Chapter 7: Spring Banquet

Chapter 7: Spring Banquet

Shen Huai paused for a breath.

The next day, Zhu Wenrui was promoted to the rank of Deputy Court Lady (Cong Ba Pin Chong Yi) and was granted residence in Jingyi Pavilion of Yuxiu Palace, where she would share the palace with another beauty, Beauty Qi.

For nearly a month, the emperor favored newcomers who had entered the palace in the third year of the Tianyuan era. More than half a dozen ladies of selected rank were relocated from the Cold Palace (Yeting), but the three most notable were Lady Ji, Beauty Zhong, and Miao Yunu.

Lady Ji was the first to gain favor, as was expected.

Beauty Zhong had the highest initial rank among this group.

She was the legitimate daughter of the prestigious Zhong family, which held the title of Founding Duke, making her a part of Chang'an's undeniable elite. Her initial appointment was ostentatious, making her a dazzling pearl.

However, during this month, Lady Ji attended to the emperor twice, Beauty Zhong three times, but Miao Yunu had the most. Besides having the most attendances, she was also the first among the newcomers to receive a title.

Miao Yunu was a commoner from Yongzhou, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, with an unremarkable family background. However, the emperor was extremely fond of her, not only accompanying her the most but also frequently bestowing gifts, which made others resentful.

In mid to late March, when spring flowers were in full bloom, the empress announced to all palaces that a Spring Banquet would be held in the imperial garden. Activities included flower viewing, tea tasting, scenic appreciation, and kite flying, with all concubines of selected rank and above invited to attend.

On the day of the Spring Banquet, there was no need to pay respects to the empress. It began at Chen hour, and the emperor would also attend after his morning court.

Now that there were many concubines in the harem and the emperor favored newcomers, many concubines did not see the emperor for a year or more. The Spring Banquet was organized not only to enjoy the spring scenery but also to give other concubines a chance to be noticed.

Even if the emperor couldn't distribute his favors equally, having some opportunity was better than none at all.

Therefore, every year during the Spring Banquet, concubines from all the palaces would go all out to dress up and showcase their talents. If the emperor noticed them, regaining favor would be a matter of course.

In the Jiangyun Hall of Changle Palace.

Consort Mi sat in front of the bronze mirror, being attended to by Yu Ling and other palace maids for her hair and makeup. Her usually bright appearance now looked pale.

She looked listless, a hint of irritation furrowing her brows.

In past years, Consort Mi had been the most enthusiastic about the Spring Banquet. She was beautiful and deeply favored by the emperor, always appearing in grand attire to outshine the other concubines.

She came from a highly prestigious family and had the emperor's favor, so she feared nothing and even looked down on the empress.

But ever since her pregnancy, Consort Mi had suffered severe reactions, with unstable fetal conditions that often left her exhausted, unable to eat or sleep, and looking somewhat haggard.

With newcomers entering the palace, the emperor had clearly been neglecting her, and now she had lost all desire to attend.

Just because she was pregnant and had lost some favor, those women were probably gloating behind her back! How hateful!

Yu Ling carefully observed Consort Mi's expression as she selected a suitable hairpin, saying, "Your Highness, today is the Spring Banquet, and all the ladies are going all out to seek favor. It's a great opportunity to stand out. Shouldn't we dress to impress as well? The emperor has always favored you, and with the affection you've shared for three years, he won't ignore you just because he's temporarily favoring the newcomers."

Consort Mi sneered angrily, "Temporarily? Do you know it's been almost a month since the emperor last set foot in Jiangyun Hall? This pregnancy is really getting to me!"

Seeing Consort Mi lost in thought, Yu Ling quickly comforted her with gentle words, adding, "Your Highness, don't worry. Since it's inconvenient to compete for favor now, today's Spring Banquet is a great opportunity to promote newcomers! With all the concubines gathered and the emperor attending, as a high-ranking consort, you could casually mention someone to the emperor. Even if the emperor doesn't take notice, they'd still owe you a favor, wouldn't they?"

Yu Ling continued in a soft tone, "Just think about it—the empress and Noble Consort Wang have been out of favor for the past two years. Isn't this their strategy too?"

Consort Mi hesitated for a moment, and her growing anger gradually subsided.

When she first entered the palace, the factional lines were very clear. It was said that even before entering the palace, the empress and Noble Consort Wang had always been at odds with each other. After entering the palace, the empress had only a daughter, while Noble Consort Wang had the eldest prince, which intensified their rivalry.

The empress was the emperor's first wife and held a noble status. Noble Consort Wang was also from the prestigious Wang family, with a complex web of influence.

After entering the palace, Consort Mi was courted by both factions. But she was proud and detested being subservient, so she rose to the rank of consort and secured her position firmly in the harem.

But as Yu Ling often advised her, even if she didn't want other women around the Emperor, going it alone was not a sustainable approach, especially with so many newcomers entering the palace.

She still had to consider her own stakes...

Consort Mi suppressed the bitterness in her heart, clutching a pearl hairpin tightly with fervor, her fingertips turning white: "Go tell Selected Attendant Su to prepare for today! She is to meet the Emperor in the pear grove."

Recalling Xiao Shaoyi's recent visit to vent her grievances, Consort Mi sneered and said with resentment: "Although Selected Attendant Xiao is close to me and our families are aligned in the court, that's precisely why I must guard against her climbing up and overshadowing me! The four great families of Zhong, Xiao, Wang, and Yin are now all represented in the palace. How can I not be on guard!"

Junwu Pavilion:

Su Jiaojiao bowed gracefully and saw off the palace maid from the Jiangyun Hall who had come to deliver the message.

Her beautiful eyes showed a hint of determination as she stood at the door, silent for a long time.

With the opportunity to gain favor right before her, Su Jiaojiao was so calm, which made Yu Ying and Yu Ye anxious.

Yu Ying stepped forward and said: "Mistress, you will meet the Emperor today. Let's hurry and prepare! Yu Ye and I will help you change and redo your makeup. It will still take an hour or so."

After a moment of silence, Su Jiaojiao turned back with a faint smile: "Let's go."

She had been waiting for this moment for three years, but now that it had arrived, it felt somewhat unreal.

Having been a selected attendant for so long, she had grown accustomed to the desolation of being insignificant. Now, truly stepping into the fierce competition of the harem, she felt an indescribable emotion.

Su Jiaojiao was dressed and had her hair and makeup redone by Yu Ying and Yu Ye. Only after she was fully prepared did she set off for the pear grove.

The pear grove was located between the Imperial Garden and the Fengyi Palace, a long distance from the Yunhua Palace.

As a selected attendant, she could only walk. Estimating the time from the Junwu Pavilion, with a bit of preparation, the spring banquet would be in full swing by the time she arrived.

According to Consort Mi's message, the Emperor would return to the Taiji Hall from the spring banquet at noon and would surely pass through the pear grove. If she went to wait there, she would most likely meet him.

The palace dress she wore today was the same water-green color as the one from last time, intended to remind the Emperor of their encounter a month ago, but with a bit more thoughtfulness this time.

The spring scenery was beautiful, with flowers in full bloom.

The palace was filled with vibrant blossoms everywhere.

Her water-green wide-sleeved robe and light purple embroidered bodice moved gracefully with her steps, the wide sleeves light and flowing. Her makeup, in particular, was carefully done by Yu Ying.

As a selected attendant, she couldn't use high-quality cosmetics.

Yu Ying used self-made rouge for Su Jiaojiao. Not too heavy, just a light touch on her lips. Though not overly glamorous, it gave her a natural, delicate beauty that evoked pity.

As she left with Yu Ying and Yu Ye, she saw Ting Chun at the entrance of the Yunhua Palace, directing a maid to pour water under the osmanthus tree. Ting Chun's brows were tightly knit as she scolded sharply: "Hurry up! How unlucky!"

Su Jiaojiao glanced at her, shrinking back, unsure whether to approach or leave. The spring breeze blew her hair into disarray, adding a touch of delicate charm.

Ting Chun was furious at the sight of her.

This Selected Attendant Su seemed timid and fearful, but who knew she would climb onto Consort Mi's high branch and find an excuse to beat Talented Lady Jiang?

Beating her was one thing, but when the mistress was angry, she naturally took it out on the servants. The palace servants of the Hanxiang Hall had been complaining bitterly these past two days, and even Ting Chun had received several slaps from Talented Lady Jiang!

Ting Chun naturally knew about the spring banquet, but only selected attendants and above were allowed to attend. Why was she dressed so impeccably? Waiting for a chance encounter to seduce the Emperor?!

Ting Chun stared at Su Jiaojiao and sneered, making no move to bow.

Truly, appearances can be deceiving. She looks weak and honest, but she's just another fool dreaming of climbing high! What does it matter if she's allied with Consort Mi? She's still just a pawn! Thinking she can win favor with just her face—she doesn't even know how she'll die!

Ting Chun flung her handkerchief and angrily entered the palace gate.

Seeing her arrogant demeanor, Yu Ye’s round almond eyes flashed with anger. “What's with the arrogance? She’s just a servant, yet she dares to be disrespectful to our mistress!”

The soft expression on Su Jiaojiao's face vanished completely. She merely cast a cold glance at Hanxiang Hall and calmly left the room.

Her voice, though soft and melodious, carried words as sharp as deadly venom: “Why the hurry? For the past three years, Jiang Yimei has withheld and humiliated me. In the future, I will make them all pay back in full.”

We'll see.

Shen Huai lounged lazily on the dragon carriage, his expression casually indifferent.

The annual Spring Banquet was something he should have attended right after court. But lately, even the most beautiful women couldn’t stir his interest. If it weren’t for the Empress’s repeated insistence, he wouldn’t have bothered to leave Taiji Hall.

The stack of documents on his desk was as tall as a small mountain, and he had to review each one without delay to fulfill his duties as a wise ruler.

Seeing Shen Huai’s lack of interest and his preoccupation with state affairs, Cai Shan gently advised, “Your Majesty, no matter how busy the state affairs are, you must take care of your health. The spring weather is dry and prone to causing irritation. Staying cooped up in Taiji Hall isn’t the solution. The Empress has gone to great lengths to organize the Spring Banquet. It’s to enjoy the spring, but ultimately, it’s for your benefit. Today, all the ladies of the palace are gathered together, and it would be a good way for you to relax, wouldn’t it?”

Shen Huai lifted his eyelids to glance at him, a faint smile playing on his lips: “You think of everything.” Although he didn’t openly acknowledge Cai Shan’s concern, he felt somewhat reassured and temporarily set aside his worries.

With new people entering the palace, there was added amusement.

Each had different appearances and temperaments, and he often found them intriguing. Entering the harem indeed eased his frustrations.

Especially Miao Yunu, who stood out among them.

She always brought to mind the figure in the water-green dress from Yingzhou Island.

In fact, she wasn’t entirely like the silhouette he had in mind, but her eyebrows and eyes had a vague resemblance to what he had imagined.

Yet she was witty and lovely, and even this slight resemblance was enough for him to dote on her for a while.

They passed through the palace gate and, turning a corner, arrived at the pear grove.

The pear blossoms in the palace were in full bloom, their faint fragrance wafting through the air. Shen Huai passed under the trees, and snow-white petals drifted onto his hand.

Shen Huai picked up a pear blossom and crushed it between his fingers, a faint juice seeping out. His eyes lowered slightly, and he suddenly remembered that handkerchief he had inexplicably carried with him. He couldn’t help but pull out a faint smile.

“Mistress, do you think this one is good?”

A barely audible voice came from not far away, barely noticeable amidst the rustling leaves of the pear grove.

But Shen Huai’s hearing was sharper than most, and he heard it clearly.

He calmly lifted his gaze and slightly raised his chin, signaling the dragon carriage to move forward.

Cai Shan, seeing that the Emperor didn’t want to make a scene, flicked his horsetail whisk, signaling everyone to lower their voices, and the group quietly moved deeper into the pear grove.

Seeing the scene before him, Shen Huai’s breath caught in his throat.