Chapter 73: Granting Titles

Chapter 73: Granting Titles

The next day, Jiang Hui went to Fengyi Palace for the morning court as usual. Due to the major incident of Prince Jin's treason, the consorts were as quiet as quails, barely speaking.

The Empress, seated on the Phoenix Throne, glanced at the chair where Lady Li used to sit and said solemnly, "Concubine Xie Shi plotted treason and has been executed."

The consorts below dared not respond, but fortunately, the Empress did not require an answer. She continued, "In the next two months, the palace will release a group of long-serving maids. If any of you wish to release your maids from service, report to Chunyan. The Internal Affairs Department will then select new ones to replenish the ranks."

"Yes," came a chorus of responses.

Jiang Hui leisurely sipped her tea without speaking.

The tea in Fengyi Palace was undoubtedly excellent. Today's offering was Maojian tea, a tribute from Yizhou, likely brewed with spring water. The tea had a green-yellow hue and a sweet aftertaste.

The Empress then turned slightly towards Jiang Hui with a smile, speaking softly, "For your meritorious service in saving the Emperor, the Imperial Edict from Jianzhang Palace arrived early this morning. His Majesty intends to bestow a title upon you, Noble Consort. I have already affixed the Phoenix Seal, and you should receive the good news upon your return to Yaohua Palace."

The Empress had the authority to oversee the harem, including issuing edicts for the promotion or demotion of consorts, and even granting titles. Such edicts, and even the monthly court records, require her Phoenix Seal to be valid.

However, this wasn’t the reason the Empress specifically mentioned using her seal today.

If the Emperor intended to grant Jiang Hui a title, she would naturally know once she received the Imperial Edict, and there was no need for the Empress to inform her in Fengyi Palace.

By doing so, the Empress was undoubtedly reminding Jiang Hui, and all the consorts present, that she was the primary consort holding the Phoenix Seal.

Jiang Hui gently set down her plum blossom porcelain cup, stood up to offer a slight bow, and said with a slight smile, "Yes, thank you, Empress."

The title of Noble Consort is of the first rank, and above it is the Imperial Noble Consort of the regular first rank. However, the title of Imperial Noble Consort is usually reserved for a vacant central position, making the Noble Consort effectively the first person below the Empress, already at the highest possible rank.

The Emperor bestowing another title now undoubtedly stirred the Empress's emotions, losing her usual composure.

The undercurrents in the Mingluan Hall's floral hall were palpable, and even Xu Xiuyuan remained silent. However, Sun Guiren suddenly spoke, "Empress, managing the palace's affairs must be hard. Having you as the primary consort is our fortune."

Clearly siding with the Empress.

Jiang Hui leisurely sat back in her armchair, resuming her cool and detached demeanor, not glancing at Sun Guiren.

At that moment, Consort He laughed loudly, "The Noble Consort braved the deep forest to rescue the Emperor, showing both courage and wisdom. In our Hu people's customs, she surely deserves to be awarded the finest steed and a golden blade!"

The Empress smiled lightly, "Very well. The Double Ninth Festival is approaching. His Majesty plans to host a chrysanthemum feast at the Dongguan Tower in the palace, inviting ministers to recite poems and compose verses. If any of you compose a fine poem, you may submit it to Fengyi Palace for His Majesty's appraisal."

"Yes." The responses this time were uniform; after all, any opportunity to appear before the Emperor was always welcome.

As Jiang Hui was about to board her palanquin upon leaving Fengyi Palace, Consort He's voice called out from behind.

This scene felt familiar. Jiang Hui turned around and saw Consort He smiling, approaching her and taking a sheepskin leather pouch from a maid to hand it to Jiang Hui, saying, "Bad luck, something happened along the way, and I only hunted twelve. So, who won? Me or the Noble Consort?"

She was referring to the hunting competition with Jiang Hui.

Jiang Hui was slightly taken aback, not taking the leather pouch, and said with a light smile, "I lost. I only hunted five or six that day."

Seeing Jiang Hui made no move to open the pouch and count, Consort He tossed it back to her attendant, raising her eyebrows, "Since the Noble Consort admits defeat, what’s the wager?"

Although Jiang Hui hadn't agreed on any specific wager with Consort He, she responded, "What would Sister Consort He like?"

Consort He, pointing at the bi jade and pearl hairpin in Jiang Hui's hair, unexpectedly said, "How about this hairpin? It looks quite lovely!"

Jiang Hui smiled, "Of course, you can have it."

Saying this, she removed the jade hairpin and handed it to Consort He.

Consort He clearly cherished it, laughing heartily, "I can't let the Noble Consort part with it so easily. Let's exchange it for this!"

She slipped a dark green bronze ring off her left index finger and handed it to Jiang Hui.

Jiang Hui glanced at the ring, noticing its broad design and intricate lines, a typical style of the Xiongnu.

"Alright then." Jiang Hui exchanged a few more pleasantries with the Empress before boarding her palanquin to return to Yao Hua Palace.

Just as she reached the entrance of Qiong Hua Hall, An Jing arrived with an imperial edict.

The edict from the Emperor read: "Jiang, the Noble Consort, is intelligent and virtuous, her light shines in the palace. She has risked her life to save the Emperor, never sparing herself. She is hereby granted the title of 'Zhao' to recognize and honor her deeds. Let her receive this esteemed command with respect and continue to set a noble example. Such is our will."

After An Jing left with his beaming face, Jiang Hui settled by the window in the warm pavilion. As Autumn Cui and the others set out the breakfast dish by dish from the food box, Jiang Hui murmured to herself, "Zhao?"

"Zhao," meaning brightness.

This not only complements the "Sheng" character in the Emperor's name but also aligns with this year's era name. No wonder the Empress seemed uneasy today.

The maids showed delight, with Autumn Cui cheerfully saying, "Mistress, as promised yesterday, we have the cold okra salad and jellyfish with cabbage ready."

Jiang Hui smiled and tasted a bite, softly commenting, "Good."

After breakfast, Autumn Cui pulled out a dark green ring given by the Empress and informed Jiang Hui, "Mistress, Red Tassel has inspected it. Though it's been soaked in herbs, there's nothing wrong with it."

"Soaked in herbs?" Jiang Hui's brow furrowed slightly.

"Yes," Autumn Cui replied quietly. "Mostly common herbs, used for treating colds and chilblains. It seems the ring's owner often wore it while grinding and boiling herbs."

Jiang Hui examined the ring closely.

Though wide and plain, it was sized for a woman's finger. Indeed, when taken from the Empress, the mark on her finger was evident – it was hers.

Recalling what Ning Yuan Marquis once mentioned, Jiang Hui mused, "It's said that the Xiongnu court also worships shamans, involving in rituals and healing. Perhaps the Empress wasn't just a princess but also a revered shaman in her past."

Qiu Kui was surprised and asked, "If that's the case, why would the Xiongnu willingly send Consort He to Da Zhou for a marriage alliance?"

"Indeed," Jiang Hui played with the ring in her hand, "Not only that, Consort He personally handed this ring to me, allowing me to discern her identity. Why would she do that?"