Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

After the bestowal of honors upon the Jia family was completed, the hall was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

Everyone congratulated those who had previously received rewards from Jia Lian.

In the second column from the left, Shi Xiangyun, taking advantage of the large number of people talking in the hall, said to Yingchun, "Congratulations, second sister. No, now I should call you 'Your Highness Princess'."

Yingchun smiled at Xiangyun but didn't say anything.

She was still wondering what her brother meant by bestowing upon her the title of princess and moving her to the palace.

Ever since she confessed her feelings to Jia Lian, she has been thinking about it all the time, feeling anxious and uncertain.

"Sigh, you're all moving into the palace. This beautiful garden will be deserted from now on."

boring...

Third sister, from now on I'll only be able to come and play with you.

Xiangyun sighed endlessly.

The two years she spent in the Grand View Garden were the happiest time of her life.

There are many sisters here who take care of her.

But in the blink of an eye, everyone is about to part ways.

Faced with Xiangyun's sentimental remarks, Tanchun felt a little guilty and asked in return, "Why did you come to see me? After Second Sister and the others leave, why don't you just move in next to me?"

"Alas, I'm afraid that won't work. I've already promised my second aunt I'd go back."

Xiangyun sighed again.

Her uncles and aunts had been calling her back.

In the past, she could politely decline invitations from Grandmother Jia, Sister Feng, and others, and her aunts wouldn't dare say anything.

But the last time her second aunt asked her, she agreed.

She didn't really want to either.

All she knew was that after Jia Lian became emperor, Sister Feng and Sister Bao would eventually have to enter the palace.

Will she just stay in the Grand View Garden forever?

I'll have to go back sooner or later.

Seeing Xiangyun like this, Tan Chun opened her mouth as if to say something, but then held back.

Xiangyun didn't notice anything unusual about her. Seeing that she didn't speak, she turned to Xing Xiuyan and asked, "Sister Xiuyan, what about you?"

They're gone, where are you going?

Xiuyan said, "Of course I'll go back to my parents' place."

Xiangyun sighed inwardly, and wanted to suggest that the rest of them stay together in the garden.

However, it is known that the few of them are simply not enough to support such a large garden.

The other is a vague awareness.

As Jia Lian's former villa, the Jia family certainly wouldn't dare let anyone enter and defile the Grand View Garden after he left.

It will most likely be sealed away.

Just like after Yuan Chun's visit to her family home.

As she pondered this, she couldn't help but glance at Jia Lian, who was chatting and laughing with Daiyu and the others above, and felt a pang of resentment.

You silly second brother Lian, how come you only remember Sister Bao and Sister Lin, and have forgotten about us...

Jia Lian was unaware of Xiangyun's resentment; even if he knew, he would only chuckle to himself.

She led the group through two rounds of drinks, and finally saw Cao Zhong sneak over.

"Is everything ready?"

"Reporting to Master, I have brought everything you instructed me to provide."

Jia Lian nodded in satisfaction: "Make the arrangements."

"Yes."

After Cao Zhong quietly left, Jia Lian glanced at Dai Quan beside him.

Dai Quan understood and stepped forward: "The banquet is over, all men please step aside."

Those inside the hall were already observing the actions of those above, and upon seeing this, they immediately realized that Jia Lian had other plans that were not convenient for outsiders to be present.

Jia Zheng reacted the fastest, being the first to stand up and take his leave.

Grandmother Jia and the others were about to take their leave when Jia Lian said, "Grandmother, Aunt and the others can stay and watch the ceremony."

Upon hearing the words "attend the ceremony," Grandmother Jia and the others subconsciously glanced at the three rows of daughters sitting opposite them, roughly guessing what was going on. They respectfully responded and sat back down with anticipation.

Jia Baoyu also heard it.

His steps felt like lead; he wanted to stay.

However, faced with Jia Zheng's sharp gaze as he approached, he could only lower his head and leave with Jia Yun, Jia Lan, and the others.

As Jia Zheng and the others left, the palace maids filed in and cleared away all the dishes from the table, leaving only fruit and snacks.

Then Cao Zhong, carrying a whisk, led five ceremonial eunuchs into the hall.

The ceremonial eunuchs bowed their heads, each holding a large red tray.

On the tray were five yellow imperial edicts and seals of varying sizes.

The women present all craned their necks to see what was happening.

For a smart person, seeing only five items is enough to roughly guess what they are.

So everyone held their breath, eager to see what titles Jia Lian would bestow upon his five women.

If others were concerned, then it was even more true for the main characters, such as Sister Feng.

Sister Feng's eyes lit up immediately, and she stared intently at the thing being held by the eunuch in the middle.

Although all imperial edicts are yellow, this one is clearly different in format.

And that seal is also bigger than the others!

Once Cao Zhong and the others were standing firmly to one side, Jia Lian looked at the beaming Feng Jie and laughed, "What are you all standing there for? Go and receive the imperial decree!"

Sister Feng snapped out of her daze, looking slightly shy and embarrassed.

However, faced with the envious and congratulatory gazes of everyone in the hall, she obediently responded, walked to the prince, turned around and knelt down in front of Jia Lian.

Upon receiving Jia Lian's prompting, Cao Zhong turned around, picked up the imperial edict in the middle, walked to the side steps, stood still, and unfolded it to read aloud:

"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:"

I believe that the universe is in order, and that internal governance leads to external success.

Dear Wang, a descendant of a distinguished family, you have been a humble and helpful companion to me.

Be filial to your parents and manage your family business well.

She should be a good wife and mother, and uphold traditional feminine virtues.

She possesses the beauty of a goddess and the virtue of diligence in domestic affairs.

Now, with a golden book and golden seal, I hereby establish you as Empress.

Her reverence was her duty; she was a model for the world, illuminating all people.

Beware!

So be it.

Wang Xifeng knelt on the ground, her expression devout.

However, when she heard the words "become empress", she couldn't help but feel dizzy and excited.

That's the feeling of disillusionment when dreams meet reality.

Even after Cao Zhong finished reading the two words "Imperial Decree," he couldn't wait to kowtow and express his gratitude:

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness and will certainly follow your teachings."

Cao Zhong turned around, placed the imperial edict into the tray, and then, bowing, presented it to Feng Jie'er, saying, "Your Majesty, your imperial seal is also inside. Please keep it safe."

Sister Feng took it instinctively, stunned.

Jia Lian said, "What are you still standing there for? Come back."

"Yes……"

He glanced one last time at the Phoenix Seal on the tray, resisting the urge to pick it up and examine it closely. He handed it to Ping'er and walked over to Jia Lian.

Just as he was about to say something, the others in the hall spontaneously came to the center of the hall and kowtowed: "Congratulations, Your Majesty the Empress! May Your Majesty live a thousand years!"

The sound was deafening.

Feng Jie glanced at Jia Lian, who only smiled and remained silent. She took a deep breath, turned to face the crowd, and said, "No need for formalities..."

"Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress."

Jia Lian then took Feng Jie's hand and helped her sit down again.

Once everyone else had taken their seats, Jia Lian signaled to Cao Zhong that they could continue.

Cao Zhong hurriedly said to Baochai and Daiyu, "Your Highness Consort Xue, Your Highness Consort Lin, please wait."

When Daiyu and Baochai saw Cao Zhong turn around to take the imperial edict, they naturally knew what it meant.

The two sisters came to the palace hand in hand and knelt before Jia Lian, just like Feng Jie.

Cao Zhong unfolded the first imperial edict and read aloud:

"...

You, Xue, are quiet and composed, with a dignified and upright character.

Its style is elegant and refined, and its elegance is profound and graceful.

Still waters run deep, high mountains are covered in white snow.

Now, with a golden book and golden seal, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Imperial Concubine.

It’s not just about your personal interests, it’s about Zhang Yimei’s beauty.

Your virtue and kindness will be remembered forever.

So be it.

Baochai solemnly kowtowed: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace."

Cao Zhong smiled and presented the book and seal to Baochai in the same manner.

Then he picked up another copy and continued reading:

"...

Zierlin, born of a divine flower, pure and virtuous.

With a graceful and beautiful appearance, and a refined and elegant demeanor.

A mind of wisdom and intelligence, a legacy of brilliance.

Now, with a golden book and golden seal, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Imperial Concubine.

It's not just about your selfishness, it's about your cleverness.

You are virtuous and beautiful, untouched by worldly noise.

So be it.

"Your Majesty, I thank you."

Daiyu's voice was always delicate and sweet, soothing to the soul.

Upon hearing that these two were indeed imperial concubines, everyone in the hall felt relieved.

Jia Lian's favoritism towards these two individuals has long been evident in various aspects of their past interactions.

The position of Imperial Concubine belongs to none other than these two.

Beside her, Xichun tugged at Xiangyun's sleeve and whispered, "Sister Yun, I can understand Sister Feng's imperial edict of investiture, but Sister Bao and Sister Lin, how come they wrote it like a poem, even the format is the same?"

What does "Er Shan Er Mei, Bu Luo Chen Xiao" mean...?

Xiangyun frowned: "I don't quite understand either."

Hearing this, Tan Chun sighed softly, "It's probably saying that Sister Lin is a celestial herb from heaven, not belonging to the mortal world, so she can just bloom in her own beauty and not be disturbed by the noise of the world... This is his greatest praise and best protection for Sister Lin..."

As Tan Chun spoke, she herself became lost in thought.

She had also heard those complicated and lengthy imperial edicts before.

It is rare that Jia Lian's investiture of Feng Jie and others did not adhere to the format of his predecessors.

There was no perfunctory use of elaborate and convoluted praise from predecessors.

Every word he wrote in the imperial edict was very simple. But upon closer examination, they were all expressions of praise and expectations for Sister Feng and others, based on their individual characteristics.

This dedication is truly precious.

I wonder how he will write it in the imperial edict he gives himself in the future...

Following Xue and Lin, came the You sisters.

Neither of the women was very educated, so they didn't pay much attention to Jia Lian's evaluations and praises of them.

All their thoughts are focused solely on their specific position.

"Now, with this imperial edict and seal, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Consort Rou."

"Now, with this imperial edict and seal, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Consort Shu."

My elder sister is Consort Rou, and I am Consort Shu?

Once Sister You was certain of this, she immediately became happy.

Although her rank was lower than that of Consort Daiyu and Consort Baochai, it was still a proper and respectable rank for a consort.

Before this, the two sisters had privately discussed what rank Jia Lian would give them.

Given how early they entered the profession, I felt they should at least be concubines.

At worst, they'll be benefactors.

The highest rank, of course, is that of a concubine, but that's a bit of a pipe dream...

It's no wonder their expectations were low.

Firstly, Jia Lian's favoritism towards Daiyu and Baochai was undisguised, and the two sisters knew they couldn't compete with them.

Secondly, they had previously tested Jia Lian, complaining that he treated them like "female prostitutes" for his amusement.

As a result, Jia Lian showed no remorse and said, "Even so, aren't they happy?"

They couldn't refuse outright at the time, and naturally they couldn't stand up straight afterward.

Unexpectedly, although Jia Lian outwardly treated them as playthings, he did not look down on them in his heart and gave them the honor they deserved.

Sister You couldn't help but think that at least he still had a conscience.

When they return, the two sisters must perform well to express their gratitude for his kindness.

The two sisters withdrew, satisfied.

I originally thought the investiture ceremony would end there.

At Cao Zhong's beckoning, another group of eunuchs entered the hall carrying stacks of bright yellow imperial edicts, drawing everyone's attention.

Jia Lian ordered his men to remove all the fruit and pastries from the table in front of him, and then set out the Four Treasures.

Feng Jie probably saw through Jia Lian's intentions and advised, "It's getting late, we still need to pack our things, we're going to the palace tomorrow morning."

"If Your Majesty still wishes to bestow titles upon others, it's not too late to postpone it until tomorrow."

Jia Lian said, "There's no need to pack. We'll send someone to pack everything after you come to the palace with me tomorrow."

Besides, it won't take long.

As he spoke, he handed the inkstone and grinding block to Sister Feng.

Sister Feng was speechless. Asking the Empress to grind ink? Probably for the sake of those other little vixens…

Seeing that Jia Lian was about to take back the money and hand it to Daiyu, she quickly snatched it back, saying, "I didn't say I wouldn't help."

With a cricket chirping, she quickly dripped a drop of water into the inkstone, then picked up the grinding block, gently shook it with her slender fingers, and began to grind ink slowly and elegantly.

After Sister Feng had finished grinding the ink, Jia Lian took a blank imperial edict, placed it on the table, dipped his brush in the ink, and wrote several lines of text.

Then he showed it to Baochai and Daiyu, and instructed them:

"Please make several copies for me using this format."

Baochai saw that what Jia Lian wanted them to write was the beginning of the imperial edict, the fixed phrases in the middle, and the annotations at the end:

March 18th, the ninth year of Ningkang.

(Because Emperor Ningkang died in the first month of the lunar calendar, this year will still be recorded using Emperor Ningkang's reign title.)

(The Kaiyuan era of Jia Lian will begin next year.)

The only missing elements are the surname in the middle and words of praise.

Baochai then smiled and said, "It's best if His Majesty handles this matter personally, otherwise the younger sisters will have to worry in the future."

Jia Lian said helplessly, "There are so many, how long will it take me to finish writing them all by myself?"

What's with all this talk about being overly concerned or not?

If you won't help me, I'll get someone else to do it.

Daiyu snorted, "You know so much, huh? Serves you right for being greedy..."

Even so, she took the initiative, asking Zijuan to help her grind the ink, and then she picked up her brush and began to work.

Seeing this, Baochai naturally wouldn't let Daiyu be the only one to enjoy the beauty.

So Jia Lian took back the imperial edict, thought for a moment, added to it, and then beckoned to Cao Zhong.

Cao Zhong quickly turned around, carefully lifted a tray covered with red silk, and placed it on the table.

Then the red silk was lifted, revealing the jade seal that symbolized supreme imperial power.

It is bluish-white all over, with large square blocks and a crouching dragon knob.

As soon as it appeared, it immediately attracted everyone's attention.

Jia Lian, however, did not give anyone time to look at him. He picked up the imperial seal, put it into the inkpad box next to him, and then pressed it heavily onto the written imperial edict.

Done!

Looking up, he saw Sister Feng staring intently at the jade seal in his hand.

Jia Lian handed it to her back, saying, "Take it."

Sister Feng was so frightened she almost stood up, and hurriedly declined, "How could that be? I was just curious..."

"I asked you to take it, I didn't say I was giving it to you."

Jia Lian pursed his lips, temporarily placed the imperial seal in the inkpad box, and then handed the written imperial edict to Cao Zhong.

Cao Zhong was somewhat surprised after receiving it.

After confirming with his eyes that Jia Lian was not wrong, he turned around and spoke:

"Chen...Ruobing accepts the imperial decree." (End of Chapter)