frightfiction Chapter 1364: Only the Emperor can give her the supreme status
Chapter 1364: Only the Emperor can give her the supreme status
He solemnly took the heavy gold treasure with his right hand.
The moment the book of treasure was in his hand, an indescribable weight came over him.
This is not only the weight of gold and jade, but also the weight of power and responsibility!
Shen Zhinian maintained this posture for a few breaths, then gently handed the book to Yuanbao, who had been waiting by the side and kneeling on one knee.
Yuanbao looked solemn, as if he was receiving a sacred object. He carefully took the book of treasures, bowed and retreated, and sent it to the special book of treasures pavilion in Yongshou Palace for temporary worship and safekeeping.
After the imperial seal was handed over, Shen Zhinian straightened his appearance again, faced the direction of the Yangxin Palace, and performed the ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows for the second time.
This time, she stood up straight, took a deep breath and said, "Your Majesty, I, Shen, respectfully accept the imperial decree and thank you for your grace. May Your Majesty live long and long!"
After today, she is finally the legitimate and unshakable Imperial Concubine!
After thanking her, the female official stepped forward again to support Shen Zhinian, and moved to the temporary seat on the east side of the hall, where a bright yellow cushion was laid out and she sat down calmly.
From now on, until the next part of the ceremony, she will accept the formal congratulations of all the concubines in the harem as the Imperial Noble Consort!
Shen Zhinian sat upright, his eyes calmly sweeping over the people standing solemnly in the hall, his dignity evident.
Only at this moment did Handan dare to quietly wipe the sweat from her palms and exchange a relieved look with Fuqiu beside her.
Everyone in Yongshou Palace, from Madam Xiao to the lowest-ranking palace maid, had their hearts hanging in their throats since early morning, and finally settled down in their chests.
The shocking scene of the imperial seal inexplicably cracking during the ceremony to confer the title of Consort Chen last time cast a shadow over everyone's heart...
Even if we have made thorough preparations this time, there is no guarantee that no villains will do dirty things again.
Fortunately, God blesses us and everything goes well!
Next, it is the part of the harem congratulating each other.
Under Nanny Xiao's steady gaze, the concubines from each palace filed in according to their rank and lined up solemnly on the south side of the worship seat.
Concubine Zhuang led Concubine Xian, Concubine Xuan, Concubine Kang and Concubine Dun to stand in the front row.
Behind her is Concubine Tong.
Behind them are the nobles and maids of lower status.
The rows and columns are neat and the spacing is even. No one dares to make a mistake at this moment.
The grand music of the Danbi Temple began playing again, and the female official in charge of ceremonies raised her voice: "Salute——!!!"
Imperial Concubine Zhuang and the other concubines in the front row responded, gathering their skirts and bending their knees, performing the ritual of two kneelings and six kowtows. They said in unison, "Your Highness, I congratulate the Imperial Concubine on her ascension to the throne. May your Highness be blessed with good health!"
Although their voices were in unison, their thoughts were different.
Concubine Zhuang lowered her eyes, and her gentle face showed no emotion.
The virtuous concubine remained aloof and polite, yet distant.
Concubine Dun almost gritted her teeth as she read out the congratulatory message.
Concubine Kang had a complicated expression and her movements were a little slow.
Concubine Xuan was sincere and her voice was clear.
Noble ladies and maids perform the ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows.
Shen Zhinian sat upright in the upper seat, looking calmly at the people kneeling at his feet.
It's really a good feeling to see someone who hates you crawling at your feet.
She nodded slightly to the concubines in accordance with etiquette, her movements graceful and reserved: "Everyone, stand up."
Everyone said respectfully, "Thank you, Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine!"
Gu Jinxiao and the deputy envoy still stood on the side holding their staffs as witnesses of the ceremony.
His gaze involuntarily fell on the bright yellow figure who was receiving worship from the six palaces.
Watching her calmly accept the gift, her natural dignity, Gu Jinxiao's complicated emotions surged again...
He suddenly felt that the woman before him was born to be like this, dressed in splendid clothes, standing tall above everyone else. All the glory bestowed upon her was natural.
And the only one who can give her the supreme status is the emperor.
This thought caused a slight pain somewhere in Gu Jinxiao's heart...
According to etiquette, the imperial concubine should turn towards the Cining Palace at this moment and perform the ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows to thank the empress dowager for her grace.
But there is no empress dowager in the palace now, so this section will be skipped.
Gu Jinxiao and the deputy envoy took a few steps forward holding the golden tablets and came to the seat of Shen Zhinian.
They represented the emperor, and their status was special, so they did not need to kneel down and kowtow. They both bowed simultaneously, performing a deeply respectful half-bow.
Gu Jinxiao's voice was as restrained as ever, without a trace of emotion in his voice. "We, your servants, have completed the conferment of the title by imperial decree. Congratulations to Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine!"
Shen Zhinian sat upright and nodded slightly, accepting the greeting: "Get up."
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Imperial Concubine."
Shen Zhinian's eyes met Gu Jinxiao's for a moment, and he lowered his eyelids slightly, avoiding this brief contact.
She just glanced at him and then looked away, saying nothing in the end.
After the ceremony, Gu Jinxiao and the deputy envoy stood up without stopping. They turned around, holding the imperial seal, and led the waiting ceremonial guards to exit Yongshou Palace in an orderly manner. They followed the same path they had come from and embarked on the imperial road back to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
As the ceremonial procession faded away, the Yongshou Palace was filled with celebrations and noise.
Gu Jinxiao and his group, carrying proof that their mission was accomplished, walked silently through the palace.
When they arrived at the Taihe Hall Square, the first-rank officials who had been waiting for a long time immediately surrounded them.
Gu Jinxiao turned to the ministers and reported, "The enthronement ceremony is over, and the Imperial Noble Consort has received the imperial seal according to the regulations."
After receiving the confirmation, several ministers and royal relatives did not dare to delay. They immediately dressed properly and entered the palace to report to Nangong Xuanyu in the Yangxin Palace.
……
Yongshou Palace.
The concubines respectfully took their leave in order.
Concubine Xuan walked to the door of the palace and couldn't help but look back at Shen Zhinian who was sitting at the top, her eyes full of sincere joy and admiration.
Although she wanted to stay and talk with her sister, the Imperial Noble Consort, and share this joy, she also knew that her sister must be very tired today and had to deal with many situations, so she didn't want to disturb her too much.
Concubine Xuan had no choice but to suppress her thoughts and quietly retreat with the crowd, but her heart felt as sweet as if she had drunk honey.
Concubine Zhuang sat on the sedan chair, her face still dignified and serious, but a hint of elusive darkness flashed in the depths of her eyes.
The Imperial Noble Consort held the same rank as the Vice Empress, and was indeed extremely honorable. However, there was only one step between the Noble Consort and the Imperial Noble Consort.
The Zhuang family has been a noble family for generations, and His Majesty has placed immense trust in my father. It's not certain...she won't one day rise to a higher position.
After the outsiders had left, only a group of palace servants remained in the main hall of Yongshou Palace.
Madam Xiao took the lead and led all the eunuchs and palace maids to kneel down in unison. Her voice was filled with suppressed excitement and pride: "Your servant/your servant congratulates the Imperial Noble Consort on the completion of the enthronement ceremony! May Your Majesty be blessed with good health!"
Shen Zhinian's tension and hard work over the past few days turned into genuine relaxation and joy.
A genuine smile played on her lips, and her voice softened a little: "Everyone, get up."
"Thank you for your hard work today. Everyone in Yongshou Palace will be rewarded with a year's salary!"
As soon as these words were spoken, all the palace people showed ecstasy on their faces, and kowtowed in gratitude one after another: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!"
Bingqiao was kneeling behind him, with a smile on her face, but other thoughts were churning in her mind.