Chapter 19: Meeting the Empress

Chapter 19: Meeting the Empress

A group of female officials stood in the main hall of Hongning Palace, listening to the faint sounds of panting and moaning that carried from afar. The younger and less experienced ones had flushed cheeks, trying to maintain a composed demeanor while their eyes darted around, occasionally meeting each other's gaze, only to find similar nervousness.

"SILENCE! What decorum is this in Hongning Palace?" Ge Shangqin frowned and whispered sternly. The female officials immediately quieted down, lowering their heads and refraining from any further fidgeting.

Ge Shangqin straightened her posture, exuding the authority of a senior official. She listened intently to the sounds coming from the inner chambers, realizing it would be some time before things concluded. She was quite surprised.

Although she had only started managing the emperor's bedchambers and the consorts' visits after his ascension, it had been three years now. She had always thought the emperor was indifferent to women, but today's display was completely unexpected. It seemed not that he was indifferent, but rather that the previous consorts were not of high enough quality to pique his interest. Now, with Consort Fan Xueyao, a beauty of unparalleled grace, the emperor was clearly invigorated.

Ge Shangqin felt elated. Having an empress favored by the emperor was a good thing; the palace had not seen good news for years, causing the empress dowager and the officials to worry. However, there was little they could do about it. The emperor would only summon a consort about ten times a month, and even then, the encounters were brief—about two quarters of an hour. During busy periods, he would skip them altogether, treating it merely as a physical need.

How could a man of his age lack the vigor typical of his peers?

It was no wonder none of the consorts had conceived. The emperor was already twenty-five and had only two princesses, which made the imperial lineage seem thin. If only there were a prince, there would be hope. This time, the empress dowager had repeatedly urged the emperor to agree to the selection of new consorts. She had also instructed Ge Shangqin to observe which consorts the emperor favored and arrange more frequent visits, hoping for a prince soon.

When Fan Xueyao opened her eyes, it was already bright outside.

"Consort Fan has risen?"

As soon as she sat up, the nearby palace maids noticed and rushed over to help her get dressed. Despite her initial reluctance, Fan Xueyao, having experienced intimacy thrice, felt extremely sore and weak. Her legs felt like noodles when she stepped on the ground, but the maids supported her steadily without any fuss.

"The emperor has ordered that if Consort Fan rises, she may bathe in fragrant water before returning to Spreading Fragrance Hall," said Ge Shangqin, who had hurried over upon hearing Fan Xueyao had awakened. Two maids behind her held new clothes.

Fan Xueyao nodded, appreciating the gesture. A bath was just what she needed, especially since she was still exhausted. Last night's hasty bath had only washed away sweat, leaving her feeling unsatisfied. And then the emperor had pulled her back into bed again.

The large lacquered bathtub, capable of accommodating three or four people, was filled with half a tub of fragrant water, emitting a pleasant aroma. Fan Xueyao leaned against the backrest, her eyes half-closed, enjoying the warmth and comfort. Two maids massaged her shoulders, applying just the right pressure, making her feel even more relaxed.

No wonder these maids served the emperor; their skills were better than those of her own attendants, Yan Ran and Leng Xiang. It was truly enviable. Why did she have to be reborn as a woman? If she had been a man, perhaps she could have become an emperor herself.

Of course, that was just a joke. Starting a rebellion or seizing power was no easy feat. She had patience, but such endeavors required too much trouble and luck. Being a consort and giving birth to a son to become an empress dowager seemed easier. With proper planning and fortune, she might even ascend the throne as an empress regnant!

After a long soak, Fan Xueyao redressed and was escorted back to Spreading Fragrance Hall. Chun Tao and Feng Yun waited at the entrance, leading all the palace staff to kneel as she arrived.

The hall had been freshly cleaned, and the kitchen had prepared a table of delicate snacks, anticipating her hunger. As soon as she entered, Hua Ping and Qiao Qiao helped her sit down and asked, "Consort, it's early. Shall we serve you some snacks before heading to the empress's palace?"

Fan Xueyao, feeling hungry, nodded. "They are thoughtful. Serve them."

Xiaojin and Xiaohong brought in basins, pots, towels, fragrant ointments, and soap, ready to assist her with washing. Fan Xueyao waved them off before they approached. "Take them away. I've already bathed in Hongning Palace."

Hearing this, Xiaojin and Xiaohong beamed. "The emperor treats Consort Fan so well."

Zhu Zhu, who had brought tea, smiled as she handed it to Fan Xueyao. "I've never heard of any consort receiving such treatment before. Usually, they are taken back right after serving the emperor or early the next morning."

Fan Xueyao narrowed her almond-shaped eyes and leaned against the armrest, exuding a lazy elegance that dimmed the surrounding light. Her every gesture and smile revealed a natural allure, making everyone blush. No wonder the emperor treated her differently after just one night. Even as women, they found her captivating.

Ignoring the envy and jealousy among the maids, Fan Xueyao pondered something else. Zhu Zhu was right; usually, consorts were taken back immediately after serving the emperor or early the next morning. However, Zhu Zhu didn't mention that the empress was an exception.

Emperor Chu Nan seemed indifferent to women, unlike most emperors who summoned consorts to their chambers. He preferred to visit the consorts' quarters, except for the empress, whom he visited regularly.

Fan Xueyao considered the empress her greatest rival. The empress was legitimate and had the advantage. To win the emperor's favor, she had to compete with the empress. Her mother, Li Rong, had attended royal banquets and audiences, but her status was low due to her father's rank. Thus, her mother had only glimpsed the empress from afar, leaving a vague impression.

She had casually asked her mother about the empress, receiving vague praise about her beauty and grace. But such compliments often contained flattery, and only a real encounter would reveal the truth. Today, she would pay respects to the empress, finally getting a chance to assess her.

Lost in thought, the kitchen brought in snacks: four-colored steamed buns, sweet dew cakes, four-color soup, and a dish of cherry preserves. Fan Xueyao, tired from the night before, preferred something light. The non-greasy dishes suited her taste perfectly.

After eating two buns and sipping some soup, she gestured for the food to be removed.

"Shall Consort go to Chiaofang Palace now?" Qiao and Xiang helped her wash her hands, while Hua Ping offered tea.

Fan Xueyao rinsed her mouth and nodded. "Help me dress and style my hair."

"What hairstyle does Consort prefer today?" Hua Ping asked, unsure of her preferences.

After considering the styles, Fan Xueyao replied, "A simple Suoyun hairstyle. It's late, and we shouldn't be late for the empress's breakfast."

"Understood."

After dressing and styling her hair, Fan Xueyao checked the time, finding it still early. Taking a deep breath, she left a few maids behind and headed to Chiaofang Palace with the others.

In Chiaofang Palace, the empress had learned from the historical records that Chu Nan had summoned the first new consort. Already dressed, she awaited the new arrival. This wasn't her first time receiving a new consort, but she still felt uneasy. She knew that as the emperor, he must take new consorts, and her husband was far better than many past emperors.

Entering Chiaofang Palace, Fan Xueyao was greeted by the fragrance of musk and orchids. Several dozen maids wearing blue embroidered robes bowed as she entered. She acknowledged them and approached the empress, bowing deeply before taking her seat.

Empress Xu was in her early twenties, with above-average beauty. Her elaborate hairstyle revealed an oval face, fair skin, triangular eyes, and thick, long eyebrows painted with black ink. Her lips were painted into the popular small cherry shape.

Aside from the unappealing eyebrows, Empress Xu was quite beautiful, though her small eyes and under-eye bags made her look older and less vibrant. Whether this was natural or due to lack of sleep, it was hard to tell. Her makeup was fashionable, indicating she valued appearance.

While Fan Xueyao observed the empress, the empress studied her. At first glance, she found Consort Fan exceptionally beautiful. She had heard rumors about a particularly lovely lady named Fan, and now seeing her, she confirmed her beauty.

Dressed modestly, Fan Xueyao wore a light-colored bodice partially covered by a yellow embroidered robe, revealing a green skirt. Her hair was adorned with a few small flowers and a jade hairpin, with matching earrings.

Her slender figure and graceful demeanor lacked the immaturity typical of her age, instead exuding a refined elegance. The empress, as the wife, found it hard not to admire her, understanding why the emperor had kept her overnight in Hongning Palace.