Chapter 321

Chapter 321: Wei

In the early summer of the 20th year of Shung Zheng.

The Second Prince, He Ji, had his grand wedding.

He married the third daughter from the direct line of the Lin'an Duke's household.

The Lin'an Duke was ennobled during the previous Emperor's reign, but his family had always held official positions and titles.

The Lin'an Duke, now aged, held no official position, but the Second Prince's father-in-law, the eldest son of the Lin'an Duke, Feng Fu, was the Assistant Minister of Works.

It was a respectable position, though not as important as some other ministries.

Still more significant than the Ministry of Rites.

Once the Second Prince's wedding was over, the Empress began to worry.

The Crown Prince is fourteen this year.

His health hasn't improved much over the past few years, and his development remains lacking.

A year after a prince's marriage, he may enter court to participate in politics. How could the Empress not be anxious?

This year it's the Second Prince; by next year at the latest, the Third and Fifth Princes will have their weddings. Another year later, the Sixth and Seventh Princes will also marry.

Seeing the elder princes becoming adults and the younger ones growing up, the Empress frequently loses sleep in worry.

But the Emperor has decreed that the princes must marry at sixteen.

She truly can't wait any longer.

It's not just the Empress who is troubled; Emperor He is equally concerned.

If considering the Crown Prince's marriage now, it cannot be taken lightly. Choosing a consort for the Crown Prince is different from choosing for the other princes.

It would inevitably require a grand gesture.

Ultimately, the Crown Prince can only be deposed, but currently, he has not yet chosen a suitable successor.

In Emperor He's mind, there are currently three candidates: the Sixth Prince He Jiyu, the Ninth Prince He Jiheng, and the Tenth Prince He Jixu.

Additionally, the Eleventh Prince is not bad, but he is still too young to judge his wisdom or folly.

Even the eldest of the six princes was only thirteen this year.

It's easy to establish a legitimate prince, but establishing a prince born of a concubine always requires justification.

Although the decision to depose the Crown Prince is set, he cannot exactly announce to the world that the Crown Prince is impotent, can he?

Thus, it's inevitable that they have to wait for the princes to grow older, preferably after their marriages, when people can see their exceptional qualities, to deliberate further.

Yet, the Crown Prince's marriage is pressing, truly a cause for concern.

Later, the Empress Dowager summoned everyone to Cining Palace.

After everyone paid their respects, the Empress Dowager said, "Emperor, this year marks your twentieth year on the throne. After ruling for twenty years, it's time for some actions."

He Jinli nodded, "I have considered it. A general amnesty might lead to the release of some petty criminals by mistake, so we will waive one year of taxes instead."

"Excellent. Seeing that the princes are grown up, it's time for their marriages. The selection of the Second Prince's consort is up to us, but not all the girls might be in the capital. I think, it's time for a selection process, the harem hasn't added new members for several years."

Not only have there been no additions in recent years, but there have also been no promotions.

"Indeed, for the sake of the younger generation, it's indeed time to select." Not only do the princes need it, but the royal family members need it too.

Although in Da Jin, marriages don’t necessarily have to be arranged through selection, there are always people who prefer it this way.

"That's good. I'm getting older and can't manage as much, so the Empress and the Noble Consort will take charge," the Empress Dowager said.

"Yes, but if we are to select, it will be next year’s affair. Since we're selecting, why not promote some in the harem first? There are quite a few high positions vacant," He Jinli said.

The Empress Dowager nodded, "That’s appropriate."

The Empress Dowager had everyone stay for dinner, and when leaving, He Jinli asked Yun Li to accompany him.

Thus, the two returned to Yuqu Palace together.

"It’s about time for your promotion, but considering you're the only one, it inevitably draws attention," He Jinli said with a smile, pinching her hand.

Yun Li also smiled. At over thirty, not only did she not show signs of aging, but she seemed even more beautiful.

That charm was something He Jinli was deeply enamored with.

His visits will only increase now.

"The only ones above me now are the Virtuous Consort and the Graceful Consort. Which does the Emperor think I am, virtuous or graceful?" Yun Li asked.

He Jinli gritted his teeth: "You're enchanting."

"Ah, well, that's not an option," Yun Li said as she poured tea.

He Jinli sat down: "You might pass for virtuous, but graceful is out of the question, you’re too spirited."

Yun Li just gave him a look.

"Aside from that, I've been thinking of changing your title. Initially, I thought you were exceedingly beautiful, and I thought of the peony flower. But that seems too simplistic now. Considering your upcoming promotion, we need something more dignified and substantial."

"And here I thought the Emperor liked flowers, but it turns out I'm just one of the flowers to you." A mere daisy, at that.

He Jinli didn't bite: "I’ve thought of a word for you. Bring the ink and brush."

An attendant quickly fetched ink and brush.

Emperor He penned a single character: "Wei."

Yunli raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the rarity of the word: "Wei, what does it signify?"

"It means bright and magnificent, full of splendor. It suits you perfectly." She deserved a word as brilliantly beautiful as this.

"Are you truly assigning me such a word?" Yunli stood, leaning against him: "Now that the princes are grown, promoting me will already stir discontent. Giving me this title, isn't it like setting us both ablaze? Are you sincere, or do you wish to make me a target?"

Emperor He paused, taken aback: "Yunli! You grow bolder by the day."

"What's wrong? Can't I speak frankly with you, without you taking offense? Then tell me it's not so." Yunli placed his pen down, taking his hand: "Say the word, and I'll believe you."

Emperor He glared at her: "Idle thoughts. When have I ever harbored such intentions? Wouldn't I protect you and our son?"

"So, you do mean to grant me this title, believing it's for the best." Yunli nodded: "In that case, I am grateful."

Emperor He took a deep breath: "Yunli, you truly know how to vex someone."

"Vex? As your most cherished, isn't it normal for me to be whimsical? You can't deny me this just because I'm older, can you?" Yunli let go of his hand and sat back down.

Emperor He chuckled: "Never say 'old' again. How are you old?"

Indeed, she seemed not to age, appearing even younger.

"Enough of that. Do you like the word? If so, I'll make it official." Emperor He also sat and took up his tea.

"I do like it. Anything given by you, I would cherish." Yunli smiled: "Would you like to try my tea?"

Emperor He listened to her switch topics, somewhat speechless. It was all green tea; what was there to swap?

Yet, indulging in such childish acts, Emperor He had no intention of refusal.

At its core, it was all about habituation.

"Meng Chang, prepare the imperial edict." Emperor He set down his tea bowl: "Qiongfei’s title is changed to: Wei. Promoted to First-Rank Xianfei."

Emperor He glanced at Yunli before continuing: "Shufei promoted to Shufei, An Chongyi promoted to Anfei."

"Xian Jieyu promoted to Xiuyi, Yu Meiren promoted to Chongyi. Jiang Cairen promoted to Chongyuan. Ye Cairen, Pei Cairen, promoted to Jieyu."

"Hu Xiaoyi, Zhao Xiaoyi promoted to Meiren, Zheng Xiaoyi promoted to Cairen."