Chapter 41: Adored by Thousands

Chapter 41: Adored by Thousands

Today's incident in the Imperial Garden was purely man-made.

And the puppeteer behind this scheme was none other than Song Zhao.

Since the day Song Zhao heard from Yunshan and Xiao Fuzi about the loose and falling rocks at the northeast corner of the Imperial Garden, she had already started plotting her 'grand plan'.

She needed to do something special to leave a lasting impression on Xiao Jingheng.

Beauty and intelligence, proficiency in literature, chess, calligraphy, and painting - these were just minor skills,

Every concubine devoted time to these matters, and doing what everyone else could simply made her one among many.

Therefore, she decided to become Xiao Jingheng’s 'life-saving benefactor'.

Yesterday, when Xiao Jingheng invited her to lunch, she had already begun planning with the bamboo fungus and ham soup,

Knowing that Xiao Jingheng loved it, she deliberately added sweet potato vermicelli, known to cause bloating,

All to make Xiao Jingheng overindulge in his meal and suggest a walk outside to aid digestion.

It was early autumn, and the flowers in the Imperial Garden were fading,

Except for a large patch of chrysanthemums in the northeast corner of the garden, adding a splash of color to the autumn days.

Song Zhao anticipated that as soon as Xiao Jingheng suggested a stroll, Jiang Deshun would propose admiring the chrysanthemums,

So she had arranged for Xiao Fuzi to hide behind the rockery in the northeast corner of the Imperial Garden early in the morning.

She waited for the perfect moment, when she and Xiao Jingheng entered the scene, for Xiao Fuzi to push the fragmented rock down.

This 'heroic rescue' had to leave some marks on her body to achieve the effect Song Zhao desired.

To ensure foolproof execution, she had Xiao Fuzi hit her back with a stone the previous night, creating several bruises.

After all, even if Xiao Jingheng called the imperial physician, she could refuse treatment on the pretext of modesty, as the injuries were on her back.

Xiao Jingheng, lacking medical expertise, could only see the bruises on Song Zhao's back, unable to discern whether they were freshly inflicted or from the night before.

Everything was calculated to perfection, not a single step amiss.

Through this ordeal, Song Zhao firmly believed that she had secured a place in Xiao Jingheng's heart.

Reflecting on her 'masterpiece', a brighter smile graced her face.

Coming back to reality, she took a square, wide brocade box from the bedside drawer and handed it to Xiao Fuzi,

"This is for you, take it."

Xiao Fuzi hurriedly refused, "No, no, no, my lady saved my life by rescuing me from Xin Zhe Ku! How can I accept rewards while serving you wholeheartedly?"

Song Zhao's gaze fell on the brocade box, and she smiled with a raised eyebrow:

"Open it and see."

Xiao Fuzi opened the box to find not mundane treasures like gold or jewels, but neatly arranged four volumes of the 'Jinfang Miyao'.

Holding the scrolls in his hands, his eyes lit up,

"This... this is a high-level medical text, a rare treasure not shared with the world! Where did you get this, my lady?"

Giving gifts should always cater to the recipient's interests.

Song Zhao needed someone like Xiao Fuzi by her side, so the gift for him was chosen with great care,

"I know you're interested in medicine, just like your brother, a medical enthusiast. You were once beaten and sent to the labor camp for sneaking a peek at the medical books in the Imperial Medical Bureau. From now on, as you serve by my side, you can have as many medical books as you want. No need to hide or be secretive; feel free to read them openly."

Xiao Fuzi, overjoyed, knelt down immediately, exclaiming with happiness:

"Thank you, my lady!"

Song Zhao helped him up, "Those who follow me share in both my fortunes and misfortunes. Mutual trust is all that matters. This matter stays between us; even Yunsong mustn’t know. She's faint-hearted, and I don't want to frighten her."

Xiao Fuzi nodded vigorously, "Rest assured, my lady. I know what should and shouldn't be said."

Following this incident, the relationship between Xiao Jingheng and Song Zhao visibly grew closer.

Endless rewards poured into Yaohua Palace. The consorts who were once of higher status and looked down upon her, now greeted her with smiles, calling her 'sister'.

Xiao Changzai and Liu Changzai, who entered the palace with her, reverted to their former sycophantic selves, seizing every opportunity to curry favor with Song Zhao.

As for the favoritism,

Previously, Consort Chen accounted for over half of the Emperor's bedtime attendance among all the consorts within a month,

But now, Song Zhao was subtly gaining a status that could rival hers.

One day, the two happened to meet in the Imperial Garden,

Song Zhao paid her respects meticulously to Consort Chen, who coldly glanced at her and spoke sarcastically,

"Now that you're the Emperor's favorite, it won't be long before you get promoted to a Noble Lady, especially once there’s movement in your belly, right?"

Song Zhao responded, "Whatever I am today, I owe it all to Consort Chen. I will never forget that. The Emperor's favor towards me is but a fleeting novelty, while his affection for you has been consistent over the years."

Consort Chen's eyes narrowed sharply, her gaze piercing Song Zhao,

Observing the pink pearl earrings she had gifted Song Zhao, she said leisurely,

"Don't underestimate yourself. You’re a smart woman, choosing a bright and dazzling path the moment you entered the palace."

As she spoke, she idly played with the gold filigree on her little finger, "Just think, Lady Li entered the palace with you, always currying favor with the Empress. And what was her end? Still, she met a tragic fate within these palace walls, didn’t she?"

Song Zhao nodded in agreement, and Consort Chen continued, "As long as you understand the rules. The imperial physician says these days are my 'fertile period', highly likely to conceive. So, I must stay close to His Majesty, to contribute to the royal lineage."

Consort Chen circled Song Zhao, stopping in front of her with a languid smile,

"But lately, the Emperor is always thinking of you, reducing his visits to me. What do you think should be done about this?"

What’s meant to happen will always find a way,

Song Zhao, favored by the Emperor, had long anticipated that Consort Chen would confront her one day.

Although Consort Chen was relatively polite to her, not harming her, she indirectly suggested that Song Zhao should stay low-key and not interfere with her favor.

Song Zhao, prepared for this, pondered for a moment before saying,

"The Emperor seeks novelty with me. If he chooses to visit, I can't persuade him to leave. But rest assured, Consort Chen, I know what to do."

Consort Chen glanced at her coldly with a sneer and, without a word, turned and walked away.

Song Zhao watched her imposing departure, her eyes gradually dimming.

She would not let Consort Chen conceive so easily,

After all, her goal since entering the palace was to climb up step by step.

If Consort Chen bore a royal heir, her position would only be further solidified, making Song Zhao's ascent more difficult.

Standing in the Imperial Garden, Song Zhao thought for a while and soon came up with a ‘brilliant plan’,

A clever plan that would not offend the Imperial Concubine and keep Xiao Jingheng from visiting her palace for a few days...