Everyone was stunned for the reason that, according to His Majesty's harem:
Ordinary concubines' promotion, most of the time is sitting on a position with no merit or fault for a long time, or their family made great contributions in the previous dynasty, or gave birth to an imperial heir with merit, only then would they be promoted in one leap to enjoy glory.
But the reason why Xiao Jingheng wanted to promote Song Zhao to Changzai was actually...
He wanted her to have one more eunuch to serve around her?
If this reason spread out, I'm afraid no one would believe it.
When Song Zhao heard this, she was naturally panicked and uneasy, and quickly declined:
"Your Majesty, I'm new to the harem, and have no merit or virtue. How can I suddenly be raised to this position? Please take back your kindness, don't break me!"
Xiao Jingheng didn't say a word, and was concentrating on treating the injury on Song Zhao's calf.
Jiang Deshun had been serving in front of the emperor for a long time, and of course understood what Xiao Jingheng meant. He then said:
"Your servant will pass on your order. I will go to the Palace Administration Office and the Attendant's Office to report this."
Only when a concubine is made Consort, she needs the emperor to issue an edict and hold an investiture ceremony.
For ordinary promotions to Changzai or Noble Lady, only a word from the emperor would do.
Seeing Jiang Deshun running off in a flash, this matter was set in stone, with no room left for compromise.
Song Zhao was apprehensive inside, her fingers kept fiddling with her clothes.
These nervous little actions were seen by Xiao Jingheng. He said in an extremely gentle voice:
"Don't be afraid. This is my will, no one dares to disobey. Actually, I intended to give you the position of a Noble Lady, which you also deserve. But you don't like too much attention, so I'll first give you the position of Changzai, so as not to embarrass you too much."
His words sounded reasonable, but on second thoughts it was not the case.
He was the Emperor. If he wanted to give Song Zhao the position of a Noble Lady, where was the need for so much consideration?
The fact is, Song Zhao's face was still not enough temptation for him to lose his mind.
Song Zhao followed his words and said: "Your Majesty knows that positions don't matter much to your concubine. As long as Your Majesty has me in his heart, that is enough."
"Pure nonsense." After applying medicine on Song Zhao's leg, Xiao Jingheng put down her pants very gently. "If I didn't care about you, why would I come to your palace and have a meal you cooked on such a hot day?"
"Ah!" Song Zhao suddenly exclaimed and slapped her head, somewhat annoyed: "Your concubine forgot that the crucian carp soup was still on the stove!"
She then got up from the bed and rushed towards the small kitchen.
Seeing her clumsy beauty, Xiao Jingheng felt very amused. He couldn't help laughing too:
"Go slowly, don't fall down!"
Today's lunch, Xiao Jingheng ate with great satisfaction, and so did Song Zhao.
After entering the palace for over a month, she finally got what she wanted from this man.
Although it was just a little bit, as long as things were off to a good start, the road ahead would not be too difficult.
That night, servants from the Palace Administration Office were sent to serve Song Zhao.
These servants were personally chosen by Song Zhao, one named Xiao Fuzi.
At first, the Chief Eunuch of the Palace Administration Office said he had arranged many clever and capable people for Song Zhao, but she didn't like any of them. She said:
"His Majesty raising my position is already the greatest honor. If I ask for talented people from the Palace Administration Office to serve me, it would be somewhat improper. Sir, please introduce some criminals who have made mistakes in the past to serve me. Firstly, it won't attract gossips, secondly I'd like to give those who made mistakes a chance to reform themselves."
After hearing this, the Chief Eunuch quickly said Song Zhao was very wise, and brought her a list of criminals serving sentences in the Divine Punishment Department for her to choose from.
Song Zhao casually pointed and picked Xiao Fuzi.
Now he was standing respectfully below, giving greetings to Song Zhao, "Servant Xiao Fuzi greets Lady Changzai. May Lady Changzai live thousands of years with endless blessings and prosperity."
Song Zhao smiled and said, "It's been many years, do you still remember me?"
Hearing this, Xiao Fuzi was emotionally stirred. He actually shed tears, "Second young lady's kindness, this servant will never forget for life!"
This Xiao Fuzi was actually the younger brother of Doctor Zhang from the Duke of Protection's mansion.
Song Zhao had promised Doctor Zhang that she would get his brother out of the Divine Punishment Department. She had always kept this in mind.
"I promised your brother I would save you. From now on following me, no one will bully you again."
Xiao Fuzi was 14 years younger than Doctor Zhang, similar in age to Song Zhao and Yun Shan.
When he was little he had stayed in the Duke of Protection's mansion. The three children played together for some time, disregarding formalities.
Seeing Xiao Fuzi crying heavily, Yun Shan walked up and pretended to pat his shoulder.
"You little pig, today is our lady's big happy day. Don't cry out any bad luck!"
Hearing this, Xiao Fuzi quickly wiped his tears, and kowtowed to Song Zhao twice more.
"This servant congratulates my lady's joyous occasion! My lady's kindness, this servant cannot repay. I can only serve my lady wholeheartedly, be her ox and horse, and will not decline any hard work!"
His comical appearance made Song Zhao and Yun Shan smile at each other.
Yun Shan helped him up. Song Zhao said gently with a smile:
"I remember when you were little, you had the aspiration to become a doctor like your brother. You were only 4 or 5 back then, but already understood a lot of medical theory. Unfortunately your family met with misfortune later, and you were sold into the palace, which buried your talent."
Xiao Fuzi said: "After entering the palace, I did chores at the Imperial Medical Bureau. During free time I also read a lot of medical books. The reason I was punished to the Divine Punishment Department was because I was caught reading medical books secretly. However I do have some medical skills. I hope to be of help to my lady in the future."
"No need to wait for the future, I have something that requires your help now."
Song Zhao asked Yun Shan to pass the pair of pink bead earrings Consort Chen had given her to Xiao Fuzi, "Take a look, see if there's anything wrong with these earrings?"
Xiao Fuzi took the earrings and examined them carefully. He said:
"Replying my lady, there is nothing wrong with these pink beads. Moreover, these beads are hollow inside, filled with agarwood. That thing is extremely precious, best for tranquilizing the mind and spirit. My lady wearing more of this will also benefit your health."
These earrings were given by Consort Chen to Song Zhao. If Song Zhao didn't wear them for long, it might upset Consort Chen.
But Song Zhao really didn't trust Consort Chen, and didn't dare take this to other imperial physicians for checking, in case someone talked and Consort Chen found out, which would bring endless trouble.
Hearing Xiao Fuzi's words today, Song Zhao felt somewhat reassured.
But in her heart she still found it strange:
Pink beads were already very precious, the agarwood inside was even more invaluable.
For Consort Chen to give her such an expensive gift on their first meeting, it was really hard not to make one doubt her intentions...
