Yikun Palace

Su Peisheng announced the decree: "By the will of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: Concubine Hua Nian, born into a noble family, upright and dignified, obeys the Empress Dowager's benevolent order and is hereby canonized as Noble Concubine Hua. I decree this."

Concubine Hua knelt in the center of the hall and respectfully accepted the imperial edict with both hands. Her eyes widened slightly, her lips trembled slightly, and her heart was filled with turmoil.

"Noble Consort?" Her voice trembled with disbelief. "Isn't she the Imperial Noble Consort?"

Hua Fei looked up at Su Peisheng, with a questioning glint in her eyes.

Su Peisheng replied expressionlessly, "Your Highness, please accept the order."

Concubine Hua took a deep breath, suppressing the anger and disappointment in her heart. She slowly reached out and took the imperial edict that symbolized her new status. The moment she received the edict, she glared at Su Peisheng fiercely, her eyes filled with anger and unwillingness.

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became solemn. The surrounding maids and eunuchs lowered their heads, not daring to look up at the scene. Concubine Hua clenched the imperial edict in her hand, her knuckles turning white from the force. Her chest rose and fell violently, and she was obviously trying hard to control her emotions.

After Su Peisheng left, Concubine Hua stood up suddenly, her eyes burning with anger: "How could the emperor change his mind? Some bitch must have said something behind my back!" She clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms.

She turned to Zhou Ninghai beside her, her eyes sharp as a knife: "Zhou Ninghai, immediately find out why the emperor suddenly changed his mind. I want to know who is behind this!"

Zhou Ninghai lowered his head and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. I will check it out right away."

"I must find out the truth," she said through gritted teeth, "I will make the person who dared to ruin my good deeds pay the price!"

Hua Fei walked to the window, looking at the flowers and plants in the courtyard, her eyes gradually becoming gloomy. She recalled the struggles in the harem over the years and how much effort she had put in to win the emperor's favor. Now, seeing that the position of Imperial Noble Consort was about to be obtained, she suddenly became a Noble Consort. How could she accept this?

Jingyang Palace

By the Will of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: "Shufei Anjia, of noble virtue and virtuous conduct, is hereby granted the title of Shu Guifei by the Empress Dowager's benevolent order. This is my decree." An Lingrong accepted the decree with both hands, tears welling in her eyes. She bowed deeply, her voice trembling slightly, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace. Long live the Emperor."

Su Peisheng smiled and said, "Congratulations, Imperial Concubine Shu. The Emperor has been waiting for a long time in Jingren Palace. Please hurry over. After receiving instruction from the Empress, you will officially become Imperial Concubine Shu."

She nodded gently, a gentle smile appearing on the corner of her mouth: "Thank you for the reminder, eunuch. I will go to Jingren Palace now."

Gyeongin Palace

An Lingrong walked slowly into Jingren Palace, feeling both excited and nervous. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner turmoil, and slowly bowed to the Emperor and Empress.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to the Empress." An Lingrong said softly, with a trembling voice.

The Queen sat upright on the dragon throne, looking at An Lingrong with gentle eyes: "Noble Concubine Shu, please begin."

An Lingrong began to kneel and kowtow. When she finished, the Empress, with a gentle smile on her face, said softly, "Shu Guifei, you have been gifted by Heaven and inherited the imperial court. I hope you will cultivate self-control, maintain harmony within the palace, serve the Emperor diligently, and continue to produce descendants."

An Lingrong lowered her head and replied softly, "I am delighted to receive your teachings, Your Majesty. I will certainly keep your instructions in mind and fulfill my duties conscientiously."

At this moment, hurried footsteps were heard outside the palace. Concubine Hua walked quickly into the hall, with sparks of anger flashing in her eyes, but when she saw the emperor and the queen, she quickly restrained her emotions and forced a smile.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to the Empress." Concubine Hua saluted, her voice a little stiff.

The Queen frowned slightly, but quickly regained her composure. "Noble Consort Hua, you've arrived just in time. I was just about to say a few words to you two newly appointed Noble Consorts."

Concubine Hua suppressed her dissatisfaction and forced a smile: "I am all ears."

The Queen continued, "As Imperial Consorts, you two should be more cautious in your words and actions, respecting and loving each other. Remember not to become jealous and disturb the peace of the harem."

An Lingrong nodded respectfully: "I will remember the Queen's teachings."

Hua Fei snorted coldly, a trace of disdain flashed in her eyes, but she still replied in a low voice: "I understand."

The Emperor had remained silent until he finally spoke: "You two are both my beloved concubines. I hope you will live in harmony and assist the Empress in governing the harem."

An Lingrong and Concubine Hua replied in unison: "Your Highness obeys your command."

The Queen nodded in satisfaction and waved them off. An Lingrong bowed respectfully, while Concubine Hua gave a slightly stiff bow and turned to leave.

After leaving Jingren Palace, Concubine Hua's face instantly darkened. She glared at An Lingrong fiercely, her eyes filled with jealousy and resentment.

An Lingrong sensed Hua Fei's hostility and shuddered, quickening her pace and leaving.

Jingyang Palace

After the enthronement ceremony, An Lingrong returned to Jingyang Palace, but her heart was still unsettled.

"Shu Guifei..." she murmured softly. She had to be more careful in the future because there were too many people in this palace who were targeting her.

At this time, Qiuyue came over lightly: "Your Majesty, the Emperor is here."

An Lingrong quickly stood up, straightened her clothes, and walked towards the palace gate. The emperor walked in slowly, looking at her gently: "Rong'er, I came to see you."

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you." An Lingrong bowed respectfully.

The Emperor helped her up, and the two of them sat at an exquisite sandalwood table. A palace maid served fragrant tea, and An Lingrong poured it for the Emperor herself.

"Rong'er," the emperor said softly, "you are now a noble concubine. Do you have any ideas?"

An Lingrong was slightly startled, then lowered her head and smiled faintly, "Your Majesty, I only wish to take good care of Sixth Prince Hongxi. As for other matters... I am too ignorant to entertain any such fantasies."

The emperor nodded, a glint of approval in his eyes. "You are as humble as ever. However, I hope you can pay more attention to the affairs of the harem. This will benefit both you and Hongxi."

An Lingrong raised her eyes to look at the emperor, her eyes full of hesitation: "Your Majesty, I am afraid..."

The Emperor said with understanding, "I know what you're worried about. In two days, the Empress and I will leave the palace to pray for blessings. You must be extra careful. Especially with Concubine Hua, try not to cause any conflict."

An Lingrong's eyes flickered with emotion upon hearing this, and she said softly, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. Then... could you allow me to recuperate in the palace for a while while you're away?"

The emperor pondered for a moment and nodded, saying, "That's a good idea. You should have a good rest, and we can discuss other matters when I return."

After the Emperor left, An Lingrong immediately began preparing to recuperate in the palace. She summoned Qiuyue and whispered, "Send a message to Concubine Hui and Concubine Jing, telling them to be extra careful during this period, especially Concubine Hua."

Qiuyue took the order and left. An Lingrong stood in front of the window, looking at the emperor's departing back, a trace of worry flashed in her eyes.

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