After the rebellion was successful, I realized that this place was the Red Mansion

Chapter 277 Rewarding Phoenix Slave

Jia Mu's Courtyard.

Fengjie and Ping'er led Qiaojie into the house. They found the ladies were all there, as was Aunt Xue. Jia Lan was sitting with the old lady, chatting and laughing.

"old lady."

Sister Feng, with a solemn expression, stepped forward to kowtow and pay her respects. The old women could tell something was wrong from her expression and began to whisper and gossip among themselves.

Fengjie then paid her respects to Madam Xing and Madam Wang, and kowtowed together with Qiaojie.

Madam Wang asked, "What's wrong with you today?"

Ping'er had already sat down and did not speak.

Sister Feng hurriedly smiled and said, "Qiao'er has been at home these past two days. Today I brought her over to pay her respects to the old lady and the ladies."

Grandmother Jia laughed and said, "This child is so young, she doesn't know anything about adult matters. The weather is cold now, so let her stay inside. There's no need to bring her here every day."

Sister Feng nodded and said, "Yes."

Then she fell silent, a stark contrast to her usual eagerness to please the old lady, leading everyone to guess that she had something on her mind.

After Qiaojie sat down next to Grandmother Jia, Madam Wang asked her, "Has the son-in-law replied?"

The son-in-law was Lin Ruhai, the son-in-law of Grandmother Jia.

Fengjie snapped out of her daze and quickly smiled, "I sent someone to ask this morning, but Uncle Lin wasn't home. He said he went out of town to find Lian...Second Brother Lian and Jia Qiang to discuss something. I was thinking of sending someone later, by which time Uncle Lin would have returned to town."

Previously, Sister Feng usually addressed Jia Lian as "Second Master Lian," but before she married into the Jia family, she called him "Second Brother Lian."

Some people could hear the difference, while others could not.

Grandmother Jia asked, "How are we going to find Qiang-ge'er?"

Lin Ruhai is now the only one among the former Four Kings and Eight Dukes of Jinling who is serving as an official in the imperial court, and he is currently enjoying the emperor's favor. Logically, he should not be seeking out Jia Qiang, a collateral branch of the Jia family.

Wang Xifeng laughed and said, "Grandma, you've forgotten that he once met with the Emperor and is now in charge of some affairs. He can also make decisions and come into the city on weekdays."

Grandmother Jia nodded and smiled, "I forgot. He is fortunate enough to be summoned by the Emperor. When he comes to kowtow during the New Year, give him an extra reward."

None of the Jia family members had much money, but fortunately, Tan Chun took the initiative to give the old lady some gifts so that when someone came to kowtow, there would be something to give to the younger generation.

Sister Feng said, "Once Uncle Lin comes back to report, Master and the others will probably be able to return to the city to prepare for the New Year. Then the house will be more lively."

Madam Xing sighed, "It's a pity they can't enter the palace."

Ping'er then smiled and said, "Although the person cannot come back, the old lady can still go out to meet people. Lord Lin will probably arrange for the person to stay not far from Daguan Palace, so it will be convenient for the old lady to go out to meet people."

Grandmother Jia was tempted, but fearing it would break the rules, she asked, "Would His Majesty allow us to go outside to meet?"

"Don't worry, just tell the Third Miss."

Ping'er's words pleased everyone. Just then, several female officials walked in. Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, and others quickly got up to greet them, all wondering what was going on.

Feng Jie's face suddenly flushed, and she felt uneasy. Just as she was lost in thought, the head female official came to her and announced the imperial decree: "The Emperor decrees: Tonight, Wang Xifeng, the daughter of the Wang family, is to be summoned to his bedchamber."

Everyone in the room turned to look, the maids and servants seemingly unable to believe it: the usually sharp-tongued Second Mistress Lian was actually going to serve the Emperor...

Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Lady Lian is worthy of entering the palace as a concubine, regardless of her appearance or figure. However, her domineering demeanor usually makes people overlook her beauty.

Madam Xing was equally startled and looked at her daughter-in-law, while Madam Wang couldn't help but mutter to herself, "Why did she go to serve the emperor too..."

Previously, she already had a daughter-in-law who entered the palace as a concubine.

Now, the Jia family has another daughter-in-law who has been summoned by the emperor to serve him in bed.

Such great favor has never been seen before in history!
Feng Jie felt a great weight lifted from her heart. She quickly bowed and said shyly, "This concubine... receives the imperial decree."

The lady-in-waiting added, "Someone will bring the bathing supplies to Your Highness's room shortly. Please bathe and change before proceeding to the Hall of Mental Cultivation."

After saying that, he took his leave and left.

After the ladies-in-waiting left, the room was quiet for a while.

"Is Mother going to sleep with Uncle Emperor tonight?" Qiao'er suddenly asked.

The people inside looked over and smiled knowingly at the little girl's innocent words.

Sister Feng blushed with embarrassment, raised her hand and gently pinched her daughter's ear to stop her from talking!
Grandmother Jia sat down and said with a smile, "Our family has produced countless concubines, this is an immense honor. It would be perfect if you could serve the emperor, Feng'er. I just heard from your aunt that few members of the Wang family are in the palace, so you will still be a daughter of the Wang family in the future."

If she is a daughter of the Wang family, she is no longer a daughter-in-law of the Jia family.

Wang Xifeng dared not deny these words. It was only after Chu Yan issued a decree summoning her to serve him in bed that she dared to stop referring to herself as a daughter-in-law of the Jia family.

Holding her daughter's hand, she smiled and said, "Grandma's words make me feel embarrassed. My fate with Brother Lian is indeed too shallow. From now on, we will not be husband and wife."

Everyone nodded and said, "That's right, it's just that Master Lian is unlucky."

Fengjie continued, "But the eldest sister's surname is Jia, and I am her mother. As the saying goes, even if the bones are broken, the tendons are still connected. Even if I become the empress in the future, I will still respect the old lady and the ladies!"

Madam Wang smiled and said, "It's kind of you to have such a kind thought."

Madam Xing forced a smile and praised her a few times. Seeing that it was getting late, Grandmother Jia told her to hurry back to prepare for a bath and change of clothes so that she could serve the Emperor.

……

When Fengjie returned home, Ping'er followed her. Seeing that Fengjie looked anxious and uncertain after entering the house, she smiled and said, "Is Madam afraid of serving the Emperor?"

Fengjie rolled her eyes at her, sat down on the kang (a heated brick bed), and hugged her white cat, which she usually kept. While stroking the cat's fur, she said, "There's no turning back now. Although the Emperor has summoned me to serve him in bed, I don't know if I'll be granted a concubine title tomorrow morning. If I only serve him in bed but don't get a concubine title, wouldn't people laugh at me?"

Ping'er quickly said, "Grandma, you mustn't say such things outside!"

Sister Feng snorted.

Ping'er continued, "The second morning after serving the emperor is when a concubine is conferred a title of consort. This is only for young ladies. My sister-in-law, Consort Li, and I were all conferred titles of consort by His Majesty after some time had passed."

Helpless, Sister Feng could only lie on the kang and sigh, "He got all the benefits!"

Ping'er laughed: "What are you saying, Grandma? Didn't you enjoy the spring pool in the summer?"

Fengjie was extremely embarrassed and cursed, "You little hussy!" Then she said, "You'll come with me to serve the Emperor tonight!"

Ping'er laughed and said, "Why are you dragging me into this? Tonight is Grandma's big day, why would I go and join in the fun?"

"Bah, what joyous occasion? Not only do I need you, but I also need to bring Ke Qing along. Send someone to find out where she is now."

After hearing this, Ping'er went out to give instructions.

After a while, someone came back and said: "Consort Li has returned to the East Palace."

Sister Feng complained, "Why did she go back? Feng'er, go over there and ask her to come to me."

Feng'er also went out.

Soon after, eunuchs and palace maids brought the bathing supplies, and Ping'er and several other palace maids served Feng Jie as she bathed.

As her snow-white body was submerged in the hot water, and she closed her eyes to relax and soak in the bath, a palace maid came in to report: "Consort Li has arrived and is already seated in the room."

"Invite her in."

Sister Feng instructed that she and Keqing were very close, and had even served the emperor together, so she was not ashamed to meet him.

Soon, the brightly colored and charming Qin Keqing entered the steaming room. Seeing Feng Jie bathing naked in the tub, she laughed and said, "Why did you call me over if the bride isn't dressed up and ready to go to the bridal chamber?"

Sister Feng blushed and spat at her, saying, "You're making fun of me just like Ping'er. I'm already annoyed."

Qin Keqing understood what was meant, so she walked closer, bent down, and stretched out her slender hand into the water. First, she pretended to casually splash the water, then she giggled and grabbed a handful, causing Feng Jie to scream and cover her chest, saying in embarrassment and anger, "What are you doing, courting death?!"

Qin Keqing laughed and said, "Good aunt, was that handful I grabbed just now fake?" Wang Xifeng said, "You tell me."

Keqing said, "People say, 'A beautiful woman is adorned in a golden house to serve the emperor at night.' Although I am uneducated, do you not know that the beauties in the harem serve the emperor with their looks? You have a beautiful face, and although His Majesty does not particularly like your personality, he is still fond of you. During the time at the spring pool, I was the only one who pleased him for a long time, and His Majesty was happy to be with you. How can you not see that?"

These words made Wang Xifeng blush and feel hot. She replied, "You want me to transform into that vixen and seduce him?"

Keqing smiled and said, "If it were any other vulgar and boring person, he would like it if you dressed up as a fox spirit. But our emperor loves girls who are naturally cute. I'm just telling you this to comfort you and tell you not to worry."

Sister Feng said, "So what do you want me to do tonight?"

Keqing whispered in her ear, and Fengjie blushed even more after hearing it. She glared at her a few times in embarrassment and anger, but under Keqing's insistence, she was forced to give a random reply.

Keqing chuckled and then pulled Ping'er aside to talk to her.

……

It was night in a blink of an eye.

Inside Yangxin Hall, all the girls had left, leaving only Chu Yan reading in the warm pavilion. Fang Guan seized the rare opportunity to snuggle into his arms, and Qing Wen could do nothing about it, so she just sat in the room doing some needlework.

At this moment, Chunyan came in and announced, "Consort Li, Grandma Feng, and Sister Ping'er have arrived!"

Chu Yan's heart skipped a beat, and he ordered, "Let them in."

"Fangguan, come with me quickly!" Qingwen pulled Fangguan, who was lazily lying in the Emperor's arms, away. Seeing her reluctant look, Chu Yan smiled and said, "I will favor you again tomorrow."

Fangguan blushed, but left happily.

A moment later, the three beauties walked in together, and the warm pavilion seemed to glow, illuminating their beautiful appearances.

Chu Yan looked over and saw that his Ke'er was still the same as she had been during the day, and Ping'er had only dressed up slightly. Only Feng Jie, though dressed up in her finest clothes, seemed somewhat timid, and was tightly wrapped in a dark blue silk cloak draped over her body.

Seeing this, Chu Yan laughed and said, "What's wrong with Feng Nu? She looks like she's caught a cold."

Ke Qing smiled charmingly, "Auntie, aren't you cold, being all naked?"

"……what?"

Chu Yan couldn't understand what she was saying at first; her words were too abrupt!

Ping'er chuckled, her face turning red. She then turned her head to cover her mouth, but seeing her grandmother's flushed face, she quickly pushed her forward again.

Chu Yan saw Wang Xifeng looking down at her toes, her hands tightly gripping her cloak, covering her body completely.

He asked in surprise, "Feng Nu is not a virgin, and she has served me several times. Why is she so shy tonight, like a newlywed girl?"

Keqing laughed again and took Fengjie's hand. Fengjie refused and said something. After a struggle, Ping'er came up and finally took Fengjie's hand. Facing the Emperor, she untied Fengjie's cloak.

"!!!"

Chu Yan was stunned!
No wonder Feng Nu was cold; besides her cloak, she was only wearing a bellyband embroidered with the words "Feng Nu is guilty" on his orders.

and.

She cut up her undergarment, leaving only four characters:

The characters "Feng Nu" stand tall, while the characters "You Zui" (meaning "guilty") sink into the valley.

Such a beautiful scene deserves to be praised as dazzling!

Chu Yan stared intently, raising his hand as if to pick up a cup of tea to moisten his throat. This sight of Wang Xifeng ignited a burning desire within him.

Qin Keqing covered her mouth and laughed, then nudged Feng Jie and said, "Auntie, His Majesty is waiting for you."

Fengjie gritted her teeth, knelt on the kang (a heated brick bed), and respectfully knelt at Chu Yan's feet. She kowtowed and said in a trembling voice, "Feng Nu... kowtows to Your Majesty, begging Your Majesty... to accept this servant."

Chu Yan's throat moved, he sat up, reached out and pinched Wang Xifeng's chin, lifted it up, and carefully examined her rosy face. Seeing her shy and charming appearance, he couldn't help but loosen his grip on the place that Fangguan had already teased and tugged at.

He said, "Feng Nu'er is here."

Sister Feng, feeling resentful and ashamed, ultimately gave in.

After she came to serve him, Chu Yan sighed, leaned against the pillow, and beckoned Ke Qing to come and sit next to him. He put his arm around Ke Qing's waist, and the two of them looked at Feng Jie's head together.

Ping'er felt sorry for her and took a quilt to cover Feng Jie, then got onto the kang (heated brick bed) herself.

Chu Yan was enjoying himself. Soon after, the three of them threw their clothes on the chairs and crawled into the bedding, snuggling close to him.

After truly serving him, Sister Feng exerted all her strength, hoping that this dog emperor would grant her the rank of concubine the next day!
……

Day two.

When the three woke up, the emperor had already gotten up and gone to the morning court.

Ke Qing yawned lazily and asked Baozhu, "Does His Majesty have something to say?"

Baozhu said, "His Majesty went to court at Lixiang Courtyard this morning and told the ladies to stay in the room and wait. He also said he would call the eldest sister over."

Wang Xifeng was instantly wide awake and hurriedly asked again, but the Emperor did not say anything more.

She endured the soreness and discomfort after a night's sleep, quickly got up, washed and dressed, and then ordered someone to bring her daughter.

It was nearly noon when the Emperor returned to the garden.

Many young ladies and concubines gathered in Yangxin Hall again.

After Chu Yan walked in, he saw the group and laughed, "Why are you all here? Did someone send an invitation?"

Sister Feng's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't know what to say.

Daiyu smiled and said, "According to the usual rules, His Majesty is going to bestow a concubine title upon Sister Feng, so we all came to see."

Upon hearing this, Fengjie was overjoyed. She glanced at him, thinking that the dog emperor should at least give her a concubine title, considering how humiliated she had been last night!
Where is Qiao Jie'er?

Chu Yan remained silent, sitting in the main seat. He called over Feng Jie's daughter, held her and played with her for a while, before issuing an edict: "Confer the title of Beauty upon Wang Xifeng."

The Yangxin Hall fell silent.

Qiao Jie looked around at the people with her big, dark eyes.

Qin Keqing nudged Feng Jie before she stiffly stepped forward to express her gratitude.

Even Yingchun noticed something was amiss: Qin Keqing was granted the title of Consort Li on her first marriage, Li Wan was granted the title of Concubine, and even Ping'er was granted the title of Noble Lady.

Only Sister-in-law Feng was given the title of "Beauty".

Just by looking at the expression on her face, everyone knew that she was feeling extremely distressed and aggrieved.

Chu Yan picked up Qiao Jie and placed her on his lap, then smiled at Wang Xifeng and said, "Considering that Consort Wang has performed meritorious service in managing the household, I hereby appoint you as the Right Minister of the Daguan Palace to assist the Third Miss in managing the Daguan Palace."

Wang Xifeng suddenly raised her head.

The Grand View Palace… the position of Right Minister?!
From a mere housekeeper, she rose to the position of Palace Attendant, a rank comparable to that of a Noble Consort, yet the Emperor only bestowed upon her the title of Beauty!
Why?

Is that dog emperor deliberately mocking her?!

"Your Majesty, I thank you greatly."

Despite cursing in her heart, Sister Feng kowtowed again with a smile, her previous displeasure vanishing.

Whether she's a beauty or a noblewoman, being in charge of the Grand View Palace is better than being a concubine.

The girls had no imperial concubine rank, yet even Empress Zhang and Consort Wu dared not flaunt their status in front of Lin Yatou and the others, which shows that the imperial concubine rank was not a concern.

(End of this chapter)