I See the Noble Consort's Charm - Chapter 37:

Chapter 37:

Su Qingyao knew Xie Cai Ren’s temperament best.

Thus, when she heard her speak so harshly, she couldn’t help but be surprised: Did something happen?

Xie Cai Ren had no reason to deceive her, nor would she gossip behind Consort He’s back without cause. If she spoke this way, Consort He must have done something disgraceful.

Su Qingyao’s family was from Nanyang, and her father and brothers held no influential positions. In her previous life, after entering the palace, she had little contact with other palace consorts. In this life, though she appeared favored and prosperous on the surface, aside from Xie Cai Ren and Consort Sun, she had no other close acquaintances.

Xie Cai Ren, however, was entirely different.

She was a native of Shengjing, with a grandfather who held high authority and a father and uncle with smooth official careers. Many in the palace were willing to befriend her; even if she wasn’t particularly favored, her family background ensured she was never neglected.

Merely out of respect for Grand Secretary Xie, her life couldn’t be too difficult. Even Consort Yi only dared to occasionally pressure her, never daring to do anything more foolish.

Therefore, Xie Cai Ren knew many things that Su Qingyao had never heard of.

In Su Qingyao’s memory, she always thought Consort He had excellent relationships and was well-liked by the Junior Mistresses in the palace. Had she misjudged again?

With Xie Cai Ren’s background, her judgment was naturally sharp, and she was very accurate in assessing people.

That was why she was willing to interact with Su Qingyao and had a nodding acquaintance with Consort Sun. She could tell at a glance that neither of them had malicious hearts, so she felt comfortable sharing some heartfelt words.

Seeing that the two opposite her seemed unaware of Consort He’s history, Xie Cai Ren dismissed the attendants and said to them alone, Among the palace consorts who entered in the first year of Jianyuan, there was also a girl from a military family, surnamed Qian. At that time, our Great Liang had frequent friction with Luofu. Her father was highly valued, so His Majesty showed considerable favor, summoning her for Imperial bedchamber service several times in a row and conferring upon her the rank of Talented Lady.

There weren’t many women in the palace, and the Emperor was still young. To attain the rank of Talented Lady immediately upon entering the palace was quite impressive.

Hearing this, Su Qingyao tried hard to recall, but no matter how much she thought, she couldn’t remember this Consort Qian.

She must not have ended well.

Xie Cai Ren sighed and said, Consort Qian had a simple nature. After being invited for tea twice by Consort He, she revealed everything. How she served in the Imperial bedchamber was naturally unknown to us; only Consort He knew at the time.

Later, Consort He did something—no one knows what—that angered His Majesty during one Imperial bedchamber service, implicating Consort Qian.

Su Qingyao slightly furrowed her brows. Logically, since Consort He was the one who angered His Majesty, she should have been the one punished. Yet, in the end, Consort Qian was implicated while Consort He remained unscathed and even rose to a higher rank?

Xie Cai Ren glanced at Su Qingyao and Consort Sun’s faces. She could tell Su Qingyao had figured it out, while Consort Sun still seemed confused. She explained, At the time, everyone was perplexed. It was only when Empress Dowager spoke during a morning greeting, saying that the greatest taboo in the palace is revealing the Emperor’s whereabouts, that it became clear. Consort Qian had told Consort He about His Majesty’s affairs, which was a major transgression. Consort He was also punished at the time; she endured for a year until her father was promoted, and only then was her consort rank restored.

Su Qingyao nodded thoughtfully but asked, Since Consort He was already punished back then, why is she still using the same tactics now?

Could it be that she wasn’t afraid of being punished again? Impossible. Consort He appeared amiable but was actually quite cautious; she couldn’t be that foolish.

Xie Cai Ren gave a cold smile: After all that, His Majesty no longer favors her. Forget about Imperial bedchamber service once or twice a month—if not for the Empress Dowager’s grace, she wouldn’t even receive those usual rewards.

The Empress Dowager was His Majesty’s benevolent mother, but not theirs among the palace consorts. Her kindness toward Consort He wasn’t out of pity, but because Consort He’s father remained useful to the Emperor.

Since His Majesty had grown thoroughly disgusted with Consort He, only the Empress Dowager could afford to extend such favors.

After piecing everything together, Su Qingyao finally asked: What about Consort Qian?

Xie Cai Ren sighed: Consort Qian was directly demoted to Shunyu (Beauty). She fell ill and passed away not long after.

Su Qingyao pursed her lips, recalling how Consort He had gently coaxed her earlier. If I hadn’t studied palace regulations carefully, I might have been deceived by her. I would’ve been the next to suffer losses.

Xie Cai Ren hadn’t expected Consort He to target Su Qingyao so quickly either. She’d only learned of it from Zhaoyi Xing in Consort Shun’s palace and originally intended to warn both of them during this banquet, before complications arose.

Xie Cai Ren said: Consort He is extremely clever. She wouldn’t act recklessly against just anyone. Look at those unfavored Junior Mistresses—who doesn’t feel grateful to her? Newly entered young ladies know nothing of past affairs. Those who do know either attained higher positions and can’t be bothered with gossip, or hold lower ranks and dare not speak up. Doesn’t this create gaps for her to exploit?

Su Qingyao carefully reflected. In her previous life, Consort He had indeed shown her kindness too, seemingly without ulterior motives. She had initially thought it was simply Consort He’s benevolent nature, never imagining hidden schemes lay beneath.

After sorting through these cause-and-effect connections, Su Qingyao softly sighed: Thank you, elder sister, for the guidance. I understand completely now.

Only then did Xie Cai Ren smile again: I knew you were clever. Let this matter rest after today—never speak of it again.

This time even Imperial Attendant Sun nodded in agreement. Xie Cai Ren then lifted the Dragon Phoenix Reunion tea Su Qingyao had just served and took a small sip.

That single sip filled her mouth and nose with rich, aromatic tea fragrance—more intense than what her family’s tea master ever brewed. Observing the exquisitely formed tea froth patterns on the surface, Xie Cai Ren was thoroughly impressed.

Younger Sister Su’s tea brewing skill is truly remarkable. Even the imperial tea masters couldn’t surpass this.

Su Qingyao smiled modestly: I practiced for many years specifically because I love this taste. Hearing your praise makes all that effort worthwhile.

Having moved past the Consort He incident, the three resumed cheerful conversation. The birthday banquet proceeded vibrantly, leaving everyone in high spirits.

After the midday meal, the three played Leaf Cards for an hour before Xie Cai Ren and Imperial Attendant Sun reluctantly departed.

After all the excitement, fatigue set in. While two junior palace maids cleaned the front hall, Liuqin massaged Su Qingyao’s back.

What if Consort He invites you again, Junior Mistress? Liuqin fretted, having just heard Su Qingyao’s account of the story.

Su Qingyao smiled faintly: Now that she knows I’m not foolish, she likely won’t summon me again soon. Let’s focus on the present.

Consort He was shrewd enough—their last conversation had been unpleasant, so even her benevolence wouldn’t extend to another invitation. Of course, the future remained unpredictable, but with awareness came calm.

As they conversed, Luo Zhongjian’s voice carried from outside: Greetings, Junior Mistress.

Luo Zhongjian’s voice was quite resonant, clearly audible even within the inner chamber.

Since he had come, Su Qingyao had to receive him personally. Hearing this, she hurriedly sat up and rushed out to greet him: Eunuch, what brings you here at this hour? Has His Majesty any instructions?

Su Qingyao had Liuqin serve him tea and asked with a smile.

Luo Zhongjian did not decline, politely accepting it and gulping it down in one go, finally relieving some of the summer heat.

His Majesty learned that today is the Junior Mistress’s birthday and specifically ordered Tingqin Gugu to select some congratulatory gifts for you. I brought them over as soon as I received them. Would the Junior Mistress care to see if they please you?

Su Qingyao was genuinely surprised now.

Chu Shaoyuan probably didn’t even know her name, so how could he know her birthday? Not only did he know, but he had also specially ordered gifts sent to her—this was truly extraordinary.

Every time she went to Qian Yuan Palace for Imperial bedchamber service, Su Qingyao always felt that Chu Shaoyuan didn’t think much of her. They barely exchanged a few words, so how could he favor her to this extent?

Su Qingyao was no longer a young girl and didn’t believe in such fairy tales as love at first sight. Nor was she so conceited as to think the Emperor had already fallen deeply in love with her and couldn’t live without her.

In her mind, she always felt the Emperor was scheming something. Perhaps it was because she was quiet and didn’t speak much, or because her father and brother held insignificant positions, that he had specifically chosen her to be this temporary favored consort.

And Su Qingyao was happy to play the part.

Working for the Emperor had its perks—not only did her rank rise quickly, but her food, clothing, lodging, and transportation were all of high quality. Rewards came frequently, and now everyone in the palace eyed her with envy.

Even Consort He had sought her out, trying to trick a few words out of her.

However, no matter how clear-headed Su Qingyao was, she had to maintain appearances. Upon hearing Luo Zhongjian’s words, she promptly feigned delight, her face flushing with a smile: It’s truly touching that His Majesty, amidst his busy schedule, would remember such a trivial matter for me. I’m… I’m truly moved.

Luo Zhongjian joined in the praise: His Majesty is the most considerate.

Su Qingyao nodded vigorously: Indeed, so considerate.

After they finished extolling Chu Shaoyuan, Luo Zhongjian beckoned to the Junior Eunuchs outside to bring in the rewards, item by item, pointing them out to Su Qingyao.

Last time, we noticed the Junior Mistress enjoyed this Little Dragon Ball tea, so His Majesty specifically requested two liang be prepared for you, so you may enjoy fine tea daily. This tea set was freshly fired by the Supervision Office—we hope the Junior Mistress likes it.

Su Qingyao was inexplicably delighted to receive two liang of Little Dragon Ball. She held it, examining it over and over, quite reluctant to put it down.

Whoever had selected this gift had truly hit the mark—she really liked it.

There were also silks and satins, hair ornaments and rouge, and even a hundred taels of silver, all packed into a full chest.

After everything was accounted for, Luo Zhongjian stood up and recited: I wish the Junior Mistress eternal brightness like the sun and moon, and everlasting youth like the pine and crane.

This was a common birthday blessing. Though young, Su Qingyao was a palace consort, the Emperor’s woman, and thus deserving of such wishes. She hurriedly had Liuqin prepare red envelopes, rewarding him and the two other Junior Eunuchs, then instructed Liuqin to personally escort him to the palace gate.

By the time Liuqin returned, Su Qingyao was still examining the bolts of fabric with Taohong and Liulv.

Liuqin approached and whispered: Just now, there were palace maids from the rear hall watching intently.

Su Qingyao nodded and said only: Let them watch. Once we move away later, we’ll have peace.

If she were to be promoted to Consort of Grace, Consort Hui, who holds the fourth-rank position, would no longer be her primary superior. At the very least, she would have to move into the residence of a third-rank consort or higher. Currently, there are only a few consorts of third rank or above in the palace. Consort He, Consort Shun, Consort Yi, and Xianfei (Consort Xian) already have Junior Mistresses living in their palaces, so it’s unclear where she would be assigned.

In her previous life, she had moved into the rear side hall of Consort Xian’s palace, but this lifetime, it was uncertain.

However, it didn’t matter where she went. Su Qingyao planned to live quietly behind closed doors—who would dare bully her arbitrarily?

With that thought, Su Qingyao felt even more at ease, humming a tune as she carefully examined the fabrics.

Tingqin was skilled at selecting materials, providing seasonal sheer silks in bright colors, most suitable for summer garments.

The summer in Shengjing was rather long, with heat lasting from June to October, making summer clothing essential. Su Qingyao picked a roll of violet fine silk with interlocking lotus patterns and instructed Liulv, Tomorrow, go personally to the Weaving Bureau and request an embroiderer to make a narrow-sleeved, front-closing jacket and a pleated skirt. Use matching colors for the embroidery.

Liulv smiled and replied, Yes, Junior Mistress, rest assured. I’ll make sure you’re satisfied.

As they were speaking, a miscellaneous-duty palace maid peeked in from outside. Liuqin, recognizing her as Nanny He’s adopted daughter, immediately invited her in. Xiaolian, is something the matter?

Xiaolian bowed to Su Qingyao but whispered, The Empress Dowager has been ill lately. Junior Mistress, please be cautious.

Without waiting for Su Qingyao to respond, she slipped out of the eastern side hall and headed straight back to the corner room.

Nanny He had been in the palace for decades, and her network of connections was too complex to decipher. That she specifically went out of her way to do Su Qingyao this favor meant Su Qingyao was quite grateful.

Nanny He specifically reminded her: The Empress Dowager is ill, His Majesty is in a poor mood, so be extra careful during imperial bedchamber service.

Su Qingyao had assumed His Majesty wouldn’t summon anyone to his bedchamber lately, but the following afternoon, she was called to Qian Yuan Palace again, left staring blankly at a basket of silk cords.

She glanced up at Chu Shaoyuan, who was reading a book, then lowered her head again.

Su Qingyao: ???

Wasn’t he supposed to be in a bad mood?

Author’s Note:

Su Talented Lady: I thought His Majesty was a filial son—how could he act like this!

His Majesty: I didn’t ask you to do anything… how is that unfilial?

Su Talented Lady: …You make a good point. I have no rebuttal.