I See the Noble Consort's Charm - Chapter 39:

Chapter 39:

These past few days of summer heat had taken their toll. The Empress Dowager, now in her forties, had carelessly caught a chill, leaving her unable to sleep properly for several days.

She hadn’t intended to tell Chu Shaoyuan about it, but as the matter concerned the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility, the palace servants dared not conceal it from the Emperor. In the end, she had no choice but to confess to her son.

What she hadn’t expected, however, was that Chu Shaoyuan would come up with the idea of having a palace consort attend to her during her illness.

The Empress Dowager turned her head to glance at Su Qingyao, who sat quietly by the bedside. After a moment’s thought, she said, “There’s no such rule in the palace, but since His Majesty has issued the decree, I think it’s quite fitting. You needn’t be too reserved. For the next three to five days, come over after breakfast and keep me company with some conversation.”

Su Qingyao smiled and nodded. “Judging by Your Majesty’s complexion, you should recover in two or three days. There’s no need for three to five.”

When it came to sweet-talking, no one in the palace could match her.

Su Qingyao was thick-skinned and willing to speak up, setting aside her pride to flatter the Empress Dowager. Naturally, she managed to cheer her up, lifting even the gloom of her illness.

The Empress Dowager coughed twice and was fed a spoonful of Fritillaria loquat syrup by Su Qingyao, which eased her discomfort somewhat.

“It’s true that age makes one useless. In the past, a bout of cold would clear up in two or three days. Now, I’ve been ill and weak for seven or eight days and still haven’t fully recovered.”

The Empress Dowager muttered this with a sigh. Since the late Emperor’s passing, she had long grown indifferent to life and death, yet she couldn’t bear to part with her only son. With Chu Shaoyuan’s fate, she was his only close relative left. If she were to leave him too, how pitiful he would be in the future.

In this world, perhaps only the Empress Dowager regarded the Emperor as a pitiable soul.

Unaware of the Empress Dowager’s thoughts, Su Qingyao set down the porcelain bowl and gently fanned her. “This is all normal. The human body ages with time, and its ability to recover naturally diminishes. However, if Your Majesty exercises regularly, taking walks morning and evening to stretch your limbs, you might even become stronger than before.”

In truth, the Empress Dowager hadn’t been particularly cheerful these past two years. She spent her days either reading or tending to flowers, rarely even stepping out of the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility. How could one stay healthy like that? Having lived to an old age herself, Su Qingyao knew best how to care for one’s health. She was bold enough to share her thoughts with the Empress Dowager.

“Your Majesty mustn’t take this lightly. The imperial physicians must have advised you on this daily—you must listen to them. For instance, when you wake in the morning, sit up slowly and drink a cup of warm water before getting out of bed. Make sure to move around more each day. The Cining Garden is so beautiful—if Your Majesty takes a couple of walks there morning and evening to sweat a little and refresh your mind, your health will improve day by day.”

Su Qingyao’s voice was clear and carried the unique innocence and liveliness of a young girl. Her advice to the Empress Dowager came from the heart, and the Empress Dowager actually took it to heart.

She truly disliked moving around and going out, but now that this young girl pointed it out, she realized these weren’t good habits. Even for her son’s sake, she ought to change.

The Empress Dowager nodded obediently. “You speak sense.”

Su Qingyao knew, in fact, that the Empress Dowager had only eight years left to live, passing away just after turning fifty, leaving the Emperor with eternal regret. During the years the Empress Dowager was alive, Su Qingyao’s rank never rose. If not for the Empress Dowager’s kindness, her life wouldn’t have improved day by day. She held deep respect for the Empress Dowager and hoped she could live a few more years.

Seeing that the Empress Dowager had actually listened, Su Qingyao couldn’t help but feel delighted and rewarded her with a sweet smile.

Her smile was exceptionally sweet, making even her not particularly striking features glow brightly. Seeing her so happy, the Empress Dowager also began to smile.

You pay quite some attention to health preservation, the Empress Dowager said.

Su Qingyao felt somewhat embarrassed. These were merely her own personal experiences, and sharing them before the Empress Dowager felt somewhat like showing off one’s meager skills before an expert. Could it be that the Empress Dowager didn’t know these things? She was simply immersed in the grief of losing the late emperor and hadn’t been able to recover yet.

When I was at home, I often accompanied my grandfather and grandmother, observing how they ate and dressed, and gradually developed these habits. Over time, I found them quite beneficial—my health has always been robust, Su Qingyao said, her face flushing.

Her grandfather was now nearly sixty and had repeatedly petitioned before finally being allowed to retire. His health was exceptionally good, and everyone envied him.

The Empress Dowager was aware of this and said with a smile, At such a young age, you have the patience to accompany your elders. Very good, very good.

Su Qingyao appeared to be an innocent and adorable young girl, but in reality, she was quite composed. From her, the Empress Dowager did not see the unrestrained exuberance typical of many young people, like the rising sun, but rather a steady and profound demeanor reminiscent of the sunset.

It was precisely because of this that conversing with Su Qingyao felt particularly smooth. Su Qingyao seemed to read her mind, understanding her meaning with just half a sentence, making their interactions exceptionally comfortable.

Su Qingyao smiled, her face still flushed, feeling joyful at the praise.

To receive such praise from Your Majesty, I’m afraid I’ll laugh in my dreams tonight.

The Empress Dowager tapped her nose and chided her playfully, You mischievous girl.

With Su Qingyao’s company, the Empress Dowager felt time fly by. In the blink of an eye, it was time for lunch. After having the meal together with Su Qingyao, the Empress Dowager prepared for her afternoon rest.

Su Qingyao accompanied her until she was settled and was about to leave the bedchamber when the Empress Dowager unexpectedly said, Le Shui, take Junior Mistress Su to the study. She can read or rest there. Good child, take a proper break.

Su Qingyao was pleasantly surprised by the Empress Dowager’s kindness and quickly curtsied. Yes, thank you, Your Majesty.

Upon arriving at the study, Le Shui had the palace servants bring tea, fruits, and melons, including the rare Western Zhou Honey Melon of the summer. Such tribute fruits were scarce in the palace, with only a few baskets available. This small plate was likely from the Empress Dowager’s own share, specially bestowed upon her.

Su Qingyao paused for a moment and said gratefully to Le Shui, Thank you for Her Majesty’s generous favor.

Le Shui studied her carefully and, seeing her sincerity, couldn’t help but sigh. Among so many ladies and junior mistresses in the palace, I observe that Her Majesty only connects well with Junior Mistress Su. I hope you will get along well with Her Majesty and, if you have time in the future, come more often to keep her company.

The deep palace was a lonely place, and this applied not only to the consorts but even more so to the Empress Dowager. As a widow, she couldn’t frequently summon opera troupes for performances, and acrobatics or storytelling were rare. If she didn’t stay confined in the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility, there was little else to do.

Since Su Qingyao and the Empress Dowager got along so well, it was likely that Junior Mistress Su’s rank wouldn’t remain low for long. Once her rank improved, no one would dare criticize her visits to the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility.

The people in the palace were shrewd. Even if they didn’t respect the Empress Dowager, they had to consider the Emperor’s favor. Since the beginning of April, although the Emperor hadn’t summoned many consorts, he had exclusively chosen Junior Mistress Su’s name plate—a clear indication of his preference.

Su Qingyao hadn’t expected Le Shui to offer such advice and couldn’t help but take it seriously.

Please rest assured, Auntie. I truly appreciate Her Majesty’s kindness toward me and will not fail her affection, Su Qingyao promised.

Le Shui’s expression relaxed. She curtsied to Su Qingyao before withdrawing.

After Le Shui left, only Su Qingyao and Liuqin remained in the study. Su Qingyao turned to Liuqin and said, Previously, Chief Eunuch Lou advised me to get along well with His Majesty and remain loyal to him at all times. Today, Auntie Le Shui told me to spend more time with Her Majesty. Why do I feel so important all of a sudden?

Her tone was rather flippant, making Liuqin burst into laughter. She quickly turned away to cover her mouth.

Su Qingyao shot her a glare. Just laugh quietly to yourself then.

After finishing her laughter, Liuqin cleared her throat and said, Junior Mistress, having such good fortune is something many in the palace long for but cannot obtain. Isn’t that wonderful?

Wonderful? Of course it was wonderful. Yet she didn’t feel entirely at ease.

As someone who had always been an unnoticed outsider, she had never experienced such popularity before. She knew she possessed no exceptional qualities and understood nothing about court politics or harem affairs. She truly couldn’t comprehend why she had suddenly become so sought-after.

If His Majesty had genuinely fallen in love with her at first sight, that would be easier to explain. The Empress Dowager, doting on her son, would naturally show concern for whoever caught his fancy. But His Majesty’s attitude toward her was far from love at first sight—it was more like a vast chasm separating them.

She knew her own limitations better than anyone.

Though she appeared to be a young girl on the outside, her inner self was that of an old woman. Carrying this secret of reincarnation, she dared not let anyone discover the truth.

Because of this, when sudden attention poured over her like oil fueling a fire, she couldn’t help but wonder about others’ true motives.

The Empress Dowager’s intentions seemed simpler—perhaps because her son favored her, or maybe because they shared the experience of being elderly women and found common ground. But His Majesty’s behavior remained utterly perplexing.

Seeing Su Qingyao’s face alternate between pale and ashen, clearly not enjoying the situation, Liuqin felt a pang of sympathy. She advised, Junior Mistress, what’s the use of overthinking? Even if we understood the reasons, could we defy His Majesty and the Empress Dowager? You should relax and go with the flow. When your rank improves, we can move to a rear hall residence, and even invite your parents to visit the palace. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?

Liuqin was only a year older than her, but having recently risen in status alongside Su Qingyao, she had privately contemplated many matters.

Su Qingyao was momentarily stunned, then broke into a smile. You’re right. I’ve been overcomplicating things.

She decided to stop overthinking. She would take things as they came and focus on living well in the present.

After eating a small plate of melon and secretly coaxing Liuqin to try a couple of pieces, she reclined on the Guifei couch to take a short nap.

She usually napped during the afternoon, fearing she might doze off or misspeak while serving the Empress Dowager later. She needed to catch some rest while she could.

Liuqin didn’t need to accompany her into the main hall for service, so she wasn’t concerned about drowsiness. She stayed by Su Qingyao’s side, fanning her to help her sleep comfortably.

When the Empress Dowager awoke, it was already late afternoon. Su Qingyao went to read to her for a while until an announcement came from outside. Chu Shaoyuan, perhaps concerned about his mother’s condition, had made a special trip to check on her illness.

As he reached the corridor, he heard a young woman’s clear voice inside. Su Qingyao was reading Happy Fate to the Empress Dowager—her favorite comedy, filled with amusing plot twists.

Chu Shaoyuan stood listening for a while before having himself announced to enter the inner chamber.

The moment he stepped inside, he sensed something different.

Previously, due to the Empress Dowager’s lingering illness, the windows and doors in the inner chamber had been kept shut. Not only was there a bitter medicinal odor, but the air was also stifling, making one feel rather gloomy.

Now, however, the room was bright and clean, with the warm summer breeze drifting through the gauze windows, dispersing the heavy scent of medicine. A potted peony sat on the small table beside the bed, adding a touch of festivity to the otherwise elegant Palace of Compassionate Tranquility.

Su Qingyao was seated by the bed, vividly reading aloud to the Empress Dowager. Her voice rose and fell, now rough, now delicate, displaying quite a talent for vocal mimicry.

The Empress Dowager sat on the bed with a gentle smile, her complexion noticeably better than in the morning, and she appeared much more spirited.

Perhaps due to the bond between mother and son, the moment he approached, she looked up at him, her smile still lingering.

The Empress Dowager beckoned to him, her face beaming. Come quickly, my son. Qingyao reads wonderfully, and we’ve just reached a crucial part. You should listen along.

Chu Shaoyuan noticed Su Qingyao’s ears gradually turning from pale to red.

He paused, then said leisurely, Oh? Then I shall also listen to the story Qingyao is telling.

Su Qingyao was instantly struck speechless.

We’re not that close—why address me so intimately?

Author’s Note:

Talented Lady Su: (Trembling) Your Majesty, whom are you addressing?

The Emperor: My dear, of course it’s you.

Talented Lady Su: I can’t help but feel there’s some ill intent…