I See the Noble Consort's Charm - Chapter 42:

Chapter 42:

It was now the beginning of the Hour of the Rooster. The sun overhead was still blazing fiercely, and just from walking the short distance from the eastern side hall to the rear hall, Su Qingyao had broken out in a light sweat.

Upon entering the rear hall, a gust of cool wind greeted her, causing a chill to run down her spine. Her body instantly felt uncomfortable.

She didn’t know why Consort Hui was so afraid of heat, always making full use of ice mountains during summer. Every time Su Qingyao visited, she felt cold. Today, being in too much of a hurry, she had forgotten to put on an extra layer of clothing, and now she was directly exposed to the chill.

Consort Hui was waiting in the main hall, fanning herself with a round fan.

Su Qingyao curtsied to her and said, Greetings to Your Highness. May Your Highness have great fortune.

Consort Hui opened her mouth, about to say something, but Qing Sui tugged at her sleeve from behind. She then took a deep breath and finally managed a faint smile: Sister, please sit. You must be very tired after working all day.

Su Qingyao obediently sat down but said, Serving at the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility for a day, I didn’t dare relax for even a moment. Though it was tiring, I wouldn’t dare call it hardship – it’s our honor.

Consort Hui hadn’t expected her to talk back and was immediately left speechless, her eyes wide with surprise.

The expression was quite comical. Su Qingyao quickly lowered her head, afraid she might laugh and embarrass them both.

Fortunately, Consort Hui managed to maintain her composure. She said, I just had some honey peaches delivered. Since you were too busy to come eat pears with me the other day, today we have peaches instead. Please have as much as you like.

A palace maid brought up chilled peach slices. The moment they were placed on the table, a sweet fragrance wafted through the air. Although Su Qingyao enjoyed good food, she wasn’t particularly greedy. She sat there without moving.

Consort Hui’s mind wasn’t on the peaches, so she didn’t notice whether Su Qingyao was eating or not. She continued, Has Her Majesty had any important matters recently?

Hearing this, Su Qingyao knew the main purpose of this Hongmen Banquet had arrived.

She glanced at the small plate of peaches and sneered inwardly: Trying to buy information about the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility with just this? This is too insulting!

There’s nothing important, Su Qingyao said with a slight smile, Her Majesty merely summoned me to keep her company and relieve her boredom.

Consort Hui’s hand tightened, nearly breaking the handle of her round fan.

Yesterday was exactly the tenth day of the month, but the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility had directly issued an Imperial Decree, stating that due to the summer heat, morning greetings were canceled for today.

After this Imperial Decree was issued, the palace consorts were all whispering among themselves, none knowing what had happened. Only Su Qingyao was still summoned to the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility, reportedly to accompany the Empress Dowager in conversation.

Currently, there was no official Empress in the palace, and the Empress Dowager was Your Majesty’s birth mother, making her word absolute in the rear palace. Though she appeared kind, she wasn’t truly benevolent. If any palace consort dared to spy on the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility, she would surely become angry.

Therefore, no one knew that the Empress Dowager had already been ill once and had since recovered completely.

Since others didn’t know, only a fool would reveal such information – and Su Qingyao was no fool.

Unwilling to give up, Consort Hui continued, Good sister, what can’t you tell me? We’re all sisters in the same palace, we should look out for each other.

Su Qingyao lowered her head with a cold smile.

In this world, there was absolutely no reason to risk one’s life to look out for sisters.

Isn’t Your Highness putting me in a difficult position? When Su Qingyao looked up again, her eyes were red. Even if you gave me ten thousand times more courage, I wouldn’t dare speak half a word about matters of the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility. I beg Your Highness to understand.

Seeing that she truly wouldn’t talk, Consort Hui took a deep breath and looked toward Qing Sui’s face.

Qing Sui thought for a moment and slightly shook her head at her.

Su Qingyao wasn’t foolish enough to speak up. If truly pressed, matters would likely become far more complicated.

Consort Hui pursed her lips before sighing: Ah, we’re merely concerned about Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, with no other intentions. Since it’s inconvenient for you to speak of it, let’s leave it at that. You’re truly loyal, no wonder you’ve gained the Empress Dowager’s favor.

Even while giving up the questioning, she couldn’t resist making sarcastic remarks. Su Qingyao ignored her, simply sitting there in a daze.

Consort Hui didn’t know what else to say either, sitting there blankly until Qing Sui reminded her, when she finally snapped out of it. This return to awareness instead left her somewhat hesitant.

Though Su Qingyao kept her head lowered, she continuously observed her from the corner of her eye. This was the first time she’d seen her so indecisive about speaking, making her wonder what else needed to be said.

She was already growing weary, compounded by her empty stomach, thinking about returning early for her meal, making her even less patient to continue this dance. However displeased she felt internally, Consort Hui was still the principal consort, six ranks higher than her seventh-grade Talented Lady position, making it unwise to offend her directly at present.

Su Qingyao narrowed her eyes, pretending to be drowsy as she sat.

Seeing her like this, Qing Sui hurriedly reminded Consort Hui: Your Ladyship, didn’t you have other matters to discuss with Minor Master Su?

Prompted by Qing Sui, Consort Hui had no choice but to speak. She sighed before dragging out her words: I suppose you won’t be staying in this Azure Cloud Palace much longer.

Su Qingyao quickly raised her head, wearing an expression of surprise: Does Your Ladyship no longer want me?

Consort Hui was somewhat taken aback by her reaction, instinctively consoling: How could I not want you? No, silly sister, you still don’t understand my meaning.

How could Su Qingyao not understand? Currently enjoying royal favor, everyone in the palace was waiting to see her promotion. If her rank didn’t increase, all favor was meaningless. Even if the Empress Dowager adored her, it would be useless without His Majesty’s approval.

Su Qingyao could glean some hints from the Empress Dowager’s attitude and had long been prepared internally, thus feeling not the slightest panic.

Could Your Ladyship explain in detail? I’m completely confused, Su Qingyao pressed urgently.

Consort Hui couldn’t tell whether she was genuine or pretending, simply saying: I expect you’ll be promoted soon. Once you reach Consort of Grace, you can no longer remain in my fourth-grade consort’s palace and will certainly have to move out.

Mentioning promotion, Su Qingyao immediately showed a frightened expression: Your Ladyship flatters this humble consort.

Reaching Consort Zhaoyi or Consort of Grace meant leaving the lower three ranks behind, with status and position rising significantly – not the slightest bit comparable.

Consort of Grace became a threshold for the lower three ranks’ Junior Mistresses. Once crossed, as long as one wasn’t consigned to the cold palace, even the consort rank could be hoped for.

Seeing her expression, Consort Hui felt much more at ease: After all, we’ve been sisters once. I wouldn’t harm you. When you’re promoted to Consort of Grace later, you’ll certainly move to new quarters. Have you given any thought to this?

How could she have made plans? Su Qingyao thought anywhere would be fine as long as it wasn’t Consort He’s palace. But this wasn’t something she could decide – she could only follow His Majesty’s decree. Thus, anywhere was essentially the same for Su Qingyao.

This humble consort hasn’t even considered the matter of promotion, let alone these other details, Su Qingyao lowered her head and said softly.

Seeing her like this, Consort Hui felt relieved and spoke with sincere concern: If you serve under a mistress with a gentle temperament, life will surely be much easier—this you should understand best. Consort He’s Moon Gazing Palace currently only houses Wu Jieyu. If you move there, all three of you would have company. Consort He has a soft disposition and would definitely be easier to get along with than I am.

Su Qingyao was genuinely surprised this time.

Consort Hui seemed convinced that she would be moving out soon and had already picked out her next placement. The problem was, Su Qingyao had just had an unpleasant encounter with that very person. Even if Consort Hui was unaware of this, it was unlikely Consort He would eagerly come to Azure Cloud Palace to request her.

Consort Hui couldn’t have thought of this herself; undoubtedly, someone else had put in a word. If it really was Consort He who made the request personally, it would be rather intriguing.

Currently, Su Qingyao was the center of attention—everyone believed His Majesty was utterly captivated by her. Even if she were to be promoted in rank, people assumed His Majesty would consult her opinion. Wouldn’t that mean she could move wherever she wished?

However, Su Qingyao knew very well that this matter was not up to her.

Su Qingyao looked up at Consort Hui and noticed that after speaking, she seemed completely relaxed, which made Su Qingyao ponder other hidden implications.

If it wasn’t Consort He’s suggestion, could there be another third party?

But what exactly was this person’s intention in trying to place her in Consort He’s palace? Su Qingyao couldn’t figure it out, but she could pretend to be confused and ask a few questions.

Your Ladyship, why suddenly mention Consort He’s affairs? This humble consort truly has no private dealings with Consort He. If there’s been gossip, Your Ladyship must not take it seriously.

With Su Qingyao’s words, the situation became even more complicated.

Consort Hui hadn’t considered these aspects before. Emphasized by Su Qingyao’s response, she suddenly felt her own words carried a questioning tone and quickly explained: Younger sister, you’re overthinking. Older sister genuinely has your best interests at heart and believes Consort He’s palace would be a good placement, which is why I advised you so. Please don’t be afraid—I have no other intentions.

Su Qingyao smiled gratefully: Thank you, Your Ladyship, for considering this humble consort. I will remember your kindness.

She neither agreed nor refused, simply stating she would remember, making it difficult for Consort Hui to press further. The conversation ended there, with nothing more to discuss, and Consort Hui waved her away.

Returning to her bedchamber, Su Qingyao finally relaxed, leaning on the chaise lounge while Liuqin massaged her shoulders. Taohong and Liulv were setting the meal—they had clearly timed it perfectly to fetch the food.

Liuqin leaned close to Su Qingyao’s ear and whispered: Junior Mistress need not worry too much. Tomorrow, this servant will deliver silk handkerchiefs to Xiaolian and casually ask around. She should know.

In Azure Cloud Palace, the one who knew most matters wasn’t Consort Hui, but Nanny He.

Using Xiaolian as a pretext, Liuqin was actually planning to ask her godmother Nanny He. If Nanny He was willing to disclose information, it would certainly be reliable.

Su Qingyao smiled: Why should I be anxious? I notice Consort Hui seems more anxious than I am. The person who put in a word must be someone Consort Hui wouldn’t dare offend.

Liuqin nodded silently, and they didn’t discuss the matter further.

The plan was well conceived, but unfortunately, the next morning, just as Su Qingyao woke from her dreams, she heard a commotion outside.

Su Qingyao tugged the bell pull, and Liuqin opened the door, entering quietly: Did the noise wake you, Junior Mistress?

Why is it so noisy? Su Qingyao rubbed her eyes as she sat up, leisurely drinking a cup of warm water.

Liuqin suddenly smiled.

Su Qingyao was seeing her this cheerful for the first time and couldn’t help but feel astonished. Why are you laughing like this? Did something wonderful happen?

Indeed it did! Junior Mistress, why don’t you take a guess? Liuqin replied with a smile while preparing warm water and a towel.

Su Qingyao thought hard but couldn’t imagine what good news could come so early in the morning. She ventured a wild guess, Could it be that what Consort Hui said yesterday came true? Am I being promoted today?

Liuqin shook her head. Even better than that!

Better than a promotion? Su Qingyao racked her brains but couldn’t think of anything more wonderful.

Seeing her utterly bewildered expression, Liuqin decided not to keep her in suspense any longer and blurted out the news.

His Majesty has announced that he’s going to the imperial manor today and has asked you to get ready to accompany him.

Su Qingyao: !!!

This was indeed even better than a promotion! After more than a decade, she could finally leave the palace again!

Su Qingyao felt like shouting to the heavens – she was absolutely overjoyed!

His Majesty was truly a great, great, great person.

Author’s note: His Majesty: When you’re happy, you call me a good person. When you’re unhappy, you say I’m full of wicked schemes. I’m not happy.

Talented Lady Su: Today’s Your Majesty is quite good, so I’ll give you some praise.

Question: How many times has this good person card been given now?