The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 279 - Surpassing Yang Cefei (Imperial Ranking System)

As expected, three days later, after the Grand Consorts had made all the necessary arrangements, Pei Yao issued an edict to confer titles upon the women of his inner residence.

The Crown Princess naturally became the Empress, residing in Jiaofang Hall.

Among the others, Fang Yun was the first to receive the decree.

In Yuzhang Palace, Hong Zheng personally read out the decree.

"Fang Cefei, known for her prudence and dedication, diligence and gentleness, grace and wisdom, is hereby conferred the title of Fei, bestowed with the title 'Zhao', residing in Yuzhang Palace!"

"Zhao Fei, receive the decree!"

Hong Zheng rolled up the imperial edict and respectfully handed it over.

Though mourning for the late Emperor forbade outward celebration, the joy and excitement in everyone's eyes were unmistakable.

Prior speculations were just guesses. Now, with the decree, it felt truly real.

"Thank you, Eunuch Hong, for bringing the decree. Qingrong, bring the pouch. Yanwei, prepare Eunuch Hong's favorite tea."

Fang Yun promptly instructed.

Hong Zheng graciously thanked her, arranging for Yuanhe to escort him out.

Mindful of the mourning period, Fang Yun's conferral as Fei didn't involve grand celebrations. Instead, she discreetly had Qingrong distribute some rewards to the palace servants.

After sending Hong Zheng off, Qingrong and Yanwei helped Fang Yun back to bed, quietly discussing.

"I wonder what titles others will receive."

"It doesn't matter. They certainly won't surpass our consort. But when will they enter the palace?"

As they spoke, they looked at Fang Yun, who smiled.

"Soon, perhaps three to five days, no later than half a month."

"Wouldn't that coincide with your labor?" Qingrong frowned. "I still feel more at ease with them not in the palace."

She was particularly wary of Yang Cefei.

Fang Yun lowered her eyes, touching her belly. "It's not that worrying. I entered the palace ahead of them, securing a head start. They won't have time to act right away; it's just unsettling."

Nevertheless, the timing of other concubines' entry wasn't up to Fang Yun, making further discussion moot.

That afternoon, Hong Zheng returned with the imperial decrees.

With the Crown Princess and Fang Yun absent, Yang Cefei led the women in receiving their titles.

As expected, Yang Cefei was conferred as a Fei of the Second Rank and granted residence in Zhongsui Palace.

Zhao Liangdi and He Liangdi were given the rank of Pin. Zhao Shi received the title "Jin", meaning "prudence," and was assigned to live in Changqing Palace, while He Shi was placed in Yong'an Palace without a title.

Hu Liangdi was conferred the rank of Fourth Grade Lingyi with the title "Wan", meaning "graceful," and was assigned to Yichun Palace's Yilan Hall.

Song Shuren and Xie Shuren were both granted the Sixth Grade rank of Meiren. Song Shi was assigned to live in Jinrong Palace's Zhenbao Hall, while Xie Shi joined Hu Shi in Yichun Palace's Fuxi Pavilion.

Yun Qian, the concubine, was granted the eighth grade rank of Cainu and continued to reside with Yang Shi.

Interestingly, Pei Yao didn't even know Yun Qian's original surname. He simply removed her previous surname, "Chen," and henceforth, she was called Yun Cainu in the palace—a name that was unique and easy to recognize.