What a disappointment.

24 January 1746

[Noble Consort Chun's POV]

Today is the day I can finally end my 1 month post birth confinement. The confinement period is considered as the most crucial part of the recovery process after giving birth. If it is not done well, it is believed to affect the fertility of a woman.

Coming out of confinement also marks the 1st month of the birth of a baby. This is a time where well wishers will bring gifts to congratulate the mother and bring gifts as a form of blessing to the newborn.

My first son, the 3rd Prince, Yongzhang has proven to be a disappointment. His talents are too mediocre for the Emperor to take notice. He is only conferred as Prince Xun of the second rank on the day of his coming of age ceremony. A second rank Prince has almost no hope to be considered for the role of the crown prince.

As I got my chambermaid to prepare my bath, my mind wandered to think about what I can do to improve the chances of my second son, the 6th Prince, Yongrong. He is facing fierce competition as the 5th Prince is highly favoured and extremely talented.

"No matter what, I must, get Yongrong at least the first rank upon his coming of age and my Buddha Princess shall be instrumental in getting him there." I looked into the mirror with determination on my face.

Well, at least, Noble Consort Yu is not favoured by the Emperor at all. Everyone in the palace can see that her status is all because of her son. If I can't bring down the son, I can at least make things difficult for the mother.

"Your Noble Consort, the 3rd Prince is here to see you." the chambermaid announced.

"Let him wait. I am not done with my bath." I instructed her.

"Get the palace nanny to bring me the 6th Prince. I want to see him first." I added.

I looked fondly over to the cot at my Buddha Princess, feeling the excitement of the Imperial Edict that is arriving today to confer her with the First Rank title. It would also mean that my status is going to be elevated to Imperial Noble Consort along with the conferment.

I can almost feel my chest erupting from the excitement of receiving the edict announcing my status elevation.

"Mother Consort!" the 3rd Prince interrupted my thoughts. "I have brought some gifts for my younger brother and sister."

"That's great. Mother Consort appreciates your thoughtfulness." I said flatly. "Let's head over to the main hall. The guests will soon be here."

[Noble Consort Yu's POV]

I held on to the beautifully wrapped gifts for the Buddha Princess and for Noble Consort Chun. Even within the ranks of Noble Consorts, there are still differences on who is more superior than the others. There are many unspoken rules about it. Generally speaking, it is ranked by consensus on who is more favoured than the others and the influence of the family clan that they come from.

My family clan, however, has hardly any influence in the court. I know very well that if not for my 5th Prince, I can never rise beyond the status of Consort.

Noble Consort Chun strolled into the main hall daintily, carrying the Buddha Princess in her arms, accompanied by the 3rd Prince on the right. She is certainly a star today, carrying a glow about each step that she takes.

Even the Empress and Imperial Noble Consort Lan is here to congratulate her. The hall is filled with all the ladies of the harem of every rank. No one wants to miss out on trying to be on her good side.

"The Imperial Edict is here!" The Head Eunuch Feng held up a carefully rolled piece of scroll above his head and walked into the main hall of Jingren palace accompanied by 4 other junior eunuchs.

The Head Eunuch is a highly respectable position in the palace. He serves directly besides the Emperor with administrative roles acting like a secretary to the Emperor. The Empress, herself, would also want to be on the good side with Head Eunuch Feng.

Everyone lined up in neat rows according to rank. Since this edict is for Noble Consort Chun, she has to be in the middle of the first row with only the Empress to her right and Imperial Noble Consort Lan to her left. Usually, the Empress must always be in the middle with the next highest ranking ladies on the right and left.

With everyone in place and knelt down, Head Eunuch Feng unrolled the scroll to read aloud the contents inside.

"With the will of heaven and the will of the Emperor, Noble Consort Chun has proven to be virtuous and pure, befitting of her title Chun, bearing a Princess that brings great blessings and fortune to the Empire. I hereby decree that the 4th Princess, be conferred the title of Princess Hejia of First Rank. Noble Consort Chun, receive the edict"

Rolling up the scroll, Head Eunuch Feng proceeded to place the edict on the hands of Noble Consort Chun that was raised above her head while she remained kneeling down.

"Congratulations Noble Consort Chun. This calls for a celebration!" Head Eunuch Feng said as he prepared to take his leave.

"Thank you, Head Eunuch Feng. Please stay for tea." Noble Consort Chun rises from her kneeling position.

It is customary to offer tea to the Eunuch that brings the Imperial Edict. It creates a good opportunity to secretly stash some monetary gifts to the Eunuch while he sips on the tea. It is believed that in doing so, he would potentially put in a good word in front of the Emperor.

As Noble Consort Chun leaves to put away the Imperial Edict, the hall is buzzing with low whispers. Clearly, Noble Consort Chun has not been elevated.

The Empress cleared her throat and everyone fell silent.

[Noble Consort Chun's POV]

"Your Noble Consort, shall your humble servant put away these clothes and hair accessories?" a chambermaid asked in a soft voice.

"Shut up! Get the hell out of here." I felt my heartbeat rising as I was fuming from inside out. That idiot of a chambermaid, can't she see that these clothes and hair accessories would make me a laughing stock today? Those are meant only for an Imperial Noble Consort. Getting caught with these items as a Noble Consort will get me into deep trouble.

"Ziyan!" I summoned my confidant servant. "Get rid of these items."

"Yes, Your Noble Consort." she replied.

With her taking care of matters, I feel a slight relief. Now, I need to adjust my robes and touch up my makeup to receive the guests. The Empress and the Imperial Noble Consort are still waiting for me at the main hall. I cannot appear to be rude by making them wait.

[Noble Consort Yu's POV]

Noble Consort Chun returned to the main hall to say a few words of thanks and pay a curtsy to the Empress. The Empress gave a short address to the crowd and left the hall citing the reason of feeling unwell.

One by one, the rest of the harem had to present their gifts followed by females from the court official's family clan who would also use this opportunity to gain favours and build connections for the clan.

"Elder sister, these are some humble gifts for the Buddha Princess as a form of blessings." I gave a low curtsy to Noble Consort Chun.

"Consort Ying! How thoughtful of you, my dear sister." Noble Consort Chun looked past me to Consort Ying who was standing behind me. She stretched both her palms out to receive the gifts from Consort Ying.

"I am happy for your great fortune, my dear elder sister." Consort Ying moved to my right to hand the gift over to Noble Consort Chun.

One by one, the harem ladies handed their gifts to her while I remained in my curtsy position with my hands outstretched with the gifts untouched. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Eunuch Li leaving the hall quietly and after a short while, he returned with the 5th Prince.

I felt my face heat up with burning rage and embarrassment. Even on an occasion such as this, Noble Consort Chun still can find the opportunity to make things difficult for me. This time, dragging Yongqi into her games.

"Mother Consort! You have forgotten my gift to my little sister!" Yongqi remarked, trying to get me out of the situation.

"Ah! My dear sister, how careless!" Noble Consort Chun put on her fake smile. "Oh my! Why are you still in curtsy position? Please, rise!" she took the gifts from my hands and helped me up as I rise from the curtsy.

"Thank you, elder sister." I crossed my fingers inside my sleeves as I cussed swear words at her inside my head.

"I shall take my leave."

A look of satisfaction washed over her face. There, she has done it. Publicly embarrassing me in front of the entire harem and especially in front of my son. I am sure the females from the aristocratic clans are going to have a field day discussing this incident.