Chapter Nine, the city is filled with flying catkins and light dust

You... you..." The moon lowered her head to look at the scattered silver coins and banknotes I had given her, and when she raised her head again, her eyes were already brimming with tears. "You've given me all your money, what will you do now?"

Before the moon could even open her mouth to continue speaking, a string of pearls entered with the imperial edict on a yellow scroll. Waving the whisk in hand, he proclaimed loudly: "The imperial edict has arrived"

"I feel truly unworthy to have taken the beloved item of Consort Hua." Remembering the scene of farewell from the morning, my heart began to ache again. The Emperor's words stirred my deep-seated reluctance towards Yue'er, and upon reflecting on the harm he and Shang Wanquan inflicted upon her, I was instantly consumed by rage

Yue'er and I quickly knelt down to listen to the proclamation

I carefully placed the banknote in her bosom, stuffed the silver coins into a silk pouch, and hid it in her sleeve. I laughed and said, "I can always earn more. Even if the emperor neglects me in the future and I can no longer do business, I still have my parents to rely on. My mother's salary is on par with that of a prince, and as for my father, there's no need to mention him"

After we had exchanged pleasantries, a string of beads led me towards the East Warm Pavilion of Qianren Palace. I quietly turned back to glance at him and found that he was also looking at me. Although I could not discern the emotions in his gaze, the mere fact that he returned my glance was enough to bring me joy

The emperor's mood seems to be rather poor, as he stands before a painting with his hands behind his back, lost in thought, perhaps missing the moonlight that has already left the palace. The emperor seems to have sensed my footsteps, and without turning his head, he asked me: "Has Consort Hua set off?"

I have visited the Qianren Palace countless times, each time accompanied by a sense of unease or fear, but this time, as I stood before the Qianqing Gate, my heart was at ease

I pursed my lips and deliberately announced in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, I report that Consort Hua has already set off for Fengtai Mountain with Dowager Consort Zhang."

However, I immediately realized that although I had previously wanted to actively end this relationship, I now secretly hoped to continue maintaining this relationship that teetered on the edge of morality, one that could bring about dire consequences at any moment

As dawn was just breaking, Yue'er and I got up to prepare ourselves. As soon as the hour of Chen arrived, she was to set off.

The emperor's gaze, which had originally lingered on my face, suddenly shifted downward. He raised his hand to caress my earrings and softly said, "She has indeed left behind a trace of sentiment, but unfortunately, it was not meant for me." It was then that I remembered that this pair of earrings had been taken from her ears by Yue'er in the morning

Moreover, both Consort Li and Consort Hua have offspring, while I have nothing. My various qualifications, aside from my family background which is somewhat acceptable, can be said to be unimpressive. Now, I have been forcefully promoted to the position of the first-ranked consort, and the Emperor's intention to shift his focus is evident. With Consort Hua gone, he has lost a weapon in his hand, and after much consideration, I am the most suitable replacement.

His reaction was quite subdued, unlike the urgency and tension of last time, instead he said: "Then, I congratulate Your Highness, the Beneficent Consort."

Recalling the last time he congratulated me on being awarded the title of Zhaoyi, his reaction made me somewhat uneasy. I am a bit worried that he might want to give up on me, that he might not be willing to continue.

Only then did Shang Baiwen notice a string of beads, and with a smile, he waved his hand and said: "It's nothing much."

A string of beads chuckled and said: "Young Master Shang seems to be unaware that Princess Yue has already ascended to the position of consort and has been granted the title of Hui Consort."

"It is Young Master Shang." A string of pearls also saw him and took a few steps forward to greet him, "Young Master Shang, you seem so urgent. Is there something the Emperor wishes to discuss?"

In these years, I have been able to live so easily thanks to the care of Yue'er. Now that she is about to leave, any blessings or promises are merely empty words; money is the most tangible. As the saying goes, money can make the devil push the millstone. This fourteen thousand taels is nearly all of my private savings; I have kept a five hundred tael banknote for emergencies.

The emperor waved his hand to comfort me, saying: "It is nothing. The Empress Hui and the Empress Hua have always been like sisters, so it is only natural. How could there be any feeling of guilt in receiving this?" His gaze lingered on my earrings, and his eyes became somewhat deeper, perhaps reminiscing about the moments shared with Yue'er. "I have elevated you to the rank of consort, firstly to have someone close to me who can balance the Empress and Yang Zhaoyuan, and secondly, it can also be seen as my way of making amends to Empress Hua."

I gathered my spirits and smiled at him, saying: "Thank you, Young Master Shang."

If I lose money, I can find a way to earn it again. If the moon does not fare well after leaving the palace, when we meet again in the afterlife, whether in the blue sky or the yellow springs, I would feel embarrassed to call her my sister again

The emperor was very pleased with my response and nodded, saying: "Zhao'er, Xi'er, and Yun'er, the three siblings, are now peacefully asleep in the green silk wardrobe of the Western Warm Pavilion. You, as their aunt, should go and take a look. After I finish my court duties, let us dine together."

"In response to Your Majesty, the Princess of Yue is currently still in the Shoukang Palace's Nourishing Pavilion." Shang Baiwen was quite honest, bowing to me and answering my questions in a straightforward manner.

This imperial decree is simply a red cannon, leaving me utterly stunned. At this moment, promoting me is clearly an attempt to establish another Hua Fei in the palace, whether to balance the Empress or the Dowager Consort Zhang, this Hui Fei position is not so easy to hold.

However, as I have just ascended to the position of consort and my foundation is still unstable, I cannot provoke the Emperor before obtaining custody of Zhao'er and the other two children

I am fully aware that this kind of thinking is extremely dangerous

Shang Baiwen performed a fist salute to me, and at the moment he raised his hand, I saw the armlet of gold hidden in his sleeve, shimmering with pearls and jewels. Wasn't it the very one my grandmother had given me? I do not know if the string of beads had seen the armlet of gold that I wore every day before this, but my heart, which had been suspended in mid-air, finally settled down.

The emperor's schemes are too conspicuous, which fills me with deep aversion; however, I cannot express this and can only obediently express my gratitude for receiving the imperial decree

I lowered my head and said: "I humbly obey the imperial will."

Shang Baiwen was somewhat surprised to hear this news. He glanced at me, likely to confirm the authenticity of the information. I looked at him and nodded.

I handed her the scattered silver coins and banknotes that I had brought yesterday and had been waiting to give her, advising her: "This scattered silver is what I prepared for rewarding the servants in the Luan Yi Palace on ordinary days. Due to the sudden circumstances, I do not have much on hand, just over fifty taels. You take this to Fengtai Mountain to manage the various arrangements."

I was just about to lift my skirt and step over the threshold when I saw Shang Baiwen running down the white marble steps in front of the main gate of Qianren Palace

A string of beads watched her leave, then turned to me and said: "Congratulations to Lady Hui on her elevation to the rank of consort; your rapid rise is truly enviable." Seeing that I did not respond, he continued on his own: "Lady Hui, the two princes and one princess of Lady Hua are currently temporarily housed in Qianren Palace. Would you like to go and look after them for a moment on behalf of Lady Hua?"

I am about to go to the Taihemen Imperial Gate to attend to state affairs, and I cannot linger here for too long. I called you here just to inform you of what you should do next. The emperor walked to the treasure cabinet behind the desk, took down a red velvet brocade box, and handed it to me. The box was heavy, suggesting that it likely contained the queen's imperial seal.

"Xiao Xiao, I am about to leave now." Yue Er held my hands, helped me arrange my hair, and touched my empty earlobes. She took off her own earrings and put them on me. Then, without looking back, she got onto the shoulder-carrier and left the Chengqian Palace where she had lived for ten years

At least he still carries the armlet I gave him close to him, which indicates that he still holds me in his heart

Child. Indeed, although the moon has departed, she still has three underage children, the eldest being only nine years old, and the youngest still in swaddling clothes. As a mother, she must be most concerned about her three children. I should take this opportunity, while the Emperor is willing to favor me, to bring the children to the Luan Yi Palace for their upbringing. I tidied my appearance and said with my head held high: "I kindly ask Eunuch Zhu to lead this palace to Qian Ren Palace to pay respects to His Majesty."

"The Empress Hui wishes for eternal happiness, eternal happiness." As I rose while holding the golden tablet of Empress Hui, a string of pearls came forward to support me, displaying an unprecedented closeness. It seems that qualified servants should behave this way, being able to anticipate their master's preferences and showing goodwill towards those whom their master favors.

I slightly raised my head and made eye contact with him. In his eyes, there was a faint glimmer of hope, as if he truly wished that Yue'er would still think of him after he and Shang Wanwan had broken her heart. However, if that were the case, Yue'er's love would be too cheap. After pondering for a moment, I truthfully replied: "Your Majesty, the Empress only cares about the children and has no words to leave for you."

The document states: I believe that governing the foundation and harmonizing the family is essential for the prosperity of the six palaces. It is my duty to assist within and to prepare the four virtues of the worthy. I have long been diligent and respectful in the inner chambers. I elevate the order and use light to guide the regulations. I consult you, Lady Yue of the Luan Yi Palace, who possesses a gentle and virtuous nature. You are prudent and self-restrained. Your movements harmonize with the sound of your ornaments, and you excel in propriety. You maintain a respectful and solemn demeanor day and night, and you do not neglect your diligence

I nodded politely and said, "There is no need for such formalities, Master Zhu." Fu Xiang was not by my side, and I had no extra reward money on me. I casually took off my earrings and placed them into a string of pearls, smiling as I said, "Thank you for your care, Master."

I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's appreciation and will certainly not fail in my duties I was just about to kneel down to express my gratitude when the Emperor supported me and stopped me

Hereby, in accordance with the gracious edict of the late Empress Dowager, you are conferred the title of Hui Fei with the imperial seal. You shall duly receive the promotion in rank and the additional ceremonial attire. May you diligently uphold the virtues of the imperial court and welcome the auspicious blessings that are to come. Respectfully.

A string of beads hurriedly ran to me, made a gesture of guidance, and said: "Your Highness, the Hui Consort, please proceed."

My guess was indeed correct; the emperor suddenly promoted a concubine who has not contributed to childbirth, and it truly is to use me as a tool.

His gaze was profound as he looked at me and said in a low voice: "Hui Fei, starting tomorrow, the Yeting Bureau, the Shangong Bureau, and even the Xigong Bureau, which is responsible for treating the illnesses of the palace concubines and servants, will all be under your charge. However, this does not mean that you, wielding power, can act with arrogance and impunity." He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice further, "Every day at the third watch of the Chen hour, you will compile the reports from the previous day concerning the three bureaus and their twelve subordinate departments and present them to me. We will meet in the Dongnuan Pavilion."

It is truly difficult to be a queen. I secretly thought to myself, no wonder Yue'er was so pressed for time even when she had children; it turns out she had so many responsibilities to fulfill. On the surface, she enjoys constant favor and accompanies the emperor daily, but in reality, she is merely a special public servant by the emperor's side

Then, I opened a stack of silver notes for her to see the approximate amount, so she would have an idea. "These silver notes are what I have saved over the past ten years of doing business, totaling fourteen thousand taels. I exchanged several notes of one thousand taels, five hundred taels, one hundred taels, fifty taels, and ten taels each. They were originally prepared for bribing the officials of the Yeting Bureau and the Monastery Bureau when the plan to resell was exposed. Now, I give them all to you.

The Empress's seal should have been conferred to the Empress at the time of her enthronement, along with the imperial decree for her elevation and the Empress's registry. However, the current Empress, Xiao Xunbi, has been stripped of her real power for many years, and the Empress's seal has remained in the Chengqian Palace of Yue'er.

I want to speak with him, but I am wary of a string of pearls being present, so I feigned anger and said: "Young Master Shang, I trust you have been well. I wonder if your sister, who is the Princess of Yue, has returned to her lively self yet"

The Emperor tapped the lid of the brocade box and said: "This is the Empress's imperial seal. Last night, Consort Hua sent someone to return it from the Chengqian Palace. Now, I bestow upon you the authority to assist in managing the six palaces. From today onward, you shall be the actual power holder in the harem."

Then she ... ... '' The Emperor turned around and walked in front of me, supporting me with one hand. After a brief pause, he continued, `` Did the Empress Dowager entrust you with any message for me before she left? ''

A string of beads smiled as she carefully put away the earrings, then bowed to the moon and said: "May Her Highness, the Noble Consort, be blessed with longevity and peace. Your Highness, the carriage of the Grand Dowager Empress is already prepared at the Shoukang Palace, so please hurry over."