Chapter 64: Testing with a Hairpin

Chapter 64: Testing with a Hairpin

In the days that followed, Song Zhao often visited Xiao Changzai whenever she had time.

She did nothing much but just kept her company, chatting and comforting her, encouraging Xiao to not keep everything bottled up inside.

To outsiders, Song Zhao seemed foolish.

Xiao Changzai, having lost her beauty, was clearly beyond favor. They couldn't understand why Song Zhao cared so much for her.

But Song Zhao knew that it's precisely such desperate people, pushed to the brink, who are more likely to act recklessly.

With her disfigurement, Song Zhao led Xiao Changzai to believe that Chen Consort had tampered with the pipa, so Xiao might seek revenge on Chen Consort,

But Xiao Changzai might also target her.

After all, Xiao Changzai had unwittingly become her scapegoat and naturally harbored resentment.

Song Zhao didn't want to invite such trouble; she didn't wish to be outsmarted by her own schemes.

That's why she was particularly attentive to Xiao Changzai,

Aiming to be a ray of hope in Xiao's despair, ensuring she wouldn't harbor grudges against herself.

At the end of the month, the palace received a shipment of milk oranges, a specialty from Lingnan.

Lingnan is far from the capital, and milk oranges are precious, requiring stringent transport conditions.

Additionally, this year's harvest was limited, leaving less than two dou (about less than 20 kilograms) for the palace.

The Empress Dowager, who adores milk oranges, was sent one dou.

The remainder, as per tradition, was mostly divided between the Empress and Chen Consort, with Ying Consort, Yun Consort, and Shu Consort also receiving some. However, consorts of lower ranks didn't get any.

Yet, there were exceptions,

For instance, Song Zhao, although only a Changzai, also received some.

The distribution of rewards by the Internal Affairs Department was recorded; Song Zhao couldn't hide this fact even if she wanted to.

But she handled it skillfully, sharing her milk oranges with other sisters in the palace, thus avoiding much jealousy.

When visiting Xiao Changzai, she peeled oranges while saying,

"Physician Chu has been treating you for over ten days now, and the scars on your face seem to have lightened considerably."

Handing a peeled segment to Xiao Changzai, she added, "Winter is approaching. I heard the plum blossoms in the Mei Garden are budding. The fifteenth of next month is the day for the imperial harem to enjoy the blossoms. Sister, you should come too."

"Why should I go?" Xiao Changzai, disinterested in the orange, placed it on the plate, "Everyone will be admiring the flowers; my presence would only be a downer."

"The Empress arrives~"

The announcement by the palace attendants preceded the Empress’s entry into the chamber.

Song Zhao and Xiao Changzai quickly rose to perform their respects, but the Empress kindly asked them to rise and then turned to Song Zhao, saying,

"You have been constantly by Xiao Changzai’s side these days, showing genuine care. I should have visited earlier, but knowing Xiao Changzai's reluctance to see people, I didn’t insist. Still, I’ve been concerned and always inquired about her condition from the physician."

Speaking softly, the Empress gently caressed Xiao Changzai's cheek, "It's healing nicely. Remember to watch your diet to aid the scar's recovery."

Xiao Changzai bowed slightly, expressing her gratitude, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

Later, as the three of them sat together, the Empress continued to show concern for Xiao Changzai, while Song Zhao respectfully remained quiet on the side.

Observing the Empress's kind and attentive demeanor, Song Zhao thought she truly embodied the phrase 'mother of the nation'.

The Empress took every incident in the harem to heart, treating everyone like sisters.

Yet, whether this was her true nature or a façade, Song Zhao couldn't discern.

Consider, for example, the Empress's recent remarks: at first glance, they seemed innocuous, but upon reflection:

She praised Song Zhao for sincerely accompanying Xiao Changzai daily, yet also mentioned knowing Xiao's reluctance to see people, hence her own absence.

Wasn't this implying that Song Zhao's care was an imposition?

Fortunately, Xiao Changzai wasn’t particularly astute,

Otherwise, she might have interpreted the Empress's words as suggesting Song Zhao's companionship was actually a burden.

The Empress, holding Xiao Changzai's hand, advised, "I understand the discomfort your injury brings. But remember, upon entering the palace, the Emperor, I, and many sisters here became your family. Who would shun their own kin?

Staying secluded with overthinking only harms you. If your heart feels uneasy, you may join me in Buddhist practices. Contemplating the teachings can bring inner peace."

With the Empress herself extending the invitation, what could Xiao Changzai say?

Having neglected to pay her respects to the Empress for over a half month was already a fault. Rejecting her kindness now would only worsen her standing in the palace.

Consequently, in the following days, while Xiao Changzai still refrained from formal visits, she would find time to join the Empress in reciting scriptures and practicing Buddhism after the daily greetings.

Recently, with Chen Consort laying low, Song Zhao once again became the most favored in the palace.

Emperor Xiao Jingzhang's fascination with her remained, treating her as a rare and cherished treasure, unwilling to let go.

Indeed, this afternoon, the palace office reported that Emperor Xiao Jingheng had once again chosen Song Zhao’s token for the night.

However, unlike before, when the palanquin stopped outside Yaohua Palace, it was led by Eunuch Zhang Jiugui.

As the head of the palace office, he usually only led the palanquin for a consort's first night of service or under special orders from Emperor Xiao Jingheng.

Thus, Song Zhao asked him, "Why are you here today, Eunuch?"

Zhang Jiugui, with a sycophantic smile, said: "I happened to be free today and thought I’d personally escort the mistress."

After speaking, he took out a hairpin from his robe and presented it to Song Zhao, "This hairpin is a gift from Noble Consort Chen. The Magnolia jade tassels on it are exquisitely lifelike. Your skin is so fair; it will look beautiful on you."

Song Zhao took the hairpin and grasped it in her hand, immediately understanding what was going on.

Zhang Jiugui was Noble Consort Chen’s man, and his words were essentially hers.

As for the magnolia, Song Zhao had already learned about the consorts' preferences and knew that the magnolia was Noble Consort Chen’s favorite flower,

It was said that Noble Consort Chen once danced under a magnolia tree when it was in bloom,

Captivating the setting sun, and thereby capturing Emperor Xiao Jingheng’s heart.

Now, by having Song Zhao wear the magnolia hairpin to serve the Emperor, Noble Consort Chen intended to evoke his memories of their past, hoping he would reminisce upon seeing the hairpin.

Since the last incident, almost a month had passed since Emperor Xiao Jingheng had seen Noble Consort Chen.

Song Zhao thought that the hairpin's arrival at this time must have a dual purpose:

The first, naturally, was to regain the Emperor’s favor.

The second, however, was also a test for her.

If Emperor Xiao Jingheng saw the hairpin today and still disregarded Noble Consort Chen’s overture, it would mean that Song Zhao now held significant sway in his heart.

In that case, Noble Consort Chen would surely become wary of her, even scheming against her.

Song Zhao swiftly went through these thoughts in her mind, then pretending to be oblivious, she smiled and pinned the hairpin in her hair, saying to Zhang Jiugui:

"Please convey my thanks to Consort Chen for this beautiful hairpin. I like it very much and will personally visit her palace tomorrow to express my gratitude."