Chapter 10: Almost caused Ruan Hanzhang to fall to the ground.

Chapter 10: Nearly Sending Ruan Hanzhang Tumbling to the Ground

The Changxin Palace is laid out along a central axis comprising the Taiji Hall, Qianyuan Palace, Kunhe Palace, and the Imperial Garden, flanked by the Eastern and Western Six Palaces.

Behind the Western Six Palaces is the Shoukang Palace, residence of the Empress Dowager. Further back are the Inner Five Residences for princesses and the Maoqin Hall, which serves as the imperial library. Since the founding of Great Chu, the imperial concubines residing in the Western Six Palaces have generally held higher ranks than those in the Eastern Six Palaces.

Currently, among the high-ranking imperial concubines, Noble Consort Yao and Moral Consort Xu live in the Western Six Palaces, while Consort Yi Zhou, Zhao Yi Mei, and Jie Yu Murong reside in the Eastern Six Palaces, maintaining a clear division.

Zhao Yi Mei and Consort Yi Zhou both live in the Eastern Six Palaces and frequently interact, which explains why Zhao Yi Mei felt comfortable enough to interject.

However, Consort Yi Zhou rarely shows warmth to anyone; even Zhao Yi Mei, whose rank is only one step below hers, receives the same cold treatment, her tone remaining icy.

Zhao Yi Mei, though, seemed unfazed.

Her light brown eyes swept over Ruan Hanzhang before settling on Consort Yi Zhou, her smile faint and ethereal: "Sister Consort Yi, today marks the first time the newly appointed imperial concubines pay their respects to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. If one person were missing, Her Majesty would surely inquire, and we would eventually have to explain."

Zhao Yi Mei gently advised: "It’s best not to stir up trouble. Just the other day, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager questioned you about the Crown Prince’s illness. If anything goes awry today, it might displease Her Majesty even more."

With each word she uttered, Consort Yi Zhou’s expression grew darker.

The Empress Dowager had always disliked her, for no other reason than that she had given birth to the Crown Prince.

This had effectively thwarted Noble Consort Yao’s ambition of ascending to the position of Empress.

Consort Yi Zhou sneered: "Even if I don’t provoke Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, she won’t favor me any more than she already does."

This was the truth, but stating it so openly only underscored Consort Yi Zhou’s arrogance and defiance.

Ruan Hanzhang felt a flicker of doubt. Even though Consort Yi Zhou had given birth to the Crown Prince, he was still an infant, too young to show any particular qualities. Could she truly be so certain that she would one day ascend to the position of Empress, to the extent that even the Empress Dowager would be powerless against her?

Furthermore, she recalled Peilan mentioning that Consort Yi Zhou’s family background wasn’t particularly distinguished; they were merely an ordinary scholarly household, and her father was only a sixth-rank official, not influential in any way.

However, her father’s official position was noteworthy: he was the Director of the General Affairs Bureau, responsible for all procurement and access within the entire Changxin Palace.

Without a powerful patron, one could only rely on oneself.

Ruan Hanzhang’s eyes subtly shifted, but at that moment, she and Baolin Wei bowed fearfully and saluted: "Please watch your words, Consort Yi."

When a low-ranking consort openly criticized the Empress Dowager in such a manner, it demanded a response.

Zhao Yi Mei also sighed: "Sister, I don’t know what has come over you lately. Your temperament has become so contrary. You were not like this before."

Huh?

Ruan Hanzhang felt a stir of curiosity.

Consort Yi Zhou, hearing Zhao Yi Mei’s words, took a deep breath and fell silent.

At this moment, it was Zhao Yi Mei who spoke on her behalf.

"Regarding today’s matter, watch your tongues. I do not wish to hear any discussions about this incident. Is that clear?"

This was addressed to everyone present.

After everyone responded with "Understood," Zhao Yi Mei smiled and turned to Consort Yi Zhou: "Sister, you’ve been busy these past few days, and I haven’t had the chance to visit and chat with you. Let’s go together."

Consort Yi Zhou’s expression remained displeased, but she reluctantly nodded, cast a cold glance at Ruan Hanzhang, and had her procession move forward.

Once the processions of the two consorts had advanced, Ruan Hanzhang and Baolin Wei slowly rose, gently rubbing their aching lower backs.

Maintaining the same posture for an extended period was indeed tiring.

Baolin Wei couldn’t help but cover her mouth with a handkerchief and let out a soft cough.

"Sister Wei, are you alright?" Ruan Hanzhang looked at Baolin Wei’s maid, Yin Zhui. "Does Sister have any medicine?"

Yin Zhui looked troubled and said: "This is an old ailment of our lady. She coughs easily when exposed to the wind, and there is no effective remedy for it."

Ruan Hanzhang considered waiting with Baolin Wei for a while, but Baolin Wei struggled to suppress her cough, her pale face flushing red from the effort.

"Let’s go," she said hoarsely. "We’re going to be late."

Ruan Hanzhang then quickened her pace to match hers.

Their speed nearly matched that of the palanquin bearers ahead, following the processions of the two consorts at a distance of several yards, neither too close nor too far.

Passing through Ping'an Lane, the group turned directly into West First Long Street. This palace lane was the narrowest and longest in the palace, flanked by tall vermilion walls on both sides. Looking up, one could only see a narrow strip of sky.

It was as if the sky had always been that small.

Seeing another procession appear on the left ahead, Ruan Hanzhang instinctively reached out to stop Baolin Wei.

Baolin Wei also looked up and, seeing the consorts appearing one after another, stood silently in place beside Ruan Hanzhang.

Each consort sat high on a palanquin, carried by eight bearers, followed by two eunuchs holding decorative canopies and flowers, and two palace maids carrying decorative banners and incense burners. The formation was orderly and silent.

Ruan Hanzhang softly comforted her: "Sister Wei, your time will come soon."

The palace hierarchy was strict. Below the Empress were the high-ranking consorts, in order: Imperial Noble Consort, Noble Consort, Moral Consort, Pure Consort, Consort Yi, and Virtuous Consort, followed by Zhao Yi and Jie Yu.

Next were the mid-ranking consorts, who could also be addressed as "Your Highness": the Noble Consort and the Nine Concubines.

Those above could become the mistress of a palace, travel by palanquin, and have a full procession.

Below them, the fifth-rank Meiren and the sixth-rank Baolin, though also mid-ranking, could not become mistresses of a palace, nor did they have palanquins or processions for travel. They could only be addressed as "Your Highness."

These two ranks were somewhat awkward but were solidly mid-ranking consorts. Their clothing, food, housing, and transportation were significantly better than those of lower-ranking ladies, representing a hard-won improvement.

Baolin Wei was in this awkward position, which was why Ruan Hanzhang specifically comforted her.

Unexpectedly, Baolin Wei let out a faint laugh, her pale lips moving so only Ruan Hanzhang could hear: "I won’t make it. I hope you will achieve glory in the future, so I may also share in your joy."

Ruan Hanzhang, unaware of her severe illness, thought she was disheartened by lack of favor and was about to comfort her further when Baolin Wei said: "Let’s go."

The two continued walking in silence.

Before long, they arrived at the Shoukang Palace.

The Shoukang Palace was exceptionally spacious, almost the size of two palace halls. It had a main hall, side halls, a flower hall in the front, and a rear hall, side rooms, and a garden in the back. The entire Shoukang Palace was filled with the songs of birds and the fragrance of flowers, a perfect spring day.

At this moment, the Shoukang Palace was peaceful and harmonious. The beauties in palace attire had all arrived, and two senior maids stood at the entrance to greet guests, exchanging pleasantries and salutations with smiles.

The scene was truly heartwarming.

Ruan Hanzhang almost imperceptibly raised an eyebrow when she heard a familiar voice behind her.

"Sister Ruan."

Ruan Hanzhang turned around and saw a pair of captivating, clear eyes.

The newcomer was half a head shorter than her, with a petite and delicate figure that appeared as fragile as a willow swaying in the wind, evoking both tenderness and charm.

Dressed in a vibrant pink dress, she stood there looking sweet and charming, as gentle as a rabbit.

This was Cai Nu Su, who had entered the palace at the same time as her.

She was the legitimate daughter of a Ministry of Justice official, with a lively personality and a habit of greeting everyone with a smile. They had often interacted during their time in the Chuxiu Palace and were considered acquaintances.

Seeing her, Ruan Hanzhang smiled and said, "Miss Su, how have you been lately?"

After introducing the two, Cai Nu Su greeted Wei Baolin with a curtsy, smiling cheerfully as she said, "I’ve been doing well. Life in the palace—the food, clothing, and lodging—is excellent, even more comfortable than at home."

Ruan Hanzhang smiled subtly but said nothing more.

Just then, the high-ranking concubines had already entered the hall, and it was their turn. Ruan Hanzhang lightly steadied Wei Baolin, and the three of them made their way toward the palace gate.

Of the two matrons guarding the entrance of Shoukang Palace, Ruan Hanzhang had only met one before. During the initial selection, this matron had stood beside Empress Dowager Renhui with a stern expression.

But now, her face carried a faint smile, and her previous severity and rigidity had completely vanished.

"Greetings to Baolin Wei, Talent Lady Ruan, and Cai Nu Su."

Wei Baolin, being the highest in rank, spoke up: "Thank you, Matron Peng."

Matron Peng’s smile remained unchanged. She exchanged a glance with the matron beside her and personally led the three of them into Shoukang Palace.

They proceeded in silence, and even after entering the flower hall, it remained quiet.

The palace consorts sat in their respective seats—some sipping tea, others fiddling with the jade bracelets on their wrists, and a few with downcast eyes lost in thought, seemingly weary.

The palace maids stood silently behind the palace consorts, eyes lowered and minds focused, maintaining an air of utter stillness.

The scent of Ningshui incense rose gracefully from the crane-shaped incense burner, intertwining with the golden oranges on the branches behind it, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

Ruan Hanzhang and the others dared not speak either. They followed Matron Peng to their designated seats. Wei Baolin sat farther forward in a chair, while Ruan Hanzhang and Cai Nu Su took their places on the embroidered stools at the back, which offered a clear view of the entire flower hall.

The flower hall was open on both ends, with all the removable partition windows removed, leaving only the faint, drifting blue gauze curtains hanging.

In the rear Shoukang Garden, flowers of all kinds were in full bloom, bursting with the vibrancy of spring.

At the front, a small pond held lotus flowers standing tall, their buds poised to bloom.

It was a scene of serene beauty.

Changxin Palace, having been built upon an older foundation, had its land area restricted early on. After the founding of the dynasty, efforts were focused on restoration and recuperation, so there were no large-scale palace constructions.

Although there had been occasional renovations over the years, they were confined to this part of the imperial city, leaving most palaces feeling somewhat cramped.

In contrast, Shoukang Palace was spacious and bright, uplifting and serene.

It was truly worthy of being the Empress Dowager’s residence—extraordinary in every way.

As Ruan Hanzhang was admiring the flowers, she suddenly felt a gaze resting on her. Turning around, she met a pair of gentle, affectionate eyes.

It was an elegantly dressed consort seated at the very front.

She had a slightly plump figure, a round face with willow-leaf eyebrows, and clear, lovely features that made her seem amicable.

Based on her seating position and what Peilan had previously mentioned, Ruan Hanzhang immediately realized this must be Yao Tingyue, the current Empress Dowager Renhui’s paternal cousin’s daughter and the Noble Consort in the palace.

Ruan Hanzhang was momentarily stunned but then shyly nodded to the Noble Consort. Noble Consort Yao responded with a soft smile.

There was a warmth and kindness that was hard to put into words.

Ruan Hanzhang thought to herself, no wonder even Peilan could find no fault with the Noble Consort—she truly seemed like a gentle, virtuous, and refined lady from an esteemed family.

"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has arrived!"

As the announcement echoed, Ruan Hanzhang suddenly felt the embroidered stool beneath her being kicked hard. The stool lurched uncontrollably to one side, nearly sending her tumbling to the ground.

Her heart raced, but her expression remained unchanged. She steadied herself with her feet, straightened her back, and forcefully stabilized the stool that was on the verge of tipping over.

Despite her slender appearance, years of diligent practice had given her physical strength uncommon for someone of her delicate appearance.

Just as she was about to regain her balance, a figure adorned in brilliant crimson and purple robes appeared at the front, catching everyone’s attention.

A pair of beautiful, though slightly wrinkled, eyes swept over the room, landing directly on Ruan Hanzhang’s face.