Chapter 91: The Liangdi

Chapter 91: The Liangdi

Fresh from the imperial Qionglin Banquet, Emperor Yuan Zixu, who rarely attended court, made an exception this time. After the feast, he returned to the harem, where Empress Liao requested an audience to congratulate him: "Congratulations, Your Majesty, for having gained many pillars of the state today."

Yuan Zixu, still under the influence of alcohol, felt a heightened desire to take elixirs for cultivation. He greeted Liao Empress impatiently, "Year after year, it's the same. Rarely are there truly exceptional talents; most are just imitations. We'll have to make do with them."

With something on his mind, he urged Liao Empress, "It's already February. Has Concubine Zetong chosen a candidate for the Crown Prince's secondary consort yet?"

The Empress smiled, "I've come to inform you precisely because we have found a suitable match."

Yuan Zixu asked, "Truly? Which family's maiden? There's no need to be overly picky about high-born status. The key is that the Crown Prince must like her."

Liao Empress replied, "This actually connects to today's Qionglin Banquet. Among the second-class scholars, there's one named Rong Mo. The lady I've chosen is this Rong Scholar's younger sister. She's from an honest family and entered the palace in the Fifteenth Year of Chengping as a palace maid. It was only today that I learned that Rong Shi-za's brother has just passed the exams – isn't that a most auspicious sign?"

Yuan Zixu was taken aback, "A palace maid who entered in the Fifteenth Year of Chengping? How old is she?"

Liao Empress chuckled, "She's twenty-two. Although two years older than the Crown Prince, he is inexperienced in such matters, so an older maid is appropriate. To elaborate, when this Rong lady entered the palace, she was assigned to the Imperial Kitchen. I noticed her good looks, quiet disposition, and culinary skills, so I appointed her as the Crown Prince's Accountant. However, when Princess Yi Yang married far away, the Crown Prince, being affectionate, worried that she would lack attendants. Since this Accountant was skilled in cooking, she was reassigned to serve Princess Yi Yang in Jingbei."

Yuan Zixu responded, "Oh? So she's already in Jingbei? That might complicate her being named the Crown Prince's secondary consort."

Empress Lao clapped her hands, revealing a hint of girlish charm. "That's what they say about fate bringing two people together. It just so happens that Princess sent this Rong Accountant back to the capital last year to manage miscellaneous affairs in the princess' residence. I've heard she was highly regarded for her service in protecting the princess and accomplished great deeds. She originally served as a maid to the crown prince, has excellent looks, and is trusted by the eldest princess. Now that her brother has also distinguished himself by passing the imperial examination, it would be fitting to promote her directly from accountant to concubine of the crown prince. This would not only reward Rong Accountant's loyal dedication but also please the princess with the emperor's favor."

She smiled sweetly. "Wouldn't it be a win-win situation, Your Majesty? As a trusted maid of the princess, the crown prince wouldn't refuse her. Considering the princess' influence, he would surely sire an heir for Your Majesty sooner."

Yuan Zixu's heart stirred slightly. He asked, "Why did the princess send this maid back to the capital?"

Empress Lao smiled. "If Your Majesty were to meet this maid, you'd understand. She's attractive and has proven herself. I've heard that her elder brother also serves in the military and recently achieved great feats in the Northern Calm Army. He now holds a position as a drill instructor in the imperial guards. For women like us, a good status often depends on our husbands' success. But in the Northern Calm region, the most prestigious title one can attain is that of the Northern Calm Prince... So it's better to bring her back to the capital, where she's still registered as a palace maid and the crown prince's accountant."

Yuan Zixu pondered before smiling. "You're right. Yi Yang has always forbidden her husband from taking concubines, and Duke Song has been obedient in the past. Since she's already the crown prince's accountant and has proven herself, promoting her to concubine seems reasonable." He paused, then chuckled. "I assume Duke Ding is showing respect to Yi Yang, and the position of drill instructor in the imperial guards must have been arranged by Duke Song."

Empress Lao laughed. "Rumor has it that Rong Accountant also presented gifts to Marquis Cheng'en. The newly promoted Rong Mo, who passed the imperial examination, benefited from the guidance of Marquis Cheng'en and the recommendation of Scholar Zheng, which led to his success."

Yuan Zixu's brow furrowed slightly before relaxing. He yawned, but still said, "Since she's a registered palace maid, it's best to bring her back to the palace soon and officially appoint her as the crown prince's concubine. It wouldn't do to have a palace maid outside the palace. You can take care of the arrangements."

Empress Lao promptly bowed. "As Your Majesty commands." She knew that Yuan Zixu had taken her words to heart and wouldn't leave the maid outside the palace. Naturally, it would be safer to confine her within the palace walls with the crown prince.

The central palace swiftly issued orders to the Ministry of Rites. Rong, a registered palace maid and daughter of a reputable family, had initially served as an accountant. Now, she was elevated to the rank of Liangdi, a fourth-degree noble lady. However, as a concubine, her marriage ceremony would be simpler than that of a formal wife.

With the emperor and empress eager for a quick resolution, the Ministry of Rites drafted an imperial edict and dispatched an envoy. Following the empress' instructions, they selected an auspicious date and delivered the edict, along with the betrothal gifts, to Rong's brother's residence in the capital. On that same day, palace officials and ladies were sent to escort Rong Liangdi into the palace to serve the crown prince.

The royal procession, carriages, and musicians filled the narrow alley. The remnants of the firecrackers celebrating Rong Mo's recent achievement as a Jinshi had yet to fully dissipate. Illuminated by colorful lanterns and banners, an endless stream of luxurious silk, symbolic of the supreme imperial betrothal gift, poured into the humble courtyard. The Rong siblings received the imperial edict with hearts full of trepidation.

Yu Twelve and the other guards stood by, their faces reflecting confusion and anxiety.

The officials from the Ministry of Rites and eunuchs descended from their sedan chairs to deliver the imperial decree. After a lengthy and flowery praise of Rong Bi's virtues and beauty, the announcement was made that she was to be appointed as the Crown Prince's Liangdi.

Once the edict was read, the ladies-in-waiting rushed forward to help Rong Bi change into her new attire as the Crown Prince's Liangdi and prepare her for the ceremony.

To their surprise, the lady-in-waiting assigned to tend to Rong Bi's makeup was none other than Aunty Gao, who had once taught her how to serve the Crown Prince. She approached with a smile and bowed, "This servant pays respects to Empress Liangdi. Congratulations, Your Highness, and felicitations. This servant always believed that Your Highness was destined for greatness, and indeed, you have been blessed with an extraordinary destiny."

Rong Bi observed the warmth in her eyes and turned slightly, asking gently, "Aunt Gao, why has the imperial edict arrived so suddenly?" After a moment of hesitation, she whispered, "Previously, the Duchess promised to allow me to return to my hometown."

Aunt Gao promptly stepped forward and whispered soothingly, "Your Highness, this is a grand occasion for celebration. Don't dwell on thoughts of returning to your hometown. Who doesn't long for their family? But isn't it natural for a young lady to marry? Your Highness was already the Jiaozhi of the Crown Prince, and now, having served with distinction, you've been elevated to the rank of Liangdi. This is an immense favor from heaven, a glory that will illuminate your ancestors' legacy."

Rong Bi cast a glance at her two elder brothers who were stopped outside, aware that her eldest brother served in the imperial guards, her second brother was in the military, and her third brother had just passed the imperial examination. Knowing it was impossible for her to defy the emperor's command, she could only resign herself to letting the palace maids dress her, style her hair, and apply her makeup.

The richly embroidered vermilion cloak was layered upon her, and her hair was styled into an elaborate high bun, adorned with a precious crown of three tree-shaped hairpins and six golden hair ornaments befitting a fourth-rank noblewoman. The weight of the accessories almost made it impossible for her to lift her head. With her eyebrows and cheeks elegantly powdered and rouged, her complexion glowed like a rosy dawn, outshining even the most vibrant peaches and plums.

The concubines all exclaimed in admiration, for her beauty brought a sudden radiance to the room.

Rong Bi conversed with Aunty Gao, "Please invite my two elder brothers in. I wish to bid them farewell."

Auntie Gao was slightly taken aback and glanced at Palace Matron Zhou, who had been standing by the door since she entered without uttering a word. Palace Matron Zhou was a confidante of Empress Luo, and it was she who had selected Rong Bi to serve by Empress Luo's side as the Head of Accounts. Naturally, Rong Bi recognized her, but since she hadn't spoken, Rong Bi didn't bother either.

Palace Matron Zhou maintained a stern expression, as cold as ice, "Your Highness is a member of the palace and should understand the rules. Your brothers are outsiders, and now that you are the Liangdi to the Crown Prince, how could you casually meet with men outside your family? The officials from the Ministry of Rites, the Board of Ceremonies, and the Imperial Clan Agency, who are responsible for the wedding procession, are still waiting outside. Don't delay the auspicious time. You should get into the carriage."

Rong Bi sat calmly and composedly, "Auntie Zhou, even the imperial family has the tradition of allowing a bride to bid farewell to her family before marriage. Which official from the Ministry of Rites is waiting outside? Being from the Ministry of Rites, he should be well-versed in etiquette. Why not invite him in so I can inquire if, as a Liangdi, I'm forbidden from saying goodbye to my brothers before entering the palace?"

The room fell silent, and Palace Matron Zhou found herself in an awkward position. She knew that this was not the time to assert authority. This Liangdi seemed strong-willed, and any confrontation might lead to delays, reflecting poorly on her own competence.

With a tight-lipped response, she said, "Just have the two Master Rongs come in for a brief conversation. Your Highness should cherish your blessings. Such immense fortune shouldn't be squandered."

Rong Bi's expression remained unchanged, "Thank you, Palace Matron Zhou, for your consideration. Please ask all the aunties and sisters to leave first. I just want to have a private conversation with my brothers."

Palace Matron Zhou's face stiffened, but seeing Rong Bi's matter-of-fact demeanor, she realized that if she denied her request, it might prolong the situation. Assuming that Rong Bi wouldn't be leaving the palace once she entered, she quickly ordered the palace maids to withdraw, leaving only a screen separating them outside.

In the meantime, eunuchs led Rong Yi and Rong Mo inside. Both brothers had red-rimmed eyes, gazing at their sister, resplendent in her formal attire, yet bound for a place they couldn't openly discuss – serving the rumored imprisoned Crown Prince. What was the difference between serving him and being imprisoned themselves? They fought back tears as they stepped forward to pay their respects.

Rong Bi hurriedly responded, "Brothers, there's no need to be too formal. I just wanted to give you some instructions. The shop has Master and apprentices like Bai Ying and Hong Ying taking care of things. They will manage until Father and Mother arrive in the capital. As for me, don't worry. I've spent many years in the palace and am familiar with everyone. The Crown Prince treats me very well, so there's no need for concern."

Rong Mo, with tears in her eyes, said, "Why so suddenly? Be cautious, sister."

Rong Yi, on the other hand, brought out a box of silver. "I hastily gathered this. Take it to reward those who serve you. If you need money, just send word out."

Rong Bi replied, "Our parents are about to come to the capital, and there will be many expenses in the future. I don't really need money in the palace, so keep it, brother."

But Rong Mo suddenly said, "We're not fools, sis. Keep it for your own safety!"

Noticing that her third brother's voice was already choked with emotion, Rong Bi quickly smiled. "Alright, brother, leave it on the table. I'll take it with me. Today is a happy day for me, so brothers should be joyful too."

She had already guessed that Palace Matron Zhou, by the Empress Lu's side, was involved in this matter. However, after swapping souls with the Crown Prince multiple times, she had come to regard the Han Palace as another home. She had personally cultivated the vegetable garden there, and just the other day, she had been wondering if the spring onions in the Han Palace had sprouted yet, and if the Crown Prince had instructed the servants to sow new crops during the spring rain. There was a secret passage in the Han Palace, so it wasn't like she would never be able to leave. When the time came, she could discuss a plan with the Crown Prince. Now that he clearly held the upper hand, she would merely be cooking and gardening in the palace – there was nothing to fear.

But her two brothers were unaware of the details and were both shocked and angry. Rong Mo wiped away her tears, her eyes red and her chest heaving. Rong Yi gazed at her with deep concern.

Rong Bi reassured them, "The Crown Prince is a man of noble character, gentle and refined. He has always treated others with kindness. I've admired him for a long time, and now my wish has come true. Brothers, there's no need to worry." She was worried that her brothers might become overly anxious and do something reckless, offending officials or defying the imperial edict, bringing trouble upon themselves. So, she spoke some comforting words to ease their minds.

As she mentioned her admiration for the Crown Prince, she seemed to see him standing right before her, causing her ears to warm slightly and a hint of shyness to wash over her.