Chapter 45: Cold Water Reprimand

Chapter 45: Cold Water Reprimand

Of course, the Empress wouldn’t scold Xiao Changzai,

Because Imperial Concubine Chen arrived even later than her.

If she scolded Xiao Changzai, what would Imperial Concubine Chen say?

So, she had no choice but to suppress her feelings, but that didn't mean she didn't mind.

After Xiao Changzai's arrival, everyone waited a while longer before Imperial Concubine Chen finally made her late appearance.

She perfunctorily greeted the Empress and, after taking her seat and noticing everyone's gaze fixed on her,

She rolled her eyes upwards, covered her nose with a handkerchief, yawned lazily, and said,

“Aren’t we supposed to discuss how to celebrate His Majesty's birthday? What are you all staring at me for? Do you expect to see a flower bloom from my face?”

Chided by her, the concubines withdrew their gazes. After the Empress initiated the conversation, they began discussing their prepared performances or gifts for Xiao Jingheng's birthday.

When it was Song Zhao's turn, she timidly said,

“I have no significant skills, but I can play the pipa. I’ve been practicing diligently these days, hoping to perform a piece for His Majesty on his birthday.”

The Empress smiled, “Good, the pipa has a crisp and full sound, and it’s quite challenging to play. In the harem, only Imperial Concubine Chen, who is skilled in many arts, knows a bit about it, but she is not specialized in it.”

Imperial Concubine Chen glanced at Song Zhao from the corner of her eye and coldly said, “Then do play well, I too am looking forward to your performance.”

Turning to Xiao Changzai, she added, “Oh, Xiao Changzai, you look quite radiant today. I heard your performance yesterday greatly pleased His Majesty. At the Emperor's birthday feast, you should sing for us too, so that we can see what kind of singing captivated His Majesty.”

The jealousy in Imperial Concubine Chen’s words was almost palpable, and even Xiao Changzai, naive as she was, could detect the sarcasm.

She quickly responded in fear, “My skills are too modest to be showcased. How dare I show off in front of the esteemed concubines?”

Imperial Concubine Chen seized on this, “Too modest to be showcased? His Majesty summoned you to Chaoyang Palace just because he enjoys your singing. And now you say it’s too modest? Haha.”

Imperial Concubine Chen burst into laughter, her sharp gaze scrutinizing Xiao Changzai, “What? Are you implying that His Majesty enjoys something that’s too modest to be showcased?”

Song Zhao had been waiting all morning for the drama to unfold, and it had just begun.

Xiao Changzai, frightened by Imperial Concubine Chen's words, lost her composure and couldn't even sit, hastily standing up to bow deeply to her,

"I dare not... Imperial Concubine Chen, please forgive me, it was just a slip of the tongue, not what I meant..."

Nervous, she became tongue-tied, struggling to articulate her thoughts clearly.

Imperial Concubine Chen didn’t even deign to look at her, letting her maintain a respectful posture before her.

The other concubines, eager to watch the drama unfold, did not offer to defend Xiao Changzai.

At this moment, the Empress cleared her throat and said,

"Imperial Concubine Chen, we all heard Xiao Changzai's words and know they weren’t disrespectful to His Majesty. It was an inadvertent error, let's not be too harsh on her."

Imperial Concubine Chen glanced at the Empress and then, surprisingly, smiled and helped Xiao Changzai up,

"I was just teasing you, why are you so frightened? I envy your beautiful voice. When you have time, could you teach me?"

Xiao Changzai finally breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly said, "How can I, Your Highness? It would be my honor if you find my modest skills worth noticing."

"Such sweet words, no wonder His Majesty likes you. Since we’re on the subject, why wait for another day? Are you free today?"

Xiao Changzai nodded repeatedly, "Of course, I am available."

Imperial Concubine Chen then said, "After we finish greeting the Empress, you come with me to my palace, and you can teach me properly."

Everyone's gaze shifted to Imperial Concubine Chen and Xiao Changzai,

Except for Song Zhao, who was observing the Empress.

The Empress had a faint smile on her lips, appearing composed, yet Song Zhao couldn’t help but feel a chill.

On the surface, the Empress was defending Xiao Changzai, but who didn’t know about the animosity between Imperial Concubine Chen and the Empress?

By speaking up for Xiao Changzai, the Empress seemed to be deliberately drawing her to her side,

In Imperial Concubine Chen’s eyes, Xiao Changzai had stolen her favor yesterday, and today the Empress was extending an olive branch to her. How could Imperial Concubine Chen tolerate Xiao Changzai anymore?

The Empress’s tactic of using one’s strength against them was indeed masterfully executed.

After the morning greetings dispersed, Xiao Changzai followed Imperial Concubine Chen back to her palace.

On the way to Yonghe Palace, Xiao Changzai was thinking:

With Imperial Concubine Chen's significant influence in the harem, ingratiating herself with her could mean better days ahead for Xiao Changzai.

Arriving at Yonghe Palace full of hope, Imperial Concubine Chen asked her to sing a piece as a demonstration.

Xiao Changzai’s rendition of "Garden Stroll and Startled Dream" was melodious, loud, and emotionally rich, showing some real talent.

Yet, as Imperial Concubine Chen listened, her mind was filled with images of Xiao Changzai’s seductive demeanor the previous night in Xiao Jingheng’s chambers.

Thus, before Xiao Changzai could finish, she interrupted:

"Your singing is good, but it sounds somewhat off to me. Try making your voice louder and the tune higher, let’s see how that sounds."

Kunqu opera is known for its soft, gentle modulations and emotive expressions, not for being loud or having high pitches.

Singing in such a strained manner would only lose its charm.

But as Imperial Concubine Chen insisted, Xiao Changzai had no choice but to comply.

When reaching the high notes, it was evident that Xiao Changzai was struggling, almost forcing her voice to reach them.

After listening, Imperial Concubine Chen applauded and said, "Yes, yes, that sounds much better. Sing it a few more times so I can listen and learn."

Xiao Changzai realized then that Imperial Concubine Chen was deliberately making things difficult for her,

But while it was easy to enter Yonghe Palace, leaving was not so simple.

She had no choice but to follow Imperial Concubine Chen’s command and sang twice more, straining her voice.

After finishing, her voice was ruined, becoming hoarse even to speak,

"Imperial Concubine Chen, cough cough... I am finding it difficult to continue, may I..."

"You could sing all night for His Majesty, but you can't sing for me? What, are you unwilling to sing for me?"

Xiao Changzai quickly swallowed her initial response and instead said,

"My throat is a bit uncomfortable, may I request a cup of water from Your Highness?"

Imperial Concubine Chen laughed, "Look at how forgetful I am. You’ve been singing for so long, and I didn’t even provide you with water. Yingxiang, quickly bring water for Xiao Changzai."

Yingxiang quickly handed Xiao Changzai a cup of water,

But Xiao Changzai noticed that the water was filled with ice cubes, her fingers feeling frozen just holding the cup.

Seeing her not drinking, Imperial Concubine Chen said, "Didn’t you ask me for water? Why aren’t you drinking?"

With red eyes and no other choice, Xiao Changzai forced herself to drink the entire cup of ice water.

Imperial Concubine Chen then smiled smugly, yawning and saying,

"I am a bit tired, I'll go rest for a while. Yingxiang, you take care of Xiao Changzai. Make sure she sings for two hours until she masters it, then she can come and teach me."

As Yingxiang respectfully escorted Imperial Concubine Chen back to her chambers, she deliberately raised her voice when passing by Xiao Changzai,

"Rest assured, Your Highness, I will take good care of Xiao Changzai!"