Chapter 43 Imperial Feast

Chapter 43: The Emperor's Feast

The Empress Dowager eyed her son and tentatively said, "Your Majesty, this girl, she—she—"

A Wu stood there quietly, not saying a peep.

The Jingxi Emperor kept his cool and smiled. "Mother, the one who left the Crown Prince's residence was indeed also named Miao Zhen. But it doesn't matter. Since she has entered the Daoist path, she has cut all earthly ties. Now, as a cultivator, she returns to serve at the Emperor's side with a Daoist heart."

The Empress Dowager blew up instantly.

She gaped at her son in disbelief. "You—you—"

The Empress quickly instructed the others, "Clear out for now."

The imperial consorts were completely floored. Could it be... the father stealing his son's woman??

Had the Jingxi Emperor truly done such a thing?

They cursed themselves for having ears and eyes, wishing they had neither heard nor seen anything. At the Empress's command, they scrambled like scared rabbits, desperate to flee the scene.

Yet, the Jingxi Emperor suddenly commanded, "Halt."

Just two simple words, yet they cracked like thunder, radiating imperial authority. The consorts froze in fear.

A Wu kept her eyes demurely downcast.

She knew her entry into the Jingxi Emperor's harem would cause an uproar—the Empress Dowager, the Empress, the other consorts, and even the Crown Prince would vehemently oppose it.

But it was the Emperor who had demanded her presence in the palace. She would obey him and say nothing, leaving everything for him to resolve.

After all, she was but a delicate, clueless girl...

At the Emperor's command, everyone stiffened, not daring to move.

The Jingxi Emperor flipped back his robe and strode to the center of the hall.

"Respectful but firm," he declared, "Mother, this woman's secular surname is Ning, and her given name is Wu. It is true she once resided in the Crown Prince's household before retreating into Daoism. But today, regardless of her past, since I have decreed her entry into the palace to accompany me, my decree stands. From now on, she shall join my harem as my imperial consort. I will grant her the title of Noble Lady and provide her a residence."

His gaze swept over the crowd. "I've already taken her to bed. Where the Emperor's favor lands, so shall it be settled. Should anyone dare to talk shit—"

The consorts paled and knelt in unison, crying, "We dare not! May Your Majesty calm your wrath!"

The Emperor's words were blunt—he had taken her, and thus she was his, bound for the palace.

Anyone who dared whisper otherwise would face death!

Amid their terror, one thought echoed in the consorts' minds: the Emperor had actually slept with a woman. So he was not impotent after all...

The Jingxi Emperor gave a faint smirk. "Ladies, you are virtuous and wise. I trust you will not spread idle talk."

The crowd quickly agreed.

The Emperor's expression cooled as he clasped his hands behind his back. "With such joyous news in the palace, there is no need for such solemnity. Rise at ease. From now on, Noble Lady Ning shall rely on your guidance in all matters."

His words held a hidden threat, deepening their unease.

As for Noble Lady Ning... the Emperor had already addressed her by title.

He had shoved the title on her.

Has the emperor lost his mind? Coming to the harem to harass the concubines like this? Who wouldn't be scared half to death by his behavior!

Yet at this moment, the Jingxi Emperor spoke with gentle concern: "Mother, I see you look unwell. Would you like some tea?"

The Empress Dowager replied: "This grieving mother—"

The Jingxi Emperor then turned to A Wu and said: "Noble Lady Ning, why don't you offer tea to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager and Her Majesty the Empress?"

Hearing this, A Wu understood the emperor's intent and replied with practiced deference: "Yes."

A palace maid quickly brought the tea.

A Wu took it and respectfully offered it to the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager's expression hardened, and naturally she did not accept it.

A Wu said nothing, holding the teacup aloft in silent reverence.

Her slender, porcelain-white wrists held the white porcelain cup, a sight at once graceful and pathetic.

Yet the Empress Dowager still refused, her expression stern as she averted her gaze.

A Wu continued holding it, her arms trembling slightly from the prolonged strain, the tea inside sloshing precariously.

The chamber was deathly quiet, save for the steady drip of the clepsydra.

The Empress held her breath, watching intently.

She knew the Empress Dowager was the last check on the Jingxi Emperor—she must refuse and not accept the tea.

Then, the Jingxi Emperor's voice cut through the silence: "Noble Lady Ning, is it because you lack sincerity that Her Majesty refuses your tea?"

His tone was deep and commanding.

A Wu started—what was she to do now?

Under the gaze of all present, she bit her lip, held the cup again, and repeated softly, her voice barely above a whisper: "Your Majesty, please have some tea."

Her arms had weakened from holding the cup too long, making her plea come out in a plaintive, fragile voice.

Hearing that plaintive voice, the Empress Dowager looked at her son.

He was watching her too, his expression gentle and smiling, but his eyes were resolute—his meaning crystal clear.

He knew she would refuse if consulted, so he forced her hand. He was compelling her to accept, or he would not back down today.

With a weary sigh, the Empress Dowager finally said through gritted teeth: "Enough."

The Empress felt her stomach drop.

All the palace ladies watched with bated breath.

Under their varied gazes, the Empress Dowager finally accepted the teacup.

Accepting the tea meant acceptance.

Only then did A Wu slowly withdraw her hands, her wrists throbbing with pain.

However, the Jingxi Emperor spoke again, "Now present tea to the Empress as well."

According to palace rules, newly promoted women of noble rank and higher must present tea—first to the Empress Dowager, then to the Empress.

Upon hearing this, the Empress was instantly torn.

The Empress Dowager had accepted the tea—should she do the same?

The Jingxi Emperor did not spare the Empress a glance. His expression was calm and unyielding.

In that moment, the Empress felt humiliated. The Jingxi Emperor had already decided she would have to accept it—he had left her no other choice.

He believed she was neither qualified nor bold enough to refuse.

It was pure scorn.

Every consort strained to listen, under the scrutiny of the entire court, the Empress was locked in an internal struggle.

Meanwhile, A Wu raised the teacup high, demure and compliant.

Having learned from the Empress Dowager’s example, she only needed to repeat the same motions. If she ended up dropping the cup or collapsing, it wouldn’t be her fault—it would be the Jingxi Emperor’s.

After all, this was all on him...

So she simply held the teacup, her face the picture of wide-eyed naivety.

Finally, under the gaze of everyone, the Empress accepted the teacup.

The onlookers let out a collective sigh, though unease still lingered in their hearts.

With such a newcomer suddenly entering the harem, there’d be no shortage of drama from now on.

*************

The hall was thick with tension, but as seasoned courtiers skilled in masking emotions, they swiftly masked their discomfort with practiced smiles.

Though the Empress Dowager’s expression remained cold, she grudgingly gifted A Wu a jade bracelet.

A Wu, overwhelmed by the unexpected favor, knocked her forehead to the floor three times in gratitude.

She thought the Empress Dowager’s chambers were truly splendid—the plush rug was so thick, kneeling felt like sinking into clouds.

The Empress Dowager commanded her to rise, and she obeyed.

With a detached air, the Empress Dowager instructed a female palace official nearby, "Greet your elder sisters."

The female palace official then led A Wu around, introducing her to each lady in turn. A Wu bowed to each in turn, memorizing their titles and faces.

Aside from Empress Lu, the Great Hui harem had three consorts: Consort Zhuang, Consort Kang, and Consort Shun. Below them were Noble Consort Xian, Consort Hui, and Consort An, followed by various other ranks such as Zhao Rong, Zhao Yi, and Jie Yu—around ten in total.

Only those of noble rank and higher were permitted to attend the Empress Dowager today; others were not deemed important enough to attend.

A Wu was merely a noble, yet the Emperor’s favor had shoved her into the limelight, insisting she serve tea before the Empress Dowager.

As A Wu greeted each in turn, the ladies responded with polite smiles. With each curtsy, she mapped out the pecking order.

Consort Zhuang held the highest status after the Empress. Though her features were plain, faint scars lingered along her jawline—despite being concealed with powder—it was clear she had once suffered grave injuries.

A Wu guessed she must have earned her position through some meritorious deed. Her title felt less like a consort’s and more like a retired general’s, dignified and at ease.

Consort Kang, mother of Princess De Ning, was still beautiful in her thirties, meticulously groomed—though her eyes dripped with condescension, like she was the real Empress.

Next in rank after Consort Kang was Consort Shun, whose looks were exceptionally striking. A Wu even thought that if Consort Shun were ten years younger, she might rival her in beauty.

At a glance, all three women seemed to be in their thirties or older, while the lower-ranking concubines and Zhao Yi were relatively younger, not yet thirty, some around twenty-five or twenty-six. Their appearances varied—some plain yet refined and gentle, others breathtakingly beautiful.

After this round of greetings, it dawned on A Wu that ranks in the palace had little to do with looks. Essentially, everyone’s position was determined by seniority. It seemed the Jingxi Emperor showed no particular favoritism in the harem; everyone advanced step by step based on tenure.

Blissfully unaware she’d slighted another consort, A Wu realized that standing before this group of elder sisters, being just sixteen yet already a Noble Lady, was actually quite remarkable.

This position was truly not low—like an eighteen-year-old who'd topped the imperial exams, a young achiever!

Just as she was thinking this, the Jingxi Emperor suddenly spoke, addressing Consort Hui: "Consort Hui, from now on, Noble Lady Ning will reside in Langhua Hall, not far from your quarters. She is new to the palace and unfamiliar with many things. Take her under your wing."

Consort Hui, flattered, immediately replied, "This consort understands. I will do my utmost."

Consort Hui came from a modest background—her father and brothers were only scholars—but she was well-versed in poetry and literature and wrote beautifully. Though her looks were average among the concubines, her literary skills earned her steady promotions over the years, eventually elevating her to the rank of Consort.

She was mild-tempered and content, dutifully attending to the Empress Dowager daily, earning her favor. In the past, the Jingxi Emperor had also held her in high regard.

Now that the Emperor had brought this newcomer into the palace—though only a Noble Lady—everyone could see his partiality.

After all, a favorite worth risking his reputation for must hold a special place in his heart.

And Consort Hui, having been given a prized duty, had clearly won the Emperor’s esteem!

The other concubines watched with mixed feelings—some green with envy, others seething, a few sighing to themselves. Consort Hui, who had always written melancholic poetry to impress the Emperor with her erudition, was now basking in the limelight!

Only Consort Kang chafed, though she dared not voice it in front of so many.

When she first entered the palace, she had been a lowly ninth-rank attendant. Only after bearing Princess De Ning did she gradually rise to the position of Consort Kang—and that was her ceiling.

The Jingxi Emperor had only two children—the Crown Prince and Princess De Ning. The Virtuous Consort, who had borne the Crown Prince, had long passed away, leaving Consort Kang as the only mother of his children.

Consort Kang believed that aside from the Empress, she held a unique status in the harem.

Yet now, this Little Noble Lady had arrived—so young, yet immediately granted the rank of Noble Lady, drawing everyone’s attention.

Worse yet… her title was Noble Lady Ning. "Ning"—wasn’t that the same character as in Princess De Ning’s name?

Thus, Consort Kang bristled. But she dared not make a scene before the Empress Dowager and the Jingxi Emperor, so she forced herself to endure.

A Wu, after completing her greetings, edged closer to Consort Hui.

Consort Hui wore a round-collared robe in pale red, embroidered with peony vines, its collar lined with white trim, paired with a horse-face skirt adorned with auspicious cloud patterns—standing tall and graceful.

Just as A Wu wondered about Consort Hui’s temperament, the latter turned her head slightly and offered her a faint smile.

She carried herself with gentle refinement, her smile dignified yet warm.

A Wu felt a pang, reminded of many warm memories from the past, and she quickly smiled back.

At that moment, the Jingxi Emperor happened to glance over and saw her lips part in that sweet smile directed at Consort Hui—sweeter than any she had given him.

His expression remained blank as he stared for several moments before reluctantly looking away.

A Wu, as jumpy as a spooked hare, keenly sensed the Emperor’s gaze and his faint displeasure. Bewildered, she wondered—what had she done wrong? Why was he looking at her like that?

But from then on, the Jingxi Emperor did not glance at her again.

By now, it was time for the meal.

First, the palace eunuchs brought out yellow satin drapes embroidered with flowers and plants, surrounding the area. At a glance, it was as if one were amidst nature, with even a faint, refreshing fragrance in the air, stimulating the appetite.

This reminded A Wu of when she’d mistaken the Jingxi Emperor’s drapes for a pavilion—perhaps it was the same principle?

Then, the eunuchs set up the imperial pearwood tables, each complete set placed before every noble lady. Next, they arranged the diningware, all stored in wooden cases.

Once the diningware was set, A Wu assumed the meal would begin, but instead, palace maids brought forth gilded purple basins for handwashing and rinsing the mouth. Afterward, they presented pink silk mouth veils with soft strings on either side that could be tied behind the ears.

A Wu had never seen such a thing and couldn’t help but stare.

Beside her, Consort Hui murmured with a smile, "This is to prevent breath from tainting the food."

A Wu understood at once.

Then, a female palace official requested permission, and with a slight gesture from the Empress Dowager, the official signaled to those outside. Soon, the sound of golden bells chimed, and two rows of palace maids processed in, all wearing snow-white paper collars and silk mouth veils, appearing immaculate and orderly.

The trays they carried were covered with gilded wire domes, while palace eunuchs stood by, holding small curved-handled yellow umbrellas to shade the dishes.

This time, A Wu didn’t need to ask—it was clear: this was to prevent birds from soiling the dishes during transit, hence the umbrellas and domes.

Finally, the dishes were served in succession, with an array of wine, rice, tea, soup, fruits, and pastries—all in two categories: one set before each noble lady, and another on the large central pearwood table. Two maids, also wearing paper collars and silk mouth veils, would serve dishes from the main table onto jade plates as requested.

The grand table was overflowing with a dazzling array of delicacies. For rice alone, there were steamed fragrant rice, glutinous rice, millet with greens, congee, and Western Liang rice porridge. The pastries came in countless varieties—rose, pressed wood, fruit-filled, oil-refined, and steamed vegetable buns. As for meats, there was beef, lamb, donkey, pork, venison, pheasant, rabbit, seafood, and mountain vegetables—everything one could imagine.

But as a Little Noble Lady, A Wu wasn’t free to sample freely. Before her were six dishes, three bowls of soup, and three plates of fruit. So, while she eyed wistfully at the feast, she could only eat what was allotted to her.

This made her recall her time in Nanqiongzi, where she had dined with the emperor, who had far less pomp then. Now, in the palace, she truly understood what he had meant by "a great house, great rules."

Indeed, his household had great rules—very great!

Just then, the Jingxi Emperor spoke, "Mother Empress, today is but a simple family banquet. The feast is too lavish—let’s share some with the ladies."

At this, all eyes turned to him.

The Empress Dowager looked surprised and glanced at him.

The Jingxi Emperor met her gaze with a smile.

The Empress Dowager said, "The Emperor is thoughtful today. As the ruler of the nation and the head of this family, it gladdens me to see him show such care for the ladies of the inner court."

She then ordered the maids to distribute sweets from the main table to the consorts. These treats were even more exquisite than usual—spun-sugar tiger’s eyes, jade sugar, and Buddha’s honey among them—while the dishes were particularly fresh and refined.

The consorts were overjoyed. The Jingxi Emperor had never been one to show such consideration, especially in recent years. He rarely visited the inner court, treating his appearances like imperial audiences, making the consorts dread his presence and wish he would forget them entirely.

Yet today, he was unexpectedly tender—how moving!

Everyone rose to kowtow in gratitude, A Wu included, bowing three times.

Once seated again, the Jingxi Emperor declared, "These dishes shall go to the newly arrived Noble Lady Ning."

All eyes turned to her at once—some envious, some jealous, some scrutinizing, some assessing.

A Wu was stunned.

The Jingxi Emperor added, "Noble Lady Ning served tea today and must be tired. Let her replenish her strength."

Beside him, the Empress managed a tight smile, though her eyes were filled with conflicted feelings.

The Empress Dowager slightly raised her brow. What did this mean? Was he implying she had slighted his Little Noble Lady, and now he was upset about it?

The Emperor gazed at his mother with a respectful and gentle smile.

The Empress Dowager was both amused and exasperated. She withdrew her gaze, thinking to herself that he had taken all the credit for being gracious!

This son of hers simply knew how to take advantage of her maternal tenderness.

Look at that smile—one might think he was the most filial son, but in truth, he had his own agenda!

But then again... who would have thought the Emperor would be so unyielding over a mere consort? Truly something unimaginable in this lifetime.

At this moment, the palace maids attending the Emperor had already received the order. They took three dishes from the Jingxi Emperor's table and brought them before A Wu.

A Wu immediately understood, rising to her feet amidst the varied gazes of the concubines. Gathering her robes, she kowtowed in gratitude, bowing three times.

—Fortunately, the thick carpet made kowtowing not too tiring.

Meanwhile, the other concubines exchanged glances, their expressions plainly visible despite their efforts to conceal them.

As expected, the Emperor never concerned himself with such domestic trifles on ordinary days. A man with the world in his heart, why would he think of dispensing culinary favors upon his consorts?

So today, he intended to dote on his Little Noble Lady, first scattering his benevolence like spring rain before focusing his attention?

All eyes discreetly turned to the Empress. In the past, she had always been exemplary in her tolerance and generosity, even actively persuading the Jingxi Emperor to bring new women into the harem. She had taken great care of all the palace ladies, remaining above petty jealousies and intrigues for over a decade.

But... in the past, the Jingxi Emperor had never shown any partiality, treating all the women in the harem equally. Now, this was clearly different. Everyone instinctively wanted to see the Empress's reaction.

Yet, when they looked, the Empress showed no reaction at all. Her lips pressed together expressionlessly as she gazed forward, dignified and solemn, revealing neither joy nor anger.

The concubines withdrew their gazes, silently thinking: no visible emotion meant extreme displeasure. Otherwise, even if she had to pretend, she would have forced a smile.

Today, the Emperor had forced the Empress to accept this newcomer. Clearly, she had suppressed her feelings and complied, but inside, she must be consumed by silent fury.

After kowtowing, A Wu finally returned to her seat, only to find several dishes laid out before her. One appeared to be crab—its chest bones artfully arranged on a jade plate like butterfly wings, the white crab meat dotted among them, accompanied by a perilla soup. It was truly magnificent!

There was also a small bowl of osmanthus-flavored turtle stew, served in a vermilion-hued vessel with bamboo shoot wrappers and ham. A Wu took a small sip—the meat was tender, the bones soft, and the broth's aroma was redolent with subtle fragrance. She had never eaten anything like this in her previous station!

Delighted by the flavors and filled with gratitude, she cast a discreet glance toward the Jingxi Emperor.

At that moment, palace maids and eunuchs were attending to the Emperor's meal, obscuring her line of sight. Unable to see him, she gave up.

Yet, A Wu thought to herself: earlier, her wrist had stiffened from tension, and he hadn’t even spared her a glance—aloof and indifferent. But in truth, he had noticed after all...

The thought sent a pleasant thrill through her.

But... why had he looked at her earlier with what might have been disapproval?