Zhong Zheng Ying looked sharply at Concubine Shu and He Lian-shiās back, her eyes dark. She underestimated Zhong Zheng Linās Principal Consort! She never thought about getting burned.
āHer Royal Highness, bengong has heard that the Imperial Garden has planted new types of flowers. Fu Zhaoyi and bengong are about to go to see it, and we will have dinner afterward. Wonder if the Princess is interested in going together?ā
Consort Qiās sedan chair stopped in front of Zong Zheng Ying, opened the curtain, and her well-maintained face was full of smiles. Behind her was a gorgeous sedan chair, and through the lowered bead curtain, a beautiful concubine could be seen sitting in it. Facing Zhong Zheng Ying, she only nodded slightly, without saying a word of greeting.
Zhong Zheng Ying looked at Fu Zhaoyi, who had been extremely favored recently, and saw that she was dressed in a noble manner. Thus, the only pearl Buyao on her head was very eye-catching. When she took a closer look, she suddenly found that this rare and precious accessoryā¦ wasnāt it the pair of the one that Emperor Yuancheng rewarded Concubine Shu? No wonder Concubine Shu had an unfathomable expression on her face when she saw this new favorite.
āSince Consort Qi had extended an invitation, bengong is naturally happy to go.ā Zhong Zheng Ying rolled her whip and turned around to ride the princessās lift. She didnāt chat with Consort Qi but quietly admired the frosty woman in the sedan chair behind.
With such a cold temper, did she act the same way in front of Emperor Yuancheng?
***
āMistress, Lord He Lian has gone to two places to socialize privately in the past two days. The people who met him were Fu Zuoyi, the Commander of the Infantry, and Wang Rui, Deputy Chief Eunuch of the Imperial Household, respectively. In addition, Lord He Lianās second wife [1] has a very close relationship with Madam Anguo, who was recently sealed as an honored lady.ā
[1] 平妻 pĆngqÄ«. A very rare case in ancient China where a man had another equal wife. Different from the first wife, who has the highest status, the flat wife/equal wife is a second wife, higher than a common concubine, and lower than the first wife. (Donāt cite me on this, this is also the first time Iām encountering this, lolol, many sites also say that this was a concubine and not a wife, but Wikipedia said otherwise).
Wei Zhen explained all the news that the dark guard had received, and waited for Mistress Yao to speak.
He Lian Zhang was so courageous that he dared to contact the Anguo Mansion in disguise. A few months ago, the old Duke of Anguo finally couldnāt hold on anymore, and Emperor Yuancheng coldly asked people to go to prepare his funeral rites. Then, with a stroke of his pen, the eldest son of the Dukeās Mansion was promoted as usual. This talent, who had just been promoted to office, was the eldest uncle of the first prince Zhong Zheng Chun, who was now in the Yuye Palace as well as the elder brother of Noble Consort [2] Li, who was sent to ārecuperateā by Mu Xi Yao.
[2] č“µå¦ guƬfÄi - Noble Consort. High-ranking concubine, lower only to the Empress and the Imperial Noble Consort.
Behind Zhong Zheng Linās back, the He Lian family used the path of the wifeās diplomacy [3] and had secret contact with the eldest prince. Mu Xi Yao guessed that the two sides must have some ulterior motive. As the sixth highnessā in-laws, He Lian Zhang shouldāve imagined that this would cause displeasure to Zhong Zheng Lin. Since he committed this crime, there must be a way to change the wind and let him go back. What was the old fox going to use to calm Zhong Zheng Linās anger?
[3] This refers to when families establish a friendly political relationship with their wifes opening up their talks and later serving as an enhancement to avoid friction. This is something that tends to happen behind the scenes.
āFu Zuoyi, the commander of the infantry?ā Mu Xi Yao was not familiar with this person. Instead, she had heard from his superior, Huo Shaoguang, the admiral of the Nine Gates from Zhong Zheng Lin several times.
āThis person forms part of the newly promoted group of important ministers. His third daughter was chosen by the emperor in the draft. In just a few months, she has been promoted to a second-ranking Zhaoyi and enjoys the benefits of being an imperial concubine. Now that she is in her prime, no one in the palace can beat her except for Concubine Shu.ā
Mu Xi Yao nodded. Emperor Yuanchengās hands and feet were fast. Fu Zhaoyi? The next time she entered the palace for greetings, she had to take a good look at her.
So, the He Lian family wanted to use the connections in the harem to bring He Lian Wei Rui into Zhong Zheng Linās backyard? Wasnāt this abacus played too well?
How were they going to explain this? Moreover, how will they send their daughter to the sixth princeās mansion when the Imperial Noble Consort was choosing a concubine for the eighth prince? This obviously had the meaning of choosing a princeās faction, how could He Lian Zhang, who was known to be of the Emperorās clique, keep the high hat of being a clean and loyal official?
āAlright. Since He Lian Zhang has already started the game, this game of chess is not without clues.ā Mu Xi Yao calmed down and started writing again. āMister Wei doesnāt have to worry about staring over there anymore. He Lianās mansion only needs one or two secret guards to be on call at any time, and the rest can be withdrawn. What we have to wait for now is the news from the palace.ā The battlefield changed to the harem, and the dark guards had little effect. Instead of risking exposure, it was better to be discreet.
Mu Xi Yao dismissed the servants, sitting alone in front of the bookcase to complete the daily homework assigned by the boss. On one hand, she wrote corny [4] lines to please the boss, while interjecting an occasional sigh about this and that situation that made her anxious.
If it goes on like this, wouldnāt she be involved in a palace fight again? And it was not the right time. And this fight will be with no more than with her father-in-lawās wifey, wasnāt this too much?
Shouldnāt this palace fight drama be with Emperor JianāAnās harem? At this time, the big boss has not yet ascended the throne, but his favorite concubine has frequently appeared... This thing canāt be done, it was no different from stealing the spotlight. Mu Xi Yao pouted, if this was filming, it would definitely be considered overtime, she was very unhappy.
He Lianās family had a good life, but their tricks [5] had to be counted!
In his letter to his sixth Highness, Mu Xi Yao emphasized how hard she had managed the housework and endured humiliation and burdens for his sixth Highness. The writing was touching and affectionate. In the end, she did not forget to let Zhong Zheng Lin remember to find a famous chef in Shu for her. It would be better if it could be sent to Shengjing earlier. The excuse was that the one in her belly had been very picky about dishes recently.
Three days later, news came out of the palace.
The Imperial Noble Consort had been recuperating in the palace for a long time now, and finally got the imperial doctorās nod. Emperor Yuancheng went there in person, and then everything went as before.
In the morning, the concubines went to greet the Imperial Noble Consort and saw the Imperial Noble Consort who they havenāt seen for a while. Before the Dukeās death she used to be arrogant from head to toe, both in words and actions. Now, she was dressed elegantly with only a wooden hairpin on her head. She spoke more politely than before, and she became estranged from others.
When their greetings were over, for the first time, the concubines gave a full salute in front of the Imperial Noble Consort time and then left in silence. In the whole process, there was no gossip, so the Imperial Noble Consort just sat coldly for half a quarter of an hour. She didnāt have the smiling face from before, and she didnāt even fake a word of greeting.
āThe Imperial Noble Consort has recovered?ā Mu Xi Yao looked at Wei Zhen in surprise and asked the momo to bring Cheng Qing aside to play.
Although she knew for a long time that Concubine Liuās case alone could not completely knock down the Imperial Noble Consort, she did not expect that Emperor Yuancheng would lift the ban so quickly. The old Duke passed away, and the hatred in the heart of the Imperial Noble Consort must be a hundred times stronger than before. Mu Xi Yao had never seen this womanās ability with her eyes but she still secretly guarded against her. Maybe one day she would be provoked and take drastic measures. Fighting with a crazy person, one couldnāt have enough precautions.
āFu Zhaoyi has been in contact with the Imperial Noble Consort for the past three days?ā Being able to intercede in front of Emperor Yuancheng for Li-shi, the only variable in the palace, apart from Fu Zuoyiās daughter, she couldnāt think of anyone else. Lord He Lianās move was immediate and effective.
āWhen Fu Zhaoyi fell into the water, it was the Imperial Noble Consortās prompt reaction that saved her life.ā Wei Zhen didnāt dare to underestimate the means of the He Lian family. They even dared to design a water accident in the harem, they definitely used some secret chess pieces.
āSheās actually fast, huh.ā Mu Xi Yao was amused.
Although Fu Zhaoyi and the Imperial Noble Consort lived in the same Six Palaces in the East, they were still separated by Consort Qi. Did this mean that theĀ Imperial Noble Consort was able to handle things effectively, or was Consort Qi deaf and blind?
āIs the one in the middle a dead person? And how can this trick be hidden from the Emperorās eyes?ā Mu Xi Yao rolled her eyes.
Wei Zhen has gradually been able to adapt to Mistress Yao speaking casually in private. The rules in the palace were much more than the rules in their mansion. The Mistress was not willing to follow them, and His Highness was reluctant to discipline her, and he had no room to talk.
āConsort Qi took someone to eat in the Imperial Garden, she was not there when it happened.ā Wei Zhen reported truthfully.
āThatās right. Consort Qi should have eaten her āProsperous Gardenā [6] for dinner. It mustāve been really hard for her to digest food at 7-9 pm.ā Mu Xi Yao shook her head, showing no manners.
[6] āåÆ蓵껔åā fĆ¹guƬ mĒn yuĆ”n: A garden filled with riches an honor/The garden is full of wealth. (To shorten it I just called it āProsperous Gardenā.)
Wei Zhenās face twitched. Mistress Yao dared to mock people even when she was in the wrong.Ā āProsperous Gardenā was not a palace dish, but a grand banquet that was rarely served in Shengjing. The most recent one was to congratulate the Crown Prince on his wedding more than ten years ago, and there were nearly a thousand dishes. One table was enough for hundreds of strong men to eat.
Emperor Yuancheng did not have it easy. Mu Xi Yao sighed. An emperor has to turn a blind eye to these womenās clumsy methods, she felt that such patience was beyond her reach.
The biggest boss in Shengjing probably felt he owed a debt since when Duke Anguo died he didnāt allow the Imperial Noble Consort to leave the palace to pay homage. Now the old thief who was not pleasing to his eyes had kicked the bucket, so these little tricks were insignificant for him, and couldnāt care less.
The emperor was a thief [7], and all of them were the big shots in the movie industry!
The Imperial Noble Consort, Consort Qi, and Fu Zhaoyi. These three women mixed together were too annoying. Consort Shu was still too popular, and peopleās jealousy of her should be quite high. As a member of the Sixth Royal Highnessās Mansion, Mu Xi Yao could only suffer.
However, He Lian Zhang was worthy of his reputation as the emperorās confidant, he really understood Emperor Yuanchengās thoughts.
āCome back when there is news. This scene has just started, so letās watch it slowly.ā Mu Xi Yao was calm, she had guessed He Lian Zhangās next move.
Sure enough, in the next few days, Emperor Yuancheng flipped the Imperial Noble Consortās brand twice, and then Fu Zhaoyiās. In the middle of this, Consort Shu, who was always stable no matter how many women there were in the emperorās harem, had the Emperor Yuancheng going to her palace for a few days as well. This made the women in the harem see clearly that Concubine Shu seemed to be very stable, ah...
Fu Zhaoyi rarely smiled in front of the emperor. The cold beauty occasionally smiled charmingly, awkwardly begged for love, and said a few nice-sounding words, Emperor Yuancheng liked this act very much. Now, in order to repay her life-saving grace, Fu Zhaoyi repeatedly tried, and finally persuaded the emperor to go to theĀ Imperial Noble Consort.
With such comings and goings, the two of them got closer and closer, and they talked more and more with each other.
On this day, He Lian Min Min went to Empress Dowagerās palace to give her greetings but it was not Zhong Zheng Ying who she met, but the āHe Lian Partyā led by the Imperial Noble Consort.
Ironically, He Lian Min Min was going to confront the forces that had been bribed by her family head-on. Mu Xi Yao was amazed after hearing about this scene.
The FengāAn Palace was very lively. Both concubines and princesses flattered the Empress Dowager Jin with a smile on their faces.
āIt is said that the most talented woman in Shengjing is Yu Hong Ying, the second young lady of the Grand Masterās [8] Mansion. Back then, she wrote the poem āSinging catkinsā [9]. The Poetry Club was startled and very envious of her talent.ā
[8] å¤Ŗåø TĆ ishÄ« - imperial tutor. The scholar who taugh the princes. Baidu says: āIn ancient times, Taishi, Taifu, and Taibao were called "Three Dukes", and later they were added to the titles of high officials, expressing grace but no real positionā.
[9] åēµ® yĒngxĆ¹ - the talent of singing catkins. According to Baidu, this is a word used to describe eloquent, smart, talented women. It comes from an ancient story. You can read the story in the footnotes below.
<table> Catkins in China.</tbody></table>
Gossip went back and forth. First they discussed the first beauty in Shengjing and now they talked about the enviable talented woman in Shengjing.
Zhong Zheng Ying frowned, āYu Hong Ying has no good works since Ā«Singing catkinsĀ». In Shengjing, Zhuge Liās poems are the best, and no one can match them.ā
Zhuge Li was the pearl in the palm of Lord Zhuge, the Head of the Imperial Guards. Zhuge Li not only wrote beautifully, but she herself was also quite beautiful.
Zhong Zheng Yingās words were immediately approved by everyone. Zhuge Liās poems and essays were almost selected as one of the top three āGreat Collected Worksā. Zhuge Liās fame amongst women was quite good.
āThis statement is biassed. Chenqie [10] knows that there are at least two women who are as good as Zhuge Li, not only in poetry but also in good loksā Fu ZhaoyiĀ”s cold voice instantly attracted everyoneās attention, and even the Empress Dowager Jin was curious.
Were there people who could keep pace with Zhuge Li? And she said there was two. If so, sho were them?
***
Relationship Diagram (by Sith Kazar)
ā² Footnotes
[1] 平妻 pĆngqÄ«. A very rare case in ancient China where a man had another equal wife. Different from the first wife, who has the highest status, the flat wife/equal wife is a second wife, higher than a common concubine, and lower than the first wife. (Donāt cite me on this, this is also the first time Iām encountering this, lolol, many sites also say that this was a concubine and not a wife, but Wikipedia said otherwise).
[2] č“µå¦ guƬfÄi - Noble Consort. High-ranking concubine, lower only to the Empress and the Imperial Noble Consort.
[3] This refers to when families establish a friendly political relationship with their wifes opening up their talks and later serving as an enhancement to avoid friction. This is something that tends to happen behind the scenes.
[6] āåÆ蓵껔åā fĆ¹guƬ mĒn yuĆ”n: A garden filled with riches an honor/The garden is full of wealth. (To shorten it I just called it āProsperous Gardenā.)
[8] å¤Ŗåø TĆ ishÄ« - imperial tutor. The scholar who taugh the princes. Baidu says: āIn ancient times, Taishi, Taifu, and Taibao were called "Three Dukes", and later they were added to the titles of high officials, expressing grace but no real positionā.
[9] åēµ® yĒngxĆ¹. (Also found to beĀ åēµ®ä¹ę yĒngxĆ¹ zhÄ« cĆ”i). According to Baidu, this is a word used to describe eloquent, smart women. It comes from an ancient story.
This is an idiom allusion, from the Song Dynasty in the Northern and Southern Dynasties, Liu Yiqingās āThe World Says New Languageā. It tells the story of Xie Daoyun, a female poet of the Eastern Jin Dynasty and a famous talented woman.
The gist of the story: On a cold snowy day, Mr. Xie held a family gathering and explained poetry to his children and nephews. After a while, the snow outside became heavier. Mr. Xie, on a whim, asked: āWhat does the snow look like?ā (What does the heavy snow look like?). The grandson of the grandfather, Xie Lang, replied, āSalt in the sky can be compared.ā (It is almost similar to throwing salt in the air). At this time, Xie Daoyun, the daughter of the eldest grandfather, continued: āIt looks like catkins moved by the windā. (It might as well be compared to catkins flying in the air/ęŖč„ę³ēµ®å é£čµ·.) When Mr. Xie heard this, he immediately burst into laughter.
This story has been passed down, and people praised Xie Daoyun as a brilliant and talented woman. Talented women are praised as åēµ®ä¹ę yĒngxĆ¹ zhÄ« cĆ”i which translated as āthe talent of singing catkinsā.