Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 373: Promotion to Imperial Concubine
Afterward, someone pulled out a bag of oil paper-wrapped fried peanuts and marinated meat from their bosom and shared it with laughter.
"Forget it, with our background, even if we go to the imperial court, we won’t be able to compete. It’s better to muddle through the days here. If we really went to the imperial court, where would we have such good days?"
Then they nudged the man next to them.
"Canghai, eat!"
Then he grabbed a handful of peanuts and placed them in his hand, and only then did Shen Canghai come to his senses.
With a chuckle, he began talking with the few people beside him.
Once they had eaten mostly, he glanced at Lady Jinxiu’s palace and then his gaze deepened.
Sunrise and sunset, the days passed by.
Just as Princess Consort Yi was handling matters to go to the traveling palace, the Emperor suddenly issued a decree of grace.
He directly promoted Princess Consort Yi to Imperial Concubine and Lin Wanyi to Imperial Consort.
This attitude made people outside even more puzzled.
But he had his own explanation.
"After the Second Prince and Third Prince have chosen their study companions, they should move out of each of your palaces and go to the Prince’s Residence. After reaching ten years old, they will leave the palace and establish their own households. Both of you have contributed to the upbringing of the princes, so the promotion is well deserved."
These words immediately brought a smile to Princess Consort Yi’s face but left Lin Wanyi with two parts astonishment.
Imperial Concubine Yi, this was an honor never before seen in Da Wei.
Everyone understood in their hearts what her promotion meant.
Imperial Concubine, a step away from the position of Empress.
Moreover, there’s currently no Empress above her, thus she is the rightful "Empress."
For Princess Consort Yi, it wasn’t just about fulfilling her desire for power.
More so, it was about laying a foundation for the future of the Third Prince.
She knew, no matter how much the Emperor favored Lin Wanyi, he would not easily make mistakes in matters concerning the empire.
Therefore, the future Emperor could only be the Third Prince.
Even though, right now, he isn’t considered the eldest son.
But if she were to ascend to the Empress’s throne, then he would be the legitimate son.
Thus, the succession would be rightful and proper.
Thinking this way, everything around suddenly felt auspicious.
Even Lin Wanyi, whom she normally found most displeasing, now looked slightly more agreeable.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grand grace. I will not fail you!"
Compared to Princess Consort Yi’s smugness, Lin Wanyi was somewhat unresponsive.
Being promoted to Imperial Consort, naturally, she wasn’t as eye-catching as Princess Consort Yi.
But for Lin Wanyi, the joy of promotion couldn’t outweigh the melancholy of the Second Prince’s departure.
For the past few years, she had always kept him by her side, almost forgetting the palace’s rules.
When princes choose their study companions, it means they are considered adults.
Thus, they can’t live with the Concubines anymore.
At that time, Nanny Du would also follow him, and the palace attendants who originally served him would naturally go along.
Thinking about this, Lin Wanyi felt even more sorrowful.
An emptiness filled her heart, causing her to forget to express gratitude.
Princess Consort Yi was now so pleased that she spoke without malice.
Instead, she teasingly said, "Your Majesty, look, Sister Yining is so happy she’s become silly. Why doesn’t she quickly express her gratitude?"
Prompted by Princess Consort Yi, Lin Wanyi finally reacted.
Immediately kneeling, she stiffened her resolve to express her gratitude for this grand grace.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Subsequently, the Emperor spoke in a matter-of-fact tone.
"The investiture ceremony for you two is set for Mid-Autumn, a day of harmony and reunion, which is fitting. Princess Consort Yi shall stay in the palace to preside over the matter, while there are many children in Yining’s palace who are quite afraid of the heat; she shall go along with me."
Upon hearing this, Princess Consort Yi paused.
But quickly, she realized the Emperor didn’t intend for others to accompany them.
The joy that had just risen in her heart fell.
Yet soon, it was washed away.
Going to the traveling palace is only a matter of a few months, and she’d rather stay in the palace and prepare properly.
An Imperial Concubine’s ceremony must be grand, no matter what.
Thinking this, she smiled and said, "Your Majesty is right, but there aren’t many sisters left in the harem. Wouldn’t it be a great joy if Your Majesty promoted them too?"
The Emperor was silent for a while, and upon reflection, he found merit in this idea.
He opened his mouth to agree.
"For some time, I’ve seen Consort Qian taking care of the Empress Dowager and Ming Ruo; it’s quite taxing on her. She’s never committed any mistake within the harem, so let’s promote her to noble concubine. As for Mu Changzai, who behaves quite uniformly, we’ll promote her to noble."
"As for Princess Consort Ying, who is convalescing, let’s not disturb her with trivial matters. Ming, who was innocently implicated and had her appearance ruined, it’s quite unfortunate; let’s promote her to concubine, elevating her status so no one dares to bully her."
The Emperor was thorough in his considerations but overlooked one person.
Though Lady Jinxiu was foolish, making Princess Consort Yi unhappy.
But since she’s his subordinate, amidst a palace-wide promotion, mention must be made.
"Your Majesty, there’s also Lady Jinxiu."
"Jinxiu? The character is too grand; let’s remove her title and promote her to Changzai."
"Yes! I shall make arrangements for this. If the palace sisters knew of this, they’d surely be delighted."
After Princess Consort Yi left, the Emperor approached Lin Wanyi.
Seeing her lack any happiness from her promotion, he then asked.
"What’s the matter? Are you worried that someone will talk behind your back after your promotion?"
This was something Lin Wanyi often brought up.
Yet the Emperor couldn’t help himself; although he wanted to promote her to Empress, containing his impulse with just promoting her to Imperial Consort was already slightly unfair to her.
Especially since other reasons demanded Princess Consort Yi be promoted to Imperial Concubine above her.
On this matter, the Emperor felt some guilt towards Lin Wanyi.
Regrettably, this wasn’t what Lin Wanyi cared about.
"Ah, whether promoted or not, I’m not afraid now; it’s just that the Second Prince will be moving to the Prince’s Residence, and I’m finding it hard to let go."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor finally understood.
He had staged a drama in his mind and even prepared comforting words, only to realize it wasn’t about that, feeling somewhat foolish.
He then embraced her and softly spoke.
"When children grow up, they must leave their parents and venture outside. Especially since he’s a Prince, keeping him in the harem daily isn’t right. You’ve seen it too; his desire for the vast world beyond, so let’s not hold him back."
"I’m aware of this in my heart, it’s just that I’m struggling with the transition."
"Then cherish it. After returning from the traveling palace this time, both the Second Prince and Third Prince will be moving out. Use this time to prepare, so you won’t cry then. I won’t be able to console you!"
The sorrowful emotions were suddenly mixed with amusement following his joke.
Lin Wanyi found herself caught between laughter and tears.
