I See the Noble Consort's Charm - Chapter 46:

Chapter 46:

Originally, no one in the palace knew that Chu Shaoyuan had left the palace. If it weren’t for Su Qingyao falling ill this time, with Qian Yuan Palace sending gifts and showing concern, creating such a big commotion, the imperial consorts would likely still be unaware.

Even Consort Sun, who usually disliked going out, specially came to visit Su Qingyao. Seeing that her face wasn’t swollen but still somewhat flushed, she couldn’t help saying: Really, he doesn’t know how to cherish people.
At this moment, only the two of them were in the bedchamber, so such words could be spoken.

Su Qingyao smiled and squeezed her hand: His Majesty seems quite apologetic. He’s sent several rounds of gifts, and even Lou Daban comes daily to inquire after me.
She wasn’t boasting, and Consort Sun didn’t care about these things anyway. Upon hearing this, Consort Sun said: If men aren’t considerate, it’s always us women who suffer.
From her expression, it seemed she had also suffered at the hands of men before. Su Qingyao felt it inappropriate to ask, but made a mental note of it.

After chatting for a while, Consort Sun said: Recently because you’ve been ill, Consort Hui hasn’t been holding morning audiences. I’m actually benefiting from your situation.
She usually avoided gossip, but lately Consort Hui had been particularly fond of making things difficult for people. Even though they only needed to pay respects once every ten days, they still had to stand through lengthy ceremonies. Consort Sun was growing weary of going to the rear hall.

Su Qingyao said: Let’s endure it. It’s only three days a month. We just need to sit for an hour and can leave then. She has to dress formally to accompany us, so she’s the one actually inconvenienced.
Thinking of it this way did make sense. Consort Sun was amused by her words and said: Your temperament is truly enviable.
She tended to overthink things and was naturally timid. After entering the palace, she felt like walking on thin ice. In just half a year, she had lost significant weight and looked quite gaunt.

Remembering events from her previous life, Su Qingyao couldn’t help advising her: Look, younger sister, we have good food and drink here with servants attending to us, no different from home. Now we don’t have to serve mothers-in-law or husbands every day. Our lives are better than those of ordinary married women. What is there to be dissatisfied about?
Put this way, it seemed like a good life was right before them.

Consort Sun was stunned after hearing her words.

Su Qingyao continued: Let’s live our lives well, take care of our health. When our ranks improve, we’ll eventually get to see our families. If you live well, wouldn’t that put your parents at ease?
She deliberately softened her voice, speaking slowly and steadily. Consort Sun listened quietly for a while, taking the words to heart.

Good sister, thank you for advising me, Consort Sun’s eyes reddened, nearly shedding tears. If not for you, I would still be unable to see things clearly.
She didn’t specify what she couldn’t understand, but Su Qingyao could guess – likely unwillingness to enter the palace. But once selected, they had no choice in the matter.

Since they were already here, they should live well. Dwelling on things would only leave empty regrets.

After comforting Consort Sun a few more words, she saw her out.

Not long after resting, a junior eunuch from the Imperial Kitchen arrived, saying he brought stew for Su Qingyao.

Recently, Su Qingyao had been eating well and hadn’t requested extra meals. The Imperial Kitchen wouldn’t send food without reason. Being meticulous, Liulv carefully examined the junior eunuch’s waist token and inquired who had given the order before accepting the food basket and bringing it inside.

Junior Mistress, this was specially arranged by Lou Daban, who instructed the Imperial Kitchen to deliver a daily tonic for you to nourish your health, Liulv said with a smile.

When the food container was opened, a rich milky fragrance wafted out—it was a bowl of Red Bean Milk Tofu, looking tender and smooth, perfectly timed for Su Qingyao to enjoy.

The food container had two layers. The upper layer contained the tonic as instructed by Lou Duzhou. Upon removing it, the lower layer surprisingly held a small plate of Ghee Sea Snails, each about the size of a child’s palm, resembling river snail shells nestled obediently on the crystal plate.

Su Qingyao pointed and remarked, See the skill of the Imperial Kitchen? This offering couldn’t have been more perfectly timed.
Indeed, the upper layer reflected Lou Duzhou’s intention, while the lower was the Imperial Kitchen’s own gesture—a respectful tribute to Su Qingyao. Whether she fancied such delicacies or not, the flattery was effectively delivered.

However, perhaps due to the lingering summer heat, Su Qingyao’s appetite had been poor lately. She only ate one sea snail and sent three over to Consort Sun, letting Liuqin and the others share the remainder.

The days of recuperation passed swiftly. By late July, Su Qingyao’s complexion had regained its fairness, but the summer heat and seasonal malaise had diminished her appetite, leaving her noticeably slimmer and lending her a uniquely delicate grace.

Doctor Lin proved highly skilled, not only curing her rash but also leaving behind several jars of Facial Cream for moisturizing. When Su Qingyao moved out of Azure Cloud Palace, she personally escorted Doctor Lin to the palace gates.

Master, your medical expertise is remarkable. If I fall ill in the future, may I trouble you to make another visit? Su Qingyao asked softly.

This doctor-patient bond was quite rare. Given her rank, Su Qingyao couldn’t easily summon imperial physicians, but she could request female doctors for consultations—though she had to pay out of pocket.

Doctor Lin was straightforward and laughed in response, Junior Mistress, why even ask? Are you mocking me? Should you need anything, simply send someone to the Imperial Hospital. If I’m available, I’ll come without fail.
Su Qingyao personally handed her a sachet and watched her depart before returning to her bedchamber.

During her recovery, Your Majesty hadn’t summoned any consorts, seemingly forgetting the women of the rear palace as he devoted himself to state affairs in Qian Yuan Palace. Some impatient consorts made thoughtless remarks while paying respects to the Empress Dowager, displeasing her greatly.

Su Qingyao had excused herself from this audience due to illness and learned of it through Consort Sun’s account.

She recounted how Consort Yi had insinuated something, prompting the Empress Dowager to darken her expression and chastise her: Attempting to speculate on the imperial will shows a grave lack of propriety and discipline.
Consort Sun had specifically come to warn Su Qingyao, concluding anxiously, The Empress Dowager often summons you for company. You must be extremely careful with your words.
In the palace, Su Qingyao feared Your Majesty most, followed by the Empress Dowager. The mere sight of the Empress Dowager’s stern expression made her hold her breath. Given their close relationship, Consort Sun rushed to inform her immediately upon return, without even stopping for tea.

Knowing her concern was genuine, Su Qingyao nodded in acknowledgment. I understand, sister. Please don’t worry.
With Consort Yi facing another reprimand from the Empress Dowager, the palace remained unusually tranquil. Su Qingyao estimated this calm would last awhile—until Qian Yuan Palace sent another messenger.

This time, it was an unfamiliar face who exchanged a few words with Liuqin before departing.

Su Qingyao found it peculiar and murmured to Liuqin, Could it be that Your Majesty was specifically waiting for me to recover?
Even she herself didn’t believe these words, merely letting out a few suppressed chuckles before waving her hand to drop the subject. Liuqin joined in the laughter, feeling that the Junior Mistress’s words sounded quite plausible, though she refrained from further comment.

It was truly good to see the Junior Mistress so cheerful now. If she were to entertain any inappropriate thoughts, she would only bring suffering upon herself. No one else would come to care for her—she would have to nurse her own heartache.

Having grown somewhat slimmer recently, Su Qingyao’s delicate face appeared even fairer and more tender than before, making her pay greater attention to her appearance. She deliberately selected a water-red gown and even applied a light layer of facial cream to her complexion, finishing with a touch of rouge on her lips.

Adorned in this manner, she looked considerably more radiant. Standing there with a gentle smile, she resembled a bougainvillea in full summer bloom—both enchanting and sentimental.

She was quite pleased with her attire, twirling several times before the bronze mirror. Only after satisfying her own gaze did she proceed to her meal.

Liuqin teased her: Has the Junior Mistress taken such pains with her appearance just for her own viewing?
Su Qingyao nodded earnestly, imparting her wisdom: People often say that women adorn themselves for those who appreciate them. But who exactly are these appreciators? Oneself is the person who loves oneself most. Since I’ve gone through such efforts to beautify myself, shouldn’t I be the first to enjoy the view to my heart’s content? Who could possibly appreciate me better than I do myself?
This circular reasoning about oneself left Liuqin momentarily dizzy. It took her a while to process the words before she nodded thoughtfully.

The Junior Mistress speaks profound truth.
Working alongside Su Qingyao, one would frequently find themselves persuaded by her seemingly unconventional wisdom. Upon quiet reflection, however, her words invariably proved to be perfectly reasonable. No wonder among all the palace consorts and junior mistresses, she alone managed to gain the favor of both Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager.

Those who live with clarity naturally shine brighter than others.

They arrived at Qian Yuan Palace after the evening meal, when the palace lanterns had already been lit. Instead of taking Su Qingyao to Pomegranate Hall, the sedan chair brought her directly to the Emperor’s bedchamber in the front hall.

As Liuqin assisted Su Qingyao down from the sedan chair, she noticed Lou Duzhou waiting at the entrance. Seeing how meticulously Su Qingyao had adorned herself, he couldn’t help but silently praise once more.

This Minor Master Su never failed to impress with each appearance, always maintaining perfect composure—making it impossible for anyone to overlook her.

Lou Duzhou approached with a smile and inquired: Having not seen the Junior Mistress for two days, may I assume you have fully recovered?
Su Qingyao replied: Thank you for your concern, Great Attendant. I have indeed recovered completely.
Lou Duzhou naturally knew better than anyone whether her illness had truly subsided. Without further ado, he directly escorted her into the bedchamber: His Majesty is currently reading. The sewing basket has been prepared—the Junior Mistress may proceed as usual.
Su Qingyao entered the front hall with light footsteps, navigating through multiple palace chambers before finally reaching the bedchamber.

Chu Shaoyuan was seated in his small study reading when he heard movement. He glanced up briefly at her.

Su Qingyao had entered with her head bowed, maintaining proper decorum, yet missing the way Chu Shaoyuan’s gaze returned to linger on her.

This might have been the first time Chu Shaoyuan had looked at a woman in such a manner. Under the brilliant palace lanterns, Su Qingyao’s luminous face seemed to glow. She appeared somewhat slimmer than before, with a delicately pointed chin and vermilion lips touched with rouge—adding a touch of alluring charm not usually present.

Chu Shaoyuan’s hand, holding the book, paused momentarily. For the first time, he became aware that Su Qingyao was truly beautiful.

Not the extraordinary, unforgettable kind of stunning beauty, but rather a comforting elegance that made one want to gaze upon her repeatedly.

Completely unaware of Chu Shaoyuan’s attention, Su Qingyao performed a graceful curtsy and said softly: Greetings to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless happiness and peace.
Chu Shaoyuan involuntarily cleared his throat and gestured toward the low couch opposite. You may attend to your own matters.
Su Qingyao obediently sat down, picked up her unfinished embroidery handkerchief, and resumed her work.

For a while, the bedchamber remained utterly silent.

Once Su Qingyao immersed herself in work, she became completely focused. Only after stitching the final thread did she softly exhale and rub her neck.

Then, a deep voice sounded: Your illness… has passed?
Su Qingyao looked up to see Chu Shaoyuan tilting his head away, his gaze drifting across the pages of his book.

Were it not for his turned head betraying his reddened earlobes, she might have thought she had imagined the question.

Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. This humble one has fully recovered, Su Qingyao replied with a sweet smile.

Somehow, even these simple words made her feel utterly content.

Chu Shaoyuan flipped a page, scanning ten lines at once yet absorbing nothing.

Good that you’ve recovered, Chu Shaoyuan paused, then added, You appear thinner. You should eat more.
This time, Su Qingyao was slightly taken aback.

Along with her surprise came a wildly thumping heart.

She felt her heartbeat skip two beats, a warm current flowing through her chest that spread warmth throughout her entire body.

Yes, this humble one understands.
Chu Shaoyuan inexplicably curved the corners of his lips upward, hiding the side of his face behind his book.

Still so obedient. Truly well-behaved.

Author’s Note:

Your Majesty: My wife is the cutest in the entire universe~

Talented Lady Su: Your Majesty, do you know where the universe is?

Your Majesty: …