Chapter 36: Consort Yu Gui

Chapter 36: Consort Yu Gui

"Cousin, I have something to tell you."

Hearing the voice, everyone in the hall couldn’t help but look toward the entrance, eager to catch a glimpse of the Empress Dowager’s niece, who was the subject of much wariness.

As the palace doors opened, the leading lady was dressed in a crimson palace gown, which accentuated her fair complexion. Her soft hair and delicate features marked her as a rare beauty.

Even among the many beauties at the Mid-Autumn banquet, she was one of the most striking.

No wonder the palace’s leading ladies spoke of her with such caution.

Su Jiaojiao glanced over and then naturally turned her attention back to the Emperor.

He watched as Xu Qingwu approached, a smile on his face, though it wasn’t one of delight. Upon closer look, there was no joy at seeing a beloved, but rather a complex expression she couldn’t quite read.

Su Jiaojiao grew curious about their relationship.

Consort Shu glanced over and, seeing Su Jiaojiao distracted, thought she might feel threatened, and whispered, "She’s beautiful, but I think you’re more so."

Su Jiaojiao was slightly taken aback and couldn’t help but smile softly, "Sister Consort Shu always knows how to make me smile."

Naturally elegant and charming, her simple yet refined attire made her smile under the lantern light especially beautiful.

Shen Huai caught this scene.

To Shen Huai, Su Jiaojiao had always been respectful and obedient, delicate and shy in public, yet endearing in private.

But now, while everyone else seemed affected by Xu Qingwu, she seemed indifferent, her smile inexplicably displeasing Shen Huai.

Yet, he couldn’t figure out why he was displeased.

By then, Xu Qingwu had approached and performed a grand salute to the Emperor and Empress. Only then did he lazily look up and say, "Rise."

Cai Shan personally took the Empress Dowager’s edict from Xu Qingwu, presenting it to Shen Huai with both hands.

The edict had been decided long ago, and Shen Huai knew it well. Now, it was just a formality to officially bring Xu Qingwu into the palace.

He nodded calmly, "Cai Shan, announce the decree."

Then, Cai Shan held out a bright yellow imperial decree and proclaimed loudly before the hall, "By the decree of Heaven—the Emperor proclaims—the second daughter of the founding marquis, Xu Qingwu, virtuous and gentle, favored by the Empress Dowager, is hereby invited into the palace, conferred the title of Consort of the Third Rank, with the title 'Yu', so decreed—!"

Below, Xu Qingwu’s brows furrowed slightly.

Though puzzled, Xu Qingwu couldn’t openly question why her cousin had only granted her a third-rank position in front of the crowd. She still performed a perfect grand salute, accepted the decree, and said gracefully, "Your servant thanks Your Majesty for your great favor."

Once the formalities were over, the banquet gradually became lively again. The Empress smiled and said, "Yu He, show Consort Yu to her seat."

She said gently, "You’ll sit to the left of Lady Wen."

Consort Yu nodded, first glancing at the Emperor seated in the center, then straightened her back and took her seat at the banquet.

Consort Mi watched Consort Yu below and the gentle Empress beside her with a cold, mocking smile.

When the Emperor was first assigned to the Empress Dowager by the late Emperor and had not yet been named Crown Prince, the Empress Dowager, to solidify this fragile mother-son relationship, personally selected the current Empress to be his consort.

Now, she has again brought her niece, just of age, into the palace from her maternal family, fearing that the Emperor might forget to favor the Empress Dowager’s maternal family, the founding marquis’s household.

But what does it matter even if she enters the palace?

How does His Majesty regard the innocent affection from childhood, and how much of it does he still recall?

The Empress is keen to win over Noble Consort Yu, arranging everything for her, but it's unclear if Noble Consort Yu appreciates her efforts.

Noble Consort Mi raised a cup of wine and downed it in one swift motion, her eyes icy.

Regardless of who it is, no one should obstruct her path.

The hall was alive with music and dance, and Shen Huai mingled and drank with the guests, fostering a congenial atmosphere.

Soon, palace maids from the Liangyi Hall entered from both sides, bearing an array of delicacies for the guests. The tables overflowed with dishes, creating a lavish banquet.

After a round of toasts, even Su Jiaojiao, who rarely drank, had a faint blush on her cheeks.

Her eyes sparkled as she gazed at His Majesty from afar, but when he didn't glance her way, she lowered her gaze in disappointment, clutching her tea, lost in thought.

Shen Huai drank a cup of warm wine and happened to catch Su Jiaojiao's downcast expression as she looked away from him.

She seemed to have had some wine, her fair skin tinged with pink from her cheeks to her ears. She didn't speak to anyone, nor did she look up, just sat there quietly holding a porcelain cup, lost in thought.

She looked both pitiful and endearing, like a neglected kitten.

Had she had too much to drink?

Shen Huai thought for a moment, then casually instructed, "Prepare some sobering tea for Noble Consort Lian."

The Empress, overhearing, was momentarily startled but then smiled gently, "Your Majesty's care for Noble Consort Lian is indeed her blessing."

"Thankfully, Noble Consort Mi has made a full recovery. Noble Consort Lian's month of prayers at the summer retreat has redeemed her past errors, and she has once again earned Your Majesty's favor."

As soon as she finished speaking, Noble Consort Mi, standing nearby, grew furious.

"Empress, your words are sweet, but you speak too easily for others," Noble Consort Mi retorted coldly, her eyes icy, "One might think it was you who nearly died during the miscarriage, not me."

Brimming with resentment, Noble Consort Mi didn't mince words with the Empress.

She stressed the word "me," glaring coldly at the stunned Empress, increasingly convinced that this Mid-Autumn family banquet was utterly absurd. She rose and announced, "Your Majesty, Shihuai is unwell and will retire to rest."

With that, she bowed to His Majesty and left the Liangyi Hall without a second glance.

Publicly humiliated by Noble Consort Mi, the Empress turned ashen.

But with His Majesty present and no rebuke for Noble Consort Mi, she stifled her anger and told Shen Huai, "I hadn't realized Noble Consort Mi still harbored such strong feelings. It was my oversight."

Shen Huai sipped his wine calmly, "Noble Consort Mi lost her child recently. It's natural for her to be emotional. You've always been magnanimous; there's no need to take it personally."

After all, he had cherished Noble Consort Mi for years, and she had always valued his words deeply.

Losing her first child was a crushing blow, and her occasional outbursts were understandable.

During the banquet, a maid discreetly brought sobering soup to Su Jiaojiao's table, noticed by several nearby concubines.

She glanced up, surprised, and murmured, "Did His Majesty send this for me?"

Consort Shu, concerned Su Jiaojiao might speak out of turn while intoxicated, quickly interjected, "Just leave it. Noble Consort Lian may have overindulged. I'll thank His Majesty for her."

The maid nodded, set the soup before Su Jiaojiao, and departed with a curtsy.

Su Jiaojiao sipped with a silver spoon. Though the medicinal soup was bitter, she savored it, smiling as she said, "I'm not drunk." Consort Shu eyed her skeptically, thinking Su Jiaojiao seemed off but knowing she was too composed to get drunk here. She asked doubtfully, "Really?"

Su Jiaojiao responded softly, lowering her eyes and saying, "His Majesty has his eyes on me."

At these words, Consort Shu immediately stiffened, pausing for a moment before naturally picking up her chopsticks to serve herself some food.

Indeed, a woman as astute as Su Jiaojiao would never get drunk at a family banquet. Feigning drunkenness was likely a tactic to win His Majesty's sympathy.

It was a move that even she didn’t see coming.

Not far away, Talented Lady Xiao, seeing that His Majesty had bestowed the sobering broth solely upon Su Jiaojiao, felt even more indignant. She was about to drink another cup of wine to drown her sorrows but then remembered her current lack of favor and that her cousin, Consort Mi, rarely interacted with her. She angrily raised her voice, "It’s not just her who’s been drinking, so why is she the only one acting so pretentious!"

The hall was now filled with music and dance, and although Talented Lady Xiao's voice was loud, only a few tables nearby could hear her, so it didn't attract much attention. Only a few people glanced over.

Talented Lady Xiao was arrogant, relying on her family background and her relationship with Consort Mi to act haughtily in the palace, which didn't earn her many friends.

She tried to stir up resentment against Su Jiaojiao, but no one backed her up, making her look foolish.

Seeing no one echo her sentiments, Talented Lady Xiao felt embarrassed and instinctively called out to Beauty Zhong, the only person she somewhat respected, "Beauty Zhong, don’t you think so?"

Beauty Zhong had a cool temperament and was never on the same page as Talented Lady Xiao. Suddenly being addressed, she elegantly sipped her tea and said calmly, "Noble Consort Lian holds a higher rank than both of us. You’re being disrespectful; don’t involve me in this."

Humiliated in public, Talented Lady Xiao’s face flushed with anger, "You’re so high and mighty, defending her, but I don’t see her caring about you!"

Beauty Zhong was naturally quiet and had never liked Talented Lady Xiao's character. Now, seeing her making a fuss over a trivial matter in public only increased her displeasure.

This was the first time she wasn’t celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival at home.

As the eldest daughter of the Zhong family, Beauty Zhong had always been doted on at home, treated like a star. Now, in the palace, not only could she not see her parents, but she also had to endure such behavior from Talented Lady Xiao on such a festive occasion, which worsened her mood.

She put down her cup and glanced at Talented Lady Xiao, "Talented Lady Xiao, if you don’t stop, I’ll tell the Empress that you’re being disrespectful and insubordinate. With His Majesty here today, the Empress will surely punish you publicly."

"You!" Talented Lady Xiao nearly stood up, ready to confront Beauty Zhong. Luckily, her maid stepped in, calming her down and avoiding a scene.

A few tables away, Su Jiaojiao lazily propped her head up, looking towards Beauty Zhong and Talented Lady Xiao, and said to Consort Shu with a smile, "Beauty Zhong usually seems so distant, but today she’s actually kind of interesting."

"Even a rabbit will bite when cornered, let alone Beauty Zhong, who comes from a noble family and has always had a proud demeanor," Consort Shu followed her gaze and said softly, "Talented Lady Xiao is so restless and troublesome; she’s bound to cause trouble sooner or later."

The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet was in full swing, lively and bustling with activity.

Meanwhile, in a secluded corner of the palace, it was as quiet as a deserted wasteland.

The autumn night wind rustled, a gust sweeping up fallen leaves in the courtyard, with only the soft rustling sound. The palace was run-down and gloomy, covered in spider webs and crawling with insects, the dim interior reeking of mildew.

Due to the festival, the guards on duty at the Cold Palace had received imperial rewards and were taking turns to relax and have a drink, making their watch somewhat lax.

"I’m Xue Ling, a maid from the Empress’s side, sent by Her Majesty to bring some Mid-Autumn Festival food to Lady Jiang," a maid in a black cloak carrying a food box and a palace lantern approached the palace gate, showing the Empress's token.

The two guards on duty glanced at it and then smiled respectfully, "The Empress is so kind and generous, even remembering the abandoned consorts in the Cold Palace; it’s truly a blessing."

Xue Ling smiled politely, neither confirming nor denying, then took a jug of wine from the food box and handed it to one of the guards, "It’s getting chilly in autumn; warm yourselves up. I’ll be out soon after I go in."

"Since it's the Empress’s order, you may enter, just make it quick," the guard readily opened the door, making way for her.

Xue Ling gave a slight bow, lifting her skirt as she stepped into the Cold Palace.

The Cold Palace was unlit, engulfed in darkness. Xue Ling walked softly with the palace lantern, stepping on something that caused a mouse to squeak and scurry away, making the night even more eerie and terrifying.

"Lady Jiang?" Xue Ling called out tentatively, raising the lantern to find the door, covering her mouth with her cloak as she pushed it open.

A foul, cold stench hit her face, and Xue Ling's complexion turned slightly pale. She had been sent to find Lady Jiang, wanting to deliver the message and leave this horrifying place as quickly as possible, but she couldn't find her anywhere.

But Xue Ling knew that there was no place for her to go now; she must be hiding in some corner, fearing that Xue Ling was someone who wanted her life.

Xue Ling simply stopped walking, placed the food box on the ground, and softly said, "Lady Jiang, it's quite pitiful for you to be alone in the cold palace on this Mid-Autumn Festival. My lady is kind-hearted and specially asked me to bring you some good wine and dishes from the palace. You should cherish them."

"You must be used to the rotten food in the cold palace. If you can't enjoy these good things, then I'll just take them away and throw them out."

"Don't worry, there's no poison in here."

Seeing no response, Xue Ling pretended to open the food box.

Just as she bent down to act, a disheveled and skinny figure quickly darted out from one side, swiftly grabbed the food box into her arms, and started tearing into the honey-glazed pork knuckle inside.

Xue Ling barely concealed a frown, raised the palace lantern to her face, confirmed that this woman, who was eating like a hungry wolf with no manners, was the former Lady Jiang, then lowered her voice and said, "Is it to your liking?"

Lady Jiang, who hadn't had a full meal for who knows how long, ate quickly from the food box, shoveling large chunks into her mouth. Her nails had grown very long, now greasy and dirty from the oil, utterly repulsive.

Getting no response, Xue Ling didn't intend to waste any more words, softly saying, "Lady Jiang, I came today not only to bring you some food but also because my lady feels pity for you."

"You were once a long-time resident in His Majesty's mansion, not only did you not gain favor, but you were also outshone by Noble Consort Lian, and now you've been sent to the cold palace. It's truly heartbreaking."

Mentioning Noble Consort Lian, Lady Jiang paused her eating.

Seeing it was effective, Xue Ling continued to persuade, "Coincidentally, my lady now also bears a deep grudge against her, wishing her dead. If Lady Jiang is also unwilling to be harmed to this extent by her, why not listen to my lady's words and seek your revenge."

"If Lady Jiang is willing, my lady is naturally willing to send good wine and dishes every day, ensuring your life is no longer so bleak..."

Lady Jiang was stunned for a while, then with difficulty swallowed the food in her mouth, her hoarse voice unpleasant: "I naturally want that wretch dead."

"But I'm in the cold palace, what can I do?"

Seeing her persuaded, Xue Ling gently smiled, "That depends on Lady Jiang's resolve."

"What are you planning!" Lady Jiang's head suddenly lifted, staring at Xue Ling in the dark night, trying to see her true identity under the black cloak.

"My lady said, if Lady Jiang has the heart, then your parents and clan, my lady can look after them for you. Before the deed is done, she will also send good food every day, making your life comfortable and pleasant, until that day." Xue Ling's voice was very soft, in the chilly autumn wind, like a specter, with a mesmerizing power: "Actually, you should think carefully. Such a grave crime, even if not death, living would also affect your clan... Besides, His Majesty would never show mercy to release you from the cold palace. Is living in the cold palace better than dying with dignity, enjoying life before death, isn't it?"

Lady Jiang listened in a daze, suddenly rushed forward, glared at Xue Ling, her hoarse voice excitedly retorted, "If I do it and His Majesty finds out, I will still die a gruesome death, bringing ruin to my clan. Don't try to deceive me!"

Xue Ling was startled by her, hastily stepped back, saying, "If we really join hands, my lady will naturally consider these. Lady Jiang, if you are afraid of death, unwilling to fight for yourself, my lady and I will not force you. Anyway, this is the only chance. Whether you want to take a gamble or let yourself rot in the cold palace, you choose."

After saying that, Xue Ling picked up the food box from the ground with a handkerchief, pretended to leave. Lady Jiang indeed stopped her, asking, "Is what you promised just now true?"

Xue Ling said indifferently, "My lady's word is as good as gold, naturally true."

"Who is your lady? The Empress, or Noble Consort Wang! Or who?"

Xue Ling softly said, "You don't need to know. When it's time to act, someone will inform you."

"During this time, you should rest and gather your strength in the cold palace."

After saying that, Xue Ling quietly left the cold palace with the palace lantern and food box, her figure gradually disappearing into the darkness.

The moonlight thickened, the luxurious and noisy Mid-Autumn family banquet also came to an end.

In the Two Rituals Hall, His Majesty had drunk a bit more today, his eyes already somewhat unclear.

The Empress took this scene into her eyes, gently asking on the side, "Your Majesty, shall we go back and rest?"

Today is the fifteenth, according to the rules, it should be the Empress's night to serve. But today is special, it's the first day of Noble Consort Yu entering the palace. His Majesty's thoughts are unpredictable; it's uncertain what choice he will make.

Although Consort Yu Gui was the niece of the Empress Dowager, the Empress, as the head of the central palace, naturally did not want to be overshadowed even today.

Therefore, she casually mentioned it to the Emperor while he was drunk, hoping he would remember that he was supposed to spend the night in the Phoenix Palace.

But when he heard this, the Emperor remained silent for a while and then said indifferently, "I will return to the Taiji Hall tonight."

The Empress paused for a moment but quickly smiled graciously and said, "Very well, Cai Shan, come and escort His Majesty back to the palace."

Even though her hopes were dashed, the Emperor sleeping alone in the Taiji Hall was far better than spending the night with Consort Yu Gui.

Consort Yu Gui was a new concubine, and if she were to serve the Emperor tonight, it would be a direct slap in the face to the Empress. If the Emperor went to the Phoenix Palace, it would also make Consort Yu Gui dissatisfied.

So, sleeping alone was the best solution.

As it was getting late, Shen Huai casually said a few words, encouraging everyone to enjoy themselves, and then he and the Empress stood up and left the banquet first.

When they saw the Emperor was about to leave, the concubines and royal family members naturally did not wish to stay longer. They stood up one by one, said their goodbyes, and gradually left the Liangyi Hall.

Shen Huai had just stepped into the imperial carriage in front of the hall, resting his head on one hand and closing his eyes, preparing to take a nap back in the Taiji Hall.

Not far away, Zhu Baolin suddenly bent over, appearing very uncomfortable. Shortly after, her maid Cui Mei came running over anxiously and said, "Your Majesty, my lady nearly fell while coming down the steps earlier. She’s shaken up and might be having some pregnancy complications. Please go and see her."

The Empress, who had just boarded her phoenix carriage beside Shen Huai, paused, her eyes showing displeasure.

As the Empress, she was still present, yet Cui Mei had blatantly ignored her. Whether it was truly a pregnancy issue or an ulterior motive, Zhu Baolin herself probably knew best.

Shen Huai, still somewhat drunk, was slow to react.

Before he could say anything, Consort Yu Gui gracefully approached, her gentle and clear voice saying, "If Zhu Baolin is unwell, she should call for a physician, or at least inform the Empress. Why did you go straight to His Majesty?"

She did not spare Zhu Baolin's feelings, slightly raising her head and calling out to the Emperor with a calm expression, "Cousin, I have something to say to you."

Author's note:

Consort Yu Gui is a master at detecting pretentiousness.