60: Concubine Cui (Subscribe)

Chapter 60 Consort Cui (Seeking Subscription)

Jiao Fang Palace.

This was the residence of Consort Cui, a noble consort of the inner palace, but what was odd was that the eunuchs and palace maids coming and going were very sparse, making it look somewhat desolate.

At this moment, the transmitting eunuch walked over quickly and quietly. After being announced by the palace attendants, he was quickly led inside.

"this servant pays respects to Consort Cui!"

Behind the light gauze and plain curtains sat a delicate and pretty woman. Holding a book in one hand, she seemed to be lost in deep thought.

After a few breaths, a faint questioning voice came from behind. "What is it?"

"Replying to Consort Cui, today is the day of the martial examination and the top scholar banquet."

"His Majesty has decreed that Consort Cui's two elder brothers, Cui Xia Zhao and Cui Xiawu, have respectively won the top scholars of the literary examination and martial examination. This is a major event for the state. Tonight, a feast is bestowed to grandly entertain all officials, and Consort Cui is specially invited to attend the banquet."

"Top scholar of the literary examination, top scholar of the martial examination?"

Consort Cui's voice was somewhat startled at this moment, and she asked in confusion, "It is true that Cui Xia Zhao is this palace's eldest brother, but who on earth is this Cui Xiawu?"

"Which uncle's son of the Wu generation is he?"

"This..."

The little eunuch hesitated for a moment before saying, "This villain does not know."

"However, hearing from the ministers in court, the Cui Family having two top scholars in one Family is truly a heaven-sent great joy. I don't know how many people have gone to the Cui estate to offer congratulations, and Elder Cui is also smiling from ear to ear."

The little eunuch knelt on the ground with his heart pounding incessantly. The task of coming to Jiao Fang Palace to transmit the imperial decree was something he had managed to snatch from his godfather Liu Chengen with great difficulty. If it were...

"What is your name?"

Consort Cui suddenly asked. The little eunuch hurriedly said, "Replying to Consort Cui, this servant is called Ma Bao."

"Ma Bao, right? Reward him."

"Understood~"

Behind the plain curtain, a little maid respectfully came out and handed Ma Bao a piece of silver.

A look of joy appeared on Ma Bao's face, and he hurriedly said, "Many thanks to the Consort, many thanks to the Consort!"

"Step down. Just tell Your Majesty that this palace... will naturally attend the grand banquet."

"Understood!"

Ma Bao quickly scrambled up and retreated.

Behind the plain curtain, Consort Cui also slowly stood up.

Sunlight shone through the paper window, revealing Consort Cui's true appearance.

She wore a pale green palace dress. Her figure was not very tall, but rather petite.

A pair of eyes were as bright as stars, and her face was an exquisite seed-shaped face. Her complexion was slightly pale, exuding a friendly scholarly aura.

"Consort Niangniang, the Cui Family having two top scholars in one Family is truly the fortune of the Family."

The little maid walked in quickly and congratulated Consort Cui, "Congratulations, Niangniang, felicitations, Niangniang."

"What is there to congratulate?"

Consort Cui asked in return.

"This... that is a top scholar after all! Young Master Xia Zhao spent ten years studying hard through the cold windows, and finally achieved his wish."

"And that Young Master Cui Xiawu, although we don't know him, he is still a member of the Cui Family after all."

"Two top scholars in one Family—how many families couldn't even beg for such a thing~"

"Sigh..."

Consort Cui shook her head, her face full of worry.

"If only Brother Xia Zhao won the top scholar alone, that would naturally be a good thing, but who on earth is this Brother Xia Wu?"

"Two top scholars in one Family... His Majesty is putting my Cui Family on the fire to roast."

"In this way, my Cui Family has attracted the gazes of most officials in the court. I don't know how many sycophants will gather around and become vassals of my Cui Family."

"If this continues, although my Cui Family can be prominent for a time, it will inevitably offend countless families and officials."

"Just like that... Lu Family!"

The little maid was also startled. "Then what should be done? I heard that the old Revered Master is still very happy~"

Consort Cui could only say helplessly, "Xiaoer, help this palace wash up and change clothes."

"How my Cui Family fares depends entirely on how His Majesty acts."

"We must never walk the old path of Yang Reverse."

"This palace's Jiao Fang Palace must not become a second Yonghe Palace."

"Understood~!"

Inside the mist-shrouded bathhouse, Consort Cui exposed only her tender, white-as-jade shoulders as she sank into the hot spring, closing her eyes in deep thought.

Two little maids slowly bathed and wiped her down.

Beneath the hot spring water, Consort Cui's brows were still tightly furrowed.

"Sigh, to protect my Cui Family, I must be on good terms with His Majesty."

"However, before Revered Master left, she gave strict orders that until I cultivate to Qi Refining Level 3, I must definitely not share a bed. Otherwise, once my chastity is broken, at best my cultivation will dissipate, and at worst I will be severely injured."

"What should be done about this?"

The ripples of the hot spring water clearly indicated that Consort Cui's thoughts were flustered.

"In the past, I could use falling into the water and falling gravely ill as an excuse to avoid the Jingshi Department from hanging my plaque, but today..."

"It has been more than four years. If I still don't share a bed with His Majesty, let alone His Majesty, even the old Revered Master will be so angry he beats his chest and stamps his feet."

"Sigh... In the mortal world, there really is no room for a practitioner to cultivate."

"No wonder back then, no matter how much I begged Revered Master to stay, she still wanted to leave."

"Now, it is my turn."

She let out a long sigh and slowly stretched out her two tender, white, scallion-like arms.

"Niangniang?"

"Alright, wipe me down and help me change clothes."

"Understood~!"

The pink palace dress was gradually put on her delicate body, and her entire temperament changed instantly.

From the pure and graceful orchid of an empty valley, she transformed into a delicate, snow-like winter plum blossom, indescribably tender.

"Fortunately, before Revered Master left, she anticipated this matter and left me the Soul-Bewitching Incense. This incense is best at bewildering human hearts, causing people to fall into a coma and deep sleep. Even a Martial Artist of the Innate Realm cannot stop it."

"It's a pity there are only three sticks. I must use them sparingly from now on."

Once the palace dress was fully worn, instantly a woman with a delicate face but an arrogant temperament appeared outside Jiao Fang Palace.

The sedan chair outside the hall had been waiting for a long time. Consort Cui boarded the sedan, and with an order, the winding procession headed towards Taihe Hall.

Starlight was sparse. As the procession approached Taihe Hall, it unexpectedly ran into another procession.

Consort Cui's procession slowly came to a halt. After recognizing the opposing sedan chair, the people who were still standing immediately said respectfully, "this servant and others pay respects to the Empress!"

This sedan chair was impressively that of the current Empress, Lu Liner!

Upon the sedan chair, Lu Liner was also dressed in a luxurious and noble attire, but her expression was somewhat lost and disheartened.

After the incident of giving birth to a daughter, Emperor Brother did not trust her at all.

Over the past few months, he hadn't even come to Kun Ning Palace once!

Fortunately, today was the top scholar banquet. According to ancestral customs, she, the Empress, had to attend, which was why she came dressed in full regalia.

Tonight, she must make Emperor Brother change his mind!

Consort Cui also dismounted from the sedan chair and said respectfully, "This concubine pays respects to the Empress."

"So it's you. The top scholar banquet is about to start. This palace will head over first; Consort Cui must hurry up."

"Oh right, this imperial examination actually yielded two top scholars from your Cui Family. Congratulations to you first~"

Having said that, regardless of Consort Cui standing to the side, she hurriedly urged the sedan-bearers to head towards Taihe Hall.

"Niangniang~"

Xiaoer leaned over and said strangely, "Why is the Empress in such a rush today? She doesn't even care about etiquette..."

Consort Cui shook her head and said, "This palace does not know why His Majesty has given the Empress the cold shoulder. Today, she is probably in a rush to win back His Majesty's heart."

"Niangniang~"

Xiaoer said softly again, "I heard people say that when the Empress gave birth to a daughter previously, it seemed she wanted to substitute the imperial prince with a grandson of the Lu Family, and even the Empress Dowager placed herself under house arrest, which is why..."

"Hush!"

Consort Cui frowned and said, "This matter concerns the royal Family's dignity. You must not gossip casually, understand?"

"Understood~!"

The maid hurriedly replied. Afterwards, Consort Cui's procession gradually arrived at Taihe Hall.

At this time, Taihe Hall was already bustling with activity. On the steps, court ministers and officials were drinking by themselves, talking in pairs or trios.

Down below the steps, it appeared even more chaotic.

Literary scholars and Martial Artists were lined up on both sides, each keeping to their own group and not disturbing the other.

The scholars on the literary side were all restrained and self-controlled, speaking in low, respectful tones amidst an atmosphere of peace.

On the other hand, the martial side was boisterous and carefree, with continuous shouting. Some people actually stepped on the tables to play finger-guessing games, scaring the nearby little eunuchs into pulling them down continuously.

The main dragon throne was empty, but figures already occupied several important seats beside it.

Empress Dowager Niangniang—worshiping Buddha for several months had made her aura look much more peaceful.

But for some reason, the Empress Dowager's complexion today was somewhat pale, her eyes were tired, and no matter how much rouge was applied to her face, it could not conceal that look of fatigue.

The Empress at the side was also saying something cautiously, her eyes continuously glancing toward the direction of Qiankun Hall.

As for the other seats, Consort Cui, Consort Duan, Consort De, Consort Bi, and Noble Lady Zhen were also seated separately on both sides.

Behind them, their respective wet nurses held infants.

"Aunt, why do you look so exhausted? Did you not rest well?"

The Empress Dowager shook her head and said, "For some reason, these past few days I frequently dream of the late Emperor. Perhaps this palace is growing old."

"Aunt, you are in your prime of life; how could you possibly be old~"

The Empress giggled and said, "I also don't know when Emperor Brother will return~"

"The Emperor..."

The Empress Dowager murmured, her eyes also looking somewhat grim.

Just at this moment, a eunuch shouted from afar, "His Majesty has arrived~!"

"Whoosh~~"

As soon as the voice fell, the hundreds of ministers, scholars, Martial Artists, eunuchs, and palace maids present all stood up.

As Zheng Yi's honor guard slowly approached, hundreds of figures knelt down one after another, shouting long live like mountains:

"We pay respects to our Emperor, may our Emperor live for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand years!"

Inside and outside the entire Taihe Hall, only the eunuchs and palace maids serving Zheng Yi, as well as the guards protecting the Emperor's safety around him, were still standing.

Zheng Yi slowly raised his hand and said, "All ministers, rise!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Today's state banquet is to celebrate Great Yu having favorable weather, the longevity of both civil and military arts, and sharing endurance with the state. Therefore, We share joy with Heaven and joy with the people."

"Today, everyone need not be restrained; enjoy yourselves freely."

"All ministers, raise your cups with Us!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Amid countless more flattering voices, hundreds of people raised their glasses in unison, shouting "Long live the Emperor".

Accompanied by the crisp sound of chime bells, more than a dozen dancers quickly swarmed out from both sides, performing a court dance taught by specialists from the Ministry of Rites.

This dance was specially designed to praise the Emperor's achievements and virtue or celebrate an era of peace and prosperity; its form was neat and gorgeous, and its structure was relatively rigorous.

However, every single one of the dozen or so young palace maids was pleasing to the eye with alluring figures, and Zheng Yi watched with great interest, nodding repeatedly.

"Brother Emperor~"

Just at this moment, Lu Liner approached with a charming and alluring voice, holding a pot of fine wine in her hands.

"You haven't come to Liner's palace in a long time, Liner misses you so much~"

Zheng Yi glanced at the meticulously dressed Lu Liner. Although today Lu Liner was dressed in a bright red Phoenix robe, perhaps due to having just given birth, her figure was incomparably plump.

Her originally tender face now had a bit of baby fat, and her gaze was tender and watery.

Especially since she was positioned lower down at the moment, from Zheng Yi's perspective, he could clearly see those two deep ravines, and his gaze was almost glued to them.

He finally managed to tear his eyes away from those ravines, only to notice the gleam of a successful conspiracy on Lu Liner's little face. He immediately frowned and said, "Liner, do you still not know your mistake?"

"Liner knows she was wrong, Liner really knows she was wrong!"

Lu Liner hastily said, "That... that matter was done solely by Aunt Fangcao; Li... Liner really had no knowledge of it."

"When subordinates do wrong, as their Revered Master, you cannot shirk the blame!"

Lu Liner hurriedly said, "Liner understands, Brother Emperor's lesson is right."

Seeing Lu Liner sincerely admitting her mistake, Zheng Yi nodded and said, "I still have some matters to attend to these past few days. I will go to your place after some time."

Lu Liner's eyes lit up instantly, and she quickly said, "Yes, Brother Emperor, then Liner will wait for you at Kun Ning Palace."

After the Empress left, Zheng Yi looked toward Consort Cui on the right, whose expression was as calm as water.

This woman was named Cui Xiabing, the granddaughter of current cabinet grand secretary Cui Jinghao, and possessed an illustrious background.

Her appearance was not of that flirtatious and gorgeous kind; instead, she had a gentle and peaceful aura.

It was said that this woman particularly enjoyed reading books and was previously a famous talented woman in the capital, exuding a strong scholarly atmosphere.

From Zheng Yi's perspective, this woman belonged to the straight-A student type of beauty.

If she were to wear glasses... it would be even more amazing.

"Consort Cui."

Consort Cui was clearly stunned for a moment, then quickly stood up and said, "Your Majesty."

"Is your body feeling better?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, this concubine's body... is already mostly recovered."

"That is good. I was worried that the imperial physicians in the palace had low medical skills and were unable to treat Beloved Consort's illness."

"Your Majesty exaggerates."

"I heard that Beloved Consort's palace conceals many rare ancient texts. I wonder if I might pay a visit to peruse them?"

Consort Cui had a helpless look in her eyes and could only say, "Since Your Majesty wishes to see them, this concubine naturally will sweep the couch to welcome you."

Zheng Yi said with satisfaction, "As expected of Beloved Consort..."

As soon as he finished speaking, he felt several jealous gazes sweeping over him.

Especially the Empress and Consort Duan; even from this far away, Zheng Yi could feel a wave of sourness.

Zheng Yi merely smiled indifferently. He was the Emperor; he could go to whichever palace he wanted and sleep with whichever concubine he desired.

Who could manage him, and who would dare to?

Right, Consort Duan also said she would present Jian Yu to him. I wonder if Jian Yu...

His gaze instinctively looked behind Consort Duan. Jian Yu was standing there prettily.

He had previously bestowed upon Jian Yu the status of a noble lady, planning for her to enter the palace together during the selection.

Had he known earlier, he wouldn't have said those words, and he could have tasted Jian Yu's flavor in advance.

But there was no rush; anyway, he had plenty of time, and sooner or later he would spend a spring night together with Jian Yu.

Perhaps sensing Zheng Yi's scorching gaze, Jian Yu also instinctively looked back over.

Immediately, her little face turned red, and she hurriedly lowered her head.

The Emperor had promised to give her the position of a noble lady, and his words were as heavy as gold; she had no idea how many sisters had teased her about it usually.

Now, feeling the Emperor's intense gaze, she felt even more nervous in her heart.

The dancers danced gracefully while goblets crossed.

The Son of Heaven's disciples were all beaming with joy, raising their cups frequently.

Zheng Yi did not refuse any toasts coming his way, and soon became somewhat intoxicated.

However, after all, he was a First Grade Realm Martial Artist, and he quickly recovered.

"Proclaim... the top three placers of both the civil and military examinations to enter an audience!"

As soon as the words fell, the six people stepped forward one after another.

The top scholar of the civil examination was Cui Xia Zhao, the runner-up was Li Ziyang, and the third place was Wang Anshi.

The top scholar of the military examination was Cui Xiawu, the runner-up was Chen Hongxiu, and the third place was Zhao Tieshan.

After the top scholar of the military examination was officially appointed, Zhao Tieshan and Tian Yiguang had another match.

The winner was Zhao Tieshan, who was immediately appointed as the third place of the military examination!

Poor Tian Yiguang was currently playing finger-guessing games and drinking with several good friends outside the main hall, getting thoroughly drunk.

Beside him, Liu Chengen had long since taken out the drafted imperial edict and announced loudly, "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor issues an edict: Bestow upon the civil examination top scholar Cui Xia Zhao the post of Hanlin Academy Compiler."

"Bestow upon the civil examination runner-up Li Ziyang the post of Hanlin Academy Editor."

"Bestow upon the civil examination third place Wang Anshi the post of Hanlin Academy Editor."

"It is hoped that the three beloved ministers can restrain yourselves and serve the public selflessly, for the country and the people. Respect this!"

The three immediately knelt and said respectfully, "This student obeys the decree!"

In every imperial examination, the top scholar was granted the post of Hanlin Academy Compiler, a lower sixth-rank official.

The runner-up and third place were granted the post of Hanlin Academy Editor, a true seventh-rank official.

However, these were only conventional practices. After spending some time in the Hanlin Academy, there would naturally be respective arrangements.

After the civil examination arrangements were completed, it was the turn of the military examination.

The three stepped forward, and Zheng Yi smiled and said, "The three of you are the first-rank military examination top tier since the founding of our Great Yu, and there are no precedents to follow for enfeoffment."

"I am asking at this moment, do the three of you have any thoughts?"

As soon as the words fell, the expressions of the surrounding officials changed slightly.

The Emperor asking like this, was he planning to directly grant actual power posts to officials?

Immediately, an official stepped out to remonstrate, saying, "Your Majesty! Conferring official posts directly to the top scholars without evaluation does not conform to ancestral system."

"Furthermore, there is no precedent of women serving as officials..."

Although there were cultivators in this world, there were also powerful Martial Artists.

But within the imperial court, there were still no female bodies serving as officials.

"Ancestral system?"

Zheng Yi retorted, "Did the ancestral system have a military examination?"

"Now Wu Country is knocking on our gates, and there are rioting rebels in the six northern provinces. What I am doing is also for the sake of our Great Yu. What is wrong with adapting to the times?"

"Or rather, do you have a better method to resolve Wu Country knocking on the gates and the rebel riots?"

That official's face instantly turned red, and he said shamefully, "This... this subject is incompetent."

"Step down!"

"Yes, yes, yes, yes..."

That person hurriedly retreated, and Zheng Yi continued, "Have the three of you considered it well?"

Cui Xiawu immediately took a step forward and said, "Replying to Your Majesty, this subject is willing to go to the northern frontier to enlist in the army. Fame, fortune, and wealth will be seized by this subject right from horseback!"

"Granted!"

Zheng Yi immediately said, "I specially confer upon you the post of Canjiang of Bin Province, to serve in the Bin Province border army!"

"However, you must know that due to the invasion of Wu Country and civil unrest, the organizational structure of the Bin Province border army has long since collapsed."

"After you go there, you will need to build it yourself. Do you have any grievances?"

"This subject... has absolutely no grievances!"

"Good! I trust you!"

Zheng Yi laughed aloud and said, "If you can rebuild the Bin Province border army, even the positions of Regional Commander or General can be conferred by me!"

"In this way, I will allocate one thousand imperial guards and a team of Jinyi Guards to you, with you as the chief official heading to Bin Province!"

"This subject kneels to thank Your Majesty!"

Cui Xiawu was so moved that hot tears filled his eyes, and he said loudly, "Your Majesty's trust fills this student with trepidation."

"Today, this student takes an oath that in this life, I will be utterly loyal to Your Majesty until death!"

"On the battlefield, I will also bravely slay the enemy, returning with my corpse wrapped in horse hide!"

"If there is the slightest disrespect, may gods and men alike abandon me!"

As soon as these words came out, the expressions of the surrounding officials changed even more, and they discussed animatedly.

Some were envious that Cui Xiawu so easily obtained the post of Canjiang, while others were jealous of the Emperor's trust.

A Canjiang was a true third-rank military official!

Although it was a military post, it certainly couldn't compare to a civil post, but it was still a true third rank.

What was stepping into heaven in a single bound? This was it!

Moreover, towards Cui Xiawu's oath, many people also cast sideways glances.

Especially officials belonging to the Cui Family clan, such as Cui Jinghao, had even uglier looks in their eyes.

Zheng Yi knew that at this time there was no change like the Sima clan's oath of Luoshui, so people in this world regarded oaths as extremely important.

Once an oath made was not kept, it would inevitably provoke the scorn and spurning of countless people.

Zheng Yi said with satisfaction, "I believe you."

"Chen Hongxiu, what about you?"

The initial subscription performance is around a little over two thousand, which has reached my target psychological score. Thank you all brothers for your support.

Let me mention the conflict between farming and immortal cultivation raised by some friends. Because the editor asked to launch early, it made the author's later content a bit rushed.

Under normal circumstances, the launch time is when the protagonist contacts the Cultivation World, but I, Lao Qing, was clearly slow and still farming; the rhythm is a bit slow, and I, Lao Qing, will pay attention to it later.

Also, it's hard to please everyone. Some brothers like farming, while others like reading cultivation content. I, Lao Qing, have no way to choose between both, so I can only follow my own rhythm, and the plot will proceed smoothly.

Also, let me talk about the update time. From now on, one chapter every day at midnight 0 AM, and one chapter at 12 noon, five thousand words per chapter, making a total of ten thousand words.

If there are any changes later on, I, Lao Qing, will let you know in advance.

Finally, I still kneeling beg for support, kneeling beg for monthly votes, thank you.