After promoting Concubine Yi, Ning Chen thought of Yang, who was pregnant and had not yet been promoted.
She was promoted to the position of talented person, and it was also stated that she would be promoted again after giving birth.
"It has been a long time since the Emperor has promoted concubines in the harem. Last year's Mid-Autumn Festival was spent in Lingxi Garden, and he promoted a group of concubines. This year the plague has just passed, so it would be better to promote a few more sisters so that everyone can share in the good luck." The Queen said with a smile.
After Concubine Shu pushed Zhang, she pushed all the other concubines in the harem as well. In this way, Zhang became less conspicuous.
"Well, what the Queen said makes sense. Some concubines have served me for many years, and it's time for them to be moved." Ning Chen responded.
His eyes swept down, stayed on Ye Jun for a moment, and then moved away.
After a while, he said, "Lin Jieyu was promoted to Xiurong, Xia Wanrong was promoted to Beauty, and Chen Wanrong was promoted to Beauty."
Everyone who was named was happy. Although not many people were promoted, it was a good thing to be promoted.
However, everyone was surprised that Ming Jieyushi was not included, but it was understandable. If she was promoted again, she would be the ninth concubine. It was too fast for her to be promoted without any children or achievements.
Just when everyone thought it was over, Ning Chen spoke again.
"It was Concubine Ming who pointed out Concubine Yi's pregnancy today, so it can be considered as a meritorious service to announce the good news. I should reward you with something. Tell me what you want, and I will give it to you."
Such a doting tone, when mentioned separately, could not help but draw everyone's attention.
Ye Jun was quite calm, and stood up with a big smile, "I just said it, how can it be considered a merit? But it is rare for the emperor to agree, so I will ask for a favor."
After he finished speaking, he paused for a moment, glanced to the side before continuing.
"I have never been very good at socializing with people, but I get along well with Zhou Baolin who entered the palace with me. Since the emperor is conferring titles on the harem today, why not give her a promotion? She has been in the palace for a year."
Zhou, who was suddenly called, was stunned for a moment, then quickly stood up after realizing what he had done.
"Thank you for your kindness, Concubine Ming. I really don't deserve it."
"Since Concubine Ming said you are good, you must be really good. Let's promote you to a talented person." Ning Chen didn't care about this little position. He waved his hand and agreed. "Concubine Ming thinks highly of you. You should treat her well in the future. Don't let her down in the slightest."
Zhou Cairen bowed excitedly, "I will follow the emperor's instructions!"
Everyone could see clearly that Zhou was promoted because of Ye Yun. It also made it clear in the harem that Zhou was on Ye Yun's side.
Of course, there are people who think that Ye Jun is trying to gain Zhou's favor, but Ye Jun naturally doesn't think so.
She doesn't need anyone to consolidate her favor, but she needs allies.
Zhou has been loyal to her for a long time, so she should be given some practical benefits. Otherwise, why would others follow her
And she also knew that Ning Chen would definitely agree. After all, it was not a big deal, so it would be nice to do him a favor.
"You always ask others for things, but you don't have anything you want yourself?"
Ning Chen's voice brought her back to her senses.
When she looked up, she saw the handsome man sitting on the dragon throne, looking at her with a smile in his phoenix eyes.
What a disaster!
Ye Jun complained in her heart, but she still looked obedient on the surface. She stood up and bowed slightly, "The grace is given by the emperor, and I just need to accept it. The emperor treats me well, but I really don't want anything. If there is anything, I will pray for the emperor's health and longevity. Then, I will be satisfied."
"Hahaha, look at the Queen, she has always been born with a clever tongue and is the best at talking." Ning Chen smiled heartily, his eyes brighter.
I know Ye Jun was just acting, but he did speak nicely.
The queen also smiled, realizing that she was being asked to agree, so she cleverly continued the conversation.
"I think so too. Concubine Ming is indeed a loyal lady. Her heart and eyes are devoted to His Majesty."
"Well, it's rare that the Queen also praises you like this. Speaking of loyalty, I remember that Madam Ye and the Chu family contributed a lot of money and effort to this plague, which really solved many urgent problems of the government. General Ye was loyal and brave, and sacrificed his life for the country. Madam Ye is also kind-hearted, and the Chu family, as in-laws, are even more generous and selfless!"
Ning Chen took the opportunity to start praising, and the person he was praising was not Ye Jun, but the Ye family and the Chu family.
Everyone started to think about it immediately. As for Madam Ye, she was already a first-rank lady, and Ye Xiaojun was also a marquis. The mother and son had received the most rewards. However, the Chu family had nothing.
Are you going to reward the Chu family
It was at this moment that the Minister of Personnel Xu Jiangbai spoke among the ministers.
"Your Majesty, the court is currently discussing the issue of the imperial merchant. I think that the Chu family is a century-old family with a lot of experience in business. Secondly, the Chu family cares about the world and is benevolent in business. They are really the best choice for the imperial merchant!"
With him taking the lead, Academician He also expressed his opinion, and then more and more people nodded in agreement.
The Duke of England sat at the head of all officials, his eyes very gloomy.
As the emperor's uncle, even others had expressed their support, so he couldn't just remain silent.
If it were in the past, they would just ask the people below to oppose it, but this time the Chu family actually did something, the people and officials were all watching, and there were many voices of support, so it would be unreasonable to forcefully oppose it.
This time, no matter how unwilling he was, he had no choice but to support it.
After drinking a glass of wine, he also spoke up, "I also think that the Chu family is a very suitable choice for the imperial merchant, but it is not good to have only one imperial merchant. After all, it is newly established and many things need to be explored. It is difficult to compare and check for loopholes with only the Chu family. It is better to select one or two more and implement it together. It is also better to compare the pros and cons and integrate the best management method."
It's okay to take a step back, but it can't be without any benefit at all.
The Duke of England will not easily allow anyone to become powerful under his nose.
The Chu family rejected the olive branch thrown by the Chen family at that time, so don't blame him for not allowing the Chu family to develop well.
Wouldn't it be more exciting if we could attract more merchants and create competition
Ning Chen's eyes darkened. He didn't expect that the British Guild would retreat in order to advance.
If he agreed, it would mean that at least half of the imperial merchants were under the Chen family's influence, but if he disagreed, he would lose half of his power.
The Chen family is really good subjects forcing the emperor to share the benefits!
Ning Chen felt very cold in his heart, but he had no way to deal with the powerful Duke of Ying.
He ascended the throne at a young age. The Chen family was a powerful and well-established family with some foundation. During the time they assisted him, the family had developed too well and it was not something he could completely control overnight.
"Uncle is really thoughtful. Let's decide it like this for now. In addition to the Chu family, we will select another business to jointly be named the Imperial Merchant. We will discuss the specific matters with the court."
"Your Majesty is wise!" The Duke of England bowed respectfully.
Since the Chu family was involved, Ye Jun also stood up and expressed his gratitude.
With the involvement of state affairs, the banquet was no longer so pure and everyone's interest was somewhat dampened.
Mainly because the emperor seemed to be in a bad mood, no one dared to move.
Before the time was up, the Queen Mother said she was tired, so Ning Chen left under the pretext of sending her back to the palace to rest.
After he left, the party became even less interesting and it was over in less than half an hour.