TICIEC Chapter 12.2

This went on for five days.

The Emperor favored Ning Wanyin night after night and sent rewards to Lingxue Pavilion like a stream of water.

As the newest person in the harem, the other concubines hadn’t seen her since she began serving the Emperor.

Because the Emperor asked for leave from the Empress Dowager on her behalf every day for the same reason.

Such extraordinary favor was so widespread that even the imperial court heard that a charming concubine had emerged from the harem, captivating the Emperor.

Soon, court officials from the two major dukedoms, Xue and Cen, submitted memorials accusing the Count of Shou’an of ‘mismanaging his household’.

Because the imperial court was not allowed to talk about concubines without authorization, this was a roundabout way of scolding Ning Wanyin.

Her father’s incompetence in managing the household had given rise to a ‘bad daughter’, such as her.

The news was passed back to Lingxue Pavilion.

Lian Rui couldn’t help but worry about her young lady, “My Lady, I heard that many ministers from the imperial court have accused the Master. What should we do?”

Ning Wanyin sat by the windowsill, her delicate hands carefully copying a cluster of bamboo in ink. She spoke calmly, “Don’t worry. I’m fine, and so is my father.”

Among those court officials, the one who was actually criticizing was her.

As long as she was still alive and well, her father would be fine.

“You are right. You are here. As long as you say a few good words to His Majesty, I believe His Majesty will not make things difficult for the Master…” However, Lian Rui misunderstood and thought about something else.

Ning Wanyin couldn’t help but laugh: Speaking good words to the Emperor? When did I ever have the dignity to do that?

But surely, in the eyes of the world, she did have that dignity.

“The Emperor holds the final say; how can a mere woman influence him? Your Majesty has no need for me to interfere.”

Ning Wanyin dipped her pen in thick ink.

She looked at Lian Rui and warned her, “Don’t say such things again.”

Lian Rui quickly fell silent. She realized belatedly that her words seemed to be whispering in her master’s ears, and if this got out, it would be bad for her master’s reputation.

But she had never witnessed such a scene of ministers aggressively targeting her master.

She couldn’t help but worry about the young lady.

“Your Excellency, Eunuch Wang is here to deliver the imperial edict!” Xiao Guizi hurried in to report.

Ning Wanyin was slightly stunned, then immediately put down her pen and went to the courtyard to receive the order.

“By the will of Heaven, the Emperor decrees that Ning Guiren, gentle and virtuous, and pure and kind, be promoted to the rank of Meiren.” Wang Degui announced.

Ning Wanyin took the imperial edict with both hands and bowed, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace.”

“Congratulations, Ning Meiren! You are the first concubine to be promoted this year, a testament to His Majesty’s favor!” Wang Degui congratulated her with a smile.

“Thank you, Chief Eunuch, for coming all the way. Please have some tea.”

Ning Wanyin smiled and stuffed a heavy silver reward bag into Wang Degui’s hand.

Wang Degui wasn’t one to accept money from just anyone.

But he also had high hopes for Ning Wanyin, so he accepted her money and offered her a favor, whispering, “I’m sure Lady Meiren has heard about the previous ministers’ accusations against your father. Don’t worry, His Majesty immediately issued an edict to promote you after seeing these memorials. I’m sure he wants to reassure you!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your mercy!”

Ning Wanyin was touched and thanked him again.

“Thank you, Chief Eunuch, for telling me.”

After seeing Wang Degui off, Ning Wanyin, as per custom, rewarded the people of Lingxue Pavilion and ordered the imperial edict to be enshrined.

Everyone was delighted.

Lian Rui finally felt relieved and said happily, “Master, His Majesty is so thoughtful! He truly cares for you!”

Ning Wanyin, however, seemed lost in thought.

If the Emperor liked her and promoted her, he would have done so a few days ago…

After seeing the memorials from the ministers, she was promoted, which was clearly for Empress Dowager Xue to see.

However, she had been profiting from the game between the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, and she was happy to see this outcome.

A promotion, a step up in treatment, was a good thing.

Soon, the Imperial Household Department sent even more exquisite screens, vases, and other ornaments than before, which were the specifications that a meiren should have. Two more palace maids were added, which was also the configuration that a meiren should have.

The Lingxue Pavilion was filled with joy and excitement for the whole day.

In Qianxin Palace—

Wang Degui returned and reported, “Ning Meiren is very happy and very grateful to Your Majesty.”

Helian Qi paused while reviewing the memorial and said calmly, “Hmm.”

The image of the young woman’s charming smile flashed through his mind, but his gaze quickly shifted toward the Cining Palace.

A report from the ministers?

Oh, then a promotion.

 

 

 

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