Steal my marriage? Turn around and marry the tyrant to take the throne

Chapter 1285 I am relieved to leave these matters to Nian Nian

Baharguli did a really great job this time.

Ruthless and decisive, he grasped the timing just right, and the gains far exceeded expectations!

Such a powerful weapon must be comforted and made to be more devoted to her.

I have to find a safe time to send her some rewards.

……

Yongshou Palace.

Shen Zhinian was flipping through the account books newly submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Fuqiu walked in lightly and bowed to report, "Your Majesty, the head steward of the Imperial Household Department, Hu Zhongcai, is outside requesting an audience. He said he has something important to report."

Shen Zhi didn't even raise his head, and just said calmly: "Let him in."

"Yes."

After a moment, Hu Zhongcai bent over and walked in with light and quick steps, but without any disorder.

With a respectful smile on his face, he knelt down neatly and saluted: "Your servant pays respects to Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine. May Her Majesty be blessed with good health!"

"Get up."

Shen Zhinian put down the account book and looked at him: "What's the matter?"

Hu Zhongcai stood up, still bowing slightly, his smile growing wider with obvious joy: "In reply to the Imperial Noble Consort, I have come to report a piece of great news!"

"The Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Observatory have preliminarily agreed that the auspicious date for the ceremony to confer the title of Imperial Noble Consort upon Her Majesty will be the eighth day of the fourth lunar month. This auspicious date has been carefully chosen and carries great significance!"

It is now the end of January, and it is only more than two months away from April 8th.

The Imperial Noble Consort had the same rank as the Vice Empress, and the specifications and rituals of the enthronement ceremony were only slightly inferior to those of the Empress, with many complicated and solemn aspects.

More than two months of preparation time is actually not enough.

But everything changes if you delay, so it’s better to do it as soon as possible.

Upon hearing this, Shen Zhinian's face did not show much surprise or ecstasy. She only nodded slightly and said in a steady tone, "I understand."

She paused, as if remembering something, and asked casually, "This time, His Majesty is conferring titles on the six concubines, and all of you sisters have been promoted. When will their enthronement ceremony be held?"

Hu Zhongcai immediately replied, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. We servants know the importance of this matter and will prioritize your auspicious ceremony. Everything else will be based on your ceremony."

"The enthronement of the other empresses must wait until your important matter is settled, and then we can arrange it in order. We would never dare to offend the empress."

His words were flawless, showing the absolute respect the Imperial Household Department had for the Imperial Noble Consort, and also indicating that the enthronement ceremony for other concubines had to be postponed.

Shen Zhinian had no objection to this arrangement and nodded, saying, "Everything will be handled according to the rules."

"Slave, you obey!"

Hu Zhongcai bowed in response, said a few flattering and auspicious words, and then retreated cautiously.

The news spread throughout the six palaces within half a day.

No one raised any objection to the arrangement of holding the Imperial Noble Consort's enthronement ceremony first and postponing the others.

The palace has strict rules and an orderly hierarchy.

The Imperial Noble Consort held the highest rank, second only to the Empress. Her enthronement ceremony was naturally a top priority. Who would dare to steal the limelight? Even less dare they show any dissatisfaction in such a matter.

Instead, everyone prepared gifts and sent them to Yongshou Palace in advance, and their words were all congratulations to the Imperial Noble Consort on her enthronement, as if it would be nice to be able to get a little bit of the joy.

For a moment, the area in front of Yongshou Palace was even more lively than during the New Year holidays.

In the blink of an eye, it was early February.

The chill had not yet dissipated, but the Yangxin Palace was filled with warmth, and silver charcoal was burning quietly in the gilded incense burner with animal ears.

After Shen Zhinian finished handling the palace affairs for the day, he went straight to the Yangxin Palace.

Nangong Xuanyu had already given oral instructions that she did not need to be informed when entering the Yangxin Palace.

Shen Zhinian held Fuqiu's hand and walked into the hall, only to see Nangong Xuanyu sitting behind the imperial desk, reviewing memorials with a pen. There was a hint of fatigue between his brows, but he was still focused.

Hearing footsteps, the emperor looked up.

"I see you, Your Majesty!"

Seeing that it was Shen Zhinian, his stern brows softened instantly. He casually placed the red brush on the pen holder and said in a gentle voice, "Niannian is here? Sit here."

He pointed to the embroidered cushion that had been prepared beside the imperial desk.

Shen Zhinian followed his instructions and stepped forward. He did not sit down immediately. He bowed slightly according to etiquette before he sat down sideways. He said in a calm voice, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"I have come today to report to Your Majesty on recent palace affairs."

Nangong Xuanyu looked at her with a smile.

Shen Zhinian reported several important matters in a clear and organized manner, including adjustments to the harem's allowances, personnel arrangements, and the progress of preparations for the upcoming enthronement ceremony.

Nangong Xuanyu listened quietly, occasionally asking a question or two, and the admiration in his eyes became more and more intense.

After Shen Zhinian finished speaking, he nodded and said, "You did a great job."

"I feel at ease leaving these matters to Nian Nian."

The trust in the emperor's tone was genuine, even lazily relaxed: "Now that the harem is so well-organized, I can worry less."

Shen Zhinian smiled slightly: "Your Majesty, thank you for your praise."

Next, the two chatted about some family matters and mentioned the interesting things that happened to the Fourth Prince recently. The atmosphere in the palace was very warm and harmonious.

About an incense stick later, Shen Zhinian saw that Nangong Xuanyu's desk was still piled with memorials, so she stood up and took her leave. "Your Majesty is very busy with government affairs. I will not disturb you any further. I will take my leave now."

Nangong Xuanyu did not stay for long, but only instructed: "Be careful on the road, and let the warm sedan go slowly."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

Shen Zhinian agreed with a smile, took Fuqiu's hand, and turned to leave the Yangxin Palace.

As soon as she stepped out of the palace gate, she met Zhan Weiran, who was dressed in military uniform and was about to go in to report on his work.

When Zhan Weiran saw Shen Zhinian, he immediately stepped aside, clasped his fists and bowed, his voice loud but respectful: "This humble general pays homage to the Imperial Noble Consort. May the Empress be blessed with good health!"

Shen Zhinian stopped and looked at Zhan Weiran, with a faint smile on his lips: "Commander Zhan, there is no need to be so polite."

"I heard that the Zhan family had a baby boy last month. Congratulations, Commander Zhan."

A trace of the gentle joy of being a father instantly crossed Zhan Weiran's resolute face, and he quickly said, "Thank you, Royal Noble Concubine, for your concern. I am deeply grateful!"

He hesitated for a moment, then, seeing that the palace attendants were a little further away, he took a half step forward and said in a low voice, "I would like to thank the Empress once again for her grace!"

"When my wife found out that my sister-in-law had gotten the job assigned by the Empress, she felt a huge sense of relief. She felt much more cheerful and kept talking about the Empress's kindness."

Shen Zhinian nodded slightly, his tone calm: "Lin Wan is intelligent and capable, and is a rare good subordinate."

"I am also making use of his strengths. Commander Zhan, there is no need to thank me again and again."

However, between Zhan Weiran's handsome brows, there was a lingering worry...

His lips moved, as if he found it difficult to speak, but he had to say it.

Shen Zhinian keenly noticed the change in Zhan Weiran's expression and asked, "Commander Zhan, do you have anything else to say?"