I See the Noble Consort's Charm - Chapter 56:
Chapter 56:
After Lou Duzhou left, Su Qingyao still felt as if she were dreaming.
Aside from her, Liuqin and the other two were already so overjoyed they couldn’t speak, standing to the side and beginning to wipe away tears one after another.
When Su Qingyao regained her composure, she saw three red-eyed rabbits and couldn’t help but laugh: This is a happy occasion, why are you crying?
They couldn’t explain why they were crying either, but the tears kept streaming down uncontrollably.
Liuqin said: We’re crying tears of joy, Junior Mistress. You’ve finally weathered the hardships and can enjoy the sweetness.
The phrase weathered the hardships and can enjoy the sweetness wasn’t entirely accurate. In Su Qingyao’s heart, even during those many years in the lower ranks in her previous life, she never felt that life was particularly unbearable.
Perhaps she was just too adaptable, never really considering her past life as particularly difficult.
After the three young maids had cried their fill, Su Qingyao said: Since the Imperial decree has been issued, we’ll likely need to move palaces in the next few days. You should go inventory the storeroom later to ensure we move efficiently.
With this promotion, she would be moving to Consort Xian’s Scarlet Smoke Palace, just like in her previous life, still occupying the more spacious eastern side hall.
Although it was still an eastern side hall like in Azure Cloud Palace, the corner rooms and connecting halls nearby would all be hers. Not only would the bedchamber be more spacious, but the windows would also be larger.
It would be much cooler during summer.
In this short time, Liuqin and the other two had already become busy, while Su Qingyao sat leisurely in the main hall.
She sat alone for a while, until the tea before her gradually cooled, then silently curved the corners of her lips.
In her original expectations, reaching Consort of Grace at this point would have been the best outcome. She never imagined she would skip Consort of Grace entirely and directly become a fifth-rank Consort Zhaoyi.
This promotion was indeed a big leap and quite unexpected, which was why Su Qingyao had been stunned for so long and still found it unreal.
To be honest, she never understood how she had gained Your Majesty’s favor. Though she always felt she must be useful to him to receive such benefits, she ultimately couldn’t figure out exactly where her usefulness lay.
Could it still be because she had voluntarily copied Buddhist scriptures for him?
Su Qingyao shook her head and sighed softly.
Precisely because her current life was so good and so delightful, she rarely felt this sense of unease. She knew herself well – if this great favor were to disappear someday, she could recover after a brief disappointment, but that disappointment would still be genuine.
No one wishes for smooth sailing in life, and no one complains when days are good. So every time she received such favor from Your Majesty, after the initial excitement faded, she couldn’t help but repeatedly ponder.
What was the real reason?
Su Qingyao held her breath and concentrated until her head ached, but still couldn’t figure it out.
She even began recalling the turbulent politics of her previous life and the undercurrents in the rear palace, but after much thought, aside from Senior Grand Secretary Feng’s retirement, there really wasn’t anything else.
When Liuqin finished her tasks, she noticed her mistress sitting there lost in thought. She quickly came over to rewarm her tea, smiling as she said: It’s almost time for lunch, what would you like to eat, Mistress?
Mention of food perked Su Qingyao up slightly. After ordering a few dishes, she said: The Bureau of Palace Affairs will probably send people over before we move palaces. Just do a simple check of the account books first, and assign tasks to the new servants when they arrive.
According to palace regulations, a Consort of Grace of the sixth rank could have two senior maids and four junior maids in attendance, while a Consort Zhaoyi of the fifth rank was entitled to four senior maids, four junior maids, and two Junior Eunuchs. Since she would soon be moving palaces, her current three attendants would certainly be insufficient. The Bureau of Palace Affairs would inevitably send new personnel within the next couple of days, so Su Qingyao had no need to worry.
Liuqin smiled and said, Indeed. Liulv checks the account books daily as well. I just reviewed them and found almost no discrepancies.
Su Qingyao nodded. Once new people arrive, you will be in charge. Make sure to organize your duties clearly and delegate less important tasks to Taohong and Liulv so you can manage more easily.
Her words served as reassurance for Liuqin, though Liuqin had never truly been anxious about it. Having served her Junior Mistress for only half a year, it felt as if she had been by her side since childhood. Their temperaments and habits were highly compatible, and given Su Qingyao’s character, she would never abandon her after a promotion.
Liuqin replied with a smile, It’s just my good fortune to have followed you early on, my lady. Now, everyone in the palace envies me—wherever I go, people address me as ‘Miss.’
Younger ones called her elder sister, while older ones referred to her as miss. Even if she was merely a senior maid, what did it matter?
Su Qingyao’s mood improved considerably with Liuqin’s comforting words. She often reminded herself that worrying was futile, yet human nature was peculiar—clear-minded yet often unable to control oneself.
She sighed lightly. Very well, Miss Liuqin, please arrange for the meal to be served promptly.
Seeing her expression brighten, Liuqin finally relaxed.
As Su Qingyao had anticipated, after her afternoon nap, representatives from the Bureau of Palace Affairs arrived—familiar faces among them.
Auntie Chunhua smiled upon seeing Su Qingyao, offering a respectful bow from a distance. Upon entering the hall, she immediately offered congratulations: Greetings, Consort Zhaoyi. Congratulations on your great fortune.
Su Qingyao was the first—and most exceptional—in the current palace to rise directly from a lower-ranking Junior Mistress to Consort Zhaoyi. She achieved this not through family background or reliance on her father and brothers, but solely through her own merits, making her accomplishment all the more remarkable.
Su Qingyao also smiled and instructed Liulv to serve tea. Please have a seat, Auntie. It has been too long.
Due to their repeated encounters, Chunhua could now sit in Su Qingyao’s presence. She took her seat respectfully, yet with a warmth that distinguished their current rapport from the past.
About a dozen attendants accompanied her, standing orderly in the courtyard.
Chunhua came straight to the point, gesturing toward the junior maids. Please take a look, my lady. As you need to expand your household, Auntie Qinshu specially selected some promising youngsters and sent them over promptly.
Last time, Chunhua had personally recommended the sisters Taohong and Liulv; this time, it was Auntie Qinshu who made the selection. The Bureau of Palace Affairs operated with such thoroughness that one could not help but admire their efficiency.
Su Qingyao smiled. The aunties’ judgment is always excellent. Those you select are invariably commendable.
Auntie Chunhua took a sip of tea and said quietly, Rest assured, my lady. Lou Daban personally oversaw this matter. These youngsters entered the palace directly into the Bureau of Palace Affairs—there is absolutely no room for error.
Lou Duzhou had indeed given instructions. His simple directive reflected Qian Yuan Palace’s attentiveness toward Consort Zhaoyi Su. The Bureau of Palace Affairs, already diligent, became even more meticulous after this intervention and promptly dispatched the selected personnel.
Your Ladyship originally had three young ladies here. Considering you’d need to see how well they suit your needs to judge their capabilities, this time we’ve only brought junior palace maids. Among them are two from the Weaving Bureau with exceptional skills.
Aunt Chunhua said with a beaming smile, prompting Su Qingyao to turn and look toward the courtyard.
With this sudden influx of people, the Azure Cloud Palace was unusually lively. However, Consort Sun across the way seemed completely uninterested, not even opening her door. In contrast, Consort Hui in the rear hall appeared rather agitated, specifically having her senior maid stand at the doorway peering around.
Regardless, the dozen or so newcomers all stood with downcast eyes, motionless and exceptionally disciplined and well-behaved.
Seeing Su Qingyao looking over, Chunhua waved to those outside: A few of you, come in first.
The junior palace maids then entered in turn, standing obediently before Su Qingyao.
Su Qingyao quickly scanned them and noticed they were all delicate-looking young girls, about fifteen or sixteen years old—neither too old nor too young. Having been in the palace for two or three years, they were sensible and steady, perfectly suited to serve by her side.
This selection clearly demonstrated the Bureau of Palace Affairs’ thoughtful consideration.
Su Qingyao looked at each of their faces in turn, briefly inquired about their special skills, then kept a taller one named Meizhi who could brew tea, and another shorter, plumper one named Yuanguo who could prepare simple meals.
Of the remaining two, Su Qingyao selected the Weaving Bureau palace maids Aunt Chunhua had specifically mentioned, so they could focus on attending to clothing.
With this arrangement, all four junior palace maids were chosen. As for the remaining junior eunuchs, Su Qingyao picked two who looked clever, putting the slightly older one in charge.
Being straightforward herself, Su Qingyao found Aunt Chunhua equally direct. Chunhua immediately confirmed the numbers and said: I’ll have them go back to pack their belongings. Tomorrow they’ll be sent over along with their registry records and waist tokens. The three young ladies’ waist tokens also need replacement, so I’ll trouble you again tomorrow.
Su Qingyao smiled: Thank you for your trouble, Aunt. When you come tomorrow, I’ll treat you to some Longjing tea.
Longjing tea in the palace was all imperial tribute. That Su Qingyao could offer Aunt Chunhua Longjing tea immediately showed her high regard. Chunhua’s heart stirred, and she promptly nodded: Thank you, Your Ladyship. If not for you, this humble servant wouldn’t get to taste such fine tea.
After exchanging pleasantries, Chunhua led the large group away in a grand procession. Su Qingyao breathed a slight sigh of relief and said to Liuqin and the others: These children all seem quite sensible. Please guide them more and take extra care.
Liuqin wasn’t particularly surprised, but Taohong and Liulv were quite excited. When they first came, they never expected to become senior maids so quickly—it was beyond their wildest dreams. They hadn’t anticipated that their unassuming Minor Master Su would become Consort Zhaoyi within just half a year.
The lively Taohong need not be mentioned—even the usually steady and quiet Liulv reddened around the eyes: Thank you, Your Ladyship.
They didn’t make vows of unwavering loyalty. As long as they maintained firm conviction and followed Their Ladyship with devoted hearts, how could she not notice?
While everyone in the eastern side hall was currently happy, Consort Hui in the rear hall wore a face dark with clouds.
Aunt Qing Sui kept fanning her vigorously nearby, softly persuading: Didn’t Your Ladyship already anticipate this matter? Why distress yourself over it now? Besides, Consort Zhaoyi will be moving away in a few days. Once she’s out of sight, she’ll be out of mind—what does it truly matter?
When Consort Hui heard the words Consort Zhaoyi, her anger flared even higher.
How could she? How is she capable of this? Consort Hui gnashed her teeth and said.
Qing Sui hurriedly instructed the senior palace maid to close the bedchamber doors: The palace has always been full of ups and downs. Once Your Ladyship grows accustomed to it, it will seem ordinary. Moreover, though she appears prosperous now, who knows what the future holds? Your Ladyship need not fret.
Consort Hui took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. She closed her eyes and remained silent for a long while.
Go, summon her to me.
Qing Sui was taken aback and wanted to dissuade her, but Consort Hui was resolute: Auntie, please go and personally invite her here.
At this moment, Qing Sui truly dared not obey. Consort Hui glanced up at her, her expression somewhat frightening.
Auntie, are you afraid I might lose composure? I won’t. Please go, I know my limits.
This time, Qing Sui no longer dared to object.
With an anxious heart, she went to the eastern side hall. Expecting Su Qingyao to refuse, she was surprised when Su Qingyao smiled and said: I was just about to pay respects to Her Ladyship. How timely that she thought of me. Let us go now.
Qing Sui was startled, thinking to herself: Look at Consort Zhaoyi’s poise, no wonder.
No wonder Your Majesty’s favor never wanes.
Author’s note: Consort Zhaoyi: I can do whatever I want, what can you do about it? It’ll drive you mad!
Consort Hui: ……Critical hit, vomiting blood orz