Chapter 71: Investiture - Honored Lady Zhen

Ju Shou and his entourage didn’t have to wait long at the city gate.

Soon, a lengthy caravan approached slowly from afar and halted before Yecheng’s eastern entrance.

A portly man dressed in blue brocade stepped out from within the convoy. After surveying the scene, his gaze settled on Ju Shou at the forefront, and he cautiously spoke up:

“May I inquire, esteemed envoy, what brings you here…?”

Ju Shou smiled slightly and bowed with clasped hands. “I am Ju Shou, military supervisor under the Great General, dispatched by His Excellency to welcome the Zhen family’s daughter into the palace.”

“Oh, it’s Supervisor Ju, my apologies for not recognizing you earlier.”

Upon realizing this was someone sent by Yuan Shao, the rotund man hastily greeted him and said, “My name is Zhen Yuan, a member of the Zhen clan and overseer of this convoy. We were entrusted by our patriarch to escort our young mistress to Yecheng.

“We should have arrived ten days ago, but due to torrential rains en route, we faced delays. Please forgive us, Supervisor.”

Zhongshan wasn’t far from Yecheng. However, given the substantial cargo carried by the convoy and unfavorable weather conditions, their progress had been slower than anticipated, ultimately arriving ten days late despite rushing as much as possible.

“No worries; safe arrival is paramount,” replied Ju Shou.

As Ju Shou spoke, his gaze shifted towards the most ornate vermilion carriage within the convoy. “May I inquire if Miss Zhen is well?”

A swift response came from inside the carriage.

“Thank you for your concern, Military Supervisor. I am perfectly fine and ready to enter the palace to pay my respects to His Majesty. Please lead the way.”

The voice was crisp and melodious, evoking a sense of joy upon hearing it.

Both brothers, Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang, couldn’t help but glance at the vermilion carriage, their curiosity piqued.

With such a delightful voice, how might she look?

Ju Shou nodded and turned to the two brothers. “I will escort Miss Zhen to the palace to meet His Majesty. Gentlemen, kindly receive the Zhen family members, arrange accommodations, and oversee the inspection of the convoy.”

“Rest assured, Sir,” responded both Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang.

Receiving the Zhen family was indeed part of their duties.

After giving his instructions, Ju Shou led the imperial guards, accompanying the vermilion carriage into Yecheng. The crowd swiftly parted to make way.

As the carriage passed by Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang, a gentle breeze suddenly lifted the corner of the curtain, granting them a fleeting glimpse of the woman inside.

Just one glance captivated them, leaving them unable to tear their eyes away. They stood frozen, completely mesmerized, remaining entranced even as the carriage disappeared into the distance.

Noticing their dazed expressions, Zhen Yuan couldn’t help but feel puzzled and called out, “Young masters, where do we proceed now?”

The caravan couldn’t remain blocked here; they needed to find a place for accommodation.

However, Yuan Shang didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he let out a long sigh, filled with emotion, saying, “What an extraordinary beauty…”

He struggled to articulate his feelings accurately. But one thing was certain - the maiden from the Zhen family within that carriage was undoubtedly the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes upon in his entire life!

Her real beauty far surpassed anything depicted in any portrait!

Meanwhile, Yuan Xi also snapped back to reality. Unlike Yuan Shang’s astonishment, his heart brimmed with resentment and anger.

“It’s all your fault! You damn fool!” Yuan Xi roared as he grabbed Yuan Shang by the collar.

Without another word, he abruptly turned and stormed away, leaving everyone behind.

Despite being treated so rudely, Yuan Shang surprisingly showed no anger. He merely pursed his lips, a hint of schadenfreude flickering in his eyes.

“Hmph, if I can’t have her, neither will you!”

Although deeply captivated by Miss Zhen’s beauty, the thought of Yuan Xi not being able to possess her brought him immense satisfaction.

Feeling elated, Yuan Shang smiled at the bewildered Zhen Yuan and said, “Come, allow me to escort you into the city first.”

Within the imperial palace, Liu Xie changed his attire and promptly proceeded to the main hall.

Just as he sat down, a court eunuch approached him with a report: “Your Majesty, Military Supervisor Ju has brought Lady Zhen here. They are currently waiting outside the Great Hall.”

“Already?” A flicker of surprise crossed Liu Xie’s face momentarily.

“Summon them in.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” The eunuch nodded and announced in a high-pitched voice, “Introducing Lady Zhen for audience—”

As soon as the words were spoken, two figures entered the Great Hall swiftly.

Liu Xie recognized one immediately; it was Ju Shou himself.

Standing beside him was a graceful young maiden dressed in a light blue gown. She appeared quite youthful yet possessed an extraordinarily captivating beauty.

With luminous eyes, pearly teeth, skin like porcelain, and gaze as clear as autumn waters, every movement exuded an ethereal charm.

Despite being a reincarnator who had seen various beauties from around the world on the internet in his previous life, Liu Xie found himself deeply mesmerized by this maiden.

“Lady Zhen, paying respects to Your Majesty.”

As Liu Xie became captivated by Zhen Mi’s beauty, she reached the center of the Great Hall and gracefully knelt before him, performing a reverent bow.

Liu Xie snapped out of his trance and slightly raised his hand, saying, “Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Zhen Mi stood up but kept her head bowed, remaining silent.

Liu Xie could tell that despite her composed demeanor, she was actually quite nervous inside.

“Oh no, am I really smitten with a fourteen-year-old girl?” Liu Xie’s gaze swept over Zhen Mi’s graceful figure.

He initially thought someone at fourteen would still look like a child, but Zhen Mi appeared more mature than her age, resembling a high school student.

Although Zhen Ji (Mi) had her head lowered, she could sense Liu Xie’s scrutinizing gaze, causing her to purse her lips and her delicate body to stiffen slightly. Being under the Emperor’s direct attention left her inevitably anxious.

Just as Liu Xie’s thoughts were wandering, Ju Shou reminded him, “Your Majesty, it is time for the investiture ceremony.”

Liu Xie collected himself, nodding and saying, “Very well, bring forth the decree.”

Since Zhen Mi was entering the imperial harem, granting her formal status was essential. The edict had already been prepared; now it was merely a ceremonial formality.

As Liu Xie finished speaking, an imperial eunuch entered the Great Hall carrying a tray.

Upon it rested a yellow silk cloth—the official decree of investiture.

The eunuch picked up the decree from the tray, unfolded it, and began reading aloud with a shrill voice: “In accordance with heaven’s will and the times, receiving this divine mandate, by the Emperor’s decree:

We have heard that the foundation of kingship lies in the virtues of their consort, for within the realm, harmony begins at home, setting the example for all relationships. Having sought a virtuous noblewoman, to honor her with the dignity befitting a palace consort, we hereby confer exceptional status and proclaim our edict publicly.

Zhen, a daughter of refined grace, born amidst the tranquility of a blessed lineage. Her demeanor is pure as jade, her heart profound and serene. She shall henceforth be specially elevated to the rank of Honored Consort and reside in Qingli Palace. Let the appropriate officials select an auspicious day for the formal ceremony, bestowing upon her this distinguished title, may she forever bear great fortune. So decreed.”

The imperial harem was divided into seven ranks, with Empress being the highest. Below the Empress were the titles of Zhao Yi, Jie Yu, Honored Consort, Beauty, Palace Lady, and finally, Palace Woman.

Zhen Mi had been bestowed with the fourth rank, Honored Consort.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Zhen Mi graciously accepted the decree with both hands and bowed deeply in gratitude.

From this moment on, she became known as Honored Consort Zhen.