I See the Noble Consort's Charm - Chapter 58:

Chapter 58:

This time when leaving the palace, Su Qingyao had made thorough preparations.

Her current rank was naturally different from before. She could bring two personal maids when leaving the palace, and could carry changes of clothes, shoes, socks and other items with her, so she didn’t have to struggle like last time.

Looking at the blazing sun outside, Su Qingyao sighed: In such hot weather, Your Majesty really doesn’t mind the heat.

This time, Liuqin and Liulv both came with her, while Tao Rui stayed behind to watch the residence. Liulv followed behind carrying the luggage, while Liuqin walked beside her holding an umbrella: This season is the farming period, and the common people working in the fields are also very hard at work. Your Majesty wants to experience the hardships of the people – it shows his thoughtful consideration.

Su Qingyao pursed her lips and muttered quietly: He can experience it himself, but he always brings me along every time. This humble consort really can’t bear it.

It was indeed sweltering hot. Even though Su Qingyao wore the lightest gauze clothing, she still broke out in sweat after walking just a few steps. Not being very willing to go out, she was more talkative than usual, and Liuqin just smiled beside her.

When they arrived at Brocade Lane, they saw a sedan chair parked there. As soon as Luo Zhongjian spotted Su Qingyao, he hurried forward: Greetings, Your Ladyship.

Su Qingyao immediately composed her expression and said kindly: Thank you for your trouble, Supervisor. This midsummer season must be quite arduous.

Luo Zhongjian personally helped Su Qingyao into the sedan chair and walked alongside saying: Although it’s hot outside, the scenery is quite nice. Your Ladyship can treat this as an outing to relax.

In such hot weather, no delicate young lady would want to go out. Even accompanying His Majesty out of the palace, after last time’s experience, Consort Zhaoyi probably wasn’t very pleased in her heart.

Su Qingyao didn’t expect him to comfort her and couldn’t help smiling: Thank you, Supervisor. I understand perfectly well.

Even if dissatisfied, she couldn’t show the slightest hint in front of His Majesty – this much she still understood.

Luo Zhongjian then said no more.

With the experience from the first time, the second time felt more familiar. When they reached the Xuanwu Gate, Su Qingyao smoothly got off the sedan chair and directly boarded the carriage following Luo Zhongjian’s directions.

Today’s carriage specifications had been upgraded – not only was it twice as spacious as the previous one, but it also had a bed where one person could lie flat. Su Qingyao sat down as soon as she boarded, and Liuqin quickly took out mint ointment to relieve her heat.

After Liulv stored the luggage, she didn’t use the water pots and other items prepared in the carriage, instead taking out what she had brought herself to warm tea for Su Qingyao: Once the carriage starts moving, it will become cooler.

Su Qingyao sighed softly: We’ll have to wait for that.

For short trips out of the palace, except for those of main consort rank and above, everyone else used these single-compartment carriages. Only main consorts could use double-compartment carriages – not only were they more spacious, but in summer they could place ice mountains in the outer compartment to prevent people from feeling so stuffy.

That she had reached Consort Zhaoyi in just half a year had already astonished everyone in Eternal Trust Palace. If she now thought about quickly ascending to main consort rank, that would be somewhat overestimating herself.

Regarding Chu Shaoyuan, she didn’t have deep understanding, but she knew he wasn’t the type of impulsive man who didn’t know his limits.

Every step he took was steady and firm. Even her position as Consort Zhaoyi must have been carefully considered by him, definitely not done arbitrarily.

Therefore, although Su Qingyao hoped to have a carriage with compartments, she also knew she shouldn’t think too much about it in the short term – hoping wouldn’t make it come true.

Before long, autumn would arrive. When it turned cold, she could simply bring her own hand warmer, which would be much more convenient.

After sitting in the carriage for a while, her mind gradually settled, and she no longer felt so hot.

Just as she began to feel more comfortable, Chu Shaoyuan’s imperial procession arrived belatedly. Upon hearing the announcement from the Junior Eunuch outside, Su Qingyao immediately pulled a long face: Ah, every time this happens, I’m reminded again that Your Majesty…

She swallowed the words is not a good person, not daring to voice them aloud.

Your Majesty’s procession was soon approaching. Su Qingyao quickly stepped out of the carriage and stood respectfully to the side.

Chu Shaoyuan descended from the sedan chair and took two steps forward. Just as he was about to grant permission to rise, he caught sight of Su Qingyao’s flushed face from the heat. He paused briefly but said nothing.

Only after his figure disappeared from view did Su Qingyao breathe a sigh of relief. She had just reentered the carriage when Lou Duzhou’s voice came from outside: Greetings, Your Highness.

Liuqin lifted the carriage curtain and went out to receive him. Moments later, Su Qingyao felt a wave of coolness wash over her.

Liuqin entered the carriage carrying a small basin of ice mountain, placing it on the cabinet farthest from Su Qingyao. With a smile, she said, His Majesty specially bestowed this. Now it’s much cooler.

The ice mountain, housed in an icebox, emitted a faint chill. Crystalline condensation formed on the box’s walls, calming the mind and dispelling the restlessness of the heat upon sight.

Su Qingyao gazed at the ice mountain for a while. After Liuqin went to attend to other tasks, she lowered her head slightly and smiled faintly.

In the past, she hadn’t understood the tales of love and hatred in storybooks, nor why seemingly ordinary actions could bring such joy or sorrow. Now, having experienced it herself, she was slowly beginning to comprehend.

The carriage wheels rumbled into motion, carrying her toward the vibrant world beyond the palace and setting her heart adrift.

Liuqin prepared tea and snacks and was about to serve them to Su Qingyao when she turned and saw her lost in thought, head bowed.

The carriage curtain lifted in the north wind, allowing a sliver of sunlight to slip inside, illuminating Su Qingyao’s bright eyes. At seventeen, a young woman’s heart is most tender.

She sat with downcast eyes, gazing at her delicate hands, her cheeks slightly flushed, lips curved in a smile. Her eyes seemed to hold a spring-like mist, hazy and dreamlike.

Liuqin’s heart tightened abruptly.

It wasn’t that she didn’t wish for His Majesty to treat her mistress well—the better he treated her, the easier Su Qingyao’s life would be.

But if her mistress were to develop feelings… Liuqin’s expression remained unchanged, but her heart grew increasingly anxious. If Su Qingyao were to fall in love, she would be the one to suffer in the end.

Pressing her lips together, Liuqin suppressed her turmoil and offered Su Qingyao a gentle smile. Today, we have butterfly pastry and almond milk—Your Highness’s favorites. Please have some to settle your stomach.

Su Qingyao took the small bowl and began eating delicately. You’re very thoughtful.

Liuqin simply sat beside her, fanning her, and said no more.

Last time, Su Qingyao had been too nervous to notice the scenery outside the window. This time, however, she leaned against the window, attentively observing the midsummer world beyond the palace.

When the emperor left the palace, he would never take crowded market routes. They passed through Wutong Lane and turned toward the outskirts of the capital, where scattered villages dotted the landscape.

With the Imperial Guards and the Ceremonial Guard both ahead and behind, they traveled on the official road. No pedestrians dared approach, detouring far in advance upon sighting the procession, so they encountered few strangers along the way.

Su Qingyao watched for a while before growing tired. She lay down to rest briefly, then sat up again to continue observing.

Even unfamiliar buildings seemed quite novel to her.

Liulv smiled and said, Is Your Ladyship fond of the scenery outside? Next time we go to Jade Spring Villa, we must enjoy ourselves thoroughly.

Chu Shaoyuan only visited Jade Spring Villa once every year or two. Su Qingyao had just entered the palace and hadn’t had the chance to go yet. Seeing that His Majesty wouldn’t go this year, she thought she would surely get to visit next year.

Given Su Qingyao’s rank, even if she were less favored by next year than she was now, she should still be able to go.

Su Qingyao had visited Jade Spring Villa before and had always loved its mountains and waters. Now that Liulv mentioned it, memories came flooding back.

By the time she could visit Jade Spring Villa again, some palace consorts had already passed away from illness, while others remained secluded in the palace, unwilling to go anywhere.

Back then, no more than ten people could accompany His Majesty to Jade Spring Villa, and it seemed His Majesty merely brought them along for leisure, never bothering with them once they arrived.

Thinking of this, although His Majesty appeared cold and aloof, he wasn’t truly cold-hearted or bone-chillingly distant.

If we can really go, that would be wonderful, Su Qingyao said with a smile. I’ve heard that behind Jade Spring Villa stands Jade Spring Mountain, with Rippling Lake in between. The lake is covered with lush lotus leaves and shimmering blue waves. Boating there in summer evokes the beauty of Jiangnan water towns.

Liulv and Liuqin exchanged glances. It was clear their mistress truly wanted to go, having even researched the scenery in advance.

Worried that they might not go next year and disappoint her, Liuqin added, Actually, the imperial estate has lovely scenery too. Your Ladyship didn’t have time to see it last time, but if you look today, I’m sure you’ll like it.

Su Qingyao raised her eyebrows. Really?

Liuqin gently fanned her. Of course, how would I dare deceive you, Your Ladyship?

Su Qingyao nodded thoughtfully. We don’t need to work in the fields today, so let’s take a good look around. This trip won’t be in vain.

As they chatted, they arrived at the imperial estate in about half an hour. Su Qingyao alighted from the carriage and stood there looking around curiously.

Just as Liuqin had said, this part of the imperial estate had been well-maintained. Besides several acres of farmland, there was a small pond with an octagonal pavilion beside it, exuding a rustic elegance.

Su Qingyao nodded in satisfaction. Seeing Chu Shaoyuan also getting out of his carriage in the distance, she hurried over to pay her respects. Your Majesty, I hope you are well.

Chu Shaoyuan nodded and led her into the imperial estate. The rice we planted last time has all grown and taken root. It looks quite magnificent now, so I thought to invite you to see it.

Since Su Qingyao had contributed to this small half-acre of land, Chu Shaoyuan’s words were quite reasonable. Su Qingyao smiled at this, her dimples faintly visible.

Thank you for Your Majesty’s kindness. Actually, my health is quite good now; there’s no need for Your Majesty to worry.

Seeing her smile at him, Chu Shaoyuan recalled his own foolish behavior last time and turned his face away with a light cough.

He wasn’t particularly hard to read—when embarrassed, his earlobes would always redden first. Su Qingyao stared at his crimson earlobes for a long moment before feeling satisfied.

She couldn’t have been sick for nothing; she had to make sure His Majesty remembered it, or it would have been a loss.

However, Chu Shaoyuan quickly recovered and pointed to the octagonal pavilion. This area is quite spacious and well-guarded. Feel free to wander as you please. If you get tired, rest in that pavilion. Don’t worry about anything else.

Chu Shaoyuan’s words were remarkably considerate, leaving even Su Qingyao somewhat taken aback. She stared at him with parted lips, speechless.

Lately, their interactions had been consistently harmonious. Su Qingyao, with her endearing and amusing nature, often showed genuine care and consideration toward him. Even if Chu Shaoyuan were made of ice, he would inevitably thaw over time.

Yet, having been solitary for so long, his emotional barriers ran deep. Crossing that inner threshold was difficult, and he truly had no idea how to interact with young women.

Even these few words were merely borrowed from occasional remarks he’d overheard from Tingqin Gugu—now hastily put to use. Surprisingly, the effect was quite favorable.

He watched as Su Qingyao stood dazed for a moment, then promptly curtsied and cheerfully led her palace maids away to amuse themselves.

Chu Shaoyuan stood gazing at her retreating figure, thinking: She’s rather easy to appease—truly content with little.

Lou Duzhou, standing nearby, remarked with a smile, Being able to leave the palace for some fresh air must bring Her Ladyship great joy. She’s undoubtedly overflowing with gratitude toward Your Majesty.

In the past, such words would have pleased Chu Shaoyuan, but today they left him with an odd discomfort. He felt that her feelings toward him were limited to gratitude, as if something were missing—yet he couldn’t quite pinpoint what.

Chu Shaoyuan shook his head and turned to enter the main hall to change his attire.

If he couldn’t figure it out, he wouldn’t dwell on it. Sooner or later, understanding would come.

It was already no small feat for him to recognize his own feelings.

He ought to learn contentment, just like Su Qingyao!

Author’s Note:

Your Majesty: Something feels off… as if something’s missing…

Consort Zhaoyi: Naturally—because that comes at an extra cost.