I See the Noble Consort's Charm - Chapter 27:

Chapter 27:

Were it not for being constrained by others, given Xie Cai Ren’s background and temperament, she would never have made this trip. Even though her grandfather held the position of Grand Secretary, it was unwise to easily offend the Four Consorts. After all, Consort Yi did not secure her consort position solely by her own efforts but relied more on the strength of her father and brothers.

Xie Cai Ren was well-versed in such social intricacies. Not wanting to cause trouble for her grandfather, she swallowed her pride and went to the Azure Cloud Palace to act as a messenger.

Before her arrival, she had resolved to speak the truth. Yet, when she stood before Su Qingyao in the Azure Cloud Palace, Su Qingyao saw right through her, making the conversation flow much more smoothly.

From this, it was clear that Su Qingyao possessed a keen and perceptive mind—far from foolish.

After sharing these reflections, the two found it difficult to continue the conversation.

Just then, Taohong returned with some pastries. Su Qingyao pulled Xie Cai Ren over to try them. I’m not sure what you like, Sister, but I’m quite fond of the famous butterfly pastries from the Corner Room—they’re fragrant and crispy. Would you like to try one?

The pastries and tea fruits from the Eastern Six Palaces Corner Room were uniformly managed by the Bureau of Palace Affairs, so there was little room for error, and they could be eaten with confidence.

Xie Cai Ren did not stand on ceremony. She picked up a butterfly pastry, took a bite, and smiled. It’s truly delicious. I used to enjoy these at home, but the palace version is even more authentic.

After quietly enjoying the tea and snacks for a while, Xie Cai Ren said, The one in your palace seems quite close to the one in ours. She will likely attend tomorrow as well, so be sure to tread carefully.

As the primary consorts of their respective palaces, Consort Yi and Consort Hui would not openly cause trouble, but their underhanded schemes could be even more distressing—the kind of suffering that leaves you unable to cry for help, forcing you to endure it silently.

Though Xie Cai Ren had not personally experienced such covert harm, she had heard enough to offer a word of caution.

Su Qingyao personally saw her to the door and whispered, Don’t worry, Sister. I’ll be careful. Thank you for the advice.

After Xie Cai Ren gracefully departed, Su Qingyao closed the door with Liuqin and said, I’ve always known that Consort Yi and Consort Hui have a close relationship. I just wonder if Consort Yi will make a move this time.

In her previous life, Su Qingyao had little interaction with Consort Yi. On the surface, Consort Yi’s background appeared illustrious, but in reality, it was thoroughly rotten. While people in the palace flattered her to her face, behind her back, they called her the servant’s spawn.

What did it matter if her father held a noble title? She was still the child of a concubine—unworthy of respect.

Had she known how to conduct herself properly, she might not have strained relationships so severely. The problem was her lack of social grace, making her little better than Wu Jieyu. Su Qingyao only recalled that, a few years later in her previous life, Consort Yi attempted to harm a certain individual and was confined to the cold palace, never to be heard from again.

That individual was someone the Emperor treasured like a jewel. For Consort Yi to dare target her was sheer folly—so foolish it defied description.

As these thoughts crossed her mind, Su Qingyao suddenly remembered a minor incident from around this time in her previous life.

It seemed to have originated from Consort Yi’s Brocade Palace. On a similarly bright spring day, she had invited familiar consorts to admire flowers at her palace. However, her parrot startled the other birds, escaped its cage, and flailed about, accidentally injuring Consort He’s hand and causing quite a stir.

Because of this, Consort Yi was reprimanded by the Empress Dowager and ordered to reflect on her actions behind closed doors for a month—a rather embarrassing affair.

The Empress Dowager is most impartial; she must have known that Consort Yi was deliberately causing trouble. This incident was definitely not accidental. Otherwise, she would have merely comforted Consort He and let it pass, rather than specially issuing an edict to punish her.

Su Qingyao narrowed her eyes. She remembered that Consort He was quite well-liked, maintaining good relations with everyone in the palace. Even with an unfavored Junior Mistress like herself, Consort He could chat and laugh freely. At that time, many Junior Mistresses and palace maids in the palace liked her.

The reason Consort Yi targeted Consort He was simply because Consort He’s family background was not prominent. Her father was merely the Inspector of the Salt and Iron Bureau in the border city of Lishui, holding only a fifth-rank position. Her family was not an official lineage, and if not for her father’s special post, she would not have attained the rank of Consort.

Su Qingyao slightly furrowed her brows, trying hard to recall those past events. After Consort He injured her hand, did it heal properly later?

She pondered left and right but still couldn’t recall everything. She only vaguely remembered that Consort He pleaded with the Empress Dowager, claiming she had injured her hand carelessly. Otherwise, Consort Yi would have faced an additional three months’ salary deduction, which would have been even more humiliating.

If Xie Cai Ren hadn’t suddenly invited her to this Hongmen Banquet, she wouldn’t have remembered this past incident between Consort He and Consort Yi. Yet, recalling it so abruptly made her realize that Consort He was truly an inconspicuous figure. Two months after her rebirth, they had met and exchanged greetings, but Consort He had left no impression on her.

Quite a peculiar person indeed.

After a moment of contemplation, Su Qingyao said to Liuqin, Tomorrow, I will wear that wide-sleeved long gown. Have Liulv iron it in advance and spray some mint water on it to help relieve the heat.

Liuqin asked, Junior Mistress, since Consort Yi has made it clear she has ill intentions, should we still go?

Su Qingyao smiled and reassured her, Would Consort Yi dare to strike me in broad daylight? It’s just petty intimidation, and it might not even be aimed at me.

In her previous life, Consort Yi had harmed Consort He, but Consort He was never particularly favored. There was no reason for Consort Yi to vent her anger on her. Most likely, her real target back then was Wu Jieyu from Consort He’s palace. At that time, without Su Qingyao as a variable, Wu Jieyu was thriving in the palace, so it was natural for Consort Yi to resent her.

It was just unclear how Consort He ended up bearing the brunt of the calamity.

Liuqin knew her Junior Mistress was meticulous and well-prepared. Resolving to protect her Junior Mistress at all costs the next day, she withdrew to prepare the clothing and accessories without further comment.

Su Qingyao reclined on the daybed, gently fanning herself with a paper fan, and quietly smiled.

This commotion—she was finally part of it, becoming a scene within the hustle and bustle.

Was it interesting? Indeed, it was extremely interesting. Was she afraid? After a moment’s thought, it seemed she wasn’t that afraid.

Having lived decades of peaceful life to the fullest, experiencing another round of excitement felt like the ultimate joy of the mortal world. There was nothing to fear.

Su Qingyao didn’t take Consort Yi’s matter to heart at all. She ate and slept as usual, waking early the next day. After changing into the long gown with its deep sleeves, dressing neatly, and making herself presentable, she sat down for breakfast.

Consort Yi had invited them to admire flowers and would also provide a midday meal. Su Qingyao, anticipating some excitement later, first had a bowl of white fungus and lotus seed soup to fortify herself before heading out.

As soon as she stepped out, the doors of the west side hall opposite and the rear hall to her right also opened. Su Qingyao paused slightly, realizing that Consort Hui and Consort Sun were also coming out at the same time—quite a coincidence.

Consort Sun immediately spotted Su Qingyao but said nothing, only giving her a slight shake of her head. Su Qingyao understood her meaning yet responded with a faint smile and a nod.

Perhaps realizing they had no choice but to comply, Consort Sun lowered her head with a sigh and ultimately remained silent.

In that brief exchange of meaningful glances, Consort Hui had already emerged from the hall. Su Qingyao and Consort Sun hurried forward to greet her with smiles: We wish Your Highness good health.

Today, Consort Hui was exceptionally elegant, having deliberately chosen a watery-red gauze dress with a floral adornment at her brow that added a touch of charm.

During their usual morning greetings, Consort Hui often appeared indifferent and listless. Who would have thought she could carry such allure when dressed up? She simply didn’t care to adorn herself for their benefit.

Consort Hui gave a soft hum without bothering to look directly at the Junior Mistresses of her palace. Leaning on Qing Sui’s support as she stepped into the sedan chair, she said coolly, Let’s go. Mind your manners later—don’t embarrass me.

Su Qingyao and Consort Sun exchanged a glance before replying in unison, Yes.

Consort Hui’s procession set off grandly, with Su Qingyao and Consort Sun following behind at a steady pace, neither rushing to catch up nor lagging too far.

Consort Sun couldn’t resist advising again, Sister, why must you go? You could have pleaded illness.

Junior Mistresses like them couldn’t frequently summon imperial physicians for diagnosis. Minor ailments were typically treated with hot water and rest—only calling for a doctor if the condition worsened. Would Consort Yi specially send a physician to examine her? Any excuse would have sufficed to avoid this. Why insist on attending?

Consort Sun was gentle-natured and timid. She knew she was only included incidentally this time, otherwise she would never have ventured out.

Su Qingyao whispered, It’s fine. Consort Yi is merely inviting us to admire flowers—what’s there to worry about? Besides, if it happens once, it will happen again. Can we hide forever?

Consort Sun glanced at her, envying her apparent lack of fear. Your temperament is truly admirable.

Su Qingyao smiled, and the topic was dropped.

When they arrived at Brocade Palace, Consort Hui’s procession had already dispersed, indicating she had entered the palace. Su Qingyao and Consort Sun couldn’t enter freely and had to announce themselves to the junior maid at the gate.

After the maid went to report their arrival, Yingyu—Consort Yi’s chief maid—soon emerged personally. Her smile seemed somewhat forced as she said, Junior Mistress Su, Junior Mistress Sun, please come inside.

Su Qingyao and Consort Sun acknowledged and entered Brocade Palace together.

Consort Yi’s Brocade Palace stood adjacent to Guifei’s Phoenix Luan Palace. Though more cramped than the latter, its front courtyard was densely planted with flowers and grasses, creating a slightly chaotic yet lush appearance.

Clearly, this was where the flower appreciation would take place.

Su Qingyao glanced around and noticed the west side hall had its partition windows opened, temporarily converted into a flower-viewing pavilion. Several palace beauties in formal attire were already seated inside, indicating a sizable gathering.

A breeze drifted through, carrying waves of warm fragrance.

Su Qingyao couldn’t help curling her lips into a smile as she entered the pavilion with Consort Sun.

Greetings to Consort Yi, Consort Hui, and Consort He, Su Qingyao curtsied before adding, And to Wu Jieyu.

After acknowledging everyone present, Su Qingyao nodded to Xie Cai Ren. Once Consort Sun had also paid her respects, Consort Yi laughed: That day on our way to greet the Empress Dowager, I already thought Junior Sister Su seemed congenial. Seeing you today confirms it—come sit by me.

By now, the seating in the flower hall had been settled. Consort Yi occupied the main seat, with Consort Hui and Consort He flanking her on either side. Wu Jieyu stood behind Consort He, surprisingly quiet and well-behaved.

Unable to sit beside Consort Yi, Su Qingyao chose the seat to the right of Xie Cai Ren. With no chair available, Consort Sun had to make do with a round stool, though Consort Yi remained courteous enough.

No sooner had they settled than Consort Yi spoke up: Sister Su, you look radiant—your cheeks so rosy and glowing. Youth truly brims with vitality; it’s quite enviable.

As her words faded, all eyes in the room fixed intently on Su Qingyao.

Su Qingyao’s hand, holding the folding fan, paused briefly. She lowered her gaze with a faint smile. I could never compare to Your Ladyship’s peerless elegance. You flatter me too much.

Consort Yi’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. How sweet of you to say, sister.

Su Qingyao hadn’t expected them to be so impatient—to launch their attack before she’d even warmed her seat?

Well then, bring it on!

Author’s Note:

Emperor: No scenes for me today—what a relief.

Su Qingyao: Indeed. Even if I appeared… there’s nothing I could do anyway.

Emperor: That stings.