I See the Noble Consort's Charm - Chapter 62:

Chapter 62:

To be honest, given Chu Shaoyuan’s temperament, Su Qingyao found it tiresome just watching him exchange a few extra words with others. It was truly unprecedented for him to invite her to the Imperial Garden. What could the two of them possibly do there? Take a silent stroll together? Then return to their respective palaces?

However, these thoughts only crossed her mind once; she didn’t even mention them to Liuqin.

Liuqin smiled and said, The weather has been pleasant these past few days. There’s nothing amiss if His Majesty wishes for Your Ladyship to accompany him for a leisurely stroll.

That was true. If His Majesty went to the Imperial Garden alone, it would seem rather dull and not very enjoyable.

Su Qingyao then said, There seems to be a light breeze today, so it shouldn’t be too hot. Later, take out that lotus-root-colored gauze dress of mine—I’ll wear it this afternoon.

The color of that dress resembled wisteria. Walking among the wisteria blossoms, she ought to appear quite ethereal and graceful. Even if Chu Shaoyuan didn’t appreciate it, Su Qingyao wanted to feel beautiful for herself.

Because she was to accompany His Majesty to the Imperial Garden in the afternoon, the eastern side hall became busy again.

Watching the senior palace maid direct the junior maids in preparing the necessary items, Su Qingyao couldn’t help but sigh to Liuqin, Why does it feel like every day is so hectic?

Liuqin chuckled softly. Your Ladyship, that’s not quite right. Look at how many people in the palace wish they could be this busy but aren’t? This is our blessing.

Su Qingyao picked up her book again. Then I’ll hope to stay this busy forever.

After her midday rest, Su Qingyao began her grooming and dressing, which took a full two quarters of an hour. Once everything was ready, someone arrived from outside—it was Luo Zhongjian himself.

Su Qingyao stepped out of her bedchamber and smiled upon seeing him. Why has Eunuch Luo come in person?

Luo Zhongjian replied, It’s quite hot at this hour. His Majesty, concerned for Your Ladyship, specially ordered a sedan chair to fetch you. Such a favorable task—of course, I seized the opportunity.

As Su Qingyao walked out of her bedchamber and headed toward the exit, she said, Thank you for His Majesty’s consideration.

While speaking, she signaled Liuqin to give him a large sachet. This was a reward for good news, which was precisely why Luo Zhongjian had made the special trip to Scarlet Smoke Palace.

Thank you for Your Ladyship’s generous reward. Luo Zhongjian beamed with delight.

Looking at his face, Su Qingyao recalled his stern and unsmiling demeanor from over half a year ago and thought to herself: No wonder he managed to rise to the position of Zhongjian in Qian Yuan Palace—he really has some skills.

Now that she was Consort Zhaoyi, she could use the main gate. However, since the front courtyard was ultimately Xianfei’s domain, Su Qingyao wasn’t that particular and still opted for the side gate.

Which gate she used wasn’t important; what mattered was who had come to invite her.

The palace maid guarding the side gate was unfamiliar. She bowed to Su Qingyao first, then respectfully escorted her out of the palace gate. Though polite, she lacked the warmth of Nanny He from Azure Cloud Palace.

Once seated in the sedan chair, Su Qingyao asked Luo Zhongjian, Has His Majesty been in good spirits lately?

If he weren’t in a good mood, why would he go to the Imperial Garden?

Luo Zhongjian smiled and said, It’s not so much that His Majesty is in high spirits, but rather he remembered that Your Ladyship didn’t fully enjoy yourself last time in the Imperial Garden and specifically wanted you to relax.

His Majesty is exceptionally considerate, Luo Zhongjian added.

Su Qingyao laughed. His Majesty has always been thoughtful toward me. I often reflect on how fortunate I am. In my spare time, I always remind myself to serve His Majesty diligently and repay his great kindness.

The two of them engaged in this light banter. With just a few simple words, Su Qingyao had Luo Zhongjian thoroughly pleased.

Su Qingyao knew his character well, aware that he deeply revered Chu Shaoyuan, so she never spoke ill of His Majesty in his presence. As long as she praised His Majesty, Luo Zhongjian would be pleased and treat her with even greater respect.

I truly envy His Majesty for having a loyal companion like you by his side. It must make daily affairs much easier, Su Qingyao added.

Flattered by her words, Luo Zhongjian felt somewhat lightheaded, though he remained modest in speech: It is Lou Daban by His Majesty’s side who is the most devoted. The rest of us cannot compare.

Su Qingyao remarked, Speaking of Lou Daban, he must be quite burdened. With His Majesty relying solely on him for all matters, inside and out, without anyone to share the duties, he probably has no time to rest, does he?

Truth be told, Lou Duzhou was quite remarkable. Despite working day and night without respite, he still maintained a plump, healthy appearance without losing weight—a truly innate talent.

Luo Zhongjian casually replied, How could His Majesty employ someone of unclear background? Lou Daban is the most reliable; we’ve always had to depend on him alone.

His words carried an unintended implication. Among the palace servants who attended to others, there was no such concept as clear background. Even those serving imperial consorts and junior mistresses tied their lives and fates entirely to their mistresses—who would dare betray them?

Regardless of whether their mistresses were good or not, the clever ones served diligently, and fools like Liuye rarely appeared.

Once disloyalty took root, there was no chance of climbing higher—even being sent to the Bureau of Palace Affairs would bring no good outcome. When Su Qingyao first became a Talented Lady, Liuye was immediately demoted to the Laundry Service without a day’s delay.

And this was just among the consorts’ attendants. Those serving His Majesty were even more devout.

Take Luo Zhongjian, for example—he practically worshipped Chu Shaoyuan like a deity in daily life. How would he dare betray His Majesty? The Emperor was the Late Emperor’s only son, and the Late Emperor was Emperor Liping’s only son. Within three generations of kinship, His Majesty didn’t even have a single male cousin—where would disloyalty even sprout from?

As for court officials maneuvering influence into the palace, it remained largely harmless, nothing significant.

Unless… another country…

Su Qingyao didn’t dare dwell further and simply said, His Majesty has always been cautious.

As they conversed, the group arrived at the entrance of the Imperial Garden.

The guard stationed there was an unfamiliar face. From a distance, he didn’t notice Luo Zhongjian but spotted Su Qingyao seated high in her sedan chair. He hurried forward to greet her: Pay respects to Your Ladyship. Please enter quickly.

This one understood propriety. After the previous incident of blocking the way, it seemed that for a while, whenever Su Qingyao visited the Imperial Garden, the Yellow Gate Attendants would compete in enthusiasm, none daring to be disrespectful.

Su Qingyao nodded, assuming the sedan chair would stop here. Unexpectedly, Luo Zhongjian said, Your Ladyship, His Majesty instructed you to proceed to Jade Mountain Pavilion first. It’s quite a distance from here—would you prefer to enter by sedan chair?

Very well, Su Qingyao smiled. You are quite thoughtful.

Once inside the Imperial Garden, being carried while enjoying the scenery made the views far more pleasant. This season was the garden’s most beautiful, with even more blooms than in spring. Purple wisteria, white lilacs, red roses, and yellow wild chrysanthemums—this vast expanse of flourishing flowers was a breathtaking sight.

Su Qingyao admired the views along the way, her mood lifting further. By the time they reached Jade Mountain Pavilion, a smile had graced her face.

Liuqin stepped forward to assist her down, glancing up at the small pavilion atop the artificial mountain. The six-sided pavilion was petite and exquisite, slightly shorter than the neighboring Listening Sound Pavilion but in a superior location.

Su Qingyao ascended the artificial hill step by step, gradually taking in the entire view of the Imperial Garden.

She had expected to wait briefly in the pavilion, but halfway up the slope, she looked up and saw Chu Shaoyuan’s navy-blue figure.

Su Qingyao was momentarily startled, then immediately quickened her pace. Breathing heavily, she climbed to the pavilion and said, Greetings, Your Majesty. This humble consort has arrived late and deserves punishment.

Chu Shaoyuan was not wearing his crown today, having merely loosely tied a round bun at the back of his head while the rest of his hair cascaded naturally down his back. Paired with the navy-blue robe he seldom wore, he exuded the carefree elegance of a leisurely scholar.

He turned to look at Su Qingyao and said, It’s fine. Take a seat.

Su Qingyao obediently sat on the chair opposite him, glancing down at the stone table.

Due to its location, the corner pavilion felt somewhat cramped. With just the two of them seated, only two attendants could stand nearby, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

On the table lay a Date wood chessboard. A box of white stones was placed before Su Qingyao, while the black stones rested near Chu Shaoyuan’s hand.

Do you know how to play? Chu Shaoyuan asked.

I learned during my time at home, but my skills are mediocre. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness, Su Qingyao replied.

Chu Shaoyuan nodded and said, I’ll give you a three-stone handicap. Let’s begin.

Su Qingyao felt slightly nervous. She discreetly wiped her hands on her handkerchief before picking up a stone to make her move. Her hand posture suggested she was an experienced player, indicating her skill level was likely not poor.

Chu Shaoyuan settled his mind and began playing seriously with her.

Indeed, a game of chess can reveal much about a person’s character or approach to matters. Chu Shaoyuan’s style was particularly aggressive – he was typically decisive in daily affairs, and his chess reflected this with its powerful yet steady moves, showing no recklessness, somewhat aligning with his personality.

As for Su Qingyao, having played chess for decades in her previous life, changing her style was quite difficult. Thus, she intentionally made minor, inconsequential mistakes to get through the game.

When masters compete, their skill is apparent from the first move.

Just during the opening formation, Chu Shaoyuan looked up and gave Su Qingyao a deep glance. However, Su Qingyao was looking down studying the board, carefully calculating subsequent moves, and didn’t notice this.

Su Qingyao’s somewhat naive blunders contrasted sharply with her overall chess style. Observing her formation, it was clear she was certainly a seasoned player, absolutely not as unskilled as she claimed.

Chu Shaoyuan lowered his head again, a slight smile curling his lips: Your pace of play can actually keep up with mine.

Su Qingyao’s hand, holding the chess piece, immediately froze.

She didn’t know why Chu Shaoyuan suddenly said this, but it flustered her, throwing her heart into disarray. Claiming she wasn’t afraid would be false.

She forced a smile and said quietly, I feared Your Majesty might grow impatient, hence this move.

Chu Shaoyuan gave a soft hmm and made his move: I’m not reprimanding you. Don’t overthink it.

How could Su Qingyao not overthink? While mentally complaining about Chu Shaoyuan, she said aloud, This consort understands.

She absolutely did not understand!

Chu Shaoyuan glanced at her, noticing her downturned lips, yet his mood improved further: Continue.

Yes, Su Qingyao replied.

Thus they quietly played for nearly half an hour until the middle game stabilized. With Su Qingyao’s white stones clearly facing complete defeat with no chance of recovery, Chu Shaoyuan finally stopped.

Consort Zhaoyi Su’s chess skills are indeed rather unimpressive, aren’t they? Chu Shaoyuan remarked.

Su Qingyao wiped the sweat from her forehead and replied respectfully, Your Majesty’s chess prowess is extraordinary. This humble consort struggles to keep up. That we’ve reached this point in the game is only due to Your Majesty’s handicap.

Chu Shaoyuan stared intently at her. Though Su Qingyao could feel his gaze, she dared not look up no matter what.

In that case, Chu Shaoyuan said, we shall play more often from now on. I will personally instruct you thoroughly.

He emphasized the word instruct heavily. More sweat beaded on Su Qingyao’s forehead, seemingly endless no matter how much she wiped.

If they played several more games like this, wouldn’t her secret be exposed? Su Qingyao inwardly lamented her misfortune, becoming almost too flustered to speak. Each game of chess consumed most of her mental energy – not only was it exhausting, but she also had to make mistakes undetectably, making it far more difficult than a normal match.

But since His Majesty had spoken, she could only comply: Yes, this humble consort thanks Your Majesty for granting these chess lessons.

Chu Shaoyuan looked at the small floral hairpin atop her head, his delight rising once more.

She held many secrets, and sooner or later, he would uncover every single one of them.

How amusing, truly utterly amusing!

Author’s Note:

Consort Zhaoyi Su: I have many little secrets, little secrets~

Your Majesty: Heh, amusing.