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Chapter 35
Cining Palace was located on the western side of the imperial palace. Comparatively speaking, Yihe Palace was closer to Cining Palace than Kunning Palace. When they arrived at Cining Palace, a matron was already waiting at the palace gate.
Gu Han saw the Empress personally step forward to help the matron up and understood this was Matron Wu, who had served the Empress Dowager for many years. Though merely a servant, by virtue of her merit in serving the Empress Dowager and the affection from raising His Majesty since childhood, not a single person in the harem dared slight her.
Wrinkles creased the corners of Matron Wu's eyes. She smiled with neither servility nor arrogance:
"The Empress Dowager has risen. Your Majesty, please enter."
Cining Palace had heated floors. The moment Gu Han stepped in, she felt the chill throughout her body dissipate somewhat. She imperceptibly breathed a sigh of relief. Right now it was the snow-melting season, cold enough to make one's bones seem to shiver. Especially the harem consorts, to display their graceful figures, they truly couldn't bundle up too heavily.
Gu Han followed the crowd in kneeling to pay respects. Hearing a very bland "Rise," she was helped up by Jiu nian to sit. She looked up to steal a glance at the Empress Dowager. If the Empress Dowager's features resembled His Majesty's by thirty percent, her entire bearing resembled his by fifty percent.
The Empress Dowager's emotions were very detached. Even with a group of people who could be called her daughters-in-law sitting below, she didn't soften her brows and eyes. Gu Han held her teacup and took a sip. The slightly bitter tea flavor spread through her mouth. A trace of contemplation flashed through her lowered eyes.
Since the Empress Dowager's return to the palace over three months ago, she never interfered with harem affairs. Aside from the fifteenth of each month, she wasn't pleased to have consorts come pay respects. The only exception was Zhou Měirén.
Just from these signs, the Empress Dowager should dislike commotion, or rather, trouble. Gu Han had to warn herself to be even more careful in her actions going forward.
Just as Gu Han was thinking this, she suddenly heard:
"Has Concubine Gu's health fully recovered?"
When the Empress Dowager spoke, it was very slow and bland, so even among a group of people, it was particularly distinctive. Gu Han came back to her senses, somewhat surprised the Empress Dowager would specifically speak to her. She looked up and curved her lips in a smile, saying gently:
"This consort has troubled the Empress Dowager with worry. This consort's health is now fine."
The Empress Dowager swept her gaze toward her. When her eyes fell on Gu Han's face, they paused. Her voice grew somewhat warmer: "You've just recovered from serious illness, and it's the dead of winter. If your palace lacks anything, speak directly to Zhongsheng Hall."
The Empress Dowager was very clear about what these people's respectful deference toward her was for. So she found people annoying. Being able to say this much to Gu Han meant she thought Gu Han was quite good.
Gu Han curved her eyes. She didn't demur: "This consort understands."
The Empress Dowager looked at her with some surprise. Others at this time would all decline, saying everything in their hall was properly arranged. Just looking at Zhou Měirén, one could understand something of the Empress Dowager's habits, she was very annoyed by others' false courtesy, clearly delighted in their hearts yet pretending otherwise.
The Empress Dowager recalled that Concubine Gu came from a marquis household. Seeing her proper deportment again, the emotions between her brows and eyes grew somewhat warmer. Truly worthy of noble birth.
Consort Shu took in the Empress Dowager's expression. She suddenly set down her cup. She lowered her eyes, the bitter taste of tea leaves still seemed to linger in her mouth. She imperceptibly pulled at the corner of her lips but couldn't even force out a perfunctory smile.
When His Majesty first ascended the throne, they had often come to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager's attitude toward her had been especially cold. No matter how much time and effort Consort Shu expended, she hadn't made the Empress Dowager develop even a trace of fondness for her.
Yet Gu Han, merely by virtue of noble birth, easily made the Empress Dowager feel favorable toward her.
Consort Shu raised her eyes to look at Gu Han. Half a year in the palace, she'd already risen from Talented Lady to Concubine. Even though she hadn't attended bed for several months, when anyone in this harem mentioned Concubine Gu, didn't they all call her His Majesty's new favorite?
Now her birth gave the Empress Dowager an innate favorable impression of her. Later she had saved the imperial heir, thus naturally and easily entering the Empress Dowager's notice.
Consort Shu picked up a pastry and put it in her mouth. Osmanthus cake, somewhat sweet, yet it didn't seem to dispel that bitter tea flavor.
Gu Han had no idea someone thought her lucky. Just as the Empress Dowager was about to dismiss them all, a voice suddenly came from outside the hall: "His Majesty has arrived!"
The hall seemed injected with vitality. Gu Han watched with her own eyes as someone straightened their collar, craning their neck to watch eagerly for His Majesty to enter. Gu Han also couldn't help straightening her sleeves before rising to kneel with everyone in salute.
Lu Yu was also moved on a whim today. He first paid respects to the Empress Dowager before reaching out to help the Empress up. Just about to step forward and take a seat, from the corner of his eye he glimpsed Gu Han rising. He imperceptibly raised an eyebrow and casually helped her up.
Gu Han was stunned. She hadn't expected that in such a setting, His Majesty would personally come over to help her up.
After Lu Yu helped her up, without looking to see others' expressions, he stepped up onto the platform and took a seat beside the Empress Dowager. In Cining Palace he was more at ease, leaning back against the chair with some casualness, speaking to the Empress Dowager as if no one else were present:
"Snow fell in the night. If Mother Empress feels any physical discomfort, you must remember to summon an imperial physician."
As he spoke, his expression was natural, not glancing at Gu Han again, as if the person who'd just helped Gu Han up wasn't him at all.
Gu Han heard His Majesty's words clearly but couldn't spare attention to listen. She pretended not to notice the seemingly scrutinizing gazes cast her way, calmly lowering her eyes to sit. But there was one person's gaze she couldn't ignore.
Gu Han looked up to see the Empress nod warmly at her. Gu Han returned a rather embarrassed smile before lowering her head leisurely, like a maiden just awakening to love.
Gu Han didn't know what the Empress felt, but if Gu Han stood in the Empress's position, she couldn't help but feel thoroughly disgusted.
Yet the Empress's face still wore a dignified, appropriate smile. Gu Han had to acknowledge, the Empress's position truly wasn't one ordinary people could occupy. Regardless of inner thoughts, at least on the surface, she always had to appear magnanimous.
His Majesty only stayed a very short time before preparing to leave. Passing by Consort Chen, His Majesty suddenly paused. He looked toward Consort Chen:
"What fragrance did you wear today?"
Consort Chen's appearance could only be called refined and pretty. In this harem filled with beauties everywhere, it inevitably paled in comparison. However, today in her blue palace gown, it did bring out a trace of noble elegance.
She seemed surprised His Majesty would ask this. She paused before answering:
"This consort wore no fragrance today."
When the words fell, the Empress glanced at her. She had also caught a fragrant scent from Consort Chen today, 似peach似plum, yet indescribable, only making one feel quite refreshed and at ease.
However, the Empress hadn't expected His Majesty to come today, much less pause for this matter.
But after hearing Consort Chen's words, the Empress covered her lips and silently scoffed. Didn't wear fragrance? Could this scent be emanating from within her body then?
Unseen by anyone, after hearing the exchange between His Majesty and Consort Chen, Gu Han blinked her eyes cheerfully.
Lu Yu said neither that he believed nor disbelieved, only nodding slightly before leading Liu An and others away from Cining Palace.
---
Upon returning to Changchun Pavilion, Jiu nian couldn't help laughing aloud. Gu Han, in quite good spirits, shot her a reproving glance. Jiu nian covered her lips to stifle her laughter:
"Right now Consort Chen is probably smugly pleased about this body fragrance."
Gu Han gave her mischievous servants a sidelong glance and said softly, "Enough, don't get so carried away."
Though she said this, Gu Han also couldn't help curving her almond eyes happily. Since entering the palace, she had been schemed against by Consort Chen time and again. Even a clay figure would develop some anger.
The incense she'd had sent to Xianleng Palace last month was concocted by her half-sister to vent on behalf of her aunt. That Aunt An would disregard that the creator was her rival's daughter and still use it daily in her room naturally proved this incense had miraculous effects.
Just a small box, placed in an incense burner to burn freely. Over time, one's body would gradually carry the fragrance—not like applying fragrant powder, but as if born with it. Simply irresistible.
Meanwhile, in Xianleng Palace, as soon as Consort Chen returned to her palace, she immediately asked Jiachun:
"What did Zhongsheng Hall say?"
This body fragrance was naturally first noticed by Consort Chen herself. But her provisions were the same as usual. Only that incense was newly prepared—Zhongsheng Hall had allocated several boxes to Xianleng Palace.
Unfortunately, Xianleng Palace always used incense quickly. By the time she noticed her body carried fragrance, those boxes were all used up. She had no way of knowing which box of incense had worked.
Left with no choice, she could only send someone to Zhongsheng Hall, saying she'd liked the incense sent a few days ago and asking them to send more.
Jiachun hurriedly said:
"Your Ladyship, rest assured. Zhongsheng Hall said they'll send it to Your Ladyship soon."
Only then did Consort Chen smile with relief. Thinking how His Majesty had deliberately asked what fragrance she wore today, the smile on her face deepened. But suddenly thinking of something, she frowned and her eyes cooled:
"Tell Zhongsheng Hall, these types of incense should only be sent to Xianleng Palace."
If everyone in the harem had it, what would be special about it?
Jiachun agreed. Only then did Consort Chen say with some regret, "Such a pity today is the fifteenth."
On the first and fifteenth, His Majesty would unfailingly go to Kunning Palace. Consort Chen frowned, raising her hand to her nose. Only then did she smile with relief again:
"Tomorrow have the small kitchen prepare tonic soup to send to the Emperor's Palace."
---
The next day.
Lu Yu heard that Xianleng Palace had sent someone to deliver soup. He paused slightly and looked up at Liu An:
"When was the last time I went to Xianleng Palace?"
Liu An quickly calculated before respectfully saying, "Nearly three months ago."
If not for Consort Chen having the First Prince at her knee, news of Consort Chen's loss of favor would have spread long ago.
Lu Yu glanced at a stack of papers at the corner of the imperial desk. Liu An followed his gaze, quickly lowering his head. But Liu An understood clearly in his heart, if nothing went wrong today, it should be Xianleng Palace attending bed.
That stack of papers wasn't anything important, just the First Prince's recent calligraphy practice results.
Even for the First Prince's sake, His Majesty couldn't keep neglecting Consort Chen indefinitely. Sure enough, when evening came and news arrived that Xianleng Palace's lamps were lit, Liu An wasn't the least bit surprised.
That night, many broke cups and saucers, but some were especially anticipatory.
---
That night, the darkness was so thick it seemed unable to dissolve. When the imperial procession arrived at Xianleng Palace, Consort Chen had long been waiting with palace servants before the hall. She wore a wide-sleeved glass-colored gown, her waist cinched slender. Bright moonlight fell upon her, adding even more color to her appearance.
Lu Yu calmly stepped forward, reaching out to help her up perfunctorily. Consort Chen rose with the motion, taking Lu Yu's arm with eyes curved in a smile:
"The small kitchen just prepared the evening meal. Will Your Majesty partake of some?"
The closer she drew, the clearer that fragrance on her body became. Lu Yu's brows and eyes relaxed somewhat. He no longer wore a cold expression, blandly acknowledging.
---
Night deepened, the moon hid behind treetops. Red candles burned within Xianleng Palace, that bit of candlelight swaying darkly against the latticed windows.
Consort Chen clung to the shoulders of the man before her, her eyes full of adoration, couldn't help feeling stirred. Just then, a very loud "pfffft" sound suddenly rang out in the hall. Both people on the bed froze. For the first time in his life, Lu Yu's face showed shock.
The next moment, his expression soured as he pulled away.
Consort Chen still hadn't quite recovered. After a long while, she realized that sound seemed to have come from below her. Her face turned deathly pale. She scrambled to sit up, exceptionally flustered, trying to explain. But in her agitation, several consecutive "pfft pfft pfft" sounds directly struck her mind blank.
The fragrance that had just spread across the bed seemed mixed with an indescribable smell. Lu Yu couldn't hold back for a moment, his expression changed again and again. He threw on an outer robe and directly got off the bed. Hearing the commotion, Liu An pushed the door open and entered, immediately dumbfounded.
What was this situation?
Lu Yu said irritably, "What are you standing there for?!"
Liu An didn't dare look toward the bed. Not knowing how Consort Chen had angered His Majesty, he hurriedly stepped forward to attend to His Majesty's change of clothes.
Consort Chen had also never encountered such a thing. The shame nearly made her cry. She sat dazed on the bed, too distracted even to try retaining His Majesty as he left. Jiachun's face was full of confused worry:
"Your Ladyship, what happened? Why did His Majesty leave at this hour?!"
Consort Chen was too ashamed and angry to speak.
On the other side, Lu Yu returned to Yangxin Hall and immediately commanded coldly:
"Prepare water!"
Liu An followed the order with puzzlement.
Only then did Lu Yu raise his hand to press his temples. Recalling what had happened in Xianleng Palace, he had water prepared for bathing a full three times before finally stopping with a livid expression.
Far away in Yihe Palace, lanterns were lit within Changchun Pavilion. When Gu Han learned His Majesty had left Xianleng Palace, she couldn't help covering her lips to stifle a laugh.
Jiu nian was the same, afraid her laughter would escape. Her face turned red from holding it in.
The benefits of this incense were obvious, but since it was used for venting anger, naturally it also had drawbacks. This incense had only one flaw, it was harmless to the body, but when emotions ran high, one couldn't help passing gas.
When people engaged in *that* matter, they always couldn't control themselves.
Just thinking about it, perhaps when the two were at the height of passion, several loud, smelly farts suddenly rang out, leaving both utterly bewildered, Gu Han couldn't help feeling somewhat sympathetic toward His Majesty.
She still remembered how back then, Father had stubbornly avoided the rear courtyard for nearly half a year because of this incident.
She wondered if this matter would leave His Majesty with psychological trauma?
As for what if His Majesty truly developed trauma and didn't enter the harem for a very long time, what then?
Gu Han felt indifferent. After all, during this period, His Majesty wasn't entering the harem anyway, it wasn't just Changchun Pavilion he was avoiding.
Moreover, after this incident, Gu Han didn't believe His Majesty would ever spend the night at Xianleng Palace again.
Though Gu Han couldn't deal with Consort Chen directly, she'd also cut off her favor. Only this method couldn't be used a second time, or it would inevitably arouse others' suspicion.
With this good news, Gu Han could finally sleep peacefully.
The next morning when she woke, Gu Han heard that after His Majesty left Xianleng Palace yesterday, Consort Chen had flown into a terrible rage. She hurried Jiu nian to style her hair. When Gu Han arrived at Kunning Palace for morning greetings and looked toward Consort Chen's seat, she paused.
Consort Chen always arrived early for greetings, yet now that seat was empty.
Gu Han heard quiet discussions rippling through the hall. Without thinking, she knew what they were saying. Zhou Měirén sat below Gu Han. Taking advantage of drinking tea, she lowered her voice, though she couldn't control that trace of schadenfreude:
"Who knows how that one angered His Majesty, actually making His Majesty leave Xianleng Palace in the middle of the night."
Gu Han blinked her eyes almost imperceptibly. She actually knew something, but couldn't speak of it with others. So at this moment, she only curved her lips in a smile without getting involved in this topic.
Zhou understood her temperament somewhat. She pursed her lips, feeling it boring, but seeing Gu Han listening seriously, didn't feel displeased.
When the Empress emerged, everyone learned that Consort Chen had sent someone early this morning to request leave.
Gu Han felt a bit regretful she couldn't witness Consort Chen's expression personally, but it still couldn't dampen her good mood. Not just her, quite a few people in the hall had rushed over to watch the excitement. Learning this news, their faces all showed some disappointment. Among them, she didn't seem particularly special.
---
In Xianleng Palace, Consort Chen had smashed nearly everything visible in the hall. The hall was in complete disarray.
Just then, several more sounds suddenly rang out in the hall.
Consort Chen's movements froze. Only Jiachun remained in the hall. Jiachun kept her head rigidly lowered. She had already guessed why His Majesty had left last night, even though this matter couldn't be blamed on Her Ladyship at all.
Her Ladyship was still raging, yet Jiachun couldn't help thinking, after this incident, would His Majesty still summon Her Ladyship to attend his bed?
Jiachun didn't dare contemplate the answer.
Her Ladyship wasn't particularly favored to begin with. Jiachun knew clearly in her heart, His Majesty's regard for Her Ladyship was mostly because of the First Prince.
Jiachun closed her eyes. For a moment she felt as if the sky was falling. She couldn't help wondering how her Ladyship could have, at that moment...
After a long while, a palace servant's cautious voice came from outside:
"Your Ladyship, the imperial physician has arrived."
If it had only been once last night, Consort Chen could still consider it an accident. But from last night until now, who knew how many times those sounds had rung out in the hall, how could she possibly treat it as an accident?
Under these circumstances, she naturally didn't dare attend morning greetings. If during greetings, a sound suddenly rang out, Consort Chen felt a chill of dread. She'd rather die!
Soon the physician entered. Seeing the disarray in the hall, he was slightly startled but immediately kept his eyes on his nose and his nose on his heart, acting as if he'd seen nothing. During the pulse-taking, cold sweat nearly broke out on the physician's forehead.
It wasn't that Consort Chen's health was impaired, but rather Consort Chen's stare made him somewhat anxious. When he released her hand, he immediately heard Consort Chen ask impatiently:
"What is wrong with me?"
The physician was utterly bewildered. He said hesitantly, "Your Ladyship's pulse shows Your Ladyship's body has no problems."
Before he could finish, Consort Chen's raised voice interrupted him:
"Impossible!"
The physician fell silent.
Jiachun immediately gave Her Ladyship's sleeve a discreet tug. After quite a while, Consort Chen finally regained her reason. Jiachun stepped forward and said in a lowered voice:
"Since Your Ladyship's body is fine, then why does Your Ladyship keep passing... passing gas today?"
Jiachun paused before stating Her Ladyship's symptoms.
Consort Chen's expression darkened, but to find the cause quickly, she didn't stop her.
The physician raised his hand to wipe the cold sweat from his forehead. All day the palace had been speculating how Consort Chen had angered His Majesty. Now it seemed he knew the answer, but the physician would rather know nothing at all.
The physician had no choice but to take Consort Chen's pulse again. No matter how he looked, Her Ladyship's body had no problems. But he certainly couldn't say it like that:
"It should be that Your Ladyship has eaten more these past days, but couldn't digest it properly."
Consort Chen's expression changed repeatedly. Recently, having noticed her body carried a natural fragrance, she had been in excellent spirits. Her appetite had naturally expanded, indeed, as the physician said, she had eaten somewhat more than usual.
The continuous passing of gas was truly her own body's problem. Consort Chen felt utterly ashamed and vexed.
She said through gritted teeth, her voice harsh and cold:
"I summoned you today because I caught a chill yesterday. I don't want to hear any gossip in the palace."
The physician immediately lowered his head. "This humble physician understands."
He wasn't so tired of living that he'd dare spread such imperial family scandal everywhere.
---
After returning to her palace, Gu Han naturally heard the news that Xianleng Palace had summoned an imperial physician. But Gu Han felt no guilt or unease whatsoever. That incense was harmless to the body. Even passing gas was only beneficial to health, it was just rather embarrassing when it happened to people like them.
Moreover, as long as the incense was stopped, within less than a month, these symptoms would naturally disappear on their own.
Little Fangzi also finally understood what his mistress had done. His expression immediately became somewhat peculiar.
If he were to say it, this kind of method was truly impossible to guard against. What did women in this harem fear most? Wasn't it losing favor?
Though Master hadn't harmed Consort Chen's life, for Consort Chen, this was no different from harming her life.
After the Xianleng Palace incident, His Majesty didn't enter the harem for nearly a month.
The harem consorts couldn't help complaining to the Empress. The Empress had no choice but to personally go to Yangxin Hall. When Lu Yu learned the Empress had arrived, he guessed her purpose. His emotions were bland:
"Please have the Empress enter."
He was taking his midday meal. Before the Empress could bow, he said, "Has the Empress eaten her midday meal?"
The Empress looked at His Majesty in surprise before gently shaking her head.
Lu Yu nodded. Soon Liu An brought over a round stool:
"Sit down and partake of some together."
After accompanying His Majesty for the midday meal, the Empress's face also carried some smile. She sat facing Lu Yu before saying warmly, "Though I don't know how younger sister Consort Chen angered Your Majesty that day, Your Majesty has long avoided the harem. In a few days we must pay respects to Mother Empress. This consort fears not knowing how to answer Mother Empress then."
Hearing her use the Empress Dowager as an excuse, Lu Yu showed no emotion, only lifting his eyelids:
"Which blind one complained to you?"
The Empress shook her head with a smile. "Nothing can be hidden from Your Majesty."
Lu Yu naturally knew he couldn't keep avoiding the harem indefinitely. But just thinking of what had happened that day in Xianleng Palace made him unable to muster interest in entering the harem. He drooped his eyes listlessly.
The Empress was somewhat surprised. An unidentifiable emotion flashed through her eyes. She was truly quite curious about what had happened in Xianleng Palace that day. She opened her mouth, about to say something more, when Lu Yu interrupted her:
"I understand."
After the Empress left, Lu Yu casually reclined against the soft couch and asked blandly:
"Has anything happened in the harem recently?"
Liu An pondered His Majesty's intent for a while before respectfully saying:
"The harem has been quite peaceful during this time. However, the other day I heard from people at the Imperial Medical Bureau that Concubine Gu of Changchun Pavilion has stopped taking medicine."
This medicine was naturally that prescription for nourishing the body.
Lu Yu raised an eyebrow slightly. Just then, a knock suddenly came from outside the hall. A young eunuch ran in:
"Your Majesty, Consort Shu had a dispute with someone in the Imperial Garden and sent someone to request Your presence."
Liu An wished he could take back his earlier words. He'd just said the harem was peaceful, and immediately an incident occurred.
Lu Yu rose while asking, "What happened?"
Consort Shu had always been pampered. With her high rank, unless she was in the wrong, she'd never use the word "dispute."
"It's heard that a cat Consort Shu raised scratched someone."
---
Author's Note:
Lu Yu: ??? I'm really traumatized
Author's Note:
Kunning Palace: Empress
Yi'an Palace: Consort Shu
Xianleng Palace: Imperial Consort De
Zhaoyang Palace → Main Hall: Xiuyi He
Zhaoyang Palace → Side Hall: Rong Baolin
Yihe Palace → Changchun Pavilion: Female Lead
Rongcui Hall: Beauty Miao
Cuizhu Pavilion: Beauty Lin
Changning Courtyard: Zhou Meiren
Hanleng Palace → (Main Hall transferred to Side Hall): Talented Lady Yuan
Also appearing: Noble Lady Lin, Liu Baolin
Here are the ranks of imperial consorts:
- Empress (皇后 Huánghoù) — Head of the Imperial Harem
- Imperial Noble Consort (皇贵妃 Huáng Guìfēi) — Rank 1
- Noble Consort, Pure Consort, Virtuous Consort, Worthy Consort (贵妃、淑妃、德妃、贤妃 Guìfēi, Shūfēi, Défēi, Xiánfēi)** — Senior Rank 1 (The Four Consorts, with Noble Consort as the highest)
- Consort (妃 Fēi) — Junior Rank 2
- Bright Deportment, Bright Countenance (昭仪、昭容 Zhāoyí, Zhāoróng) — Senior Rank 3
- Cultivated Deportment, Cultivated Countenance (修仪、修容 Xiūyí, Xiūróng) — Junior Rank 3
- Noble Lady (贵嫔 Guìpín) — Senior Rank 4
- Imperial Concubine (嫔 Pín) — Junior Rank 4
- Beauty (美人 Měirén) — Senior Rank 5
- Talented Lady (才人 Cáirén) — Junior Rank 5
- Precious Grove (宝林 Bǎolín) — Senior Rank 6
- Imperial Woman (御女 Yùnǚ) — Junior Rank 6
- Palace Maid (宫女子 Gōngnǚzǐ) — Senior Rank 7
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