parentshiftbook Chapter 22 Consort Luan
Chapter 22 Consort Luan
Soon, the ceremony for taking a concubine officially began.
The weather was perfect; the sky was clear and cloudless.
Sunlight shines on the glazed tiles, refracting a dazzling brilliance.
The eunuchs of the Imperial Guard were dressed in brand-new formal attire.
Holding various banners, pennants, flags, fans...
Under the loud announcements of the ceremonial officials, solemn processions stood on both sides of the imperial road leading to the Imperial Ancestral Temple and the main hall.
The square in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Civil and military officials stood respectfully with their heads bowed, according to their rank.
His face no longer held its usual disdain, but instead showed more respect and caution.
Having experienced the harrowing ordeal in the imperial palace, no one dared to underestimate the emperor who lived deep within the inner palace.
When the auspicious time arrived, ceremonial music began.
The chime bells and zithers resonate with a melodious and magnificent sound.
The first ceremony was to offer sacrifices to Heaven and Earth and to the ancestral temple.
Guided by officials from the Ministry of Rites, Qin Xiao burned incense and kowtowed before the Imperial Ancestral Temple, reporting to Heaven and his ancestors the matter of establishing the Imperial Concubine.
After the sacrificial ceremony, the formal investiture ceremony will take place.
The group returned to the Golden Palace.
Qin Xiao sat upright on the dragon throne.
The officials knelt down again and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"
"Summon Consort Luan, Luo Qingluan, to the palace for an audience!"
Shen Quan drew out his high-pitched voice, which carried out of the main hall and into the distance.
Everyone's gaze involuntarily turned towards the outside of the palace gate.
Luo Qingluan was guided by eight palace maids who carried palace fans and incense burners.
Stepping onto the red carpet laid out outside the hall, we entered the main hall step by step.
Today, she has shed her former crimson military uniform.
She changed into an extremely gorgeous imperial concubine's robe.
The dress is predominantly bright red.
The top is embroidered with lifelike phoenixes and luan birds singing in harmony using gold and colorful silk threads.
Her skirt cascaded down the ground, flowing like clouds as she moved.
The decorations on the magnificent phoenix crown swayed gently with each step.
Her stunning beauty still exudes a heroic spirit, but with an added touch of charm and tenderness.
Luo Qingluan did not act submissively like an ordinary woman.
Instead, he slightly raised his chin, looked straight ahead, and exuded the unique aura of a military general.
She walked step by step toward the dragon throne.
Many officials secretly cheered in their hearts.
Consort Luan is indeed extraordinary!
She is definitely not someone who rose to power solely based on her looks!
Soon, following the guidance of the master of ceremonies, Luo Qingluan slowly knelt down.
The newly appointed Minister of Rites read the announcement aloud.
The imperial edict listed Luo Qingluan's merits in "being entrusted with a critical mission and protecting the emperor during the palace rebellion".
Afterwards, she was officially conferred the title of "Luan Guifei" and granted residence in Changchun Palace, enjoying the honors of a Guifei!
After the reading was completed, a female official stepped forward and respectfully presented Luo Qingluan with the golden book representing the Imperial Concubine's status, and even the Palace Seal, which only the Empress could possess.
Luo Qingluan accepted the gift with both hands, raising it high above her head, her voice clear and melodious: "Your Majesty, I, Luo Qingluan, kowtow to thank you for your grace! I will certainly abide by the palace rules, serve you wholeheartedly, and live up to Your Majesty's expectations!"
"My beloved concubine, rise."
Qin Xiao's voice came from above, his tone much gentler than before.
After the investiture ceremony, a grand celebratory banquet was held.
Exquisite delicacies, both land and sea, were laid out, accompanied by music and dance, a scene of peace and prosperity.
Qin Xiao made a rare appearance at the banquet.
Although he didn't say much, his mere presence was enough to show how much he valued Luo Qingluan.
Officials took turns stepping forward to offer toasts.
His gaze toward Luo Qingluan was filled with awe and obsequiousness.
Luo Qingluan sat to the left of Qin Xiao, responding appropriately.
It was neither overly enthusiastic nor impolite.
This poised and generous demeanor once again won the approval of many observers in the shadows!
The entire ceremony for taking a concubine was extremely grand and lively.
The noise gradually subsided as the city lights came on.
……
As night fell, Changchun Palace was brightly lit.
As the new residence of the imperial concubine, this place had already been decorated in a magnificent manner.
Luo Qingluan had removed her heavy imperial concubine crown and changed into a lighter everyday outfit. She was sitting in front of her dressing table, having her long hair combed by a palace maid.
However, this tranquility did not last long.
Footsteps and the tinkling of jade pendants came from outside the palace gate.
A palace maid guarding the gate entered and announced, "Your Highness, Consort De, Consort Shu, Consort Xian..."
She rattled off the names of dozens of concubines, until she was almost out of breath.
Finally, after taking a few deep breaths, he said awkwardly, "They've come to congratulate Her Majesty on her investiture."
Luo Qingluan frowned slightly and said helplessly, "Please invite them in."
After speaking, he slowly got up and walked towards the outer hall.
The inner hall is too small to accommodate so many people...
Soon, dozens of concubines, dressed in gorgeous clothes and adorned with jewels, filed in.
"My sister is truly radiant today! The grandeur of this investiture ceremony is something we sisters could never even dream of."
Consort De spoke first, her tone carrying a hint of warmth.
The bitterness in her words was almost overflowing.
Consort Shu covered her mouth and chuckled: "Yes, my sister not only has outstanding military achievements, but now she is also highly regarded by His Majesty. It is truly enviable. I imagine that His Majesty will visit my Changchun Palace often in the future."
Consort Xian blinked seemingly innocently, but her words were more direct: "Alas, His Majesty has never favored any of you sisters. Although you have made great contributions, serving His Majesty requires more than just military merit. You also need to know how to make His Majesty happy."
Dozens of people chimed in, offering superficial compliments, but every word they uttered was barbed.
Luo Qingluan was getting a headache listening to all this chattering and sarcastic talk.
There are just too many people!
"Okay, that's enough!"
Finally, unable to bear it any longer, she called out loudly, "My dear sisters, you are very kind, but His Majesty's will is beyond our comprehension. It's getting late, please return to the palace to rest!"
As soon as the words were spoken, many of the concubines felt resentful.
Someone was about to say something...
Suddenly, the beaded curtain of the inner palace was lifted by a hand with distinct knuckles.
Qin Xiao, wearing only his undershirt and with his dark hair unbound, walked out without warning, his brows furrowed, and asked, "What's all this commotion?"
In an instant, the entire outer hall of Changchun Palace was so quiet you could hear a pin drop!
Upon seeing Qin Xiao, the smiles on the faces of the dozens of concubines instantly froze!
They never expected that His Majesty would actually come to Luo Qingluan's palace.
Moreover, such casual attire clearly indicates that they are ready to rest!
Is he finally going to favor his concubine?
"Your Majesty, I, your humble servant, pay my respects!"
Soon, the concubines all knelt down.
His voice trembled as he spoke.
Qin Xiao didn't wake her, his gaze falling on Luo Qingluan, his tone softening slightly: "Qingluan, did they come to disturb your rest?"
Luo Qingluan shook her head: "These ladies...dozens of sisters have come to congratulate me on my investiture."
Qin Xiao glanced at the group of women kneeling on the ground, but did not call them to rise.
Instead, he turned to Luo Qingluan and said gently, "Qingluan, you're just too kind-hearted. This noise is disturbing your rest, and you're still speaking up for them."
The intimacy and protectiveness in their words made the kneeling concubines feel a pang of bitterness.
At the same time, an ominous premonition arose.
Sure enough, the next moment, Qin Xiao turned his gaze to them, his tone suddenly turning cold:
"Gathering in the middle of the night to disturb the Imperial Concubine's peace and quiet, it seems you have completely forgotten the rules of the palace."
"By imperial decree, Consort De, Consort Shu, Consort Xian... why are there so many people?"
"Ahem... Enough! Everyone shall be stripped of their titles immediately and banished to the cold palace!"