King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 423 Canonization
While Baochai was chatting with her mother, the news that the Xue family was sealed gradually spread. Of course, part of it was spread by the Xue family on their own initiative.

Such a great deed can not only publicize the emperor's great kindness to the outside world, but also shine the lintel of the family and make people look up to them. Everyone in the Xue family will take the initiative to do it.

However, Prince Rui's Mansion was the first to learn the news, because the Jia family and the Xue family were their key surveillance targets, and any news would be sent back as soon as possible.

"It's really worth it for the Xue family to praise the Xue family so much!" Chen Zhi couldn't help but sigh in the back garden of Prince Rui's mansion.

Just listen to Zhu Jingyuan's answer: "The girl of the Xue family lost her father when she was young, and she named her father just to make up for it. It shows that the old man is very satisfied with the girl of the Xue family!"

"What do you mean by that? Is the old man dissatisfied with me?" Chen Zhi said angrily.

"Princess, I didn't say that!" Zhu Jingyuan said with an apology.

"My father has only awarded the San rank now. According to your wishes...doesn't it mean that I am not satisfied with the old man!"

"You...I won't argue with you, you are really looking for trouble!" Zhu Jingyuan also lost his temper.

Seeing that he was really angry, Chen Zhi stood up and approached him: "Are you really angry?"

"I am guilty, I will apologize to the prince, okay?"

In fact, from the bottom of her heart, Chen Zhi doesn't really care about the casual job. She only cares about whether her family can win.

If she really defeated the fourth family, she would win over Yuanchun and become the queen. According to the court system, her natal family would be granted the title of earl, which would be more valuable than any other casual positions.

Picking up the tea cup and taking a sip, Zhu Jingyuan tightened his collar, and then said: "Stop talking nonsense, the girl of the Xue family is about to be canonized. Since you want to drive a wedge between her and the Crown Princess, you must prepare your methods as soon as possible!"

"What other methods can there be? They are just trying to find opportunities. They have already been used on that boy from the Jia family!" Chen Zhi said helplessly.

"We are not close to each other... After all, the Jia family is related to her, so it is not easy to separate them!"

After nodding slightly, Zhu Jingyuan said: "She is also a smart person, she must be thinking about not getting offended!"

"As long as she doesn't turn against the prince's family, it will be a good thing for us!" Chen Zhi said solemnly.

"Ok!"

At this time, Chen Zhi said again: "By the way... the boy from the Jia family a few days ago has now been admitted to the Imperial College. This matter may be used to some advantage!"

Zhu Jingyuan shook his head and said: "Forget it...it would be too clumsy to interfere directly, but I was looked down upon by the old man!"

Zhu Jingyuan was actually not sure how many of his private methods could be hidden from his father.

It seems that it is too superficial to make a fuss about Jia Baoyu entering the Imperial College, at least Zhu Jingyuan disdains it.

As for Jia Baoyu, who was mentioned by them, after studying in the morning, he said goodbye to his classmates and walked home.

Although he had only been in the Imperial College for a few days, it was a completely different world for Jia Baoyu, which changed his originally repulsive mentality.

Although there are scum in the Imperial Academy, after all, there are more people who are eager to learn and want to learn. Compared with the chaos in the Jia Family School, it is a completely different world.

"Brother Feng, where are you going?" Baoyu asked the person beside him.

The name of Brother Feng in Jia Baoyu's mouth is Feng Yuan.

Yes, he was the one who fought with Xue Pan for Yinglian in Jinling and was almost beaten to death.

Since he was released and returned home that day, Feng Yuan has devoted himself to studying, studying day and night just to gain fame.

This experience in prison made him deeply understand how fragile and vulnerable his previously so-called prosperous life was.

If you want to live a stable life, you have to study and become an official.

If you want to become a student member in the scientific examination, you must pass the county examination, the college examination, and the government examination. Feng Yuan did not take the examination this year. He wanted to take the examination after he has completed his studies.

When the imperial court implemented the Qingzhang in Yingtian, Feng Yuan did not want to be an enemy of the government, so he cooperated with the Qingzhang affairs and advised the surrounding gentry not to fight against the imperial court.

When the Jinling Civil War occurred, Feng Yuan worked hard and reached an agreement with the surrounding gentry to restrict the uprisings of nearby farmers and tenants, leaving the surrounding area peaceful for dozens of miles.

This situation was easily learned by the county government, and then the county magistrate specially commended Feng Yuan.

Later, Feng Yuan's deeds became known to Yingtian Mansion. In order to set a good example, the prefect Jia Yucun once again commended Feng Yuan with great fanfare, hailing him as a model squire who supported the imperial government.

However, in fact, Feng Yuan did not have such a high level of consciousness. He just did not want to be an enemy of the government.

As the saying goes, pigs can fly when the wind blows. To put it mildly, it means that times make heroes.

When Liang Qian, the deputy censor of the capital, was inspecting Jinling, he heard about Feng Yuan's deeds again, so he rewarded him again.

In addition to the usual reward of silver, Liang Qian also specially tested his knowledge and praised him as an unparalleled talent in front of the officials and aristocratic families in Jinling.

So naturally, Liang Qian recommended Feng Yuan to study in the Imperial College.

As a high-ranking official of the imperial court, it was actually not too difficult for Liang Qian to arrange for a student to enter the Imperial Academy.

So five days ago, Feng Yuan rushed to the capital from Yingtian and enrolled in school on the same day as Baoyu.

Feng Yuan originally thought that his "adventure" was over. How could he have imagined that his deeds had already been known to Zhao Yushan, the chief minister of the cabinet.

Hearing Baoyu's question at this moment, Feng Yuan said slowly: "I just found a place to live. The house has not been packed yet. I have to go back and arrange it first..."

"Not yet decorated? But short of manpower? My house is fully equipped with everything. If you need help, just ask!" Baoyu said with a smile.

Although Feng Yuan was taciturn, he survived a catastrophe and had a particularly clear and thorough insight into world affairs. Baoyu liked him very much and made friends with him.

"Thank you!" Feng Yuan replied.

"It just so happens that I brought my boy with me to your house to have a look and help you with some things!" Baoyu suggested again.

"This……"

Before Feng Yuan could speak, Baoyu said: "We are friends and now we are classmates. If you refuse again... then you are a heretic!"

Baoyu was straightforward and simple. When he said these words, Feng Yuan couldn't refuse anymore. He didn't want to lose his only friend.

"It's just that my residence is simple and it's hard for Brother Jia to get started!" Feng Yuan said sincerely. He knew that Baoyu was the son of the Duke of Guo.

"The mountain is not high, if there are immortals, it will be famous; if the water is not deep, there will be dragons... This is a humble house, but I am virtuous!"

Baoyu shook his head and chanted, causing Feng Yuan to smile.

Feng Yuan originally thought that the world was full of people seeking profit and he would never make friends again, but Baoyu made him change his mind.

Just when Baoyu rushed to Feng Yuan's house, the Jia family also learned that the Xue family had been sealed by decree, and several ladies were discussing congratulations.

In a study room of the Jia family's house, Tanchun and three others were also chatting about this.

"Uncle Xue's family was posthumously granted the title. This is because of Sister Bao's credit!" Tan Chun couldn't help but sigh.

This time, Yingchun didn't say anything to offend the scenery, but sighed: "Yes...she is really lucky. Now she is in the clouds, unlike us who are still trapped in a small space!"

Although they are both concubines and have completely different personalities, this time they both feel grateful for their circumstances and have almost the same resonance.

Only Xichun, who is still young, is ignorant and has no feeling about this. She only hopes that she will grow up soon.

When the three of them had different thoughts, a girl outside came over and said: "Girl, the ladies just discussed that they would go to the Xue family to congratulate this time, and they want to take you there with them!"

"I know!" Tan Chun replied calmly.

Compared to going to Xue's house, Tanchun actually wanted to go to Prince Xiang's Mansion and chat with the princess in person.

She believes that she is no worse than others, and all she needs is an opportunity, an opportunity to soar into the sky.

Just like Yingchun lamented, she didn't want to be trapped in a small space.

Glancing at Yingchun who was flipping through a book, Tanchun reminded: "Second sister, why do you read these Taoist scriptures every day? Whenever you want to read... you should read something serious!"

From Tanchun's point of view, reading too many books like this would make her second sister less likely to become a Taoist nun.

…………

In the 11th year of Zhengtong, on the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, there was heavy snowfall.

For the people in the capital, this is an ordinary day, but for the courtiers, it is a routine day to clock in and go to work.Only women of rank five or above can feel the difference today, because they all have to enter the palace to observe the ceremony.

What ceremony are you watching?Naturally, it was the canonization ceremony of Princess Xiang.

This matter has been basically public since the tenth day of the lunar month, and everyone knows that this day will come.

On such a happy day, Aunt Xue, who was already a third-grade lady, got up early in the morning to wash up and dress up, and put on the attire of the married woman under the care of the maid.

After finishing cleaning up, Aunt Xue rushed to the imperial city by car. This was her first time to participate in such a celebration, and it was also her first time to enter the palace to see the queen.

While Aunt Xue was waiting for her concubine to rush to the palace, Princess Xiang Xue Baochai had already arrived at the Shangyi Bureau to receive more professional grooming from them.

"Sister Bao, good sister-in-law... you must not forget our friendship in the future!"

Beside Baochai, Zhu Yunsheng said very passionately, making Daiyu Xiangyun cover her mouth and snicker.

"Third sister, if you have anything to say, just say it!" Baochai said helplessly.

"Sister-in-law, I haven't been to your palace yet!"

"This... let's talk to your Thirteenth Brother!"

"Brother Thirteen is unreliable!" Zhu Yunsheng said frankly.

"Am I trustworthy?" Baochai asked with a smile.

"You are my sister Baochai!" Zhu Yunsheng put his arms around Baochai's shoulders.

At this time Daiyu also came up and said: "Princess, the princess is sincere, you can't let it down!"

"That's right... It's only natural for my sister to visit her sister-in-law's house!" Xiangyun also said.

"I'm really scared of you!" Baochai smiled helplessly.

While they were chatting and joking, Crown Princess Yuan Chun also appeared at the Shangyi Bureau, attracting everyone present to step forward and salute.

Also coming with Yuanchun were a group of family members and several wives of the Jia family, who all expressed their congratulations to Baochai.

The daughter of the Xue family, who lost her father at a young age, has now become a princess valued by the royal family. This absurd reality still makes everyone present outrageous.

But it's outrageous, reality is reality.

All of them had to bow their heads and salute the princess when they saw her, and the words "lost their father at a young age" were never mentioned again.

After some polite greetings, Yuanchun left Shangyi Bureau with her people. When she arrived at Kunning Palace, many people were already inside.

Everyone else had to wait outside, but Yuanchun could enter the palace to meet the queen. When she entered, she found that Princess Rui Chen Zhi had already arrived.

Witnessed by several concubines, the two sisters-in-law began to compete with each other again, and the queen began to be filled with negative emotions.

Every family has its own problems. After all, she is her daughter-in-law. Even if the queen is dissatisfied, she has no choice but to give up. Otherwise, it will be an embarrassment to the royal family.

Let's talk about Aunt Xue who entered the palace. She was also introduced to Kunning Gate at this time, but she only stood near the palace gate, far away from the queen's throne in the palace.

As for her third-level rank, she could only stand here.

Many of the women of lower rank and lower rank can only stand outside Kunning's gate, which is an embarrassing position.

Aunt Xue had just received the title, so many people present did not recognize her, and others did not recognize her either.

Otherwise, as the mother of Princess Xiang, many people would definitely come to talk to her.

Under the supervision of the female officials of the Shang Palace Bureau, hundreds of married women present lined up and stood in line, and gradually became quiet as the auspicious moment approached.

At this time, Baochai had arrived outside Kunning's gate and appeared in front of the ladies.

As the music played, Queen Yang Qingyin had already ascended to the throne, with only Yuan Chun accompanying her. As for Chen Zhi, she stood at the front of the married woman, succumbing to the concubines.

After everyone paid homage to the queen, Yang Qingyin announced that the canonization ceremony had officially begun, and Baochai walked into Kunning Gate under the guidance of a group of female officials.

At this moment, everyone looked at her. Seeing Baochai's calm expression and steady steps, they all secretly praised her for her extraordinary bearing.

Among them, the one with the most eager eyes was Aunt Xue, the biological mother.

"kneel!"

Following the female officer's prompts, Baochai began to bow down to the queen. After the complicated ceremony, the female officer began to read out the imperial edict.

Under the current Ming Dynasty system, the crown prince is canonized by imperial decree, while the princess and the princess are canonized by Yi decree.

As for the married women below the level of the princess, they all follow the normal procedures and will not hold such a grand ceremony in Kunning Palace.

The Kunning Palace was quiet and solemn. After praising the treasure hairpin, the female official finally said: "Now, Mrs. Xue is appointed as the royal concubine of Prince Xiang, and she is awarded the treasure. I hope you will not be arrogant because of being in a superior position, and you will be at ease when you are in a noble position..."

After some encouragement, the female officer read out the word "Qin this", which meant that the imperial edict was finally over.

After Baochai received the imperial decree, a female official held a tray to receive it for her, and then came the stage of conferring treasures.

Baochai took over the treasures from the female officer one after another, and Baochai's calm mood also aroused waves. After all, he was only sixteen years old. It was actually a great skill to be able to appear ordinary in such an occasion.

The entire ceremony of canonization and conferment of treasures finally came to an end under the witness of the wives inside and outside, and the Ming Dynasty officially had its second princess.

However, in the attic of the main hall of Kunning Palace, there were still two people looking at the situation below.

Looking at the glorious Baochai, Yang Jingting's expression was indifferent, making people wonder what she was thinking.

Yang Jingting entered the palace yesterday. Logically speaking, she should go to Prince Xiang's Mansion first and wait for the Shangyi Bureau's announcement about her concubine.

But Yang Jingting did not do this. Instead, she went to the palace to meet the queen. She planned to spend two days with her aunt before going to Prince Xiang's Mansion to perform her duties.

To be honest, even if she witnessed Baochai being conferred with her own eyes, Yang Jingting was still unwilling to lose.

Why should a woman who lost her father at a young age be compared to a proud daughter who had both parents and an aunt who was a queen?

Yang Jingting was very unconvinced. During the eight or nine months of observing filial piety, she thought about this issue all the time.

In the past, she was gentle and elegant, and would never have such utilitarian thoughts, until she fell in love with Zhu Jinghong, whom she thought she would marry. It can be seen that love really changes people beyond recognition.

Looking at Yang Jingting who didn't know what to think, Zhen Qin couldn't help but ask: "Sister Ting, when will you go to the palace?"

At this moment, she is the only one following Yang Jingting, just because the two of them have a good relationship at the moment, who makes Zhen Qin unable to integrate into Daiyu Xiangyun's circle.

"Girl Qin, are you willing to follow me into Prince Xiang's Mansion?"

Yang Jingting's words immediately surprised Zhen Qin. She didn't expect that good things would happen so suddenly.

While she was ecstatic, she still managed to maintain calm and asked, "Sister Ting, why did you say this?"

Yang Jingting smiled and then said: "Girl Qin, stop pretending... I don't know what you are thinking. Don't you want to enter the palace?"

Zhen Qin really stopped pretending and asked directly: "Sister Ting, I am the princess's attendant, how can I enter the palace!"

"This is not simple, just cook the rice before it is cooked!" Yang Jingting said calmly.

It sounds simple to say that raw rice is cooked, but for a serious daughter's family, it is completely self-contemptuous behavior. Yang Jingting obviously did not consider this.

"Huh?" Although Zhen Qin was a bit stupid, she hesitated after hearing this.

The education she received since she was a child simply did not allow her to do this.

"Sister Ting, I..."

Knowing that Zhen Qin had doubts, Yang Jingting said, "You don't have to answer me now. You can come to me at any time when you figure it out, and I will help you!"

Being able to help at any time means that I am guaranteed to be in the palace, hahaha... Zhen Qin was ecstatic.

But she doesn't plan to ask Yang Jingting for help yet. After all, she prefers to rely on her own efforts and let Zhu Jinghong directly choose her as his concubine.

And she also believes that that day is not far away.

(End of this chapter)