I See the Noble Consort's Charm - Chapter 38:

Chapter 38:

Chu Shaoyuan couldn’t tell what Junior Mistress Su was thinking. He merely glanced at the plum blossom hairpin in her hair and said, Aren’t you skilled at making knots? Then make one for blessings and safety.

Su Qingyao blinked, immediately snapping back to attention.

This knot was likely meant for the Empress Dowager. Indeed, as Xiaolian had said, Her Majesty had fallen ill.

This Emperor was truly a filial son.

Su Qingyao promptly replied, Yes, Your Majesty. Rest assured, it will be completed tonight.

Without needing to create something as large and intricate as the Longevity Knot, Su Qingyao worked much faster. She selected some brighter colors and began weaving directly without making a draft.

She was making an Auspicious Cloud Knot—both beautiful and suitable for praying for safety and blessings.

Chu Shaoyuan had been quite busy these past two days, with no time for reading in the evenings. Seated behind the imperial desk, he was writing furiously and had little leisure to observe Su Qingyao.

The two of them worked on their respective tasks harmoniously, neither disturbing the other.

After the lamp wick had flickered twice, Lou Duzhou entered and said to Chu Shaoyuan, Your Majesty, it’s getting late. It’s time to retire.

Chu Shaoyuan didn’t respond immediately, finishing two more memorials in succession before letting out a long sigh. What time is it?

Lou Duzhou replied, It’s exactly hai hour.

Chu Shaoyuan nodded, stood up, and walked to the window to gaze at the sky. How is Mother?

Just now, Hanyan came to report that Her Majesty has taken her medicine and is already asleep. She appears better than during the day, Lou Duzhou answered.

Due to the Empress Dowager’s illness, Chu Shaoyuan was feeling troubled. He said little more, simply staring absentmindedly at the moonlight outside the window.

Lou Duzhou knew of his concern for the Empress Dowager. Recently, since Her Majesty had caught a cold, the Emperor had often been anxious, visiting her daily.

Your Majesty, please set your mind at ease. Master Lu has been staying at the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility these past few days. Her Majesty will be fine, Lou Duzhou added in consolation.

Chu Shaoyuan turned back, initially intending to instruct him to put away the memorials and prepare for bed. But as his gaze swept across the room, he noticed a petite figure sitting there, bent over her work.

He then remembered that he had summoned Su Qingyao to weave the knot. Seeing her earnest expression, he couldn’t help but have another thought. Do you think if we send someone to attend to Mother during her illness, she might be happier?

Since the Empress Dowager had been constantly urging him to spend more time with Su Qingyao, Chu Shaoyuan assumed she was fond of her. Now that the elder was ill, sending a young lady she liked to keep her company seemed like a good idea.

Lou Duzhou paused, uncertain how to decide on this matter, and could only say, It is entirely up to Your Majesty to decide.

Chu Shaoyuan nodded thoughtfully.

Su Qingyao’s skill was indeed excellent. In just over an hour, she had completed an exquisite Auspicious Cloud Knot. She held it up, examining it from all angles, and was about to present it to Chu Shaoyuan when she looked up and found him staring at her.

Chu Shaoyuan had exceptionally beautiful phoenix eyes, with slightly upturned corners and deep, profound pupils.

Although Su Qingyao had lived two lifetimes and was practically an elderly lady in her decades of experience, she truly had little experience interacting with unfamiliar men. Being stared at by Chu Shaoyuan, she only managed to glance at him twice before her cheeks flushed red, suddenly overcome with shyness.

Chu Shaoyuan wasn’t much better off. He had been observing her quite seriously, but the young lady couldn’t withstand his gaze. In just those few moments, her face had turned crimson with embarrassment, making him feel somewhat awkward as well, and he quickly averted his eyes.

Lou Duzhou looked left and right, standing cheerfully to the side without any rush to speak.

Just then, the lamp wick crackled merrily with a soft pop.

Su Qingyao jolted awake from her thoughts, realizing she couldn’t remain sitting stiffly any longer. She rose and said softly, Your Majesty, the auspicious cloud knot is finished. Would you please see if it meets your approval?

Chu Shaoyuan gave a faint hum and walked over to sit by the daybed. Taking the cloud knot, he examined it carefully. It had to be said that Su Qingyao was truly skilled with her hands—it seemed she excelled at everything she did. This palm-sized auspicious cloud knot was neatly crafted with symmetrical loops of identical size, pleasing to the eye.

He nodded. Not bad.

After a pause, he added, You’ve worked hard.

Rarely hearing such polite words from him, Su Qingyao smiled, her dimples showing. If it pleases Your Majesty, that is all that matters. This is merely my duty—no need for thanks.

Chu Shaoyuan then handed the knot to Lou Duzhou, instructing him to store it carefully before standing up. It’s late now. Rest early.

Su Qingyao obediently rose and cautiously glanced at Lou Duzhou. Seeing a slight smile on his face, she felt reassured. It seemed His Majesty was quite pleased with her handiwork—she had safely passed this test.

Arriving at Pomegranate Hall, Su Qingyao met with Tingqin Gugu, whom she hadn’t seen in a long time.

Tingqin was arranging scented bath preparations and turned to greet Su Qingyao with a smile. I haven’t yet congratulated the Junior Mistress. May you have great fortune on your birthday.

Su Qingyao guessed that Tingqin knew about her banquet plans and felt somewhat shy. It’s not a milestone birthday—I just wanted to gather with my sisters to strengthen our bonds. Nothing too formal.

Junior Mistress, you are mistaken, Tingqin said personally pouring tea for her. All birthdays are auspicious occasions and should be treated seriously. Your birthday falls on a fortunate date—your future will surely be smooth.

Then I shall take your kind words as a blessing. Thank you, Gugu.

After exchanging a few more polite remarks, Su Qingyao let out a small yawn. Tingqin, perceptive as ever, promptly instructed the junior palace maids to complete the tasks in the Heated Room before leading them out.

Su Qingyao bathed, changed, and went to bed, sleeping soundly through the night.

The next day, after her morning meal as usual, Su Qingyao returned to Azure Cloud Palace. Just as she was about to lie down for more rest, she heard voices outside.

Soon, Liuqin hurried in and reported, Junior Mistress, someone from the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility is here. The Empress Dowager summons you.

Su Qingyao raised her eyebrows slightly. It wasn’t any special festival, and the Empress Dowager was ill—why would she summon her now?

With time pressing, she had no leisure to ponder further. She quickly dressed properly and left her room with Liuqin.

Waiting outside was a familiar face—Tao Rui, who had come to fetch Su Qingyao once before.

Seeing Su Qingyao emerge so promptly, Tao Rui knew she wouldn’t dare delay the Empress Dowager’s matters. She smiled and curtsied. Greetings, Junior Mistress. May you have great fortune.

Su Qingyao said, Sorry to keep you waiting, Tao Rui. Let us depart now.

As they spoke, the group left Azure Cloud Palace and headed toward the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility. Still uncertain about the Empress Dowager’s purpose, Su Qingyao tentatively asked Tao Rui, Tao Rui, do you know if Her Majesty has urgent business?

Tao Rui hurriedly replied, Junior Mistress, you may simply call this humble servant Tao Rui. The title ‘Miss’ is too generous.

After a moment’s recollection, she added, Set your mind at ease, Junior Mistress. It’s nothing too urgent. Her Majesty merely misses you.

In two days would be the tenth day, when Su Qingyao was due to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. Even if the Empress Dowager truly missed her, she probably wouldn’t have sent someone specifically to summon her. Either Tao Rui was unaware of the reason, or it was something she couldn’t disclose. Su Qingyao understood this implicitly and refrained from further questioning.

Soon they arrived at the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility. This time, instead of leading her to the small study, Tao Rui took her directly to the bedchamber.

Su Qingyao and Liuqin waited quietly outside the door until Le Shui emerged, then nodded in greeting.

Aunt Le Shui appeared somewhat pale and weary, confirming to Su Qingyao that the Empress Dowager was indeed ill—and quite seriously so. Her heart grew even more uneasy.

Thank you for making the trip, Junior Mistress. Please come in, Aunt Le Shui said with a strained smile, ushering Su Qingyao directly into the bedchamber. Her Majesty has just awakened, and His Majesty is keeping her company.

Su Qingyao was genuinely surprised. Why would the Emperor be at the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility at this hour of the morning?

Le Shui had no mind to explain. Once they entered the inner chamber, she announced, Your Majesties, Junior Mistress Su has arrived.

As soon as Su Qingyao stepped inside, she caught the bitter scent of medicine. After performing a curtsey, she stood quietly and said, I pay my respects to Your Majesties.

With Chu Shaoyuan present, Su Qingyao dared not lift her head or glance around casually. She only stole a fleeting look toward the bed with her peripheral vision.

That brief glance was enough for her to grasp the situation.

The Empress Dowager was reclining against the headboard, not yet dressed or groomed. Chu Shaoyuan sat by the bedside, holding a palm-sized bowl, feeding her something.

The atmosphere in the room was relatively calm. Though the Empress Dowager was ill, she didn’t appear critically so and was even smiling as she spoke to Chu Shaoyuan: You silly child, why go to such lengths? There’s no need to trouble others like this.

Chu Shaoyuan set the medicine bowl aside, stood up to tuck the Empress Dowager’s quilt securely, and then looked at Su Qingyao. Come here.

This was likely the first time Chu Shaoyuan had spoken to Su Qingyao in such a gentle tone. A shiver ran down her spine, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that he had ulterior motives.

But no matter how much she grumbled inwardly, she had to approach obediently and curtsey once more to the imperial mother and son.

Chu Shaoyuan turned back to the Empress Dowager. Since Mother is fond of her, let her come daily to keep you company—chatting or reading aloud. It will help you recover faster.

Su Qingyao blinked, finally understanding. So Chu Shaoyuan, busy with his own affairs, had summoned her to attend the Empress Dowager during her illness.

The Empress Dowager, being unwell, likely didn’t want crowds around her. Though the matter hadn’t been publicized, her son’s filial devotion touched her, and she wasn’t averse to Su Qingyao. She nodded in agreement. Very well. This girl is clever and endearing—I quite like her. You may attend to your duties now. Don’t worry too much about me; this minor illness will pass in a few days.

Seeing the Empress Dowager acquiesce, Chu Shaoyuan felt relieved. He turned and cast a meaningful glance at Su Qingyao.

In the Empress Dowager’s presence, he said nothing, but that one look conveyed volumes.

If you don’t serve the Empress Dowager well, heh heh.

Su Qingyao: …

Even with ten thousand times the courage, she wouldn’t dare neglect the Empress Dowager. Besides, she deeply respected Her Majesty and had long wished to frequent the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility to become a familiar face. Now, with Chu Shaoyuan’s arrangement, it seemed a perfect solution for both sides.

Su Qingyao respectfully saw Chu Shaoyuan off, then approached the bedside and said to the Empress Dowager with a smile, I once attended to my grandmother at home—serving tea and water is second nature to me. Your Majesty need only command me.

The Empress Dowager saw her smiling and chatting without a hint of displeasure—in fact, she seemed particularly delighted—and couldn’t help inwardly grumbling about her own clueless, insensitive son.

Every consort in the palace dreamed of entering the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility. Now that such a grand opportunity had been given to Su Qingyao, how could she not be overjoyed? How could she not serve her well?

Her son excelled at everything except understanding women.

Still, the fact that he had thought of Su Qingyao first for nursing duties was… rather intriguing.

Though the Empress Dowager was ill, her mind remained sharp. After a moment’s observation, she had a clear sense of the situation. Good child, come sit quickly. Let us mother and daughter have a chat.

Su Qingyao’s face flushed instantly.

Not from shyness, but from excitement.

Hearing such intimate words, Su Qingyao felt a bit dizzy, as if a pie had fallen from the sky and landed right in her lap.

Thank you, Your Majesty! You are such a good man!

Author’s Note:

His Majesty: How many good man cards is this now…? Well, getting one is better than nothing.

Talented Lady Su: You’re lucky to even get a good man card! Learn to be content.

To those who mentioned the slow pace—it’s actually because my writing style is more relaxed and leans toward slice-of-life. In this book, romance and plot develop interactively. Every plot chapter contains key details of the main storyline. As for the romantic elements, given the protagonists’ backgrounds and personalities, it couldn’t be intense right from the start—they’re the type to fall in love gradually over time. I particularly enjoy writing their everyday interactions and hope you’ll like them too. Mua!