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Translator's note: Finally there are advance chapters availaible on Kofi
Chapter 118
Near evening, someone from the Office of Palace Attendance carried a silver tray and hurried into Yangxin Hall. At the covered corridor, they were stopped by Liu An.
Liu An glanced at the sky and clicked his tongue lightly:
"It's not even dark yet. You're coming so diligently today?"
Recently, the Emperor had been unwilling to enter the harem. Each time Eunuch Li came, he returned empty-handed, causing him to wear a mournful expression whenever he arrived at Yangxin Hall. But today was different—his back was noticeably straighter.
Liu An raised his eyebrows in confusion. Eunuch Li laughed. He came to the imperial presence frequently and always treated Liu An respectfully. The two had a rather good relationship among eunuchs. He clasped his hands toward Liu An and said in a low voice:
"Elder Brother knows, if His Majesty doesn't enter the harem for even one day, the mistresses press urgently. I'm so anxious my mouth is about to blister."
Liu An waited quietly for him to continue. Sure enough, Eunuch Li finally got to the point: "Today Yihe Palace had a green tablet hung. I didn't dare delay a moment and came straight to Yangxin Hall."
"Elder Brother, you've always been His Majesty's trusted confidant. Give me some hint, will His Majesty flip the tablet today?"
On ordinary days, Liu An couldn't give Eunuch Li a definite answer, but he glanced at Zhao Xiūróng's white jade orchid tablet and had a general idea. Without speaking too definitively, he only said: "Wait here. I'll go in and ask for you."
Eunuch Li's eyes lit up. Hearing Liu An's words, he knew today's matter should succeed.
It didn't matter whose tablet the Emperor flipped to enter the harem. As long as the Emperor entered, the palace mistresses couldn't blame him, they could only blame themselves for not being competitive enough.
Inside Yangxin Hall, seeing Liu An enter, Lu Yu set down his brush. His eyes looked toward the cymbidium orchid in the corner of the hall to relieve his fatigue. Liu An seized the opportunity to report Eunuch Li's matter:
"Your Majesty, Li Rong is waiting outside."
After the New Year, court affairs were busy. Lu Yu was in no mood to enter the harem. Seeing the Emperor frown, Liu An quickly added:
"I heard from Li Rong that it seems Yihe Palace has hung a tablet again today."
Lu Yu's words telling Li Rong to return stuck in his throat. After a pause, he said instead: "Let him in."
Liu An knew this would be the result. He directly summoned Li Rong. When Li Rong entered carrying the silver tray, Lu Yu glanced at it and without hesitation flipped Zhao Xiūróng's tablet. Before Li Rong could leave, Lu Yu instructed:
"Liu An, you personally go deliver the decree and send some of those honey peaches picked the other day to Xiūróng."
Liu An and Eunuch Li left Yangxin Hall together. Eunuch Li clasped his hands toward him: "Many thanks to Elder Brother today."
Liu An chuckled:
"You're clever yourself. It has nothing to do with me."
As soon as Li Rong saw Yihe Palace had hung a tablet, he immediately rushed to Yangxin Hall. Who wouldn't call him clever?
Eunuch Li said no more witty words, carrying the silver tray and happily turning to leave.
Liu An glanced over and shook his head. For those below to fathom their superiors' thoughts was very important. This Li Rong was clearly among the best. Liu An collected his thoughts, instructed palace servants to prepare the honey peaches, and personally led people to Yihe Palace.
Gu Han received the news and looked at that plate of fresh honey peaches, a smile appearing on her face. She grabbed a handful of golden melon seeds to reward Liu An:
"Eunuch has worked hard. The small kitchen just made butter tea. In this freezing weather, have a cup before you go."
Liu An didn't refuse. Though the New Year had passed, snow had just fallen last night. The cold wind seemed to drill into one's bones. After Liu An finished drinking a cup of butter tea, he felt warm all over. After expressing thanks, he left with a face full of smiles.
No wonder Zhao Xiūróng was favored—her way of handling people was absolutely flawless.
On the first day of Her Ladyship's return, the Emperor summoned her to his bedchamber. The entire Yihe Palace was as happy as celebrating New Year, so busy their feet didn't touch the ground. Seeing this, Gu Han also felt comfortable. She had people prepare water for bathing while instructing:
"Today have the nannies be extra careful."
When attending the Emperor's bedchamber, she couldn't spare attention for the prince and princess. She could only have the nannies be more attentive.
Before Lu Yu came to Yihe Palace, Gu Han went to the side hall to check on the imperial children. Only after they'd all fallen asleep did she leave. Just stepping onto the covered corridor, she heard some commotion from the palace gate. She suddenly turned around.
Lu Yu came under the moonlight and saw the woman standing prettily on the covered corridor. She wore a willow-green palace robe. One could tell the embroiderer had put in effort, accentuating her slender waist. She was like a fairy under the moon. She also seemed surprised. After a moment of shock, her almond eyes suddenly curved in a smile.
Gu Han went to meet Lu Yu. She didn't ask for support, lifting her skirt and walking quickly to the Emperor, naturally extending her hand to him:
"Why did Your Majesty come so early today?"
Lu Yu grasped her hand. It was somewhat cool. He couldn't help pulling her closer to him. Hearing this, he said with an indifferent expression: "The imperial presence wasn't busy, so I thought to come see you earlier."
As his words fell, he completely didn't see the odd expression on Liu An's face behind him.
Gu Han's attention also wasn't on Liu An. Since Lu Yu said this, she believed it, allowing the Emperor to lead her into the hall. She'd just bathed. Her dark hair hung half-dry, half-damp over her shoulders—somewhat improper. But since the Emperor said nothing, naturally no one else would jump out to criticize Gu Han.
The evening meal included Lu Yu's favorite sweet and sour fish, but unfortunately, Lu Yu's mind wasn't on the food at all. After simply using two chopsticks, he set down the wooden chopsticks. Gu Han also didn't wish to eat more. The meal was quickly cleared away.
When Gu Han looked at Lu Yu again, her cheeks couldn't help flushing with shyness. Lu Yu hadn't seen her in such a mood for a long time. His eyes darkened slightly. The servants attending in the hall had long since withdrawn without anyone noticing. Lu Yu embraced Gu Han's waist and placed her on the bed.
Gu Han cooperated with him docilely. As her clothing loosened, Lu Yu pressed against her neck, asking in a hoarse voice:
"What did Han'er apply?"
Gu Han was momentarily aroused, clinging to his neck, quite confused. Her almond eyes looked blankly at the man above her, immediately making Lu Yu lose all thought of exploring other matters. For a time, red curtains fell, necks entwined tenderly, brocade quilts in disarray.
Outside the hall, Jiu Nian and Jiu Si listened to the sounds inside with red faces. Jiu Nian said in a low, shy voice:
"Tell the small kitchen to prepare hot water later."
Just listening to this commotion, it wouldn't stop anytime soon.
Liu An glanced at her, truly one couldn't judge by appearances. She seemed embarrassed, but when giving orders she was clearly experienced.
Jiu Nian had no idea someone was thinking about her. She had Jiu Si stand guard here while she went to the side hall, afraid the young prince and princess might cry at this time.
After a bout of activity, Gu Han was completely exhausted. She clung to Lu Yu, seeming to cry softly a few times, but received no pity. When she heard Lu Yu call for water, she was so tired she didn't want to open her eyes. She only knew someone lifted her, seemingly placing her in water to clean her, then wrapping her tightly and carrying her back to the bed.
When she usually slept alone, her hands and feet would feel cold, but today, with someone holding her in their embrace, she surprisingly felt no trace of cold.
When Gu Han woke the next day, the other half of the bed was already cold as usual. Gu Han wrapped herself tightly in the quilt against the cold, glancing at the hourglass. Her voice carried the lingering charm and huskiness of the previous night's activities, so lazy and alluring one dared not listen too closely as she asked:
"When did His Majesty leave?"
Jiu Nian's face reddened: "He left almost an hour ago."
Outside, day had already broken. Snow had fallen again last night. The magnolia tree by the latticed window had its branches bent under the weight. Palace servants were shoveling snow, clearing a small path for walking.
Gu Han nuzzled the brocade quilt, too lazy to get up. Jiu Nian added: "This morning when the young prince woke, he cried demanding to see Your Ladyship. At that time His Majesty hadn't left yet. Hearing the commotion, he personally went to the side hall to comfort the young prince. He also instructed us servants not to wake Your Ladyship."
As she said this, Jiu Nian's face was full of smiles.
Naturally she was happy. Not to mention His Majesty's regard for Her Ladyship, just considering His Majesty's skill in coaxing the young prince, this was unique in the entire harem.
Gu Han was also happy. Having tired herself out yesterday, her stomach was already empty. After finishing all the clear porridge Jiu Nian brought, she lazily leaned against the headboard. If the Empress hadn't been confined, at this time she should be paying respects at Kunning Palace.
Thinking of the Empress, the emotion in Gu Han's eyes and brows grew somewhat indifferent:
"Speaking of which, the Empress is now nearly six months pregnant. Has there been any news from Kunning Palace?"
Jiu Nian shook her head: "Since the Empress was confined, Kunning Palace has been very quiet. However, the other day when Jiu Si went to Zhongsheng Hall to receive provisions, she saw Kunning Palace's Fu Ling. Fu Ling was first to receive provisions. Just from this, it seems everyone in the palace still respects Kunning Palace."
Jiu Si had complained to her about this after returning that day, so Jiu Nian remembered very clearly.
Gu Han wasn't surprised by this. From the princely manor's rear courtyard until now, the Empress had managed harem authority for nearly ten years. No one dared say their foundation in the harem was deeper than the Empress's. Even a dead camel was bigger than a horse, moreover the Empress was currently carrying an imperial heir. Who dared easily offend Kunning Palace?
Gu Han understood all the logic, but her heart still felt uncomfortable that her enemy was living so comfortably. She knitted her delicate brows and asked softly:
"What does the Imperial Medical Bureau say?"
Jiu Nian sighed: "Regarding Kunning Palace's medical records, the Imperial Medical Bureau treats them as classified secrets and won't reveal anything."
Gu Han was unconcerned:
"Medical records are merely recorded by people. Does Kunning Palace frequently summon physicians?"
"Aside from the safety pulse every three days, always once within half a month. And each time, it's always Physician Yu summoned."
Gu Han understood. Kunning Palace's safety pulses were all checked by Physician Yu. In other words, this Physician Yu was the Empress's confidant. But the more this was so, the more Gu Han suspected the Empress's pregnancy wasn't stable.
Jiu Si didn't want Her Ladyship to worry too much about this matter. She poured Her Ladyship a cup of tea before saying:
"There's one more thing. During Your Ladyship's pregnancy, you had Tong Ji come to Yihe Palace every three days. Later when Your Ladyship gave birth and was in confinement, you didn't need Tong Ji. Should Tong Ji continue coming now?"
Gu Han paused. Tong Ji's qin playing was indeed excellent, and it could be considered nurturing for the young princess. She nodded indifferently:
"Have her continue coming, still once every three days."
Jiu Nian noted this matter.
After Gu Han had been lazy enough, she extended her hand for Jiu Nian to help her down from the bed. Sitting before the bronze mirror, she lazily instructed Jiu Nian: "Have someone make a trip to Changning Courtyard and ask if Zhou Bin has time."
Jiu Nian looked at her uncomprehendingly. Only then did Gu Han pull at the corners of her lips, saying helplessly:
"I've been cooped up in this palace until I'm about to get moldy. Now that I can finally get out of bed, won't you let me get some fresh air?"
Jiu Nian covered her mouth and smiled, having someone relay the message to Zhou Bin. Zhou Bin had just returned from Cining Palace and had someone reply that she was free.
The imperial children were still young. Gu Han left the palace herself. Having just met up with Zhou Bin in the imperial garden, before they'd exchanged more than a few words, they heard several meowing sounds. Zhou Bin had once been injured on the face by a cat. Hearing the commotion, she immediately frowned and turned to look.
---
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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