sbdcsierra Chapter 679: Conferring her the title of Consort Chen, absolutely not
Chapter 679: Conferring her the title of Consort Chen, absolutely not
Zhou suffered from hemiplegia after the stroke. In order to avoid giving people a chance to talk about her, Shen Maoxue would visit her every few days.
He was in a good mood today, so he walked into Zhou's room.
Zhou was lying on the bed with her facial features distorted. Her mouth was particularly crooked and drool was constantly flowing out of it.
She heard from the servants outside today that the imperial edict had been issued.
Seeing Shen Maoxue, Zhou still held on to the last hope in her heart and asked with difficulty: "Did your dear son-in-law win the first place in the imperial examination?"
Shen Maoxue gave her a disgusted look and said, "Your son-in-law didn't win, but you did!"
It was just a stroke.
After he finished speaking, he was too lazy to look at Zhou's half-dead appearance and turned away.
Upon learning that Lu Jianglin did not win the top spot, Zhou's last hope was shattered and she fell heavily off the bed!
Shen Maoxue ignored her.
The servants in the yard flatter the powerful and look down on the weak, so naturally they would not take Zhou seriously.
When the maid found her the next day, Zhou had already slept on the ground all night, with feces and urine all over her body...
……
After the imperial edict was announced, the news spread not only to the court and the people, but also to the harem at an extremely fast speed.
Shen Zhinian naturally also learned about this.
Shen Zhinian was not surprised about the people in the first class.
In the previous life, Lu Jianglin was the top scholar. Jiang Lingzhou was chosen as the third scholar because of his handsome appearance. Zhou Yuhu was still the second scholar.
It’s just that Bai Mufeng’s ranking was a little further back, and he was the first in the second class.
However, Shen Zhinian was actually quite surprised by Lu Jianglin's results.
If we were to ask who in the world knows Lu Jianglin best, it is not Lu's mother, nor Shen Nanqiao, but Shen Zhinian.
Although Lu Jianglin has many shortcomings, he is indeed a talented person. With his true level, even if he can't get the first place in the imperial examination, he can still get into the second place and become a Jinshi.
But in this imperial examination, he was only a fellow Jinshi...
But after thinking about it, Shen Zhinian could guess the reason.
He has always been a soft-hearted and self-willed person. It must be that Shen Nanqiao's constant nagging has affected his mentality.
Shen Zhinian was too lazy to pay attention to him anymore.
Handan smiled and said, "I guess the number one scholar is already riding a horse in the parade at this time."
"I heard from others that the appearance of the No. 1 Scholar is even better than that of the No. 3 Scholar! This is probably the first No. 1 Scholar in the history of the Great Zhou Dynasty who is more handsome than the No. 3 Scholar."
"I can imagine how many girls will win the hearts of your majesty's brother when he is paraded through the streets. I'm afraid that the number one scholar will not be able to hold on to the handkerchiefs and sachets they throw."
Fuqiu nodded and said, "Yes, Mr. Jiang won the first place in the imperial examination at such a young age. He has a good family background. I wonder how many girls will dream of him."
Even Xiao Ma, who had experienced many ups and downs, was shocked at this moment: "He is not only the top scholar, but also the top three scholar!"
Everyone understands that Wenquxing has not married yet, so his marriage must be very popular!
I just don't know which noble lady from aristocratic family could have such good fortune.
Shen Zhinian's thoughts gradually drifted away, and he was thinking about something else.
The palace examination has ended. I wonder when Nangong Xuanyu is going to fulfill his promise?
……
Unlike establishing a queen, the title of a noble concubine theoretically does not require the consent of ministers.
But if she violated the rule that no one could be promoted without a reason, Shen Zhinian would definitely be scolded as a witch concubine by the censors.
Therefore, Nangong Xuanyu secretly paved the way for her for a long time and eliminated all hidden dangers.
The emperor talked about this matter at the first morning court session after the ceremony of announcing the imperial edicts.
The Great Zhou Dynasty emphasized "those who excel in learning will become officials". The three highest honors in the imperial examinations represented that an individual had achieved the highest academic and official achievements through hard work. Not only did he have a bright future, but he also brought honor to his family. For the Great Zhou Dynasty, it was a great fortune!
In particular, the number "three" has a special meaning in tradition and is associated with auspiciousness and perfection, such as "three gives birth to all things" and "three sheep bring good luck". The "three yuan" in "three yuan and the best" just echoes this auspicious meaning and emphasizes the auspicious omen.
When Nangong Xuanyu was in power, a scholar who passed the imperial examinations and won the first place in the imperial examinations was born. Jiang Lingzhou would become a role model for all scholars in the world and play a very good guiding role in the customs of the Great Zhou.
If students all over the world take him as their role model, the Great Zhou will surely prosper culturally and produce many talented people!
Fate is determined by heaven, and the top three are usually considered to be the reincarnation of Wenquxing, a special favor bestowed by heaven. This blessing and opportunity appeared when Nangong Xuanyu held the imperial examination for the first time after ascending the throne, which was even more auspicious!
To sum it up, this is——
The adopted son of the Shen family brought such a great omen that the emperor wanted to reward the Shen family. He issued an imperial decree on the spot, promoting Concubine Xian to Noble Concubine and granting her the title of "Chen".
Ministers: "..."
Ah, no!
Wenquxing is only the adopted son of the Shen family, but he is the biological son of the Jiang family! Even if His Majesty wants to reward, shouldn't he reward the Jiang family? Why did all the benefits go to the Shen family?
Moreover, Shen Maoxue's adopted son won the top three places in the imperial examinations, so his power in the court will be greatly strengthened. Your Majesty also wants to promote him to the position of Consort Xian in the harem. Isn't it too much of a favor to their family?
Even a fool can see that His Majesty just wants to confer the title of Imperial Concubine to Lady Xian, so he went to so much trouble to find such a reason for her!
What’s the difference between this and making dumplings just for the sake of adding some vinegar?
Before anyone could react, Shen Maoxue had already stepped out and knelt on the ground, saying excitedly: "I thank the Lord for His grace! Long live His Majesty!"
Everyone: "..."
Why is this old fox doing this again?
Did he think that if he expressed his gratitude quickly enough, they wouldn't have time to object?
In fact, the ministers were not idle, and they had to take care of the affairs of the emperor's harem. It was just that some of them were too pedantic and could not tolerate behavior that did not follow the rules.
Your Majesty has found all the reasons and causes for Concubine Xian this time. There is nothing wrong with her according to the rules. If you want to promote her, then go ahead.
But... this title is really against the rules!
Duke Dingguo's expression became even gloomier!
He didn't need to tell his men to say anything, as an old-fashioned censor stood up.
"Your Majesty, since the founding of the Great Zhou, the Imperial Concubine has been the same as the Four Concubines, all of whom have a specific high position and cannot be given additional titles. How can you set this precedent for the Virtuous Concubine? Moreover, the word 'Chen' is extremely precious!"
"Yes! Chen refers to the emperor. How can Your Majesty use this word as a title and bestow it on the concubines in the harem?!"
"I second the motion. This is really inappropriate!"
"I second your opinion! Imperial Concubines should not be given special titles, let alone titles with such noble connotations!"
"..."
In general, if Nangong Xuanyu wanted to make Shen Zhinian the Imperial Concubine Shen, the ministers had no objection. But if he wanted to make her the Imperial Concubine Chen, they would absolutely not allow it!