Chương 509: Conferring Titles on the Imperial Harem

"The second rank is the Fourth Consort, a first-rank official," Liu Ce continued.

"The titles are Imperial Concubine, Virtuous Concubine, Virtuous Concubine, and Wise Concubine, with a fixed number of four. The Imperial Concubine is the head of the four consorts and assists the Empress in managing the harem. These four positions cannot be lightly granted to anyone who has made great contributions to the country, given birth to a prince, or possesses outstanding virtue. Remember, it is a fixed number of four; not even one more is allowed."

Li Dequan looked up cautiously and asked, "Your Majesty, if there is any special favor bestowed upon you in the future..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear: what if the emperor took a fancy to someone and insisted on bestowing a title upon them?

"Then let her wait." Liu Ce interrupted him, his tone cold.

"The system is the system. It cannot be broken for the sake of one person's personal interests. If there is someone who truly deserves my special treatment, I will specially create the title of Consort Chen, ranking above the four consorts, equivalent to a secondary empress. But this title will never be lightly bestowed without earth-shattering merit and deeds. In my entire reign, at most one person will receive it."

The two quickly agreed, both thinking to themselves: His Majesty's rules are truly detailed.

"The third rank, the Nine Concubines, second rank." Liu Ce read out the nine titles, "Zhaoyi, Zhaorong, Zhaoyuan, Xiuyi, Xiurong, Xiuyuan, Chongyi, Chongrong, Chongyuan, nine in total. Their duties are to teach the Four Virtues and oversee all the specific affairs of the harem, each in charge of a specific area. For example, Zhaoyi is in charge of sacrifices, Zhaorong is in charge of documents, and Zhaoyuan is in charge of guests. Su Wan, you will draft a plan for me after you meet."

"As you command," Su Wan replied.

"The fourth rank is Jieyu, a third-rank official, with a fixed number of nine. She is responsible for assisting the nine concubines in handling matters such as sacrifices, guests, and funerals. The fifth rank is Meiren, a fourth-rank official, with a fixed number of nine. She is in charge of leading female officials. The sixth rank is Cairen, a fifth-rank official, with a fixed number of nine. She is in charge of managing banquets and sleeping quarters, handling silk and hemp, and presenting annual contributions."

Liu Ce looked at the two and said, "These six ranks are imperial concubines with official ranks, salaries, and independent palaces. Their salaries are equivalent to those of officials of the same rank in the outer court. In other words, a first-rank imperial concubine receives the same salary as the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat in the outer court."

Su Wan and Li Dequan exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes. This treatment was quite generous.

"Next are the Baolin, a sixth-rank official with a fixed number of twenty-seven; the Yunu, a seventh-rank official with a fixed number of twenty-seven; and the Cainu, an eighth-rank official with a fixed number of twenty-seven. These three ranks are collectively known as the Imperial Wives, responsible for serving the Emperor's daily life and handling miscellaneous affairs within the inner court.

Although their ranks are lower, they are still formal palace officials and must not be beaten, scolded, or bullied at will. If anyone dares to bully them, I will not allow it either."

After Su Wan finished writing, she looked up and asked, "Your Majesty, must all these quotas be filled?"

"Of course not," Liu Ce shook his head and laughed.

"This is the ideal system set by the Zhou rites, just giving you an upper limit. The actual number of people can only be less, not more. But in any case, the total number must not exceed this limit. My harem is not a vegetable market; I can't just stuff anyone into it."

Liu Ce paused, then added, "There are two more points you must remember. First, the female official system is independent of the imperial concubine system. The female officials of the Six Departments and Twenty-Four Offices are government officials who receive government salaries and perform specific duties; they are not the emperor's concubines."

"Without my decree, no concubine may arbitrarily transfer or punish female officials. Su Wan, as a Shanggong (Palace Attendant), a third-rank official, you are directly responsible to the Empress and me, and do not need to be concerned with the whims of any other concubine."

A hint of gratitude flashed in Su Wan's eyes, and she bowed deeply: "As you command."

She knew in her heart that His Majesty was backing her up.

"The Inner Palace Attendants are also forbidden from interfering in politics." Liu Ce looked at Li Dequan.

"Li Dequan, you have served me for many years, and I trust you. But the eunuchs of the Inner Palace Attendants are only allowed to manage affairs within and outside the palace. They are not allowed to step outside the palace gates, much less participate in court affairs. Anyone who dares to collude with officials of the outer court will be flogged to death without needing to ask for permission."

Li Dequan trembled and quickly knelt down: "Yes, Your Majesty! This servant will strictly manage the Inner Palace Secretariat and will not allow anyone to interfere in politics!"

"Secondly," Liu Ce's gaze swept over the two men, "although the harem is located deep within the palace, it concerns the stability of the realm. I do not wish to see the harem interfering in politics, nor do I wish to see concubines vying for favor and disrupting the system."

"You two, one in charge of the inner court ladies, the other in charge of the inner palace service, are my eyes and hands in the harem. These rules established today must be strictly followed. Anyone who dares to violate them, no matter who they are, will be dealt with according to the established system. I will show no favoritism. Not even the Empress will be an exception."

"We obey your command!" the two replied in unison, their voices firm and resolute.

"Alright, you may leave." Liu Ce waved his hand.

"From tomorrow onwards, the Han Dynasty's harem will operate according to this system."

The two bowed and left the imperial study, their steps light and quick, as if they had unloaded a heavy burden.

...

Three days later, in a side hall of Changqiu Palace.

While lacking the solemnity of the Deyang Palace, this place was still neatly decorated, filled with fresh flowers and silks, exuding a festive atmosphere. Fine ambergris burned in the incense burner, its wisps of smoke soothing and refreshing.

The hall was covered with a bright red felt carpet, and the walls were adorned with brocade embroidered with phoenixes, creating a festive atmosphere.

Xun Yu stood in the hall, holding a bamboo slip, while the eunuch stood to one side, holding a gold seal and purple ribbon.

Cai Yan sat upright in the main seat, dressed in a dark blue empress's everyday robe and wearing a phoenix crown. Her expression was gentle yet dignified.

"On the day of Renshen in the first month of the first year of Shenwu, the emperor issued an edict:"

"You, Zhang Ning, Zhen Mi, Ren Hongchang, and Zhen Jiang, are all of gentle and virtuous character, and possess refined manners. Having long served in the inner palace, you have been utterly respectful and dutiful. Now, I hereby bestow upon Zhang Ning the title of Noble Consort, Zhen Mi the title of Virtuous Consort, Ren Hongchang the title of Virtuous Consort, and Zhen Jiang the title of Wise Consort, and grant them a gold seal and purple ribbon.

May they further cultivate their virtue and conduct, to live up to my expectations."

Zhang Ning, Zhen Mi, Ren Hongchang, and Zhen Jiang, dressed in palace attire, stepped forward in turn, knelt down, and performed a double bow, saying, "Your Majesty, we thank you for your great kindness."

The eunuch stepped forward and bestowed upon them the gold seal and purple ribbon.

Zhang Ning accepted the golden seal, her heart filled with joy: A Noble Consort, a first-rank official, second only to the Empress. Serving His Majesty for so many years, it's all been worth it!

She glanced at Zhen Mi secretly, and Zhen Mi happened to look over as well. The two smiled at each other.

Zhen Mi accepted the golden seal, thinking to herself: "Consort Shu, first rank. Back when I was the eldest daughter of the Zhen family, I never imagined I'd be where I am today. His Majesty's kindness to our Zhen family is immeasurable."

Ren Hongchang accepted the golden seal, his eyes slightly red: "Consort De, First Rank. Back in Luoyang, I was just a maid. Who would have thought I'd become Consort De? His Majesty has been so good to me."

Zhen Jiang accepted the golden seal and secretly vowed in her heart: "Virtuous Consort, First Rank. From now on, I will definitely assist the Empress well, manage the harem well, and not cause His Majesty any worry."

The four of them took the ornaments one by one, wore them on their waists, and then stood up and stepped aside.

The four consorts—the Noble Consort, the Virtuous Consort, the Wise Consort, and the Wise Consort—took their places.

Xun Yu continued reading:

"Du Xiuniang is appointed Zhaoyi, Zou Yu Zhaorong, Zhen Tuo Zhaoyuan, Zhen Dao Xiuyi, Zhen Rong Xiurong, Mi Zhen Xiuyuan, Gan Mei Chongyi, Yin Ying Chongrong, and Feng Yu Chongyuan, and they are all granted silver seals and blue ribbons."

Nine people stepped forward, knelt down, and received their titles.

The five Zhen sisters were all granted titles in one go, which secretly amazed everyone in the hall.