THE IMPERIAL CONSORT'S RISE TO POWER

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Translator's note: Finally there are advance chapters availaible on Kofi

Chapter 91

Since Gu Han was pregnant, Lu Yu didn't spend the night at Yuqing Court, and Liu An could finally leave with him.

The next day, Gu Han learned that the Emperor had gone to Xufang Hall last night, the courtyard where Consort Shu resided. Gu Han didn't know how long this summer retreat would last, but judging by the looks of things, they would be staying at the vacation palace for quite some time.

With the Empress absent, even though Consort Shu had the authority to manage the six palaces, there was no need to pay morning respects. Gu Han was happy to have the leisure.

The Emperor had brought Nanny Zhao along to the vacation palace this time, and Gu Han resumed her daily medicinal meals. Perhaps because her mood was more relaxed, Gu Han didn't have any adverse reactions to the medicinal cuisine. Nanny Zhao patted her chest repeatedly, saying with a beaming smile:

"Thank goodness my lady can take the medicinal meals now. Otherwise, this servant would truly have no face to show His Majesty."

She had been brought to care for Noble Lady Zhao's pregnancy but hadn't been able to fulfill her purpose. Now, seeing that Noble lady Zhao no longer resisted the medicinal meals, Nanny Zhao felt truly relieved.

Gu Han lowered her eyes rather embarrassedly: "I've troubled Nanny."

Nanny Zhao shook her head, not daring to accept such words.

Song Baolin's death cast a shadow over the vacation palace. For the first three days, Gu Han heard no laughter or merriment in the palace at all. It wasn't until three days later, when one consort couldn't contain herself and sought out old acquaintances to go boating on the lake, that the vacation palace gradually returned to liveliness.

In Yuqing Court, Jiu Si fanned Gu Han with a round fan, saying cheerfully:

"...The one taking the lead was Noble lady Lin. I heard she gathered many people to go boating on the lake, which is why the other consorts dared to venture out of their courtyards."

Though Noble Lady Lin also bore the surname Lin, she had no connection to the Empress's family line. Since Gu Han entered the palace, she had known that Noble Lady Lin belonged to Consort Shu's faction. So if she suddenly made a move, it must be because Consort Shu had given instructions behind the scenes.

Not surprising really, Consort Shu was in charge at the Vacation palace. While they called it escaping the summer heat, there was also an element of leisure and enjoyment. What kind of impression would it make if everyone remained gloomy all day?

Maintaining appearances was a fundamental skill of every person in power.

The atmosphere in Yuqing Court was quite pleasant. Jiu Nian arranged Gu Han's hair, saying casually: "Consort Shu is hosting a banquet on a pleasure boat tomorrow to admire the lotuses. I heard that this time she's also invited all the noble madams. Will my lady go join the festivities tomorrow?"

Ordinarily, Jiu Nian would never suggest her mistress attend such gatherings, but Consort Shu had invited various noble madams, including the Marchioness among them.

Her mistress was over four months pregnant. Jiu Nian knew clearly in her heart that no matter how many years she served her mistress, their bond could never compare to that with the Marchioness. This was her mistress's first pregnancy, no matter how well she concealed it, she must harbor some unease in her heart.

Gu Han's eyes flickered slightly. After hesitating for a long while, she still couldn't make a decision.

The next day, on the pleasure boat at Panting Lake, small boats lined the shore to ferry consorts aboard. Noble Lady Lin covered her mouth and laughed, seeming somewhat moved: "How novel this is."

Rather than novel, it was more that they hadn't enjoyed such leisurely elegance in the palace for a long time.

When they were still in their boudoirs, they had all been daughters of noble families, at worst, proper young ladies from good households. They had attended countless banquets, but such refined pursuits were all from before marriage.

Yuan Cáirén saw Noble Lady Lin putting on such airs and imperceptibly curled her lip. She and Noble Lady Lin had never gotten along, but she understood the situation. Now that her rank was lower than Noble Lady Lin's, and Consort Shu was in charge at the vacation palace, she certainly wouldn't oppose Noble Lady Lin.

Just as everyone was about to board, they saw a palanquin approaching from afar. Yuan Cáirén craned her neck to look, and her eyes immediately lit up:

"It's Noble Lady Zhao."

Noble lady Lin's expression stiffened slightly. She turned to look, and when she clearly saw that the person in the palanquin was indeed Noble Lady Zhao, she couldn't help but frown. Hadn't Noble Lady Zhao never liked attending these banquets? Why would she make an exception to come today?

Yuan Cáirén wasn't particularly fond of Noble Lady Zhao either, but comparatively, she loathed Noble Lady Lin more. Now seeing someone who could overshadow Noble Lady Lin's glory, she felt as refreshed as drinking ice water on a sweltering summer day. As soon as the palanquin landed, she stepped forward to pay her respects:

"Greetings to Noble Lady Zhao. We haven't seen each other for several days—is Noble Lady Zhao's health well?"

Gu Han was helped down from the palanquin. She raised an eyebrow at Talented Lady Yuan. Since when had she and Talented Lady Yuan been on such good terms?

She didn't hide the surprise on her face, smiling gently with a soft, clear voice:

"Why are you in such good spirits today? Please rise quickly."

Yuan Cáirén kept a few steps' distance from Gu Han, ensuring she wouldn't accidentally bump into her, before saying cheerfully: "Consort Shu is hosting a banquet. We haven't seen such liveliness in so long, of course I'm happy."

As if anyone would believe that.

The group of consorts paid their respects to Gu Han. Gu Han and Noble Lady Lin also exchanged half-bows. When Gu Han saw Noble Lady Lin, she understood why Yuan had welcomed her so warmly. She found it amusing but didn't expose Yuan Cáirén's intentions. Instead, she asked:

"Why haven't you all boarded yet?"

Noble Lady Lin was just about to speak when Yuan Cáirén interrupted: "Noble Lady Zhao's timing is perfect, the boats have only just arrived."

Having been interrupted several times, the smile on Noble Lady Lin's face faded considerably. Gu Han pretended not to notice and covered her mouth with a smile:

"Noble Lady Lin, please go ahead."

Since she was pregnant and held the Emperor's favor, Noble Lady Lin naturally didn't dare go before her. She hurriedly waved her hand: "It's so hot, and Noble Lady Zhao is carrying an imperial heir, which is quite inconvenient. Noble Lady Zhao should go first."

Gu Han didn't exchange further courtesies with her. She glanced sideways at Yuan Cáirén:

"One boat can carry two people first. Would Yuan Cáirén like to come with me?"

Noble Lady Lin's cold gaze felt like thorns on her back, but Yuan Cáirén naturally would love nothing more than to leave with Gu Han. She immediately agreed: "Then I shall respectfully accept rather than decline."

Gu Han and Yuan Cáirén went first. Noble Lady Lin took an imperceptible deep breath. She frowned, staring at Noble Lady Zhao's retreating figure, not understanding why Noble Lady Zhao would help Yuan Cáirén.

Noble Lady Lin twisted her handkerchief several times. Someone beside her said softly:

"My lady, don't be upset. If you want to teach Yuan Cáirén a lesson, there will be plenty of opportunities. Why worry about this brief moment?"

Only then did Noble Lady Lin recover her composure. Indeed, the current Yuan Cáirén was not the formerly favored Concubine Yuan of the past. Noble Lady Zhao could protect her for a while, but could she protect her forever?

Unlike Noble Lady Lin, Rong Bǎolín also gazed at the backs of Gu Han and Yuan Cáirén, her eyes dark and unfathomable. No one knew what she was thinking.

Noble Lady Lin inadvertently caught this scene from the corner of her eye and frowned. Ever since Rong Bǎolín had been exposed for imitating Noble Lady Zhao to compete for favor and had fallen out with her, she had become gloomy and withdrawn. Normally silent, it was hard for others to notice her. Who knew how her name ended up on the list for this summer retreat.

Noble Lady Lin boarded the small boat with a heart full of doubts. When she reached the pleasure boat, she discovered it was bustling with activity.

The noble madams had arrived a step ahead of them. Elegant seats were arranged on the pleasure boat. Noble Lady Lin looked up and saw Yuan Cáirén sitting alone at her seat, while Noble Lady Zhao was conversing with a matron whose features bore a three-point resemblance to hers.

Noble Lady Lin immediately understood. No wonder Noble Lady Zhao had come to attend this lotus-viewing banquet; she wanted to see the Marchioness.

Gauze curtains blocked the view from the shore. Gu Han was helped to sit by Jiu Nian. From the moment the Marchioness saw her, she had been holding her hand and smiling continuously. Now she was caressing Gu Han's lower abdomen. Even with servants like Jiu Nian blocking others' view, she was still mindful of outsiders. After carefully asking whether Gu Han had any discomfort, she said softly:

"The day the Marquis learned Noble Lady was with a child, he drank quite a lot in his happiness. Your brother also rarely lost his composure. Now that Noble Lady has a child to rely on, the Marquis and I can finally feel at ease."

Thinking of her brother and father, Gu Han couldn't help but lower her eyes listlessly.

The Marchioness patted her hand, understanding a married daughter's longing for home. Not daring to say more on this topic in front of her, she switched to happier matters:

"Your brother comes of age next year. Recently, many families have been sending matchmakers to the manor, wanting to arrange a marriage with your brother."

Gu Han's eyes brightened: "Truly?"

The Marchioness nodded, but then she shook her head and sighed: "But your brother seems to have no intention of marrying. The Marquis is also keeping mum about it. I don't know what they're planning, and I'm afraid making decisions on my own might ruin things, so I haven't dared give those families a definite answer."

Though she said this, the Marchioness looked up at Gu Han.

Gu Han was taken aback, then understood immediately. Those families supposedly coming to the Marquis's manor to arrange marriages weren't actually interested in her brother, they were coveting the significance behind the imperial heir in her womb. When Mother kept saying she didn't know Father and Brother's plans, she was only trying to put her at ease and prevent her from overthinking.

Gu Han barely lowered her eyes. Her brother was only two years older than her. Father and Mother had high hopes for him and had always been strict with him. Even her usually gentle eldest sister was quite stern with him. Her brother had always doted on her.

His current unwillingness to discuss marriage was probably also out of concern that it might negatively affect her.

Seeing her silence, the Marchioness immediately frowned. This youngest daughter of hers had always been clever, with sensitive feelings. Fearing she might overthink and harm her health, the Marchioness spoke with slightly more emphasis:

"Noble Lady, don't think too much. Your brother doesn't come of age until next year. Even if he were to marry, it should be with a young lady he's compatible with. Marriage is a major matter that cannot be rushed."

She gripped Gu Han's hand tightly and said with guilt: "You've already done more than enough."

It seemed Noble Lady hadn't done much, but as long as she held the Emperor's favor, the Marquis's manor would be protected. If it were before, those aristocratic families, mindful of the Emperor's attitude, would never have let their legitimate daughters marry into their manor.

Now that Noble Lady was with child, in outsiders' eyes, their Marquis's manor was basking in imperial favor. One only had to see how others fawned over her when she left the manor to attend the banquet to understand this.

Sending her into the palace was already a wrong the Marquis's manor had done to her. Every piece of news from the palace made them fearful. Under such circumstances, how could they possibly become a burden to Noble Lady?

Gu Han didn't know what to say and could only grip her mother's hand tightly.

The banquet was about to begin. Gu Han couldn't speak more with the Marchioness. When she returned to her seat, she was still lowering her eyes listlessly. Noble Lady Lin sat just below her and, seeing her low spirits, didn't casually strike up conversation.

For a while, only the area around Gu Han was quiet and silent on the entire pleasure boat.

When Lu Yu entered, this was the scene he witnessed. He frowned imperceptibly. To those unaware of the situation, it would be easy to interpret this as Gu Han being ostracized.

Especially since the woman's eyes seemed somewhat red, her emotions low as she kept her eyes downcast.

Lu Yu took his seat at the head with a somber expression. Consort Shu covered her mouth charmingly, her eyes full of pleased affection as she raised her cup to him:

"This Consort thanks Your Majesty for taking time from your busy schedule to accompany me in admiring the lotuses."

With all the noble madams present and the Emperor personally attending, this was giving her face. Consort Shu's cup of wine should indeed be offered to the Emperor.

Lu Yu calmly drained his wine in one gulp. He glanced down below, the woman was still listless. Lu Yu beckoned Liu An over and whispered a few words in his ear. Liu An hurriedly withdrew.

Seeing this, Consort Shu's eyes flickered. She asked with apparent curiosity: "What has Your Majesty sent Eunuch Liu to do?"

Lu Yu said nothing, but the next moment, Consort Shu had her answer.

Palace servants set up a table to the Emperor's left, and Liu An had already walked to Noble Lady Zhao's side. When Consort Shu looked over, Noble Lady Zhao was raising her eyes in confusion. Not knowing what Liu An had said, her peach-blossom face was full of surprise.

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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