The Concubine of Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty

Chapter 489: A Grand Reward!
The concubines of the six palaces were unwilling to accept this conclusion, but they had no choice but to accept it. They were all disappointed, but they had to suppress their disappointment.

However, the mere mention of terms like "Cining Palace" or "Grand Empress Dowager"—anything associated with the woman residing there—evokes images of powerful officials and treacherous ministers in the court, cunning schemers, and ruthless power-hungry veterans. Even before a battle can begin, the mere thought of her warrants serious consideration. Let alone the women of the inner palace!
This is the story of the Empress Dowager's dramatic and brilliant life. At the age of thirteen, she became the link between the Qing imperial family and the Khorchin, and was a secondary consort of Emperor Taizu of Qing, who was then a Heshuo Beile.

It lasted for 44 years in the harem of Emperor Taizong (Huang Taiji)!
He experienced both highs and lows, and was able to raise three daughters and one son.

Even her youngest daughter, Princess Gulun Shuzhe, died young at the age of sixteen, which shows her character and skill.

He twice helped young emperors ascend the throne.

He helped the late emperor ascend the throne at the age of six, and the current emperor ascends the throne at the age of eight.

The late emperor had eight older brothers, and Prince Su, Hauge, was particularly distinguished in battle. He was born to Empress Ulanara, the second wife of Emperor Taizong, and was the eldest son of the legitimate wife. With his outstanding achievements, he was the only choice to succeed to the throne.

However, the Empress Dowager, with her outstanding political vision and methods, formed an alliance with Prince Rui, Dorgon, and bypassed Prince Su, Haoge, the eldest son of Emperor Taizong and a meritorious official, to support her son, the late emperor, to ascend the throne.

That's not all. When the late emperor was fourteen, Prince Rui, the regent, was thirty-nine years old and in his prime, he fell from his horse and died. When Kangxi was sixteen, he captured Oboi, established the country, and consolidated imperial power. Do you really think this is just a coincidence?

In the struggle for power and profit, those who are not ruthless enough, and whose methods are not cruel enough, will ultimately be cannon fodder, even if they manage to gain temporary advantage.

Was Prince Regent Dorgon not ruthless enough? Was Oboi not ruthless enough? They were just one step behind!

Such temperament and such skill transcend gender! No one before or since has surpassed them!

The tumultuous life of Emperor Taizong's harem spanned forty-four years; power struggles and vying for profit; supporting the young emperor and stabilizing the empire.

Therefore, every single one of the Empress Dowager's great achievements is enough to pave the way for her current illustrious reputation.

Not to mention, Emperor Kangxi was raised and nurtured by the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager was known for her aversion to sycophancy and vying for the emperor's favor in the harem.

It especially implicates the imperial court and influences the emperor.

In the inner palace, if the empress cannot influence or advise the emperor, and the empress dowager cannot change the emperor's mind, then the imperial family has already reached a tacit understanding, and no matter how many complications arise in the process, they will not end up in the same final outcome.

The fate of the dynasty is sealed, and people's hearts are in turmoil. If they cannot prevent other concubines from gaining titles and ranks, then they should also consider whether they can benefit from it as well.

A prestigious title! In the imperial court and harem, among the concubines and their families... everyone's heart burns with desire!
The terms "Cining Palace" and "Grand Empress Dowager" refer to the imperial palace, which was not only a forbidden place for concubines and their families, commonly known as a "forbidden area," but also a place of pilgrimage that everyone in the imperial palace longed for.

Everyone aspires to become the next 'Grand Empress Dowager'! If possible, even a seven-foot-tall man would be willing to do so.

Everyone has their own thoughts hidden under the bright light of day. The filth in one's heart, when exposed to the sun, not only fails to dissipate but actually solidifies.

On the other hand, Qin Rou, the person involved, has no way to retreat, so she can only move forward in the established direction.

Inside Chengqian Palace.

Li Dequan's reminder was like a timely rain, a refreshing shower falling on the scorching sun.

Although Qin Rou was still stunned, she immediately came to her senses after Li Dequan's gentle and kind congratulatory reminder. She then prostrated herself and accepted the imperial decree to express her gratitude.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" Qin Rou said.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" All the concubines and servants in Chengqian Palace followed Qinrou and knelt behind her. Looking from afar and up close, they were all a huge crowd of heads. Even without speaking, their dignity, solemnity, seriousness and rigidity were evident from their very bones.

Following Qin Rou, the group of about thirty people, though different in appearance and height, weight and build, all looked the same, whether kneeling or standing.

—The rigidity, respect, and rules are all identical.
The imperial palace, with its dragon towers and phoenix gates, green tiles and red eaves, surrounded by stars, is a place of imperial majesty, strictly governed and magnificent. In the inner palace, only servants serving the emperor are seen; thus, only rigid, respectful, and obedient servants and concubines are observed. But within Chengqian Palace, there are concubines, servants—everyone! This single kneeling established Qinrou's position as the principal consort of Chengqian Palace. From then on, she would have a place in the imperial court and the imperial archives. In other words, within the inner palace, she could finally be considered a person of importance.

Even if powerful outsiders intervene in the future, she will still have a chance and the strength to compete.

Because this is where her roots lie!
"Your servants pay their respects to Consort Rou and congratulate her on her promotion."

Qin Rou held the imperial edict in both hands, her already prominent pregnant belly particularly noticeable, but no one dared to raise their head or look at her.

The tricolor sacred edict, composed of orange-red, purple, and ivory, appears vibrant and radiant under the sunlight.

Qin Rou, holding the imperial edict under the halo of light, was even more radiant and dazzling.

Inside Chengqian Palace, all the concubines and servants kneeling before Qinrou did not rise. In a moment, they bowed again to acknowledge their mistress and offered their congratulations, celebrating Qinrou's conferment of the title of Consort.

This also indicates that they were all servants in the Chengqian Palace, and from now on, their lives, deaths, transfers, good or bad deeds would all be at the master's disposal.

Everyone in Chengqian Palace was kneeling, but Qinrou stood alone, bathed in sunlight, radiant and elegant, exuding imperial majesty.

With absolute power in his hands, the life, death, honor, and disgrace of all the servants kneeling in the Chengqian Palace were within his grasp and at his fingertips.

Everyone reveres imperial power, but isn't it also her?

So this is what it's like to hold power and look down on everyone.

It seems that everything in the world can be grasped in one hand.

Qin Rou took a deep breath, suppressing the myriad thoughts in her mind. Her path was clear, like standing on the edge of an abyss; to cross it meant certain death.

She is someone who never turns back. From the moment she came into this world, from the moment she stepped into this deep palace.

This applies to all the concubines in the harem.

It felt like an eternity in an instant, but in reality, it was just a few breaths. It was only because of... unease? Overjoyed? Overly nervous? that it seemed to last so long.

Qin Rou's voice quickly reached everyone. Perhaps she was too nervous, but the servants were also nervous, so they didn't care as much.

Qin Rou deliberately remained calm and instructed, "Rise and see the reward," and then Qin Rou added, "A generous reward."

To express inner joy and happiness.

If you're not happy after being granted the rank of concubine, are you trying to stab yourself in the heart in front of everyone?

Even Qinrou, though her mind was in turmoil and filled with doubt and surprise, couldn't deny that she was mostly happy and joyful.

"Thank you for the reward, Your Highness." The servants were all exceptionally perceptive, and at this moment, they were even more quick-witted.

Congratulations to the Empress on her promotion and advancement; congratulations to them on receiving gifts and honors.

What a generous reward! Just hearing about the reward makes it sound like a lot.

The honors and privileges belonging to the concubines will soon come one after another.