Yan Ge firmly chose “No” with determination, and once again, the system did not indicate the consequences of his refusal. Well, at this point, he still didn’t know what exactly this system was all about.
After returning to his room in the temporary residence for the xiunan, Yan Ge paced back and forth, unable to come up with a corresponding plan. Once conferred, he would no longer have the opportunity to leave the palace. What other options were there? What other options?
Just when he felt helpless, a eunuch arrived with a royal decree.
“By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor’s decree states: Yan Xiaojing’s son, Yan Ge, possesses extraordinary appearance and lively nature. I am greatly pleased, thus conferring him as Yan Daying, bestowing him with Chunfang Courtyard at Chunfeng Palace. This is my blessing.”
Yan Daying…
Yan Ge’s brow twitched, and he knelt down to express his gratitude.
“Yan Ge acknowledges the decree and offers gratitude. Long live our Emperor, for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, and countless more.”
“Ding. Congratulations on successfully completing Main Mission 3 – Being conferred by the Emperor. You have been rewarded with 50 taels of silver and a copy of ‘The Eighteen Arts of Yufu.’”
“Main Mission 4 – Being promoted to Changzai by the Emperor. If the mission is successful, you will be rewarded with 100 taels of silver and a copy of the “Imperial Pharmacopoeia.” To accept the mission, please select ‘Yes.’ To refuse the mission, please select ‘No.’”
*Imperial Pharmacopoeia refers to a collection or compendium of medicinal formulas, remedies, and prescriptions used in traditional Chinese medicine that were specifically compiled for use in the imperial court.
Yan Ge numbly chose “No.”
The eunuch delivering the decree smiled and said, “Congratulations, Yan Daying. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will soon send two servants to accompany you, a palace maid and a palace eunuch. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, they will be with you at all times. They will escort you to Chunfang Courtyard, and once you arrive there, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will provide you with all necessary daily items, including the attire befitting your status.”
“No need to trouble yourself, Eunuch,” Yan Ge’s lips curved as he took out a few silver coins from his sleeve to reward him.
The eunuch delivering the decree smiled broadly. “Thank you for the gracious reward, Young Master. I shall take my leave.”
“Please take your time, Eunuch.” Yan Ge politely escorted him to the door. Better to deal with the King of Hell than with troublesome little demons. It was better to avoid offending people in this palace.
Not long after the eunuch left, the two servants assigned by the Ministry of Internal Affairs arrived. Yan Ge hadn’t even had a chance to see their faces when they prostrated on the ground.
“The servant Xiao Zhan pays respects to Young Master!”
“The servant Wan Xiang pays respects to Young Master!”
“You may rise.”
“Thank you, Young Master.”
The young palace maid and eunuch stood up, respectfully positioning themselves on either side. The petite palace maid had an ordinary appearance, but her eyes were quite lively. The young eunuch, not much taller than her, had a clean and pure countenance, resembling a delicate youth. Both of them appeared to be around sixteen or seventeen years old.
Commanding such young children made Yan Ge feel a twinge of guilt. He spoke just a few words, “In the future, serve this young master diligently, and I shall never mistreat you.”
The two of them knelt down together, expressing their determination, “Yes, Young Master!”
Yan Ge waved his hand, “Rise, and let us proceed to the Chunfang Courtyard.”
“Yes.”
The three of them walked towards the Chunfeng Palace at a leisurely pace. Xiao Zhan and Wan Xiang provided an introduction to the palace’s situation for Yan Ge in hushed tones. Despite their young age, having spent a considerable amount of time in the palace, they were knowledgeable about various matters.
Chunfang Courtyard was one of the residences for the imperial consorts in the harem, and ever since the first batch of male consorts were granted residence there years ago, it had almost exclusively been assigned to male consorts. The Chunfang Courtyard was a small annex belonging to the Chunfeng Palace.
Upon reaching the Chunfeng Palace, they encountered several palace maids and eunuchs bustling around, engaged in moving various activities. The three other xiunan also resided in the Chunfeng Palace.
Yan Ge instructed Wan Xiang to inquire, and it was revealed that Song Ruhao had been promoted to Song Guiren, holding the rank of third-class consorts. Du Zhengfeng had become Du Changzai, holding the rank of fifth-class consorts. Zhou Wenhuan and Yan Ge were both conferred as Da Ying, holding the rank of fifth-class consorts as well.
Wan Xiang whispered softly, “Young Master, within His Majesty’s harem, the ranks for the female consorts from lowest to highest are Daying, Changzai, Zhaoyi, Jieyu, Guiren (Consort), Pin, Fei, Guifei (Noble Consort), Huang Guifei(Imperial Noble Consort), to Huanghou (Empress).
“For the male consorts, the ranks range from bottom to top as: Daying, Changzai, Shirén (scholar), Cairen, Guiren, Shiqing, Caiqing (honorable official), Guiqing(Noble Consort), to Huang Guiqing (Imperial Noble Consort).”
“When the xiunan and xiunu first enter the palace, they can only obtain the ranks of Guiren and below. The servants address those below the rank of Guiren as ‘Young Master,’ while those above are referred to as ‘Niangniang’ for the imperial consorts while the male consorts are called by their specific titles. Logically speaking, consorts below Pin do not have the qualifications to reside in the main hall of a palace. However, among the four male consorts, Song Guiren holds the highest rank, which allows him to reside in the main hall of Chunfang Palace.”
Yan Ge casually asked, “When did the two of you enter the palace?”
Wan Xiang and Xiao Zhan both replied, “Three years ago.”
Yan Ge said, “You both have a better understanding of the palace than I do. Remind me whenever necessary.”
“Yes!”
After a moment’s hesitation, Wan Xiang added, “Young Master, it is not permissible to use the term ‘I’ within the palace. If it is overheard by someone with ill intentions, it may be deemed inappropriate.”
Yan Ge paused, nodding in acknowledgment.
Author’s note: Regarding the ranks and grades of consorts, they were determined based on various historical dynasties. My dear readers, there is no need to scrutinize them too much.
