The Empress’s gaze settled on Gu Sinian. Though no words were spoken, it was clear to Emperor Chongwen what she meant.
“The matter of Jin Yue’s marriage is my own affair,” Emperor Chongwen stated, leaving no room for the Empress or Jin Yue to interject. “Empress, you have worked hard these past days. Prepare a generous dowry for Jin Yue. If you find anything lacking, feel free to take what you need from my private treasury.”
“Anian’s wife, I have a reward for you,” Emperor Chongwen then addressed Qi Zhenzhen.
A reward? Hadn’t she already received one when she met Emperor Chongwen earlier?
Consort An gave Qi Zhenzhen a meaningful glance. Understanding, Qi Zhenzhen quickly knelt.
“This reward was originally intended for Anian, but he refused it. I have never been one to withhold rewards for merit. Qi Zhenzhen, heed the decree—” Emperor Chongwen spoke slowly.
The eunuch beside Emperor Chongwen continued, “By the decree of the Emperor, who has received the Mandate of Heaven: ‘The wife of the heir apparent of the Duke of Protectorate, virtuous and benevolent, beautiful and intelligent, knowledgeable and reasonable…’”
More than a dozen four-character idioms praising Qi Zhenzhen flowed from the eunuch’s mouth.
“…henceforth, she is enfeoffed as a恭人 of the fourth rank. Thus it is decreed.”
Qi Zhenzhen was so astonished she couldn’t close her mouth. The wives of officials in Da Feng could receive noble titles, but there was a rule: a wife’s title could not exceed her husband’s official rank. Although Gu Sinian was the heir apparent of the Duke’s mansion, he had not yet inherited the title of Duke. Therefore, the title of heir apparent carried no official rank. And Gu Sinian’s rank as a military officer was only from the fourth rank. If she were to be granted a title, it should be a宜人 of the fifth rank. This was half a rank higher than Gu Sinian. What was going on?
“Madam Qi, will you not accept the decree and express your gratitude?” the eunuch’s shrill voice rose slightly.
“This subject’s wife thanks His Majesty for his great grace.” Qi Zhenzhen performed a deep bow. As it was an oral decree, there was no imperial edict.
Earlier, she had referred to herself as “this commoner’s wife,” but now she was “this subject’s wife.” What had her husband done to please the Emperor so much? Also, she was rather curious about what the Emperor had said earlier about the Grand Princess.
Emperor Chongwen’s demeanor made the Empress realize that Gu Sinian and his wife held considerable sway with the Emperor. Even his eldest daughter could not compare to Gu Sinian’s standing in the Emperor’s heart.
She cast a sympathetic glance at Jin Yue, hoping she would understand. Jin Yue’s birth mother had come from her retinue. She had always been respectful to the Empress, and now she was gone. Jin Yue was merely a princess, and it was acceptable to look after her. If Jin Yue remembered her kindness and secured a good marriage, it would also be a boon to her own son. She had originally thought that with her looks, she could capture Gu Sinian’s attention, but the result was…
Looking at Madam Qi now, a daughter of a concubine who became the legitimate wife, her future offspring would all be legitimate sons, and now she had even received a noble title.
Indeed, a good birth did not always confer an advantage. Of course, it also had something to do with a person’s character.
“Aunt Qiu, fetch my glazed hairpin,” the Empress said gently. “Its bright color is most suitable for a remarkable person like Madam Qi.”
Since His Majesty was elevating Qi Zhenzhen, she, as Empress, had to align herself with His Majesty, regardless of her inner feelings.
Aunt Qiu quickly brought a gleaming glazed hairpin. The Empress took it personally, walked over to Qi Zhenzhen, and pinned it into her hair.
“Look, this hairpin seems tailor-made for Madam Qi,” the Empress said with a smile after pinning it and stepping back to admire it.
“I recall this being part of your dowry?” Emperor Chongwen remarked.
“It was part of my dowry. However, given my age now, wearing such a bright color is truly not fitting. Jin Xi is still young and cannot carry off such a color. It has been kept hidden away in my chest, gathering dust. It is better that someone suitable wears it!” the Empress said in a voice as soft as flowing water.