The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 3)

Chapter 440 - Promoted but Feels No Different

Ye Yun kept her promise and indeed promoted Yi Zhaorong to the rank of Fei.

However, at the same time, Rong Shu Fei was promoted to Xian Fei, Hui Fei became Hui De Fei, and Qi Shunrong was also elevated to the rank of Qi Fei.

In an instant, Yi Fei was filled with frustration.

This was a case of being promoted but feeling as if she hadn't risen at all.

Everyone was elevated together, so her promotion lost all its value, aside from looking good on the surface.

This was only natural.

Ye Yun wasn't foolish; she had said that she would make their mother-son duo look good, but she hadn't promised that they would be the only ones looking good.

Now that the children were growing up, the competition for the Crown Prince had subtly begun, with the main contenders being her Fourth Prince, Sixth Prince, and the Third Prince along with the Fifth Prince, who had found a good mother.

Ye Yun certainly wouldn't create advantages for her rivals.

Although the results deviated significantly from expectations, at least Yi Fei was finally a high-ranking consort. She had no choice but to follow the agreement and pass her mourning period quietly.

Three years passed in a flash, and the harem enjoyed a rare peace and harmony during this time.

Of course, this only applied to the concubines; the growing princes had already begun to compete quietly.

This mainly referred to the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince.

The Eldest Prince had always been in poor health and was constantly taking medicine, so he had no interest in competing.

The Second Prince, born of a lowly mother and raised by a stepmother notorious for her wrongdoings, realized he had no hope of success and no longer competed; now, he was engrossed in poetry, calligraphy, and painting.

The Fifth Prince and Sixth Prince were still young and had yet to understand the situation.

With the mourning period over, the palace took on a fresh appearance on the day of the removal of mourning attire.

This day was meant for holding a banquet, which, according to the customs of the Nan Qi royal family, symbolized bidding farewell to the deceased.

Having finally made it through, the concubines who still had the energy were dressed beautifully, hoping to catch the emperor's attention after the mourning.

The banquet was held in the Peony Pavilion, and it was bustling with excitement.

Not only the concubines were present, but also the princes and princesses.

This year, the eldest princess is coming of age, blossoming into a striking young woman who is knowledgeable and cultured. Today, she specially prepared hand-embroidered pouches for her younger siblings.

"Time flies! The eldest princess is already of an age to discuss marriage. I wonder which lucky young man will have the good fortune to marry our eldest princess," said Hui De Fei with a smile.

Hearing this, the eldest princess's face turned crimson as she lowered her head and said, "I'm still young, Mother De Fei, please don't say such things. I don't want to get married."

"Hey, look! Mother, even the eldest sister doesn't want to get married. That's perfect because I don't want to get married either. In the future, I can live with the eldest sister," the second princess said cheerfully.

Ye Yun smiled and replied, "All these young ladies say they don't want to marry, but the little ones are eager! A few days ago, Yuan'er even told me secretly that the second son of the Xu family, who accompanies her studies, is quite handsome."