The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 308 - Awards

However, the petty squabbles within this family would not affect the national celebration at all.

On November 18, the celebration banquet was held as scheduled.

Inside Qionghua Hall, music from strings and bamboo instruments filled the air, accompanied by songs, laughter, and the clinking of wine cups.

Ning Chen directly awarded the military officers who had made contributions at the banquet.

General Lu and General Xian were both seasoned generals from two different reigns, already holding the first-rank official title. There was no further promotion available, so they were both awarded the title of Marquis.

In contrast, Ye Zhe was young and had inherited the title of Zhongyong Marquis from his father. He was not qualified for the higher rank of Duke, so he was promoted to the second-rank General instead.

The Yin family also received promotions.

Next was Huo Pingbei, whose military achievements surpassed those of Ye Zhe, as he had come to provide reinforcements and had been to both Beiling Pass and Qingqiang Pass.

Thus, he was promoted to second-rank General and granted the title of Viscount.

Currently, the hierarchy of noble titles in Nan Qi is structured from highest to lowest as Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, and Baron, totaling five ranks. The Huo family rose to prominence only during Huo Pingbei's generation. At a young age, he earned the title of Viscount for himself, marking him as a remarkable young talent.

After the awards for the previous dynasty were given out, everyone's eyes turned toward the inner palace.

However, Ning Chen abruptly stopped there and did not mention any awards for the inner palace during the banquet.

Everyone speculated that perhaps the announcement would come at the end of the year.

Once the banquet finally concluded, the Empress took the initiative to speak.

"Your Majesty seems quite happy today, having had a bit too much to drink. I have instructed someone to prepare a hangover soup. You should go to Fengxi Palace to drink it and then rest."

"No need," Ning Chen waved his hand. "I will go to Ming Xiuyi's place tonight."

The Empress was momentarily taken aback, her eyes darkening slightly, but she still maintained a gentle smile on her face. "That's fine. Ming Xiuyi is the most considerate and attentive. I shall take my leave now."

With the Empress leaving, the other consorts had no reason to stay and followed suit, dispersing as well.

"Why aren't you coming over?" Ning Chen squinted, beckoning to Ye Yun.

Ye Yun huffed, "Your Majesty, there's a sour smell around you that makes me hesitant to get any closer."

Despite her words, she walked over anyway.

Ning Chen skillfully took her hand, his smile carrying a hint of mischief.

"Sour? Who do you think is being jealous?"

"Who else could be sour? Naturally, it's me. Those women wish they could stick their eyes to you, making me want to pluck them out," Ye Yun replied, rolling her eyes in pride.

This answer was clearly unexpected.

Ning Chen had meant to suggest that the other consorts were envious of Ye Yun, but he hadn't anticipated this response.

Seeing the playful expression of the woman before him lifted his spirits.

After squinting at her for a moment, he suddenly picked her up in a horizontal embrace.