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The Noble Consort’s face, which had been forcing an air of weary composure, suddenly became radiant upon hearing this news. What was so special about those concubines sending birthday gifts? This was the truly substantial gift!
Noble Consort Yu suddenly felt a sense of vindication. In the gaze of everyone else—filled with either envy or jealousy—she found the joy of standing above the crowd.
The Emperor very rarely took the initiative to come to her place to sit for a while. In previous years, it was usually she, the birthday celebrant, who had to scurry to the Imperial presence to kowtow. Had her luck turned this year? Or had His Majesty seen her hard work in managing the harem and intentionally chose to raise her status in front of the other women?
Unfortunately, this delight could not be shown on her face. A Noble Consort must have the dignity of her rank. She still had to maintain a calm demeanor, nodding and saying she understood, acting as if she and the Emperor were an old couple who no longer felt that fluttering excitement.
Man Fu bowed again and retreated from the front hall. The group of concubines watched the Imperial eunuch depart, all feeling an indescribable sense of loss.
When they came back to their senses, they realized they had lost their decorum in front of the Noble Consort. Everyone tactfully moved from their seats, waving their handkerchiefs and curtsying. "Noble Consort needs to prepare to receive the Imperial carriage, so we shall not disturb you further. We pray for Your Highness’s eternal luck and prosperity, joy, and health."
Noble Consort Yu repeatedly said "Good." "You sisters have put in much thought. We didn't get to talk much today, so in a few days, let's arrange another gathering to discuss the matters of the Wanshou Festival."
The concubines chorused their agreement, bowed again, and withdrew from the Palace of Eternal Harmony.
As soon as everyone was gone, Noble Consort Yu became busy. She turned and called to Cui Piao, "Call two girls in to wipe down the furnishings again. Tell the small kitchen to prepare snacks; for the dishes that require the steamer, start steaming them now in case the Emperor dines here. Also, bring out the Master's yellow cloud-and-dragon seat cushions and lay them out..." She turned to look at the palace gate, said nothing, but gave a look that Cui Piao immediately understood.
This was a necessary procedure for the Palace of Eternal Harmony every time the Imperial presence arrived: replace all the palace maids standing guard at the door with eunuchs.
If one said the Noble Consort was narrow-minded, her eyes could hold all the concubines of the Forbidden City. If one said she was broad-minded, she was very wary of the servants around her catching the Emperor’s eye, especially those with a bit of beauty.
For the consorts and concubines, the greatest irony was for a serving girl to one day rise to the clouds and stand beside them. In previous reigns, there had been cases of palace maids surpassing their mistresses' rank; not only was it awkward when they met, but the mistresses themselves felt humiliated. Therefore, Noble Consort Yu usually only kept Cui Piao and another head maid named Liu Su to serve tea. The Emperor was used to seeing them, so nothing could go wrong.
Once everything was arranged, Noble Consort Yu slipped back into the inner chamber to the dressing table to touch up her powder and reapply lip rouge. Fearing she wouldn't be in time to receive him, she didn't change her clothes, hurrying back to the front hall to wait for news. After waiting for a good while, the sound of rhythmic signals finally came from the alleyway outside. She immediately straightened her attire, lifted her hem, and stepped over the threshold.
What fine weather it was today. A grand waterfall of light poured from the eaves, tracing elegant and fluid curves beneath the corridors. Noble Consort Yu lowered her body, sitting steadily on her heels, and said with downcast eyes, "Greetings to the Emperor."
A pair of cloud-satin court boots stopped in front of her. The hem of a slate-blue surcoat embroidered with roundel dragons and a "Sea and Cliff" pattern was visible.
The Emperor said, "Rise." His clean, pale wrist appeared briefly from beneath his arrow-sleeves and was quickly withdrawn, serving as a symbolic gesture of assistance.
Sigh, the Master is always like this... Noble Consort Yu lowered her head and smiled helplessly. By the time Cui Piao and Liu Su helped her stand, the Emperor had already entered the hall.
The Emperor had his own specific seating. If he ever took an interest in sitting with a lower-ranking concubine, the Imperial staff would send the Imperial furnishings ahead of time. Noble Consort Yu was a high-ranking consort and managed the harem, so the utensils here were already prepared. As soon as the Emperor arrived, he went straight to the throne on the southern kange (heated platform). He placed his fan on the Huanghuali wood table carved with magpies and pomegranates and gestured with a finger for her to sit.
Noble Consort Yu bowed slightly and took a seat on a stool below. She said with a smile, "How does the Emperor have the time to come and visit me today?"
The Emperor had a very pleasant voice; hearing him speak, one could visualize a dashing and elegant gentleman. He said, "I remembered today is your birthday. Do you not love reciting Buddhist sutras? I had them select a string of agarwood prayer beads as a birthday gift."
As the Emperor finished speaking, the Head Eunuch of the Imperial Presence, Huai En, brought over a lacquer tray. On the tray lay dark, oily prayer beads, each carved with the character for longevity.
The Noble Consort was overwhelmed by the favor. She took the prayer beads with both hands, curtsied, and said, "The Emperor manages ten thousand affairs a day, yet he actually remembered my birthday. I don't know what to say... Thank you for your grace, Master."
The Emperor nodded. Sitting in the light, he possessed a formidable Imperial majesty that made it difficult for others to look directly at him.
In truth, the Emperor was someone quite difficult to define. If you said he stood high above looking down on all living beings, that wasn't quite it; most of the time he maintained a gentle appearance. But if you said he was a "good man" who was easy to approach, that was also absolutely not true. A man who was sealed as Crown Prince in his youth and followed his Imperial Uncles out of the capital on official business at the age of thirteen had seen so many shifts in the winds and clouds; he naturally possessed an unfathomable depth.
His temperament was like his appearance—admired for its beauty, but also creating a sense of unapproachable distance because of it. He possessed the beauty inherited through generations of the Yuwen clan. Standing before him, one easily felt inferior. The husband was more beautiful than the wife... of course, the analogy was inappropriate, as no one in the harem had the fortune to claim a husband-wife relationship with him, but such a comparison gives an idea of that sense of incongruity.
However, though the Emperor was handsome, he was not feminine. The Yuwen clan had won their empire on horseback, and he had inherited the broad shoulders and narrow waist of his ancestors. Sometimes, seeing him wearing his Diexie belt, one truly worried the belt was tied too tight and might hurt his waist...
Noble Consort Yu looked up again. "It’s nearly noon. Did the Emperor eat anything before coming? I’ve ordered them to prepare fruits, or if the Emperor would do me the honor, perhaps you could have lunch here."
Just as the Noble Consort was about to give orders to those outside, the Emperor said it was unnecessary.
"I took a detour to get here. I have to accompany the Empress Dowager for a meal later. Remembering today is your auspicious day, I specifically came to see you. There must have been many people here to congratulate you earlier, right?"
The Consort started, then hurriedly said, "They didn't come specifically for me. Because the Emperor's Wanshou Festival is approaching, everyone intended to pool their ideas to celebrate the Master's birthday well."
The Emperor seemed indifferent to this explanation. "The Noble Consort has put in much effort. However, while one should strive in great matters, small matters must not be neglected either. You assist in managing the Six Palaces; the responsibility is heavy. On one hand, you must make the concubines submissive, and on the other, you should not let the Empress Dowager worry."
Having received a reprimand, the Consort stood up in fear. "If I have been negligent in any way, I ask the Master for guidance."
The Emperor was not harsh, but even that warm countenance made the Consort's heart hang in suspense.
Seeing her face turn pale, the Emperor suddenly smiled. "It’s not a big matter. The other day when the Empress Dowager was chatting with me, she spoke of the beauty selection, saying that there are far fewer people being promoted this year than usual. She specifically mentioned the Shang family, knowing a girl from the Shangs had entered the palace, but then her trail vanished. The Empress Dowager asked where she went."
A layer of hot sweat broke out on Noble Consort Yu’s back. Her mind raced, it was true that no matter how much the Shang family declined, the powers above still paid attention. She hadn't originally intended to move against her, feeling that even if the girl were promoted it wouldn't be a big deal, but Consort Gong loved to make trouble. Now that the Empress Dowager had asked, the matter fell on her head since she held the high position of managing the harem.
Regardless, she had to deal with the Emperor first. Noble Consort Yu said, "I have also inquired about this. Liu Quanyun, the manager, said there was a hurdle during the third selection; the examining matrons felt she was unsuitable to accompany the Imperial carriage."
The Emperor maintained his good-natured look. "And where is she now?"
Noble Consort Yu felt a creeping itch at her temples. She unconsciously took her handkerchief and dabbed at them. "She was at the Bureau of Ceremonies first, then... it was said she committed an offense and was punished by being sent to the Anle Tang..."
The Emperor’s eyes swept over with a hint of disdain, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. "The Anle Tang... you know what kind of place that is without me saying it. It’s not that there is still residual grace for the Shang family, but the Empresses of the past few generations all came from the Shangs. Punishments in the court do not affect the inner chambers; this was the grace left by Emperor Jingzong. In terms of generational rank, she is even my senior. Although Fu Hai failed the Imperial grace, it should not be visited upon her. You currently manage the affairs of the Six Palaces; if not promoting her, you should think of a way to protect her a little, lest people gossip behind our backs that the 'tea grows cold when the person leaves'."
"Ah, yes, yes..." Noble Consort Yu curtsied. "I will immediately order someone to transfer her out of the Anle Tang and settle her in the Palace of Eternal Harmony..."
The Emperor gave a half-smile. "Ascending to heaven in a single step is too conspicuous."
"Then..." Noble Consort Yu peered at the Imperial countenance. "Let her return to the Bureau of Ceremonies and be promoted slowly according to the regulations."
It was unclear which word displeased the Emperor, as he frowned slightly. "Just don't let anyone make things difficult for her. If she is good material, she will know how to climb up herself. If she is useless, just reward her and send her out in two years."
Noble Consort Yu agreed, her heart feeling heavy. Why would the Emperor personally bother to entrust the care of a mere family member of a disgraced official?
Truly, the generational rank was different; being a senior really had its benefits—even the Emperor recognized her as a senior. The Consort had a breath she wanted to let out, but out of concern for the Emperor's presence, she suppressed it deeply.
The Emperor picked up his fan and stood up. "Fine, I should go."
The Consort hurried forward two steps. "I shall see the Emperor off."
The Emperor neither agreed nor disagreed. With a turn of his slate-blue robe hem, he walked casually out past the threshold.
Even a casual outing for an Emperor was a grand procession. Before the Eternal Harmony Gate stood a Nine-Dragon palanquin, its gold-lacquered body surrounded by golden dragons, shining brightly in the sunlight.
The accompanying eunuchs stood on both sides of the palanquin. Once the Emperor appeared, Huai En stepped forward to assist him. Noble Lady Wan and Permanent Resident An, who lived with the Noble Consort, also came out to curtsy and see him off. Once the Emperor was seated, the palanquin was hoisted steadily onto shoulders. Noble Consort Yu called out "Farewell to the Emperor," and when she looked up again, the palanquin had already traveled far down the path.
Women always feel a sense of melancholy when looking at the Emperor's receding back; unfortunately, the Son of Heaven is like a god separated by clouds. Noble Lady Wan and Permanent Resident An stepped forward to take the place of Cui Piao and Liu Su, supporting the Consort as she turned back into the palace gates. They said a few pleasing words about how the Emperor remembered the Noble Consort’s birthday and how he treated her differently from the others.
The Consort merely smiled. "Though he remembered, he also dropped a few complaints."
Noble Lady Wan and Permanent Resident An looked at each other. "How so? Your Highness manages the Six Palaces with such caution; we can't see any fault in your actions."
The Consort sighed again. "How could you know my difficulties? Having taken on the responsibility, any tiny oversight will naturally lead to trouble. It was about the beauty selection a while back. The Emperor asked about that Shang girl. I was busy and didn't pay attention, so I took quite a lecture. From the Emperor's meaning, he wants me to look after her... Sigh, at this point, I only hope the Emperor will soon appoint a new Empress so I can hand over this duty and find some peace."
Noble Consort Yu spoke as if it were unintentional, but the news was startling to Noble Lady Wan and Permanent Resident An. "The Emperor even knows that girl?"
Noble Consort Yu said, "A living person with such a high generational rank..." As she spoke, she dabbed her nose, called for Cui Piao and Liu Su, and said tiredly, "I’m exhausted today, I need to rest well." Attended by her personal maids, she entered the main room of the rear hall.
The Consort settled on the southern kange; through the large glass window, she could see the courtyard.
Liu Su used a massage tool to slowly loosen her muscles, asking softly, "Mistress, why bother telling those people what the Emperor said? Each of them has her own schemes; who knows how they might mock us behind our backs."
Was receiving a reprimand enough for them to mock her? Let them mock if they wanted; Noble Consort Yu cared about the ripple effect.
She shifted to a comfortable position, fingering her prayer beads, and said slowly, "Behind Noble Lady Wan is Consort Yi, and Permanent Resident An is close with Noble Lady Zhen. They are a pack of wolves and a gang of dogs; once they get the news, it will immediately spread through the Six Palaces. Whoever is in the Emperor's eye, they will see as a knife above their heads. Furthermore, if something happens to the Shang family's Old Auntie, the first one to suffer will be me. Such a good thing—getting rid of both an eyesore and a thorn in the flesh—naturally, everyone will rush to do it."
Only now did Cui Piao and Liu Su understand their mistress’s plan. Noble Consort Yu also could not tolerate the Shang girl. But if she could use the other concubines, her own hands would stay clean. When the time came to find the person who harmed the "Old Auntie," wouldn't it be killing two birds with one stone?
There were too many people in this palace, so many it was annoying. Being able to clean some out would make her vision clear and her head stop aching. How wonderful!
As for the Emperor's thoughts, perhaps no one had ever seen through them.
In the Palace of Mental Cultivation, Huai En also asked him, "Master, you entrusted the “Old Auntie” to Noble Consort Yu; aren't you afraid she will strike from the shadows?"
The Emperor's brush flew across the paper; he did not look up. "Striking from the shadows is good. Let her know that living in the deep palace is not easy, one must recognize weakness to seek strength."
Huai En agreed, then clasped his hands and sighed. "I fear the “Old Auntie” will suffer some grievances..."
The Emperor looked down and smiled faintly.
He had once seen the cultivation of Gu poison in the Southern Border: out of a large jar, only one survives in the end. How could that process not be arduous? Occasionally, he and Noble Consort Yu were in agreement—this palace was overcrowded, and those women were always thinking of how to climb into the dragon's bed, which made him feel dirty and dissatisfied.
Therefore, he wanted to cultivate a Gu King who could clean everything up for him. When the silver tray no longer held a full pile of name tags, that would be a pleasant Imperial life.
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