Chapter 37: Night Visit to the Window

Chapter 37: Night Visit to the Window

He suddenly felt the urge to see her.

The Empress's expression grew even more sour.

Zhu Baolin was leveraging her pregnancy to curry favor, and the Noble Consort Yu was no easy mark either. Even if the Emperor had originally decided to sleep alone, now that the Noble Consort Yu had spoken up, the Emperor couldn’t easily dismiss her request and would surely indulge her wishes.

Seeing the Noble Consort Yu’s boldness, the Empress coldly said, "Yu He, go check on Zhu Baolin's pregnancy and summon the imperial physician to check on her. If she still feels unwell after the physician’s visit, bring her to my Phoenix Palace, and I will personally take care of her."

Shen Huai gave the Noble Consort Yu a casual glance and after a moment, said coolly, "Go to Yong'an Palace."

The Emperor’s procession headed toward Yong'an Palace, and the Noble Consort Yu bowed to the Empress as well, saying calmly, "I shall return to Yong'an Palace first."

The Empress nodded, looking at Zhu Baolin in the distance, and smirked to herself.

Zhu Baolin seemed meek and cautious, but in reality, she was deeply cunning. Fortunately, the Empress had long known of Zhu Baolin's ambitions and had deliberately placed her in the same palace as the Noble Consort Yu. With the Noble Consort Yu above her, Zhu Baolin would have to think carefully before scheming for favor.

Beside the sedan chair, Zhu Baolin bent over, clutching her stomach, visibly in discomfort. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she was slowly helped onto the sedan chair by her maid. Just as she sat down, she saw Yu He, the Empress's maid, approaching with Cui Mei. Her face immediately turned pale, "Why is Aunt Yu He here?"

Yu He looked at Zhu Baolin's face and said gently, "Her Majesty heard you weren’t feeling well and was worried it might be a sign of trouble with your pregnancy. She sent me to check on you and has already called for the imperial physician. If you still feel unwell, Her Majesty said you should come to Phoenix Palace to rest, and she will personally take care of you."

Zhu Baolin, pale-faced, looked at Yu He with some panic, "I just had a minor slip, but I'll be fine after the physician's visit. I dare not trouble Her Majesty."

Yu He gave a faint, cold smile, "That's exactly the point. Why would you bother the Emperor? The Emperor cares for you, and so does Her Majesty. Why did you bypass Her Majesty and go straight to the Emperor? If someone with malicious intent found out and accused you of disrespecting Her Majesty and using your pregnancy to seek favor, how would you explain yourself?"

She folded her hands and bowed slightly, adding a final reminder, "The Emperor rarely involves himself in the affairs of the inner palace; it is Her Majesty who makes the decisions. I suggest you concentrate on your pregnancy and not risk losing everything for little gain."

"Yes... I understand," Zhu Baolin stared at Yu He as she gradually disappeared, gripping the armrest tightly.

The Empress’s dispatch of Yu He was a clear sign of her displeasure. While it appeared she was comforting Zhu Baolin, it was actually a warning to stop trying to use her pregnancy to seek favor and to simply give birth to the child.

But why should she obediently give birth to the child and hand it over?

She refused to accept it!

After everyone had left, Zhu Baolin coldly asked, "Where did the Emperor go?"

Cui Mei lowered her head and said, "The Emperor went to Yong'an Palace."

Zhu Baolin's face lit up with joy, "He went to Yong'an Palace? Then let's hurry back, so the Emperor doesn't have to wait."

Hearing this, Cui Mei knew her mistress had misunderstood and stammered, "The Emperor went to the main hall of Yong'an Palace, to the Noble Consort Yu's quarters."

Zhu Baolin had heard some rumors about the Noble Consort Yu's entry into the palace, knowing she was no ordinary figure and had a special relationship with the Emperor since their youth.

But she had never expected the Noble Consort Yu to reside in the main hall of Yong'an Palace. Could it be that the Empress's renovations to Yong'an Palace were not for her and her unborn child but to welcome the Noble Consort Yu?

Zhu Baolin's face immediately darkened. All her quiet boasts about being relocated to Yong'an Palace were not for her benefit after all; she was just an afterthought. How infuriating!

The Empress...

Zhu Baolin narrowed her eyes. The Empress had only been slightly kind to her to use her. Zhu Wenrui would never willingly be a pawn.

No matter what, as long as the Emperor frequently visited Yong'an Palace, she would have another chance to regain his favor.

"Return to Huizhu Hall."

In the Tongxin Hall of Yong'an Palace.

Shen Huai lounged in the main seat, casually sipping a cup of light tea.

The Tongxin Hall, already bright and splendid, now exuded an added touch of elegance after renovations, making it quite fitting for Noble Consort Yu.

He briefly scanned the hall's decorations before calmly looking away, seemingly lost in thought.

As night fell, the golden osmanthus in the courtyard outside Tongxin Hall filled the air with a rich fragrance.

"Cousin,"

Noble Consort Yu appeared at the palace gate. As soon as she saw Shen Huai sitting in the inner hall, a faint smile appeared in her eyes. With a graceful motion, she lifted her skirt and stepped over the threshold, hurrying in with quick steps. She stopped just before him and performed a formal salute, saying, "Your servant greets Your Majesty."

Shen Huai patted the seat beside him and said softly, "You're already of age, yet you still act like a little girl."

Noble Consort Yu smiled, her eyes curving, "All of you, leave. I wish to speak with His Majesty alone."

With that, she happily sat beside the Emperor, her usually cool voice now tinged with girlish shyness, "Cousin, has it been a long time since we last saw each other?"

Shen Huai's eyes lowered slightly as he gazed at her. After a moment of thought, he said, "We have seen each other, but it's been years since we could sit and talk like this."

When the late Emperor was still alive, Xu Qingwu, the Empress's niece, was born into a noble family.

From childhood, she studied alongside the princes and princesses in the Imperial Academy. Under the Empress's care and because of their familial ties, she often entered the palace to accompany the Empress's daughter. Over time, she became acquainted with Shen Huai, who had been placed in the Empress's care after his mother's death.

At that time, Shen Huai had already been designated as the Empress's son, and by all accounts, he was considered Xu Qingwu's cousin.

Back then, Shen Huai, having just lost his mother and sister, was silent and highly guarded, paying little attention to Xu Qingwu.

However, even in his youth, Shen Huai had a striking appearance, and Xu Qingwu was unafraid of this so-called 'cousin.' She often entered the palace to stand up for him, bringing him food and clinging to him, always calling him 'brother.'

Years passed, and Shen Huai, as the only prince, was named Crown Prince. A few years later, he ascended the throne as Emperor. They never again saw each other as often as they had in childhood.

Now, the Emperor's temperament and demeanor had changed greatly from his younger days. From a neglected prince to a young Emperor ruling the world, the human warmth and strategic maneuvering he experienced could not be summarized in just a few words.

Yet, in Xu Qingwu's eyes, he remained the brother who would carry her back to the palace with a cold expression when she sprained her ankle.

Back then, she was just an innocent eight or nine-year-old girl, but now she had come of age and naturally became the Emperor's consort.

While waiting to enter the palace, though not physically present, Xu Qingwu was well aware of everything happening in the harem.

She knew who was favored and who had fallen out of favor, but no matter who it was, no matter how favored, Xu Qingwu believed her cousin was merely passing the time and would never truly invest his heart.

And she, in the Emperor's heart, was a unique existence, beyond compare.

Noble Consort Yu brought over a bowl of sobering soup from the side table, her eyes curving into a smile, "Cousin, would you like some? Qingwu will feed you."

Shen Huai tapped her forehead lightly, speaking casually, "Such tasks should be left to the servants. You've just entered the palace, and if there's anything you're not satisfied with, feel free to tell the Empress."

"Can't I tell you, cousin?" The Noble Consort Yu pouted her red lips, refusing to relent.

Shen Huai chuckled lazily, "I am busy with state affairs and cannot attend to every detail for you. The Empress manages the harem, so telling her is the same."

Seeing her expression turn dejected, he had no choice but to change his tone, somewhat helpless, "If I have free time, you can come and tell me."

Only then did the Noble Consort Yu smile again. She reached out to tug at Shen Huai's sleeve, shaking it gently, "Thank you, cousin."

She tilted her head slightly, looking at Shen Huai sitting beside her, feeling utterly delighted. Only then did she remember to take a closer look at the hall's appearance.

The Tongxin Hall was close to both the Fengyi Palace and the Yongshou Palace. She had often played in this area as a child, and now that she was living here herself, it felt particularly familiar.

Moreover, before entering the palace, her father had informed her that the Emperor had Yong'an Palace specially renovated for her mid-autumn arrival. Now, seeing it again, it was clear evidence of the Emperor's favor towards her.

Recalling her confusion upon receiving the decree today, Noble Consort Yu did not intend to keep this question in her heart and directly asked, "Why did Your Majesty bestow the title of Noble Consort upon me today?"

Shen Huai took a sip of tea, lowered his eyes, and said indifferently, "The title of Noble Consort still grants you the status of a palace mistress; it’s no slight."

"Moreover, you’ve just entered the palace and are already drawing attention. Granting you too high a rank might stir resentment among the other concubines."

Hearing that her cousin had her best interests in mind, Noble Consort Yu had nothing to complain about. She smiled, her crimson palace gown accentuating her snow-like complexion and painting-like features.

She gently leaned against his shoulder and said, "Will Your Majesty stay in Tongxin Palace tonight? After all, today marks my first day in the palace..."

Noble Consort Yu admired the Emperor and considered today particularly important, naturally hoping that the Emperor would accompany her on such a special night.

And then, they would become one, entrusting their hearts and bodies to each other.

However, Shen Huai only paused briefly, offering no response, his expression unchanged as he said, "I’ve had wine tonight, so I won’t be staying. You rest well."

With that, he stood up and walked out, instructing, "Take good care of Noble Consort Yu."

Tongxin Palace was immediately enveloped in silence.

Noble Consort Yu was momentarily stunned by the Emperor’s decisive refusal.

For Shen Huai, Noble Consort Yu was indeed different from the existence of other women.

He hadn’t forgotten the affection from their youth or her invaluable help, a rare kindness in times of need.

But Shen Huai mostly saw her as a younger sister, and indulging her was one thing. But treating her as an ordinary concubine and being intimate with her was out of the question.

The palace path in the dead of night was unnervingly quiet.

The bright moon hung like a jade wheel, its light as cold as water, the thin autumn wind swirling around, the faint drunkenness from the mid-autumn banquet faded quietly, leaving behind only a sobering chill.

Shen Huai looked up at the moon and suddenly remembered Su Jiaojiao, who had been downcast and low-spirited at the palace banquet, obedient and pitiful, making his heart stir slightly.

Then, uncontrollably, he felt a desire to see her.

He wasn’t sure if it was the wine or his already sour mood today, but in any case, he really wanted to see her now.

He longed to see her warm, gentle smile and to hold her as she cried softly in his arms.

Cai Shan bowed and asked, "Your Majesty, the night is late, and the dew is thick; take care of your health."

"Shall we return to Taiji Palace, or—" He stopped short, seeking the Emperor's intention.

However, the Emperor took a step forward and ordered indifferently, "No need to follow, do not make a sound."

Yong'an Palace was one of the four palaces closest to Taiji Palace. The palace path they were standing on was the main road connecting the four palaces. To the east, it led to Guanju Palace and Changle Palace.

Judging from the Emperor's direction, he was heading there. Was the Emperor going to see Noble Consort Mi, who had left the banquet early, or Noble Consort Lian, who had not served the Emperor for nearly a month and a half?

The person the Emperor chose to visit alone on such a night held no small place in his heart.

But the Emperor's heart is hard to fathom, even Cai Shan could not guess.

But since the Emperor wished to remain unnoticed, Cai Shan had no choice but to comply, so he shook his whisk and whispered, "Return to Taiji Palace, move quietly, do not disturb the masters' rest."

Pixiang Palace.

Su Jiaojiao was assisted by Yu Ying, who helped her remove her makeup and jewelry, cleanse her face, and apply light powder. She wore a pale green silk undergarment, reclining on a soft couch, nibbling on snacks.

Although the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet offered a lavish array of dishes, the flavors were bland and excessively oily, not as good as the usual meals. She never liked greasy food, so she had only taken a few bites and sipped some soup to fill her stomach. Back at Pixiang Palace, hunger pangs struck again.

Yu Ying prepared tea beside her and softly advised, "It's late, my lady. Eat lightly to avoid stomach discomfort."

She placed the teacup next to Su Jiaojiao and smiled, "Sip some tea to refresh yourself."

Su Jiaojiao consumed a small plate of milk cakes and drank half a cup of tea, finally feeling better.

She nonchalantly grabbed a book from nearby and started reading. Yu Ying couldn't help but say with a hint of helplessness, "My lady, tomorrow is the sixteenth, and you must go to Fengyi Palace to pay your respects. You drank wine today, shouldn't you rest?"

Su Jiaojiao held onto the book, unwilling to put it down, and smiled with curved eyes, "Just a bit longer, then I'll sleep."

Alone with Yu Ying, Su Jiaojiao truly became herself.

She didn't fawn over others, wasn't weak or easily bullied, wasn't cruel, and didn't wear any masks.

Her clear, beautiful eyes mirrored Su Jiaojiao reading in the Tai Chi Palace that day, causing Shen Huai to hold his breath.

He found it rather fascinating. Who was his Noble Consort Lian, always sparking something new in him?

Shen Huai had no intention of entering the palace. He glanced at her once more, smiled silently, and turned to depart Pixiang Palace.

Inside, Yu Ying put out the outside lights and brought in two candles, softly saying, "My lady, Ling Yun mentioned earlier that Yu Ye seemed upset."

"Yu Ye?" Su Jiaojiao looked up at her, "What's wrong with her?"

Yu Ying smiled, "According to Ling Yun, it seems because you now favor Ling Xiao, always taking me and Ling Xiao with you wherever you go, Yu Ye feels a bit left out. She's simple-minded and used to act a bit spoiled back at the mansion. Tomorrow, I'll coax her and explain things properly. It should be fine."

Su Jiaojiao nodded, as if remembering something, and said gently, "Yu Ye loves to eat, and now it's autumn, the crabs are at their fattest. Tomorrow, go to the Shangshi Bureau and find Aunt Liu. Discreetly give her some silver and request two large crabs for us. It shouldn't be a big deal."

Yu Ying responded with a smile, picking up the bedding from the floor, clearly happy for Yu Ye, "My lady has always been the most caring towards us, and it's still the same now. If Yu Ye finds out, she'll be overjoyed. I'll go and sleep now. You should also take care of your eyes and rest early."

Su Jiaojiao nodded, read for a while longer, and her thoughts began to drift.

With Noble Consort Yu entering the harem, the palace's situation would become even more chaotic.

Noble Consort Wang was in deep thought, Min Jieyu was still under house arrest, Lady Wen was raising the eldest prince, and Noble Consort Yu was the Empress Dowager's niece, with a past connection to the Emperor.

Among them, Noble Consort Mi was the most prominent.

Although Noble Consort Mi hadn't targeted her yet, the previous incident of losing her child was still because she had angered Noble Consort Mi. It was possible that Noble Consort Mi still held a grudge against her.

Noble Consort Mi had always been favored, and now, after losing her child, she could take advantage of the Emperor's pity to compete for favor without restraint. From her leaving the banquet alone tonight, it was clear that the Emperor was quite indulgent towards her.

With such a favored consort ahead, Su Jiaojiao could not afford to easily displease her.

With Talented Lady Jiang in front and Lady Yun behind, Noble Consort Mi was ruthless and held high authority. Dealing with a low-ranking consort was all too easy. If Su Jiaojiao offended her, it would be like creating another enemy, making her situation in the harem truly precarious.

She needed to find a way to reduce Noble Consort Mi's wariness towards her, and even better, gain some of her trust...

This way, she would have a backer and fewer enemies, achieving the best of both worlds.

But Noble Consort Mi lacked neither wealth nor status. What could possibly move her?

And how should she behave to make Noble Consort Mi not think she was too clever, yet still understand her occasional favor?

Su Jiaojiao looked thoughtfully out the window and had an idea.

The next day, the autumn sky was clear and the sunlight was bright.

The azure sky was swept clean and clear by the autumn wind, with clouds like cotton balls. A few pots of golden chrysanthemums were newly delivered to Pixiang Palace, blooming vigorously.

Su Jiaojiao, clad in a resplendent yellow palace gown, reclined gracefully on the couch, listening to Ling Xiao read.

After finishing a paragraph, she spoke softly, "Have you retrieved all the items I requested?"

Ling Xiao curtsied and said, "The Buddhist scriptures you had transcribed earlier are all well kept by Yu Ying in the storeroom. When we took them out this morning, the ink was still clean and smooth, as good as new."

Su Jiaojiao asked again, "When will the monk from Baoxiang Monastery enter the palace?"

"Three days later is the anniversary of the Empress Dowager's demise. The monk from Baoxiang Monastery will first perform rituals at Yongshou Palace and then go to the Buddhist hall to pray. If you wish to have the Buddhist scriptures stamped with the Buddhist seal, the best time would be after lunch that day."

"A calamity has occurred!"

While the two were talking, Xiao Songzi rushed in from outside, looking extremely anxious, "My lady, please go and see! Sister Yu Ying has been slapped and detained by Noble Consort Yu's attendants at the Shangshi Bureau. They are causing a commotion and demanding an audience with the Empress!"

"What?" Su Jiaojiao immediately opened her eyes and sat up, frowning slightly, "Yu Ying has always been composed, how could this happen?"

Ling Xiao hurriedly helped Su Jiaojiao put on her shoes and followed her out of the palace, whispering, "You went with Yu Ying, recount the events so my lady may devise a plan to rescue her!"

Xiao Songzi was furious, recalling the incident made him seethe with anger, "Sister Yu Ying had already agreed with Aunt Liu to reserve two plump crabs for our Pixiang Palace, they were covered with a bamboo basket and placed aside. All was well until that moment. But when Sister Yu Ying turned her head to get lunch with me, those two crabs were being carried by Lv Yao, Noble Consort Yu's maid, who claimed that Noble Consort Yu has a fondness for crabs and insisted on taking two additional ones."

"Autumn crabs are a delicacy, the number allocated to each palace is fixed, no more, no less. Aunt Liu didn't give us extra, she discreetly selected two prime ones for us. If Noble Consort Yu takes them all, there won't be any left for us. Sister Yu Ying thought of negotiating, proposing to exchange the crabs with Lv Yao for two lesser ones, merely to maintain harmony."

Xiao Songzi wished he could spit at Lv Yao, "However, Lv Yao was unyielding, insisting on seizing ours and even invoking Noble Consort Yu's authority. Sister Yu Ying refused, thus, she resorted to physical aggression. Aunt Liu witnessed the altercation and attempted to mediate, but Lv Yao didn't even respect Aunt Liu, declaring she would report to Noble Consort Yu and have her mete out severe punishment to Sister Yu Ying for her alleged insolence."

Xiao Songzi was so anxious he kept wiping the sweat from his forehead, "Noble Consort Yu was indulging in an extravagant luncheon, Lv Yao was accompanied by four attendants. They immediately detained Yu Ying. Perceiving the dire situation, I hastened back to apprise you. Had we delayed any longer, Sister Yu Ying might have already suffered the lash!"

Hearing this, Su Jiaojiao's voice turned cold and she quickened her pace, "I want to see what kind of person this Lv Yao is, daring to be so arrogant, slapping Yu Ying in public!"

As they approached the Shangshi Bureau, Su Jiaojiao's cold expression turned to one of worry and anxiety, looking fragile and hurriedly stepping over the threshold, calling out, "Yu Ying, Yu Ying?"

Seeing Noble Consort Lian had arrived, Aunt Liu hurriedly curtsied and said, "My lady, why have you come personally? Yu Ying is in the front courtyard, please follow me."

The front courtyard was already crowded with many Shangshi Bureau maids and eunuchs who had unfinished work, watching the scene.

Seeing Noble Consort Lian had arrived, everyone hurriedly curtsied and called out in unison, "Greetings to Noble Consort Lian."

The green-clad maid who had her back to Su Jiaojiao paused for a moment, her arrogant demeanor faltering for a second before turning into a look of confidence. She turned around and gave a perfunctory curtsy, "This maid greets Noble Consort Lian."

The crowd parted, revealing Yu Ying being held in the middle, her hair disheveled and her face covered in tears.

As the head maid of Pixiang Palace, Su Jiaojiao had always been favored and respected, and Yu Ying had never been in such a disgraceful state before.

Seeing Yu Ying's condition, Su Jiaojiao's heart ached, feeling a chill in her heart, but she only frowned and spoke softly, "What has my head maid done to be treated like this?"

Ling Xiao, very perceptive, helped Yu Ying up and shielded her behind her.

Su Jiaojiao then locked eyes with Lv Yao from the crowd and asked softly, "Are you Lv Yao?"

Author's note:

This Lv Yao really makes people's teeth itch with anger.