Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 272 Three Talents
In late June, Empress Wu suddenly submitted a petition requesting that a palace maid and two imperial concubines be promoted to the rank of talented ladies.

The emperor's promotion of concubines also had to go through the previous dynasty's Ministry of Personnel, but the Ministry of Personnel was only responsible for the procedures, and the real decision-making was still made by the emperor and empress.

After the news broke, both the government and the opposition were shocked.

All the ministers knew something about Empress Wu's temperament. Although her temper had improved a lot in the past two years, she had never helped the emperor expand his harem.

The ministers were a little puzzled by the fact that the number of employees was expanded to three at once, especially during her pregnancy.

During these few days, what happened in the harem had not yet reached the front court, and no one knew what had happened.

Only Xiao Siye and Wang Fuzhi knew something about it.

However, the two were also surprised. They had originally planned to let the emperor meet the two imperial concubines, and then take advantage of the prince's establishment of a residence to submit a memorial to promote the two women's positions.

Unexpectedly, before they could take any action, the Queen took the initiative to promote the two of them. They were curious about what happened in between.

Wang Fuzhi learned some secrets from the third prince Li Yong through his son Wang Bo, and knew that this matter was related to the palace maid named Zhu Zhenlian.

However, Li Yong didn't know the specific situation. He was just happy for his biological mother.

In any case, a lot of things did happen in the harem in the past few days. First, the queen and the imperial concubine became pregnant one after another, and then the emperor had three more talented women.

Generally speaking, the ministers were happy to see these two things. Although they were surprised, no one would object.

Wu Meiniang held a regular meeting in Lizheng Hall and assigned palaces to the three talented women.

Only concubines of the rank of concubine or above were qualified to be in charge of a palace alone, so the three talented women could only be assigned to existing palaces.

After some discussion, Zhu Zhenlian was assigned to Xunfeng Palace, Yang Cairen was assigned to Penglai Palace, and Zheng Cairen was assigned to Chengxiang Palace.

These few short days' experiences made Zhu Zhenlian feel like she was in a dream. She could hardly believe that she had become a fifth-rank talent.

The last time she came to Xunfeng Palace, she was just a low-ranking maid who needed to learn all kinds of etiquette and rules. When she came again this time, all the palace servants and eunuchs in Xunfeng Palace had to bow to greet her.

Zhu Zhenlian looked at the rows of eunuchs and palace servants in front of her who were bowing and performing rituals. She felt a little overwhelmed. She walked over quickly, took Chu Chu's hand, and said, "Chu Shangyi, get up quickly. There's no need to be like this."

Chuchu smiled slightly and said, "My lady, don't worry about it. This is the rule of the harem. Your room has been cleaned up. Please follow me."

There are three building complexes in Xunfeng Hall. One is dominated by the main hall, which is the residence of Concubine Zheng. The other two, one in the east and one in the west, are two independent courtyards that are usually empty.

Zhu Zhenlian was arranged to live in the East Courtyard.

Xunfeng Hall is located in the northwest corner of Taiji Palace. Concubine Zheng arranged for her to live in the east courtyard, which made it more convenient for the emperor to visit her. It was obviously a gesture of goodwill.

The east wing has been cleaned and looks brand new.

Outside the main hall door stood a row of palace maids and a row of eunuchs, six in each. From now on, they would be Zhu Zhenlian's attendants.

Chuchu told her everyone's name and duties, then left the East Courtyard.

The female official in charge was named Cui Ying, and the eunuch in charge was named Wang Xi.

Under the guidance of the two, Zhu Zhenlian walked around the yard.

Although the courtyard has been vacant for a long time, the palace servants have been taking care of it and planted many flowers. No one disturbs them, and they are growing well. The fragrance of the flowers makes people feel happy.

Zhu Zhenlian smelled the fragrance of the flowers and her tense mood gradually relaxed. After walking around for a while, she finally arrived at the main hall.

The decoration inside the palace is exquisite, gorgeous yet elegant, much better than Yang Yunv's house.

Zhu Zhenlian stepped on the soft carpet, sat down on the couch, looked around, and couldn't believe that this was her own house.

Wang Xi smiled and said, "There are fewer utensils in the room, but don't worry, my lady. As usual, Her Majesty the Queen and the ladies of the palaces will send gifts soon."

As soon as he finished speaking, a eunuch came in trotting and said that Xu Chongrong had sent someone to deliver something.

Zhu Zhenlian hurried out to greet him.

Xu Jin sent someone to deliver her the four treasures of the study, all of which were tributes from various places, including: Xuanzhou Zhuge pen, Li Tinggui ink, Chengxintang paper, and Wuyuan Longwei inkstone.

Cui Ying explained in a low voice, "Madam Chongrong loves literature and calligraphy, so she also likes to use literary objects as gifts."

Zhu Zhenlian nodded and thanked the palace maid who presented the gift.

Soon, Concubine Zheng and Liu Chong'e also sent people to deliver gifts.

Liu Chong'e sent many paintings by famous artists, while Concubine Zheng sent some musical instruments.

Empress Wu's gift came last, but she brought much more than the first three people, including cloth, gold, silver and jade, as well as various jewelry and rouge and powder.

Seeing that the concubines in the harem were so friendly, Zhu Zhenlian felt a little more at ease, having originally felt uneasy.

Cui Ying reminded her, "Madam, according to the rules, you should go and pay your respects to the Imperial Concubine in the main palace."

Zhu Zhenlian nodded, dressed up a little in the palace, and then came to Concubine Zheng's bedroom to pay her respects.

Concubine Zheng stood up from the couch, went over to her, took her hand, and said with a smile, "From now on, you and I will be neighbors. I just hope we can live in harmony and serve the good saint together."

Zhu Zhenlian glanced at her, and now, observing her from a closer angle, she felt that this imperial concubine was incredibly beautiful.

She lowered her head and said softly, "I am of humble origin and do not know etiquette. If I am disrespectful in the future, please forgive me, Madam Royal Concubine." Royal Concubine Zheng smiled and said, "No need to be so polite. From now on, we can call each other sisters."

The two chatted for a while, and then Zhu Zhenlian took her leave. When she returned to her east courtyard, she suddenly saw a small figure running towards her. It was Princess Gao'an, who recognized her as her master.

"Master, I'm so glad you're okay!" Princess Gao An came closer, tilted her little face up, clenched her fists, and looked very happy.

Zhu Zhenlian liked the little princess from the bottom of her heart and asked with a smile, "Princess, do you still call me Master?"

Princess Gao An said with a smile, "I haven't even learned to play the flute yet, so of course you're still my master!"

Zhu Zhenlian smiled and said, "Well, since you were interrupted last time, I'll teach you again now, okay?"

Princess Gao An said happily, "Of course, hurry up!" She took her hand and ran towards the east courtyard.

When Zhu Zhenlian was promoted to the position of concubine for the first time, she found everything new and interesting. However, for Yang and Zheng, they just returned to their original status.

To be precise, it is not as good as before.

Both of them were beauties of the fourth rank before, but now they are talented ladies, one rank lower.

Having said that, Yang was already satisfied that she could regain her status as a fifth-rank talent after staying in a place like Shanchiyuan for three or four years.

Before accepting the gift, she went to pay her respects to Xu Jin first. Since they were not familiar with each other, they exchanged some polite words and then Yang returned to her own courtyard.

She also received gifts from various palaces, but the gifts Empress Wu gave her were much less than those given to Zhu Zhenlian.

Yang didn't mind. She first gave some instructions to her palace attendants, then left the yard and strolled around the harem.

Looking at the familiar scenery, she felt the long-lost freedom and a knowing smile appeared on her face.

Just as she was walking along the Jinshui River, a eunuch came to report that the third prince Li Yong had arrived and was waiting for her in Penglai Palace.

Yang's face showed joy. She quickly returned to Penglai Palace and turned into her own courtyard. As soon as she entered the house, Li Yong rushed over and said happily, "Mother, it's great that you finally came out."

Yang originally wanted to carry Li Yong to the bedside, but after taking two steps, she found that she could no longer carry him.

"Yong'er, you're getting heavier and heavier. Mommy can hardly hold you anymore."

Li Yong said proudly, "I'm almost twelve years old now, Mother. Let me hold you in my arms from now on."

Yang patted his head and said with a smile, "Then mother will be waiting." She waved her hand and ordered the servants to leave. She then instructed Xiao Shunzi, "Stand outside the door and don't let anyone in."

Xiao Shunzi responded and left the room.

Yang pulled Li Yong to sit down, looked at him solemnly, and said, "Yong'er, tell me what happened. Why did the Queen suddenly promote us and let us out?"

Li Yong scratched the back of his head and said, "I'm not too sure, but Xiao Shunzi told me it's related to his elder sister, the palace maid Zhu Zhenlian who was by your side."

Yang frowned and said, "Zhu Zhenlian? She is not close to mother. Mother only took care of her a few times and taught her some songs."

Li Yong muttered, "Anyway, it's related to her."

Yang was silent for a moment, then said, "No wonder she was promoted to a talented lady. I guess I'll have to go and thank her someday."

Li Yong laughed and said, "Mother, isn't it interesting that the palace maid beside you and the eunuch beside my child are actually siblings?"

Yang smiled slightly and said, "It's indeed quite amazing."

Li Yong said cheerfully, "Mom, you finally smiled."

Yang smiled and said, "With a good son like you, it's hard for me not to smile. By the way, has your second brother visited your concubine Zheng?"

Li Yong snorted and said, "I don't think he will go."

Yang frowned and asked, "Why is that? Has he forgotten his biological mother?"

Li Yong muttered, "My second brother seems to have always had the idea that father doesn't like him because of Aunt Zheng."

Yang was stunned and asked, "Why does he think so?"

Li Yong muttered, "He said that Concubine Zheng's position was too low and that father didn't like her, so that's why he couldn't get his father's favor."

Yang's face turned pale and she said, "Yong'er, do you think so too?"

Li Yong said loudly: "Of course not! What does it have to do with mother whether father likes someone or not? Father likes Gao An so much, but her mother is Xiao Shuren."

Yang heaved a sigh of relief, touched Li Yong's little face, and said, "Yong'er, you can tell your second brother about these words."

Li Yong was puzzled and asked, "Why? If I tell him, my second brother will definitely be unhappy and might even quarrel with me."

Yang said softly, "Just think of it as your Aunt Zheng. She really wants your second brother to visit her."

Li Yong nodded and said, "Since my mother said so, I will go and talk to him."

The mother and son talked for more than half an hour and had dinner together in the evening. Only then did Li Yong return to Daji Hall.

(End of this chapter)