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Chapter 45
Concubine Zhou meant well, there was even a genuine trace of "disappointed in her failure to meet expectations" in it. For a moment, Gu Han didn't know what to say. If Rong BÇŽolĂn had the ability to intercept His Majesty's favor, why should she step forward to take responsibility for her?
Glancing at Zhou's tightly furrowed brow, Gu Han's emotions grew obscure as she lowered her eyes and said softly:
"You're right."
Hearing her agreement, Zhou finally relaxed. The two didn't delay further and headed together to Kunning Palace for morning greetings. Changchun Pavilion was already quite distant from Kunning Palace, and the two had dawdled along the way. By the time they arrived at Kunning Palace, quite a few people were already seated inside.
Usually, concubine Zhou sat across from Gu Han, but today she followed Gu Han directly and sat at her lower side. Concubine Chen arrived a step later, only the seat opposite was empty. After taking her seat, she looked up to see Concubine Zhao and Concubine Zhou, her expression immediately souring.
Gu Han had no time to pay her any mind. When they arrived, Lin Měirén was already there. Various assessing glances fell upon her, her face cold and somewhat livid. Seeming to sense Gu Han's gaze, she looked up and shot Gu Han a cold glare.
As if transferring her anger at Rong BÇŽolĂn onto Gu Han.
Gu Han couldn't help but furrow her delicate brows slightly. She finally understood why Zhou had stopped her halfway, because in others' eyes, since entering the palace, Rong BÇŽolĂn had been in the same camp as her. Gu Han lowered her eyes with slight irritation.
Rong BÇŽolĂn had taken action several times without ever informing her. Combined with the earlier suspicion that she had used Gu Han to strike at Zhou, Gu Han had to admit she now harbored reservations about Rong BÇŽolĂn. She could never again be as close to her as when they had first entered the palace.
Gu Han listlessly drooped her eyes. She thought perhaps it was time to distance herself from Rong BÇŽolĂn.
At the very least, she couldn't continue like this, whenever something involved Rong BÇŽolĂn, people would associate it with her.
Rong BÇŽolĂn arrived very late today. Even Consort Shu had arrived, yet there was still no sign of her. After Consort Shu sat down, she casually swept her gaze around the hall, raised an eyebrow slightly, and covered her lips with a handkerchief as she smiled:
"This Palace arrived rather early today."
Consort Shu usually arrived right on time, but today someone had come even later than her, making her seem early by comparison.
As soon as the words fell, Lin Měirén let out a cold laugh. Since Consort Shu's arrival, the hall had quieted down, so this cold laugh was particularly prominent. Yesterday's incident had spread throughout the palace, everyone knew she was in a foul mood. Immediately, gazes from all directions turned toward her.
Gu Han glanced toward the palace entrance. Beside her, Zhou took advantage of the motion of drinking tea to lean close to her ear and laugh gleefully:
"Look at Lin Měirén's expression, it's absolutely hilarious."
Gu Han raised her handkerchief to her lips, looking at Zhou with some surprise.
She knew Zhou had never liked Consort Rong. Today, Rong BÇŽolĂn and Lin MÄ›irĂ©n were clearly at odds, yet Zhou showed not the slightest hint of "The enemy of my enemy is my friend"—her schadenfreude toward Lin MÄ›irĂ©n was almost openly displayed.
As they spoke, the Empress emerged from the inner chambers. In her magnificent robes, she embodied wealth and nobility. Taking her seat in the main position, her gaze swept below and the emotions in her eyes immediately grew more detached. Gu Han only heard her ask Muqiu beside her:
"Did Rong BÇŽolĂn send someone to request leave today?"
Muqiu shook her head neither humbly nor arrogantly: "In response to Your Majesty, no."
The hall fell silent. The assessing glances toward Lin MÄ›irĂ©n were withdrawn as everyone reined themselves in before the Empress, though they all wanted to see Lin's humiliation. Nearly a quarter hour later, just as everyone was growing impatient, Rong BÇŽolĂn finally arrived belatedly.
She looked somewhat delicate, her face rather pale. Upon entering the hall, she immediately knelt, lowering her eyes submissively:
"This consort arrived late. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
Zhou hated seeing her act so delicate and weak. She pursed her lips in displeasure. At the same time, from the corner of her eye, she glanced at Gu Han. Seeing Gu Han's calm expression, she relaxed and withdrew her gaze, happily preparing to watch the drama unfold.
Someone covered their mouth and laughed: "If Rong BÇŽolĂn had come any later, morning greetings would have ended."
Gu Han looked toward that person, it was Song BÇŽolĂn, who shared a palace with Rong BÇŽolĂn. These two had never gotten along. Seeing an opportunity to step on Rong BÇŽolĂn, Song BÇŽolĂn naturally wouldn't pass it up.
Rong BÇŽolĂn bit her lip, looking as if she wanted to speak but couldn't, as if she had her grievances.
But everyone present was female. Her delicate, weak appearance was like casting flirtatious glances at the blind. Lin Měirén, having endured all night, could bear it no longer. She knelt down, eyes reddening as she said:
"Please, Empress, give this consort justice!"
Her elder sister had finally relented and spoken up for her before His Majesty. Yesterday, she had finally received the privilege of attending His Majesty's bed. Cuizhu Pavilion had bustled about preparing, yet His Majesty had been intercepted by Rong BÇŽolĂn!
Lin Měirén felt that since entering the palace, nothing had gone her way!
How dare a mere BÇŽolĂn be so presumptuous toward her?!
As soon as she spoke, tears fell. Anyone could see her grievance.
Gu Han glanced at the Empress in her high seat. Actually, this matter could be major or minor, it all depended on whether the Empress was willing to stand up for Lin MÄ›irĂ©n. What Gu Han was more curious about was where Rong BÇŽolĂn had gotten such audacity.
The Empress frowned, seeming somewhat troubled. Song BÇŽolĂn didn't understand what troubled her, she just wanted to see Rong BÇŽolĂn suffer. She immediately stood up, speaking with righteous indignation:
"Your Majesty the Empress, this palace has its rules. Yesterday, the word from the imperial presence clearly indicated Cuizhu Pavilion, yet Rong BÇŽolĂn knowingly violated this and intercepted His Majesty halfway to her own palace. If she's not severely punished, won't everyone in the palace follow her example in the future? Won't that throw everything into chaos?"
The Empress seemed swayed by these words. She looked up at Rong BÇŽolĂn:
"Rong BÇŽolĂn, do you acknowledge your fault?"
Consort Rong bit her lip. Today she wore simple, elegant palace attire. Her eyes were tinged with moist redness, adding a touch of pitiable delicacy. She lowered her head, not saying whether she knew her fault or not, but instead said timidly:
"But His Majesty wanted to visit this concubine’s palace. This concubine couldn't possibly defy His Majesty."
Gu Han nearly choked on her tea. She watched the drama unfold in stunned amazement. Listen to what Consort Rong said—you all accuse her of wrongly intercepting favor, but she says she can't defy His Majesty, appearing the picture of a pitiful victim.
Yet others couldn't refute her, because who dared defy His Majesty's wishes? Not even the Empress could.
Lin MÄ›irĂ©n could barely cry anymore, her face turning livid with embarrassment from Rong BÇŽolĂn's single statement.
The Empress looked deeply at Rong BÇŽolĂn. In the past, Rong BÇŽolĂn had followed behind Gu Han so quietly she seemed almost invisible, and the Empress had never paid her much attention. Now seeing her so eloquent and clever with words, it seemed they'd misjudged her.
In Song BÇŽolĂn's eyes, Rong BÇŽolĂn's act was that of a whore trying to build a memorial arch to chastity. Disgusted, she said:
"If you hadn't actively run to seduce His Majesty, would he have suddenly remembered you halfway? Besides, when masters make mistakes, their servants should still try to dissuade them. His Majesty was going to change his mind and visit your palace, if you'd truly been sincere, what harm would one word of persuasion have done?"
"His Majesty is no tyrant. Could it be that one word of persuasion from you would make him want to kill you?!"
Rong BÇŽolĂn shook her head frantically, tears falling as she stammered:
"But, but this consort didn't dare..."
She dabbed at her tears with her handkerchief, so frightened she began crying aloud, not wailing, just quietly sobbing, making the Empress furrow her brow.
The Empress's lips twitched. She felt her eyes had been opened, clearly having taken every advantage, yet putting on an aggrieved appearance. She said impatiently:
"What are you crying about?"
Rong BÇŽolĂn shook her head, crying so hard she couldn't speak.
Song BÇŽolĂn seemed afraid the Empress might soften, even more anxious than Lin MÄ›irĂ©n, the actual victim. She quickly jumped forward again:
"Your Majesty the Empress! You mustn't be soft-hearted. Otherwise, others in the harem will follow suit in the future, thinking that as long as they cry pitifully, they can escape punishment. How can that be allowed?"
Seeing the Empress's expression as if choked, Consort Shu found it amusing. This Consort Song kept jumping out and annoying her. She glanced at Song:
"With all your jabbering, those who don't know might think you were the one attending His Majesty's bed last night."
After speaking, she covered her lips and smiled. Consort Song had long been out of favor, these words at this moment seemed especially mocking.
Consort Song's face fell, but seeing the speaker was Consort Shu, she gave an embarrassed laugh and avoided Shu's gaze, not daring to retort.
Because she remembered that in this harem, Consort Shu was a habitual interceptor of favor. Which concubine in the harem hadn't had her favor blocked by Consort Shu?
Rong BÇŽolĂn lowered her head to dab at tears, concealing the emotions in her eyes. Actually, she hadn't deliberately intercepted Favor yesterday. She would stroll through the Imperial Garden for half an hour every day, after all, who knew when His Majesty might take a fancy to visit the Imperial Garden?
She wasn't favored. Unlike Sister Gu, her days were extremely idle. In just half a year since entering the palace, she'd already explored the entire palace.
Wherever the scenery was pleasant, she always made time to wander about. Rong BÇŽolĂn knew this method wasted time and might not even work, but who told her not to favored? She could only use such clumsy methods.
As long as she could appear before His Majesty, what did wasting time matter?
When yesterday's news came that Cuizhu Pavilion would attend His Majesty's bed, Rong BÇŽolĂn had hesitated, but still went to the Imperial Garden according to her usual habit. She did indeed encounter the imperial retinue as hoped. Originally, she had only wanted to appear before the Emperor, to leave an impression in His Majesty's heart.
She had broken off a branch of red plum blossom and held it in her hand. She had studied herself in the bronze mirror for a long time, knowing which pose showed her best advantage. Yesterday, upon hearing the sound of palms clapping, she immediately struck a seemingly casual pose holding the red plum.
His Majesty did indeed notice her, but the first words from his mouth made Rong BÇŽolĂn's heart turn sour. His Majesty asked:
"Which palace are you from?"
Consort Rong bowed, concealing her emotions, and answered timidly: "This BÇŽolĂn is BÇŽolĂn Rong of the Rong family from Wanxi Palace."
She saw Liu An lean close to His Majesty's ear to say something, only vaguely catching the words "Concubine Zhao," and then His Majesty finally remembered who she was. Before Rong BÇŽolĂn could process her complicated emotions, she heard His Majesty pause, then suddenly say:
"It's so late. I'll escort you back to your palace."
Consort Rong was stunned on the spot.
Little Jiu behind her pushed her before she came to her senses. She had hesitated, after all, yesterday should have been Lin Měirén's night to attend His Majesty's bed. If it were just Lin Měirén, that would be one thing, but above her was the Empress. Yet opportunities don't wait. Who knew when His Majesty would remember her again?
In the end, Rong BÇŽolĂn said nothing and led His Majesty back to Wanxi Palace.
After waking today, she'd been anxious and uneasy. She had thought about waiting for Sister Gu to go to morning greetings together, but before she could make up her mind, she heard that Sister Gu had already gone to Kunning Palace with Concubine Zhou. Rong BÇŽolĂn didn't know what to feel, she only remembered being stunned for a long while upon hearing the news.
When she first woke, she had felt some discomfort. After hesitating for a while, she decided to attend morning greetings, but she had delayed too long. By the time she reached Kunning Palace, it was already too late.
Rong BÇŽolĂn unobtrusively glanced toward Sister Gu, who was lowering her eyelids slightly, lost in thought about something.
With Consort Shu's interruption, the Empress's attention was momentarily diverted. Consort Shu propped her chin, saying unhurriedly:
"In this Consort's opinion, Rong BÇŽolĂn isn't wrong. His Majesty goes wherever he wishes. We concubines need only make His Majesty happy."
If these words had come from Rong BÇŽolĂn, Song BÇŽolĂn would certainly have refuted them. But since the speaker was Consort Shu, even though the assembled concubines felt it improper, no one was willing to contradict her.
Only the Empress frowned:
"This palace has its rules. How can we simply do as we please?"
If Rong BÇŽolĂn were allowed to escape like this, who would respect Lin MÄ›irĂ©n in the future?
The Empress looked down at Lin Měirén with lowered eyes. Before Consort Shu could speak again, she said:
"You shall copy the palace rules three times and be confined for one month. Do you object?"
Rong BÇŽolĂn's face changed dramatically. Copying the palace rules three times was nothing, but that phrase "confined for one month" demanded her attention. She had finally attended His Majesty's bed once, after a month ended, would His Majesty even remember her?
Seeing the matter settled, Consort Shu felt rather disappointed. She pursed her lips slightly. She had only wanted to see the Empress's expression change, she had no interest in pleading for Rong BÇŽolĂn.
Rong BÇŽolĂn wanted to seek someone's help. After looking around, her gaze ultimately fell on Gu Han.
Following her line of sight, the Empress spoke in a tone that was fairly mild but absolutely brooking no argument:
"What does Concubine Zhao think of this punishment?"
Rong BÇŽolĂn looked at her through tear-filled eyes. Gu Han felt somewhat speechless, did Rong BÇŽolĂn really expect her to help clean up this mess?
Gu Han seemed to pause before lowering her eyes respectfully:
"Your Majesty the Empress manages the six palaces. Your rewards and punishments have always been clear and fair."
The Empress raised an eyebrow at her. Concubine Zhao always spoke cleverly, these words neither agreed nor disagreed. But for the Empress, as long as she didn't plead for Rong BÇŽolĂn, it was enough.
Rong BÇŽolĂn stared blankly at Sister Gu, the hand in her sleeve clenching her handkerchief tightly. She heard the Empress ask her again:
"Rong BÇŽolĂn, do you have any objections?"
Rong BÇŽolĂn lowered her head, biting her lip hard: "This consort wouldn't dare."
The Empress's lips twitched. She pretended not to understand the difference between "wouldn't dare" and "have none," feeling somewhat disgusted. She said coolly:
"Since you have no objections, today's morning greetings are dismissed. Lin Měirén, you stay behind."
Regarding the Empress keeping Lin Měirén behind, the others thought nothing of it. After all, these two were blood sisters, natural allies from birth.
After leaving Kunning Palace, Gu Han finally exhaled. Rong BÇŽolĂn's final look had left her feeling vexed and troubled. The winter was cold—she pulled her fur-lined cloak closer. A cold wind blew past, finally bringing some clarity to her overheated mind.
Just as Gu Han was about to board her palanquin, she heard a voice behind her: "Elder sister."
A soft, delicate voice still carrying a trace of tearful tone. Without turning around, Gu Han knew who it was. She pressed her lips together imperceptibly, paused, then turned to look at Rong BÇŽolĂn.
Rong BÇŽolĂn's eyes were still reddened. She looked up at Gu Han, not mentioning that Gu Han hadn't helped her at the end, but instead said:
"Elder sister, yesterday…"
Gu Han interrupted her, raising her hand as if wearily pressing her temple: "You need not explain to me."
Consort Rong was startled. Elder sister's voice remained soft and gentle, yet Consort Rong couldn't find a trace of her former warmth. Her breathing hitched for a moment as she asked in a daze:
"Elder sister, are you angry with me?"
Gu Han suddenly felt a sense of futility at being unable to communicate with her. She furrowed her brow imperceptibly, burying her irritation in her heart, and shook her head:
"You and I are both His Majesty's concubines. In matters of attending his bed, you have your own calculations and need not explain to me."
Her tone didn't change, her voice remained clear and light, as if patiently explaining. But falling on Rong BÇŽolĂn ears, these words felt colder than today's weather, chilling her to the bone.
No matter how pleasantly Sister Gu spoke, she couldn't disguise the distance in her tone.
The cold wind was bitter. Gu Han shivered and looked up at the sky. Before Rong BÇŽolĂn could speak, she continued:
"It's getting late. It's cold, you should return early as well."
Jiu Nian helped Gu Han onto the palanquin. As it passed Rong BÇŽolĂn, Gu Han's eyes imperceptibly darkened. Things between her and Rong BÇŽolĂn had never been pure—Rong BÇŽolĂn had used her first, and she was too lazy to continue playing false games with her.
Just from Rong BÇŽolĂn's actions since entering the palace, one could see her ambitions, she wanted to climb upward.
This was natural enough, but for Gu Han, Rong BÇŽolĂn's ambitions meant instability and trouble. Moreover, the Empress Dowager had pushed Concubine Zhou toward her. Rong BÇŽolĂn and Concubine Zhou didn't get along, conflict would erupt sooner or later.
Sooner or later, Gu Han would need to make a choice.
The benefits Rong BÇŽolĂn brought her were completely disproportionate to the troubles. She and Rong BÇŽolĂn had been using each other from the start. Now that their paths diverged, naturally they should part ways.
The palanquin had just reached the Imperial Garden when it stopped. Gu Han lifted the curtain in confusion, only to see Concubine Zhou's palanquin stopped next door. Zhou was being helped down by palace servants and called out to her:
"Concubine Zhao, why are you rushing back to your palace? The red plum blossoms behind Hanling Palace are blooming beautifully. Let's go see them together."
Gu Han rubbed her temples with a headache. Compared to Rong BÇŽolĂn's troubles, Concubine Zhou was simply too boisterous. In any case, none of them gave her peace. With the palanquin forced to stop, Gu Han simply descended as well.
The two went together to the red plum grove behind Hanling Palace. Clusters of bright red hung from the branches like the only splash of color in winter, truly lifting one's spirits. Gu Han's earlier headache dissipated considerably the moment she stepped into the plum grove.
Zhou chatted ceaselessly about what had just happened at Kunning Palace. Gu Han interrupted her, asking curiously:
"Don't you dislike Rong BÇŽolĂn? Why are you so enthusiastic about watching Lin MÄ›irĂ©n's humiliation?"
There was a pavilion in the plum grove. The two took their seats as palace servants deftly served tea and refreshments. Zhou sipped her hot tea before saying matter-of-factly:
"I do dislike Rong BÇŽolĂn, but I also find Lin MÄ›irĂ©n displeasing to the eye."
Gu Han raised an eyebrow slightly. She wondered, was there anyone in this palace whom Zhou found pleasing?
Finding it all rather boring anyway, Gu Han asked her why. Zhou raised her eyebrows: "Whether or not one gains favor depends on fate. If she had the ability to make Cousin Emperor dote on her daily, I would be thoroughly convinced. But she lacks that ability and relies entirely on her sister sitting in the Empress's position."
"I can't stand that about her. Even Concubine Miao putting on airs is better than her!"
She spoke frankly. For a moment, Gu Han didn't know what to say. After all, even though Zhou wasn't favored, she had the Empress Dowager willing to indulge her, so she could indeed boldly discuss the imperial concubines. But Gu Han couldn't do the same.
The Marquis of Rongyang's household was already struggling. In the palace, Gu Han feared she could never be cautious enough with her words and actions.
As they talked, they heard a light laugh. Gu Han and Zhou turned to look, only to see Consort Shu standing there at some unknown time, holding a broken branch of red plum, casting them a sidelong glance:
"You two seem quite at ease."
Gu Han and Concubine Zhou exchanged a glance, somewhat uncertain. Yi'an Palace was quite far from here, why would Consort Shu be here?
But regardless, the two quickly stood to pay their respects. Consort Shu was supported by palace servants as she unhurriedly ascended to the pavilion. After taking her seat, she allowed them to rise. Propping her chin with one hand, she still appeared coquettish and flirtatious:
"This Palace rarely comes out, yet I've encountered you two. What were you discussing? Won't you share it with this Palace as well?"
Gu Han and Zhou took their seats. At her words, Concubine Zhou glanced at Gu Han. Gu Han smiled lightly: "This consort was just telling Concubine Zhou to have palace servants pick some red plum blossoms to make into pastries back at the palace, wondering what they might taste like, when Your Ladyship arrived."
Zhou also knew those words couldn't be shared with others and nodded in agreement.
Consort Shu looked at the two with amusement. Regarding this obviously perfunctory explanation, she neither said she believed it nor that she didn't. In a good mood today, she gave Gu Han an extra glance and cooperated:
"If you like them, pick some to try. But your palace doesn't have a small kitchen, which is rather inconvenient."
Gu Han blinked, momentarily unable to tell whether Consort Shu was simply making conversation or hinting at something deeper. After all, small kitchens were something that, aside from high-ranking concubines, only those who'd received His Majesty's special favor could have separately installed.
"What's so inconvenient?"
A steady voice suddenly sounded behind them without warning. When they saw His Majesty standing not far away with a casual air, Gu Han couldn't help but glance at Zhou.
If Concubine Zhou hadn't stopped her, she would definitely be back at Changchun Pavilion by now. Yet here she was, first encountering Consort Shu, then His Majesty. An opportunity others would beg for had simply fallen into their laps.
Everyone hastily paid their respects. When Lu Yu saw clearly who was in the pavilion, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. How had these few ended up together?
Gu Han was wrapped in a fur-lined cloak, her small face mostly hidden within it. Zhou and Consort Shu had removed their cloaks after entering the pavilion, but Gu Han, disliking the cold, hadn't. Now, as everyone paid their respects together, the others' movements flowed like clouds and water, while she alone stood out as completely different.
Lu Yu climbed the steps, glancing at Gu Han's clumsy appearance, and said "rise." He bent down with amusement to help her up personally.
This assistance inevitably meant touching the woman's hand, cold as ice. Lu Yu frowned:
"Why didn't you bring a hand warmer again?"
As he spoke, he didn't let go, pulling Gu Han to sit down. With others still present, Gu Han's cheeks flushed slightly. She lowered her eyelids bashfully: "Your Majesty asks when he already knows."
Zhou's eyes dimmed slightly. She pursed her lips lightly and looked away, pretending not to see.
Lu Yu shot Gu Han an exasperated glance, the entire motion utterly natural. After taking his seat, he looked toward Consort Shu:
"How rare for you to come out."
Lu Yu sat right beside Consort Shu. He held Gu Han's hand in his palm to warm it. Consort Shu had only to lower her eyes slightly to see this scene. She merely glanced once, then picked up her teacup as if nothing had happened and sipped some tea. The tea hastily sent over wasn't as fine as what she had at Yi'an Palace. As the tea entered her mouth, it immediately filled her throat with bitter, astringent flavor.
Consort Shu furrowed her delicate brows imperceptibly and set down the cup. She picked up her hand warmer again, but after all this time, even the hand warmer had grown somewhat cold.
Author's Note:
Consort Shu: Heh
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Hello, lovely readers! ^^
Sorry for the interruption, but we'd like you to help with a tiny request. It'd mean a lot to us if you're willing to spare 3 minutes to help with this poll on Ko-fi telling us what series brings you/which you read mostly on this site. Here's the link - https://ko-fi.com/polls/What-series-do-you-enjoy-the-most-on-our-site-Or-A0A71UA533 Thanks in advance! Bless you all. đź’—
Chapter 45
Concubine Zhou meant well, there was even a genuine trace of "disappointed in her failure to meet expectations" in it. For a moment, Gu Han didn't know what to say. If Rong BÇŽolĂn had the ability to intercept His Majesty's favor, why should she step forward to take responsibility for her?
Glancing at Zhou's tightly furrowed brow, Gu Han's emotions grew obscure as she lowered her eyes and said softly:
"You're right."
Hearing her agreement, Zhou finally relaxed. The two didn't delay further and headed together to Kunning Palace for morning greetings. Changchun Pavilion was already quite distant from Kunning Palace, and the two had dawdled along the way. By the time they arrived at Kunning Palace, quite a few people were already seated inside.
Usually, concubine Zhou sat across from Gu Han, but today she followed Gu Han directly and sat at her lower side. Concubine Chen arrived a step later, only the seat opposite was empty. After taking her seat, she looked up to see Concubine Zhao and Concubine Zhou, her expression immediately souring.
Gu Han had no time to pay her any mind. When they arrived, Lin Měirén was already there. Various assessing glances fell upon her, her face cold and somewhat livid. Seeming to sense Gu Han's gaze, she looked up and shot Gu Han a cold glare.
As if transferring her anger at Rong BÇŽolĂn onto Gu Han.
Gu Han couldn't help but furrow her delicate brows slightly. She finally understood why Zhou had stopped her halfway, because in others' eyes, since entering the palace, Rong BÇŽolĂn had been in the same camp as her. Gu Han lowered her eyes with slight irritation.
Rong BÇŽolĂn had taken action several times without ever informing her. Combined with the earlier suspicion that she had used Gu Han to strike at Zhou, Gu Han had to admit she now harbored reservations about Rong BÇŽolĂn. She could never again be as close to her as when they had first entered the palace.
Gu Han listlessly drooped her eyes. She thought perhaps it was time to distance herself from Rong BÇŽolĂn.
At the very least, she couldn't continue like this, whenever something involved Rong BÇŽolĂn, people would associate it with her.
Rong BÇŽolĂn arrived very late today. Even Consort Shu had arrived, yet there was still no sign of her. After Consort Shu sat down, she casually swept her gaze around the hall, raised an eyebrow slightly, and covered her lips with a handkerchief as she smiled:
"This Palace arrived rather early today."
Consort Shu usually arrived right on time, but today someone had come even later than her, making her seem early by comparison.
As soon as the words fell, Lin Měirén let out a cold laugh. Since Consort Shu's arrival, the hall had quieted down, so this cold laugh was particularly prominent. Yesterday's incident had spread throughout the palace, everyone knew she was in a foul mood. Immediately, gazes from all directions turned toward her.
Gu Han glanced toward the palace entrance. Beside her, Zhou took advantage of the motion of drinking tea to lean close to her ear and laugh gleefully:
"Look at Lin Měirén's expression, it's absolutely hilarious."
Gu Han raised her handkerchief to her lips, looking at Zhou with some surprise.
She knew Zhou had never liked Consort Rong. Today, Rong BÇŽolĂn and Lin MÄ›irĂ©n were clearly at odds, yet Zhou showed not the slightest hint of "The enemy of my enemy is my friend"—her schadenfreude toward Lin MÄ›irĂ©n was almost openly displayed.
As they spoke, the Empress emerged from the inner chambers. In her magnificent robes, she embodied wealth and nobility. Taking her seat in the main position, her gaze swept below and the emotions in her eyes immediately grew more detached. Gu Han only heard her ask Muqiu beside her:
"Did Rong BÇŽolĂn send someone to request leave today?"
Muqiu shook her head neither humbly nor arrogantly: "In response to Your Majesty, no."
The hall fell silent. The assessing glances toward Lin MÄ›irĂ©n were withdrawn as everyone reined themselves in before the Empress, though they all wanted to see Lin's humiliation. Nearly a quarter hour later, just as everyone was growing impatient, Rong BÇŽolĂn finally arrived belatedly.
She looked somewhat delicate, her face rather pale. Upon entering the hall, she immediately knelt, lowering her eyes submissively:
"This consort arrived late. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
Zhou hated seeing her act so delicate and weak. She pursed her lips in displeasure. At the same time, from the corner of her eye, she glanced at Gu Han. Seeing Gu Han's calm expression, she relaxed and withdrew her gaze, happily preparing to watch the drama unfold.
Someone covered their mouth and laughed: "If Rong BÇŽolĂn had come any later, morning greetings would have ended."
Gu Han looked toward that person, it was Song BÇŽolĂn, who shared a palace with Rong BÇŽolĂn. These two had never gotten along. Seeing an opportunity to step on Rong BÇŽolĂn, Song BÇŽolĂn naturally wouldn't pass it up.
Rong BÇŽolĂn bit her lip, looking as if she wanted to speak but couldn't, as if she had her grievances.
But everyone present was female. Her delicate, weak appearance was like casting flirtatious glances at the blind. Lin Měirén, having endured all night, could bear it no longer. She knelt down, eyes reddening as she said:
"Please, Empress, give this consort justice!"
Her elder sister had finally relented and spoken up for her before His Majesty. Yesterday, she had finally received the privilege of attending His Majesty's bed. Cuizhu Pavilion had bustled about preparing, yet His Majesty had been intercepted by Rong BÇŽolĂn!
Lin Měirén felt that since entering the palace, nothing had gone her way!
How dare a mere BÇŽolĂn be so presumptuous toward her?!
As soon as she spoke, tears fell. Anyone could see her grievance.
Gu Han glanced at the Empress in her high seat. Actually, this matter could be major or minor, it all depended on whether the Empress was willing to stand up for Lin MÄ›irĂ©n. What Gu Han was more curious about was where Rong BÇŽolĂn had gotten such audacity.
The Empress frowned, seeming somewhat troubled. Song BÇŽolĂn didn't understand what troubled her, she just wanted to see Rong BÇŽolĂn suffer. She immediately stood up, speaking with righteous indignation:
"Your Majesty the Empress, this palace has its rules. Yesterday, the word from the imperial presence clearly indicated Cuizhu Pavilion, yet Rong BÇŽolĂn knowingly violated this and intercepted His Majesty halfway to her own palace. If she's not severely punished, won't everyone in the palace follow her example in the future? Won't that throw everything into chaos?"
The Empress seemed swayed by these words. She looked up at Rong BÇŽolĂn:
"Rong BÇŽolĂn, do you acknowledge your fault?"
Consort Rong bit her lip. Today she wore simple, elegant palace attire. Her eyes were tinged with moist redness, adding a touch of pitiable delicacy. She lowered her head, not saying whether she knew her fault or not, but instead said timidly:
"But His Majesty wanted to visit this concubine’s palace. This concubine couldn't possibly defy His Majesty."
Gu Han nearly choked on her tea. She watched the drama unfold in stunned amazement. Listen to what Consort Rong said—you all accuse her of wrongly intercepting favor, but she says she can't defy His Majesty, appearing the picture of a pitiful victim.
Yet others couldn't refute her, because who dared defy His Majesty's wishes? Not even the Empress could.
Lin MÄ›irĂ©n could barely cry anymore, her face turning livid with embarrassment from Rong BÇŽolĂn's single statement.
The Empress looked deeply at Rong BÇŽolĂn. In the past, Rong BÇŽolĂn had followed behind Gu Han so quietly she seemed almost invisible, and the Empress had never paid her much attention. Now seeing her so eloquent and clever with words, it seemed they'd misjudged her.
In Song BÇŽolĂn's eyes, Rong BÇŽolĂn's act was that of a whore trying to build a memorial arch to chastity. Disgusted, she said:
"If you hadn't actively run to seduce His Majesty, would he have suddenly remembered you halfway? Besides, when masters make mistakes, their servants should still try to dissuade them. His Majesty was going to change his mind and visit your palace, if you'd truly been sincere, what harm would one word of persuasion have done?"
"His Majesty is no tyrant. Could it be that one word of persuasion from you would make him want to kill you?!"
Rong BÇŽolĂn shook her head frantically, tears falling as she stammered:
"But, but this consort didn't dare..."
She dabbed at her tears with her handkerchief, so frightened she began crying aloud, not wailing, just quietly sobbing, making the Empress furrow her brow.
The Empress's lips twitched. She felt her eyes had been opened, clearly having taken every advantage, yet putting on an aggrieved appearance. She said impatiently:
"What are you crying about?"
Rong BÇŽolĂn shook her head, crying so hard she couldn't speak.
Song BÇŽolĂn seemed afraid the Empress might soften, even more anxious than Lin MÄ›irĂ©n, the actual victim. She quickly jumped forward again:
"Your Majesty the Empress! You mustn't be soft-hearted. Otherwise, others in the harem will follow suit in the future, thinking that as long as they cry pitifully, they can escape punishment. How can that be allowed?"
Seeing the Empress's expression as if choked, Consort Shu found it amusing. This Consort Song kept jumping out and annoying her. She glanced at Song:
"With all your jabbering, those who don't know might think you were the one attending His Majesty's bed last night."
After speaking, she covered her lips and smiled. Consort Song had long been out of favor, these words at this moment seemed especially mocking.
Consort Song's face fell, but seeing the speaker was Consort Shu, she gave an embarrassed laugh and avoided Shu's gaze, not daring to retort.
Because she remembered that in this harem, Consort Shu was a habitual interceptor of favor. Which concubine in the harem hadn't had her favor blocked by Consort Shu?
Rong BÇŽolĂn lowered her head to dab at tears, concealing the emotions in her eyes. Actually, she hadn't deliberately intercepted Favor yesterday. She would stroll through the Imperial Garden for half an hour every day, after all, who knew when His Majesty might take a fancy to visit the Imperial Garden?
She wasn't favored. Unlike Sister Gu, her days were extremely idle. In just half a year since entering the palace, she'd already explored the entire palace.
Wherever the scenery was pleasant, she always made time to wander about. Rong BÇŽolĂn knew this method wasted time and might not even work, but who told her not to favored? She could only use such clumsy methods.
As long as she could appear before His Majesty, what did wasting time matter?
When yesterday's news came that Cuizhu Pavilion would attend His Majesty's bed, Rong BÇŽolĂn had hesitated, but still went to the Imperial Garden according to her usual habit. She did indeed encounter the imperial retinue as hoped. Originally, she had only wanted to appear before the Emperor, to leave an impression in His Majesty's heart.
She had broken off a branch of red plum blossom and held it in her hand. She had studied herself in the bronze mirror for a long time, knowing which pose showed her best advantage. Yesterday, upon hearing the sound of palms clapping, she immediately struck a seemingly casual pose holding the red plum.
His Majesty did indeed notice her, but the first words from his mouth made Rong BÇŽolĂn's heart turn sour. His Majesty asked:
"Which palace are you from?"
Consort Rong bowed, concealing her emotions, and answered timidly: "This BÇŽolĂn is BÇŽolĂn Rong of the Rong family from Wanxi Palace."
She saw Liu An lean close to His Majesty's ear to say something, only vaguely catching the words "Concubine Zhao," and then His Majesty finally remembered who she was. Before Rong BÇŽolĂn could process her complicated emotions, she heard His Majesty pause, then suddenly say:
"It's so late. I'll escort you back to your palace."
Consort Rong was stunned on the spot.
Little Jiu behind her pushed her before she came to her senses. She had hesitated, after all, yesterday should have been Lin Měirén's night to attend His Majesty's bed. If it were just Lin Měirén, that would be one thing, but above her was the Empress. Yet opportunities don't wait. Who knew when His Majesty would remember her again?
In the end, Rong BÇŽolĂn said nothing and led His Majesty back to Wanxi Palace.
After waking today, she'd been anxious and uneasy. She had thought about waiting for Sister Gu to go to morning greetings together, but before she could make up her mind, she heard that Sister Gu had already gone to Kunning Palace with Concubine Zhou. Rong BÇŽolĂn didn't know what to feel, she only remembered being stunned for a long while upon hearing the news.
When she first woke, she had felt some discomfort. After hesitating for a while, she decided to attend morning greetings, but she had delayed too long. By the time she reached Kunning Palace, it was already too late.
Rong BÇŽolĂn unobtrusively glanced toward Sister Gu, who was lowering her eyelids slightly, lost in thought about something.
With Consort Shu's interruption, the Empress's attention was momentarily diverted. Consort Shu propped her chin, saying unhurriedly:
"In this Consort's opinion, Rong BÇŽolĂn isn't wrong. His Majesty goes wherever he wishes. We concubines need only make His Majesty happy."
If these words had come from Rong BÇŽolĂn, Song BÇŽolĂn would certainly have refuted them. But since the speaker was Consort Shu, even though the assembled concubines felt it improper, no one was willing to contradict her.
Only the Empress frowned:
"This palace has its rules. How can we simply do as we please?"
If Rong BÇŽolĂn were allowed to escape like this, who would respect Lin MÄ›irĂ©n in the future?
The Empress looked down at Lin Měirén with lowered eyes. Before Consort Shu could speak again, she said:
"You shall copy the palace rules three times and be confined for one month. Do you object?"
Rong BÇŽolĂn's face changed dramatically. Copying the palace rules three times was nothing, but that phrase "confined for one month" demanded her attention. She had finally attended His Majesty's bed once, after a month ended, would His Majesty even remember her?
Seeing the matter settled, Consort Shu felt rather disappointed. She pursed her lips slightly. She had only wanted to see the Empress's expression change, she had no interest in pleading for Rong BÇŽolĂn.
Rong BÇŽolĂn wanted to seek someone's help. After looking around, her gaze ultimately fell on Gu Han.
Following her line of sight, the Empress spoke in a tone that was fairly mild but absolutely brooking no argument:
"What does Concubine Zhao think of this punishment?"
Rong BÇŽolĂn looked at her through tear-filled eyes. Gu Han felt somewhat speechless, did Rong BÇŽolĂn really expect her to help clean up this mess?
Gu Han seemed to pause before lowering her eyes respectfully:
"Your Majesty the Empress manages the six palaces. Your rewards and punishments have always been clear and fair."
The Empress raised an eyebrow at her. Concubine Zhao always spoke cleverly, these words neither agreed nor disagreed. But for the Empress, as long as she didn't plead for Rong BÇŽolĂn, it was enough.
Rong BÇŽolĂn stared blankly at Sister Gu, the hand in her sleeve clenching her handkerchief tightly. She heard the Empress ask her again:
"Rong BÇŽolĂn, do you have any objections?"
Rong BÇŽolĂn lowered her head, biting her lip hard: "This consort wouldn't dare."
The Empress's lips twitched. She pretended not to understand the difference between "wouldn't dare" and "have none," feeling somewhat disgusted. She said coolly:
"Since you have no objections, today's morning greetings are dismissed. Lin Měirén, you stay behind."
Regarding the Empress keeping Lin Měirén behind, the others thought nothing of it. After all, these two were blood sisters, natural allies from birth.
After leaving Kunning Palace, Gu Han finally exhaled. Rong BÇŽolĂn's final look had left her feeling vexed and troubled. The winter was cold—she pulled her fur-lined cloak closer. A cold wind blew past, finally bringing some clarity to her overheated mind.
Just as Gu Han was about to board her palanquin, she heard a voice behind her: "Elder sister."
A soft, delicate voice still carrying a trace of tearful tone. Without turning around, Gu Han knew who it was. She pressed her lips together imperceptibly, paused, then turned to look at Rong BÇŽolĂn.
Rong BÇŽolĂn's eyes were still reddened. She looked up at Gu Han, not mentioning that Gu Han hadn't helped her at the end, but instead said:
"Elder sister, yesterday…"
Gu Han interrupted her, raising her hand as if wearily pressing her temple: "You need not explain to me."
Consort Rong was startled. Elder sister's voice remained soft and gentle, yet Consort Rong couldn't find a trace of her former warmth. Her breathing hitched for a moment as she asked in a daze:
"Elder sister, are you angry with me?"
Gu Han suddenly felt a sense of futility at being unable to communicate with her. She furrowed her brow imperceptibly, burying her irritation in her heart, and shook her head:
"You and I are both His Majesty's concubines. In matters of attending his bed, you have your own calculations and need not explain to me."
Her tone didn't change, her voice remained clear and light, as if patiently explaining. But falling on Rong BÇŽolĂn ears, these words felt colder than today's weather, chilling her to the bone.
No matter how pleasantly Sister Gu spoke, she couldn't disguise the distance in her tone.
The cold wind was bitter. Gu Han shivered and looked up at the sky. Before Rong BÇŽolĂn could speak, she continued:
"It's getting late. It's cold, you should return early as well."
Jiu Nian helped Gu Han onto the palanquin. As it passed Rong BÇŽolĂn, Gu Han's eyes imperceptibly darkened. Things between her and Rong BÇŽolĂn had never been pure—Rong BÇŽolĂn had used her first, and she was too lazy to continue playing false games with her.
Just from Rong BÇŽolĂn's actions since entering the palace, one could see her ambitions, she wanted to climb upward.
This was natural enough, but for Gu Han, Rong BÇŽolĂn's ambitions meant instability and trouble. Moreover, the Empress Dowager had pushed Concubine Zhou toward her. Rong BÇŽolĂn and Concubine Zhou didn't get along, conflict would erupt sooner or later.
Sooner or later, Gu Han would need to make a choice.
The benefits Rong BÇŽolĂn brought her were completely disproportionate to the troubles. She and Rong BÇŽolĂn had been using each other from the start. Now that their paths diverged, naturally they should part ways.
The palanquin had just reached the Imperial Garden when it stopped. Gu Han lifted the curtain in confusion, only to see Concubine Zhou's palanquin stopped next door. Zhou was being helped down by palace servants and called out to her:
"Concubine Zhao, why are you rushing back to your palace? The red plum blossoms behind Hanling Palace are blooming beautifully. Let's go see them together."
Gu Han rubbed her temples with a headache. Compared to Rong BÇŽolĂn's troubles, Concubine Zhou was simply too boisterous. In any case, none of them gave her peace. With the palanquin forced to stop, Gu Han simply descended as well.
The two went together to the red plum grove behind Hanling Palace. Clusters of bright red hung from the branches like the only splash of color in winter, truly lifting one's spirits. Gu Han's earlier headache dissipated considerably the moment she stepped into the plum grove.
Zhou chatted ceaselessly about what had just happened at Kunning Palace. Gu Han interrupted her, asking curiously:
"Don't you dislike Rong BÇŽolĂn? Why are you so enthusiastic about watching Lin MÄ›irĂ©n's humiliation?"
There was a pavilion in the plum grove. The two took their seats as palace servants deftly served tea and refreshments. Zhou sipped her hot tea before saying matter-of-factly:
"I do dislike Rong BÇŽolĂn, but I also find Lin MÄ›irĂ©n displeasing to the eye."
Gu Han raised an eyebrow slightly. She wondered, was there anyone in this palace whom Zhou found pleasing?
Finding it all rather boring anyway, Gu Han asked her why. Zhou raised her eyebrows: "Whether or not one gains favor depends on fate. If she had the ability to make Cousin Emperor dote on her daily, I would be thoroughly convinced. But she lacks that ability and relies entirely on her sister sitting in the Empress's position."
"I can't stand that about her. Even Concubine Miao putting on airs is better than her!"
She spoke frankly. For a moment, Gu Han didn't know what to say. After all, even though Zhou wasn't favored, she had the Empress Dowager willing to indulge her, so she could indeed boldly discuss the imperial concubines. But Gu Han couldn't do the same.
The Marquis of Rongyang's household was already struggling. In the palace, Gu Han feared she could never be cautious enough with her words and actions.
As they talked, they heard a light laugh. Gu Han and Zhou turned to look, only to see Consort Shu standing there at some unknown time, holding a broken branch of red plum, casting them a sidelong glance:
"You two seem quite at ease."
Gu Han and Concubine Zhou exchanged a glance, somewhat uncertain. Yi'an Palace was quite far from here, why would Consort Shu be here?
But regardless, the two quickly stood to pay their respects. Consort Shu was supported by palace servants as she unhurriedly ascended to the pavilion. After taking her seat, she allowed them to rise. Propping her chin with one hand, she still appeared coquettish and flirtatious:
"This Palace rarely comes out, yet I've encountered you two. What were you discussing? Won't you share it with this Palace as well?"
Gu Han and Zhou took their seats. At her words, Concubine Zhou glanced at Gu Han. Gu Han smiled lightly: "This consort was just telling Concubine Zhou to have palace servants pick some red plum blossoms to make into pastries back at the palace, wondering what they might taste like, when Your Ladyship arrived."
Zhou also knew those words couldn't be shared with others and nodded in agreement.
Consort Shu looked at the two with amusement. Regarding this obviously perfunctory explanation, she neither said she believed it nor that she didn't. In a good mood today, she gave Gu Han an extra glance and cooperated:
"If you like them, pick some to try. But your palace doesn't have a small kitchen, which is rather inconvenient."
Gu Han blinked, momentarily unable to tell whether Consort Shu was simply making conversation or hinting at something deeper. After all, small kitchens were something that, aside from high-ranking concubines, only those who'd received His Majesty's special favor could have separately installed.
"What's so inconvenient?"
A steady voice suddenly sounded behind them without warning. When they saw His Majesty standing not far away with a casual air, Gu Han couldn't help but glance at Zhou.
If Concubine Zhou hadn't stopped her, she would definitely be back at Changchun Pavilion by now. Yet here she was, first encountering Consort Shu, then His Majesty. An opportunity others would beg for had simply fallen into their laps.
Everyone hastily paid their respects. When Lu Yu saw clearly who was in the pavilion, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. How had these few ended up together?
Gu Han was wrapped in a fur-lined cloak, her small face mostly hidden within it. Zhou and Consort Shu had removed their cloaks after entering the pavilion, but Gu Han, disliking the cold, hadn't. Now, as everyone paid their respects together, the others' movements flowed like clouds and water, while she alone stood out as completely different.
Lu Yu climbed the steps, glancing at Gu Han's clumsy appearance, and said "rise." He bent down with amusement to help her up personally.
This assistance inevitably meant touching the woman's hand, cold as ice. Lu Yu frowned:
"Why didn't you bring a hand warmer again?"
As he spoke, he didn't let go, pulling Gu Han to sit down. With others still present, Gu Han's cheeks flushed slightly. She lowered her eyelids bashfully: "Your Majesty asks when he already knows."
Zhou's eyes dimmed slightly. She pursed her lips lightly and looked away, pretending not to see.
Lu Yu shot Gu Han an exasperated glance, the entire motion utterly natural. After taking his seat, he looked toward Consort Shu:
"How rare for you to come out."
Lu Yu sat right beside Consort Shu. He held Gu Han's hand in his palm to warm it. Consort Shu had only to lower her eyes slightly to see this scene. She merely glanced once, then picked up her teacup as if nothing had happened and sipped some tea. The tea hastily sent over wasn't as fine as what she had at Yi'an Palace. As the tea entered her mouth, it immediately filled her throat with bitter, astringent flavor.
Consort Shu furrowed her delicate brows imperceptibly and set down the cup. She picked up her hand warmer again, but after all this time, even the hand warmer had grown somewhat cold.
Author's Note:
Consort Shu: Heh
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