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Translator's note: Finally there is advance chapters availaible on Kofi
With Gu Han pregnant, she couldn't attend to His Majesty. Lu Yu kept her company through a meal, personally confirming she was unharmed before leaving with peace of mind.
Only after he left did news from Taihe Hall arrive.
Gu Han's expression immediately went cold. Little Fangzi stole a glance at her before saying quietly:
"Lady Yang made bitter remarks. Zhou Měirén was standing up for Mistress."
Gu Han naturally understood this. If it were only Lady Yang, that would be one thing, she wouldn't dare do much to Zhou Měirén . But Imperial Concubine Chen had emerged again. Gu Han felt impatient. Chen kept popping up like this, making Gu Han vaguely regret not thoroughly eliminating the threat.
It wasn't that Gu Han wanted Chen dead, but someone like her had to be beaten down until she hurt, until she learned to behave.
A trace of coolness flashed through Gu Han's eyes before she asked about the rest. Learning that Zhou Měirén and Imperial Concubine Chen had parted unhappily but Zhou hadn't suffered any losses, Gu Han finally smoothed her brow. She beckoned to Little Fangzi:
"His Majesty wants me to rest in the palace for some time. I won't attend morning respects tomorrow. Make a trip and tell Zhou Měirén , after morning respects disperse tomorrow, have her visit Cining Palace."
Little Fang looked up in surprise: "Does Mistress intend to use the Empress Dowager's hand to suppress Imperial Concubine Chen?"
Gu Han didn't raise her eyes, saying unhurriedly:
"She's her own niece. After pushing her onto me, she can't truly ignore her completely."
A thoughtful gleam flashed through Little Fangzi's eyes. Mistress likely had more than just this intention. Zhou Měirén 's trip to Cining Palace probably also meant Mistress was testing whether the Empress Dowager would protect this pregnancy.
This thought only flashed through his mind but made Little Fangzi's heart tighten. He immediately acknowledged the order respectfully.
The next day, Little Fangzi intercepted Zhou Měirén before she went to morning respects and conveyed Gu Han's message. Zhou Měirén was completely confused, her eyes widening:
"Your mistress wants me to tattle?"
Though Zhou Měirén constantly mentioned the Empress Dowager and used her to threaten others, in reality she rarely brought palace troubles to the Empress Dowager. She seemed careless but actually had considerable discretion in her actions.
Little Fangzi laughed awkwardly without answering.
Zhou Měirén was utterly perplexed, unable to figure out Gu Han's reasoning. Ah You looked up at her curiously: "Will Mistress go?"
Zhou Měirén glanced at her in puzzlement, saying matter-of-factly:
"Why not?"
Zhou Měirén pressed her forehead with a headache: "I really hate dealing with clever people. They never speak plainly. But like Aunt, she wouldn't harm me. What's the harm in making a trip?"
Seeing her mistress say this, Ah You said nothing more.
When morning respects at Kunning Palace dispersed, everyone saw Zhou Měirén give Imperial Concubine Chen a cold laugh before turning toward Cining Palace. Those who witnessed this wore rather strange expressions. Imperial Concubine Chen's face went dark.
On the way back, Imperial Concubine Chen kept complaining to Jiachun:
"In all my years in the palace, I've never seen someone like this. Aside from bullying with power, what else can she do?!"
Jiachun stood beside her, head lowered, not engaging at all. She'd tried to stop her mistress yesterday. Given Mistress's current position, she absolutely shouldn't offend the Empress Dowager. But Mistress couldn't resist momentary anger, thinking that with Zhou Měirén demoted, she could suppress her again.
In this palace, countless people outranked Zhou Měirén , yet who didn't treat her courteously? When Consort Shu's beloved Ah Li was thrown out of the palace, didn't she harbor resentment toward Zhou Měirén ?
She did, but what had she done to Zhou Měirén ?
Jiachun felt deeply exhausted. Since Mistress wouldn't listen, she was too lazy to advise further. Let Mistress see reality for herself.
News of Zhou Měirén heading to Cining Palace quickly reached Gu Han's ears. At that moment, Gu Han had just opened her eyes. Jiu Nian helped her wash her face while saying quietly:
"Zhou Měirén trusts Mistress greatly."
Gu Han sat before the bronze mirror. She knew Zhou Měirén trusted her somewhat, and precisely because of this, her feelings toward Zhou were complicated. If Zhou Měirén were merely like Rong Bǎolín once was, their relationship purely transactional—Gu Han would feel more at ease.
Soon, Gu Han set aside these thoughts. Perhaps knowing she was pregnant, she subconsciously kept glancing at her abdomen. Noticing this habit, she pressed her forehead and instructed softly:
"Yesterday, His Majesty's words made it clear he wants me to stay in the palace for the full first three months. Keep watch outside. Report any news to me promptly."
In this palace, blocked information was no different from blinding oneself.
After a brief pause, Gu Han added: "If there's news from Changning Courtyard, report that promptly too."
Jiu Nian glanced at her and sighed inwardly. She didn't know if Mistress had discovered this about herself, she truly held grudges, but if someone showed her even half a kindness, she always thought of repaying it.
Jiu Nian said quietly: "Mistress just focus on resting. This servant understands the rest."
As soon as the words fell, the double curtains moved. Gu Han noticed through the bronze mirror. Looking up, she saw Little Fangzi hurry in. After bowing, he said happily:
"Mistress, Wet Nurse Zhao is waiting outside."
Wet Nurse Zhao?
Gu Han paused before reacting. Yesterday His Majesty had said he'd send an experienced wet nurse to care for her.
Little Fangzi's delighted expression confused Gu Han. She paused and asked suspiciously:
"Is there something special about this Wet Nurse Zhao?"
Little Fang met her gaze, his smile growing wider: "Exactly. Mistress may not know, when the Empress Dowager entered the palace, she brought two personal maids. Later, when the Empress Dowager gave birth to His Majesty, she assigned one of them over."
Gu Han's breathing lightened slightly.
Little Fang chuckled: "It seems Mistress has guessed. Indeed, it's this Wet Nurse Zhao."
After speaking, Little Fangzi glanced around and lowered his voice:
"Wet Nurse Zhao cared for His Majesty from childhood. To speak disrespectfully, she treats His Majesty like her own son. She's among his most trusted confidants. That His Majesty would send Wet Nurse Zhao to care for Mistress shows he truly values this pregnancy deeply."
This world had mothers honored through sons, and naturally sons honored through mothers. Imperial Concubine Chen and his own mistress were stark contrasts. Little Fang was ambitious, seeing this scene naturally delighted him immensely.
Gu Han's almond eyes widened slightly. She'd never imagined Wet Nurse Zhao had such background. She quickly said:
"Quickly invite her in."
When Wet Nurse Zhao entered, she saw Noble Lady Zhao being helped up, walking toward her. Her gaze swept over Noble Lady Zhao's abdomen before she bowed respectfully, without any airs:
"This servant greets Noble Lady Zhao. His Majesty has decreed that this servant care for Your Ladyship for some time. May Your Ladyship not find this servant lacking."
Gu Han personally helped her up, her brows and eyes tinged with red:
"What words are these, Wet Nurse? That His Majesty would invite you here is my blessing."
Wet Nurse Zhao looked at her more closely, sighing inwardly. Each generation produced talent, Noble Lady Zhao's words were clever, praising both His Majesty and her, proper yet neither servile nor overbearing, leaving no room for objection.
Wet Nurse Zhao had always been efficient and commanding, which was why the Empress Dowager had assigned her to care for His Majesty.
She currently held the keys to His Majesty's private treasury and had palace servants caring for her, essentially living in comfortable retirement. Being suddenly sent by His Majesty's decree to care for Noble Lady Zhao surprised her, but beyond surprise came delight.
She had been busy all her life and felt restless in idleness. Moreover, with no children of her own, she regarded His Majesty as her own son. Now that Noble Lady Zhao was pregnant, personally caring for the imperial heir's birth represented His Majesty's trust and regard.
Wet Nurse Zhao's gaze fell on Noble Lady Zhao's abdomen, smile appearing in her eyes. Her tone became warmer and more intimate:
"Since this servant has come to Changchun Pavilion, Your Ladyship is this servant's mistress."
This clearly stated her position, she wouldn't presumptuously overstep her bounds while relying on seniority.
A smile flashed through Gu Han's eyes. Helped by Wet Nurse Zhao to sit on the soft couch, she listened to the wet nurse's gentle, detailed voice:
"I've heard Mistress's pregnancy symptoms are quite severe. Are meals difficult?"
This person was sent by His Majesty. Unless His Majesty wanted to harm her, Wet Nurse Zhao was trustworthy. Gu Han didn't hide anything, answering truthfully: "I can't stand the smell of meat, but eating isn't too difficult. Actually, compared to before, I crave food more."
Wet Nurse Zhao's smile deepened: "This is good. Being able to eat is good. Mistress is in early pregnancy, no need to worry about cravings."
Later would be different.
As the fetus grew larger, childbirth became a brush with death's door for women.
Considering His Majesty's attitude, Wet Nurse Zhao discreetly mentioned this. Gu Han's eyes flickered as she took note. She'd feared Wet Nurse Zhao might be the type who only considered the fetus while neglecting the mother. Seeing that her words also took Gu Han's well-being into account, Gu Han finally relaxed completely.
Meanwhile at Cining Palace.
Hearing Zhou Měirén had come, the Empress Dowager raised her eyebrows in surprise:
"Usually at such times, she deliberately avoids Cining Palace to prevent troubling me. Today is rather strange."
Wet Nurse Wu understood somewhat: "I heard before Měirén went to morning respects, people from Changchun Pavilion met with her."
After hearing this, the Empress Dowager shook her head:
"Then it's no wonder."
Zhou Měirén walked in quickly. Seeing the Empress Dowager, she felt somewhat guilty. She touched her nose and stood there awkwardly. The Empress Dowager gave her an exasperated look:
"Why are you standing there stupidly? Come here. Keep me company for a meal."
Zhou Měirén sat down sheepishly before hearing her aunt's unhurried voice: "You came today, do you have something to tell your aunt?"
Zhou Měirén hesitated but still followed Gu Han's advice, recounting yesterday's events completely. The more she spoke, the more genuinely indignant she became:
"It had nothing to do with Imperial Concubine Chen. She insisted on interfering, clearly because I was demoted, she thinks I'm easy to bully!"
The Empress Dowager quietly watched her righteous indignation. After a moment, she only said mildly: "Noble Lady Zhao sent you?"
Zhou Měirén froze, touched her nose, and acknowledged it sullenly without denying.
The Empress Dowager glanced at her before saying: "Enough. Return after the meal."
Seeing her aunt wasn't angry, Zhou Měirén immediately grew curious:
"Aunt, what riddle are you and Noble Lady Zhao playing at?"
The Empress Dowager didn't explain directly but raised her hand to tap her forehead: "If your brain were like Noble Lady Zhao's, I would save so much worry."
Zhou Měirén covered her forehead with an "Ouch." Embarrassed by the comment, after finishing the meal, she hurried away.
After she left, Wet Nurse Wu stepped forward:
"His Majesty has sent Ah Min to Changchun Pavilion."
The Empress Dowager paused. After a moment, she said softly:
"It seems the Emperor truly values her.”
---
Translator's note: guys please i am looking for a volunteer editor, chat me up on dis cord if you are interested. Discord: d_ladypresident
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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