The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 569 - 419. Officially announce the Imperial Consort, promoted to third-rank (5k)_2

After the old Emperor's passing, the original Crown Prince died, and the Empress ascended the throne, leaving the Eastern Palace vacant.

The Empress, let alone a son, didn't even have a formal Prince Consort... so where to find a Junior Guardian for the Crown Prince?

"It's not... I'm very happy with the Standard Third-Rank treatment, but saying, the Crown Prince hasn't even won yet, who am I 'guarding' for...?"

Zhao Douan was full of complaints.

Immediately, he suddenly realized something: at this time, the title Bestowal of the Junior Guardian for the Crown Prince, does it have another meaning?

For instance...

Official recognition?

Keep in mind, his role as a gigolo has never been publicly acknowledged...

"Mr. Zhao? What are you waiting for? Come and receive the decree." Xu Zhenguan suddenly smilingly looked at him, raised the golden imperial decree in his hand.

Zhao Douan was startled, stepped forward amidst everyone's gaze, moving to the front:

"Your servant receives the decree and expresses gratitude!"

He lifted both hands, but instead of receiving the decree, he touched a smooth, delicate jade-like hand.

"Grant him a seat," said the Empress, pulling Zhao Douan to sit beside her under Mo Chou's extremely resentful gaze.

The throne was large, spacious enough for both of them.

This scene, fallen in the eyes of the court officials, even the most obtuse realized the message the Empress was conveying.

Official recognition!

Official recognition of the Imperial Consort!

This move was undoubtedly to openly reveal their identities to the entire court and even the world.

No longer the despised, discared gigolo, without status, hidden from the light.

But rather, advancing to the status of a prospective Imperial Consort.

Even though the Empress did not explicitly mention the words "Imperial Consort," the act of "sharing the throne" has already exceeded the specifications of a male pet gigolo.

Meaning that after today, Zhao Douan's status would be elevated once more, becoming a pillar of the Imperial Faction.

The court officials were shocked, causing a slight commotion in Fengtian Hall.

Among the faction led by Dong Xuan and Ma Yan, the officials showed smiles of contentment, not surprised, as over this past half year, no one doubted Zhao Douan's qualification anymore.

The officials of the Pure Stream Faction, like Yuann Li, expressed their sentiments, knowing if Empress firmly secures her throne, and nothing unexpected happens midway, and later gives birth to a true Crown Prince... the Zhao family will undoubtedly rise to the top of the Empire's nobility.

Obviously— provided that the Empress wins the power struggle against the Eight Princes and secures her reign, otherwise all is but illusion.

Meanwhile, Li Yanfu, left aside, his beard slightly trembling, understood the Empress' intention.

The Empress was responding to his earlier impeachment through action.

"Prime Minister," Xu Zhenguan said calmly, waiting for the uproar in the hall to subside, then finally looked again at Li Yanfu who stood in the hall, "Are you satisfied with my answer?"

Li Yanfu was silent.

He appeared bitter and was about to sit down.

The Empress having made her intention clear to defend, pursuing further would be pointless.

Moreover, Li Yanfu knew, even without this title play, with Zhao Douan's current status, the charge of letting Zhuang Xiaocheng escape wouldn't hold against him.

Just then, Zhao Douan suddenly spoke up.

He smiled, gently shook his head, then lightly patted the Empress' smooth and tender hand under the table.

Then, amid Xu Zhenguan's confused gaze, he stood and addressed Li Yanfu:

"The impeachment previously raised by Prime Minister, I acknowledge. In fact, I intended to resolve this matter before the end of the year, but was unexpectedly seriously injured by Da Jing Monk, and recuperated for two months, the Empress granted me grace until next year... now my injuries are nearly healed, since all are present today."

He extended three fingers, corners of his lips upturned, speaking with conviction:

"Within three months, I will capture Zhuang Xiaocheng and bring him to justice, and if I fail, I am willing to accept punishment!"

Li Yanfu suddenly lifted his head, expression surprised.

Xu Zhenguan paused, her beautiful eyes looking at him complexly.

The officials in the hall were moved, both shocked by Zhao Douan's boldness, and bewildered, not understanding why he insists on making such a declaration.

"Fine. With Junior Guardian Zhao's words here, we will wait and watch," Li Yanfu seized the opportunity, and both agreed.

Seeing this, Xu Zhenguan couldn't say anything further.

Zhao Douan, as if unconcerned, lightly smiled at the musicians and dancing girls in the hall, easing the atmosphere:

"Why are you all standing still? Tonight is New Year's Eve, let's not leave until we're drunk, play the music, dance!"

Returning to their senses, the officials cooperated with smiles.

The music and dance resumed, and the Grand Banquet Ceremony continued.

...

...

The Grand Banquet Ceremony lasted for another hour, finally concluding.

Deep into the night, there was no curfew in the city tonight, the lantern festival lasting till after midnight, and officials left the Imperial Palace to reunite with their families.

But the Empress took Zhao Douan, and the pair walked alone to outside the Meridian Gate, near the Imperial City.

Along the steps, they ascended to the female wall of the Imperial City, standing high on the city walls, where the huge lantern like descending upon the mortal world, appeared like a crimson moon.

The wives of nobility gathered nearby the grand lantern for amusement, sight passing beyond the giant lantern, along the city gate southwards, lay the wide and straight Vermilion Bird Street.

On both sides of the street, lights like an ocean, visitors thronging, fireworks and firecrackers rising from all directions of the Capital, painting the cloudless, star-studded night sky into a colorful painting.

Zhao Douan stood with hands behind, beside him was the Emperor of Great Yu, dressed down to white clothing and styled hair, with crown and imperial robe removed.

Standing side by side, the guards nearby tacitly kept their distance.

"Why did you agree to a three-month period with Li Yanfu?" Xu Zhenguan softly asked, looking at the distant ocean of lights.