Chapter 91: The Hundred Days Ceremony

Chapter 91: The Hundred-Day Ceremony

The Emperor arrived accompanied by Talent Lady Yu.

Everyone in the palace is astute, knowing well how to adapt to the prevailing winds.

At present, Noble Consort Mi's faction holds sway in the palace, with Noble Consort Zhen being the most favored. All matters, big or small, must first be referred to Noble Consort Mi for a decision.

However, Noble Consort Mi is quick-tempered and lacks steadiness. In tough times, she often turns to Noble Consort Zhen, who, despite being favored, remains humble and kind to the palace staff.

In just over three months, Su Jiaojiao has garnered the loyalty of many.

In truth, Su Jiaojiao understands that adding flowers to brocade is not a true favor; offering help in times of need is genuine kindness. Eunuch Chen, who chases fame and profit, cannot be trusted, but he still has his uses.

When he was in a bind, Su Jiaojiao merely offered him reassurance, showing him who truly wields power in the palace.

Talent Lady Yu once defected from Noble Consort Mi to Noble Consort Wang. Her glory was short-lived; she was soon severely beaten by Noble Consort Mi at the summer palace, nearly to death. After recuperating for some time, she has now returned to the Emperor's attention, her fate truly tumultuous.

Su Jiaojiao recalls seeing Talent Lady Yu, then still called Yun Liangshi, on the palace path before the New Year's Eve banquet. Back then, she was calm and composed, neither submissive nor arrogant, with a rosy glow and peach-like cheeks.

Talent Lady Yu hails from a respectable family but lacks any backing or support within the palace.

Noble Consort Mi had beaten her severely back then, but the Emperor did not side with her, instead tacitly approving of Noble Consort Mi's actions.

With the Emperor's stance clear, not only did the Imperial Consorts shun her, but even the palace servants wouldn't show any regard to someone who had offended Noble Consort Mi.

How did she recover from her injuries and regain her strength?

If no one had aided her behind the scenes, Su Jiaojiao would never believe it.

After Eunuch Chen left, Yu Ye brought over a cup of tea, smiling and saying, "Your Highness, have some tea. I've observed that you've gained considerable prestige in the palace lately. Those wronged by Noble Consort Mi have sought you out to air their grievances."

She gently placed the cup down, adding a dried peach blossom, and remarked, "Just now, I heard Eunuch Chen mention that Talent Lady Yu seems to have upset Noble Consort Mi over the issue of relocating palaces. It seems too coincidental that she's only now raising the issue of moving palaces."

Yu Ying came out with a feather duster, smiling, "Talent Lady Yu has just regained favor. Perhaps she was too insignificant before to find a chance to speak up, and now, feeling more secure in her favor, she dares to do so."

"Moreover, it's common knowledge in the palace that Noble Consort Mi dislikes Talent Lady Yu, and Talent Lady Yu is well aware of it. If she didn't dare to speak to the Emperor, how could she dare to speak to Noble Consort Mi? The more she wants to move palaces, the more Noble Consort Mi might insist she stay there. Just now, Eunuch Chen also mentioned that Noble Consort Mi was very angry, which shows she's even more displeased with her."

Su Jiaojiao sipped her tea, smiling faintly, "Back then, Noble Consort Mi disliked Talent Lady Yu because when Noble Consort Mi was having a difficult pregnancy, Talent Lady Yu monopolized the Emperor, which displeased Noble Consort Mi."

"But although Noble Consort Mi is domineering and ruthless, she's not someone who holds grudges for long, especially now. Haven't you noticed that Noble Consort Mi has rarely been punishing palace consorts over petty jealousies lately? If Talent Lady Yu had pleaded with Noble Consort Mi properly from the start, perhaps Noble Consort Mi wouldn't have been so angry. But Talent Lady Yu fears Noble Consort Mi and probably dislikes her even more, which is why she bypassed Noble Consort Mi to ask the Emperor. This time, however, she didn't get her wish."

While the master and servants were talking, Xiao Songzi came in from outside and bowed, "Your Highness, you asked me to secretly investigate Talent Lady Yu some time ago. There hasn't been much progress, but today, I finally have some findings."

"Everyone knows that Talent Lady Yu used to be under Noble Consort Wang, but this time, her comeback wasn't due to Noble Consort Wang."

Xiao Songzi looked up at Su Jiaojiao, cupping his hands, "It was Noble Lady Xiang."

Su Jiaojiao looked at Xiao Songzi, raising an eyebrow, "Noble Lady Xiang?"

She pondered for a moment, then nodded, "After being beaten by Noble Consort Mi, Talent Lady Yu was severely injured. Without proper medicine and care, she wouldn't have recovered so well, without any lingering ailments. Especially now, with her rosy complexion, she looks even healthier than before. In this palace, aside from Noble Lady Xiang, I really don't know who else could have such capabilities."

But Noble Lady Xiang and Talent Lady Yu were never known to be close before. Their relationship must have been well-hidden.

Noble Lady Xiang, having given birth to the Second Prince, often receives the Emperor's attention, while Talent Lady Yu is skilled in dance and has recently won the Emperor's favor. If the two of them were to cooperate, they would form a force to be reckoned with.

Is this alliance between Talent Lady Yu and Noble Lady Xiang a way for Noble Lady Xiang to break free from Su Jiaojiao's control and find a better path for herself, or is it for the sake of her previous instructions?

Noble Lady Xiang has been immersed in caring for her child and rarely goes out lately. Is this true, or is it to conceal her ulterior motives?

Su Jiaojiao did not like to engage in losing propositions.

She calmly sipped her tea and said, "It's the Spring Banquet, and also the Hundred Days Ceremony for the Second Prince. All the Imperial Consorts in the palace will be there. Did His Majesty visit Noble Lady Xiang today?"

Xiao Songzi, who knew many people in the palace and now acted under the name of Noble Consort Zhen's chief eunuch, had extensive connections and was particularly well-informed.

He respectfully replied, "The Taiji Hall was particularly busy today. His Majesty did not leave the Taiji Hall after the morning court session, so it seems he had no time to go. However, tomorrow is the Hundred Days Ceremony. Given His Majesty's fondness for the Second Prince, I estimate he will surely visit during dinner."

Su Jiaojiao said gently, "I have shown a sisterly bond with Noble Lady Xiang in front of His Majesty. Since it's her child's Hundred Days Ceremony, I naturally cannot miss it. Tomorrow will be busy, and I might not have time to send gifts. So, taking advantage of today's opportunity, I will visit the South Fragrance Hall to see the Second Prince."

"Yu Ying, you and Yu Ye go to the storeroom and pick out some generous gifts. Once everything is ready, we will head to the South Fragrance Hall immediately."

In the lush spring scenery, the evening glow resembled woven silk.

This season, Chang'an enjoyed a comfortable climate, neither too cold nor too hot.

The rear palace was in full bloom, with flowers everywhere and intoxicating scents.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs had thoughtfully adorned the palace paths of the South Four Palaces with various colorful flowers, each one exquisite and graceful. Su Jiaojiao specifically instructed not to use a palanquin, choosing to walk instead.

She suddenly remembered her recent visit to the South Fragrance Hall to see Noble Lady Xiang, who cradled her child with a gentle gaze.

Gentle, firm, and loving.

The purest and most genuine emotions in the world were no more than this.

She recalled that when she first met Noble Lady Xiang, she knew she was not one to be trifled with. Noble Lady Xiang always appeared delicate and reserved, with a modest beauty. Though not stunning, her pitiful demeanor had a unique charm.

But now, a year later, Noble Lady Xiang had transformed from a delicate woman to the mother of the Second Prince. The cautious and humble look in her eyes had disappeared, replaced by the strength of motherhood.

Could motherhood truly have such a profound impact?

Su Jiaojiao had never given birth and did not know what it felt like to bring a child into this world. But as someone who was also a child, she couldn't help but think of her own mother.

Her mother had passed away early, and even though she was precocious, she could no longer clearly remember her mother's face, only a vague impression.

What remained etched in her heart was her mother's gentle voice and meticulous care.

What would it feel like to bring a new life into this world and nurture it to grow?

Su Jiaojiao slightly lowered her eyelids and tightened her grip on her sleeve.

She knew this day would come eventually, but thinking about it now still filled her with both conflict and apprehension.

Su Jiaojiao couldn't help but touch her belly. At only sixteen, not yet seventeen, it was best to let things take their natural course.

The Chang Le Palace was lavishly and beautifully decorated. Although Noble Lady Xiang's newly relocated South Fragrance Hall was a side hall, it was spacious and comfortable, perfectly suited for raising the Second Prince.

Su Jiaojiao gracefully lifted her skirt and walked into Chang Le Palace. The young maid on duty at the door immediately bowed to her and went to inform Noble Lady Xiang inside the palace.

At that moment, Noble Lady Xiang had just finished watching the Second Prince nurse and came out of the room. Seeing that it was Noble Consort Zhen, she hurried forward and said with a smile, "I greet Noble Consort Zhen. May Your Highness be in good health."

Su Jiaojiao smiled and said, "No need for formalities, Noble Lady Xiang, please sit."

"Tomorrow is Nan Xi's Hundred Days Ceremony. I witnessed his birth, so how could I not come? I had Yu Ying prepare some generous gifts for you. I thought I'd take the opportunity to see the child, but it seems I'm a bit late."

Noble Lady Xiang stood up, overwhelmed by the favor, and said, "The Second Prince and I owe our current status to Your Highness's great kindness, which we will never forget. How could we trouble Your Highness to send such valuable gifts?"

She glanced away and said, "If Your Highness wishes to see him, I will have the nanny bring Nan Xi out for Your Highness to see."

Su Jiaojiao shook her head gently, her voice soft. "The child is still young. Since he has already fallen asleep, there's no need to wake him. There will be other chances to see him."

She set down the porcelain cup Cui Mei had just handed her and looked into Noble Lady Xiang's eyes, saying, "It's just that I have some doubts recently and would like Noble Lady Xiang to help me resolve them."

Noble Lady Xiang met Noble Consort Zhen's gaze and felt a sudden unease, as if she were laid bare, completely exposed.

But recently, her mind had been entirely focused on Nan Xi. What could she have done to anger Noble Consort Zhen?

Her eyes flickered, and she bit her lip. "Everyone, leave us. I need to speak privately with Her Highness."

The palace servants in the hall bowed and retreated, leaving only Su Jiaojiao and Noble Lady Xiang in the room.

Noble Consort Zhen spoke softly. "I've heard that Noble Lady Xiang has been getting quite close to Talent Lady Yu recently. Since giving birth to Nan Xi, you've rarely gone out. It's unusual for you to make new friends now."

Noble Lady Xiang's head snapped up, her eyes wide with shock.

She and Talent Lady Yu had been in contact since last year at the summer retreat, but their communication had always been discreet, with only occasional exchanges. How did Noble Consort Zhen know? Was she being investigated?

When Talent Lady Yu was still Yun Baolin, Noble Consort Mi had nearly beaten her to death. At the time, Noble Lady Xiang was low-ranking and powerless, but she had helped Talent Lady Yu, thinking she might be useful later.

When she bore the second prince, Noble Lady Xiang hoped Talent Lady Yu would gain the Emperor's favor at the New Year's banquet and help her, but it hadn't worked out.

Talent Lady Yu had regained the Emperor's attention, partly due to Noble Lady Xiang.

Noble Consort Zhen had always been kind, never making things difficult, despite her own favor.

But being controlled always made Noble Lady Xiang uneasy.

Noble Consort Zhen had once said she would need her help someday.

Now with a child, she had to consider everything carefully.

Since regaining the Emperor's favor, Talent Lady Yu had remembered Noble Lady Xiang's past kindness, secretly sending gifts to Nan Xi's palace and often mentioning them to the Emperor. Being friends with her was a form of security.

Moreover, Talent Lady Yu was despised by Noble Consort Mi's faction.

By befriending Talent Lady Yu and recommending her to the Empress, Noble Lady Xiang aimed to prove her loyalty to the Empress, not Noble Consort Zhen.

The Empress and Noble Consort Zhen were both extremely intelligent women. Being caught between them was no easy task. Even though the Empress was currently claiming illness and staying out of sight, Noble Lady Xiang knew that the Empress's eyes had never left the harem. Given enough time and the right opportunity, she would regain control of the harem.

The situation was ever-changing, and she had to be cautious, step by step.

Noble Lady Xiang lowered her head and knelt, saying, "Your Highness is wise and perceptive, and I am in awe. But please rest assured, my friendship with Talent Lady Yu is only to help her seek refuge with the Empress. Talent Lady Yu and Noble Consort Mi are at odds, and she has long been abandoned by Noble Consort Wang. She is seeking a way out, and if I recommend her to the Empress, Her Majesty might be able to dispel some of her suspicions."

Su Jiaojiao stared at her for a long moment, the lid of her cup clinking against the cup itself, making a crisp sound. "Is that really the case?"

Noble Lady Xiang dared not rise. "Your Highness has shown me great kindness, and I dare not deceive you."

Just as Su Jiaojiao was about to speak, a voice suddenly came from outside, announcing the arrival of the Emperor and Talent Lady Yu.

She let go of the cup, stood up, and went to the door to greet them. Looking up at the Emperor, her clear and charming eyes showed a hint of delighted surprise. "Your Majesty, I pay my respects."