Chapter 55: Celebrating the Emperor’s Birthday

Chapter 55: Celebrating the Emperor's Birthday

The Emperor and His Consorts

Talented Lady Xiao stared in disbelief at Su Jiaojiao, completely unprepared for Su Jiaojiao not only ignoring her tactics but also completely disregarding her. Most importantly, not only did Su Jiaojiao turn a deaf ear, but the Emperor also paid no attention to the veiled sarcasm in her words hinting at Su Jiaojiao's ulterior motives.

She watched in astonishment as Su Jiaojiao, with a sweet smile, gracefully approached the Emperor, coquettishly asking if the flower she had picked was beautiful. Su Jiaojiao's delicate and charming demeanor made Talented Lady Xiao feel an indescribable emotion, a mix of frustration and anger that lodged in her chest, neither rising nor falling, and burning fiercely.

The Emperor, being the Son of Heaven, had seen countless people. How could he possibly favor such blatant attempts to win his affection? He should prefer women who are both beautiful and talented, with both inner and outer refinement.

No matter how beautiful Su Jiaojiao was, she was merely a superficial, flirtatious woman, unworthy of being compared to the prestigious Xiao clan. Talented Lady Xiao scorned her!

Her heart was filled with bitterness, and she clenched her teeth in frustration, thinking that the Emperor could never like someone like Su Jiaojiao.

But to her surprise, the Emperor's gaze lingered on the red plum blossom briefly before settling on Su Jiaojiao, gazing at her intently: "Beautiful."

Hearing this, Talented Lady Xiao abruptly looked up at the Emperor, shocked and disbelieving.

How could this be...

Her mother had always taught that beauty was only skin-deep. To stand out among the many beautiful faces, a woman must reveal her inner qualities to capture a man's heart.

She also advised that even if a woman had feelings for someone, she must always remember to be reserved and never throw herself at a man, or she would only be looked down upon.

But now, Su Jiaojiao was being so forward, and the Emperor seemed to favor her even more than Talented Lady Xiao.

She had always held her mother's words firmly in mind, suppressing her own willfulness and arrogance, presenting herself as gentle and respectful before the Emperor, showcasing only her talents and virtues, hoping that the Emperor would notice her brilliance and treat her differently.

Just moments ago, the Emperor had praised her for appreciating the plum blossom's integrity, so why was he so taken with Su Jiaojiao's overt flattery?

Could it be that all she had always believed in was wrong?

Talented Lady Xiao was struck by this realization, her expression dazed and bewildered.

She heard the Emperor's voice soften as he gazed down at Su Jiaojiao and asked, "Did you come here because you also like plum blossoms? It seems you had planned this, and your attire is quite fitting."

Su Jiaojiao blushed shyly, smiling timidly yet answering directly, "The first snow came early this year, and the plum blossoms bloomed early too. How could I miss such a beautiful scene? Earlier, I even saw Beauty Zhong in the plum grove, so it seems I'm not the only one who thought of coming here."

Speaking of Beauty Zhong, it had been a while since they last saw her.

Beauty Zhong was known for her quiet and reserved nature, her love for reading, and her preference for solitude. It was only natural that she would come to enjoy the unique beauty of the first snow. Moreover, as the eldest daughter of the Zhong clan, she could not be neglected.

After a moment of thought, the Emperor spoke in a calm voice, "Choose a few good books from the poetry collection in the library and send them to Beauty Zhong as a gift."

As soon as he finished speaking, he noticed someone still standing by the palanquin and added, "And for Talented Lady Xiao as well."

Hearing that the Emperor still remembered her, Talented Lady Xiao snapped out of her turbulent thoughts and said in a daze, "I thank Your Majesty for your grace."

After giving his orders, the Emperor turned back to Su Jiaojiao and said, "I remember you're afraid of the cold, yet today you seem to have forgotten yourself, not even carrying a hand warmer." He glanced slightly behind Su Jiaojiao, where the palace servants who had followed her were now hurrying out of the grove.

He looked at her with a half-smile and said leisurely, "Not long ago, you told me you found winter too cold, but now it seems you've deceived me."

Su Jiaojiao's voice trembled softly as she protested, "I haven't—"

Shen Huai chuckled softly, "I was just joking with you."

He tilted his head slightly towards Cai Shan and said, "Hand her my hand warmer."

Even Cai Shan was taken aback by the Emperor's favoritism towards Consort Zhen. He bowed and respectfully passed the hand warmer from the maid to Consort Zhen, smiling and nodding before retreating.

Su Jiaojiao held the hand warmer with both hands, the warmth instantly spreading through her body. She smiled, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness."

Talented Lady Xiao gazed in disbelief at the hand warmer in Su Jiaojiao's hands. For the first time, the typically proud woman felt her confidence crumble.

The lavish hand warmer was encased in a bright yellow, gold-threaded sleeve, embroidered with a majestic five-clawed dragon, clearly a precious imperial gift.

On this snowy day, the Emperor had chosen to give it to Consort Zhen.

Why?

What did she lack that Consort Zhen had?

The more Talented Lady Xiao thought about it, the more confused she became. She looked down at the snow, deep in thought, not even noticing when Consort Zhen had boarded the dragon carriage.

Only when Shen Huai commanded the dragon carriage to return to the Tai Chi Palace did she snap out of her trance, curtsying to see the Emperor off with Consort Zhen.

Could it be that the Emperor favored women who were both assertive and vulnerable?

Talented Lady Xiao watched the dragon carriage disappear into the distance, her heart in chaos.

She couldn't bear the Emperor's indifference or being overshadowed by others.

But to act vulnerable and seek favor like Su Jiaojiao was unthinkable to her.

She, Xiao Shaoyi, was the Xiao clan's most distinguished direct descendant. How could she stoop to the level of the Su family, who lacked maternal guidance from a young age?

Lan Xin, standing beside Talented Lady Xiao, softly called out, "Mistress, it's freezing. Let's head back."

But she stood still, staring into the distance, murmuring, "Lan Xin, Lan Re, what am I missing? Why doesn't the Emperor favor me? Did I make a mistake from the start…"

Talented Lady Xiao, a direct descendant of the Xiao clan, had always been proud and domineering.

Lan Xin and Lan Re, her lifelong attendants, had never seen her so lost, like a defeated rooster, her pride and confidence shattered, leaving her only confused and bewildered.

But they couldn't fathom Talented Lady Xiao's thoughts, only guessing that it might be because the favor she had just received had been snatched away by Consort Zhen. They comforted her, saying, "Mistress, don't despair. Consort Zhen is the favorite now, so the Emperor favors her. But who knows how long her favor will last? You've already caught the Emperor's eye. He'll remember you soon."

Hearing Lan Xin's words, Talented Lady Xiao's dazed expression turned cold.

Regardless, today Consort Zhen had stolen her chance and favor.

Her resentment towards Consort Zhen deepened.

In her cousin's eyes, Consort Zhen was more relied upon, always guarding against her. And in the Emperor's eyes, he favored Consort Zhen more and ignored her.

Talented Lady Xiao even wondered, what exactly gave Consort Zhen the right to always step over her.

Was it just because she could cry, because she had an exceptionally beautiful face?

Inside the Tai Chi Palace, Su Jiaojiao followed the Emperor, holding the hand warmer and smiling softly as she entered, "Your Majesty, is this hand warmer a gift for me?"

Shen Huai paused in his steps, glanced back at her, his eyes twinkling with amusement: "You like it?"

Her eyes glistened captivatingly in the candlelight, her eyelashes lowered in a shy smile, mesmerizing: "Your Majesty's things, of course Jiaojiao likes."

His heart stirred slightly, and he took her hand to sit on the couch by the window: "If you like it, it's yours, it's nothing significant."

Her eyes curved into a smile as she thanked him, then took out the plum branch that His Majesty had been holding. She selected an empty blue-and-white vase nearby, gently placing the plum branch into it, and softly said: "Yu Ying said the room is warm, and it will bloom in just two or three days. The Tai Chi Palace's side hall, meant for rest, is elegant yet overly solemn, lacking vibrancy. Jiaojiao wishes to add a touch of color for you."

As she spoke, her expression softened remarkably, unlike her usual timidity, radiating an elusive charm.

Shen Huai's gaze deepened, looking at her, his voice unconsciously softened: "As you wish."

Cai Shan personally served the tea, breaking the tender moment. Shen Huai glanced at him and then said: "With just a month until the New Year, I recall your birthday is approaching."

At the mention of her birthday, Su Jiaojiao was astonished: "How does Your Majesty remember Jiaojiao's birthday?"

Upon entering the palace, concubines' backgrounds and birth details are recorded.

She was astonished His Majesty, amidst his duties, remembered her birthday and brought it up himself.

Shen Huai chuckled but did not directly answer Su Jiaojiao's question, only saying: "I initially intended for Su Chang to join the harem for your birthday, but I reconsidered, thinking you might not favor this plan."

"If you don't like it, I'll have the inner court prepare it at the Pxiang Palace, and I will accompany you for dinner, how about that?"

Su Jiaojiao quietly looked at His Majesty, her eyes, brimming with tears, shimmered like autumn waters.

Her voice trembled, choked with emotion, she could only call out: "Your Majesty..."

Shen Huai was speechless, tapped her smooth forehead: "It's just a birthday."

Su Jiaojiao bowed her head in thanks, and as she lowered her head, a tear fell from her eye.

After composing herself for a while, she raised her head again and smiled: "As the New Year approaches, the palace's expenses are high, Jiaojiao does not want to spend time and effort on her own birthday."

Shen Huai looked at her noncommittally, only tapping the corner of the table meaningfully, leaning back casually, watching Su Jiaojiao walk towards him.

When Su Jiaojiao came over, he held her soft waist, encircling her in his arms, and then whispered: "I won't owe you this small birthday."

His Majesty's uncommon show of affection, Su Jiaojiao naturally could not waste, she had a more effective compromise for this birthday.

Su Jiaojiao nestled softly in his arms, her cool fingers hooking his large hand, seemingly unintentionally circling.

But her words were very understanding: "Your Majesty remembers Jiaojiao, Jiaojiao is really happy. Then—could Your Majesty grant Jiaojiao one wish, as a celebration for Jiaojiao's birthday?"

With a fragrant and soft jade in his arms, and her deliberate or unintentional teasing, his throat rolled, his eyes dark with desire.

He did not intend to hold back, his large hand wandering over her inner garment, his voice somewhat hoarse: "Tell me."