Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 252 Ranks and Status in the Harem

Although the imperial edict bestowing the title of Consort Shu upon Lin Wan'er had not been officially promulgated, the conversation in the Wenhua Hall itself was a clear signal. This news, like ripples on water, quietly spread within a limited circle and quickly reached the ears of several other women involved.

The first to receive definite news was naturally Empress Murong Mingyue. The evening after Chen Xing summoned Lin Wan'er, he personally went to the Empress's palace—Lizheng Hall.

The hall was filled with the faint scent of orchids, and its furnishings were grand and elegant, possessing both the bold simplicity of the North and a touch of the refinement of the South. Murong Mingyue had already changed out of her elaborate daytime attire, wearing only a pale yellow casual dress and minimal makeup. She was sitting on a couch by the window, reading a military book by candlelight. Seeing Chen Xing enter, she put down the book and rose to greet him.

"No need for formalities." Chen Xing stepped forward to help her up, and the two sat down side by side on the couch. After the palace maid served tea, she tactfully withdrew outside the hall.

Murong Mingyue poured tea for Chen Xing with graceful and serene movements, yet the lingering air of heroism between her brows was still clearly discernible. She glanced at Chen Xing, her tone calm: "Your Majesty is busy with state affairs; what brings you here today? Has a decision been made regarding the positions in the harem?"

Chen Xing held her hand, feeling the thin calluses on her palm from years of wielding a sword, and a complex mix of tenderness and guilt welled up in his heart. He and Mingyue were husband and wife, comrades-in-arms, sharing the deepest bond and the strongest understanding. But precisely because of this, he needed to be even more considerate of her feelings.

"Yes, preliminary arrangements have been made." Chen Xing didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "The position of Empress belongs to you alone. This is not only my wish, but also the need of the Empire. You followed me from humble beginnings, guarding the rear, your contributions to the country are immense, and your virtue matches that of the Empress, unmatched by anyone."

Murong Mingyue squeezed his hand in return, a faint but genuine smile appearing on her lips: "Your Majesty flatters me. I merely fulfilled my duty. Then... the Noble Consort and the Four Consorts?"

"I would prefer Xiaoxiao to be appointed as the Imperial Consort," Chen Xing frankly stated. "Although she comes from a merchant family, she is exceptionally talented and skilled in financial management. She has made great contributions to the defense of the Northern Capital, the procurement of provisions for the Southern Expedition, and even the future finances of the Empire. Moreover, she is meticulous and an indispensable assistant in the affairs of the Imperial Household Department and in commercial matters. Granting her the title of Imperial Consort is both a reward for her contributions and a way to utilize her talents."

Murong Mingyue nodded, her expression remaining largely unchanged. She had witnessed Su Xiaoxiao's contributions and abilities. Although they came from different backgrounds and had vastly different personalities, as Empress, she had to have a broad perspective and acknowledge and accept these women who were beneficial to the empire and helpful to her husband. "Sister Su is indeed capable; the position of Imperial Concubine is well-deserved."

"Consort Shu," Chen Xing paused, "I favor Lin Wan'er. This woman is talented and insightful, and has made contributions to the pacification of Jiangnan and the establishment of regulations. She is gentle and kind, well-educated and reasonable, and can manage the literary and etiquette affairs of the harem. Moreover, she comes from a prestigious family in Jiangnan, which will also be beneficial to pacifying the newly arrived scholars."

Upon hearing Lin Wan'er's name, Murong Mingyue fell silent for a moment. She had met Lin Wan'er several times; she was indeed a woman of exceptional talent and beauty, captivating all who beheld her. Her temperament was different from her own, Su Xiaoxiao's, and Lan Fenghuang's, possessing a scholarly air and gentle grace cultivated in the Jiangnan water towns. She knew her husband greatly admired her. Though a trace of indescribable bitterness swept through her heart, she quickly suppressed it. Her husband was the emperor; a full harem was commonplace, especially since this woman was truly capable.

"Miss Lin is exceptionally talented, and I admire her greatly. The position of Consort Shu is very fitting." Murong Mingyue's voice remained calm.

Chen Xing, observing her expression, knew she might harbor some resentment, but her statement already demonstrated her composure. He tightened his grip on her hand: "Finally, it's Consort Xian. I intend to give it to Lan Fenghuang."

"Miss Lan?" Murong Mingyue was slightly surprised, then understood. Lan Fenghuang was lively and carefree, naive to worldly affairs, but possessed superb medical skills. Furthermore, she was a holy maiden of Miao territory, and her allegiance was of great significance to stabilizing the southwest. Giving her the title of concubine was both a reward for her merits and a political necessity, symbolizing the empire's acceptance and appeasement of the southwestern ethnic minorities. Moreover, Lan Fenghuang was simple-minded and unassuming; placing her in the harem would not cause too much turmoil. "Sister Lan is pure of heart, possesses divine medical skills, and is connected to Miao territory. The title of virtuous concubine carries excellent meaning."

"This is my initial plan for the four consorts," Chen Xing concluded. "As for the lower-ranking positions such as the Nine Concubines, Ladies-in-Waiting, and Imperial Wives, they will remain vacant for now and will be added later if needed. The system of the harem must also be moderate and not too complicated."

Murong Mingyue gave a soft "Mmm," lowered her eyes, looked at the two clasped hands, and said softly, "Your Majesty's arrangements are well thought out. Your Majesty... has no objections. However," she raised her head, her gaze clear and firm as she looked at Chen Xing, "Your Majesty, I only hope that Your Majesty, no matter what happens in the harem, will not forget the bond of brotherhood and life-or-death trust we shared in the Northern Capital. I also hope that Your Majesty will treat them properly, lest resentment arise in the harem, wasting your energy, damaging your virtue, and harming... harmony."

Her words conveyed both the magnanimity and admonition of an empress, and also subtly revealed a wife's deep affection and hidden worries for her husband.

Chen Xing was deeply moved and pressed her hand to his cheek: "Mingyue, don't worry. You know my heart best. No matter how many women are in the harem, you will always be my Empress, the person I trust and respect the most. I will handle matters in the harem with care, and you will also be responsible for holding the Phoenix Seal and governing the six palaces to ensure harmony and prevent any trouble. If you encounter any difficulties, please speak to me at any time."

"Your Majesty, I obey." Murong Mingyue nestled into his arms, feeling the warmth and trust that had remained unchanged through thick and thin, and the slight turmoil in her heart gradually subsided. She knew that from the moment she chose this man and followed him onto the path of emperorship, she was destined to bear more responsibility, more complex emotions, and... a greater loneliness than ordinary people. But as long as this trust and affection remained, she had nothing to fear.

Meanwhile, Su Xiaoxiao, in her own palace—temporarily housed in a refined and spacious side hall—also heard the news. She was checking the inner palace's income and expenditure in the account books when she heard her personal maid whisper the report. Her fingers, which were fiddling with the abacus, paused slightly, then resumed as usual, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

"Imperial Consort...hmm, not bad." She murmured to herself, a shrewd glint in her eyes. This position met her expectations and matched her contributions. More importantly, the status of Imperial Consort and the accompanying title would greatly facilitate her continued control of the inner court and expansion of her business network. She wasn't too concerned with the Emperor's exclusive favor; she cared more about actual influence and the resources she controlled. As long as His Majesty trusted her and needed her, her position would be secure. As for the other concubines...as long as they didn't get in her way, everyone could coexist peacefully.

She had even begun to plan how to better communicate with business partners outside the palace in the future using her status as a Noble Consort, and even... whether she could promote some court procurement policies that would benefit business.

Meanwhile, Lan Fenghuang, who was in the temporary Imperial Medical Bureau and was worrying about a pile of newly arrived medicinal herbs, was informed by an official sent by Jia Wen in as simple a language as possible that she might be conferred the title of "Virtuous Consort".

"Consort Xian? Is that a very high-ranking official? Does she oversee the Imperial Medical Bureau?" Lan Fenghuang blinked her big eyes, her first thought was this.

The official in charge of ceremonies was both amused and exasperated, and patiently explained, "The Virtuous Consort is a very high-ranking lady-in-waiting, second only to the Empress and the Noble Consort. She is His Majesty's consort, and is of unparalleled nobility. The Imperial Medical Bureau... the Imperial Medical Bureau is a government agency, managed by its own officials. However, Your Highness's medical skills are superb, and His Majesty will surely continue to entrust you with the management of medical affairs."

"Oh, so that means I can still work with my herbs and insects, right?" Lan Fenghuang breathed a sigh of relief and patted her chest. "That's good! As long as I'm not stuck in my room learning those complicated rules every day, and I can still heal the sick and save lives, I'll be fine with anything! Consort Xian... that sounds pretty nice! Brother Xing is so good to me!" Her joy was pure and direct, and she was already thinking about whether becoming Consort Xian would allow her to ask for a larger plot of land to grow rare herbs.

The arrangement of the four concubines' positions in the harem was thus tacitly agreed upon at the highest level, awaiting only a grand investiture ceremony after the coronation. Chen Xing's harem structure was beginning to take shape: an empress from a military family, possessing both heroic spirit and magnanimity; a shrewd and capable concubine skilled in finance; a talented and gentle concubine; and a naive and innocent concubine with exceptional medical skills and connections to the southwest. The four women, with their diverse backgrounds, personalities, and abilities, could, if they could harmonize and complement each other, truly become a powerful force for Chen Xing in securing his rear; however, if discord arose, it could also become a hidden worry that distracted him.

How to balance and maintain this balance tests not only Chen Xing's wisdom and skill, but also the four women, especially Empress Murong Mingyue's composure and ability.

With the ranks of the imperial concubines established, the laws and regulations of the court were being meticulously refined. The outline of the empire, from its territory to its institutions, from the court to the harem, was becoming increasingly clear. All eyes were now focused on the grand ceremony that was about to begin, marking the official start of a new era—

The enthronement ceremony of Emperor Qiming.