Chapter 277: The Dowager Madam

y.Li Chen acted audaciously, brazenly prying open Zhao Qinglan's red lips. Seizing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, he was determined to defile the empress, the revered mother of the nation.The t...Chapter 277: The Imperial Noble Consort

The East Palace's garden, though not as exquisite and beautiful as the Imperial Garden, being the residence of the Crown Prince, everything within it is still the most luxurious in the current Qin Empire.

Even in this snowy and frigid winter, there are blooming plum blossoms. Snowflakes fall upon the branches of the winter plums, and amidst the white expanse, the pale pink hues of the plums stand out as particularly elegant and refined.

Walking in the garden, Li Chen had Zhao Rui following him at half his distance, and more than ten steps behind her, a group of palace maids serving them from afar.

"Your Highness, it's bitterly cold outside. Put on your cloak so you don't catch a chill."

Zhao Rui took Li Chen's snow fox fur cloak from the maidservant and carefully put it on him, saying.

"You got it."

Li Chen strolled through the garden with Zhao Rui, casually saying, "In a few days, it will be the Lunar New Year. According to custom, this day is when every household gathers together for reunion. At that time, I will send you back to your parents' place so that you can celebrate the New Year with them."

Zhao Rui was taken aback, then bit her lip and whispered, "This concubine is already under the Lord's command. Naturally, I should stay by his side during the New Year."

"Aren't you afraid I'll be lonely if I don't have company"

Li Chen smiled and said, “It's alright. We still have plenty of time in the future. This year, just spend it with your parents.”

Seeing Li Chen's insistence, Zhao Rui's face revealed a complex expression as she said, "Your Highness is worried about this concubine's safety"

Zhao Rui sadly said: "This servant obeys Your Highness."

“Though you're reunited with your parents, you also represent the East Palace's face. Afterward, this palace will have people arrange everything for you. All your needs will be taken care of. If you need anything else, just take it from the storeroom yourself. Though times are difficult right now, there's still plenty sent to your family. Don't be frugal.”

Li Chen said, taking out an imperial edict he had prepared long ago.

Zhao Rui was stunned for a moment, then took it with both hands respectfully and opened it. She immediately blushed with excitement.

"Then this shall be a gift for your family from this palace."

This imperial decree is to bestow upon Zhao Heshan's wife, the title of Fifth Rank Honorable Lady.

"The title of Imperial Dowager, while seemingly official, is largely an honorific bestowed upon the mothers of empresses or wives of high-ranking officials. It serves primarily to demonstrate the emperor's benevolence and generosity."

But the emperors of Qin have always been disinclined to bestow titles of nobility and imperial decrees, as they felt it held little practical significance and could easily lead to trouble. Therefore, there are only three noblewomen holding imperial decrees in the current reign.

And this one, is the fourth person.

The rank of Fifth-Rank誥命 (imperial consort) isn't high, but for Zhao Rui, who was merely a concubine to the prince, it was already an immense honor.

"As a mother, concubine thanks Your Highness for your grace." Zhao Rui said excitedly.

This title, while holding little actual power, carries immense symbolic weight. At the very least, it makes it known to all that her Zhao family is one favored by the crown prince.

With a light chuckle, Li Chen pulled Zhao Rui up from the snow and leaned into her ear, saying, "Is this just how you repay me It doesn't seem very sincere."

Zhao Ruixia's cheeks flushed, and she whispered, "Then... how does Your Highness intend to proceed This concubine will do as you command." force him to do anything."Jin Luyao saw Li Chen's cold expression, and she only felt a wave of sadness and helplessness well up inside her.She felt that her body had truly been wronged.Can't this man...