chapter 22

After Xiuyi Su came forward and paid respects to the empress, she went to find her seat in a well-behaved manner. It appeared she was an inconspicuous person. Sometimes, when Noble Consort Shu spoke, she would speak a few words to help carry the conversation. It really made it hard for others to believe that they were cousins.

Zhuang Laoyan carefully looked at Noble Consort Shu. This woman made others take pity on her and find her harmless. However, the hearts of this kind of women fell under two extremes. The first kind truly resembled Lin Daiyu¹, inspiring pity in others’ hearts. The second kind had a vicious heart. That Noble Consort Shu was able to hold on to her position for so long was clear evidence that she wasn’t the first type.

The women who seemed the most harmless were the most terrifying when harming someone.　　

“I thought that Younger Sister Chongyi Zhao would not appear today,” said Noble Consort Shu, a smile gracing her lips as she watched Zhuang Laoyan, before glancing at Noble Imperial Concubine Yan especially. “Recalling Younger Sister Noble Imperial Concubine Yan’s birthday last year, I believe Younger Sister did not come to pay respects to the empress the day after.”　　

After hearing these words, Zhuang Laoyan understood that Noble Consort Shu did not hold good intentions toward Noble Imperial Concubine Yan. However, no woman would be happy seeing another person imitate her to climb the hierarchy. Zhuang Laoyan smiled towards Noble Consort Shu. Not a word left her lips.　

The gazes of the other imperial concubines converged on those three. Yet, none of them opened their mouths to speak. 　　

“Why has Elder Sister forgotten? Younger Sister Noble Imperial Concubine Yan is delicate and frail. Her Majesty, the empress, had relieved her of paying of paying respects back then,” said Xiuyi Su, continuing on that topic of conversation.

At this moment, these words did not appear beautiful. If one did not know the backstory, one would assume the empress was unfair. But Zhuang Laoyan and Noble Imperial Concubine Yan did not fall under that category. 　　

Zhuang Laoyan decided to say something at this time. “Elder Sister was late in arriving here. Originally, this concubine did not know that Her Majesty, the empress, had relieved this concubine from paying respects today. Additionally, this concubine is healthy. Unable to fall asleep even when lying in bed, this concubine felt it would be better to just come and chat with everyone.”

“Looks like you are very rule-abiding.” Noble Consort Shu had also been aware of the strangeness in Xiuyi Su’s words prior. For this reason, she no longer wanted Xiuyi Su to continue speaking. She seemed to praise Zhuang Laoyan heavily before saying, “No wonder Her Majesty, the empress, likes you.”

Zhuang Laoyan smiled coldly in her heart. This Noble Consort Shu wanted to kill two birds with one stone, targeting Noble Imperial Concubine Yan first and then placing herself on a silver platter to be scrutinized and picked at by everyone. To mention the empress’ fondness of her, and cause the other imperial concubines to target her.

“How could I only like Chongyi Zhao?” It were as if the empress did not notice that the other women in the room were clashing in a battle of words. She slowly said, “As long as one is rule-abiding, His Majesty, the empress dowager, and this palace would be happy. For you to deliberately say this palace favors Chongyi Zhao, are you implying that I treat the rest of you poorly?”

“Your Majesty, the empress, is naturally fond of Younger Sister. It is Younger Sister that had too shallow a perception. Seeing that your honored self treats others well, Younger Sister could not help but tease a little. May Younger Sister Zhao not find fault in me.” Noble Consort Shu did not become afraid after hearing the empress’ words. In fact, she had used an affectionate tone to respond. 　　

“Your Highness, the noble consort, is frank. This concubine is not a petty person,” said Zhuang Laoyan, the smile never leaving her lips.

The empress lifted her teacup. “Alright, you all like to chatter and poke fun. It’s getting late. In a little while, the sun will be high and bright in the sky, and will cause all of you discomfort. You are dismissed.”

After the empress opened her mouth, whether the other imperial concubines wanted to stay and chat or not, they all stopped talking and rose to their feet. Performing the full ceremony, they left.　　

Once she was outside Jingyang Palace, Zhuang Laoyan realized that Noble Imperial Concubine Yan’s complexion was not good. The palace maid who was supporting her had her head lowered, almost to the point of touching her chest. The arrogance she wore a few days ago as she had slapped Jieyu Ma was nowhere to be seen. It was evident that Noble Consort Shu suppressed and frightened Noble Imperial Concubine Yan.

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“Chongyi Zhao, how about we leave together?” said Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang all of a sudden as she approached Zhuang Laoyan from behind.　　

“Elder Sister Jiang.” Zhuang Laoyan smiled in response. Seeing that Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang had purposely called out for her, she stopped in her tracks.

Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang stopped walking when she was by her side. She lifted her head. Gazed at the sky with not a cloud in sight. After taking a deep breath, she said, “The weather is growing hotter.”

“It is almost June. Naturally, it will grow hotter.” Zhuang Laoyan received the fan from Yunxi’s hand, lightly fanning herself. She walked with Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang. “Why is Imperial Concubine Wang absent today?”

“She wasn’t feeling well since a few days ago. These past two days, when the imperial physicians had examined her, she also was not doing too well.” Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang’s tone was heavy. “Nowadays, the weather is hot. Who knows when she’ll recover?”

“Elder Sister Imperial Concubine Wang is fortunate. Elder Sister should not feel worried.” Only now did Zhuang Laoyan recall that she in fact did not see Imperial Concubine Wang for two days. Perhaps it was because she was not favored, and did not speak much often, that Zhuang Laoyan had not noticed her absence prior.　　

Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang smiled. It seemed dull. Her residence and Taoyu Pavilion were in the same direction, though it was farther away. Ever since she had entered the imperial palace, she did not receive too much favor. She relied on her status and resources and endured a lot to rise to where she stood today. She couldn’t help but turn her head to look at the more favored Chongyi Zhao. How did this woman climb so high?

Although she was beautiful, she wasn’t the most beautiful. Her four arts² also weren’t anything special in the imperial harem. Not to mention, she wasn’t as talented in dancing as Noble Consort Shu, nor was she as good at singing as Consort Rou. So what did she possess to win the emperor’s affection?

“It’s just the way it is.” Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang retracted her gaze. Those who were favored naturally had their own measures. If she had her own measures, she wouldn’t have wasted so much time in the imperial harem.

Once the two had walked for a distance, they met someone they did not expect to see in the imperial gardens. 　

“This concubine greets Your Majesty.” Never had Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang thought she would find the emperor here, and her voice even trembled as she spoke.

“Did the two beloved concubines just come from the empress’ residence?” said Feng Jin, sweeping his gaze through them, stopping at Zhuang Laoyan. He reached out and helped her to her feet. “Why have you also gone there?” He saw that the girl before him had a red face. She was even too shy to look at him.

“Once Your Majesty left, this concubine awoke…” Before she finished speaking, her face turned even redder. “Her Majesty, the empress works hard to manage the imperial harem. For this concubine to have paid respects to the empress is natural.”

Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang lowered her head, and saw Zhuang Laoyan’s small and tender hand clasped in the emperor’s own. All of a sudden, she felt surprised. So surprised that she didn’t even register what Zhuang Laoyan said.