I See the Noble Consort's Charm - Chapter 30:
Chapter 30:
For a moment, Su Qingyao froze there, speechless.
She carefully recalled every interaction with Consort He from her previous life, desperately trying to dig out any abnormalities from her memories.
However, she hadn’t paid much attention to these matters back then. As the women around her fell ill and passed away one by one, over the decades, even if she had found something strange at the time, she had forgotten it afterward. Now, she couldn’t recall anything at all.
But she was certain that in her memory, Consort He was the gentlest and most refined noble lady.
Unlike Xianfei, who was physically weak and constantly bedridden, Consort He’s gentle and affectionate nature was ingrained in her bones. She was always polite in her interactions, speaking softly to everyone. Su Qingyao had never seen her argue with anyone.
Even in today’s situation, where she was injured and bleeding, she didn’t speak a single word against Consort Yi, instead choosing to comfort her.
Such a person seemed almost too perfect, like a celestial being descended to earth, lacking any sense of reality.
Su Qingyao praised Liuqin: You did very well, you’ve improved greatly compared to before.
Before going to Consort Yi’s Brocade Palace, Su Qingyao had instructed her to carefully observe the others. Given her status, Consort Yi’s specific summons this time undoubtedly meant she intended to do something to her. To guard against others’ schemes, it was practical to take precautions early.
Liuqin didn’t disappoint her expectations. She did everything that needed to be done and performed exceptionally well.
There wasn’t much difference from her mature and steady demeanor years later.
Su Qingyao felt quite pleased and praised her again: The only strange ones in the flower hall at that time were her and Wu Jieyu. Everyone else knew to avoid the situation—how imprudent must one be to stand there motionless? Wu Jieyu might genuinely be foolish, but Consort He’s behavior was indeed suspicious. You chose well by focusing your observation on her.
Liuqin smiled shyly, her heart warmed by Su Qingyao’s words.
Every day spent with Su Qingyao felt fulfilling to her. The two seemed to have been companions for many years, their every move perfectly harmonious. Su Qingyao had always patiently guided her, acting as both master and friend. Liuqin could fully feel her kindness.
Junior Mistress, when this servant was at home, there was a martial arts school in our alley. I used to play there mischievously as a child. I remember the instructor at the school knew a unique martial art, something called Eagle Claw Technique, which looked very similar to Consort He’s hand gesture.
Since Liuqin had seen it clearly, she would never speak nonsense or deceive her.
Su Qingyao nodded thoughtfully, slowly taking a sip of tea before saying: Consort He’s reaction just now seemed like she instinctively wanted to attack the bird. She probably quickly realized she couldn’t reveal special skills in the palace, so she had no choice but to withdraw her hand, which resulted in her injury.
This analysis made sense, but why would Consort He hide her martial arts skills? Su Qingyao couldn’t figure it out.
Almost all the women in the palace were noble ladies who rarely left their inner chambers. At most, they handled embroidery needles—let alone practicing martial arts, they seldom even walked much. How could they possibly know martial arts?
But whether consorts practicing martial arts was acceptable or not ultimately depended on the Emperor’s preferences.
That moment had passed too quickly, and Consort He had reacted swiftly, retracting her hand in the blink of an eye, making it impossible to determine whether she truly knew martial arts or not.
However, this matter also struck Su Qingyao as novel—martial arts and secrets were things she had never encountered before. All she had seen and heard these past days had overturned decades of experience from her previous life. She felt as if a new world was unfolding before her eyes, filling her with both curiosity and excitement.
Seeing her brimming with enthusiasm, Liuqin couldn’t help but laugh. The Junior Mistress is truly childlike, yet not the least bit afraid.
Su Qingyao pointed at her and said, Why should I be afraid? Even if Consort He truly possesses martial arts, she doesn’t even dare catch a bird—how could she possibly come harm me? Remember, we’re in the palace. After all these years of pretending to be gentle and courteous, she wouldn’t casually throw it all away.
Besides, what does it matter if she injured her hand? She claims not to blame Consort Yi, but do you think the Empress Dowager would easily let her off?
Her words proved prophetic. The next morning, just after Su Qingyao finished her breakfast, she looked up to see an unfamiliar figure entering the courtyard.
It was a young palace maid about a year or two older than Su Qingyao, with delicate features and graceful demeanor. As she reached the hall of the eastern side chamber, she immediately noticed Su Qingyao watching her.
She promptly curtsied and smiled slightly. Greetings, Junior Mistress. This humble maid is Tao Rui from the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility. The Empress Dowager mentioned she had some free time this morning and invites the Junior Mistress to accompany her for conversation.
Su Qingyao’s eyes sparkled as she immediately responded, I’m deeply honored by Her Majesty’s remembrance, and dare not keep her waiting. Please have a seat and enjoy some tea, miss, while I change clothes and come at once.
Though Tao Rui was merely a junior palace maid, her status from the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility warranted Su Qingyao addressing her as miss. She remained properly deferential, repeatedly declining to breach etiquette, and stood obediently waiting.
Liuqin had Taohong and Liulv assist Su Qingyao with changing clothes while she herself kept Tao Rui company in conversation, ensuring the maid wouldn’t feel too awkward.
Knowing why the Empress Dowager had summoned her, Su Qingyao didn’t dress particularly elaborately. She simply changed into a turquoise butterfly-sleeved top with a pleated skirt before heading out.
Being clear about the situation, she didn’t inquire much along the way about what matter the Empress Dowager might have, merely exchanging polite remarks with Tao Rui until they arrived before the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility.
From a distance, she could see several sedan chairs parked at the palace entrance, suggesting Consort Yi and others had already arrived. The Empress Dowager wouldn’t act arbitrarily—she had specifically summoned this bystander to verify the facts before making a judgment.
Understanding the Empress Dowager’s intention, Su Qingyao felt relieved.
As long as she didn’t have to confront Consort Yi or Consort Hui directly, Su Qingyao was absolutely willing to speak truthfully. How the Empress Dowager judged the matter was her concern—Su Qingyao herself would never dare deceive the Empress Dowager.
Her experience from her previous life had taught her that in this palace, only by pleasing the Empress Dowager could one live most comfortably.
Sure enough, when they reached the entrance of the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility, Tao Rui curtsied to her and said, This way, Talented Lady. Tea has been prepared in the side study. Please have a seat and read for a while.
Su Qingyao obediently followed behind her, not glancing around, and walked straight into the small study located in the side hall. She sat exactly where Tao Rui indicated, behaving very properly.
Tao Rui gave her a steady look before quietly withdrawing.
Only when the door closed completely did Su Qingyao dare to look around. This small study was clearly where the Empress Dowager spent her leisure time—one wall was filled with bookshelves containing various volumes, while before the window stood a spacious and imposing redwood desk that made Su Qingyao’s eyes gleam with envy.
A tea set had been arranged on the side table. Liuqin poured her a cup and softly asked, Would Junior Mistress like to read for a while? This is a rare opportunity—there are many books here.
Su Qingyao noticed several books placed on the small table beside the daybed and said, Bring those over. It wouldn’t be proper to disturb Empress Dowager’s personal collection.
Liuqin promptly retrieved them and handed them to Su Qingyao for inspection.
Su Qingyao had expected Empress Dowager to keep some light reading or amusing tales, but upon examination, she found only medical texts, Daoist scriptures, and Buddhist sutras—all quite solemn works.
Her Majesty is far too serious, Su Qingyao murmured under her breath, yet she still selected a medical book to read.
This particular volume contained folk remedies she hadn’t encountered before, and Su Qingyao became so engrossed that she didn’t even hear the study door open.
It was Liuqin who softly alerted her: Junior Mistress, someone has arrived.
Su Qingyao snapped back to attention and looked toward the doorway, where Le Shui, Empress Dowager’s chief maid, entered the study with a smile and began to curtsy.
This was an important figure not to be slighted. Su Qingyao quickly rose and sidestepped the gesture. You honor me too greatly, Auntie.
Le Shui wore a kindly expression as she gently said, Apologies for making Junior Mistress wait. Her Majesty requests your presence for a conversation.
Su Qingyao hastily shook her head. Not at all, not at all. The books here are fascinating, and the tea is excellent. This is truly a precious opportunity.
Though her flattery was transparent, it came across as endearing rather than obsequious. Le Shui’s smile widened, and she remarked, Junior Mistress is truly delightful. Her Majesty will surely adore you.
A blush spread across Su Qingyao’s cheeks as she shyly lowered her head.
Following Le Shui out of the small study, she wound through serpentine corridors toward the rear palace halls.
The Palace of Compassionate Tranquility lay in profound silence, with no indication of where Consort Yi and the others might be. Su Qingyao encountered no familiar faces before being led to the Tingxiang Pavilion in the rear palace.
This appeared to be where Empress Dowager routinely prepared incense—an elegant, tranquil space suffused with the soothing fragrance of agarwood as one approached.
Su Qingyao inhaled subtly and quietly asked Le Shui, Is this sinking incense?
Le Shui looked mildly surprised and praised, Junior Mistress has a keen nose indeed.
Su Qingyao offered no explanation. In her previous life, she had grown fond of this fragrance in her later years when, as the sole surviving senior consort, she could use it freely. Frequent exposure had made it intimately familiar.
Le Shui didn’t inquire how she knew such things, merely escorting her into the pavilion and announcing to the incense-preparing Empress Dowager, Your Majesty, Junior Mistress Su has arrived.
Empress Dowager, ever approachable and gentle by nature, set down her medicinal pestle and beckoned to Su Qingyao. Come here, dear child.
Flushing pink, Su Qingyao obediently approached Empress Dowager and murmured, Greetings, Your Majesty. May you enjoy boundless good fortune.
Empress Dowager chuckled. You’re a clever girl, so I’ll speak plainly. Tell me about yesterday’s events in detail.
Su Qingyao nodded to show understanding, then began recounting in hushed tones.
She omitted specifics and made no mention of Consort He’s peculiar behavior, simply stating that she had fled fearing the bird, and upon returning after its capture, found Consort He’s hand injured.
Empress Dowager continued grinding herbs without interrupting her.
Su Qingyao spoke unhurriedly, her voice soft yet each word enunciated clearly. Throughout her explanation, she never used phrases like I feel, I think, or I believe, maintaining an observer’s perspective from start to finish. She concluded in less than half the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
The Empress Dowager, still grinding spices in her hand, was momentarily taken aback upon hearing her final summary.
Earlier in the main hall, Consort Yi and Consort Hui had offered excuses without clearly describing the incident, while Consort He merely stood by with red-rimmed eyes, repeatedly insisting it was nothing and pleading with the Empress Dowager not to punish Consort Yi.
It could fairly be called a chaotic mess. Compared to Su Qingyao’s account, the difference was stark.
The Empress Dowager set down her pestle and glanced at her. Like your grandfather, you are quite clever.
Su Qingyao smiled sweetly. Thank you for your praise, Your Highness.
Instead of continuing with compliments, the Empress Dowager shifted the topic. Based on what you saw and heard, do you believe Consort Yi acted intentionally?
Su Qingyao’s heartbeat quickened suddenly.
To nod or shake her head? That was the question.
Author’s Note: Consort of Grace Wu: You’re the fool! Your whole family are fools!
Emperor: Hmm? How dare you!
Consort of Grace Wu: ??