Chapter 1273: Chapter 1271: Promotion
Although there was some suspicion about the effect of the Cooling Blood Pill.
But after trying it once, Zhao Junyao found this thing simply astonishing.
With just a small pill, even with the woman he loved most in front of him, he couldn’t muster any interest.
Not to mention Luo Manman, whom he hated from the bottom of his heart.
Since then.
Zhao Junyao would take a pill before "favoring" Honored Lady Luo in the harem.
On the bed, no matter how much Honored Lady Luo tried to seduce him.
He just claimed he was tired, and Luo Manman had no other way.
However...
After this incident, he finally witnessed Luo Manman’s actions similar to those of a courtesan and began to doubt in his heart.
For so many years, was she really as pure as she claimed?
Probably not, but Zhao Junyao didn’t want to pursue it further.
After all, whether a woman he hated was loyal to him or not, it really didn’t matter, did it?
The only thing he wants now is to end this ridiculous affair as soon as possible.
So.
He did everything he could to elevate Luo Manman to a point even he found ridiculous.
July passed in the blink of an eye, and August was approaching.
At the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet in the palace, Zhao Junyao not only praised Luo Manman but even openly exchanged flirtatious glances with her.
After the banquet, he "gave up" his beloved wife on the night of the full moon and went to Honored Lady Luo instead.
The next day, after returning from the court meeting, Zhao Junyao issued an imperial decree, promoting Honored Lady Luo to Fourth Rank Jieyu.
This series of events shocked the entire harem.
They couldn’t believe it.
The favor that so many concubines failed to secure was taken by an old woman.
And their Empress was defeated by an old woman in her thirties!
For a time, many were tearing handkerchiefs, smashing bowls and tea cups, and cursing and swearing.
Of course, there were also some who were ready to side with Jieyu Luo.
They secretly flattered Jieyu Luo while busy laughing at the Empress.
Some even openly brought congratulatory gifts to Xifu Palace to pay visits.
The dynamics of the harem’s personalities and relationships were fully exposed.
When the news reached the four consorts, they were equally astonished.
However, being distinguished concubines, they kept their composure and didn’t do anything excessive.
They merely instructed the palace attendants to do their jobs well and not to spread rumors.
As for the rest... they had no other solutions.
Xia Ruqing had even less of a reaction to it.
She claimed to be ill and even exempted herself from the bi-monthly formal greetings, closing her doors to live quietly.
Her days consisted solely of sending people to check on her children.
Or tending flowers, playing with cats and dogs, reading, writing, leading a poetic life.
This was the life she had always longed for, and now that she was living it, she was very content and wished for nothing more.
If she had to express any wish.
It would be for this farce to end quickly.
She hoped Zhao Junyao would deal with these troubles soon, return to normal, and forget all of this.
Some things were too painful.
The sooner they passed, the sooner the relief!
Just like herself, being abandoned by her parents was the pain of her life, something she never wanted to remember.
But over time, that pain slowly faded and was gradually forgotten.
She hoped he could forget everything like she did.
...
The news of Honored Lady Luo’s unexpected promotion roiled the harem for half a month before it gradually settled down.
However.
The concubines never expected it.
The news that followed was more explosive, more insane, and more jealousy-inducing than this.
After the Mid-Autumn Festival in the sixteenth year of Jiayuan.
The Emperor remained solely in Jieyu Luo’s palace for several months.
During the sixteenth year of Jiayuan, on the Double Ninth Festival.
The Emperor decreed, promoting Jieyu Luo to Consort Luo Pin and granting her residence in the main hall of Xifu Palace.
And then came several more months of exclusive favor.
During this period.
Countless luxurious clothes, jewelry, and gemstones flowed into Xifu Palace.
He even took Consort Luo with him to the Hot Spring Villa outside the palace to please her.
The harem was shocked once again.
"This... this... is truly another Noble Concubine Shih!"
"Xifu Palace must be a feng shui treasure, whoever lives there gets favored!"
"Exactly, if only we hadn’t bullied Luo’s back then!"
Along with the shock, some began to sympathize with Xia Ruqing.
"Tsk tsk! They say flowers don’t stay in bloom for a hundred days, it’s true indeed!"
"Originally thought she’d be secure after becoming Empress and giving birth to four children, who knew Consort Luo would come along midway."
"Indeed... and now, this new one’s favor is no less than that of Noble Concubine Shih back then! The Empress must have a headache!"
"If the Emperor is really intent on promoting her, the whole thing might just turn upside down!"
The concubines had all sorts of thoughts, and the harem’s situation changed rapidly.
But the only certain thing was:
More people were currying favor with Consort Luo, and fewer were supporting Xia Ruqing.
Some were even helping Consort Luo slander the Empress.
However... Xia Ruqing still made no statement, didn’t even make any noise.
Consort Cheng couldn’t bear it, and went to inform her once.
Xia Ruqing’s attitude was indifferent, as if it was none of her concern.
Consort Cheng saw this and probably understood the Empress’s intention.
After returning, she tried to suppress it once, but it wasn’t really effective, and later she couldn’t manage it anymore.
After all, she wasn’t a proper queen of the harem, she couldn’t keep overstepping her bounds, could she?
Since the Empress wasn’t in a hurry, she saw no need to hurry herself.
...
And so.
The turmoil in the harem continued all the way to the end of the year, with all sorts of rumors never ceasing to circulate.
Yet one wave had just settled when another arose.
At the New Year’s Eve banquet.
Zhao Junyao, in front of all the royal family and relatives, announced his decision to elevate Consort Luo to Noble Consort.
As soon as the decree was issued, everyone was stunned.
"Emperor!"
Consort Cheng’s face turned deathly pale instantly.
Consort Hui was so frightened she almost collapsed, luckily a palace maid supported her.
Others were no different, nearly collapsing in shock.
Xia Ruqing realized it belatedly and deliberately showed a surprised expression.
"Emperor? This..."
Zhao Junyao scanned everyone’s expressions and said with satisfaction.
"Since the four consorts’ positions are full and I truly love Luo’s, I had no choice but to take this course of action! Empress... what do you think?"
Xia Ruqing’s face changed several times, feigning a troubled expression.
"Since the Emperor has already issued a decree, I... dare not disobey!"
Zhao Junyao was very satisfied, and then looked at Consort Cheng and the others.
"And you?"
Consort Cheng gritted her teeth in secret, feeling a bit sarcastic inside.
When even the Empress dared not say anything, what could they say? Were they going to defy an imperial decree?!
"Emperor, I... have no objection!"
Consort Hui also lowered her head and knelt down, her voice trembling slightly.
"I have no objection either!"
Zhao Junyao happily stood up.
"Good, it’s settled then!"
After speaking, he strode forward, bypassing Xia Ruqing and the four consorts, and went to Consort Luo, personally helping her up.
