I See the Noble Consort's Charm - Chapter 57:

Chapter 57:

Su Qingyao knew why Consort Hui had invited her, so she didn’t make things difficult for Qing Sui and readily agreed.

Taking advantage of the fact that it wasn’t yet dinner time, Su Qingyao did some simple grooming and followed Qing Sui to the rear hall.

Along the way, Qing Sui smiled and said, Congratulations, Your Ladyship, congratulations.

Su Qingyao also smiled. Thank you for taking care of me these past six months.

Whether Qing Sui had actually taken care of her was something both of them knew well. After exchanging pleasantries, Qing Sui fell silent.

She truly didn’t know what to say to Su Qingyao.

Previously, she had been the supervising maid whom Su Qingyao had to greet respectfully. But now Su Qingyao had become a fifth-rank Consort Zhaoyi. In the palace, aside from a few high-ranking consorts, everyone had to bow when they saw her.

Not to mention Qing Sui, even Consort Hui couldn’t completely control her anymore. It was truly a reversal of fortunes – from then on, everything had turned upside down.

When they entered the rear hall, Qing Sui looked up and saw Consort Hui waiting at the doorway with a smiling face. Only then did her anxious heart settle back down.

Though Consort Hui was somewhat petty and cunning, she could still maintain decorum in important matters. Knowing she couldn’t afford to have unpleasantness with Su Qingyao now, she managed to put on a sisterly attitude, allowing both to save face.

Dear sister, you’ve finally arrived. I’ve been waiting for you, Consort Hui said, stepping forward and grasping Su Qingyao’s hand. Today is your joyous occasion. As your elder sister, I must treat you to some tea and pastries. Otherwise, after you move away, such opportunities will become rare.

Since she was being respectful, Su Qingyao could reciprocate. She immediately returned the handclasp, her face full of gratitude. Indeed, I was just thinking that if I move away later, I’ll certainly miss you, sister.

Previously, Su Qingyao would never have called her sister, but today she said it readily, with an intimacy in her tone that sounded genuine.

Hearing her attitude, Consort Hui understood that past matters were now water under the bridge. As long as she didn’t cause more trouble, Su Qingyao probably wouldn’t bring them up again.

She breathed a slight sigh of relief and warmly escorted Su Qingyao into the hall, inviting her to sit with her on the daybed in the elegant chamber before serving tea and refreshments.

Today’s preparations by Consort Hui clearly showed considerable effort.

Just the fruits alone included four or five varieties, all uncommon in the palace. With Su Qingyao’s previous rank, they would have been difficult to obtain even with silver.

Consort Hui pushed the fruit platter forward, urging Su Qingyao to eat.

This time, Su Qingyao actually partook, leisurely eating a crystal grape.

Sister, you’re truly wonderful. Your palace staff is very attentive. I’m quite envious.

Consort Hui smiled, sipped her tea, and said, Looking at Liuqin in your palace, she’s quite clever too. In the future, she probably won’t be inferior to Qing Sui.

This was flattery. Only when one reached the position of high-ranking consort could they be assigned a supervising maid. Consort Hui was prematurely congratulating her on rising to consort rank, showing more honeyed words than before.

But Su Qingyao understood clearly – it was only because her status had risen and she was clearly about to soar high that Consort Hui, unable to afford offending her, suppressed her temper to deal with her.

Previously, she hadn’t needed to care about Su Qingyao’s thoughts at all, so of course she hadn’t needed to be so attentive.

Look what you’re saying, sister. Later, Liuqin will be so happy she won’t be able to sleep, Su Qingyao said. Behind her, Liuqin curtsied to Consort Hui, her face reddening without speaking.

With just these few words, the atmosphere between the two gradually warmed. Seeing the mood was about right, Consort Hui finally lowered her voice and said, It seems my suggestion last time for you to choose a palace early was quite timely. I thought Consort He’s palace was good back then, but now it’s clear that Consort Xian’s is even better.

Being able to follow one of the Four Consorts was naturally much better than being under one of the Nine Concubines. The main halls of the consort rank were more spacious and bright; even living in a side hall was far superior, at least ensuring good ventilation in summer without any stuffiness.

Su Qingyao smiled faintly. Indeed, I never imagined I’d have such good fortune. I was overjoyed earlier, and now that you mention it, the happiness is surging up again—I just can’t help wanting to laugh.

Of course, she wanted to laugh. Consort Hui forced a stiff smile, thinking to herself: If it were me, I’d be laughing for three full days to feel satisfied.

Su Qingyao covered her face as she laughed, looking utterly adorable. Consort Hui clenched her fists tightly, afraid she might lose control and chase her out.

Why was she so lucky!

But the current situation was different from before, and she dared not treat Su Qingyao that way no matter what. If Su Qingyao were to fall from grace someday, it would be one thing, but if she remained prosperous, Consort Hui couldn’t afford to speak a single word against her.

Consort Hui took a deep breath, lowered her head, and took a sip of cold tea, feeling slightly better.

Actually, it wasn’t me who thought of Consort He back then, Consort Hui decided to cut to the chase. I remember it was Auntie Ling Yin from Consort He’s side who came to find Qing Sui. Qing Sui hesitated for a long time before telling me.

Su Qingyao lowered her eyes and quietly ate a loquat.

I gave it careful thought at the time. Everyone in the palace says Consort He is amiable and kind, and the junior servants all like her. I figured she wouldn’t be one to mistreat others, so life in her palace wouldn’t be too hard, Consort Hui said softly.

Whether or not she knew about the past friction between Su Qingyao and Consort He, since she had acted as a mediator in Su Qingyao’s palace move—which ultimately fell through—she felt compelled to explain herself. If handled poorly, it could easily lead to resentment from both sides.

Su Qingyao smiled casually. I never took it to heart. After all, decisions made by Your Majesty or the senior consorts aren’t something we can easily change. There’s no need for you to worry about it, sister. I was nothing but grateful for your concern at the time.

With this clear reassurance, Consort Hui finally relaxed.

Once this matter was settled, Consort Hui didn’t bring up anything else. The two enjoyed a pleasant tea session together, and then Consort Hui personally saw Su Qingyao to the door.

I’ll come see you off on the day you move, sister.

Su Qingyao curtsied to her before returning to her own eastern side hall.

Only Liulv was busy in the outer hall at the moment. Su Qingyao had Liuqin help her change clothes and said, This incident with Consort He is quite intriguing.

Liuqin nodded. If we were in her position, we’d feel awkward speaking for a while. For Consort He to act this way, she either doesn’t care at all or cares too much.

What kind of mindset must one have to offer a sweet date right after being slapped in the face? And to do so for a Junior Mistress far beneath her? Neither Su Qingyao nor any other young woman in her twenties could ever bring herself to such an act.

Su Qingyao’s expression darkened slightly. Pay more attention to matters concerning Consort He. Taohong and Liulv are still young and haven’t been with me for long. I’m not quite at ease discussing these matters with them yet, so you’ll have to work harder.

Being favored by her mistress was naturally a blessing for any palace maid. Liuqin immediately smiled upon hearing this. Your Highness has become increasingly skilled at sweet-talking lately. Your words warm this servant’s heart so much that I’d willingly give my life for you.

Su Qingyao gently pinched her arm while sighing inwardly: Indeed, she had already given her life for me.

She had stayed by her side for sixty years – a lifetime in itself.

After her promotion, Su Qingyao became busy. Moving from Azure Cloud Palace to Scarlet Smoke Palace was no small matter, so these past two days she had been inventorying belongings with three young palace maids, taking care not to damage any imperial gifts.

On the third day, the selected young maids arrived at Azure Cloud Palace with their bundles.

All four young maids were quite youthful, their faces still bearing traces of innocence. Among them, only the short and plump Yuanguo was slightly older by a few months, so she reported to Su Qingyao: Greetings, Your Highness. Aunt Chunhua instructed that since there’s insufficient space here, we should first go to Scarlet Smoke Palace to clean thoroughly and settle there temporarily.

Su Qingyao nodded, thinking Chunhua was quite thoughtful. You’ve worked hard. I’ll reward you after we move.

Yuanguo had a cheerful appearance and a pleasant voice.

She smiled until her eyes curved, bowing to Su Qingyao. Serving Your Highness is our great fortune. This servant will first go to Scarlet Smoke Palace to clean and return tomorrow to help the senior sisters pack.

Su Qingyao nodded. You may go first. Liulv will join you later to handle any difficult matters – wait for her instructions.

Yuanguo led the young maids in a neat bow before withdrawing.

Turning to Liulv, Su Qingyao said, Monitor them closely these two days and see how they perform. Have Liuqin give you fifty taels of silver for expenses.

Liulv, being more steady and meticulous than Taohong, immediately understood. Yes, Your Highness. This servant will ensure everything is properly handled.

Since they were moving into Consort Xian’s palace, they naturally needed to pay respects first. The matron supervising the utility maids required appeasement, and they needed to familiarize themselves with Consort Xian and Consort Zheng’s favored attendants. Having Liuqin establish connections beforehand would make Su Qingyao’s formal visit after moving appear more courteous.

After finishing the day’s work and resting, Su Qingyao felt unusually tired. She slept deeply and, upon waking in the morning, lingered in bed unwilling to rise.

Lack of regular exercise showed – usually just sitting idle in her room ultimately harmed her health.

However, considering her promotion to Consort Zhaoyi made going out much more convenient, she thought she could visit the Imperial Garden regularly from now on. This time, no one would dare stop her.

The more Su Qingyao thought about it, the happier she became, rolling over twice in bed. Just as she contemplated going back to sleep, faint noises came from outside.

Liuqin and the other two were always disciplined – they never made any sound before she woke. Today’s commotion surely meant something had happened.

Su Qingyao could only pull the bell cord. Hearing the bedroom door open quietly, she knew someone had entered.

Palace maids walked soundlessly, but Su Qingyao didn’t need to listen carefully to know it was Liuqin who had entered.

When the person drew open the bed curtains, it was indeed Liuqin’s familiar, delicate face.

Why has Your Ladyship woken so early today?” Liuqin smiled, pursing her lips as she helped her up and offered her warm water to drink. Was it the noise outside that disturbed Your Ladyship?”

Though it was clearly improper, Liuqin spoke with a beaming expression, looking utterly delighted.

Su Qingyao was somewhat puzzled but knew Liuqin wasn’t one to lose her composure over nothing. Smiling, she asked, Has something good happened?”

As soon as she asked, Liuqin laughed.

Luo Zhongjian came before dawn, saying His Majesty is going to the imperial estate today and has ordered Your Ladyship to accompany him.” Liuqin could hardly contain her laughter.

But upon hearing this, Su Qingyao pouted. What? Again? I’ve only just recovered from my illness…”

Liuqin quickly shook her head and continued, This time, Luo Zhongjian specifically added that His Majesty said Your Ladyship is only to observe today and will certainly not allow you to set foot on the ground again.”

Su Qingyao froze for a moment upon hearing this, then suddenly burst into laughter.

His Majesty, really—is he trying to apologize to her in such a roundabout way? How inexplicably silly he seems!

Author’s Note:

His Majesty: I’m not silly—I’m very clever!

Consort Zhaoyi: …Do you have some misunderstanding about yourself?