Chapter 07: The Phoenix Arrives, A Glimpse Through the Fragrant Dust (7)

Tang Tianxiao nodded, leaning against the gilded dragon chair, lifted the white jade tea cup in front of him, took a couple of sips, and then said: "Convey my decree, to confer the title of Princess of Beihe to... to..."

Indeed! Qianmei gazed directly into Tang Tianxiao's eyes and replied with a smile, "I have heard that my future husband has been emperor for over ten years, so he must be quite old. I was even thinking that when the old emperor passes away, he will return to Beihe."

Tang Tianxiao smiled: "Yes, the title of Zhaoyuan can be conferred upon Qianmei, and for the time being, she will reside in the Yaohua Palace of Concubine Du. It would be good for her to learn the customs of the Central Plains from the Concubine."

When it comes to marrying off foreign princesses, even if the emperor is not pleased, he would mostly grant them the title of "Consort" to show respect towards the foreign nation. However, the Great Zhou dynasty has only established two reigns since its founding, and the hierarchy of the imperial harem follows the old system. Below the Empress, there are only four ranks of consorts: Noble, Virtuous, Graceful, and Moral. All others, such as the Zhaoyi and Zhaoyuan, are of a lower rank than the consorts.

He furrowed his brow, as if he momentarily could not recall the name

Second Rank

Ah! I do enjoy straightforward daughters!" Tang Tianxiao said with a smile, "If you can't remember, just learn gradually, no need to rush. Everyone knows you are from a foreign land, even my empress and ministers would not hastily constrain you with the rules. General Shen, don't you agree?"

Ke Qianmei smiled with raised eyebrows and said: "Your Majesty, my name is Ke Qianmei, with a gentle smile and unparalleled brightness. This is what my master, who named me, said."

Shen Du observed Tang Tianxiao's expression, clearly admiring the woman. He simply followed the conversation and said: "Yes, yes, the Emperor is benevolent. This lady... this lady must be the Candle Princess, and she should be very grateful for the Emperor's grace."

He turned to Prime Minister Du Desheng and smiled, saying: "The old Prime Minister's family has a strict code of conduct, which is why he could raise a talented and knowledgeable woman like the virtuous consort, who knows how to advance and retreat appropriately!"

"Ke Qianmei... what a lovely name!" Tang Tianxiao clapped his hands and laughed, "What, do you think the Emperor of the Great Zhou is very old?"

Yes, my mother once invited a teacher from the Central Plains to teach me literacy, and the teacher gave me the name Qianmei. I belong to the Ke Zhu department, so my surname is Ke

Ke Qianmei replied: "We of Beihe have welcomed the princess of the Central Lands back; even if there was originally a queen, another palace must be established, dividing into the Eastern and Western Palaces for the queen, who will be greatly revered. Although Beihe is not as prosperous as the Central Lands, since both sides have reconciled, the emperor should also consider the face of Beihe. I do not wish to see this one bow and that one pay respects, do I?"

Isn't it less noble than a consort, and is it even more inferior compared to the empress?

Tang Tianxiao became more interested in the girl who dared to bargain with him in public: "What’s wrong? Do you find it lacking in nobility? The eldest daughter of the Wang family, who has made great contributions to the Great Zhou, has entered the palace as a Zhaoyi, and is merely on the same level as you."

Before Shen Du could scold her again, she had already started to laugh: "The daughters of Bei He are all straightforward in nature, speaking directly without beating around the bush. If there are any mistakes, I ask the Emperor not to take offense! There are many rules in the Central Plains, and they have taught me a lot, but I have not memorized them all yet!"

Du Desheng, in an effort to enhance his own reputation, repeatedly humbly declined, saying: "Your Majesty has overpraised me! Your Majesty has overpraised me!"

Tang Tianxiao smiled and was about to rise and leave when Qianmei suddenly said: "Your Majesty, what rank is Zhaoyuan?"