Chapter 161 Noble Consort Zhen

Chapter 161: Noble Consort Zhen

A Reconciliation

Su Jiaojiao’s wary expression softened immediately. She set aside the embroidery in her hands and frowned, “If you’ve come merely to provoke me, go find somewhere else to be.”

“I pricked my fingers countless times stitching your night robe—now you dare criticize it? I don’t want to get angry while pregnant. If you insist on acting this way, you might as well go to Fengyi Palace; Her Majesty would surely welcome you.”

As soon as Shen Huai heard her trying to send him away, he regretted his careless words.

Over these past months, he had come to understand Su Jiaojiao better—she was a woman who kept her word. Immediately, he reached for her hand, softening his tone as he apologized, “Jiaojiao, I misspoke. My joy made my words come out wrong.”

He held her hand tightly, gently stroking her palm with his thumb. Though he spoke in apology, his eyes remained fixed on her still-flat abdomen, filled with tenderness. “Even if you’re angry, don’t send me to someone else. To me, you are irreplaceable.”

Shen Huai knelt on one knee before Su Jiaojiao, entwining their fingers and leaning his ear against her belly.

Su Jiaojiao was barely two months pregnant—there was truly no sound yet to hear.

Yet he still wanted to do this, as though by doing so, he could listen to their child quietly forming within her, drawing closer to both mother and child.

His other hand gently caressed her abdomen, and for the first time, he truly felt the miracle of life.

Su Jiaojiao did not resist or pull away from his closeness.

Instead, she looked down at Shen Huai kneeling before her, moved not only by the fact that he was the father of her child but also by how deeply he had humbled himself.

For the past five months, Shen Huai had shown through his actions every day that he meant what he said.

Before her, he was not *the Son of Heaven*, not the emperor—but simply a man who loved the woman in his heart.

So, having such a father for her child…

Perhaps wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Shen Huai stood up. Remembering what she had just been thinking, her heart skipped a beat.

She quickly composed herself and looked up at Shen Huai standing before her, speaking calmly, “I’d like to meet Su Chang in the next few days.”

Shen Huai looked surprised, then sat beside her, raising an eyebrow. “You’ve always refused to see him. Why the sudden change?”

“Some knots have loosened, and the hatred isn’t as strong anymore.”

Meeting his gaze, Su Jiaojiao’s expression darkened slightly. “I just want to live more lightly, more happily. I don’t want to punish myself for mistakes others made in the past.”

“As you wish.”

Such a small request was easy to grant. He nodded, “After court tomorrow, I’ll have your father remain behind to meet you at Yaoxian Palace.”

He paused thoughtfully. “Would you like me to stay with you?”

“No need. It will just be a casual conversation.” Su Jiaojiao glanced at him. “You haven’t visited Fengyi Palace much lately. You should spend more time with the Empress. Although I don’t care for her, the court still holds her in high regard. With Her Majesty unwell and carrying the imperial heir, it’s inappropriate for you to stay here with me too often.”

“Today, I nearly became known as a palace temptress (huoguo yaofei). Even though I’m pregnant, your excessive favor toward me will invite criticism if it continues for long.”

Su Jiaojiao briefly frowned before adding casually, “Since neither the Empress nor I can share your bed, you might as well summon other consorts. There are many women in the inner palace—it’s not good to neglect them all. Resentment will grow and eventually fall upon me.”

At her words, Shen Huai’s expression turned cold. “Su Jiaojiao, even if you don’t love me, you cannot simply redirect my affection elsewhere.”

“The consorts seek your attention only for personal gain, as you yourself once said—it’s all for family prestige and wealth, not for me. If I wish to promote men of humble origins, it is because I desire capable individuals to serve the nation, not because of noble lineages or favored concubines.”

"As for them, I naturally have my own plans in mind, but I would never wrong you because of other women."

His tone was resolute, and his considerations were far more thorough than she had imagined. Su Jiaojiao listened in a daze, surprised that he had already thought so much about it.

Softening her voice, she began, "I don't think..."

She let her words hang before finishing, ultimately deciding such words would be too hurtful. Instead, she shifted the topic: "Since you’ve considered everything so thoroughly, then I needn’t be the bad one here."

Having kept Shen Huai at arm’s length for so long, Su Jiaojiao had almost forgotten how she used to speak sweetly to him. Now, even saying a few slightly softer words felt awkward.

After some thought, she realized it was because he had lowered his stance so much and admitted fault with such sincerity that he had unintentionally enabled her to grow accustomed to treating him with cold indifference.

Apart from not yet avenging Yu Ye through the Empress’s death, upon reflection, the life Su Jiaojiao desired was, in essence, already within her grasp.

Seeing that Su Jiaojiao no longer entertained the idea of him favoring others, the frustration in Shen Huai’s chest eased somewhat. He took a deep breath and said, "Today, I told the Empress that I intend to raise your rank to Noble Consort."

Su Jiaojiao took a measured sip of tea, surprised. "Noble Consort?"

When she first learned of her pregnancy, she had guessed that Shen Huai would raise her rank—both as reassurance and compensation.

Moreover, given his current favoritism toward her, not promoting her would indeed seem unreasonable.

But she was currently ranked among the Nine Consorts, above which were the Consorts and the Four Consorts. Only above them was the Noble Consort. Her rapid ascent since entering the palace had already attracted scrutiny. Reaching the position of Noble Consort in just two years would likely stir discontent.

In the past, without a child, Su Jiaojiao wouldn’t have worried much about becoming a target—she would have merely exercised caution.

But now, with a child in her womb, she couldn’t help but think more carefully for its sake, unwilling to take unnecessary risks.

Shen Huai nodded, understanding her concerns, and carefully suggested, "Promoting only you would indeed draw too much attention, so I thought of selecting a few reliable individuals to be elevated alongside you."

"The harem has long lacked high-ranking consorts. Choosing exemplary women to set a standard is only proper. I know you are close with Noble Consort Shu, and she is indeed commendable, so for now, I’ve provisionally chosen her and Lady Xiang, who is raising the Second Prince."

He paused, then added gently, "I’ve never paid much attention to the harem. If we’re speaking of temperament, you certainly understand it far better than I do. If there are other suitable candidates, feel free to suggest them. We can discuss and draft the decree tomorrow."

Su Jiaojiao glanced at him. "This should fall under the Empress’s purview. Aren’t you afraid she might take offense?"

Shen Huai’s expression grew somewhat complicated. He replied flatly, "The Empress is unwell. There’s no need to trouble her with such trivial matters. Besides, I’ve already decided that you and Noble Consort Shu will manage the harem together. Palace affairs are family matters—discussing them with you is most appropriate."

Since he had put it that way, Su Jiaojiao saw no point in resisting.

This was an excellent opportunity to promote her allies. Whether through overt or covert means, she needed to make it clear to everyone in the harem—

Who truly held power now? Only by aligning with Su Jiaojiao would there be rewards.

The next morning, after morning court, the news of the promotions spread throughout the palace.

Consort Zhen was elevated to Noble Consort.

Noble Consort Shu was elevated to Consort.

Lady Wen, who was raising the First Prince, was restored to Noble Consort and given her own residence.

Lady Xiang, for her merits in raising the Second Prince, was elevated to Consort.

Talent Ji was elevated to Beauty.

The list was telling. Aside from Consort Shu and Consort Xiang, whose promotions were expected, the others left the court baffled.

But this list was drafted after His Majesty departed Yaoxian Palace. Logically, Noble Consort Zhen should have promoted her own faction. Yet Noble Lady Xiang and Beauty Ji were staunch loyalists to the Empress, and the two had never gotten along, fueling inevitable speculation.

If the Empress had a hand in this, Talent Lady Yu, Beauty Xiao, and Junior Attendant Miao should not have been left out.

The only explanation that made sense was—

Noble Lady Xiang and Beauty Ji had originally belonged to Noble Consort Zhen’s camp.

Not long after the edict was issued, word spread through the palace, and a steady stream of people came to Yaoxian Palace to offer congratulations, nearly wearing out Guanju Palace’s doorstep.

Su Jiaojiao didn’t greet them herself, but even through the window she could hear the endless stream of well-wishes for Noble Consort Zhen’s twin honors.

This kind of bustle—she hadn’t witnessed since last autumn’s hunt.

But by now, Su Jiaojiao had long seen through these displays of two-faced flattery. It left her completely cold. She lazily reclined inside the hall, reading a book, and instructed Yu Ying, Ling Xiao, and Ling Yun to accept the gifts and politely send the visitors away.

The commotion outside lasted quite a while, finally quieting down close to noon.

Inside the hall, one half of the massive carved window frame was tilted open, allowing sparse sunlight to filter in. A vase of spring flowers brightened the room.

Outside, birds trilled faintly but clearly, their songs sweet and melodic.

Yu Ying walked in, wiping sweat with a handkerchief, her face alight with excitement. “Your Highness, Minister Su has arrived.”

The thin gauze curtain was lifted as Su Chang entered in dignified official robes, his steps measured and unhurried.

She looked up coolly, but the way her fingers tightened around the book betrayed her tension.

So many years had passed—Su Jiaojiao could hardly remember how long it had been since she last spoke to this estranged father of hers.

She hated him, resented him, and had no desire to see him.

Yet upon learning he had been pulling strings for her these past days, even sacrificing his official rank to plead with His Majesty for her safety—

Now, as he truly stood before her,

the first thing that surfaced was a hazy childhood memory—her and her mother nestled beside him.

After years apart, Su Jiaojiao’s eyes grew warm.

Su Chang gazed at his daughter, now an ethereal beauty, graceful beyond compare, knowing full well how arduous her journey to this position had been. Pride and guilt clashed within him, leaving him deeply moved.

Not daring to forget propriety, he took a step back and bowed respectfully, murmuring, “Your servant—pays homage to Noble Consort Zhen. May Your Highness enjoy eternal peace.”

By now, the hall held no one else but father and daughter.

Su Jiaojiao’s heart churned with emotions, complex and bittersweet. In the end, she softly called out, “Father.”