I See the Noble Consort's Charm - Chapter 35:
Chapter 35:
Su Qingyao sat quietly, embroidering.
Once she became absorbed in her work, she would forget her surroundings. Su Qingyao was so immersed that she found it difficult to pull herself away.
It was Lou Duzhou who reminded her: Junior Mistress, it’s getting late. Would you like to retire for the night?
Only then did Su Qingyao look up at the clock displayed on the Treasure Pavilion, showing that it was already the beginning of the Hai hour—well past her usual bedtime.
She instinctively glanced across the room but could no longer see Chu Shaoyuan’s figure, causing her cheeks to flush slightly.
This habit of becoming completely unaware of her surroundings when focused had persisted for decades without change. Now, she had embarrassed herself in Qian Yuan Palace, right before the Emperor’s eyes.
Lou Duzhou smiled warmly and comforted her softly: There was an urgent report earlier. His Majesty instructed us not to disturb you, Junior Mistress. There’s no need to worry.
Su Qingyao let out a long sigh of relief, putting down the handkerchief in her hand. She hesitated slightly: May I take this handkerchief back to continue working on it?
Junior Mistress, Lou Duzhou said, wouldn’t it be nice to complete it here?
Su Qingyao was momentarily taken aback, not quite understanding his meaning. She simply said: I won’t be able to finish it tonight.
Lou Duzhou didn’t argue further, directly packing her sewing basket and personally escorting her to Pomegranate Hall: Junior Mistress, if you can’t finish today, there will be other opportunities. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to complete it personally in His Majesty’s presence before presenting it to him?
Senior Companion, Su Qingyao said gratefully, thank you for considering everything so thoroughly for me.
Otherwise, even with ten thousand times the courage, Su Qingyao wouldn’t have dared to think this way.
Lou Duzhou smiled, his slightly plump, cheerful face glowing softly in the palace lantern light: As long as the Junior Mistress is sincere toward His Majesty, this subject is content.
In her previous life, Su Qingyao had been as close as sisters with Liuqin. Now looking at Lou Duzhou, she understood that he too held the Emperor close to his heart, no different from how Liuqin cared for her.
She couldn’t help but feel moved and sighed: The Senior Companion’s loyalty is His Majesty’s great fortune.
Without His Majesty, there would be no me today, Lou Duzhou said quietly, and said no more.
The two walked silently to Pomegranate Hall. Tingqin wasn’t on duty today, but scented bath water and floral dew had been prepared, requiring no effort from Su Qingyao.
Only when completely immersed in the bathtub did Su Qingyao sigh contentedly: Bathing here is so convenient. Back in our palace, it would trouble all three of you—it’s quite troublesome after all.
Liuqin was washing her hair and laughed at this: The Junior Mistress is an imperial consort. Bathing must be done properly, unlike us palace maids who go to the Bureau of Palace Affairs bathhouse—much more convenient.
As personal attendants to imperial consorts, body odor during the hot summer was particularly undesirable. Originally, the Bureau of Palace Affairs didn’t have this bathhouse, and palace maids bathed in their corner rooms. Many died of colds during winter. When the Empress Dowager was still Empress, she discovered this problem and ordered the Bureau of Palace Affairs to establish bathhouses specifically for palace maids.
The bathhouse wasn’t free—five copper coins in winter allowed one to comfortably soak and wash thoroughly. It was cheaper in summer, costing only two copper coins. Now that Su Qingyao’s circumstances had improved considerably, she specifically provided them with these miscellaneous expenses, allowing them to share in her better life.
But she herself couldn’t use that large bathhouse. Every time she bathed, she had to request junior eunuchs to bring the water wheel, with Taohong and Liulv busy transporting water into her room.
Upon hearing her mention the bathhouse, Su Qingyao felt a flicker of longing. It must be very warm in winter.
Indeed, in winter, the steaming hot water would be inviting. After washing clean, one could soak in the hot spring pool, driving away all the chill. However, since many people used the baths, going late meant the pool would be less clean, which was rather unfortunate.
Liuqin laughed. If fate allows us to live in Jing Yu Palace or Phoenix Luan Palace in the future, we’ll surely have access to hot spring pools.
Within the palace, only the Emperor’s Qian Yuan Palace, the Empress Dowager’s Palace of Compassionate Tranquility, the Cihua Palace where the imperial concubines reside, the Empress’s Kun Harmony Palace, the Imperial Concubine’s Phoenix Luan Palace, and the specially constructed Jing Yu Palace had hot spring pools. Nowadays, with few high-ranking occupants in the palace, most of these pools remained unused, left to waste.
Mentioning this, Su Qingyao couldn’t help but recall the comfortable days she had spent earlier in Cihua Palace and sighed. Even if we can’t live in Jing Yu Palace or Phoenix Luan Palace, we might still manage to stay in Cihua Palace.
Since it was just the two of them in the heated room, Liuqin was momentarily taken aback but quickly understood and muttered softly, Junior Mistress, you mustn’t speak recklessly.
After all, one could only reside in Cihua Palace after becoming an imperial concubine—wasn’t that akin to wishing for the Emperor’s early demise?
Su Qingyao promptly fell silent, thinking to herself: Sooner or later, I will move in. My health is perfectly robust.
After bathing and changing, it was already quite late. Liuqin gently dried her long hair while Su Qingyao applied floral dew to her skin. It was her favorite orange blossom scent. Tingqin had clearly noticed she only used this fragrance and had specially sent over a high-quality batch to please her.
Su Qingyao sighed. Look at the people in Qian Yuan Palace—each one so astute. Even the smallest gesture can make you feel grateful, and they don’t even need to exert much effort; it’s just a matter of speaking up. Later, you should also guide those two younger ones, advising them to observe and learn more in their daily tasks. One day, they’ll be capable of handling responsibilities on their own.
Liuqin replied gently, Yes, yes, Junior Mistress, you should worry less. Those two are quite clever and will surely grow well.
Su Qingyao had been busy all afternoon—brewing tea, reading, and even spending an hour on embroidery in the evening. By now, she was utterly exhausted and fell fast asleep mid-conversation.
She slept exceptionally well and woke early the next morning, before the sun had risen, when the sky was still dark.
She rarely woke during the night and slept soundly, so Liuqin also rested peacefully. Stirring at her movement, Liuqin woke and said, Junior Mistress, lie down a while longer. It’s still early.
Having slept for four or five hours, Su Qingyao felt her bones thoroughly relaxed. She smiled and said, Help me up to change first. I won’t lie down anymore.
Liuqin assisted her with washing up and, instead of styling her hair immediately, simply braided it into a long plait before going to brew tea.
Su Qingyao picked up the copy of Tiangong Kaiwu she had been reading earlier. Finding the tea stem she had used as a bookmark still inside, she cheerfully continued reading.
Before long, the tea was ready. With no one else around, Su Qingyao invited Liuqin to have two bowls to shake off the drowsiness.
After drinking her tea, Liuqin went to adjust the palace lanterns, brightening all four in the elegant room before returning to attend to Su Qingyao.
Pomegranate Hall grew brighter.
Chu Shaoyuan, who had risen early to practice martial arts, glanced up and noticed the lights in Pomegranate Hall. Pausing, he asked Lou Duzhou, She didn’t stay up late again, did she?
Lou Duzhou recalled the embroidery basket he had put away the day before and thought of Su Qingyao’s stubborn nature. Hesitating, he replied, She probably didn’t.
Oh? Chu Shaoyuan shot him a glance.
Your Majesty, please wait a moment. This servant will go check. Lou Duzhou’s heart trembled as he quickly added this before hurrying toward Pomegranate Hall.
Su Qingyao was happily reading when Lou Duzhou knocked outside her door: Has Junior Mistress Su awakened? Why so early?
Liuqin hurried to open the door and welcomed him in, smiling as she greeted him before saying: The Junior Mistress slept early last night and had nothing to do upon waking, so she decided to read for a while. Is this improper?
They didn’t know what rules Pomegranate Hall might have. If lighting lamps this early wasn’t permitted, they could simply return to sleep – it wouldn’t be any trouble.
Lou Duzhou quickly waved his hand: I was concerned the Junior Mistress might have tasks to assign. Since she’s only reading, then there’s no issue. The Junior Mistress may continue reading.
Hearing he came out of concern, Su Qingyao also rose to see him off. After Lou Duzhou left, she remarked: This Head Attendant Lou is like an iron man – I wonder if he ever gets tired.
That was indeed true. All matters great and small in Qian Yuan Palace were handled by him alone, with only Pomegranate Hall and clothing provisions managed by Tingqin Gugu. He followed Chu Shaoyuan all day without ever leaving his side.
Liuqin whispered: Originally, Qian Yuan Palace should have had a Directorate of Palace Attendants to manage internal affairs. I wonder why His Majesty never established the position, always using only Lou Duzhou.
Su Qingyao had never considered this matter before. She previously thought Chu Shaoyuan was simply accustomed to Lou Duzhou and uncomfortable with strangers around him. But now, thinking about Pomegranate Hall affairs again, could it be… there were too many secrets he didn’t want more people to know?
This thought flitted briefly through her mind without leaving any ripples.
Meanwhile, Lou Duzhou returned to Chu Shaoyuan’s side, remembering to instruct a Junior Eunuch to bring snacks to Su Qingyao.
Chu Shaoyuan happened to finish a set of long fist exercises. Lou Duzhou hurried over to wipe His Majesty’s sweat: Junior Mistress Su said she slept well last night. Waking early gives her time to read.
After pausing briefly, Lou Duzhou added by way of explanation: Junior Mistress Su appears very fond of reading, but as only a Talented Lady, she receives just five books per season. She likely doesn’t have many books to read.
When palace consorts entered the palace, most brought clothing, food items, and silver. No one could bring much luggage, so books naturally had to be left behind. Those who enjoyed reading could only either wait for the Southern Library’s seasonal deliveries or spend silver to purchase books.
What Lou Duzhou left unsaid was that Su Qingyao, being a Talented Lady, had meager provisions to begin with – her food, clothing, and living expenses were already tight. If she still had to spend silver on books, her days would certainly be difficult. That’s why she must be seizing this rare opportunity to read now.
Chu Shaoyuan listened quietly until the sweat on his face was wiped dry, then wordlessly continued his martial arts practice.
Though his expression remained calm and silent, inwardly he thought: No wonder she reads with such concentration, unaware even when others watch her. She certainly knows how to cherish opportunities.
Focused people always commanded genuine admiration.
Although Chu Shaoyuan admired no one except his own imperial parents, he still felt Su Qingyao was quite commendable.
One should know that in this world, those he considered commendable could probably be counted on one hand.
Su Qingyao herself remained unaware that merely reading for a while in the early morning had earned her favorable evaluation from His Majesty. She read almost ten lines at a glance, quickly finishing that copy of Tiangong Kaiwu, finally feeling satisfied.
The remaining half book she hadn’t read occupied her thoughts day and night, making her unbearably restless.
In her previous life, she had read so many books that she now regarded them with indifference. Yet, she couldn’t resist the torment of reading only half and leaving the rest, which inadvertently led to this misunderstanding.
However, if Junior Mistress Su knew what kind of blunder she had made, she would probably be even more delighted.
A lucky accident—this was truly great fortune.
Just as Su Qingyao finished reading, pastries from the small kitchen arrived. In an instant, the entire Qian Yuan Palace came to life.
Estimating that His Majesty would soon leave for the morning court session, Su Qingyao quickly finished her breakfast, boarded the sedan chair, and returned to Azure Cloud Palace.
She had thought this time would be as uneventful as before, but as soon as she rose from her noon rest, rewards from Qian Yuan Palace were delivered to her. Besides tea bricks and fine silks, there were two exquisitely crafted oil-paper umbrellas and a full chest of books.
Staring at that chest of books, Su Qingyao was uncharacteristically dumbfounded.
Is His Majesty telling me to study hard? Su Qingyao asked in confusion.
She didn’t understand—truly didn’t understand.
Author’s Note:
Mini Theater One:
His Majesty: Master mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and you’ll fear no journey under heaven!
Talented Lady Su: Admit it, you’re just overthinking things.
His Majesty: …Director! Must you mock me like this every single day?
Mini Theater Two:
His Majesty: My dear, can’t you wish me well?
Talented Lady Su: A great bathhouse—that’s true happiness in life.