Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 101

After the verdict of the private transportation case was announced, the public outcry surged like a tide. Dissatisfied with the judgment, Chu Luwei’s son, Chu Jiangya, found a scapegoat, presented evidence to plead for justice, and reported to the Imperial Censorate.

The whole world was watching this case closely; when someone drummed up claims of injustice, protocol had to be followed.

The Imperial Censorate reexamined the case, and after seven days, it was handed over to the Ministry of Justice for a final decision.

During the morning court session, Su Huai’an, the vice minister of the Ministry of Justice, submitted a report requesting a review of the trial’s results: “Chu Luwei is guilty of smuggling, embezzlement, forging documents, collusion, with solid evidence proving the charges. He deserves the death penalty, confiscation of assets for public use to demonstrate fairness. However, his son, Chu Jiangya, intentionally committed perjury, further complicating the case. False accusation is a grave offense as well. I implore Your Majesty to impose severe punishment.”

The Three Temples concurred.

Officials whispered amongst themselves.

Using his maternal lineage, the emperor struck fear into the hearts of all in court and beyond.

When everyone thought Chu Jiangya would lose his life, Xiao Yu raised his eyes and stated, “Chu Jiangya knowingly violated the law. He will be stripped of his official robes, deprived of his scholar status, and banned from official positions starting immediately.”

***

Eunuch Zhang remarked, “Your Ladyship, please be at ease. The emperor has only removed the Sixth Young Master from his position but hasn’t imprisoned him.”

Empress Dowager Chu’s hand holding the medicine bowl trembled faintly, her breathing growing more rapid. “Then, aijia must thank him for showing mercy…”

Minister Zhang hastily added, “Your Ladyship, please don’t worry. His Majesty sent word for you to take care of your health, to focus on recuperating, and not to worry about the Sixth Young Master. He said the ban from official positions will protect the Chu family, averting a disaster.”

Although the Chu family seemed to have fallen, it was after this day that Empress Dowager Chu truly fell ill.

While the emperor occasionally paid respects, it was merely a formality.

***

The north wind whistled, the misty smoke dispersed, and the clouds gathered, signaling the onset of autumn rain and the chill it brings.

Discussions filled the hall.

Suddenly, Eunuch Sheng entered and announced, “Reporting to Your Majesty, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Lord He, requests an audience.”

“Let him in.”

As Lord He entered, he immediately noticed a map on the table, nearly twenty feet wide. Elders of the court, Commander Lu Ze of the Imperial Bodyguards, Vice-minister of Justice Su Huai’an, Vice-minister of War He Changzhi, and General Mu Changying were present.

“I pay my respects to Your Majesty.”

“Grant Minister He a seat.”

Inquiring about war strategies and supplies, Xiao Yu’s first question to Minister He was, “Will provisions be ready for war in the winter month?”

“Reporting to Your Majesty, three hundred thousand stone of provisions will be dispatched in five days from the treasury, starting with the New Lu Canal transport and then relayed through staging posts. Within twenty days, provisions will arrive.”

Twirling a finger ring in his hand, Xiao Yu turned to General Mu, “At the end of the tenth month, both I and the General marched north. You remained in Yuzhou with Governor He to guard the rear and provisions. If there’s an attack, his twenty thousand cavalry will hold the line.”

The general responded, “I heed the command.”

As Minister He had just arrived and learned of the emperor’s intention to lead personally, he suddenly stood and said, “Your Majesty’s old injury hasn’t fully healed, and the crown prince is young. Your Majesty should reconsider leading the expedition!”

Xiao Yu calmly stated, “In the past, I ventured to the northwest for two years. I understand the climate and terrain there the best. Regarding the expedition, I have my plans. Minister He, there’s no need for further discussion.”

The emperor’s words indicated a firm decision. Minister He sighed lightly in apparent agreement.

Su Huai’an added, “In Qi, there’s a general named Changqing Ge. He’s cunning in warfare, formidable in martial skills. Sixty thousand of our soldiers fell at his hands. When I infiltrated Qi, I had several encounters with him. Understanding him to some extent, I request to accompany the expedition.”

“Granted.”

Using a scale, Xiao Yu repositioned the map of the north, connecting three locations with flags into a line. “Yuzhou leans against the Western Gate Mountain, Langzhou has the Mi River in front—both are defensible places. If the Qi army wishes to attack, just like four years ago, they will likely strike Qingzhou first.”

Vice-minister of War He Changzhi asked, “Does Your Majesty intend to reinforce troops?”

Xiao Yu nodded, “I plan to send an additional thirty thousand troops, but the northwest winter is harsh. Marching in winter will face snowstorms. Southern soldiers can’t really endure the winter cold, so we can only redeploy troops from the north.”

“I shall obey.”

With the impending conflict, apart from attending evening banquets at the Jingren Palace, Xiao Yu hadn’t visited the inner palace for rest in several days. Another turn of events, and it was already the Mid-Autumn Festival.

On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, the full-moon festival arrived, granting three days of respite to civil and military officials.

Gifts from the various palaces in the inner court followed suit. Apart from the promotion of Consorts He and Xu to a higher rank, no one else received promotions.

As the sun barely touched the treetops, the storerooms of the Jingren Palace were already filled to the brim with flowing gifts.

Eunuch Wang arrived at the Jingren Palace carrying several boxes of mooncakes. “Your Ladyship, these mooncakes were specially prepared by the Office of Ceremonies. They’re made with refined butter and flour, filled with sugar, fruits, dates, and there’s one with sesame and salt. Just let me know which one you prefer, and I’ll have it sent to you.”

The palace maids and eunuchs in the Jingren Palace were on the verge of showing their disdain at Wang Fusheng’s obsequious behavior.

Perhaps due to his overly jubilant demeanor, Qin Ling’s lips curved slightly as she replied, “Thank you, Gonggong,” followed by rewarding him.

Wang Fusheng seemed astonished at the sight of money, but bowed to accept it.

Qin Ling glanced at the row of lacquered boxes adorned with inlaid Eight Immortals motifs. She furrowed her brow slightly and said to Zhu Xin, “This seems excessive. Leave one box and distribute the rest.”

Zhu Xin took the box, saying, “Yes, thank you, my lady.”

The midday air was pleasant, and Qin Ling savored tea while admiring the scenery when Zhu Lan approached slowly. “Your Ladyship.”

Qin Ling turned slightly, asking softly, “What is it?”

Zhu Lan met Qin Ling’s gaze and tightened her fists.

Throughout the Jingren Palace, it was common knowledge that the zhaoyi had a gentle temperament and was lenient toward her subordinates. However, despite this leniency, apart from Momo Yuan, the zhaoyi rarely interacted closely with them for quite some time.

Summoning her courage, Zhu Lan asked, “For the Mid-Autumn Festival’s late banquet, will you be viewing the scenery with the crown prince in the courtyard tonight?”

The late banquet for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Tonight?

Qin Ling furrowed her delicate brows slightly.

Zhu Lan softly reminded her, “In the first year of Yanxi, there was a late banquet for the Mid-Autumn Festival. His Majesty continued the tradition of hosting it during the Mid-Autumn Festival.”

Mentioning the fifteenth day of the eighth month in the first year of Yanxi made Qin Ling’s temple twitch suddenly. She recalled that night, the nightingale, and the palace maids and eunuchs of Kunning Palace…

“What’s wrong, my lady?”

“It’s nothing.” Qin Ling rubbed her temple and looked at Zhu Lan. “Since it’s a festival, there’s no need for formality in the back courtyard. I feel quite comfortable. I’ll join you to admire the moon.”

Zhu Lan inquired again, “If you’re feeling unwell, my lady, should I call the imperial physician?”

“No need, it’s nothing serious. You may leave.”

Zhu Lan bowed and retreated.

Qin Ling rested for a few hours and woke to find the full moon breaking through the clouds.

Unexpectedly, the emperor arrived at the lively back courtyard of the Jingren Palace.

The palace attendants kneeled instantly at the sight of the emperor dressed in moon-white attire. “We are disrespectful, please punish us, Your Majesty.”

“You may all rise.”

With that, Xiao Yu pushed open the door to the inner chamber.

Sitting beside her, he softly asked, “Were you asleep?”

“I’m awake now,” Qin Jie slowly sat up, her voice sounding somewhat stifled. “Finally free?”

“Another leave, and the courtiers will start questioning me.” Xiao Yu took her hand and whispered, “Ah Ling, today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and there’s a lantern festival outside the palace. Would you like to go and see the lanterns?”

The lantern festival.

Qin Ling was momentarily taken aback.

It was quite a coincidence.

Once, she always hoped to stroll through a lantern festival with him, but either he was in the capital or occupied with state affairs. They had never seen a lantern festival together in three Lantern Festivals and four Mid-Autumn Festivals.

Seeing her mood, Xiao Yu squeezed her hand. “Come, consider it accompanying me for a stroll.”

Qin Ling let out a very faint sigh and said, “Wait for me.”

He nodded.

Qin Ling tied her hair in a simple woman’s bun and discreetly slipped out of the palace with him.

As night fell, the night market at Dongzhimen gradually bustled. Every store, building, and elegant spot where people could enjoy the moon was crowded. Along Yunli Street, grand and magnificent, strings of colorful lanterns adorned the spaces between buildings, creating a dreamy atmosphere.

Exiting the carriage, Xiao Yu casually purchased two masks and personally helped her put one on.

Holding her fingertips, he slowed his pace and walked quietly amidst the bustling crowd.

The street was alive with a multitude of people, filled with fire-breathers, acrobats, and various street vendors calling out their wares louder than the next.

Xiao Yu called her name softly, but the noise of the crowd drowned his deep voice instantly.

Qin Ling leaned in, lifting her ear towards him. “What?”

Gently, Xiao Yu wrapped his arm around her waist, bending down so his lips almost touched her ear. “I asked if you’re cold?” His warm breath tingled on her earlobe, making her itch, but she resisted the urge to scratch.

Qin Ling shook her head and tugged at his sleeve.

Understanding her, Xiao Yu bent his ear towards her.

She said, “I’m not cold, I’m hungry.”

A trace of a smile appeared on Xiao Yu’s lips as he led her to an old establishment—Baoyue Building on Yunli Street.

Baoyue Building had a grand façade, a signboard of luxurious golden rosewood, and valuable silk curtains hanging in the doorway, clearly a prosperous establishment. They had been here several times before.

Xiao Yu exchanged words with the shopkeeper, who immediately bowed, “Honored guests, please head to the third floor. The ‘Moon’ themed private room is prepared for you.”

In about the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, Qin Ling heard hurried footsteps. The shopkeeper lifted the curtain and brought two dishes—a plate of vinegar-glazed pork, tender and red with sprinkled spring onions, presenting a delightful sight, and a plate of crispy-skinned crimson goose breast, shiny with oil, revealing plump and tender meat beneath.

The shopkeeper said, “Please enjoy, honored guests.”

Xiao Yu remarked, “Aren’t you hungry? Go ahead, eat.”

Qin Ling indeed felt hungry. She picked up her wooden chopsticks and prodded at the plump goose—the one she used to favor the most. As she tried to swallow a piece, an intense sensation of revulsion washed over her. The oily taste spread on her tongue, triggering a familiar discomfort in her stomach. She covered her mouth, swiftly grabbing the cup to take a sip of tea.

Xiao Yu frowned. “What’s wrong?”

Qin Ling shook her head. “It’s nothing…”

Although she said it was nothing, inside, she felt a tightening sensation. She reached for a piece of vinegar-glazed pork, which alleviated that uncomfortable feeling a little.

But her heartbeats quickened nonetheless…