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Chapter 44
Gu Han parted ways with Concubine Zhou at the fork in the road.
Gu Han hadn't expected to encounter Concubine Chen on the way. Chen no longer had her former lofty bearing, Zhou's few words had been enough to make her face change color. Gu Han understood that it wasn't just because Zhou's words were cutting, but mainly because she and Zhou had never been worthy of Chen's notice before, yet now stood equal to her in rank.
Such verbal sparring would be ordinary for her and Zhou, but for Concubine Chen, it was nothing short of an affront. This kind of offense was what tormented her most.
Gu Han's mood visibly lifted, a trace of amusement playing around her eyes and brows.
This good mood lasted until just before the evening banquet. The winter cold was biting, so Gu Han wore a palace gown of hundred-flowers brocade, with a swaying hairpin slanted in her coiffure. The jade beads dangling from it fell beside her face, adding an untouchable beauty to her appearance. Disliking the cold, she wore no jade bracelets.
Before departing, Jiu Nian handed her a hand warmer. Before Gu Han could refuse, Jiu Nian said:
"This servant knows you find it troublesome, my lady, but it's the coldest time when snow melts. You mustn't be willful."
Gu Han was speechless and could only hold the hand warmer to her chest. She had to admit, carrying a hand warmer in winter was indeed wonderful. Warmth spread from her palms as she took her palanquin to Taihe Hall, her cloak concealing the hand warmer completely.
As during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Gu Han sat at the same table as Concubine Zhou. But where Miao Měirén had sat above them before, Concubine Chen now sat. Just as she settled down, Gu Han happened to see Zhou purse her lips, seemingly dissatisfied with this arrangement.
Hearing the sound, Zhou turned back. Upon seeing Gu Han, she couldn't help but freeze for a moment, then came to herself, traces of admiration lingering in her eyes.
After hesitating for a while, Zhou finally said:
"I've never seen you dress so brightly before."
As Zhou spoke these words, she felt emotions she couldn't quite name. She couldn't help but recall how when she was injured, Cousin Emperor hadn't even entered her chambers to see her, instead protecting her assailant as he left. When Zhou learned of this, she felt as if her heart had shattered and she had died once over.
In her youth, after seeing Cousin Emperor just once, secret feelings had bloomed. For the years that followed, she only remembered his words: "Cousin is bright and bold, flamboyance suits her." From then on, her dress grew ever more vivid, and boldness turned to arrogance.
She had a thousand faults, but having long made loving her cousin a habit, that first stunning encounter in her youth made Zhou forget that hearts in this world changed easily. The cousin who once thought her flamboyance delightful now found her tiresome.
After entering the palace, Zhou hadn't been unaware of her cousin's attitude, but years of obsession had bred self-deception. That day's injury finally forced her to face facts, what he had said that year was perhaps just a casual remark. She was the only one who had taken it to heart.
Zhou's nose suddenly stung with sourness.
She knew that if she were merely his cousin, he might not have been entirely without genuine feeling for her. But entering the palace had been her own choice, insisting on mixing romantic sentiment into sibling affection. Having reached this bitter end, she could only swallow it down.
Cousin was no longer her cousin. To her now, he should be His Majesty.
Gu Han sensed something off about Zhou's emotions. She observed Zhou's expression carefully without leaving a trace, but didn't ask questions. Instead, with a touch of embarrassment, she answered:
"Today is New Year's Eve. The maid by my side nagged me to wear something bright. I couldn't resist, so I agreed."
She lowered her eyelids slightly, a hint of bashfulness flashing across her face. Zhou sullenly pursed her lips. If she were cousin, she would probably also like someone like Gu Han, speaking in soft, gentle tones, her almond eyes transparent. When she raised them to look at you, it easily created the illusion that her eyes held only you.
No wonder she had won his favor the moment she entered the palace.
Zhou's heart wasn't without its sourness, but with so many women in the harem, how could she possibly be sour about them all?
She muttered quietly: "You look so beautiful today, Cousin will surely like it too."
Zhou's praise was blunt, leaving Gu Han suddenly speechless. It wasn't that she hadn't heard others compliment her this way, when Chen was still Consort De, she often praised her as eye-catching. But Gu Han could discern how much sincerity lay in those words, so she had never paid them much mind.
But Zhou was different. She spoke somewhat awkwardly, yet every word was heartfelt, and even the dejection in the latter half reached Gu Han's ears, forcibly adding a measure of discomfort to Gu Han's heart.
In a flash, Gu Han smiled bitterly to herself. A thought from long ago surfaced again, she was still more suited to dealing with people like Concubine Chen.
Sincere people were certainly good, but when the person interacting with them harbored secrets, it was hard not to feel some shame.
Gu Han cut off the topic. She lowered her eyes and sipped her wine. They were all drinking fruit wine with a somewhat sweet and sour taste, but after one sip, Gu Han felt she couldn't taste anything at all.
Zhou didn't mind her silence, or rather, in Zhou's mind, Gu Han was quiet most of the time anyway.
That's why Zhou found Gu Han comfortable to be around. Not everyone enjoyed being a listener, and what Zhou complained or vented to Gu Han never seemed to reach others' ears.
The New Year's banquet officially began after His Majesty arrived.
Performers sang and danced in the center of the hall. Suddenly, Zhou leaned close to her ear and said quietly: "I heard Cuizhu Pavilion hasn't been peaceful these past few days."
Gu Han thought for a moment before remembering that Lin Měirén lived in Cuizhu Pavilion. Suddenly, she recalled something and couldn't help but glance at Zhou. On the final day of the selection, Zhou had been reprimanded partly due to Lin's schemes.
Gu Han's expression turned somewhat odd. She remembered how miserably Zhou had cried that day, her sobs echoing through Chuxiu Palace for half the night.
After entering the palace, Lin Měirén hadn't caused any commotion. Gu Han had nearly forgotten about her. Now, hearing Zhou mention her, she grew curious:
"What happened?"
Zhou snorted lightly: "She lives near me. Yesterday when I returned from Cining Palace, I still heard music from her chambers. Who knows what scheme she's plotting now."
Music?
Gu Han lightly furrowed her brow. She hadn't heard of Cuizhu Pavilion hiring musicians or performers. Without leaving a trace, Gu Han glanced toward Lin Měirén's position. She wore a sapphire blue palace gown, her waist slender. From Gu Han's angle, her posture was quite beautiful.
Speaking of Cuizhu Pavilion, Gu Han couldn't help but note the Empress's favoritism. Unlike other palaces, Cuizhu Pavilion was located near the bamboo grove behind the Imperial Garden. It had no distinction between main and side halls—an independent small palace, a two-story building housing only Beauty Lin, a single concubine.
Gu Han's eyes flickered lightly as she realized what Lin Měirén might be planning. She exchanged a glance with Zhou, both looking somewhat bewildered. After a long moment, she stammered:
"Surely not?"
Performers in this dynasty had low status. Though noble ladies studied music, chess, calligraphy, and painting in their chambers, they rarely performed before outsiders.
Zhou glanced at the court officials still present in Taihe Hall and hesitated, lowering her voice:
"Surely not now. Even if she's willing to throw herself away, the Empress and the Lin family still have their pride!"
She kept her voice very low, so only Gu Han could hear. Gu Han couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh softly. Zhou felt a bit uncomfortable under her laughter. After all, she was also puzzled:
"What do you think she's trying to do?"
Gu Han didn't know. She shook her head honestly.
Above, after entering the hall, Lu Yu had noticed Gu Han. Today she wore a hundred-flowers brocade palace gown, more striking than her usual palace attire, making her lovelier than flowers. Her slender neck bent slightly as she talked with Zhou about something, never stopping for a moment.
Lu Yu's eyes darkened slightly. He withdrew his gaze and raised his hand to drain his wine cup in one gulp.
When he set down the cup, Lu Yu followed her line of sight to the song and dance in the center of the hall, raising an eyebrow slightly. So she enjoyed watching these things?
Lu Yu summoned Liu An:
"Have the singing and dancing performers go on stage first."
Though Lu Yu didn't know what other acts there were, they were always much the same. Besides song and dance, there would be theater troupes and famous courtesans singing. Lu Yu had long grown tired of it all, better to let her watch to her heart's content first.
Liu An was bewildered by this command, but he quickly acknowledged and withdrew.
The Empress noticed the commotion. Seeing Liu An run backstage, she asked curiously: "What did His Majesty send him to do?"
Lu Yu raised his cup and lightly clinked it with hers. With dignified grace tinged with shy charm, the Empress covered her cup and drank. Before she could lower it, she heard His Majesty say:
"Rearranging the program order."
The wine nearly made the Empress choke. She pressed her handkerchief to her lips, suppressing her discomfort, and forced a smile:
"Why did His Majesty suddenly think to rearrange the program?"
Lu Yu didn't notice her expression and didn't think it mattered, saying casually: "Just felt the singing and dancing were good today."
The Empress's lips twitched. Where no one could see, she glanced at Muqiu, who also sensed things weren't good and quietly withdrew when no one was paying attention.
Gu Han and Zhou knew nothing of the commotion on the high platform. But Zhou kept openly glancing at Lin Měirén from time to time, forcing Gu Han to gently push her and whisper: "Why do you keep staring at her?"
Zhou would never admit she wanted to watch the drama unfold. She felt a bit sheepish: "I'm just curious..."
Gu Han was also curious. Seeing Zhou restrain herself somewhat, she glanced unobtrusively toward Lin Měirén. She saw Lin occasionally raising her head to look toward the high seats. Gu Han followed her gaze, but before she could see what Lin was looking at, she crashed into His Majesty's pitch-black pupils.
Gu Han started in alarm and quickly withdrew her gaze. To cover her earlier action, she even raised her cup and sipped some wine.
Lu Yu found her guilty conscience amusing. He didn't know what had gotten into her today, if she wasn't talking with Zhou Pin, she was looking this way and that. Thinking of Zhou Pin, Lu Yu glanced her way.
Though he'd raised this cousin's rank after her injury, he hadn't visited her once.
Mother Empress, feeling sorry for her, had lavishly rewarded Concubine Gu, binding her together with Gu Pin. To this, Lu Yu turned a blind eye. After all, this way Gu would inevitably receive some of Mother Empress's care. It was hard to say whether this was gain or loss.
Translator's Note: Guys Gu Pin means Concubine Gu, Zhou Pin means Concubine Zhou. I might interchange them occasionally.
However, looking at today, Gu seemed more lively than usual. It seemed Zhou Měirén wasn't entirely without merit.
Gu Han had no idea what Lu Yu was thinking. She stopped looking around, but Lin Měirén sat not far from them. From the corner of her eye, Gu Han still saw a palace servant seem to say something to Lin Měirén, whose expression momentarily soured.
Gu Han blinked, feeling odd. Could Lin Měirén really want to perform publicly?
If so, wouldn't she be lowering herself first? What good would temporary favor do if she didn't consider the future?
***
The palace servant left quickly, but Lin Měirén's mood was difficult to calm. Performing on stage had been her own proposal to the Empress. Of course she knew this wasn't good, but did she have a choice?
Since entering the palace, she'd been buried among the concubines. His Majesty couldn't even remember her.
With the Lin family already having an Empress, how could His Majesty allow two highly-ranked Lin women in the harem? She wasn't unwilling to strive for her future, but unfortunately, with her elder sister there, her path forward was almost predetermined.
Noble ladies indeed valued their dignity highly, but when she entered the palace, propriety had already become less important than other things.
Her elder sister had long failed to conceive. Even if she was Empress, so what? Lin Měirén knew why she had entered the palace, to bear an imperial heir with Lin family blood for her elder sister.
In this matter, Lin Měirén knew her elder sister felt wronged, but who didn't feel wronged?
But before family glory, personal honor and disgrace had to step aside. As long as she bore an imperial heir and registered it under her elder sister's name, it would be a legitimate son. Only thus, in years to come, would there be a path for her.
Lin Měirén bit her lip hard. She would throw her reputation away to leave an impression on His Majesty, but she needed the opportunity!
Her elder sister had been shocked by her proposal but ultimately agreed in silence. Yet Lin Měirén didn't know where things went wrong, just now, her elder sister had sent someone to tell her that today's plan was cancelled.
She sullenly raised her head and drank a cup of wine, her emotions indescribable, frustrated, yet also somehow relieved.
The New Year's banquet passed uneventfully. Perhaps because of her earlier speculation with Zhou, after seeing that Beauty Lin made no move at all, Gu Han felt a trace of disappointment.
However, today's banquet was rather strange—from start to finish, there were only singing and dancing performers, making Gu Han's head buzz.
On New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, His Majesty would rest at Kunning Palace.
The next day, after morning greetings dispersed, Lin Měirén remained still. The Empress glanced at her, feeling somewhat troubled. She irritably looked away. Only after everyone had left did Lin Měirén, her face full of exhaustion, enter the inner chambers with her.
The Empress had someone serve her tea, feeling vexed:
"It's just one missed opportunity. Are you really so unable to keep your composure?"
Lin turned her head away and wiped at her tears. She'd tossed and turned last night, unable to sleep. She had only just come of age and cared deeply about her dignity. Performing publicly, she'd hesitated for so long before gritting her teeth and making that decision. Yet her elder sister, without a word of explanation, had simply told her the plan was cancelled.
She bit out through sobs: "But I don't understand, why the sudden change of heart?!"
The Empress looked at her reddened eyes and felt somewhat dazed. When she'd first entered the Prince's mansion, Lin Měirén had only reached her waist. In the women's quarters, Lin Měirén had practically grown up under her watch. But now, because she'd long failed to conceive, Lin Měirén too had to be buried in this deep palace.
After years in the palace, how could the Empress not know that this harem was like a deep well that could swallow people alive?
The Empress had once thought she harbored only resentment, only imbalance. But that day when Lin Měirén proposed performing on stage, those words, "As long as I can bear an imperial heir for elder sister, what does dignity matter?", remained fresh in the Empress's memory.
The younger sister in her memory no longer resembled her former self, and the same was true of the Lin family. Since she had become Empress, the Lin family wanted more and more.
Greed, that single word could lead to eternal damnation.
But people rarely stayed clear-headed. The Empress didn't know what she was thinking. She only knew that at the time, after a long speechless moment, she'd ultimately nodded and agreed to Lin Měirén's proposal.
The Empress closed her eyes: "His Majesty personally issued an edict to have the singing and dancing go on stage first."
Lin Měirén's planned performance was a musical piece. Many song and dance acts had been scheduled for the banquet, and the length of the feast depended entirely on His Majesty's mood. At that point, the Empress knew Lin Měirén wouldn't have time to take the stage.
Lin Měirén was stunned: "Why did His Majesty suddenly issue that edict?"
The Empress was agitated:
"He is His Majesty. When he wants to do something, where are all these reasons?"
The Empress lowered her eyes and said quietly: "It's better that you didn't perform anyway."
There were many ways to catch His Majesty's attention. A self-damaging method like performing on stage was never advisable. That day, she'd been shocked by Beauty Lin's words and had agreed in a moment of confusion.
Beauty Lin heard the meaning in her words. Her nose couldn't help stinging with sourness as she said:
"But I want to help elder sister..."
Was it to help her, or to help the Lin family? The Empress didn't probe deeper into her words. She raised her hand to massage her temples and said:
"Go back for now. When His Majesty comes tonight, this Palace will have him visit you."
Lin Měirén fell silent and left with repeated backward glances.
After Lin MÄ›irĂ©n left, only then did Muqiu look at her mistress with heartache: "Your Majesty, are you really going to…"
The Empress cut off her words, her lips twisting in self-mockery:
"She's already said such things. If this Palace doesn't help her, wouldn't I become heartless and ungrateful?"
Her younger sister was wholly devoted to her and the Lin family, not even caring about her own dignity. Yet she begrudged mentioning her younger sister to His Majesty. If word got back to the Lin family, what would their parents think of her?
The Empress never dared underestimate human hearts. She had been in the Prince's mansion for years, but her younger sister had always remained by their parents' side. A daughter born to them in their later years was naturally favored, and with years of companionship, the Empress was unwilling to compare affections with her younger sister in their parents' eyes.
In any case, she was Empress. The Lin family absolutely couldn't afford to abandon her.
The Empress lowered her eyes. At some point, her finger guard had left a mark on the desk.
**
After returning from morning greetings at Kunning Palace, Gu Han stayed inside her chambers all along. At noon, Jiu Si suddenly rushed in, her face full of excitement:
"My lady! Eunuch Liu is here!"
Curious, Gu Han rose from the daybed and went out to greet him. Seeing Liu An enter carrying an imperial edict, her gaze fell on that bright yellow scroll. She covered her mouth in surprise:
"What is this, Eunuch?"
Liu An's face was full of joy as he repeatedly bowed in congratulations: "This servant begs Concubine Gu to receive the edict!"
Gu Han blinked and led everyone in Changchun Pavilion to kneel and receive the decree.
Liu An unrolled the imperial edict and proclaimed loudly:
"His Majesty decrees: Concubine Gu is virtuous, gentle, gracious, respectful, and proper. Having rendered meritorious service in protecting the imperial heir, she is hereby granted the title—Zhao. So decreed!"
Gu Han lowered her eyelids slightly, concealing the expression in her eyes.
"Zhao" had always carried the meaning of brightness and brilliance. When used for women, it was mostly praise. Now that His Majesty had bestowed this title upon her, regardless of the reason, at least in His Majesty's mind at this moment, his impression of her was extremely favorable.
She seemed stunned. Liu An rolled up the edict and with an "aiya," personally helped her up:
"Concubine Zhao, please rise quickly."
Gu Han seemed to come back to herself, bashfulness coloring her brow as she had someone give Liu An a reward, her voice softening: "Please convey to His Majesty that this concubine is most delighted."
Liu An's face beamed with smiles:
"This servant will certainly relay your words."
After Liu An left, Gu Han had Jiu Nian reward the palace servants. She turned her head toward the main hall not far away. Her face remained gentle, but others couldn't discern the expression in her eyes.
Before the evening meal, Little Fang Zi finally hurried in. Jiu Si was shelling melon seeds for Gu Han. Seeing him, she raised her hand to pour him a cup of butter tea, chattering as she muttered:
"Why are you covered in snow? Quickly drink some hot tea to warm yourself."
Little Fang Zi didn't refuse. He took the tea and warmed his hands with it. Only after drinking did he feel he had come back to life. He set down the cup and reported the intelligence he'd gathered:
"Today, besides my lady, several other concubines were promoted, including Miao Měirén. She should now be called Concubine Miao."
Gu Han only felt this was as expected. Liu An had deliberately come to proclaim the edict today, Gu Han had guessed this must be His Majesty's New Year's grand promotion of the harem. Otherwise, having just been promoted to concubine rank not long ago, there was no reason for him to grant her a title out of the blue.
It was equivalent to rising another half rank.
Listening to Little Fang Zi list the promoted concubines one by one, Gu Han understood. Aside from Miao Měirén, the others had all risen from the old residence, having always been well-behaved. But this was also the first promotion since His Majesty's ascension.
After hearing this, Gu Han couldn't help but sigh, amazed at His Majesty's stinginess.
Listen to Little Fang Zi's words, setting aside how long those concubines had served His Majesty at the old residence, since His Majesty's ascension, three years had passed before they were promoted just this once.
Jiu Si had originally been somewhat dissatisfied that while those concubines were promoted, their own mistress had only received a title. After hearing this, she was immediately dumbfounded and said no more.
Little Fang Zi laughed cheerfully:
"Counting them all up, fewer than five concubines in this harem have titles. Among them, Gui, Shu, De, and Xian are the inherent titles of the Four Consorts. From this you can see, my lady holds no light weight in His Majesty's heart."
Such words, Gu Han always just listened and let them pass, believing at most thirty percent.
After New Year's Day passed, the palace inevitably returned to its usual atmosphere. Once evening arrived, everyone would watch the movements from the Emperor's Palace. What surprised Gu Han was that tonight's bed attendant was actually from Cuizhu Pavilion.
No wonder Gu Han was so shocked. Since Gu Han had recovered from her injury, in the past month or so, she hadn't seen His Majesty visit Cuizhu Pavilion. Otherwise she wouldn't have nearly forgotten about Lin Měirén.
Yesterday, His Majesty had stayed at Kunning Palace. This coincidence made Gu Han think more deeply.
The new concubines had been in the palace for over half a year, and the Empress had never plotted anything for Lin Měirén. Why this sudden move?
Regardless of her thoughts, since news from the Emperor's Palace had come, Gu Han didn't wait any longer. She retired early, so much so that when she woke the next morning and heard about last night's commotion, she was stunned speechless.
Gu Han looked at Jiu Nian in shock. After a long moment, she finally managed:
"You're saying that last night, His Majesty was intercepted halfway by Rong BÇŽolĂn?"
Jiu Nian also exclaimed in amazement: "This servant never imagined Rong BÇŽolĂn had such capability.”
After entering the palace, Rong BÇŽolĂn was much like Lin MÄ›irĂ©n, not particularly favored. Everyone knew Rong BÇŽolĂn was on good terms with Gu Han, but she was always quietly following behind Gu Han, so others tended to overlook her.
Since the incident with Concubine Zhou, Gu Han hadn't spoken with Rong BÇŽolĂn for a long time. That time Rong BÇŽolĂn had sought her out, but because His Majesty was present, it had come to nothing.
Who knew Rong BÇŽolĂn would suddenly make such a splash?
Gu Han and Jiu Nian exchanged glances. She got up to wash and dress, and without even time for breakfast, hurried toward Kunning Palace. Along the way, she encountered Concubine Zhou, who stopped her. Gu Han looked over in puzzlement.
Zhou had clearly misunderstood something. She frowned and said:
"Rong BÇŽolĂn intercepted His Majesty. Beauty Lin and the Empress must be furious. Since she dared intercept him, she can surely bear the consequences. Don't foolishly rush forward!"
Author's Note:
① The imperial edict format is from Baidu search, but the idioms and such are my own creation
Gu Han: I keep feeling like Zhou has given me a different character setting
Lu Yu: The author says I have scenes tomorrow
Read only on https://royaltywrites.com.ng/
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Chapter 44
Gu Han parted ways with Concubine Zhou at the fork in the road.
Gu Han hadn't expected to encounter Concubine Chen on the way. Chen no longer had her former lofty bearing, Zhou's few words had been enough to make her face change color. Gu Han understood that it wasn't just because Zhou's words were cutting, but mainly because she and Zhou had never been worthy of Chen's notice before, yet now stood equal to her in rank.
Such verbal sparring would be ordinary for her and Zhou, but for Concubine Chen, it was nothing short of an affront. This kind of offense was what tormented her most.
Gu Han's mood visibly lifted, a trace of amusement playing around her eyes and brows.
This good mood lasted until just before the evening banquet. The winter cold was biting, so Gu Han wore a palace gown of hundred-flowers brocade, with a swaying hairpin slanted in her coiffure. The jade beads dangling from it fell beside her face, adding an untouchable beauty to her appearance. Disliking the cold, she wore no jade bracelets.
Before departing, Jiu Nian handed her a hand warmer. Before Gu Han could refuse, Jiu Nian said:
"This servant knows you find it troublesome, my lady, but it's the coldest time when snow melts. You mustn't be willful."
Gu Han was speechless and could only hold the hand warmer to her chest. She had to admit, carrying a hand warmer in winter was indeed wonderful. Warmth spread from her palms as she took her palanquin to Taihe Hall, her cloak concealing the hand warmer completely.
As during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Gu Han sat at the same table as Concubine Zhou. But where Miao Měirén had sat above them before, Concubine Chen now sat. Just as she settled down, Gu Han happened to see Zhou purse her lips, seemingly dissatisfied with this arrangement.
Hearing the sound, Zhou turned back. Upon seeing Gu Han, she couldn't help but freeze for a moment, then came to herself, traces of admiration lingering in her eyes.
After hesitating for a while, Zhou finally said:
"I've never seen you dress so brightly before."
As Zhou spoke these words, she felt emotions she couldn't quite name. She couldn't help but recall how when she was injured, Cousin Emperor hadn't even entered her chambers to see her, instead protecting her assailant as he left. When Zhou learned of this, she felt as if her heart had shattered and she had died once over.
In her youth, after seeing Cousin Emperor just once, secret feelings had bloomed. For the years that followed, she only remembered his words: "Cousin is bright and bold, flamboyance suits her." From then on, her dress grew ever more vivid, and boldness turned to arrogance.
She had a thousand faults, but having long made loving her cousin a habit, that first stunning encounter in her youth made Zhou forget that hearts in this world changed easily. The cousin who once thought her flamboyance delightful now found her tiresome.
After entering the palace, Zhou hadn't been unaware of her cousin's attitude, but years of obsession had bred self-deception. That day's injury finally forced her to face facts, what he had said that year was perhaps just a casual remark. She was the only one who had taken it to heart.
Zhou's nose suddenly stung with sourness.
She knew that if she were merely his cousin, he might not have been entirely without genuine feeling for her. But entering the palace had been her own choice, insisting on mixing romantic sentiment into sibling affection. Having reached this bitter end, she could only swallow it down.
Cousin was no longer her cousin. To her now, he should be His Majesty.
Gu Han sensed something off about Zhou's emotions. She observed Zhou's expression carefully without leaving a trace, but didn't ask questions. Instead, with a touch of embarrassment, she answered:
"Today is New Year's Eve. The maid by my side nagged me to wear something bright. I couldn't resist, so I agreed."
She lowered her eyelids slightly, a hint of bashfulness flashing across her face. Zhou sullenly pursed her lips. If she were cousin, she would probably also like someone like Gu Han, speaking in soft, gentle tones, her almond eyes transparent. When she raised them to look at you, it easily created the illusion that her eyes held only you.
No wonder she had won his favor the moment she entered the palace.
Zhou's heart wasn't without its sourness, but with so many women in the harem, how could she possibly be sour about them all?
She muttered quietly: "You look so beautiful today, Cousin will surely like it too."
Zhou's praise was blunt, leaving Gu Han suddenly speechless. It wasn't that she hadn't heard others compliment her this way, when Chen was still Consort De, she often praised her as eye-catching. But Gu Han could discern how much sincerity lay in those words, so she had never paid them much mind.
But Zhou was different. She spoke somewhat awkwardly, yet every word was heartfelt, and even the dejection in the latter half reached Gu Han's ears, forcibly adding a measure of discomfort to Gu Han's heart.
In a flash, Gu Han smiled bitterly to herself. A thought from long ago surfaced again, she was still more suited to dealing with people like Concubine Chen.
Sincere people were certainly good, but when the person interacting with them harbored secrets, it was hard not to feel some shame.
Gu Han cut off the topic. She lowered her eyes and sipped her wine. They were all drinking fruit wine with a somewhat sweet and sour taste, but after one sip, Gu Han felt she couldn't taste anything at all.
Zhou didn't mind her silence, or rather, in Zhou's mind, Gu Han was quiet most of the time anyway.
That's why Zhou found Gu Han comfortable to be around. Not everyone enjoyed being a listener, and what Zhou complained or vented to Gu Han never seemed to reach others' ears.
The New Year's banquet officially began after His Majesty arrived.
Performers sang and danced in the center of the hall. Suddenly, Zhou leaned close to her ear and said quietly: "I heard Cuizhu Pavilion hasn't been peaceful these past few days."
Gu Han thought for a moment before remembering that Lin Měirén lived in Cuizhu Pavilion. Suddenly, she recalled something and couldn't help but glance at Zhou. On the final day of the selection, Zhou had been reprimanded partly due to Lin's schemes.
Gu Han's expression turned somewhat odd. She remembered how miserably Zhou had cried that day, her sobs echoing through Chuxiu Palace for half the night.
After entering the palace, Lin Měirén hadn't caused any commotion. Gu Han had nearly forgotten about her. Now, hearing Zhou mention her, she grew curious:
"What happened?"
Zhou snorted lightly: "She lives near me. Yesterday when I returned from Cining Palace, I still heard music from her chambers. Who knows what scheme she's plotting now."
Music?
Gu Han lightly furrowed her brow. She hadn't heard of Cuizhu Pavilion hiring musicians or performers. Without leaving a trace, Gu Han glanced toward Lin Měirén's position. She wore a sapphire blue palace gown, her waist slender. From Gu Han's angle, her posture was quite beautiful.
Speaking of Cuizhu Pavilion, Gu Han couldn't help but note the Empress's favoritism. Unlike other palaces, Cuizhu Pavilion was located near the bamboo grove behind the Imperial Garden. It had no distinction between main and side halls—an independent small palace, a two-story building housing only Beauty Lin, a single concubine.
Gu Han's eyes flickered lightly as she realized what Lin Měirén might be planning. She exchanged a glance with Zhou, both looking somewhat bewildered. After a long moment, she stammered:
"Surely not?"
Performers in this dynasty had low status. Though noble ladies studied music, chess, calligraphy, and painting in their chambers, they rarely performed before outsiders.
Zhou glanced at the court officials still present in Taihe Hall and hesitated, lowering her voice:
"Surely not now. Even if she's willing to throw herself away, the Empress and the Lin family still have their pride!"
She kept her voice very low, so only Gu Han could hear. Gu Han couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh softly. Zhou felt a bit uncomfortable under her laughter. After all, she was also puzzled:
"What do you think she's trying to do?"
Gu Han didn't know. She shook her head honestly.
Above, after entering the hall, Lu Yu had noticed Gu Han. Today she wore a hundred-flowers brocade palace gown, more striking than her usual palace attire, making her lovelier than flowers. Her slender neck bent slightly as she talked with Zhou about something, never stopping for a moment.
Lu Yu's eyes darkened slightly. He withdrew his gaze and raised his hand to drain his wine cup in one gulp.
When he set down the cup, Lu Yu followed her line of sight to the song and dance in the center of the hall, raising an eyebrow slightly. So she enjoyed watching these things?
Lu Yu summoned Liu An:
"Have the singing and dancing performers go on stage first."
Though Lu Yu didn't know what other acts there were, they were always much the same. Besides song and dance, there would be theater troupes and famous courtesans singing. Lu Yu had long grown tired of it all, better to let her watch to her heart's content first.
Liu An was bewildered by this command, but he quickly acknowledged and withdrew.
The Empress noticed the commotion. Seeing Liu An run backstage, she asked curiously: "What did His Majesty send him to do?"
Lu Yu raised his cup and lightly clinked it with hers. With dignified grace tinged with shy charm, the Empress covered her cup and drank. Before she could lower it, she heard His Majesty say:
"Rearranging the program order."
The wine nearly made the Empress choke. She pressed her handkerchief to her lips, suppressing her discomfort, and forced a smile:
"Why did His Majesty suddenly think to rearrange the program?"
Lu Yu didn't notice her expression and didn't think it mattered, saying casually: "Just felt the singing and dancing were good today."
The Empress's lips twitched. Where no one could see, she glanced at Muqiu, who also sensed things weren't good and quietly withdrew when no one was paying attention.
Gu Han and Zhou knew nothing of the commotion on the high platform. But Zhou kept openly glancing at Lin Měirén from time to time, forcing Gu Han to gently push her and whisper: "Why do you keep staring at her?"
Zhou would never admit she wanted to watch the drama unfold. She felt a bit sheepish: "I'm just curious..."
Gu Han was also curious. Seeing Zhou restrain herself somewhat, she glanced unobtrusively toward Lin Měirén. She saw Lin occasionally raising her head to look toward the high seats. Gu Han followed her gaze, but before she could see what Lin was looking at, she crashed into His Majesty's pitch-black pupils.
Gu Han started in alarm and quickly withdrew her gaze. To cover her earlier action, she even raised her cup and sipped some wine.
Lu Yu found her guilty conscience amusing. He didn't know what had gotten into her today, if she wasn't talking with Zhou Pin, she was looking this way and that. Thinking of Zhou Pin, Lu Yu glanced her way.
Though he'd raised this cousin's rank after her injury, he hadn't visited her once.
Mother Empress, feeling sorry for her, had lavishly rewarded Concubine Gu, binding her together with Gu Pin. To this, Lu Yu turned a blind eye. After all, this way Gu would inevitably receive some of Mother Empress's care. It was hard to say whether this was gain or loss.
Translator's Note: Guys Gu Pin means Concubine Gu, Zhou Pin means Concubine Zhou. I might interchange them occasionally.
However, looking at today, Gu seemed more lively than usual. It seemed Zhou Měirén wasn't entirely without merit.
Gu Han had no idea what Lu Yu was thinking. She stopped looking around, but Lin Měirén sat not far from them. From the corner of her eye, Gu Han still saw a palace servant seem to say something to Lin Měirén, whose expression momentarily soured.
Gu Han blinked, feeling odd. Could Lin Měirén really want to perform publicly?
If so, wouldn't she be lowering herself first? What good would temporary favor do if she didn't consider the future?
***
The palace servant left quickly, but Lin Měirén's mood was difficult to calm. Performing on stage had been her own proposal to the Empress. Of course she knew this wasn't good, but did she have a choice?
Since entering the palace, she'd been buried among the concubines. His Majesty couldn't even remember her.
With the Lin family already having an Empress, how could His Majesty allow two highly-ranked Lin women in the harem? She wasn't unwilling to strive for her future, but unfortunately, with her elder sister there, her path forward was almost predetermined.
Noble ladies indeed valued their dignity highly, but when she entered the palace, propriety had already become less important than other things.
Her elder sister had long failed to conceive. Even if she was Empress, so what? Lin Měirén knew why she had entered the palace, to bear an imperial heir with Lin family blood for her elder sister.
In this matter, Lin Měirén knew her elder sister felt wronged, but who didn't feel wronged?
But before family glory, personal honor and disgrace had to step aside. As long as she bore an imperial heir and registered it under her elder sister's name, it would be a legitimate son. Only thus, in years to come, would there be a path for her.
Lin Měirén bit her lip hard. She would throw her reputation away to leave an impression on His Majesty, but she needed the opportunity!
Her elder sister had been shocked by her proposal but ultimately agreed in silence. Yet Lin Měirén didn't know where things went wrong, just now, her elder sister had sent someone to tell her that today's plan was cancelled.
She sullenly raised her head and drank a cup of wine, her emotions indescribable, frustrated, yet also somehow relieved.
The New Year's banquet passed uneventfully. Perhaps because of her earlier speculation with Zhou, after seeing that Beauty Lin made no move at all, Gu Han felt a trace of disappointment.
However, today's banquet was rather strange—from start to finish, there were only singing and dancing performers, making Gu Han's head buzz.
On New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, His Majesty would rest at Kunning Palace.
The next day, after morning greetings dispersed, Lin Měirén remained still. The Empress glanced at her, feeling somewhat troubled. She irritably looked away. Only after everyone had left did Lin Měirén, her face full of exhaustion, enter the inner chambers with her.
The Empress had someone serve her tea, feeling vexed:
"It's just one missed opportunity. Are you really so unable to keep your composure?"
Lin turned her head away and wiped at her tears. She'd tossed and turned last night, unable to sleep. She had only just come of age and cared deeply about her dignity. Performing publicly, she'd hesitated for so long before gritting her teeth and making that decision. Yet her elder sister, without a word of explanation, had simply told her the plan was cancelled.
She bit out through sobs: "But I don't understand, why the sudden change of heart?!"
The Empress looked at her reddened eyes and felt somewhat dazed. When she'd first entered the Prince's mansion, Lin Měirén had only reached her waist. In the women's quarters, Lin Měirén had practically grown up under her watch. But now, because she'd long failed to conceive, Lin Měirén too had to be buried in this deep palace.
After years in the palace, how could the Empress not know that this harem was like a deep well that could swallow people alive?
The Empress had once thought she harbored only resentment, only imbalance. But that day when Lin Měirén proposed performing on stage, those words, "As long as I can bear an imperial heir for elder sister, what does dignity matter?", remained fresh in the Empress's memory.
The younger sister in her memory no longer resembled her former self, and the same was true of the Lin family. Since she had become Empress, the Lin family wanted more and more.
Greed, that single word could lead to eternal damnation.
But people rarely stayed clear-headed. The Empress didn't know what she was thinking. She only knew that at the time, after a long speechless moment, she'd ultimately nodded and agreed to Lin Měirén's proposal.
The Empress closed her eyes: "His Majesty personally issued an edict to have the singing and dancing go on stage first."
Lin Měirén's planned performance was a musical piece. Many song and dance acts had been scheduled for the banquet, and the length of the feast depended entirely on His Majesty's mood. At that point, the Empress knew Lin Měirén wouldn't have time to take the stage.
Lin Měirén was stunned: "Why did His Majesty suddenly issue that edict?"
The Empress was agitated:
"He is His Majesty. When he wants to do something, where are all these reasons?"
The Empress lowered her eyes and said quietly: "It's better that you didn't perform anyway."
There were many ways to catch His Majesty's attention. A self-damaging method like performing on stage was never advisable. That day, she'd been shocked by Beauty Lin's words and had agreed in a moment of confusion.
Beauty Lin heard the meaning in her words. Her nose couldn't help stinging with sourness as she said:
"But I want to help elder sister..."
Was it to help her, or to help the Lin family? The Empress didn't probe deeper into her words. She raised her hand to massage her temples and said:
"Go back for now. When His Majesty comes tonight, this Palace will have him visit you."
Lin Měirén fell silent and left with repeated backward glances.
After Lin MÄ›irĂ©n left, only then did Muqiu look at her mistress with heartache: "Your Majesty, are you really going to…"
The Empress cut off her words, her lips twisting in self-mockery:
"She's already said such things. If this Palace doesn't help her, wouldn't I become heartless and ungrateful?"
Her younger sister was wholly devoted to her and the Lin family, not even caring about her own dignity. Yet she begrudged mentioning her younger sister to His Majesty. If word got back to the Lin family, what would their parents think of her?
The Empress never dared underestimate human hearts. She had been in the Prince's mansion for years, but her younger sister had always remained by their parents' side. A daughter born to them in their later years was naturally favored, and with years of companionship, the Empress was unwilling to compare affections with her younger sister in their parents' eyes.
In any case, she was Empress. The Lin family absolutely couldn't afford to abandon her.
The Empress lowered her eyes. At some point, her finger guard had left a mark on the desk.
**
After returning from morning greetings at Kunning Palace, Gu Han stayed inside her chambers all along. At noon, Jiu Si suddenly rushed in, her face full of excitement:
"My lady! Eunuch Liu is here!"
Curious, Gu Han rose from the daybed and went out to greet him. Seeing Liu An enter carrying an imperial edict, her gaze fell on that bright yellow scroll. She covered her mouth in surprise:
"What is this, Eunuch?"
Liu An's face was full of joy as he repeatedly bowed in congratulations: "This servant begs Concubine Gu to receive the edict!"
Gu Han blinked and led everyone in Changchun Pavilion to kneel and receive the decree.
Liu An unrolled the imperial edict and proclaimed loudly:
"His Majesty decrees: Concubine Gu is virtuous, gentle, gracious, respectful, and proper. Having rendered meritorious service in protecting the imperial heir, she is hereby granted the title—Zhao. So decreed!"
Gu Han lowered her eyelids slightly, concealing the expression in her eyes.
"Zhao" had always carried the meaning of brightness and brilliance. When used for women, it was mostly praise. Now that His Majesty had bestowed this title upon her, regardless of the reason, at least in His Majesty's mind at this moment, his impression of her was extremely favorable.
She seemed stunned. Liu An rolled up the edict and with an "aiya," personally helped her up:
"Concubine Zhao, please rise quickly."
Gu Han seemed to come back to herself, bashfulness coloring her brow as she had someone give Liu An a reward, her voice softening: "Please convey to His Majesty that this concubine is most delighted."
Liu An's face beamed with smiles:
"This servant will certainly relay your words."
After Liu An left, Gu Han had Jiu Nian reward the palace servants. She turned her head toward the main hall not far away. Her face remained gentle, but others couldn't discern the expression in her eyes.
Before the evening meal, Little Fang Zi finally hurried in. Jiu Si was shelling melon seeds for Gu Han. Seeing him, she raised her hand to pour him a cup of butter tea, chattering as she muttered:
"Why are you covered in snow? Quickly drink some hot tea to warm yourself."
Little Fang Zi didn't refuse. He took the tea and warmed his hands with it. Only after drinking did he feel he had come back to life. He set down the cup and reported the intelligence he'd gathered:
"Today, besides my lady, several other concubines were promoted, including Miao Měirén. She should now be called Concubine Miao."
Gu Han only felt this was as expected. Liu An had deliberately come to proclaim the edict today, Gu Han had guessed this must be His Majesty's New Year's grand promotion of the harem. Otherwise, having just been promoted to concubine rank not long ago, there was no reason for him to grant her a title out of the blue.
It was equivalent to rising another half rank.
Listening to Little Fang Zi list the promoted concubines one by one, Gu Han understood. Aside from Miao Měirén, the others had all risen from the old residence, having always been well-behaved. But this was also the first promotion since His Majesty's ascension.
After hearing this, Gu Han couldn't help but sigh, amazed at His Majesty's stinginess.
Listen to Little Fang Zi's words, setting aside how long those concubines had served His Majesty at the old residence, since His Majesty's ascension, three years had passed before they were promoted just this once.
Jiu Si had originally been somewhat dissatisfied that while those concubines were promoted, their own mistress had only received a title. After hearing this, she was immediately dumbfounded and said no more.
Little Fang Zi laughed cheerfully:
"Counting them all up, fewer than five concubines in this harem have titles. Among them, Gui, Shu, De, and Xian are the inherent titles of the Four Consorts. From this you can see, my lady holds no light weight in His Majesty's heart."
Such words, Gu Han always just listened and let them pass, believing at most thirty percent.
After New Year's Day passed, the palace inevitably returned to its usual atmosphere. Once evening arrived, everyone would watch the movements from the Emperor's Palace. What surprised Gu Han was that tonight's bed attendant was actually from Cuizhu Pavilion.
No wonder Gu Han was so shocked. Since Gu Han had recovered from her injury, in the past month or so, she hadn't seen His Majesty visit Cuizhu Pavilion. Otherwise she wouldn't have nearly forgotten about Lin Měirén.
Yesterday, His Majesty had stayed at Kunning Palace. This coincidence made Gu Han think more deeply.
The new concubines had been in the palace for over half a year, and the Empress had never plotted anything for Lin Měirén. Why this sudden move?
Regardless of her thoughts, since news from the Emperor's Palace had come, Gu Han didn't wait any longer. She retired early, so much so that when she woke the next morning and heard about last night's commotion, she was stunned speechless.
Gu Han looked at Jiu Nian in shock. After a long moment, she finally managed:
"You're saying that last night, His Majesty was intercepted halfway by Rong BÇŽolĂn?"
Jiu Nian also exclaimed in amazement: "This servant never imagined Rong BÇŽolĂn had such capability.”
After entering the palace, Rong BÇŽolĂn was much like Lin MÄ›irĂ©n, not particularly favored. Everyone knew Rong BÇŽolĂn was on good terms with Gu Han, but she was always quietly following behind Gu Han, so others tended to overlook her.
Since the incident with Concubine Zhou, Gu Han hadn't spoken with Rong BÇŽolĂn for a long time. That time Rong BÇŽolĂn had sought her out, but because His Majesty was present, it had come to nothing.
Who knew Rong BÇŽolĂn would suddenly make such a splash?
Gu Han and Jiu Nian exchanged glances. She got up to wash and dress, and without even time for breakfast, hurried toward Kunning Palace. Along the way, she encountered Concubine Zhou, who stopped her. Gu Han looked over in puzzlement.
Zhou had clearly misunderstood something. She frowned and said:
"Rong BÇŽolĂn intercepted His Majesty. Beauty Lin and the Empress must be furious. Since she dared intercept him, she can surely bear the consequences. Don't foolishly rush forward!"
Author's Note:
① The imperial edict format is from Baidu search, but the idioms and such are my own creation
Gu Han: I keep feeling like Zhou has given me a different character setting
Lu Yu: The author says I have scenes tomorrow
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