Chapter 190

Chapter 190

"The imperial physician is here—!" This call was like a timely rain, giving everyone a brief respite from the Emperor's anger.

The imperial physician was already almost jogging in, sweating without a moment to wipe it off. Hearing the Emperor's angry voice, he started to run, ignoring the palace rule against running.

If he didn't hurry, wouldn't it seem like he was dawdling to the Emperor?

The imperial physician hadn't felt such oppressive tension, like being chased by a dog, in a long time. He had felt it occasionally when the Imperial Noble Consort was unwell, but after she got better, the urgency faded. Now, it felt like his legs could give out.

The imperial physician's hurried figure—if the timing and setting were appropriate, they would have saluted him in gratitude and relief.

The imperial physician wasn't doing much better. He had thought the Emperor would wait outside the screen, but the Emperor was still by her side.

Under the Emperor's intense gaze, the imperial physician felt the urgency, but the more he panicked, the steadier his hands became.

——

"The auspicious hour is almost here, why hasn't the Imperial Noble Consort arrived?" A minor noble lady, dressed in ceremonial attire and waiting, couldn't help but comment when Rong Noble Consort still hadn't arrived.

They had arrived early, but why was Rong Noble Consort late?

"Will she miss the auspicious time?" A minor noble lady said, her face showing genuine concern that Rong Noble Consort might miss the auspicious time.

Whether it was genuine concern or just an act, only she knew.

"The Imperial Noble Consort is different from us; she doesn't need to hurry," someone said, with a hint of sarcasm but not too obvious.

It was purely out of disdain for the earlier display of feigned concern. Now that Rong Noble Consort hadn't arrived, who was she putting on a show for?

She really was good at pretending.

...

The concubines, unable to contain their restlessness, whispered among themselves. No matter how softly they spoke, with each adding a word, how quiet could it really be?

But no one dared to be the first to speak out.

No one would be so bold as to cause trouble at Rong Noble Consort's investiture ceremony. During the Imperial Noble Consort's investiture, not only had they not gained any favor, but they had also been punished by the Imperial Noble Consort to copy Buddhist scriptures and follow strict etiquette when paying respects.

It was extremely tedious.

In the presence of the main consort, one had to bow their head under the eaves. But with the Imperial Noble Consort, whether it was punishment, strict etiquette, or rewards, one had to accept it all.

It was said that Xi Noble Consort's days were even harder.

Now, who would dare to stir up trouble? They didn't even dare to speak loudly.

Consort Xian had recently felt humiliated. She didn't dare to blame the Emperor, but instead felt it was all Rong Noble Consort's fault. If Rong Noble Consort hadn't upset the Emperor, the Emperor wouldn't have taken it out on her!

Every time something related to Rong Noble Consort happened, she ended up worse off!

Even her original title had been changed by Rong Noble Consort to the current 'Xian'!

It was all Rong Noble Consort's doing, poisoning the Emperor's mind against her. If it weren't for that, why would the Emperor have changed her title?

Consort Xian had just begun to recover from this blow, pretending not to care, and even telling others that the meaning of 'Xian' was more elegant and refined, and that she liked it.

Having finally risen to the position of consort, who would be so tactless as to bring up the past? An Noble Consort and the others were still just noble consorts.

After all, they couldn't compare to her. But before Consort Xian could enjoy her newfound status for long, she had already lost face again!

Now she had to grin and bear it, putting on a smile to attend the Rong Noble Consort's coronation ceremony.

While Consort Xian kept a smile on her face, she was seething inside, and her smile was somewhat reluctant.

Seeing that the Rong Noble Consort had not yet arrived, Consort Xian seemed to have found an opening and spoke up, "Could the Noble Consort have run into trouble on the way... The Imperial Noble Consort has already arrived, but the guest of honor hasn't shown up yet. We are all waiting here. The Noble Consort sure thinks highly of herself, don't you think, Consort Hui?"

She was well aware that Consort Hui also had issues with the Rong Noble Consort, and she wanted to get Consort Hui to join in so that after she finished speaking, someone would respond.

Consort Yi ignored Consort Xian. She was a consort, not some petty concubine, so why act so impatient? A little delay wouldn't derail the ceremony, would it?

Consort Hui appeared calm, but inwardly she was irritated with Consort Xian, this wishy-washy opportunist who only dared to talk big. But when push came to shove, she'd likely cower and hide, and even drag her along!

"Consort Xian, you shouldn't be too impatient," Consort Hui replied coolly, not siding with Consort Xian.

What if...

If something really happened to the Rong Noble Consort today, Consort Xian's earlier remarks would surely come back to bite her.

Moreover, Consort Xian was growing impatient, but Consort Hui grew more at ease as the wait dragged on. It seemed that something must have happened to the Rong Noble Consort.

Today's ceremony was doomed to hit a snag.

Her message to Mingzhu, warning the Hesheli family, hadn't been for nothing.

Don't assume that Xiao Hesheli's entry into the palace would make everything go smoothly. It was possible that before she even set foot in the palace, the little crown prince would acquire another 'maternal family.'

Without an insider in the palace, the Hesheli family would be out of the loop and oblivious to the shifting palace dynamics.

If she hadn't acted quickly, the Hesheli family might have been caught off guard when it was too late!

Consort Hui wasn't usually so generous.

If it weren't for the risk of leaving traces and getting caught, which would not only fail to win favor but also inadvertently help the Hesheli family, such matters were best left to others.

She'd simply bide her time.

At this crucial juncture, she wouldn't risk saying anything incriminating.

Seeing that Consort Hui not only didn't respond but also told her to be less impatient, Consort Xian's expression turned a bit ugly. What was she pretending for? As if she didn't know.

The Emperor wasn't here, so why was Consort Hui still putting on this fake face? Was it really that interesting?

Since Consort Hui had made her uncomfortable earlier.

"Consort Hui, don't misunderstand me. I was just worried that the Noble Consort might miss the auspicious time, so I spoke a bit hastily. The Noble Consort's status is noble, and it's fine for us to wait. But even the Imperial Noble Consort is waiting with us, isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

Consort Xian addressed Consort Hui as 'Consort Hui sister,' emphasizing the word 'sister' to deliberately provoke her. Seeing Consort Hui's expression turn colder, she was satisfied and then shifted the topic to the Imperial Noble Consort.

"Consort Xian, can't you stop talking? I don't feel anything wrong, but you are getting anxious on my behalf. Everyone is calm, only you are impatient. Xianjing Xianjing, you should be quieter."

The Imperial Noble Consort felt something was off and was pondering the situation when she had to listen to Consort Xian using her as a shield to provoke her. Her tone wasn't very pleasant either.

This series of remarks left no face for Consort Xian and specifically targeted her sore spots.

Consort Xian was choked by these words, and her expression changed in a somewhat comical manner. Consort Yi, who was watching from the side, couldn't help but laugh out loud.

This made Consort Xian's face turn even more ugly, alternating between green and white. What was wrong with the Imperial Noble Consort? The Rong Noble Consort wasn't even here, and she was still putting on an act like Consort Hui!

Could it be that they were really so close as sisters, and at this moment, they still had to use her as a prop!

Really?!

So now it's all her fault?

And they’re even mocking her for not being calm!

What’s Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia so smug about? Even as the Imperial Noble Consort, she still can’t have children. Once the Third Prince grows up...

Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia will regret this one day!

Hearing Consort Yi’s laughter, Consort Xian immediately gave her a dirty look and was about to question what Consort Yi meant when Consort Yi spoke first,

"Consort Xian, you should say less, or you’ll just make people laugh again... oops, my bad."

Consort Yi feigned covering her mouth, "I’m just blunt, and I didn’t mean to make fun of you."

But her insincere smile wasn’t even trying to hide it.

Just like when Consort Xian deliberately called Consort Hui 'sister,' it was just as irritating.

Since Consort Xian not only joined the palace earlier but is also older than Consort Yi, in terms of seniority, Consort Yi doesn’t have as much experience as Consort Xian.

But now that Consort Yi is the leader of the Four Imperial Consorts, she can naturally call Consort Xian 'sister.'

The Imperial Noble Consort didn’t have time for their bickering and intended to send someone to check.

She gestured to the maid beside her, "Go check."

What’s going on? The Noble Consort is usually lazy and unreliable, but she wouldn’t be late at a time like this. Could something be wrong?

The maid nodded in understanding and quietly left.

The Imperial Noble Consort sat patiently, while those below only dared to murmur a few words.

——

"Grand Empress Dowager, there’s been an incident in Yonghe Palace."

Cining Palace was the first to hear the news.

After all, the Grand Empress Dowager is the elder, and her presence is already a courtesy—there’s no need to wait early.

Besides, today might not go as planned.

As expected.

But it was too rushed—something happened before they even left Yonghe Palace.

"I’m afraid the investiture ceremony can’t go on," the maid reported.

Still feeling sorry for the Rong Noble Consort, such a good investiture ceremony actually went wrong.

The Grand Empress Dowager listened, lowered her eyes, and twirled her prayer beads without speaking.

Can’t go on?

That may not be the case.

Today, something happened to the Rong Noble Consort, someone must be trying to sabotage the investiture ceremony, or...

She didn’t want any other incidents to occur during the investiture ceremony.

However, if it were other tactics, it might be acceptable, but directly targeting Rong Noble Consort—isn’t that too obvious?

It might backfire.

——

Originally, the Inner Imperial Guards came to remind Rong Noble Consort that it was time to attend. Her entourage was already waiting outside Yonghe Palace, but Rong Noble Consort suddenly felt unwell.

Not only did the imperial physicians rush over, but the Emperor actually came as well!

Now they had to muster the courage to ask the Emperor if the investiture ceremony should be canceled due to Rong Noble Consort’s illness.

After all, Rong Noble Consort seemed seriously ill and likely couldn’t attend. The investiture ceremony is quite a lengthy process and can’t be wrapped up quickly.

If the main figure cannot come, how can they expect Imperial Noble Consort and the other concubines to keep waiting?

Later, they’d have to report back to Imperial Noble Consort and dismiss the other concubines.

"Send someone to get the Noble Consort’s golden seal," Kangxi said, spinning the jade ring on his finger.

Soon, a palace maid brought the golden seal, and Qinxin took it and presented it to the Emperor. Liang Jiugong stepped forward to receive it and stood by the Emperor, awaiting further instructions.

Kangxi glanced at it and said, "Since the Noble Consort is unwell, the investiture ceremony can still go on. Have someone carry her golden seal in her place."

The messenger was about to courageously point out that this might be improper, as it was unheard of for a Noble Consort to skip the ceremony and be represented by her golden seal.

This wasn’t the first time something like this had happened, and Imperial Noble Consort had to adhere to the investiture ceremony protocol.

Kangxi took off the jade ring he’d been wearing and placed it next to the golden seal. "I can’t leave now, so this jade ring will stand in for me," he said calmly but firmly.

At first, they wanted to argue it was improper and against protocol, but now, who would dare?

——

Imperial Noble Consort’s attendants didn’t take long to return. With such a major incident, if they hadn’t been temporarily out of the loop, they’d have known sooner.

The maid rushed back and whispered to Imperial Noble Consort about what had happened to Rong Noble Consort.

"What’s going on now?" Imperial Noble Consort frowned and pressed for details.

She wondered, how could this have happened? She’d thought Rong Noble Consort was prepared, yet she still got caught.

The maid whispered, "I heard the imperial physicians rushed over, and the Emperor’s there too."

Imperial Noble Consort nodded, her expression softening slightly but still troubled.

Since the imperial physicians got there in time, she should be safe.

However, Rong Noble Consort can’t be around locust flowers. Even if the physicians can control her cough, if she breaks out in rashes or has visible symptoms, she won’t be able to show up right away.

At first, Imperial Noble Consort thought only the investiture ceremony might be disrupted.

Now, it turns out Rong Noble Consort hasn’t even left Yonghe Palace and has already been affected. This is truly hard to guard against.

It seems the investiture ceremony will indeed have to be canceled.

Even if the ceremony is postponed to another day, by then the Hesheli family would have already sent their daughter into the palace.

With the young Hesheli now in the palace, it would be hard not to consider the Hesheli family's influence!

What a cunning plan!

Consort Xian, who had been observing the Imperial Noble Consort and her maid, guessed that the Imperial Noble Consort had sent someone to investigate. Seeing the maid return shortly and whisper something into the Imperial Noble Consort's ear, Consort Xian saw the Imperial Noble Consort's expression darken.

Could her guess be correct? Consort Xian almost laughed at the thought but faked a cough instead.

"Imperial Noble Consort, is there something you'd like to tell us?" Consort Xian spoke up again, this time playing dumb.

It was obvious who was missing.

Now that Consort Xian had spoken, they all looked at the Imperial Noble Consort, awaiting her response.

The Imperial Noble Consort looked at Consort Xian with a displeased expression, as if Consort Xian couldn't keep her mouth shut.

Seeing the Imperial Noble Consort's reaction, Consort Xian wasn't fazed.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Imperial Noble Consort? I was just worried about your troubled look. If there's something, you can share it with us, and perhaps we can help ease your burden."

"Consort Xian, you should talk less. I can't bear your concern. You just showed concern for the Rong Noble Consort, and now she's fallen ill and can't attend the ceremony. Your words are as bad as a crow's omen. Keep your concern to yourself."

The Imperial Noble Consort spoke bluntly, as this matter couldn't be hidden for long. Sooner or later, everyone would find out, but she couldn't resist retaliating against Consort Xian.

Upon hearing that the Rong Noble Consort was unwell and couldn't attend, the junior concubines couldn't conceal their shock.

The Rong Noble Consort had really run into trouble. From the Imperial Noble Consort's words, it wasn't a minor issue—she couldn't even attend the ceremony.

It looked like the ceremony would be called off.

After the initial shock, the junior concubines quickly put on fake expressions of concern, though many secretly relished the misfortune.

Was the Imperial Noble Consort calling her a jinx?!

The Imperial Noble Consort's words were sharp!

When Consort Hui heard that the Rong Noble Consort was unwell and might not attend the ceremony, she couldn't suppress a slight smirk, though she quickly masked it with a look of surprise.

Consort Yi raised an eyebrow and glanced at Consort Xian. "You were right, Consort Xian." She paused, then added, "Since the Rong Noble Consort is unwell, should we pay her a visit?"

To see what exactly had happened.

What a coincidence that trouble struck right before the ceremony. If it was a coincidence, who would believe it? But who could have pulled it off so well?

"Perhaps the Rong Noble Consort is feeling deeply distressed. We shouldn't disturb her," Consort Hui interjected, her words appearing thoughtful towards the Rong Noble Consort.

There was some truth to her words. In this situation, the Rong Noble Consort's mood must be far from good.

"The Imperial Noble Consort hasn't yet explained what exactly happened to the Rong Noble Consort. How could she suddenly fall ill on such an important day? It's not like she had to exert herself. If it were me, I would have pushed through and attended no matter what."

This was a dig at the Rong Noble Consort's supposed delicacy. At a time like this, a little discomfort shouldn't have kept her away. Was this really the time to be delicate?

But she didn't confront the Imperial Noble Consort directly. With the Imperial Noble Consort's temper, who knew what she was thinking? Even when given the chance to criticize the Rong Noble Consort, she let it slip.

Would the Rong Noble Consort really appreciate her concern?

Consort Xian’s words resonated with many. Even if it’s uncomfortable, you just have to tough it out. Not only did it waste everyone’s time, but rescheduling would also be a huge expense. The event’s grandeur even outshone the Imperial Noble Consort’s, yet she still held her tongue.

You could say she really set the mood.

The Imperial Noble Consort was on the verge of snapping as Consort Xian grew bolder.

Just then, a maid rushed in to announce that Liang Jiugong had arrived with a group.

——

Suo'etu was waiting too. He’d prepared extensively, hoping the coronation ceremony would hit a snag.

When Mingzhu first made that mocking, sarcastic comment, Suo'etu was furious. Mingzhu was just spouting nonsense. There was no way it was a genuine warning. Clearly, he had an agenda and was trying to cause trouble.

It was already a given that the Hesheli family would have a candidate in this year’s selection.

Why would the Emperor pick Rong Noble Consort, who’s less close to the Crown Prince, over his own aunt, who’s far closer?

There’s a clear line between family and outsiders!

But there’s always a reason. Mingzhu wouldn’t have said that just to get under his skin.

Suo'etu, always suspicious, started to question things once his anger cooled. He couldn’t shake the thought: what if it was true? What would that mean for the Hesheli family?

Then, Xiao Hesheli showed up, claiming she’d had a nightmare.

It eerily matched what Mingzhu had said. If Xiao Hesheli hadn’t been confined to the residence, Suo'etu might’ve thought someone had put her up to this to mess with his head.

But the servants confirmed Xiao Hesheli hadn’t been in touch with anyone suspicious and had kept to herself.

If Xiao Hesheli’s dream truly signaled trouble, she had to warn him to prevent any setbacks.

It didn’t sound fabricated. Suo'etu had grilled her repeatedly.

Suo'etu couldn’t just brush it off.

This drove home the point: without an insider, he’d always be the last to know.

Whatever Mingzhu’s motives, if it was true and Suo'etu found out too late, he’d be a laughingstock.

Luckily, there was still time. He told Xiao Hesheli to keep quiet, so no one would think she was crazy.

With the coronation ceremony still a ways off, Suo'etu got to work.

If Rong Noble Consort messed up, the coronation would be called off, and everything would be delayed.

Even if rescheduled, it’d be delayed until the next lucky day. By then, Xiao Hesheli would already be in the palace, and the situation would’ve shifted.

Then, it’d be unthinkable to sideline the Hesheli family again!

Since the coronation needed to be sabotaged, targeting Rong Noble Consort was inevitable.

It would be even more convenient and easier to strike if someone close to her were involved.

Thanks to Xiao Hesheli’s prophetic dream, it was revealed that one of Rong Noble Consort’s maids had a romantic relationship with a guard. If this were exposed, both the maid and her lover would face dire consequences, making it the perfect leverage against them.

Suo'etu immediately sent someone to verify and found that it was indeed true. There was indeed a maid in Rong Noble Consort’s entourage who had a secret affair with a guard!

If it weren’t for Xiao Hesheli’s revelation, Suo'etu wouldn’t have been able to find leverage to turn the maid against her so quickly. This saved him a lot of trouble and further convinced him of Xiao Hesheli’s prophetic dream.

Not to mention Rong Noble Consort's glaring vulnerability.

If Suo'etu doesn’t seize this opportunity, wouldn’t it be a waste of the heavens’ warning to the Hesheli family?

The court beads were the least likely to raise suspicion, and after special treatment, the scent of the locust flowers was almost imperceptible.

Moreover, during the process of the maids helping Rong Noble Consort wear them, they wouldn’t directly touch her skin, and the clothes would prevent immediate rashes. The faint scent wouldn’t quickly induce a coughing fit in Rong Noble Consort.

The thread of the court beads had been rigged beforehand. The maid assisting Rong Noble Consort only needed to apply a bit of force at the right time, and the beads would break and scatter.

At that moment, the hidden locust flower powder inside would spill out with the beads, releasing a more noticeable scent. After wearing them for some time, Rong Noble Consort would start feeling unwell, and this would further increase the dosage, inevitably causing a coughing fit.

Once Rong Noble Consort showed signs of distress, it would undoubtedly cause a major uproar.

At that point, the servants would swarm in, and chaos would ensue.

Additionally, the breaking of the court beads would serve as another signal.

Suo'etu always prefers to have a contingency plan. Even if Rong Noble Consort noticed something wrong with the court beads and avoided the trap, as long as the investiture ceremony proceeded, the contingency plan would be something Rong Noble Consort could never anticipate!

As he was pondering this, someone came back with news.

The plan had gone sideways; the court beads broke in Yonghe Palace, exposing the plot, and Rong Noble Consort immediately suffered a coughing fit.

The situation was dire, and Yonghe Palace was in disarray.

However, the Emperor soon arrived at Yonghe Palace, and the imperial physician quickly followed. It was said the Emperor was livid and had a maid arrested.

Suo'etu listened, frowning especially when he heard the Emperor arrived even before the imperial physician. He didn’t say anything, but when he heard about the arrest of a maid, he exclaimed, "Could it be?!"

"Yes, sir," the man nodded, adding that the Emperor had indeed caught on to something suspicious.

Suo'etu couldn’t help but throw something in anger, "Idiot! Who gave her the authority to act recklessly! She dared to alter the plan right in front of the Emperor!" he said, glaring furiously.

This wasn’t just a slip-up; she was practically signing her own death warrant!

"Since Rong Noble Consort already had a coughing fit in Yonghe Palace, she won’t be able to attend, and the investiture ceremony will be canceled. Why make this unnecessary move! Fool!" Suo'etu was seething and was about to order someone to tidy up the mess. Despite the deviation, the goal was still met.

It also saved him from using the contingency plan, which was now unnecessary.

If more 'accidents' happened in a row, it would seem too calculated.

Still, Suo'etu couldn’t help but slam the table in frustration. What a wasted chance to get rid of Rong Noble Consort!

The prearranged two-pronged plan, even with the Emperor there, would have left Rong Noble Consort momentarily vulnerable.

At that time, the maid arranged according to the plan, taking advantage of the chaos when the servants couldn’t detect anything wrong, could have acted in the confusion, worsening Rong Noble Consort's coughing fit. By the time the imperial physician arrived, it could have been too late, and Rong Noble Consort could have been eliminated in one fell swoop, eradicating the threat!

Now...

It’s a real shame; Rong Noble Consort got lucky that the court beads broke in Yonghe Palace, triggering her coughing fit, instead of during the investiture ceremony.

It was also that maid’s idiocy for not being able to adapt!

Well, this deviation is still acceptable. The goal was achieved, fewer people were implicated, and it saved trouble.

Suo'etu was about to order his trusted aide to deal with the fallout from the maid when he noticed the aide’s uneasy expression, as if there was more to say, "What else is there?"

"Sir, reporting to you, although the Rong Noble Consort is suffering from a cough and cannot attend, but... but..."

"But what? Speak!" Suo'etu lost his patience, irritated by the half-finished sentence.

"However, the Noble Consort's conferment ceremony hasn't been canceled."

"How is that possible?!" Suo'etu stood up, slamming his hands on the table with a loud bang.

—

"By the Emperor's decree, the conferment ceremony will proceed as scheduled. Since the Noble Consort is unable to attend, a maid will hold her golden seal and perform the ceremony in her place," Liang Jiugong announced, signaling the chief maid holding the Noble Consort's golden seal to step forward.

After Liang Jiugong finished speaking, the junior concubines looked at each other in confusion. Is this really happening?

Consort Hui, who had been sitting calmly, expecting the ceremony to be disrupted, was now surprised that despite the Rong Noble Consort's mishap, the conferment ceremony was still to proceed?!

"Eunuch Liang, isn't it against the rules to have someone else perform the ceremony?"

"Consort Hui, the Emperor's decree must be followed. Are you questioning the Emperor?" The Imperial Noble Consort said with a smile, effectively accusing Consort Hui of disrespecting the Emperor.

Hearing this, Consort Hui's expression changed immediately. "I wouldn’t dare, Your Highness. You exaggerate, Imperial Noble Consort." Consort Hui could not bear the accusation of disrespecting the Emperor; the Imperial Noble Consort clearly did not wish her well.

"If that’s the case, why argue? If you are dissatisfied, you may go and speak directly to the Emperor. Why trouble Eunuch Liang? He is only here to convey the Emperor's decree," said the Imperial Noble Consort.

Consort Yi looked conflicted, unable to speak. Her usually vibrant eyes were now unusually quiet, with a hint of sadness.

Consort Xian was furious but didn’t dare speak, fearing that the Imperial Noble Consort would accuse her of disrespecting the Emperor. If Liang Jiugong went back and spoke ill of her to the Emperor, what would she do?

Liang Jiugong took it all in before speaking again, raising his hand to direct everyone's attention to the jade ring beside the Noble Consort's golden seal.

"This jade ring is His Majesty's personal item. Since His Majesty is too busy to attend the ceremony in person, he ordered me to bring this jade ring, seeing it is like having His Majesty present."

After speaking, Liang Jiugong led the way in bowing, and the maids accompanying him, except for the chief maid holding the jade ring and the Noble Consort's golden seal, all bowed.

Those present were momentarily stunned, but the Imperial Noble Consort was the first to rise and bow. "Your servant pays respects to the Emperor."

The jade ring had been worn by the Emperor for many years, originally belonging to Emperor Taizong, passed down from Emperor Taizong to the previous Emperor.

After the Emperor recovered from smallpox as a child and returned to the palace, the previous Emperor awarded him this jade ring as a token of commendation, symbolizing the previous Emperor's expectations for him, making it of extraordinary significance to the Emperor.

Naturally, it was as if the Emperor himself was present.

With the Imperial Noble Consort taking the lead in bowing, the rest of the concubines dared not remain standing and all bowed.

Consort Xian was very reluctant but had no choice but to rise and bow.

Now that the Emperor’s jade ring and the Noble Consort’s golden seal were placed together, even during the conferment ceremony, the reading of the edict and the receiving of the rites would have to be done in reverse, bowing to the Noble Consort's golden seal, not to mention the six prostrations and three kneelings and bowings.