lcionline Chapter 500: Prepare for the next step (Added for [urging for faster updates])
Chapter 500: Prepare for the next step (Added for [urging for faster updates])
Shen Zhinian nodded calmly, with a dignified demeanor: "My Lords, there is no need to be so polite. Thank you for your help today."
The officials, led by Gu Jinxiao, said one after another: "This is our responsibility, and the Empress Consort Xian is too kind."
The talismans, books and gold treasures have all been placed in their corresponding places.
Next, the female official led Shen Zhinian to the worship seat.
"kneel--!!!"
Shen Zhinian was already very familiar with this process and slowly knelt down on the mat.
The female official continued: "Announcement--!!!"
Another female official in court dress walked up to the table where the edict was placed, picked it up and read it aloud.
Everyone listened attentively.
After the ceremony was over, the female official read out the order and said, "Please accept the imperial edict, Your Majesty!"
The female official who announced the book held it up and handed it to the female official who served the left. The female official first knelt down to receive it and then handed it to Shen Zhinian.
Shen Zhinian accepted the imperial decree and handed it to the right female official.
The right lady-in-waiting knelt to take it, then stood up.
"Xuanyin——!!!"
"Please accept the seal, Madam Concubine!"
After a series of tedious procedures, Shen Zhinian had lost count of how many times he had knelt down while wearing the heavy court robes and crown before the enthronement ceremony was finally over!
Concubine Sun was watching this scene in the side hall, and she couldn't hide the joy in her eyes and brows.
Although the matter will not change under His Majesty's order, but as long as the ceremony of conferring the title of the Four Concubines is not completed, Sister Xianfei will not be legitimate.
She had been secretly worried for so long, and after today, she could finally put her mind at ease!
Sister Xianfei is the leader of the four concubines. She is also a noble lady. They all have a bright future!
The wet nurse held the Fourth Prince in her arms, and stood aside with Nanny Xiao and others to watch the ceremony.
Although she knew she shouldn't shed tears on such a good day, Nanny Lin was still moved to tears when she saw this scene.
She covered her mouth with her hands and forced back the tears of joy.
She watched her empress grow up, and finally she made it!
If Mrs. Meng knew this scene, she would definitely be very pleased, right?
No... In addition to relief, Mrs. Meng should be more worried.
No one knows better than Nanny Lin that everyone in the Shen family hopes that the queen will climb to a high position and bring benefits to the Shen family. But if Madam Meng is still alive, she must only hope that the queen will live a peaceful and happy life without illness or disaster.
The golden book and golden treasure of the four concubines were left in Zhongcui Palace, and the eunuch in charge of this matter left with the talisman.
Shen Zhinian's legs were a little numb, and his clothes were extremely heavy, so he could only stand up with the help of Handan and Fuqiu.
She paused for a moment, then sent it away according to the same etiquette as before.
Gu Jinxiao and others had been waiting outside Zhongcui Palace. The eunuch handed him the imperial seal, indicating that the enthronement ceremony had been completed.
Everyone bowed to Shen Zhinian again: "Congratulations to Her Majesty on your promotion. We will take our leave!"
Shen Zhinian's gaze lingered briefly on Gu Jinxiao.
Although this man always looked businesslike, cold and distant, Shen Zhinian did not miss the strange look that flashed across his eyes when she just came out.
In this life, she has not interfered in the affairs of the court, and has nothing to do with him. He would not still want to be her mortal enemy, right?
Although thinking this in his heart, Shen Zhinian had no extra expression on his face, and said calmly: "Everyone, take care."
As everyone was leaving, the eunuch in charge of this matter in the Ministry of Internal Affairs methodically removed all the arrangements in Zhongcui Palace.
According to the rules, Shen Zhinian only needed to go to express his gratitude the next day.
Concubine Sun finally found an opportunity to come over, bowed with a happy face, and said: "Congratulations to Sister Xianfei!!! Congratulations to Sister Xianfei!!!"
The palace maids were all beaming with joy and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty!!! Congratulations, Your Majesty!!!"
People are in high spirits when they are happy. Shen Zhinian was in a very good mood today and gave generous rewards: "You all worked hard today."
Everyone hurriedly said, "Thank you for the reward, Madam!"
"These are things that slaves/servants should do. Your Majesty, please forgive us."
The court robes and crowns of imperial concubines were already very heavy, and those of the four concubines were even more gorgeous, so naturally they were much heavier.
After being busy for most of the day, Shen Zhinian's neck was sore from being squeezed, so he hurried back to the main hall and asked Handan and the others to help him change his clothes.
Finally changing into light casual clothes, Shen Zhinian sat on the couch by the window and rubbed his neck: "I don't think there's anything wrong with wearing these palace clothes normally, but in comparison, I find that casual clothes are really too light."
Concubine Sun covered her mouth and smiled: "Sister Xianfei, you are being unappreciative of your blessings."
"I don't know how many people in the harem are willing to endure this hardship, but don't have the opportunity."
Shen Zhinian was not really complaining, after all, what she wanted was to be in a high position. She only expressed her feelings in front of people she was close to and trusted.
"There is still a long time to come. How could Sister Sun know that there will not be such a day for her?"
Concubine Sun was stunned for a moment before she shook her head repeatedly: "Sister Xianfei, please don't make me suffer."
"My biggest dream in this life is to be promoted to a concubine one day and become a true member of the royal family. Then my life will be secure for the rest of my life."
"Let alone the position of the head of the Four Concubines, even if it is the position of a concubine... I dare not even dream of it..."
Shen Zhinian smiled and said nothing.
There is still a long time to go, and who can predict what kind of encounters Concubine Sun will encounter?
Concubine Sun knew that Shen Zhinian must be exhausted after wearing such heavy court robes and crown and going through the complicated enthronement ceremony.
She just came over to say a few words to the other party, and when she saw that it was almost time, she stood up and said, "Sister Xianfei, you have worked hard today, and you still have to go to the Cining Palace to pay your respects tomorrow."
"I won't bother you any more. I'll take my leave now."
Shen Zhinian nodded: "Fuqiu, send Concubine Sun out."
"Yes."
Not only Shen Zhinian, but also Nanny Xiao and the others secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Handan shook her head and said, "I am still haunted by what happened last time. I am afraid something might go wrong with this enthronement ceremony as well."
"Fortunately, the enthronement ceremony was finally completed successfully!"
It was worth it that everyone was on high alert and kept a careful eye on everything.
Shen Zhinian smiled and said, "You have all worked hard today. All those who served in the inner room will have their rewards doubled."
Handan laughed a few times: "Your Majesty, I am not saying this to ask for a reward. But Your Majesty is beautiful and generous, and you are so kind to us, so we are naturally grateful!"
"Thank you for your reward, Madam. I wish your wish will come true soon!"
When everyone expressed their gratitude, they all smiled from ear to ear.
Looking at the entire harem, how many palace maids are treated better than them?
Those who serve in Zhongcui Palace can accumulate a considerable fortune in just a few years.
No wonder everyone is so loyal to the Empress.
The enthronement ceremony was successfully concluded. After understanding a matter of concern, Shen Zhinian was ready to take the next step!
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Note: 1 The ceremony of conferring titles on concubines was based on the History of the Imperial Palaces of the Qing Dynasty.