly to demonstrate His Majesty's favor and to show the differences in grace and honor."

"This is required by the hierarchy of concubines in the harem."

Xiao Tianzi raised his eyes slightly, his mocking gaze swept across Ba Da Ying's confused and indignant face, and then quickly lowered them: "But the Imperial Concubine is different."

"This position is reserved for only one person, transcending all other concubines. The three words 'Imperial Noble Consort' are the ultimate symbol of status. It represents the most honorable authority and position in the harem besides the Empress!"

"like……"

He considered his words carefully before saying, "...Just like Your Majesty is the Emperor. This title itself already carries supreme authority. Why add another title to make it more complicated?"

"The same is true for the position of Imperial Noble Consort. There's no need for a title to enhance her status, nor is it a sacrifice of the honor and favor of the character 'Chen'."

After all, Odano is an old man in the palace, and her explanation is clear and logical. She clearly analyzes the differences in the harem hierarchy and the unique status of the imperial concubine.

In short, the title of Imperial Noble Consort is incredibly noble. So noble that these three words are themselves a title of supreme superiority. There's no need to rely on a title to label or rank her like ordinary concubines.

The character "Chen" bestowed upon her by His Majesty was a glorious embellishment of the position of Imperial Concubine. Now, the Imperial Concubine has ascended to the position of Vice Empress, and her existence is the greatest symbol of honor!

When He Ba agreed to explain these things, Xiao Tianzi also looked at Dunpin cautiously, fearing that he would praise the Imperial Concubine too much and make her unhappy.

Of course, Concubine Dun’s face didn’t look very good.

But compared to being implicated by Ba Ying on such an important occasion, this little grievance was nothing.

Ba Da Ying was stunned when he heard this.

She only knew that concubines were given titles as a sign of favor, but she had never considered the institutional logic behind it...

Xiao Tianzi's words were like pouring a bucket of cold water over her head, making her realize how shallow and ridiculous her words were...

Ba agreed and opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but he found that he was indeed not familiar with the palace rules of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and was afraid of making another fool of himself.

Concubine Dun gave Ba Ying a cold look and warned, "Today is the Chinese New Year. You'd better shut up and say less! Otherwise, be careful of the royal heir in your belly. Even he won't be able to save you!"

Ba Da Ying closed his mouth in dismay, a trace of choking resentment and embarrassment flashing across his beautiful face.

She subconsciously touched her belly, as if trying to gain some confidence from it.

The rules and hierarchy of the Great Zhou harem were far more strict and complicated than she had imagined.

Her little thoughts just now were met with a kind of setback in front of a mere dog servant like Xiao Tianzi...

The emperor looked around at the people below, and his steady voice rang out again, with unquestionable majesty: "Today is the grand ceremony of the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Great Zhou Dynasty. It is also the first time since I ascended the throne that I have conferred titles on the six concubines to show my grace."

"Li Changde, continue to announce the decree."

Li Changde bowed and replied, "I obey your order!"

Then, he unfolded another scroll of bright yellow imperial edict, and his shrill voice echoed through the hall once again: "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Consort Zhuang, of noble birth, possesses a virtuous character. She has made great contributions to the upbringing of the eldest princess, and her virtues and good conduct are exemplary."

"I am specially promoted to the rank of Imperial Concubine, granted the power to assist the six palaces, and assist the Imperial Concubine in managing palace affairs. I decree this!"

After this decree was issued, although there were still sounds of congratulations in the hall, they were far less shocking than before.

The reaction of the crowd was more of the expected calmness.

After all, Grand Tutor Zhuang has returned to the court, and His Majesty has a deep friendship for him, which is obvious to all.

As the daughter of the Grand Tutor, Zhuang also raised the eldest princess and was ranked among the four concubines.

Now that the position of Imperial Concubine above the Four Concubines is vacant, it is a natural and logical thing for her to fill it.

Shen Zhinian sat at the top, with no surprise on his face, and he understood everything in his mind.

Nangong Xuanyu is the emperor who rules over the vast country.

No matter how much love he has for her, no matter how prestigious the title of Imperial Consort he gives her is, the imperial mentality in this man's bones will never change.

He would never allow one person to dominate the court or harem.

Supporting Concubine Zhuang and granting her the power to assist in managing the six palaces was a carefully planned move on his part.

The grace of Grand Tutor Zhuang returning to the court, and Concubine Zhuang's own qualifications and reputation for virtue, cast a balancing shadow next to Shen Zhinian, the rising sun of the Vice Empress.

Concubine Zhuang was the chess piece he used to balance her, remind her, and even... restrain her.

If Shen Zhinian was really a woman in the deep palace who had her heart completely tied to the emperor and longed for exclusive favor, she would probably have been heartbroken and saddened when she saw her beloved personally supporting another woman who was capable of competing with her.

But she's not.

Shen Zhinian knew too well the nature of the man on the dragon throne.

To him, love is the icing on the cake and a comfort in his spare time, but it is not what he values ​​most.

The stability of the country and the checks and balances of power are his eternal considerations.

This clarity stems from Shen Zhinian's understanding of her two lives as a human being, and also from her insight into the nature of power.

Shen Zhinian could even understand what Nangong Xuanyu was doing at the moment.

If she were in that position, facing a newly promoted Imperial Noble Consort whose power was rapidly expanding, she would not hesitate to find and support a suitable candidate to disperse and check this overly concentrated power.

This is the art of being an emperor, and also the way to control subordinates.

It's not about love, it's about balance.

The excitement in Shen Zhinian's heart caused by his promotion was now replaced by calmer thoughts.

After a brief moment of joy, a clearer picture of power unfolded in her mind.