pdf-ebookys Chapter 1226: The news of the closure of the six palaces spreads
Chapter 1226: The news of the closure of the six palaces spreads
Amidst the growing joy, a piece of news caused a huge uproar in the long-silent Six Palaces.
Although the emperor did not reveal that he was going to promote Shen Zhinian to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort, the news that he was going to confer titles on the six palaces finally came out!
Although the purpose of this matter was not clear, it was like having wings and quickly swept across every palace.
From the main lady to the maids and concubines, their hearts, which had been somewhat silent due to the severe cold of late winter, were instantly ignited.
Status is the foundation of a woman's livelihood in the deep palace, and it is a symbol of the family's honor and disgrace!
It is also the only glimmer of light that you can hold in your hands during the long years!
For a moment, regardless of whether everyone was sincere or not, the atmosphere in each palace became unusually lively.
The palace maids and eunuchs walked with a lighter step.
The sadness between the brows of the empress and the ladies seemed to fade away, replaced by irrepressible anticipation and joy.
However, after the excitement, almost everyone thought of the same person, Concubine Chen, who was the most favored concubine in the six palaces!
What should she do?
Above the Noble Consort is the Imperial Noble Consort.
The Imperial Noble Consort has the same status as the Vice Queen and is like the Crown Princess. It is a foregone conclusion that she will be the future Empress!
Does this grand appointment of the six palaces include Consort Chen?
More people were speculating privately and exchanging glances cautiously.
His Majesty has not yet hinted at any intention of appointing an Imperial Noble Consort. I'm afraid that this time... Noble Consort Chen was not included in the list of titles bestowed.
what does this mean?
This means that the now extremely powerful Concubine Chen, who is in charge of the six palaces, will have to watch helplessly as the concubines who used to have far lower ranks than her wear crowns of higher grades and receive more grand congratulations!
And she could only cling to the position of Imperial Concubine and watch others rise step by step...
Once this idea took root, it spread wildly in the minds of many people.
Some people secretly gloated, feeling that the towering mountain pressing down on their heads had finally revealed a crack.
Some people were worried, wondering whether the ruthless Concubine Chen would cause new troubles because of this.
Zhongcui Palace.
The heating in the floor was warm, blocking out the cold outside the window.
Shen Zhinian held a small pair of golden scissors in her hand, facing the candlelight, carefully trimming a branch of red plum that had just been brought from the greenhouse.
The Fourth Prince, wearing a thick goose-yellow jacket, looked like a chubby baby bird. He was circled on the warm kang by Nanny Lin, babbling and fiddling with several colorfully painted dolls.
Occasionally he raised his head, his big black eyes chasing the dancing gold in his mother's hand, and giggled.
Fuqiu came in quietly and placed a bowl of warm bird's nest on the small table beside the couch. She whispered, "Your Majesty, since the news of His Majesty's imminent enfeoffment of the six palaces spread, everyone outside has been speculating about the details of this enfeoffment. Your Majesty, please..."
The golden scissors in Shen Zhinian's hand paused slightly, and the sharp edge of the blade left a very shallow mark on the plum branch.
She raised her eyes, her charming fox eyes were calm, reflecting only the flickering candlelight, but the corners of her lips curled up in a very faint arc: "Let them guess."
Shen Zhinian's voice was clear and melodious, with a hint of lazy indifference, as if he was discussing the falling snow outside the window: "Thunder, lightning, rain and dew are all the grace of the king. What is meant to come will come naturally."
As she finished speaking, she put down the golden scissors, picked up the warm bird's nest bowl, and felt the warmth from the porcelain wall with her fingertips.
Looking at the carefree smile of the Fourth Prince, Shen Zhinian's heart became clear.
To her, other people's promotions are just a few chess pieces that have moved on the chessboard.
Whether it is a sleight of hand or a death warrant remains to be seen.
The Fourth Prince seemed to be tired of playing with the doll, and staggered towards Shen Zhinian, grabbing the hem of her skirt with his chubby little hands.
He raised his little face and called out incoherently: "Mother... flowers... I want flowers..."
The coldness in Shen Zhinian's eyes melted instantly. She leaned over and held the Fourth Prince's soft and warm little body in her arms. She picked up the trimmed red plum and teased him.
The rich fragrance of plum blossoms and the innocent laughter of children filled the warm room, temporarily isolating the howling wind and snow outside the window and the surging undercurrents within the palace walls.
Shen Zhinian's delicate jaw gently rubbed the fourth prince's furry head, with a soft look in her eyes.
……
Yikun Palace.
After such a long period of recuperation, Wangpin finally recovered somewhat from her illness, but her health was no longer as good as before...
The more this happened, the more she didn't want others to see how haggard she looked.
At this moment, Concubine Wang was sitting in front of the mirror.
Xiao Tianzi carefully pinned a newly acquired red gold hairpin on her from behind.
The person in the mirror was wearing thick makeup and had a beautiful face.
Because of the news of the great ennoblement of the six palaces, the corners of Wangpin's eyebrows and eyes were flushed with excitement.
"Xiao Tianzi, you said..."
Wangpin glanced around in the mirror, her fingers lightly stroking the tassels of her hairpins, and her voice was filled with uncontrollable pride: "Is it certain that I will be promoted to the rank of consort this time?"
"Princess? Or Concubine Dun? Both sound much nicer than the word 'concubine'!"
Xiao Tianzi smiled and said in an increasingly respectful voice, "Your Majesty, you have done a great service in raising the Third Prince. Your promotion is a sure thing!"
"From what I see, the position of consort must belong to Her Majesty!"
Wangpin smiled with satisfaction, with a gleam in her eyes.
She seemed to have seen herself wearing the auspicious clothes of a concubine and accepting congratulations from everyone.
However, this excitement only lasted for a moment...
Wangpin's eyes swept across her carefully painted eyebrows in the mirror, then glanced through the window lattice in the direction of Zhongcui Palace. A trace of gloom quietly crept into her heart...
If Concubine Chen cannot be promoted, how would she feel watching these people climb up?
That bitch is used to being patient, but can she swallow this?
The princess twisted the tassels of her hairpin with a little force, and the sharp edge of the gem hurt her fingertips.
She was hoping Shen Zhinian would be humiliated, but she was also instinctively wary of the other party's possible reaction...
……
Chengqian Palace.
Xuanpin held her cherished mother-of-pearl sandalwood five-string pipa, her fingertips unconsciously plucking the strings, making sporadic sounds.
Her delicate face flushed, and her clear eyes were filled with pure joy: "...Zhu'er, do you think...I can also be promoted?"
"Above the rank of concubine is the imperial concubine!"
Xuanpin's voice was filled with uncontrollable joy: "If I can be given the title of Consort, Jin'er will be more respectable in the future!"
Thinking of the infant Sixth Prince, Xuanpin's eyes were filled with maternal tenderness and longing.
This is a great joy!
Besides, it’s also good to be able to get one step closer to Sister Concubine Chen!
……
Chuxiu Palace.
Concubine Kang was leaning on the warm kang by the window, covered with a thick brocade quilt.
In her hand was a scroll of clothing materials that had just been sent by the Imperial Household Department, which was prepared for the New Year's palace banquet.
Cai Ju whispered about the rumors outside: "...Your Majesty, they say His Majesty is planning to confer titles on the six palaces this time, and even the ladies of lower rank are expected to be promoted."