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Chapter 38
In Yangxin Hall stood a jade white incense burner. Wisps of white smoke drifted through the hall. Behind the six-panel screens, on a soft couch, Lu Yu leisurely tied his belt. Seeing him unhurried, Gu Han couldn't help pushing him.
Lu Yu glanced at her. "What?"
Gu Han's voice was soft, not like her usual clear tone, but rather carrying traces of lingering charm from their recent intimacy:
"Your Majesty, please let Jiu nian and the others come in first."
Having said this, she lowered her head, not daring to meet Lu Yu's eyes.
Lu Yu didn't respond. She tugged at Lu Yu's sleeve. His movements obstructed, his clothes sat awkwardly on his body. He felt somewhat helpless as a vein twitched at his temple:
"Let go first."
Gu Han was thoroughly embarrassed and couldn't possibly agree, only shaking her head.
Lu Yu lowered his eyes to stare at her for a moment, making Gu Han feel guilty. Just as she was about to dejectedly release her hand, Lu Yu curved his lips slightly. Just having her release her hand, it was as if she'd suffered some great grievance. He had no choice but to call out:
"Let Concubine Gu's people in."
Outside the hall, Liu An quickly stopped upon hearing this. Jiu nian, upon hearing sounds from within the hall earlier, had already sent someone back to Changchun Pavilion to fetch a set of Gu Han's clothes. The moment she stepped in, she lowered her head, her face flushing red.
Seeing Jiu nian, Gu Han finally dared emerge from behind Lu Yu. The weather was cold. Palace servants brought hot water. Jiu nian helped Gu Han wipe herself down before attending to her dressing in a palace gown. When the final waist sash was tied, the rosy flush on her cheeks faded. She showed no difference from her usual gentle, proper demeanor.
This speed of changing faces, Lu Yu, watching from the side, raised his eyebrows.
Yangxin Hall also had a bronze mirror. Gu Han sat before it and very easily caught Lu Yu's gaze in the reflection. She uncomfortably averted her eyes before saying with feigned embarrassment:
"Why does Your Majesty stare at this consort?"
Lu Yu reclined casually against the soft couch. Hearing this, he said lightly, "I'm waiting for Concubine Gu to finish arranging herself before having someone come serve me in dressing."
The teasing in these words, Gu Han could hear it even with her eyes closed. She made a small sound, finally recalling how bold she had been earlier stopping His Majesty from dressing. After a long while, Gu Han finally found her voice:
"This consort will personally attend Your Majesty."
Speaking thus, Gu Han was about to rise. Her hair bun was only halfway arranged, this movement immediately undid all previous work. Her dark hair cascaded disheveled over her shoulders. The lingering charm between her brows and eyes hadn't yet faded, creating a unique allure.
Just as she stood, Gu Han felt her legs somewhat weak. She staggered and nearly fell. Fortunately, Jiu nian's quick hands steadied her. Gu Han patted her chest with lingering fear, her eyes evasively not daring to meet His Majesty's gaze. If Jiu nian hadn't caught her, she might have fallen right into His Majesty.
Lu Yu also recovered from the scare. He pressed his temples with a headache and said irritably:
"Sit properly. You need not attend to me."
He completely abandoned the thought of teasing the woman and called Liu An in. By the time everything was properly arranged, more than an incense stick's worth of time had passed. In winter, daylight faded quickly, outside only the setting sun's afterglow remained.
It was nearly time for the evening meal.
Gu Han glanced at the water clock and lowered her eyelids lightly. She had stayed at Yangxin Hall for half the day. Returning alone now seemed somewhat improper. Accordingly, she said softly, "Will Your Majesty come to this consort's hall for the evening meal?"
Her cheeks were slightly flushed, embarrassment and shyness not yet fully dissipated. Now when she looked up at Lu Yu, some gentleness remained. Lu Yu was about to nod when from the corner of his eye he glimpsed Liu An's hesitation to speak.
Not just Lu Yu, Gu Han also noticed. Her eyes flashed almost imperceptibly. She paused, saying gently with hesitation:
"What's wrong with Eunuch Liu?"
Liu An inwardly cursed his bad luck, but he also couldn't afford to offend Consort Chen's side. He could only look at Gu Han apologetically and say awkwardly, "Earlier, someone from Xianleng Palace came saying today is Consort Chen's birthday and requesting Your Majesty to come to Xianleng Palace for the evening meal."
In previous years, Consort Chen's birthday would also be celebrated grandly. But this year Consort Chen had both her title revoked and angered His Majesty, so no one dared remind His Majesty, delaying until now.
Lu Yu instinctively glanced at the woman.
Gu Han imperceptibly tightened her grip on her handkerchief. Consort Chen's birthday, by rights, His Majesty should go. If it were her usual style, she wouldn't put His Majesty in a difficult position at this time. But who asked it to be Consort Chen?
The Consort Chen who had made things difficult for her time and again since entering the palace.
So Gu Han didn't pretend to be magnanimous and let His Majesty go. Only when His Majesty looked at her did she lower her eyes somewhat dejectedly, pressing her slightly dry pink lips together, saying softly:
"Since Your Majesty has matters to attend to, this consort will return to her palace first."
Though the latticed windows had been opened early, in such a short time, the chaotic atmosphere in the hall still hadn't completely dissipated. Lu Yu looked at the woman whose涩然 expression had suddenly turned downcast and also felt somewhat uncomfortable.
Moreover, the shadow that last time at Xianleng Palace had left him still hadn't faded.
Lu Yu curved his lips slightly, knowing what he should do, but unable to muster even a bit of desire to go to Xianleng Palace. Gu Han was already bowing to withdraw. Faster than thought, Lu Yu stopped her and said:
"The weather is cold. I'll escort you back."
As soon as the words fell, he saw the woman look at him in disbelief. She paused slightly, her almond eyes bright. Though she tried hard to control it, her brow tips still revealed some joy. She tentatively confirmed: "Your Majesty is going to escort this consort back to her palace?"
Having already spoken, Lu Yu wouldn't go back on his word. Under the woman's bright gaze, he nodded naturally.
The next moment, Gu Han smiled so her eyes curved. She said gently, "Then this consort will have someone notify the Imperial Kitchen to prepare the evening meal."
Lu Yu didn't refuse either.
Liu An followed behind His Majesty in shock. Looking at the two people walking almost side by side ahead, he couldn't help muttering inwardly, this Concubine Gu truly had some capability.
The imperial procession had just left Yangxin Hall, not yet reaching Changchun Pavilion, when news spread to Xianleng Palace.
Consort Chen had long had the evening meal prepared, eagerly anticipating for who knows how long. When no sound came from outside the hall, she finally couldn't bear it and sent someone to the Emperor's Palace to inquire.
Lu Mingfeng hadn't seen Mother Consort in a long time. Upon returning, he stuck to Consort Chen. After talking until they were both hungry, Mother Consort still didn't take him to eat. He stared eagerly at the food on the round table:
"Mother Consort, when can we eat?"
Consort Chen reluctantly pacified him. "Wait a bit longer. When your Father Emperor arrives, we can eat."
Lu Mingfeng's expression fell. He was young and had few opportunities to see Father Emperor. His only memories were that each time Father Emperor came, Mother Consort would urge him to recite books. He couldn't do anything, even eating a piece of pastry would earn Mother Consort's glare. Moreover, Father Emperor rarely smiled.
He was a bit afraid of Father Emperor.
Soon, footsteps sounded outside the hall. Consort Chen immediately rose and asked:
"Has the imperial procession almost arrived?"
The palace servant's expression was wrong. Hearing this, on this cold day he broke out in a sweat and dropped to his knees with a thud, stammering:
"The... the imperial procession went to Changchun Pavilion!"
Consort Chen's expression suddenly changed. "What did you say?!"
The palace servant stuttered through repeating it. Before Consort Chen could fly into a rage, Jiachun stopped her. "Your Ladyship, the young prince is still here."
Consort Chen immediately came to her senses. She turned to see Lu Mingfeng looking at her eagerly, asking happily:
"Is Father Emperor not coming? Then can we eat now?"
Lu Mingfeng could see Mother Consort was in a bad mood, but he didn't know why. Wasn't it good that Father Emperor wasn't coming? Why be unhappy?
Obvious confusion hung on his small face.
Consort Chen suppressed all emotions and forced out a strained smile, having someone attend to Lu Mingfeng's meal. Consort Chen sat dejectedly by the round table. Throughout the meal, she only ate a few bites. Lu Mingfeng entered the Princes' Residence and couldn't stay overnight at Xianleng Palace. After finishing the evening meal, Lu Mingfeng had to leave.
After Lu Mingfeng left, Consort Chen didn't move.
Jiachun had everything cleared away and stood quietly beside Her Ladyship.
After who knows how long, Jiachun heard Her Ladyship's voice: "Did Liu An not tell His Majesty today is my birthday?"
Consort Chen seemed like a drowning person grasping the last piece of driftwood. She gripped Jiachun's hand tightly, her eyes stubbornly fixed on her, continuously saying:
"His Majesty has always treated me well, unwilling to reproach me even once. In previous years, His Majesty celebrated my birthday grandly. Even if I angered him, there's still Feng'er. How could His Majesty not come see me today?!"
Looking at Her Ladyship like this, Jiachun suddenly felt her throat tighten, dry and blocked, even her nose tingling. After a long while, she could only manage to call out:
"Your Ladyship!"
How could that be?
Liu An could attend His Majesty because he was clever enough. He couldn't possibly hide from His Majesty that Xianleng Palace had sent someone to request his presence today. If His Majesty didn't come, naturally it was because he didn't want to.
Her Ladyship clearly knew everything, why deceive herself?
Jiachun's suppressed voice echoed in the hall, finally shattering Consort Chen's daydream back to some clarity. She released Jiachun's hand, finally feeling afraid:
"Has His Majesty truly come to despise me?"
Since entering the prince's household, Consort Chen had sailed smoothly. She entered as a side consort. The Chen family was in power. His Majesty had always treated her well. Later, she also got her wish and bore the eldest son before the Empress.
She knew she was jealous, wishing His Majesty had only her by his side. Some of her covert actions would sometimes be discovered by His Majesty, but His Majesty, for Feng'er's sake, though growing increasingly distant toward her, had never punished her.
Actually, when facing the harem consorts, Consort Chen always harbored a discreet sense of superiority.
Because of Feng'er's existence, even the Empress wasn't as close to His Majesty as she was. His Majesty would make plans for her and Feng'er's safety. Even the Empress was just part of the planning.
But today, that sense of superiority shattered completely.
Consort Chen suddenly realized, the one who should feel superior was never her. All of His Majesty's kindness toward her was entirely based on Feng'er's existence. But now, after she'd acted against a pregnant new consort, His Majesty wouldn't tolerate her. His Majesty would also neglect her for a newly entered consort.
In just a short time, she had to finally realize, she never counted as special to His Majesty.
She'd just been fortunate enough to conceive an imperial heir. His Majesty, mindful that she was the heir's birth mother, extended his care to her by association.
But all this protection had to be above His Majesty's bottom line.
Consort Chen's hands shook violently several times. She suddenly stood up, murmuring, "Wrong."
Jiachun looked at Her Ladyship in panic, hearing Her Ladyship's voice grow louder and louder:
"Wrong!"
Suddenly, Her Ladyship looked at her, eyes clear and bright. "I was wrong all along!"
She had once envied Consort Shu's beauty. When Consort Shu first entered the household, she continuously suppressed and humiliated her. Later, when Concubine Gu entered the palace, the very first day of morning greetings, she had noticed Concubine Gu's face.
Consort Chen had plain features, not even as good as the Empress's. So she especially resented women born beautiful. She felt Concubine Gu's face would be a threat. So after the new consorts entered the palace, she continuously schemed against Concubine Gu in secret.
But who knew, each time Concubine Gu's good fortune let her escape.
So she grew increasingly resentful. Even that time acting against Miao Měirén, she had implicated Concubine Gu. But only now did she suddenly realize what her greatest asset in this harem was.
She'd expended too much energy on Concubine Gu while neglecting her greatest threat.
Her current predicament actually had little to do with Concubine Gu. Most important was the imperial heir in Miao Měirén's womb. When Feng'er's existence wasn't unique anymore, naturally she, the birth mother, would also be neglected and overlooked.
Jiachun was terrified. She didn't dare think what Her Ladyship's words meant. Too frightened, she could only say:
"I heard today His Majesty summoned Concubine Gu to keep him company at Yangxin Hall. Surely it was Concubine Gu's honeyed words that kept His Majesty from visiting Your Ladyship."
If it were any other day, hearing Jiachun's words, Consort Chen would certainly have grown resentful, eager to immediately act against Concubine Gu. But now, all her attention was on Miao Měirén.
She stared intently at Jiachun, her tone icy. "Do we have people in Rongcui Hall?"
Hearing the three words "Rongcui Hall," Jiachun's heart jumped fiercely. She swallowed. "Why would Your Ladyship suddenly bring this up?"
Consort Chen didn't speak. Jiachun dropped to her knees with a thud. "Your Ladyship, please reconsider! Since Miao Měirén became pregnant, His Majesty has replaced all the attending staff at Rongcui Hall. Now Miao Měirén doesn't leave her palace. Once something happens to her, His Majesty will definitely investigate thoroughly!"
Last time, His Majesty had traced it to Xianleng Palace.
Miao Měirén was only frightened, yet Your Ladyship had her title revoked. If something truly happened to Beauty Miao, Jiachun didn't dare imagine what would occur.
Consort Chen cursed, "Fool!"
"We can't touch her in the palace, but what if she left the palace?"
An obscure expression filled Consort Chen's eyes. She said in a deep voice:
"That day during Mid-Autumn, didn't she also want to rest in her palace? But in the end, didn't she still appear at Taihe Hall?"
"This kind of person, seemingly aloof but actually most vain. To make her walk out of her palace herself only requires some persuasion."
Jiachun could hear the non-negotiable tone in Her Ladyship's voice. She fell silent for a long while before only managing, "If His Majesty discovers…"
Before finishing, she abruptly fell silent because Her Ladyship looked down at her, eyes filled with a coldness that chilled her to the bone:
"Last time you already made a mistake. If you leave flaws this time, I won't protect you either."
Jiachun lowered her head, silently shivering. She smiled bitterly inwardly. As long as there was action, how could there not be flaws left behind?
She was just a small servant. If His Majesty wanted to investigate, how could she possibly escape?
But though Jiachun knew the road ahead was dangerous, she had no choice but to agree. She was born into the Chen household, her entire family, old and young, were at the Chen estate. Her life had long been destined to serve Her Ladyship.
---
Yesterday His Majesty personally escorted her back. Gu Han had originally thought she would encounter Consort Chen's targeting during morning greetings. But who knew, Consort Chen completely ignored her. Something unknown had happened. Consort Chen seemed much more composed than before. The warmth she constantly wore on her face had actually disappeared.
She only looked coldly at Gu Han once before passing her by.
Gu Han was surprised, very curious about what had happened yesterday. How did she feel that in just one day, Consort Chen had changed so much?
During morning greetings, all was peaceful. Gu Han thought today's greetings would end like this when she suddenly heard the Empress's smiling voice:
"Are today's pastries not to Concubine Gu's taste?"
Gu Han immediately looked up, meeting the Empress's gaze. Winter made one lethargic. Gu Han hadn't had time for breakfast before coming to Kunning Palace for morning greetings. So at every greeting, she consumed the most pastries and tea. By the end of greetings, she had finish nearly a whole plate of pastries.
But today, her appetite was poor, she'd only had one or two pieces. She hadn't expected the Empress to notice.
Gu Han had drawn willow-leaf brows today. A moon-white wide-waisted palace gown made her appear exceptionally gentle. She curved her lips in a slight smile, lowering her eyes shyly:
"Your Majesty laughs at me. When leaving, the palace servants said they'd have the Imperial Kitchen prepare soup. This consort kept it in mind and greedily took less of Your Majesty's palace pastries."
What Gu Han said wasn't false. When leaving her palace today, she'd complained about the cold. Jiu si heard and immediately said she'd make a trip to the Imperial Kitchen to request a cup of warming soup, so when she returned, she could warm herself.
But these words attracted quite a few consorts' attention.
Some consorts had long lost favor. Never mind troubling the Imperial Kitchen early for soup, having meals prepared without being shortchanged was already good. This kind of treatment, many couldn't even hope for it. Yet falling from her lips, it seemed a very natural norm.
But the Empress seemed to find nothing inappropriate, looking at her slender figure with pity:
"You just recovered from injury some days ago. You should indeed nourish yourself well."
Gu Han smiled without speaking. Her bed tag had been hung for over a month, where did "just recovered" come from? She didn't know what the Empress's intent was with these words.
Soon, the Empress shifted the topic away from her:
"In a few more days, it will be New Year's Eve. The palace will be lively again. It's getting late. Let's end today's greetings."
Hearing this left Gu Han completely confused. She looked around and discovered the consorts who'd entered the palace this year were all like her, showing some confusion on their faces. But those consorts who'd come from the old residence, some were indifferent, some disappointed, yet some beamed with joy.
Gu Han didn't understand but could only follow everyone out of Kunning Palace.
Just reaching the Imperial Garden, Gu Han heard very light footsteps behind her. Gu Han turned to look and saw Bǎolín Rong had followed. She wore a cloak, but one could clearly see her figure was slender and frail.
Since Gu Han was promoted to Concubine and had a procession, she rarely traveled with Bǎolín Rong anymore.
Kunning Palace and Changchun Pavilion weren't close. Riding in a procession still let her steal a nap. In winter's cold, it could also block some wind and rain. Gu Han had absolutely no reason to abandon it. Now seeing Bǎolín Rong follow, Gu Han seemed somewhat surprised:
"Why did you follow?"
She raised her hand. Soon the procession stopped. Gu Han was helped down. Baorin Rong quietly bit her lip and said softly, "It's been a long time since talking with Sister. Today I wanted to sit in Sister's palace. I wonder if Sister is available?"
Gu Han imperceptibly glanced at Bǎolín Rong. Since Zhou Měirén's, no, it should be said Concubine Zhou now. When Zhou Měirén was injured, His Majesty protected Consort Shu but also had to give Beauty Zhou an explanation. The next day he promoted Zhou Měirén's rank as compensation.
But in Gu Han's view, this promotion was probably stabbing Concubine Zhou's heart. Anyone with eyes could see her feelings toward His Majesty. Yet His Majesty, to protect someone else, promoted her rank. How could she feel good inside?
But it had nothing to do with Gu Han either way. Gu Han's thoughts returned. Since Concubine Zhou was injured, her surface treatment of Bǎolín Rong showed no difference from before, but inwardly she'd distanced herself considerably. The two only had some interaction during morning greetings.
Today, why did Baorin Rong seek her out?
Gu Han didn't understand but didn't refuse her either, curving her lips in a gentle smile. "Naturally it's convenient."
She didn't ride the procession again. The two walked together. In the Imperial Garden, winter also had many blooming flowers. But speaking of what grew best, naturally it was that patch of red plum behind Hanling Palace. When snow fell, a touch of red amidst white, quite beautiful.
Bǎolín Rong looked at the person beside her with somewhat complex eyes. Since that day, guilt kept her from going to Changchun Pavilion. And these past days, Sister Gu also hadn't sought her out. Bǎolín Rong knew she shouldn't, but couldn't help wondering, in Sister's eyes, was she just a dispensable person?
But she had used Sister first. She didn't know if Sister had discovered that day's端倪. So she had no face to ask this question.
Today she'd mustered courage to follow. Sister treated her the same as always, . Baorin Rong's feelings immediately grew complex. She'd measured a noble person's heart with her emotions. She herself was dark, so she imagined others similarly unbearable.
Bǎolín Rong lowered her head, hiding the emotions in her eyes. She said:
"I heard a few days ago Sister went to Changning Courtyard to visit Concubine Zhou. How is Concubine Zhou's injury?"
Gu Han paused. She hadn't expected Bǎolín Rong would actively bring up Concubine Zhou. She had to look at Bǎolín Rong again before casually withdrawing her gaze. She had always thought Baorin Rong was soft and timid. Now it seemed she'd underestimated Bǎolín Rong.
"The injury on her face has nearly healed. How about you, how is the scar on your hand?"
Bǎolín Rong lowered her eyes. Others couldn't see her emotions clearly. Hearing this, she only rolled up her sleeve, exposing her wrist. "I'm coarse, that little injury healed long ago."
She was only being modest. Harem consorts were all very delicately maintained. Her wrist was very slender and white, the skin on the back of her hand also delicate, without a trace of scars.
Gu Han couldn't help recalling that visit to Changning Courtyard, the scar on Concubine Zhou's hand. From wrist to index finger, a long, thin scar on her right hand. So much so that time, Concubine Zhou had held her teacup with her left hand.
Nearing Yihe Palace, the two discovered the Emperor's procession was outside.
Bǎolín Rong paused and didn't impose. "With His Majesty here, I won't go in. I'll come talk with Sister another day."
Gu Han seemed made somewhat embarrassed by her words, shooting her a reproving glance, yet not keeping her:
"You've developed quite the clever tongue."
"In this freezing weather, I won't keep you either. You should also return quickly."
After Bǎolín Rong left, Jiu nian walked before Gu Han, asking puzzledly, "What did Bǎolín Rong come for today?"
Gu Han raised her hand to adjust her cloak, drooping her eyes listlessly, saying:
"Who knows."
Having attended his Majesty yesterday, her whole body wasn't comfortable. Because of Bǎolín Rong, she had unnecessarily walked a stretch.
Jiu nian covered her lips to stifle a laugh.
Gu Han ignored her teasing, glancing at the imperial procession stopped outside the palace before finally leading the palace servants back to Changchun Pavilion. Just stepping in, Jiusi ran over with brightened eyes:
"Master has finally returned."
Gu Han asked in a low voice, "When did His Majesty arrive?"
Before Jiu si could answer, the latticed window of the inner hall was pushed open by someone. Lu Yu's slender fingers tapped on the window sill, unhurriedly raising an eyebrow at her:
"Why are you standing outside in a daze?”
Author's Note:
Kunning Palace: Empress
Yi'an Palace: Consort Shu
Xianleng Palace: Imperial Consort De
Zhaoyang Palace → Main Hall: Xiuyi He
Zhaoyang Palace → Side Hall: Rong Baolin
Yihe Palace → Changchun Pavilion: Female Lead
Rongcui Hall: Beauty Miao
Cuizhu Pavilion: Beauty Lin
Changning Courtyard: Zhou Meiren
Hanleng Palace → (Main Hall transferred to Side Hall): Talented Lady Yuan
Also appearing: Noble Lady Lin, Liu Baolin
Here are the ranks of imperial consorts:
- Empress (皇后 Huánghoù) — Head of the Imperial Harem
- Imperial Noble Consort (皇贵妃 Huáng Guìfēi) — Rank 1
- Noble Consort, Pure Consort, Virtuous Consort, Worthy Consort (贵妃、淑妃、德妃、贤妃 Guìfēi, Shūfēi, Défēi, Xiánfēi)** — Senior Rank 1 (The Four Consorts, with Noble Consort as the highest)
- Consort (妃 Fēi) — Junior Rank 2
- Bright Deportment, Bright Countenance (昭仪、昭容 Zhāoyí, Zhāoróng) — Senior Rank 3
- Cultivated Deportment, Cultivated Countenance (修仪、修容 Xiūyí, Xiūróng) — Junior Rank 3
- Noble Lady (贵嫔 Guìpín) — Senior Rank 4
- Imperial Concubine (嫔 Pín) — Junior Rank 4
- Beauty (美人 Měirén) — Senior Rank 5
- Talented Lady (才人 Cáirén) — Junior Rank 5
- Precious Grove (宝林 Bǎolín) — Senior Rank 6
- Imperial Woman (御女 Yùnǚ) — Junior Rank 6
- Palace Maid (宫女子 Gōngnǚzǐ) — Senior Rank 7
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