Chapter 66: Serving by Beauty

Chapter 66: Serving by Beauty

Fan Xueyao looked up and recognized the three people as Yu Qianping, Lin Yueli, and Chen Duofu. They were the same three who had shared the courtyard with her during their time in the palace. Later, they had also received titles, but their ranks were not high, even somewhat low.

Lin Yueli was the highest-ranking among them, but she was only a Cairen. As for Chen Duofu and Yu Qianping, the former was a Cairen, and the latter was a Baolin. Cairen was the lowest rank within the official concubine hierarchy.

Lin Yueli, Yu Qianping, and Chen Duofu first bowed to Fan Xueyao. Then Lin Yueli smiled charmingly and said, "It's been a long time since we've seen you, Zhaoyi. How have you been lately?"

Fan Xueyao had a good impression of Lin Yueli. Although Lin Yueli was pretty, she lacked distinct features and did not receive much favor after entering the palace. She was granted the title of Cairen because of her family background and good manners. Fan Xueyao liked her mainly because she was tactful and considerate.

"Everything is fine," Fan Xueyao replied with a smile, lowering her head to adjust her son’s swaddling.

Lin Yueli's gaze naturally fell on the baby in Fan Xueyao's arms. Seeing the child's fair and plump face, his clear black eyes curiously looking at everyone, she found him very endearing. Her smile deepened as she said, "This little prince looks quite like you, Zhaoyi, especially those eyes; they seem to be carved from the same mold."

No mother dislikes hearing compliments about her child, and Fan Xueyao was no exception, especially when it came to her resemblance to her son. Her smile grew deeper as she exchanged a few polite words.

Seeing her reaction, the three of them breathed a sigh of relief.

They had come not just to greet Fan Xueyao but also with the intention of seeking her favor. However, despite their intentions, they felt uneasy. When they lived together in the same courtyard, Fan Xueyao seemed gentle and kind, but times had changed. Back then, she was merely the wife of a fifth-rank official, but now she was a Zhaoyi who had given birth to a son. It was natural for them to feel inferior.

As the saying goes: "The gates of the noble are deep and wide, how can old friends knock?" If they gathered the courage to visit, even if Fan Xueyao received them reluctantly, her cold demeanor would be embarrassing.

Living in solitude without favor was unbearable. Not only did their positions remain unchanged, but they also faced constant disdain from various departments. They needed some hope, otherwise, life would be dreary.

They did not seek favor from Fan Xueyao but wanted to get closer to her so that others would treat them with more respect.

With this intention, the three women showered Fan Xueyao with flattery and praise, complimenting both her and the little prince. Their soft voices rose and fell, drawing occasional glances from others. The scene was lively, and some people could not help but feel envious.

Suddenly, a woman dressed in a red silk dress, adorned luxuriously, let out a faint hum. With her delicate hand holding an ivory-handled fan, she glanced at Fan Xueyao and turned away dismissively.

The palace lady beside her, wearing a light yellow dress, glanced at Fan Xueyao and whispered, "She is just someone who serves by beauty. How can she compare to the noble and virtuous Jie Yu? Why should we take such a person seriously? Who knows what good fortune she accumulated in her past life to bear the little prince and gain some prominence."

Jiang Jie Yu, the woman in the red dress, smirked and said, "What do you mean by serving by beauty? Such words dirty our mouths and tarnish the reputation of the emperor."

Her tone was light, almost as if she was implying something else.

The words "dirty" and "tarnish" revealed her disdain for Fan Xueyao.

The palace lady in the light yellow dress understood Jiang Jie Yu's implication and smiled deeply, showing a hint of flattery.

Given the formal setting, they could not continue whispering, so after a few words, Lin Yueli and the others returned to their seats. Seeing their successful start, other concubines who wished to befriend Fan Xueyao also approached one by one, some awkwardly and some smoothly, offering pleasant words.

For all the compliments, Fan Xueyao responded politely. For the few who spoke sourly, she simply ignored them. After waiting for a while, all the concubines had arrived, and the doors of Cuihan Hall opened. A female official announced that the Empress Dowager and the Empress had arrived.

All the concubines quickly straightened their hair and clothes, and led by Fan Xueyao, they formed a neat formation to welcome them.

There was a triple throne on the dais, with a slightly lower throne to its left, reserved for the Empress Dowager and Empress Xu. Empress Xu helped the Empress Dowager to her seat, instructed the attendants to serve her carefully, and then sat down herself, ordering the servants to announce the opening performance and inviting the Empress Dowager to watch.

Fan Xueyao noticed the Empress Dowager's reluctance and sighed inwardly. The Empress Dowager had been ill for a long time and had come only because she was fond of her grandson. It was difficult for her to make the journey, let alone watch a performance.

Indeed, from a distance, Empress Dowager Wei frowned and waved her hand. Empress Xu looked disappointed but could not leave the Empress Dowager to watch the performance alone. She had carefully prepared the program, but the person she most wanted to impress was not interested. She stayed by the Empress Dowager's side, serving tea and water, showing filial piety.

The drums and gongs sounded, and the performance began. The young concubines, restless, began to move around.

Empress Dowager Wei noticed their restlessness and smiled, "Go ahead and watch the performance. You don't need to stay here with me. Enjoy the festivities."

The concubines hesitated briefly but, seeing the Empress Dowager's kindness, they gathered in groups to watch the performance.

Fan Xueyao was considering whether to go or not. Though she did not enjoy opera, it was rare entertainment in the palace.

Just as she was hesitating, Empress Dowager Wei called her over.

Fan Xueyao carried her son to the Empress Dowager, who was reclining on her throne, attended by several maidservants. Despite her makeup, her illness was evident.

Seeing her approach, the Empress Dowager smiled kindly and motioned for her to come closer.

Fan Xueyao smiled and leaned forward, presenting her son to the Empress Dowager. She should have handed the child over, but given the Empress Dowager's condition, she dared not burden her.

The Empress Dowager looked at her grandson, wrapped in a red blanket, and wanted to hold him but reconsidered due to her frailty. Instead, she gently touched the baby's warm, soft cheek, feeling the tenderness contrast sharply with her own rough, veined hand.

Empress Dowager Wei, at the pinnacle of power, envied the innocent joy of the baby.

Children are full of vitality, bringing joy to anyone who sees them. She, however, had lost her youth, like a flickering candle.

Fan Xueyao, noticing the Empress Dowager's melancholy, tickled her son's waist, causing him to giggle. The Empress Dowager's self-pity dissipated, and she smiled lovingly.

She lightly tapped the baby's forehead and said to Fan Xueyao, "What a wonderful child, so handsome and well-cared for. Chu Nan wasn't nearly as plump when he was this age. You've done a great job. I knew you were blessed when I first saw you."

Fan Xueyao smiled, "Thanks to Your Highness's blessings, the little prince is strong and lively. Even the wet nurses say he's easy to care for."

Empress Dowager Wei continued, reminiscing about Chu Nan's childhood, "He was always sick as a child, often with headaches and fevers. We had to be careful with his diet, sometimes even limiting his food to avoid digestive issues. Even then, he still had problems."

Fan Xueyao listened attentively, occasionally chiming in with comments or new topics to give the Empress Dowager a break.

Empress Xu, though watching the performance, kept glancing at the Empress Dowager and Fan Xueyao, worried that others might misunderstand her jealousy. She tried to hide her feelings, but her heart was heavy.

She had been married to the emperor for nearly a decade, serving the Empress Dowager diligently. Whenever the Empress Dowager fell ill, she would inquire about her health and personally attend to her. Even when the Empress Dowager occasionally complained about the lack of heirs, she never complained.

But she has done so well, yet the Empress Dowager has never been this affectionate towards her. Although the Empress Dowager is kind, she always feels there's a distance between them. In the past, she thought this was already the best relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. But since Fan Zhaoyi gained the Empress Dowager's favor, she realized it wasn't.

Empress Xu felt a sense of grievance. What virtue or ability does Fan Zhaoyi have to gain such favor from the Empress Dowager? Isn't it just because she gave birth to a little prince? Could it be that all these years of loyalty and affection mean less than a child who can't even speak?

The more she thought about it, the deeper her thoughts became, and an unusual expression inadvertently appeared on her face.

The lady-in-waiting beside Empress Xu had been closely observing her every move; it was her duty to remind and assist the Empress. Noticing this, the lady-in-waiting slightly leaned forward and whispered, "Your Majesty, are you feeling unwell?"

This was a subtle reminder. Empress Xu immediately realized she had shown an impolite expression and quickly composed herself, smiling slightly as she said, "No, I was just lost in thought." Then she focused her eyes on the stage and watched the performance.

Even if the Empress Dowager favors Fan Zhaoyi more than her, she is still the Empress.

Thinking this, Empress Xu smiled slightly.