Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 201 Rewards and Promotions

On the day the new emperor ascended the throne, he announced to the world that the reign title would be "Zhenghe". Historical records state that this year was the first year of Zhenghe.

The smooth transition between the old and new regimes, achieved without bloodshed, brought great relief to both the government and the public.

Through the Tang family's information channels, Hua Yan also learned that Jinzhou, as the prince's fiefdom, was a source of pride for its people. Guo Zhaoxun's father, the Jinzhou Tongzhi (assistant prefect) Guo, was a master of flattery and specially sent someone to the capital to attend the enthronement ceremony.

The emperor, mindful of the former officials of the previous dynasty, intended to forgive and appease them.

On the same day, an imperial edict was issued, which read: "You ministers have served in the court for a long time and your achievements are outstanding. Now that I have inherited the throne, I will not hold you accountable for the past. All virtuous and capable people may remain in their positions to assist me in governing the country. If there are outstanding talents, I will not hesitate to promote them so that we can jointly build a prosperous new dynasty."

Upon hearing this, the surviving followers of the former Prince Yu and Prince Heng finally felt at ease. They were all deeply grateful for the Emperor's boundless grace, prostrated themselves on the ground, and vowed to serve him with utmost loyalty.

However, the two princes had caused chaos, and more than half of the officials in the court had already been lost. Now that the emperor had ascended the throne, he was bound to bestow great rewards.

The emperor will only rely more heavily on his former followers.

From the chief secretary to the officials of the eight offices and four departments of the Prince of Jin's mansion, everyone held important positions in a single day.

In addition, Guo Xiaoyi, the Assistant Magistrate of Jinzhou, was promoted to Prefect of Jinzhou; Commander Xiao, Wei Ying, and others were given important positions in the Ministry of War.

The Tang family is the most eye-catching.

Tang Lin was promoted from a seventh-rank compiler to a Hanlin Academy scholar, and concurrently served as a drafter of imperial edicts. Although the Hanlin Academy scholar was a fifth-rank official position, it was far less desirable than the concurrent position of drafter of imperial edicts.

There is an unwritten rule in the court that anyone who concurrently holds the position of Imperial Edict Drafter will, barring any unforeseen circumstances, be promoted to Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat. As a result, many officials in the court show envy and jealousy.

Song Chengrui, the eldest son-in-law of the Tang family, was promoted from Deputy Commander of the Palace Guard to Light Cavalry Captain and was to leave the capital to guard the northwest.

When the former Minister of Revenue, Lord Min, retired, Lady Yun's uncle, Yun Qian, was promoted to Minister of Revenue. Yun Qian can be said to have carried on his father's ambition, which became a popular topic of conversation.

Regarding Tang Xian...

The emperor found it difficult to decide on the matter given the immense merits of the achievements.

Tang Xian had worked closely with him since he was the Ninth Prince, not only personally gifting him an iron mine in Pingzhou, but also providing him with a steady stream of financial support for more than ten years. The Tang family's business guild also provided strong assistance in the Jiangnan inspection tour and disaster relief efforts in Jinzhou and other places.

Not to mention the food and supplies shortage in the Northwest in recent months; if it weren't for Tang Xian's extraordinary abilities, the Northwest army would have been in grave danger.

Therefore, whether considering the relationship with Consort Zhen or the merits of Tang Xian himself and the Tang family business, the bestowal of titles and rewards must be carefully considered.

It should not be too heavy, nor should it grant them power.

Fortunately, Tang Xian was still on his way back to the capital, giving the emperor a few more days to consider the matter.

In the inner palace, the emperor honored his birth mother, Consort Hui, née Wei, as Empress Dowager Shengrui and moved to Cining Palace; the late emperor's empress, née Zhou, was honored as Empress Dowager Mother and moved to Shou Kang Palace.

As for the concubines in the Prince's residence, the Emperor also had his considerations.

......

Hua Yan was really busy a few days ago. Not only did she have to accompany Consort Zhen to the palace to participate in the funeral, but after returning home, she also had to sort out Consort Zhen's many dowry items with Aunt Mei and Meng Zhu.

Donggua was also tidying up her jars and pots in the small kitchen, with Ruizhu and Mingyue helping her from the side.

After careful verification and inclusion in the register, the items will be sent to the inner palace by palace maids.

However, three days have passed since the Prince of Jin ascended the throne, and the imperial decree to grant him entry into the palace has yet to be issued.

As Hua Yan came out of the storeroom, she saw Rui Zhu and Dong Gua gathered under the eaves, and the two even had a small argument.

"Good boy, listen to me, we really don't want these flowers."

There are no flowers in the palace. I heard that not only are all kinds of flowers blooming in the Imperial Garden, but the palace also has greenhouses specifically for cultivating flowers and plants, so there are flowers to enjoy all year round...

Ruizhu seemed to lose patience as she spoke, standing with her hands on her hips, but looking utterly helpless.

Mingyue squatted down to the side, hesitating between hugging and not hugging.

"No matter how beautiful the flowers in the palace are, they are not as lovely as the bright red chili peppers of our Tang family. The old lady and the master both said that these flowers have a good omen."

Hua Yan was taken aback; it was all because of a few potted plants...

However, Hua Yan knew why Dong Gua insisted on bringing several pots of flowers into the palace. It was when Hua Yan sent a message to Madam Yun to find musk lilies. Dong Gua was there at the time, and the two of them reminisced about the years they spent in Lin'an.

Hua Yan recalled an interesting anecdote and casually remarked, "The spiciness of the hot eggplant, as confirmed by the Fourth Miss, is not poisonous. Upon closer examination, it is highly likely that it shares the same origin as wasabi and dogwood, and may be used as a seasoning."

Little did anyone know that the young cook, Donggua, overheard this and secretly asked Huaying to send several pots of flowers to the Prince's mansion.

When Ruizhu saw Huayan approaching, she immediately stepped forward and pulled her aside to reason with her.

"Hua Yan, you are the most virtuous..."

Ruizhu wanted to say that you are the most fair, but then she remembered that Huayan and Donggua were best friends, so she quickly stopped herself from speaking.

"You be the judge. His Majesty's decree will only be in effect for a day or two. When the palace maids come to our Yunyi Palace, we can let go of all her jars and pots, but if these few inconspicuous flowers are also to be sent to the palace, it would be a disgrace to our young lady..."

"shut up!"

Hua Yan's face darkened upon hearing this.

"The concubine's virtuous reputation is widespread, and everyone in the capital admires her. Who would dare to disrespect Yunyi Palace?"

Even a princess would have to think twice before meeting a concubine. Hua Yan would never allow Rui Zhu to say such self-deprecating words.

When I enter the palace in the future, my confidence and glory will come from my own efforts.

Seeing this, Mengzhu stepped forward, grabbed Ruizhu, and tapped her forehead. "You little mouth of yours, you must not speak carelessly after entering the palace, or people will look down on you. Hurry up and apologize to Huayan."

Ruizhu looked embarrassed and before she could even bend down to admit her mistake, Huayan stepped forward to support her arm and said to Donggua:

“Tell them why they want to bring chili peppers into the palace. We serve the concubines and should always think of our mistresses. We sisters must never have any grudges against each other.”

Winter Melon scratched his head. "The fruit from this flower will be ripe soon. It would be a shame to leave it behind. The concubine has had a poor appetite these days. If the spicy eggplant can really be used in cooking, it might be very useful."

Ruizhu then understood, her face showing shame, and she stammered, "So that's how it is. If you had told me earlier, I certainly wouldn't have stopped you."

Just then, Xiao Nianzi hurriedly entered the hall to report.

Dressed in a crimson-purple brocade robe embroidered with gold, and holding a bright yellow silk-wrapped imperial edict, Jing, the eunuch, slowly stepped into the Yunyi Palace behind him.

Aunt Mei helped Consort Zhen out of the bedchamber, and Hua Yan and the others knelt down, holding their breath and bowing their heads.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Your concubine, Lady Tang, is of gentle and virtuous character, and serves the Emperor with dignified and appropriate manners."

Now, she is hereby promoted to the rank of Consort, and bestowed with the imperial decree and the title 'Chun'. It is hoped that she will be diligent and gentle, upholding virtuous conduct and serving as a model for the six palaces, bringing glory to the inner palace. This is the imperial decree!

Hua Yan lowered her head and pondered for a moment, then couldn't help but sigh softly, feeling indignant for the head of the family and Madam Yun.

According to regulations, it was common practice for a concubine to be promoted to the rank of consort upon entering the palace. However, despite the Tang family's outstanding contributions, the emperor did not grant them the titles of "Noble," "Virtuous," "Eminent," or "Wise," which were equivalent to the ranks of the four consorts...

The fact that the title was given to the Tang family was not without the intention of warning them.

Utmost sincerity and loyalty, and inner harmony, constitute "purity".