Phoenix: Rules Of The Harem
Chapter 6: The Decree of Marriage
Inside his room, in the Sun Palace, Shao Mu Lan stared in surprise at his servant. Staying in his position, standing haughty with both hands stretching out gracefully, Mu Lan let her other servants style her clothes and decorate her hair. "The Empress mother called everyone to the Main Hall?"
"Shin. The Grand Empress had summoned all the imperial princesses, the Imperial Master, the officials and ministers, then the imperial guests from the Kingdom of Wei to be in the Main Hall this morning, Your Majesty."
Shao Mu Lan furrowed her brows when she heard the reply from her servant. This was too much, a very rare thing for the Grand Empress to call so many people in the morning meeting. Seeing from the many events that have happened lately, is it possible.....
Mu Lan sighed with a face that was still cold, it seemed like it was not something good for her. "I understand, go!"
The servant simply nodded, then bowed respectfully before walking away from the master. Mu Lan turned around, staring at the reflection of her appearance inside the mirror. Feeling that it had been enough, Mu Lan raised her one hand, gesturing for her servants to leave her room. Mu Lan understood, once again her mother was not on her side. In his heart he laughed, this kind of thing he was used to getting. Mu Lan was the unloved daughter of the Imperial Grand Concubine, her father was nothing compared to the Imperial Moon, the official companion of the beloved Grand Empress Shao.
(Little information about the Shao Empire: according to astronomical naming, each imperial family is described as celestial bodies and has different names in terms of title and position. Sun for**p**grand empress, moon for the imperial chief consort, stars for the imperial princesses and princes, stars for the imperial court, and specifically for the crown princess is usually referred to as the imperial sun candidate or the imperial young sun because she is considered as the next successor to the throne. However, the Imperial Sun's call to the Grand Empress was rarely used because the Grand Empress was more often described as the Great Phoenix).
Imperial Main Consort*Hong Yu Wen is the main reason her fourth sister, Shao Ling Mei is so liked and loved by her mother even with the mental disability she has. The Imperial Moon, the, Imperial Main Consort Hong Yu Wen was in a valid marriage together with Grand Empress Shao Fang Hua who was then still in the position of crown princess due to the marriage decree given by the Imperial Grandmother, the Purna Empress. However, just like a celestial destiny, it was only known if the Imperial Grand Companion and Grand Empress had feelings of love in their respective hearts.
(Imperial Main Consort: it can also be called as the Imperial Chief Companion, the Imperial Moon or the Imperial Dragon is the official husband of a Grand Empress who is legally and massively married, and is the official husband of a Grand Empress, usually the marriage is done when the next empress candidate is still in the position of crown princess and has not yet ascended the throne).
Even after the Grand Empress ascended the throne and took concubines to her harem at the request of palace officials, Imperial Chief Apprentice Hong Yu Wen remains the only man favored by Grand Empress Shao Fang Hua. Her paternal grandmother, Prime Minister Gu, had her father, Gu Yun He, entering marriage into the palace harem as a concubine. With the help of his grandmother who was an Imperial Prime Minister, Shao Mu Lan's father, Gu Yun He was able to rise from the position of a Third Level High Official Consort to Imperial Grand Consort or Imperial Noble Consort* that was one level below the Imperial Main Companion.
(Imperial Noble Consort: it can also be referred to as the Imperial Grand Concubine or the Imperial Lord, being one level below the Imperial Main Companion. In his position, the title of Imperial Noble Consort could only be owned by two concubines within the harem. The easiest way to get the title is to get the affection of the empress or the concubine has given offspring to the empress).
Mu Lan turned around once again, she smiled faintly with cold eyes. Stroll gracefully out of his palace with many servants behind him. Curiosity soared high like clouds in the sky, Mu Lan wanted to see what her mother would do this time. It didn't matter if the Grand Empress wasn't on her side, it wasn't a difficult thing. He was not his father who always expected the queen's cold affection and love. Mu Lan had built up her own strength because this time Mu Lan really wanted it, the throne. And in order to obtain it, he would do anything including getting rid of the true successor.
.................
The crowd was visible from outside the area of the Main Hall, the palace officials were seen standing in front of the courtyard of the hall with expressions of astonishment. They discussed with each other in a questionable manner, in all things that happened, what made the Grand Empress give such a rare order?
"From two possibilities good and bad. Prime Minister Gu, have you figured out the reason Grand Empress gathered all of us together?" among the crowd of ministers present, Personnel Minister Jin Dai Yu, asked Gu Shi Xian who was an imperial prime minister as well as the mother of one of the current imperial grand concubines.
Seeing Prime Minister Gu's silent expression, Rite Minister Xiao Li Jing nodded confirming and chiming in on the remarks of Personnel Minister Jin. "Really! It was very strange when Her Highness the Great Empress summoned and gathered everyone together with the princesses and imperial guests at once. It's not like it's for a regular morning meeting."
Prime Minister Gu smiled faintly, looking ahead with a sharp sword-like gaze. The old woman seemed to remain authoritative and powerful year after year, "Hmph! Just shut up and look. Standing and waiting in this place, it seems like I feel curious in my mind about Grand Empress's secret plan."
The other ministers just nodded and whispered to each other. Grand Empress Shao was indeed a secretive and dangerous person, toying with him was not a good thing. He can destroy you at any time with his hidden sword. So cold that it can make you shiver in fear when dealing with it.
In contrast to the ministers who were crowding and whispering, on the right side of the outer courtyard of the Main Hall had gathered the princesses and two princes of the Wei Kingdom. Prince Wei's youngest was nowhere to be seen due to his too young age to attend the meeting. Some princesses of the Shao Empire also started to arrive with their respective retinue of servants, Shao Ming Fei had been present first among her brothers and sisters. Similarly, Shao Ling Mei who had also been present at the same time as Shao Mu Lan's arrival, the two now stood side by side with different facial features.
"Greetings to the Crown Princess of the Empire, may you always be happy." Ling Mei looked down respectfully, a carefree smile was seen on her jade-like face.
Mu Lan smiled gently. "As usual, the fourth sister always looks cheerful and excited."
Ling Mei laughed sweetly, her expression looking so innocent and pure. "Ah, first brother! Dad told me to always smile and be a friendly girl. He said it would make a lot of people like me."
"Oh, that? It seems like Imperial Father Hong has taught you a good thing, fourth sister."
Receiving a response from someone, Mu Lan and Ling Mei quickly turned their heads. The two gazes were fixed on Shao Mu Rong who walked over towards the two of them gracefully. "Greet the Imperial Crown Princess, may you always be filled with happiness."
"This morning the empress mother called all of us without exception, this situation is really rare and unexpected. Second sister, don't you want to know what the empress mother will announce to us?"
"First brother, of course I was curious. Ever since my servant told me that the empress mother called everyone into the official Main Hall, I had been so wondering what was really going on." Shao Mu Rong spoke in a flat tone, as usual the second princess of the Shao Empire had such a cold nature. He was silent for a while, then looked at Ling Mei meaningfully and continued his words. "But it seems, whatever it is, I think there will be good news for fourth sister."
Mu Lan raised next to her brows, if her thinking was the same as the intent of her second sister's speech, it meant that all her assumptions were correct. Hearing all the conversations of his two eldest brothers, Ling Mei fell silent. This is not true! Ling Mei felt she could not dodge, this was too sudden and the Grand Empress would have a reason that left her unable to find any loopholes to escape. It was hard and unlucky!
Mu Lan grinned thinly with cold glistening eyes. "Of course, our fourth sister is always filled with luck. It's not surprising if he gets something again this time."
Ling Mei let out a small snort, in her heart filled with pitch-black clouds. He felt unhappy for now, this satirical full remark really pissed him off.
"First brother! Second brother! Can Ling Mei enter first? Ling Mei's legs hurt a lot, like when Ling Mei ran with Wu Jin in the imperial garden. Aiya! It's so uncomfortable, I don't like it!" Ling Mei whined, her face frowning like a child making Mu Lan and Mu Rong furrow her brows.
"In that case, fine. I think it's a good thing if me and second sister also go inside now. I'm pretty sure that the empress' mother will be here any minute. Fourth sister, what if we go in together? Third brother has also entered with the generals."
Ling Mei nodded with an enthusiastic face, the imperial trash princess looked overjoyed. "Gee! Let's go in!"
.
.
"Greet the Grand Empress, may Her Majesty live a thousand years."
"Sit all of you!"
Grand Empress Shao took her place in her seat of greatness with Imperial Main Consort Hong sitting beside her. The woman gave a small smile, gazing into the surroundings, Shao Fang Hua saw that everyone was so curious about his orders this morning.
"I understand that this is quite surprising to you with such a sudden call order this morning, but I think there are some things I want to say in front of all of you."
Fang Hua looked at all of them, that questionable expression as it was clearly on their faces. The palace officials looked at each other, they did not understand. What important thing did the Grand Empress want to say until everything felt so hasty like this. With all their curiosity, they hurriedly bowed respectfully and said, "This lowly one understands. We will listen to the orders of the Grand Empress."
Fang Hua smiled again, the look on his face warmed up from time to time, the woman looked delighted. "In another week, my fourth daughter Shao Ling Mei will get her maturity age, it would be great if I made a big banquet for her in the palace."
Ling Mei flinched slightly, an uncomfortable feeling began to surround her heart. Nah! It's not finished! The Grand Empress couldn't possibly be bothered just for such a small thing. While Mu Lan was just grunting quietly, apparently her second sister's words were indeed true. Her fourth sister Shao Ling Mei had quite abundant luck, back she stared towards the Grand Empress with her cold gaze. His mother.... That woman never looked at him that way. So warm and affectionate, Mu Lan was just a child of an unloved concubine. She thought that even she did not deserve just to receive praise from her mother, Grand Empress Shao Fang Hua.
The officials again whispered small, the atmosphere of the Main Hall became a little crowded. Empress Shao raised her hand, gesturing silence at everyone.
"There's one more thing I haven't told you all."
Seeing Empress Shao's hand gesture to him, the palace butler and Empress Shao's confidant walked forward a few steps politely, she bowed respectfully to everyone before saying anything. "Before that, beg for the Fourth Princess and the Second Prince of Wei Kingdom to come forward."
Ling Mei stepped her heavy legs there, like a plain rabbit child, a terrified expression like she was about to be severely punished visible on her beautiful face. Ling Mei thought she would be punished by her empress mother for a mistake. In contrast to Ling Mei who looked like she was about to cry, Wei Yun Rui looked forward with her calm face.
"Wei Yun Rui faced His Majesty the Grand Empress." Yun Rui bowed respectfully and spoke politely.
Ling Mei, the girl actually continued to walk closer to Fang Hua. He knelt down and held Empress Shao's clothes tightly like a toddler who didn't want to be left behind. "Mother! Mama! Is the empress' mother going to punish Ling Mei?"
Fang Hua smiled, then pinched Ling Mei's nose playfully. "The good boy! Who wants to punish you? My daughter, since you are grown, your mother will give you a gift."
Everyone then saw, once again Empress Shao was so affectionate towards the fourth daughter of Shao Ling Mei who was a mentally handicapped and ignorant imperial trash princess. Third princess Shao Ming Fei had also seen him, in her heart she felt so deep envy towards her fourth sister. So dear, what did Shao Ling Mei have that Empress Shao liked her so much?
"Now back! Stand next to Second Prince Wei Yun Rui, I want to give you something good."
Ling Mei retreated obediently, then stood beside Yun Rui with an indecipherable face. His gaze was straight ahead, he did not turn his face towards Yun Rui at all. In silence Yun Rui glanced towards Ling Mei, her first love, the one who made her become so loyal and rejected all marriage proposals aimed at her. So sweet and pounding, Yun Rui again lowered her head with a face that was flushed in shame.
The palace butler made a sound again, this time he was seen carrying a parchment scroll with a phoenix painting on the outside. "Before, having saved Fourth Princess Shao Ling Mei from a group of hitmen, the Grand Empress decided she would give a gift to Second Prince Wei Yun Rui."
The palace butler was silent for a while, after which he smiled widely and said, "And as for the gift of maturity of Her Fourth Princess Royal Highness, both princesses and princes please accept the imperial edict that has been handed down by the Grand Empress!"
"Both princes and princesses beg to kneel and accept the imperial marriage decree given by the Grand Empress!" hearing that Ling Mei and Yun Rui quickly knelt down, as well as the people present in the Main Hall, they bowed respectfully before the Grand Empress.
"On the blessing of the Gods and on the orders of the Great Empress of the Shao Empire. Wei Yun Rui, the Second Prince of Eastern Wei Kingdom, who was polite and pleasant appearance, who was kind and talented. Will marry Fourth Princess Shao Ling Mei as the main escort and official husband!"
Ling Mei's two eyes were rounded, what?! Whyyy?! Married married?! Me with this guy? Why is the empress' mother....? He secretly clenched both of his hands. There was anger and dislike in Ling Mei's heart, this was not true! While everyone was shocked, that decree was so sudden! Neither Shao Mu Lan nor Shao Ming Fei were surprised to say anything. In contrast to Shao Mu Rong who only smiled obliquely, he had been guessing this since the rumor had reached his ears.
Yun Rui looked up in surprise, but then she smiled gently. Her heart felt happy for now, the person she loved would marry her. "Wei Yun Rui received this marriage decree, thanking His Majesty the Grand Empress for the imperial edict that has been given."
Yun Rui's words made Ling Mei turn her head towards the young man, looking at him with a cold, subtle look. Ling Mei's jaw hardened, she had tried to hold back her dislike and rejected the decree there. Ling Mei could not resist it and Empress Shao knew of it. Even if Shao Ling Mei was the legitimate daughter of the empire, rejecting the imperial edict was the same as violating the orders of the Grand Empress and it would be considered a rebellion against the empire.
Ling Mei sighed, then looked at the floor below with a sharp look. "Shao Ling Mei received the imperial edict, thanking the Grand Empress for the edict that had been given."
Shao Fang Hua looked happily at the two and said, "I've arranged for it, the wedding will take place one month after the Fourth Princess's maturity celebration."
"Congratulations!"
"Congratulations to the Fourth Princess!"
"Congratulations to Her Majesty the Grand Empress!"
"Congratulations to the Shao Empire!"
Empress Shao smirked happily with her cunning eyes, as did Empress Wei. The two looked at each other with smiles and indecipherable gazes. With the crowd Wei Tian Zhi turned his face away, he felt a heartbreak so painful it spread throughout his body. Both of his hands gripped his clothes so tightly that it would probably become tangled after being removed, a drop of tears falling down Tian Zhi's cheeks, he said, now the fourth prince of the Kingdom of Wei must withstand the tightness and pain that began to torment him.