Chapter 57 Before the New Year

Chapter 57 Before the New Year

Seizing the moment to admonish

Shen Huai looked down at the little finger Su Jiaojiao extended and smiled, "What’s this about?"

Su Jiaojiao laughed in surprise, "When kids make a promise, they pinky swear. Doesn’t Your Majesty know that?"

She raised the Emperor's hand, actively hooking their little fingers together, and shook them proudly, "Your Majesty, look, like this. Once it’s a deal, there’s no backing out."

Shen Huai chuckled as he looked at her, "The Emperor’s word is unbreakable. I won't go back on it."

After chatting a bit longer, Cai Shan informed from behind the screen that there were pressing matters in the front hall. Shen Huai summoned water for them to freshen up and then arranged a palanquin to escort Su Jiaojiao back to Pixiang Palace.

During dinner, three delegations from the Imperial Household Department were sent to deliver gifts to Su Jiaojiao's Pixiang Palace, Beauty Zhong's Jiyue Palace, and Talented Lady Xiao's Lingbo Palace.

While all were gifts, each contained different items.

At Pixiang Palace, Cai Shan personally delivered a square, embroidered brocade box. Su Jiaojiao opened the box to reveal a red plum hairpin inside.

Under the candlelight, it gleamed brilliantly, and Su Jiaojiao was instantly taken with it.

Cai Shan smiled politely, "This plum hairpin is a new design crafted by the Shanggong Bureau this winter. The main body is made of premium agarwood, the petals are made of red coral and rubies, and the center is outlined with gold thread, making it exquisitely lifelike. The Shanggong Bureau worked tirelessly to create this piece, and His Majesty immediately ordered it to be sent to Pixiang Palace, demonstrating His Majesty’s fondness for you, Madam."

Su Jiaojiao smiled and curtsied, "I am grateful for His Majesty’s generosity."

After standing up, she gently said to Cai Shan, "His Majesty’s thoughtfulness is kind, and I’m grateful for your trouble, Grand Eunuch. If you don’t mind, please stay for a cup of hot tea before you leave."

Cai Shan smiled and bowed, "Taiji Palace duties call, so I must take my leave."

Su Jiaojiao nodded thoughtfully, "Ling Yun, please see the Grand Eunuch out."

After Ling Yun escorted Cai Shan and his entourage out, Yu Ying came over to look at the plum hairpin lying quietly in the box, exclaiming in admiration, "The craftsmanship is exquisite, and it’s absolutely luxurious. His Majesty truly adores you, Madam."

Su Jiaojiao smiled faintly, "I’m delighted, though someone else might not share the sentiment."

Yu Ying looked up and asked, "Do you mean Talented Lady Xiao?"

Su Jiaojiao smiled without confirming, "Although Talented Lady Xiao is from the Xiao clan, she has only been in the palace for a little over six months. Her connections in the palace aren’t that extensive. She must’ve learned where His Majesty would be from someone else."

She sipped her tea, "She’s arrogant and domineering, and she’s Noble Consort Mi’s cousin. It’s likely that Noble Consort Mi told her."

Yu Ying frowned, "If it was Noble Consort Mi who told her, and Talented Lady Xiao’s plan failed, would Noble Consort Mi blame you?"

Su Jiaojiao lowered her eyes and remained silent, recalling the first time she met Talented Lady Xiao at the entrance of Jiangyun Palace. At that time, Yu Ling led Yun Liangshi and Talented Lady Xiao into Jiangyun Palace together. Upon their first meeting, Noble Consort Mi severely reprimanded Talented Lady Xiao.

She had thought her arrogant and foolish at the time.

Although Noble Consort Mi is arrogant and domineering, having been in the palace for three years, she has seen many conspiracies and power struggles, making her much smarter than Talented Lady Xiao. Both being noblewomen from prominent families, they understand the principle that if they are too closely connected, they will rise and fall together.

Talented Lady Xiao is too foolish, and Noble Consort Mi is probably afraid that she will cause trouble and implicate herself.

If it weren’t for their cousin relationship, with Talented Lady Xiao’s personality, she might be quite disliked in the palace.

Moreover, during the incident where Imperial Physician Lin and Mo Ling betrayed her, she witnessed everything and has long been on the same boat as Noble Consort Mi, with some sentiment from their previous prayers in the Buddhist hall.

Su Jiaojiao guessed that Noble Consort Mi might now be more inclined towards her.

She shook her head, comforting Yu Ying, "Don’t worry, Noble Consort Mi won’t target me."

"But Talented Lady Xiao never liked me from the start, and she has shown me disrespect both openly and covertly several times during the morning greetings at Fengyi Palace. Whether she’ll grow even more jealous and start plotting against me is out of my hands."

Jiuhua Palace - Lingbo Hall

Talented Lady Xiao sat on the main seat, sipping tea with a cold expression. When she saw that the people from the Palace Administration who came to deliver gifts were just a few unfamiliar eunuchs, she couldn’t even be bothered to fake a smile. After a half-hearted show of gratitude, she sat back down and said indifferently, "Lan Xin, register the gifts from His Majesty and store them in the treasury."

"Lingbo Hall is busy, so we’ll skip the formalities."

The Palace Administration folks were clearly annoyed by Talented Lady Xiao's behavior. The leader of the group said curtly, "This servant will take his leave."

Those from the Palace Administration who delivered gifts on behalf of the Emperor were always the most sought after.

No matter which palace they went to, as soon as it was known that they were delivering gifts from the Emperor, they were usually greeted with smiles. Some got tips, others at least got tea. But Lingbo Hall was the exception—here, delivering gifts meant facing a frosty welcome!

Such an arrogant woman—no wonder the Emperor doesn’t favor her.

Lan Re watched as the group left with sour expressions and frowned, advising, "My lady, they are from the Palace Administration. Even if you’re in a bad mood, you should still show some restraint. If word gets out that you were disrespectful to the imperial gifts, His Majesty might..."

Talented Lady Xiao sneered, "I did bow and thank him. What is there to spread? Besides, it’s not like it was the Grand Eunuch or one of the Palace Administration’s supervisors. Why should I bother smiling for them?"

Lan Re knew her lady was still fuming over the plum grove incident earlier in the day. But in the harem, who could afford to live carefree every day?

If one only focused on the present without considering the future, how could they expect to live well later?

The Palace Administration folks were always in demand by various palace departments. Even the lowliest among them had some clout.

Plus, they say eunuchs hold the longest grudges. If they held back their displeasure while delivering gifts now, what if they decided to cause trouble later when my lady fell out of favor?

Lan Re bit her tongue, seeing her lady’s impatience.

Perhaps... only when my lady faces the consequences will she learn.

Lan Xin came in after storing the poetry books. When Lan Xin lifted the curtain, Talented Lady Xiao looked up.

Lingbo Hall and Jiyue Hall were directly across from each other. As Lan Xin lifted the curtain, Talented Lady Xiao happened to see several people leaving Jiyue Hall. They looked like they were delivering gifts to Jiyue Hall. They stood at the entrance for a while before a maid personally escorted them out.

Talented Lady Xiao frowned and asked, "Why did it take so long for the people from Jiyue Hall to come out? Did His Majesty give Beauty Zhong something else besides the books of poetry?"

Lan Xin replied softly, "Only Jiyue Hall’s people would know what His Majesty gave. Since you and Jiyue Hall have always been at odds, I’m afraid even if I went to inquire... no one would tell me."

She tried to word it as gently as she could, but Talented Lady Xiao still blew up, shouting, "Are you with me or Beauty Zhong? If you can’t stand it here in Lingbo Hall, go beg Beauty Zhong to take you in and serve her!"

Lan Xin was frightened to tears and immediately knelt, pleading, "This servant wouldn’t dare. Please calm your anger, my lady."

Talented Lady Xiao felt like everything was going against her today. Lan Xin’s tears only made her think of Su Jiaojiao, which made her even angrier. She yelled, "Get out! Don’t stand there and annoy me!"

Outside, the freezing wind howled, and Lan Xin stood frozen in place, tears welling up in her eyes.

Lan Re quickly stepped forward to pull her out, whispering, "Don’t worry. Once my lady calms down, everything will be fine. You should have known better—my lady was already in a bad mood today. Why did you have to say those things? Just say you don’t know next time."

Lan Xin sobbed, "When the master chose the two of us to accompany my lady into the palace, it was because we were steady and could see things clearly, able to support her in the palace. At first, my lady listened to us, but look at her now—she acts on impulse, makes enemies everywhere, and is becoming more and more impatient with us."

Lan Re sighed, "We both came from the Xiao clan, and from the moment we entered the palace, we were bound to my lady. We can only advise her as much as we can. If she really doesn’t listen, we’ll have to think of another way."

"Maybe she’s just angry today. She’ll be fine once this passes."

The winter night was freezing. The two of them stood in the courtyard talking, the cold wind seeping into their sleeves, making Lan Xin feel even more miserable. "Lan Re, do you remember Lv Yao, the one who had her tongue cut out under Concubine Lian’s command? I saw her recently. I still remember how she looked back then—it was horrifying. It scared me so much I couldn’t sleep for days."

"Even as a servant, I want to live well. I don’t want to end up like her."

After speaking, Lan Xin tightly held her hand and said sorrowfully, "We are orphans after all, with no ties or attachments. If..."

"If it doesn't work out, I will find a way to protect myself."

She asked urgently, "Will you accompany me, please?"

It was unexpected that she would say such a thing. Lan Re was shocked and asked, "Do you not want to follow our mistress anymore?"

Lan Xin cried, "Our mistress has always been overbearing, often scolding and hitting us. Now she has offended so many people. I am truly afraid..."

Lan Re had been out for quite some time, and staying longer might arouse suspicion. She simply patted Lan Xin's hand and said, "Don't dwell on it for now. Let's take one step at a time."

After saying that, Lan Re hurriedly went back into the inner hall, leaving Lan Xin alone, hugging her shoulders and silently weeping in the cold wind.

From a distance, Yu Ling of Ji Yue Hall noticed someone standing in front of the hall. She turned back into the room and said, "Mistress, I saw someone standing in front of Ling Bo Hall. It's dark, so I couldn't see clearly, but it seems like Lan Xin, the personal maid of Talented Lady Xiao."

Beauty Zhong was intently flipping through the poetry book bestowed by the Emperor.

Upon hearing this, she didn't look up, her voice cool and indifferent, "Talented Lady Xiao is overbearing. It's not the first time she has driven her palace servants out."

Yu Ling took another look and sighed, "Usually it's fine, but on such a cold day, Talented Lady Xiao is truly heartless."

Beauty Zhong paused her flipping and said softly, "Go and give her my hand stove."

Xue Ling, who was carrying tea, walked over and frowned, "Absolutely not. You are the mistress. How can a hand stove be given to a servant? Moreover, it's Talented Lady Xiao's servant. Talented Lady Xiao has offended you several times. Even if you are kind to her servant, she might not appreciate it and might even think you are meddling."

Beauty Zhong looked up at Xue Ling and said gently, "Talented Lady Xiao's servant is not the same as Talented Lady Xiao. Besides, I'm not doing this for her gratitude."

She lowered her gaze back to the book, "I just feel a bit of pity, that's all."

Seeing her mistress's determination, Xue Ling had to put down the tea and went to the side hall to fetch the freshly filled hand stove. She sighed, "Only our mistress is so kind-hearted, always unable to bear seeing others suffer."

She lifted the curtain and stepped out to hand the hand stove to Lan Xin, instructing, "Beauty Zhong pitied you and asked me to give this to you. Remember to return it, lest Talented Lady Xiao sees it and thinks our mistress deliberately humiliated her."

Lan Xin didn't expect Beauty Zhong to offer help in her time of need. Gratefully, she bowed towards Ji Yue Hall and said tearfully, "As soon as I can enter the palace, I will immediately return the hand stove to the windowsill of Ji Yue Hall's main entrance, and I won't cause any trouble for Beauty Zhong."

Seeing her understanding, Xue Ling softened her expression and said, "Good that you understand."

When Xue Ling entered the room, she happened to hear Beauty Zhong reciting a line from the poetry book, a five-character quatrain. Her clear and cool voice gave it an indescribable charm.

She smiled and said, "Mistress, your recitation is so beautiful. Even though I haven't read extensively, it feels very catchy and vivid."

Yu Ling, warming her hands by the charcoal fire, also smiled, "Indeed, mistress is so beautiful and talented. Why does the Emperor..."

Before she could finish, she realized her slip and awkwardly closed her mouth.

Beauty Zhong also knew what she meant, her voice calm and gentle, "It's fine to finish. It's just a pity for me."

She flipped another page, "Although I entered the palace, I don't live for the Emperor. Whether there is favor or not, it's all the same."

Then, she suddenly thought of something and said softly, "The Emperor sending me these poetry books isn't without reason. I think it must be Consort Zhen who mentioned me in front of the Emperor."

Yu Ling quickly smiled and said, "Before, I only knew that Consort Zhen was favored. I wondered if she was difficult to get along with. Now that she is willing to mention you in front of the Emperor, it seems she has a good impression of you."

"You haven't had many friends in the palace. Why not try to get in touch with Consort Zhen? You can keep each other company in leisure time."

Beauty Zhong looked at Yu Ling for a moment, then shook her head, "If we truly get along, we can be friends without being too close or too distant. There's no need to rush forward."

"Consort Zhen is favored, and there are many disputes around her. I prefer tranquility and have no intention of getting involved in disputes."

After a moment of thought, she added gently, "One should repay kindness. If the chance arises, I will return the favor."

A few days later, on the tenth day of the eleventh lunar month, the weather grew colder day by day.

In Fengyi Palace, all the concubines wore various winter gowns, holding hand warmers, seated in full attendance.

When the Empress arrived, they all rose to pay their respects, and only after her nod did they sit back down.

The Empress smiled as she looked at the seated concubines and said gently, "As the year-end nears, I’ve arranged for the allowances to be distributed early, with an extra ten percent. After this meeting, send someone to collect them."

Everyone thanked the Empress together, and she nodded with satisfaction. Spotting Su Jiaojiao in the crowd, she inquired, "I remember that today is Consort Zhen's birthday. His Majesty has already ordered the Shangshi Bureau to host a banquet for you, and I’ve prepared a gift as well. Later, I’ll have Yu He deliver it to you."

His Majesty himself had announced Su Jiaojiao’s birthday, and it caused quite a stir when it was first announced a few days ago.

It was assumed it would end after today, but who knew the Empress would bring it up now, reigniting everyone’s resentment.

Sure enough, as soon as the Empress finished speaking, Talented Lady Xiao sneered and raised her voice, "Consort Zhen is so favored, having a grand birthday celebration before even reaching a higher rank. What good fortune."

Hearing Talented Lady Xiao’s words, many in the crowd began to feel discontent, whispering and eyeing Su Jiaojiao with envy.

Min Jieyu glared coldly at Su Jiaojiao. Although she deeply disliked Su Jiaojiao, she had been restraining herself from speaking.

She had been under house arrest for months and had just been released. It wasn’t the time to cause trouble. Just as she was about to look away, she noticed the sachet on Su Jiaojiao. The design looked familiar.

After studying the sachet, she realized the embroidery matched the one she’d recently done for His Majesty’s nightclothes. But her sachet was light green, while His Majesty’s nightclothes were bright yellow. How could her sachet have the same embroidery?!

Amid the crowd’s murmurs, Su Jiaojiao remained composed and said gently, "Thank you, Empress. I’m deeply grateful for His Majesty’s favor."

The Empress spoke at the right moment, smiling and saying, "As sisters in the harem, harmony is paramount. It’s good that Consort Zhen has His Majesty’s favor. His Majesty is busy with state affairs, and it’s good to have someone close to him."

"But lately, His Majesty has been visiting Pixiang Palace more often, while other palaces see less of him—" The Empress looked at Su Jiaojiao, her tone very gentle, "A single flower does not make a spring; a garden full of flowers does. In the harem, it is not the lack but the imbalance that is the problem. This principle, Consort Zhen, being from the Su family, must understand."

Su Jiaojiao sneered inwardly but did not show it on her face. She simply stood up obediently.

The Empress was indeed the Empress, pretending to appreciate her on the surface, but actually praising her while subtly criticizing her, reminding her in front of everyone not to monopolize His Majesty and to encourage him to spread his favor.

Unfortunately, she could not influence His Majesty's feelings, nor was it necessary to do so. Everyone knew to hold onto His Majesty's favor; why would she push it away?

She curtsied and said, "I understand."

"Consort Zhen is wise. It is good that you understand."

Seeing her obedience, the Empress smiled with satisfaction and said, "For this year's New Year's banquet, I plan to introduce some new elements. In addition to the usual ones, I want to arrange for you to perform at the banquet, and then let His Majesty choose. Firstly, to add some fun, and secondly, considering that there are many concubines in the palace now, many have not seen His Majesty for several months, or even over a year. This is to balance the harem and also to give you more opportunities."

"There are still twenty days until New Year's Eve. You should think carefully about what to perform in these days, improve your skills, and strive to amaze everyone."

Upon hearing this idea, most of the concubines were pleasantly surprised and stood up one after another to express their gratitude.

During the Spring Banquet, this segment had ended before it even began due to Ji Baolin's poisoning. Now, with the New Year's banquet, there was another opportunity. It was truly wonderful.

If one could gain favor in one fell swoop, one's rank might also be promoted.

In the crowd, Su Jiaojiao also looked at the Empress with a smile, but her smile did not reach her eyes.

This was the first time she truly realized the benefits of being in the position of the Empress.

Organizing the New Year's banquet was within her and Noble Consort Mi's responsibilities, but she only needed to come up with any idea to drive the interests of the entire harem and make most people grateful to her.

No matter who gained favor, the Empress would still have the credit, and she could also gather the favored concubines under her wing, bringing endless benefits.

The Empress was the backbone of the harem. No matter how favored anyone was, as long as she remained the fair and gentle Empress in everyone's eyes, a few words could change someone's fate.

Favor was important, but favor without power was like a rootless duckweed, unable to take hold.

Su Jiaojiao lowered her eyes and stared at the hand warmer in her hand, lost in thought. Suddenly, she smiled and had an idea.

The Empress wanted to use tricks at the New Year's banquet, but she would have to ask Noble Consort Mi if she was willing.