readsfreenovel Chapter 262 Return to Beijing to report on work
Chapter 262 Return to Beijing to report on work
The Shenwu Emperor tapped the table on the imperial concubine's couch with his fingertips. "There's one more thing I want to tell you. I've ordered your father to return to the capital to report on his work. In a few days, Marquis Wujing will be arriving in the imperial city with his family."
Lan Qingwu was genuinely happy when he heard this: "Really? If so, then Mom and Dad can just wait until Ruo Ruo gives birth, and the little princess will get to see her grandparents right after she's born."
The Shenwu Emperor couldn't help but smile: "Are you happy? Weak, this time when Wu Jinghou returns to the imperial city, I will grant him more favors. The Queen's father is also my father-in-law."
Lan Qingwu frowned secretly, "But... my father is a military commander, and has already reached the Martial Realm. He spends most of his time at the border and never returns to the Imperial City. I think it's best not to give him a higher title."
Emperor Shenwu said indifferently, "It's just an empty title. If I only rewarded her with some gold and silver ornaments, it would be fine. If I didn't show any appreciation, those civil and military officials would think that I don't like the Empress and don't value her. This would only make the former court and the harem even more unstable."
Lan Qingwu nodded blankly: "It seems... that's true. Then I will listen to Brother Heng."
Emperor Shenwu scratched Lan Qingwu's straight and elegant nose and said, "That's right, leave it to me! I will just wait to meet them."
Lan Qingwu smiled brightly and accepted it with pleasure.
Emperor Shenwu looked at the smile on Lan Qingwu's face, his expression unchanged, but he felt a little depressed in his heart. According to the information he had received, the physical condition of General Lan in the Lan Mansion in the imperial city had deteriorated again in recent days. The injuries he suffered in the battle when he was young had all flared up at the same time this time. The old illness plus the symptoms of old age had left even the imperial physician helpless. Now he could only receive conservative treatment and live one day at a time.
Therefore, the entire Lan family from the border region returned to the imperial city this time. In addition to returning to Beijing to report on their work, the most fundamental reason was to accompany General Lan in his last few months.
Of course, all of this was deliberately concealed from the pregnant Empress, even from her closest confidants. Emperor Shenwu quietly concealed this information. Now, who wouldn't be concerned about the Empress's unborn child? Who would dare disturb the Empress with such a matter? If anything happened to the Empress and her unborn child, how could the Emperor let it go?
After a few days, the Ministry of Rites selected an auspicious day. After Emperor Shenwu conferred the title on the empress, he once again conferred titles on the concubines in the harem.
Concubine Jiang was promoted to Noble Concubine Jiang, while Concubine Wen and Concubine Wan remained unchanged. Concubine Yang was promoted to Concubine Yang, Concubine Liang to Concubine Liang, Concubine Han to Concubine Han, Concubine Zhang to Concubine Zhang, Concubine Fang to Concubine Fang, Concubine Shuixia to Concubine Hu, Concubine Cao to Concubine Cao, Concubine Wei to Concubine Wei, and Concubine Liu to Concubine Liu. Concubine Bai had been promoted to Concubine Bai two years earlier because of the Fourth Prince, and this time she was promoted to Concubine Bai again. A mother's status is determined by her son, that's how it is!
After a grand enthronement ceremony, all the women in the harem were filled with joy.
Of course, there were also those who were unhappy, and the two Su noble ladies were among those who wore gloomy faces. In recent years, the two sisters had become close to Lady Liu, and today they had come to Lady Liu's palace to chat.
Concubine Da Su said with a bit of bitterness: "Sister Liu, on the day of the enthronement ceremony, I listened to the ceremonial music all day long. I think you must have had a very lively day that day too. You are really lucky, sister."
Little Noble Lady Su also said, "Yes, yes! Sister, you are already a beauty now!"
Concubine Liu—the former Concubine Liu—entered the palace as a tribute to Prince Kang. The ambition she had when she first entered the palace seemed to have completely vanished as she spent her days there.
Lady Liu frowned slightly and said delicately, "Sisters, please stop teasing me. I've been in the palace for so many years, neither favored nor causing trouble. This time, I guess His Majesty promoted me for the sake of His Royal Highness Kang. After all, His Royal Highness Kang can't be embarrassed! After all, haven't you noticed over the years? The only one favored by His Majesty has always been the Empress, who is now in Fengqi Palace!"
Noble Lady Da Su nodded absentmindedly, "That's right! But there's no need to underestimate yourself, my sister. With His Royal Highness Prince Kang as your backer, your days in the palace will not be difficult."
As for the emperor's favor, they have long been accustomed to it over the years.