Chapter 243: Chapter 243: Conferment Ceremony
For Princess Consort Yi, this was indeed a rare good opportunity.
Not to mention anything else, just having her lead the investiture ceremony was a form of recognition for her status.
Therefore, not a single mistake could be afforded tomorrow.
Soon, the investiture ceremony on New Year’s Eve proceeded as usual.
The six individuals in this investiture, originally ranked Concubine Qian at the highest, but now it was the newly appointed Noble Princess Consort Yi Ning, Lin Wanyi.
Upon learning of her title, Lin Wanyi was momentarily surprised.
A double-character title, she hadn’t heard of one before.
She thought to herself that it would be better not to stand out too much.
But then she realized that this was the future her brother had fought for with his life, and if she relinquished it, others would likely not appreciate her humility.
They would think she was doing it deliberately to gain favor.
So, rather than putting in effort without gaining any favor, she simply accepted it with peace of mind.
The eunuch responsible for hosting this investiture ceremony was Dong Yuzhong.
Logically speaking, it should be Jiang Heqing, but he was now by Lin Guifei’s side, and even with wings, he couldn’t make it back in time.
And Ruan Ming, according to his rank, was not qualified, so it could only be Dong Yuzhong acting in his place.
The Emperor sat high on the Dragon Chair in Qian’an Hall, wearing a bright yellow Dragon Robe today.
The dragon’s eyes were crafted by dozens of embroideresses using a new technique, making them exceptionally vivid and lively.
This also complemented the Emperor’s entire demeanor, making him appear vibrant and energetic.
"The noble Lin is diligent and gentle, with kind temperament and graceful demeanor, henceforth conferred as noble concubine, bestowed the title Yining, residing in the main hall of Yihua Palace, by imperial decree."
As Dong Yuzhong’s firm voice delivered each word.
Lin Wanyi’s status as a noble concubine was then truly solidified.
From now on, her position warrants the palace attendants addressing her as "Consort."
If she could advance further, she would become the youngest concubine in this dynasty.
Thus, it was a moment of honor.
"This concubine thanks Your Majesty’s gracious favor."
Following her were Concubine Qian, Noble Ming, Yi Changzai, Mu Changzai, and Lady Jinxiu.
Each was successively granted an imperial edict of investiture.
Upon hearing the decree, each of the five displayed different expressions on their faces.
Some were extraordinarily delighted, some remained indifferent through praise or disgrace.
Lin Wanyi maintained the same demeanor as before, with a faint expression betraying a hint of modesty.
Princess Consort Yi and Princess Consort Ying sat on the Emperor’s left and right sides, their gazes falling upon Lin Wanyi as they looked down.
"Lin, with such exceptional talents and admirable humility, certainly deserves the position of palace chief. I recently acquired a set of Moonlight Cups, and I present them to you as a gift for your promotion."
The one speaking was Princess Consort Yi.
She was quite satisfied with Lin Wanyi’s performance today.
Sudden advancements usually lead to arrogance, yet she remained calm, without a trace of arrogance.
"This concubine thanks Your Consort for the gift."
For Princess Consort Ying, however, Lin Wanyi’s composure was more cautionary.
It was known that the more serene one appears, the more potential unknown intentions might be hidden behind.
Hence, she could not help but pay closer attention.
But outwardly, she still had to maintain the expected decorum.
Especially since Lin Wanyi had once saved her, naturally requiring a bit more affection than others.
Thus, with a smiling face, she gracefully said.
"Princess Consort Yi is right, Lin’s virtues and talents are a model for us sisters. Now that your health has improved, I hope you can soon bear a son for the Emperor, to extend the Imperial Family’s lineage!"
Having said that, she presented a Jade Guanyin.
Then explained.
"This Jade Guanyin was given to me by the Imperial Concubine when I was pregnant. Without her compassionate protection, who knows if I’d successfully give birth to the Fourth Prince. So, I’m passing it on to you, considering it a gift of flowers to a Buddha, hoping you will accept it with a smile."
What intentions could Princess Consort Ying have?
Simply re-gifting the Jade Guanyin given by her sister to Lin Wanyi.
Even if something went wrong in the future, it would be Lin Guifei’s matter.
She managed to clear herself of any responsibility.
It’s undeniable that Princess Consort Ying was different after she ascended.
Luckily, Lin Wanyi had not been closely associated with her, so there was no talk of betrayal.
So, with a good-natured smile, she said.
"This concubine thanks Princess Consort Ying for the gift."
She observed the proper etiquette but refrained from saying more than a word.
Princess Consort Ying sensed Lin Wanyi’s subtle detachment and did not press further.
After having the Jade Guanyin taken away, she remained silent.
It was instead Princess Consort Yi who suddenly spoke up.
"Time truly flies; it’s been years since I entered the palace. In three months, it will once again be the selection of concubines, and the palace will become lively again. I wonder how many sisters will join us this year, and surely they will be delightful."
Once she spoke, the initially pleasant moods turned somewhat forced.
Indeed, today they were the darlings of the palace, but once the new batch of concubines entered, they would become yesterday’s news.
For those who advanced, at least they gained some ground this year.
But for those who did not receive such favor, or were even demoted, their expressions were less than pleasant.
Noble Lady Bai’s self-pity, Chu Daying’s discontent, and the indifference of the overlooked "invisible people" in the harem, all fell into the Emperor’s eyes.
His lips curled into a slight mockery, then he cleared his throat and said.
"Regarding the selection of concubines, I have something to say."
The Emperor spoke, and naturally everyone was all ears.
He spoke slowly and methodically.
"Since I ascended the throne, this selection process has been rather tumultuous, selecting every year not only depletes the National Treasury but also delays citizens in their marriages. This year at the Taishan ancestral sacrifice, a miracle occurred, making me acutely aware of my heavy responsibilities."
"As Emperor, providing for the people and dedicating to the dynasty is my duty, so this selection process will be changed to once every five years. As for women of suitable age, they may marry upon reaching the age of maturity without waiting for the court’s selection."
Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned.
Those ambitious to rise were naturally delighted, unexpectedly encountering such a favorable situation.
Five years was ample time for them to climb further.
Without newcomers, they had many more opportunities.
Thus, each was beaming with joy.
However, this news was a thunderbolt for concubines like Princess Consort Yi, who sought to consolidate their power and status.
Just yesterday, she sent word to her family to select some promising candidates for the selection.
Unexpectedly, everything changed today.
Furrowing her brow, she said.
"Your Majesty, the rules for the selection were set by our ancestors, making such a drastic change might be untimely."