I See the Noble Consort's Charm - Chapter 47:

Chapter 47:

Neither of them had ever spoken to someone in this manner before, and both felt slightly awkward after the conversation ended.

Su Qingyao stared blankly for a moment, then inspected the handkerchief in her hands once more before quietly letting out a sigh of relief.

Let me see it, Chu Shaoyuan said when he noticed she had finished.

Su Qingyao carefully folded the handkerchief, placed it in the brocade box, and presented it to him. Standing nearby, she grew nervous again.

Chu Shaoyuan’s slender fingers cast sharp shadows of his knuckles under the glow of the Palace Lantern. He took out the handkerchief and examined it closely.

It had to be said that Su Qingyao’s craftsmanship was truly exceptional.

Her embroidery was delicate and understated, exuding an elegant charm. The color palette was subtle yet distinctive, never appearing garish or abrupt. On this handkerchief, she had embroidered the three noble plants—pine, bamboo, and plum—but only adorned the bamboo leaves with scattered plum blossom petals, creating a design that was both refined and cleverly animated.

After studying the embroidery pattern, Chu Shaoyuan noticed a small character Bao at the bottom, identical to the one on the handkerchief she had sent with the Forehead Protector earlier.

While he examined it intently, Su Qingyao stood by holding her breath, not daring to make a sound.

Though she had full confidence in her skills, she couldn’t help worrying whether Your Majesty would appreciate it. She kept stealing glances at him, but could only see his profile cast in shadow.

Finally, Chu Shaoyuan spoke: Not bad.

Coming from him, not bad was high praise indeed.

Su Qingyao’s heart swelled with joy, and she couldn’t suppress a radiant smile—just as Chu Shaoyuan happened to look up and catch it.

For some reason, the corners of his lips lifted slightly as well. It’s late, he said. You should retire for the night.

Su Qingyao had been waiting for him to return the handkerchief, but after waiting in vain, she was taken aback by his words. This handkerchief was one she had made for herself, even embroidering a character on it specially. She never expected Your Majesty would brazenly keep it without returning it.

…Yes, Su Qingyao opened her mouth but didn’t dare ask for it back. Pouting slightly, she withdrew.

Only after she had left did Chu Shaoyuan allow himself a faint smile as he tucked the handkerchief away.

Just then, Lou Duzhou entered, presenting a memorial. In a low voice, he reported, Her Majesty has sent an Imperial Decree and requests that Your Majesty review it.

Chu Shaoyuan opened and read it, pausing briefly before saying, I understand. Have the palace maid inform my mother that I have the matter in mind.

Whether he truly had it in mind, the Empress Dowager knew best. If Your Majesty could spare any attention for such trivial harem matters, the Empress Dowager wouldn’t have needed to send the Imperial Decree specifically. Lou Duzhou lowered his head but didn’t dare say this in front of Chu Shaoyuan.

When men became careless, they could overlook everything. Usually, reminding him to remember to give generous rewards was already quite an achievement; expecting anything more was simply impossible.

After Lou Duzhou withdrew to attend to his duties, Chu Shaoyuan lowered his head in contemplation.

His mother was anxious, eager to alter his fate as quickly as possible. But having lived an extra lifetime, Chu Shaoyuan knew that fate wasn’t so easily changed. Many matters in the palace were tied to state affairs and governance. He needed to take one step at a time, gradually paving a broad and smooth path.

Yet, his mother’s hopes and concerns weren’t without merit.

Whatever the reason, even if only for the Buddhist scriptures she had written through the night, he couldn’t simply stand by and do nothing.

As he pondered this, Chu Shaoyuan placed the brocade box on the antique shelf and called for the palace attendants to prepare his bath and assist him in readying for bed.

On the other side, Su Qingyao once again made her familiar way to Pomegranate Hall. She had now learned not to concern herself with why His Majesty never summoned her for genuine Imperial bedchamber service. Whether it was real or not, her days were visibly improving, and sometimes the truth wasn’t so important after all.

Today, it was Tingqin waiting at Pomegranate Hall as usual. Seeing Su Qingyao arrive, she stepped forward with a smile and asked, It’s been a while, Junior Mistress. Has your illness fully recovered?

Su Qingyao smiled. It’s long been cured. It wasn’t anything serious, just summer heat exhaustion. Thank you for your concern, Gugu.

Tingqin shook her head earnestly. Junior Mistress, you underestimate it. Although summer heat isn’t severe, heat rashes are particularly important. If not treated properly, they can easily leave scars, which would be unfortunate.

You’re absolutely right, Gugu. Doctor Lin’s medical skills are exceptional. Not only have I recovered, but my skin has even lightened a few shades without any scarring.

Tingqin gestured toward the Heated Room politely. That’s good, that’s good. I’ve prepared a medicinal bath for you, Junior Mistress, to help regulate the heat rashes. If you can tolerate the herbal scent, it would be best to soak in it.

Su Qingyao hadn’t expected Tingqin to be so thoughtful and was momentarily taken aback. Thank you, Gugu. I’ll definitely take a proper soak. I’ve never indulged in such luxury before.

Tingqin smiled faintly, instructed the junior palace maid to serve attentively, and then withdrew.

Su Qingyao turned to Liuqin and whispered, With so many people in the palace, no wonder Tingqin Gugu has remained steadfast in Qian Yuan Palace. She truly has her exceptional qualities.

Liuqin didn’t comment immediately. After assisting Su Qingyao with her bath and settling her into the medicinal soak, she finally said, This matter probably wasn’t arranged by Tingqin Gugu. It might have been Lou Daban, or perhaps even His Majesty.

Su Qingyao was surprised she was still pondering the earlier conversation and chuckled. Oh? What makes you say that?

Liuqin explained, Junior Mistress, please smell this. There are no less than ten types of herbs added here. Upon careful discernment, there should be mountain ginseng and saffron as well. These medicinal ingredients aren’t something Tingqin Gugu can simply retrieve from the imperial storerooms.

Although Tingqin often managed internal affairs in Qian Yuan Palace, her authority didn’t extend that far. His Majesty trusted Lou Duzhou the most. For instance, any retrieval of medicinal supplies required Lou Duzhou’s seal; no one else could obtain even the slightest amount. Hence, Liuqin’s reasoning.

Having never served in such capacities herself, Su Qingyao hadn’t considered this, but Liuqin’s analysis made it clear.

After thinking for a moment, Su Qingyao said, Lou Daban is quite considerate as well.

There was no need to speculate further. Regardless of who gave the order, the beneficiary was herself, so it counted as a gain.

After the medicinal bath, Su Qingyao was drenched in sweat but felt exceptionally refreshed. Her body seemed lighter, and she felt entirely relaxed.

While Liuqin dried her hair, Su Qingyao drank half a small bowl of jasmine tea before falling into a deep sleep amidst the faint, lingering fragrance. When she opened her eyes again, it was already the next morning.

The morning light crept through the lattice window, illuminating the solitary room.

Su Qingyao blinked and lay still for a while, waiting until she was fully awake before calling for assistance.

Liuqin came to help her wash up. While it was still early, she lit the Palace Lantern and attended to Su Qingyao’s reading.

Many of the books here she had read in her previous life, so her reading pace was swift now. She could finish half a volume in no time, occasionally pausing to reflect and discover previously overlooked highlights.

When she rose to rest, the sky outside was still dark. Peering through the gauze window, the view held a hazy, poetic beauty.

Liuqin smiled. Among the morning scenery in the palace, Qian Yuan Palace is indeed the finest.

Indeed, the Qian Yuan Palace was constructed with the utmost care, embodying the pinnacle of architectural excellence. Every pavilion, terrace, tower, hall, and courtyard exuded the extravagant grandeur of the imperial family. In the early morning, the dawn glow bathed the glazed tiles on the palace eaves, casting a dazzling golden radiance over the main hall. As the light shimmered, it seemed as though golden dragons were soaring through the clouds, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

Just as Su Qingyao was about to compose a poem, she heard Lou Duzhou’s voice from outside: The Junior Mistress is awake early.

Liuqin hurried out to greet him and saw Lou Duzhou standing outside the hall with a warm smile. Noting that she was also neatly dressed, he felt somewhat satisfied, and his tone grew even more amiable.

Miss Liuqin, please assist the Junior Mistress with her toilette promptly. His Majesty wishes to summon her, Lou Duzhou said.

Liuqin was quite startled. Though her mind swirled with questions, she knew this was not the time to ask. She quickly bowed and returned to the bedchamber to inform Su Qingyao.

Su Qingyao was equally surprised. So early in the morning, before the sun had even risen above the horizon—why would His Majesty summon her? Yet, no matter how much she pondered, she couldn’t fathom the reason. She could only let Liuqin help her style her hair into a simple falling horse bun, adorned with just two silk flowers as embellishment.

Though she had been meticulously dressed when she arrived the previous evening, it wouldn’t do to repeat the same attire today. With no change of clothes available, adding some distinctive touches to her hair would at least lend a fresh appearance.

Once dressed, Liuqin escorted Su Qingyao out of the room. Glancing up, they saw Lou Duzhou still waiting there.

Su Qingyao smiled and said, Good morning, Lou Daban.

Lou Duzhou bowed to her and then led the way, finally speaking to her directly: His Majesty seems to have something to discuss with you, Minor Master Su. There’s no need to be nervous.

His friendly demeanor and smiling face reassured Su Qingyao that nothing serious was afoot, and she relaxed slightly. Thank you, Daban.

Lou Duzhou said no more.

By the time they reached the front hall, the sky was just beginning to brighten. The bedchamber was illuminated by brilliant palace lanterns, casting a warm glow throughout the dim interior.

Chu Shaoyuan, having no morning court session today, wore a simple robe with his hair unbound, cascading dark and smooth down his back. He appeared much softer and more approachable than usual.

Lou Duzhou announced, Your Majesty, Minor Master Su has arrived.

Chu Shaoyuan turned his head, his gaze meeting Su Qingyao’s.

Strands of hair casually draped over his chest, making him seem younger and imbuing him with a relaxed, natural air seldom seen in his usual demeanor.

For some reason, Su Qingyao felt the weight on her shoulders lighten, and she inexplicably found His Majesty less intimidating.

Chu Shaoyuan gestured to an official’s hat chair beside him, inviting her to sit with him, and then asked, Do you prefer the Eastern Six Palaces or the Western Six Palaces?

Su Qingyao blinked, indicating she didn’t understand.

After all, whether it was the Eastern or Western Six Palaces, it wasn’t a matter of her personal preference.

Chu Shaoyuan paused, seeing her genuine confusion, and after a moment of contemplation, he clarified, If you were to move palaces, where would you like to go?

Upon hearing move palaces, Su Qingyao felt a surge of excitement, her heart pounding and her oval face flushing pink.

Can I really move? she asked softly, biting her lower lip cautiously.

Chu Shaoyuan lowered his gaze to her face, and seeing that she had finally understood, he broke into a rare smile.

His languid posture and gentle, spring-like smile made Su Qingyao’s cheeks grow even redder, and she found it difficult to meet his eyes.

It was only then that Chu Shaoyuan realized how amusing and poetic it was to tease a young lady until her cheeks flushed. Over all these years, he had missed out on so much delight—the thought alone filled him with deep regret.

Do you think you can move? Chu Shaoyuan did not answer directly.

Su Qingyao’s face was red, yet her heart yearned for him. She wondered what was wrong with His Majesty—why couldn’t he just speak properly instead of teasing her a few times before relenting?

Did she seem that easy to tease?

She had no one to ask, so she could only endure it silently while replying respectfully, It is entirely up to Your Majesty to decide.

Chu Shaoyuan nodded thoughtfully. You are right. Naturally, it is entirely up to me to decide.

However, he added after a moment, after all, it is you who will be living there. Tell me, where would you like to reside?

He asked again, almost confirming Su Qingyao’s suspicions. She thought it over but did not voice her true feelings.

In her heart, she wished to have a palace all to herself, where no one could control her.

But that was impossible. To insist on the impossible would not be bravery—it would be foolishness.

So, with a shy smile, Su Qingyao said, This humble consort has already stated that it is entirely up to Your Majesty to decide. Wherever Your Majesty believes this consort should reside, she will move there. To this consort, anywhere is perfectly fine.

Her words were truly exquisite.

Chu Shaoyuan had not expected her to be so sensible, with every word and phrase aligning perfectly with his thoughts. He felt exceptionally pleased.

When His Majesty was in a good mood, it meant someone was about to have good fortune.

Chu Shaoyuan made the final decision: Very well. Return and await good news.

Author’s Note:

Talented Lady Su: Although the Eastern and Western Palaces are fine, Kun Harmony Palace is even better. What does Your Majesty think?

Your Majesty: Excellent, excellent! Whatever my wife says is right!

Talented Lady Su: Good, you’re being sensible.