Pregnant Before the Royal Marriage

Chapter 874: Chapter 874: Promotion to Noble Consort?_1

Jiang Ruobai cleared his throat slightly, took a step forward into the center, and asked, “Your Majesty, are you feeling exhausted? Do you need to adjourn the morning court session for a rest?”

The Emperor, propping his head up with one hand, slowly lifted his eyelids at the words and replied languidly, “No need, what else is there? Continue speaking.”

Alas.

Seeing the emperor’s gloomy demeanor was particularly discomforting for Servants used to facing the youthful vitality of the Crown Prince.

Ever since Concubine Jin passed away, the Emperor has been too grief-stricken to attend court, so the court servants have spent their time in the company of the calm and clear-headed Crown Prince, whose mind was sharp and quick.

The Crown Prince was diligent in his work, fair in his handling of affairs, and listened attentively to the various suggestions put forth by the court officials. He even personally scrutinized each chapter and report submitted by the provinces and departments because he couldn’t employ the Emperor’s Eunuch Scribe.

Those lengthy and verbose chapters, involving the names of places all over the country, people’s names, local customs, and habits, were understood by previous Emperors with the help of several Eunuch Scribes.

Yet, the Crown Prince handled all questions about the chapters coming from the court officials with ease, surprising everyone with his expansive knowledge, quick-thinking abilities and unwavering diligence.

Once used to such leadership, how could the officials tolerate a sleepy Emperor sat on his dragon throne?

While the Senior Grand Secretary was tactful in his wording, the court officials dared not say much, but a sense of discontent was brewing within them.

An Emperor who indulges in harem beauties while neglecting state affairs is bound to disappoint his officials.

In the afternoon, a spirited young Imperial Censor submitted a report criticizing the Emperor to the Culture and Learning Pavilion.

The words were harsh, accusing him of neglecting his responsibilities and favoring his harem; the court was in disarray, and he was not concerned about incurring the Emperor’s wrath.

After reading the report, the Deputy Secretary sighed, “Ah, the impulsiveness of youth.”

The Senior Grand Secretary, Jiang Ruobai, chuckled, “At any time, the Imperial Court must never lack such people.”

That being said, a reprimand is inevitable.”

“Ah, these Imperial Censors are naturally unafraid.”

As expected, the report angered the Emperor. He scolded the Imperial Censor and ordered thirty beatings, which left the young Imperial Censor bedridden for half a year.

Fortunately, his life was spared.

No matter what, the Emperor was still alive. Apart from criticizing him, the officials couldn’t do anything about his laziness.

Meanwhile, the Emperor’s affection for Concubine Zhu was growing stronger.

There were even indications that he intended to promote her to Lady.

This scared everyone.

Concubine Zhu had only been in the palace for a few days?

It was already surprising enough that she was promoted from minor lady to Concubine Zhu. If she were to become a Lady just a few days later, did the Emperor think the position of Lady was as common as cabbage?

Concubine Jin was only promoted to Lady several years after giving birth to the Fifth Prince, who is now the Crown Prince.

Becoming a Lady calls for seniority and the bearing of a prince.

Which requirement has she met?

This was absurd.

All officials expressed their dissatisfaction, urging the Emperor to reconsider.

But the Emperor ignored all these reports and was even more determined to promote Concubine Zhu since he’s being pushed to do so.

Frustrated, the officials turned their pressure onto the shoulders of the Senior Grand Secretary.

He was the Senior Grand Secretary; if the Emperor misbehaved, it was his responsibility to handle it.

Jiang Ruobai had a private conversation with the Emperor.

“Your Majesty, you aren’t really planning on elevating Concubine Zhu to the position of Lady, are you?”