From today onwards, ten chapters will be released continuously for ten days, every night at ten o'clock. Ten perfection, happy New Year's Eve!
The third year of Tiansheng, the tenth day of the third month.
An imperial decree has arrived—!
He'an Hall.
Led by Nan Zhiyun, everyone in the palace knelt before the grand hall.
Xing Lai held the imperial decree, but his attitude shifted drastically when facing Nan Zhiyun, becoming respectful.
Seeing Nan Zhiyun kneeling on the ground, Xing Lai quickly went to help her up.
"Consort Shu, please rise. His Majesty has decreed that you do not need to kneel to receive the decree," Xing Lai said with a cheerful expression. Nan Zhiyun was helped up by Xing Lai. She wasn't being pretentious; if she didn't have to kneel, she wouldn't.
Seeing Nan Zhiyun stand up, Xing Lai breathed a sigh of relief, then released Nan Zhiyun's hand holding him, stepped back two paces, and bowed to Nan Zhiyun.
"Your Ladyship, may this servant now announce the decree?" Xing Lai asked tentatively.
"Thank you, Eunuch Xing," Nan Zhiyun nodded slightly.
Xing Lai acknowledged with a light nod, then slowly unfurled the imperial decree and announced in a loud voice:
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor, hereby decree:
I believe that virtue harmonizes with the imperial robes, and the king's influence must originate from the inner chambers. When fragrance flows through historical records, the empress's example sets the standard for the family and nation. By adhering to exemplary conduct and receiving blessings, and bestowing a grand title and rightful position, I now bestow upon you, Consort Shu, of the Nan clan, daughter of the former Protector-General and Grand Marshal Nan Su. You hail from an esteemed lineage, blessed by proximity to the imperial family. You have shown diligence and frugality in the orchid chambers and exhibited loyalty and filial piety in the pepper halls.
Your benevolence resembles the Zongzi bird, nurturing children with impartial virtue. Your reverence for the Pheasant Robes exemplifies personal dignity and virtuous conduct. Your reputation has long been established, and you are deserving of this glorious ceremony. In accordance with the empress dowager's wishes, I bestow upon you this imperial edict and decree, appointing you as Empress. You shall respectfully accept the imperial command, safeguard your person, and let your influence spread like the Fán Píng, further enhancing the legacy of virtuous reputation. May your glory shine with the imperial seal and sash, and may you forever enjoy prosperity and blessings. This is now proclaimed to the world. So be it!"
"This concubine accepts the decree and thanks His Majesty for his great kindness. May our Emperor live ten thousand, ten thousand, ten thousand years!" Nan Zhiyun was still somewhat dazed. She was now the Empress?
Xing Lai handed the imperial decree to Nan Zhiyun.
"This servant congratulates Empress now," Xing Lai said with a smile.
As soon as he finished speaking, the palace servants behind him and throughout the palace began to shout in unison: "This servant (this servant) greets the Empress, congratulations to the Empress!"
Facing the flattery from all over the palace, Nan Zhiyun was not yet entirely accustomed to it. However, to avoid losing face, she stabilized her emotions and said to them: "Rise, all of you. Everyone will be rewarded three months' salary as congratulations."
"Many thanks to the Empress!" They were naturally delighted to receive three months' salary.
"Thank you, Eunuch Xing, for today. Eunuch Xing may also go buy some wine to celebrate." After Nan Zhiyun said this, Qian Xia, who was by her side, slipped a bag of silver into Xing Lai's sleeve.
However…
"Your Ladyship, this cannot be done. This is what this servant should do, and His Majesty has already bestowed his rewards." Xing Lai returned all the silver. It was a joke; if His Majesty knew he had accepted silver from Consort Shu, he feared he wouldn't live long enough.
Nan Zhiyun did not insist. Anyway, the intention had been conveyed. Besides… she was already familiar with Xing Lai, and whether he accepted it or not made little difference. The formality had been observed, and the silver remaining with her wouldn't be unwelcome…
"Your Ladyship, His Majesty said that tomorrow is your birthday banquet and also your enthronement ceremony. His Majesty has actually been preparing for it for a long time. Tomorrow, he will hold a grand wedding ceremony for you, and he said that Your Ladyship will be married from the General's mansion." The surprises Xing Lai brought were one after another.
"From the General's mansion?" Nan Zhiyun was also shocked. Yu Jingchen had not told her any of this beforehand.