I See the Noble Consort's Charm - Chapter 53:

Chapter 53:

After finishing their serious discussion, the two fell into silence again.

Come to think of it, aside from the night they admired the moon, this was the longest conversation Su Qingyao had ever had with Chu Shaoyuan. Surprisingly, it was about official matters, which felt quite novel.

Being able to discuss serious affairs with His Majesty could be considered a sign of his great favor toward her.

The two sat facing each other for a while—Chu Shaoyuan fanning himself while Su Qingyao sipped tea—with neither speaking first. It wasn’t until Lou Duzhou entered from outside that the tranquility in the room was broken.

Your Majesty, Junior Mistress, the night has grown late. It’s time to retire, Lou Duzhou said with a bow.

Chu Shaoyuan then said to Su Qingyao, You’ve worked hard all day. You may withdraw and rest early.

It was rare to hear such concerned words from him today. A warmth blossomed in Su Qingyao’s heart as she rose and curtsied. Your Majesty should also retire early.

After she left, Lou Duzhou stepped forward and said in a low voice, Your Majesty, Wang Mutou has arrived.

Chu Shaoyuan nodded without another word. Lou Duzhou turned and gestured, and a tall, lean figure drifted in silently.

This man moved without making a sound. If he stood in the shadows, no one would give him a second glance.

Upon entering, he bowed to Chu Shaoyuan and then stood quietly waiting for His Majesty’s instructions.

Chu Shaoyuan glanced at him and said, Regarding today’s matter, return and accept your punishment.

Wang Mutou had an ordinary appearance, but when he spoke, his voice was soft and gentle. It was delicate and mellifluous, somewhat effeminate, like a man with feminine traits.

Yes, this subject deserves punishment.

Chu Shaoyuan continued, Investigate further: find out who was going around the Imperial Kitchen yesterday talking to everyone. It would be best if you can identify them. If not, the Imperial Kitchen needs better management.

There weren’t any major issues with the Imperial Kitchen itself—all three daily meals in the palace came from there. If it were poorly managed, problems would have arisen long ago. Chu Shaoyuan’s meaning was clear, and Wang Mutou understood immediately, bowing once more.

Yes, this subject obeys Your Majesty’s command.

As for the other matters from today, the Cautious Punishment Department would surely investigate on its own initiative. They would never let this matter rest in their hands and face His Majesty’s displeasure.

After giving his orders, Chu Shaoyuan paused before adding, In a few days, Talented Lady Su will be moving to a new palace. Have your people stay alert—ensure there are absolutely no mistakes.

Wang Mutou had shown no expression since entering, and even now, though surprised inwardly, he revealed nothing. He bowed briskly and followed Lou Duzhou out.

Once outside the study, he finally lowered his head and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

The feared Chief Supervisor Wang of the Cautious Punishment Department muttered quietly to Lou Duzhou, My dear brother, you truly have it tough.

Indeed, in the early years, it didn’t feel this way. They only saw His Majesty as a young emperor who possessed dignity but was still somewhat green and lacking. Recently, however, he had become increasingly intimidating, inspiring such fear that one dared not disobey him from the bottom of their heart. Just those few simple words had left his back drenched in sweat.

Lou Duzhou, who got along fairly well with him, patted his shoulder comfortingly. Brother Mutou, as long as His Majesty isn’t angry, it’s not that frightening. He’s usually quite amiable and kind.

He spoke with a laugh, appearing particularly confident. Wang Mutou shot him a glance and simply said, Well then, brother, you carry on. I’ll take my leave now.

With that, he vanished in a flash, not even letting his feet touch the ground.

Lou Duzhou stood there, watching his retreating back with a cold sneer. If he hadn’t failed to keep a close watch on today’s matter, would His Majesty have been so enraged? If Xie Cai Ren had truly drowned in that lake, the imperial court would surely have been thrown into turmoil, and the uproar wouldn’t have settled for at least three to five months.

The fact that His Majesty hadn’t punished him outright was only because he still needed him for the current task. Once this assignment was completed, he would still have to face the consequences.

As Lou Duzhou mulled it over, he recalled His Majesty’s final instruction and decided to visit the Bureau of Palace Affairs in a few days to discuss matters with Qinshu Gugu. If Su Qingyao were to relocate to another palace, it was not something to be taken lightly.

Meanwhile, inside the study, Chu Shaoyuan stood by the window, gazing at the bright moon outside.

The Mid-Autumn Festival on the fifteenth of the eighth lunar month was fast approaching—a time for family reunions across the land.

Even if a daughter was in the palace, as long as she was safe and well, her family could rest easy.

Chu Shaoyuan lowered his gaze, staring intently at his own slender, clean hands.

Originally, today’s events were not supposed to unfold this way. Perhaps it was because Senior Grand Secretary Feng’s early retirement had triggered shifts in the political landscape, causing many restless individuals to emerge and stir up trouble.

His eyes turned icy as he lost himself in thought. Beneath the seemingly peaceful and prosperous era of the past, how much darkness had been concealed? Many matters never reached his attention, and thus, he remained unaware and unconcerned.

Now, reborn into this life, he was determined to uncover just how many ravenous demons, cloaked in human skin, were strutting about and abusing their power.

If Su Qingyao hadn’t coincidentally been present today and promptly summoned the junior eunuchs to rescue Xie Cai Ren, he truly wouldn’t have been able to account for it to the Xie family. Even if the Xie family outwardly refrained from complaint and Grand Secretary Xie dared not utter a word of grievance, resentment would inevitably fester. A life lost so tragically would not be easily forgotten.

Once Grand Secretary Xie assumed the position of Senior Grand Secretary, his loyalty would be beyond doubt, yet the mutual understanding and respect between ruler and subject would inevitably be diminished. A single misstep could lead to a thousand-mile divergence.

The perpetrator was ruthless and cunning—far from simple.

Chu Shaoyuan’s expression shifted. He turned and sat back at the desk, picking up a brush to draft a secret memorial.

Over at Pomegranate Hall, Su Qingyao was sipping tea.

Having spent the evening reading and feeling too embarrassed to continuously snack in front of His Majesty, she was actually quite hungry. However, since she would be retiring to bed soon, she dared not eat anything more, even if hungry. She could only resort to tea to stave off her hunger and soothe her stomach ache.

Unaware that Tingqin had stayed behind, she instead reflected on her brief exchange with Chu Shaoyuan earlier. After pondering for a long while, she concluded that she hadn’t misspoken and finally felt somewhat relieved.

Tingqin watched her with a smile, observing her frowning and lost in thought, her small face almost scrunching up into a ball, which made her appear much more youthful and adorable than usual.

Junior Mistress, how about a small bowl of pumpkin and lily congee? Tingqin suggested.

Su Qingyao looked up, surprised to see her still there. Auntie, why are you still here? I was so lost in my thoughts—do you need something?

Tingqin shook her head and repeated her earlier suggestion. Su Qingyao immediately felt conflicted. But considering that autumn would arrive in two months and fearing she might gain weight again, she gritted her teeth and declined.

Never mind, eating such things at night is hard to digest. Let’s not bother.

Tingqin replied gently, It’s no trouble at all. We can have the small kitchen prepare it specially—just pumpkin and lily blended into a paste, without glutinous rice flour or sugar. It’s very easy on the stomach.

Persuaded by this, Su Qingyao’s resolve wavered. She nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly, and said, Thank you for your trouble, Auntie.

Su Qingyao was not a cold and aloof person. Perhaps it was because she had been alone for too long in her previous life, or maybe she had never truly experienced the feeling of being cherished and cared for, but Tingqin’s simple words felt like a bowl of sweet wine poured into her heart, making her dizzy and almost intoxicated.

Seeing her face grow increasingly flushed, Tingqin was quite satisfied inwardly, though her expression remained unchanged. That is why I came specifically to ask how you feel about Consort Xian. If you think you can get along with her, the matter can be settled.

Asking specifically was a hundred times better than issuing an edict without a word.

The feeling of being respected and cared for was so overwhelming that Su Qingyao froze, unable to respond for a long while.

Seeing her like this, Tingqin understood there was no need to hear her answer—it was undoubtedly settled.

When the pumpkin and lily porridge was served, Tingqin promptly withdrew, not disturbing Minor Master Su’s peace any further.

That night, Su Qingyao lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

For the first time since her rebirth, she was suffering from insomnia.

Author’s Note:

Your Majesty: Moving house has to be done bit by bit. Sooner or later…

Talented Lady Su: Giving up Qian Yuan Palace for me to live in?

Your Majesty: …Well… it’s not entirely impossible.