Chapter 100: The Lin Family’s Promotion

Chapter 100: The Lin Family's Promotion

When Lin Yi and Lin Zongfei arrived at the palace gate, it was just as the civil and military officials were leaving after court.

Many officials in crimson robes poured out like a red tide, all of them noticing the Lin family father and son, who had changed into one red and one green official robes.

The crimson robe naturally belonged to Lin Yi, while the green robe was for Lin Zongfei.

Wei Wuhou Xie Yuan strode forward, bowing to Lin Yi, while Lin Zongfei bowed to Wei Wuhou, and Xie Yuan helped Lin Zongfei up.

Xie Yuan raised an eyebrow at Lin Zongfei, finding his brother-in-law's formality a bit excessive.

"Brother, there's no need for such formalities. This visit is..."

Lin Zongfei smiled and said, "In our residence in Hangzhou, we were fortunate enough to receive an auspicious omen. I have come to present it to the Emperor."

Though Wei Wuhou was curious about the omen, he didn't press Lin Zongfei for details. "We can talk more over dinner tonight."

"Of course," Lin Zongfei replied respectfully. "I also wish to offer a few more toasts to Lord Marquis. When I returned home, I saw my sister Baozhen, whose cheerful nature remains unchanged, clearly due to your sincere care."

Thinking of Lin Baozhen's condition, Xie Yuan spoke warmly, "Baozhen carries my child, so naturally, I treat her well."

Xie Yuan now felt very pleased with Lin Zongfei, much like how he felt about Lin Baozhen. He patted his brother-in-law's shoulder.

The three stood in a corner as others passed by.

Some keen-eared individuals heard Lin Zongfei mention the word "omen" and exchanged glances. Some even asked Pei Jin, "Do you know what the omen is, Minister Pei?"

Pei Jin, who hadn't even known about the omen being sent, could only shake his head. "We'll know tomorrow."

Wei Wuhou only exchanged a few words with the Lin family father and son. Presenting an omen was a significant matter, so he went to his post at the Ministry of Justice.

As Lin Yi and Lin Zongfei entered the palace, Emperor Chengde was in the imperial study, reviewing memorials.

The Emperor casually glanced at a memorial and marked it with a vermilion pen, while Fu Bin immediately opened the next one and placed it before the Emperor.

Upon hearing that Lin Yi and Lin Zongfei had arrived, Emperor Chengde immediately recalled the memorial Lin Zongfei had once submitted. He instructed Fu Bin to clear the desk neatly.

The Emperor ordered them to enter and kept his eyes fixed on the box in Lin Zongfei's arms.

When Lin Zongfei knelt to present the omen, Fu Bin was about to take it, but the Emperor stepped forward. "I will open it myself."

The box was made of rare sandalwood, emitting a faint, pleasant fragrance.

Inside, there was a golden silk fabric with patterns of the Eight Treasures of Buddhism.

The silk was embroidered with gold thread, making the Buddhist symbols shine brightly.

The silk fabric was so splendid that it almost overshadowed the white jade Guanyin statue, but Emperor Chengde couldn't take his eyes off it.

When the Emperor first saw the depiction of the omen, he knew the Guanyin statue would resemble Concubine Chen. But upon seeing it in person, he was filled with joy.

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!" The Emperor exclaimed, his eyes bright. "Truly worthy of being the omen that emerged from the earth on Concubine Chen's birthday!"

Fu Bin, keeping his gaze lowered, noticed the Emperor's excitement and quickly glanced up. An omen in the form of a white jade Guanyin statue?

The Emperor wanted to take out the Guanyin statue and rubbed his hands together. "Bring water; I must wash my hands."

Fu Bin waved his duster, and a young eunuch brought water. Then, Fu Bin personally presented the basin to the Emperor.

The Emperor immersed his hands in the golden basin, washed them carefully, dried them, and then lifted the Guanyin statue, placing it on the desk.

"Fu Bin," the Emperor said with a smile, "take a look. Doesn't it resemble Concubine Chen?"

The memorial about the omen had not passed through Fu Bin's hands, so this was the first time he saw the Guanyin statue.

He was shocked, his lips trembling. "It truly looks as if it were carved from the same mold as Her Majesty Concubine Chen."

Fu Bin's shock pleased the Emperor.

Emperor Chengde laughed heartily, his wrinkles smoothing out. "Go and invite Concubine Chen here. By the way, don't tell her about the omen in advance!"

Fu Bin understood that the Emperor wanted to surprise Concubine Chen and responded loudly, bowing and retreating.

/

Before arriving, He Lanting had asked Fu Bin who else was in the imperial study.

From Fu Bin, she learned that the two were Lin Yi, the Minister of Rites, and Lin Zongfei, the Vice Governor of Hangzhou.

Lin Zongfei was there to present the omen, and Lin Yi, as his father, accompanied him to meet the Emperor.

Logically, Lin Yi's position wasn't significant enough to catch He Lanting's attention, but his son-in-law was Xie Yuan.

Concubine Chen soon arrived at the imperial study and was immediately taken by the hand by the Emperor. "My love, look at this omen sent by the Vice Governor of Hangzhou."

The Emperor held her hand and led her to the desk.

When He Lanting saw the Guanyin statue, her first reaction was not joy but shock.

Her status was already high, and without a child, why did they create such an omen? Wasn't she already under enough scrutiny?

He Lanting quickly composed herself, masking her shock with surprise.

Lin Zongfei didn't notice He Lanting's subtle change in expression, but Lin Yi did.

The Emperor, delighted, showed He Lanting the Guanyin statue and said gently, "My love, look. On your birthday, a white jade Guanyin statue emerged from the ground in Hangzhou, which is a great omen."

He Lanting looked at the white jade statue and then up at the Emperor. "Has anyone else seen this omen?"

"Yes," the Emperor smiled. "The Vice Governor was hosting a banquet, and everyone in the Hangzhou official circles has seen it."

Emperor Chengde desired auspicious signs, but he wanted genuine ones, not fabricated ones.

Hangzhou was a wealthy place, and serving as an official here could be considered a highly lucrative position. Emperor Chengde had carefully selected the officials he placed here, employing a strategy of one loose and one tight. The previous governor of Hangzhou was more flexible, so for this term, he appointed a more upright official.

The current governor of Hangzhou was a former censor who had been reassigned to the provinces. This censor was known for his integrity and would certainly have witnessed the emergence of the White Jade Guanyin statue firsthand.

This White Jade Guanyin statue must be a true auspicious sign.

However, He Lanting still believed it to be a false sign. She had been reclusive in recent years, but that did not mean she never went out. It would not have been difficult for Lin Tongzhi to obtain her portrait, but how did he manage to make it emerge from the ground?

As He Lanting lowered her head to examine the Guanyin statue, Emperor Chengde held Concubine Chen's hand and said with deep affection, "Heaven itself believes you are compassionate, Ting'er. You should be promoted to Imperial Noble Consort!"

The emperor intended to bypass the rank of Noble Consort and directly elevate He Lanting to Imperial Noble Consort.

He Lanting's hand trembled, and she immediately knelt down, saying, "Your Majesty, I am unworthy. Please do not do this."

Emperor Chengde looked at He Lanting with immense tenderness, "Of course, you are worthy. Heaven has already shown this sign. Lin Tongzhi, who brought this auspicious sign, will also receive great rewards. Now, both of you may leave."

Lin Zongfei indeed planned to withdraw, but Lin Yi boldly stepped forward to advise, "Your Majesty, I believe what Concubine Chen said. Promoting Concubine Chen to Imperial Noble Consort should be carefully considered."

Lin Yi's words instantly froze the atmosphere in the imperial study.

Lin Zongfei never expected that despite the emperor's evident love for He Lanting, his father would still defy the emperor's wishes.

However, He Lanting felt relieved and quickly said, "I agree with what Lin大人 said. Even if there is an auspicious sign, we can celebrate privately. It would be better for me to remain as Concubine Chen, ensuring my position is stable. I truly do not wish to risk public disapproval by becoming an Imperial Noble Consort."

"Congresswoman, if I say you are worthy, then you are!" Emperor Chengde became angry.

Everyone fell to their knees, and Lin Zongfei deeply regretted bringing his father into the palace.

Lin Yi bowed his head and said, "I also believe Concubine Chen is worthy of the rank of Imperial Noble Consort, but promoting her two ranks based on an auspicious sign might invite criticism, especially from the court ministers."

"Madam Congresswoman, I concur with what Minister Lin has stated," He Lanting gently stroked the emperor's palm, signaling him to dismiss the two ministers, "Permit me to speak with you in private."

Emperor Chengde felt He Lanting's subtle gesture and dismissed the two ministers first. Lin Zongfei was seething inside but knew this was not the place to speak, so he sat quietly.

Lin Yi clenched his fist, feeling elated. Xie Yuan had become the Minister of Justice due to family connections, and speaking up for Concubine Chen like this should earn him a promotion!

/

What He Lanting said in the imperial study was simple: she wanted to have a child before being promoted. The auspicious sign could then be used to support her claim. If she bore a son, the sign would prove that their child was destined by heaven, allowing them to smoothly establish the crown prince.

The emperor held He Lanting's hand and whispered, "In my heart, you are worthy of being an Imperial Noble Consort. What if the court ministers oppose it? A bunch of spineless men—would anyone dare to remonstrate by banging their heads against a pillar?"

"With this auspicious sign, I do not want to see bloodshed," He Lanting said softly, "My likeness appears on the merciful Bodhisattva Guanyin."

Emperor Chengde's expression stiffened.

He Lanting gently shook the emperor's arm and said in a coquettish voice, "Your Majesty, we agreed before that I would be promoted after giving birth. The character 'Chen' in my title already shows your affection for me. Good things come to those who wait. Can we wait a little longer?"

The emperor's anger subsided under such gentle persuasion, "I feel it is too much of a hardship for you."

He Lanting smiled and placed the emperor's hand on her belly, "Let me tell you a secret, my menstrual cycle is late by one day. Perhaps this time there is good news. Please wait a bit longer. I want to use this good fortune for our child, not for myself. As parents, don't we always want to give the best to our children?"

Emperor Chengde looked into He Lanting's watery eyes and finally nodded.

"By the way, Your Majesty, besides rewarding Lin Tongzhi, I think his father should also receive some favor. Otherwise, I might really have to become an Imperial Noble Consort," He Lanting said with a smile.

"What reward does the beloved concubine think is appropriate?"

He Lanting shook her head, her eyes twinkling, and said in a playful tone, "I don't know, Your Majesty. You decide."