Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 12

“It’s been three years.”

 Xiao Yu leaned back, put the writing brush down, and said calmly: “So, what of the person I told you to investigate?”

Lu Ze took a step forward and touched the tip of his nose: “It seems like this official… really came at the wrong time.”

The corners of Gonggong Sheng’s mouth trembled, and could not help cursing him in silence: Little marquis, if your esteemed self is aware that you came at the wrong time, why don’t you leave ah.

Marquis of Chunnan, Lu Ze, the current commander of the Imperial guards, was the study companion of His Majesty during his youth, his confidant during the hidden dragon period, his eyes outside the palace nowadays, and a proper member of the Son of Heaven’s close ministerial circle.
Apparently a bit too close.

[hidden dragon: refers to the time when Xiao Yu had to “hide” his ambition and power during the late emperor’s reign. Guess it’s pretty self-explanatory]

Xiao Yu spoke: “Say it.”
Lu Ze slowly started: “This will be a long story.”

After these words, Gonggong Sheng wanted to roll his eyes.
To say the least, this person was extremely hypocritical. “This will be a long story”. This obviously meant that he will be staying at Yangxin Hall for the whole night.
Gonggong Sheng let out a sigh and retreated.

Xiao Yu: “Sit down.”
Lu Ze made a salute, the three words “thanking Your Majesty” had not been uttered.
When he immediately heard Xiao Yu said: “Lu Yanqing is excused from courtesies.”

Lu Ze sat down and spoke: “Your Majesty’s guess is not wrong in the slightest. Once the draft came to its end, the Ministry of Revenue allocated some money for the Ministry of Works. He Chengmao is ecstatic, but on the side of Mu family, not even a smile can be seen.”
The reason why not even a smile can be seen on Mu family was very simple.
The two He and Mu families were long-time friends, they had been colluding with each other for many years. This time around, both families had sent their people to enter the palace through the general election, however, the emperor only chose He Yuru, and did not choose Mu Wanqi.
Anyone with discerning eyes knew that this was done to incite disharmony, but, even if there were facts, so what if the emperor wanted to incite disharmony between them?
The older the method, the better it worked.

Xiao Yu used his knuckle to press on his lips. After a light sigh, he said: “The silver for Tongji Canal will be personally escorted by you.”

“This official accepts the order.” Lu Ze said again: “This official did what Your Majesty ordered before, to release the news that Your Majesty is interested in Meiren Qin. At this moment, those people outside the palace are making inquiries regarding Meiren Qin. Zhuang Sheng has sold hundred thousands of silver taels from this information.”

Xiao Yu asked indifferently: “What about Qin Wang? Is there any movement?”

Lu Ze hesitated for a while but said: “According to the information obtained by this official, although this Qin Wang is somewhat absurd regarding the matters in his back house, his political record is clean. Meiren Qin is also his biological child, and wasn’t send to enter the palace intentionally. These two scrolls are about Qin Wang’s life and achievements. One is given by Zhuang Sheng, the other one is obtained by this official from the Ministry of Appointments.”
The scroll recorded Qin Wang’s life and preferences, the trifles in his back house, as well as his achievements from Qian’an to the capital.

Born of a poor and humble family. Entered the officialdom through the imperial examination. Upright and honest. A good official among the people of Qian’an.

After Xiao Yu read it, he raised his hand to rub the space between his eyebrows, and said: “What does Zhuang Sheng have to say about that Meiren Qin?”

Lu Ze recalled the day he went to Qingfeng Pavilion.
He asked Zhuang Sheng for information about Meiren Qin, however, Zhuang Sheng inexplicably said a lot about Meiren Qin’s grievances since childhood.
So he asked Zhuang Sheng if there was anything suspicious about Meiren Qin before she entered the palace.
Zhuang Sheng touched the red mark on his neck, and resolutely answered: “No.”

Lu Ze suspected that Zhuang Sheng had drunk too much. However, since there was no evidence, he could only say truthfully: “Zhuang Sheng said that Meiren Qin lived a bitter life before entering the palace. Her biological mother was angered to death by the concubine at home. Her father couldn’t see people clearly, his heart was only filled with the second miss in the residence. She was also unwilling and forced to enter the palace.”

Xiao Yu’s forehead was slightly raised: “She was unwilling?”
On that day, was there any sign of unwillingness in her eyes?
If not voluntarily, how could one invite the librarian of the palace to one’s home?

Lu Ze sensed that he had spoken wrongly somewhere, he immediately said: “If not forced, then…”
Xiao Yu cut him: “What can We do with her? If you anything to say, say it.”
Lu Ze considered it for quite a while, before replying: “Grand Scribe Qin had the thought to raise the status of the concubine at home to be the legal wife by sending the second miss to enter the palace, he was still extremely angry with Meiren Qin at that time. He looked for Librarian Chen, and let them learned palace rules and etiquettes… However, after hearing that the eldest miss Qin managed to enter the palace, Qin Wang was suddenly enlightened, and sent off the concubine at residence.”

Xiao Yu did not want to continue hearing about the matters of the Qin Residence. He turned the white jade thumb ring on his hand and said: “The prescription from Divine Physician Liao who came from Sichuan Province last month is useless. Look for another one.”

Speaking about divine physicians, Lu Ze’s expression darkened: “Your Majesty, if this official may be so bold, today I will say some words. The illness of the eldest prince is not urgent, but some other matters are imminent. Presently, not to mention the court, even the common people are watching the matters regarding the master of the Great Zhou’s Imperial harem and the heir apparent to the throne. Heirs are the foundation of the country. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider.”

Lu Ze’s words were full of hidden meanings, however, the meanings could not be more obvious.
The eldest prince had not spoken for three years. He was destined to miss the opportunity of becoming the crown prince. It would be better for His Majesty to plan early.

Xiao Yu did not refute Lu Ze, but indifferently answered: “No need to be anxious. Wait for a little more.”

Lu Ze clenched his fist.
He wanted to say that a dead person could not be resurrected. It had been three years, don’t wait anymore.
He also wanted to say that how could a prince who could not speak, with a maternal family that was accused of treason, establish his power in court later? If yóu wanted the eldest prince to have a smooth and steady life, you must tell him to become an idle prince.
Since yóu did not want those women of the influential families, you must have at least one between Shuyi Xu and Meiren Qin.

However, a monarch and a minister were different after all, so these words could not be said.

At three quarters past the period of zishi, Gonggong Sheng brought in two bowls of ginseng soup and placed it on the redwood long table inlaid with a dragon pattern, he smilingly said: “It’s already late, Your Majesty might as take a break first and drink the ginseng soup before further discussion with Commander Lu.”

[zishi: 11pm – 1 am]

“Commander Lu should take a break as well.” Gonggong Sheng flattened the edges of his mouth.
Commander Lu should take a break.
Lu Ze heard the meaning with gritted teeth.

He calmed his emotion, tilted his head towards Gonggong Sheng, and smiled: “Is Gonggong sick of me?”
Lu Ze was born fair-skinned and elegant, when he smiled, his eyes were like peach blossoms, which made Gonggong Sheng no longer as annoyed as before.

Xiao Yu lifted his eyes to look at Gonggong Sheng.

Gonggong Sheng had never seen a person this shameless even when he was already this old, who even dared to complain in the presence of the Holy One, so he could only reply with a stiff smile: “How could this be, Commander can surely joke.”
Lu Ze nodded his head lightly and said: “Oh? Then if I’ve done something wrong, I hope Gonggong won’t blame me.”
Gonggong Sheng’s smile looked as if he was crying, “How could I dare. This old servant will retreat at once.”

After Gonggong Sheng left, Lu Ze continued: “About the preliminary test of the martial examination next month…”

The sky brightened. Gonggong Sheng stood in front of Yangxin Hall. He was yawning when the door was opened with a ”bang”, making his yawn disappeared abruptly.
Lu Ze came out.
Gonggong Sheng squinted his eyes and spoke: “Commander Lu has worked hard.”

Lu Ze said in reply: “Opening up new branches and leaves is a matter of big importance for the imperial household, so how could I be more tired than Gonggong.”
Gonggong Sheng turned speechless.
However, his heart was screaming: So, your esteemed self is still aware that opening up new branches and leaves is a matter of big importance! Then why did you come here late at night to strive for the favor ah!

Lu Ze put his hand on Gonggong Sheng’s shoulder, smiled, and said in his ears: “In my opinion, if Gonggong wants to do it well, you have to give the highnesses in each palace a reminder.”
Gonggong Sheng’s eyes brightened, “What is Commander Lu implying?”
Lu Ze said in a grave tone: “The very essence of striving for one’s favor lies in the two words “taking initiative”. Aren’t we both very clear about His Majesty’s cold temper? The ground of the Imperial Palace has frost all over, if I didn’t take the initiative first, how could I keep gaining the Holy One’s favor?”

Gonggong Sheng nodded, then felt that something was wrong, and frowned again.

Regardless, he thought in a flash that he could not care anymore and asked him: “Then… how to take the initiative? Surely I cannot just send her highnesses into Yangxin Hall.”

Lu Ze replied: “Gonggong has to put a little bit of effort into this.”

Gonggong Sheng was confused, and could not but retorted back: “I have to put in effort on what ah?”

Lu Ze smiled again: “Regarding the matter of the palace, obviously I can’t see the highnesses of each palace, so I can’t help much. However…”

Gonggong Sheng actively spoke: “However what?”

Lu Ze: “The Imperial guards have a lot to do as of tonight. I have two matters to deal with, so I won’t be coming to Yangxin Hall this evening. Gonggong should seize this opportunity ah.” Stop speaking, Lu Ze turned and left.

“Hey—” Gonggong Sheng looked at his back, sighed, and muttered: “Marquis, joining the Imperial guards is such a waste of your talent.”

The sun shone brightly. Gonggong Sheng was walking around the Imperial garden with his mind thinking about the words Commander Lu had said. The more he thought about it, the more they made sense. No wonder he had been favored for the last three years.

Put in a little bit of effort…

Gonggong Sheng raised his chin and took a look after the whole harem.
Consort Xue of Xianfu Palace. Consort Li of Changchun Palace. Consort Liu of Yikun Palace. These people would not do.
Shuyi He of Xinjin Palace. One surnamed He, this would not do as well.
Which left Shuyi Xu and Meiren Qin.

Gonggong Sheng first waded his way towards Yilan Pavilion in Zhongcui Palace.

Seeing the back of Shuyi Xu, Gonggong Sheng could not help but sigh. She was indeed the daughter of Xu Bowei, the left procuratorate director. Her posture was dignified and did not look impetuous, looking just and honest. However, if compared with the late empress, she was still a bit lacking.
Thinking about the late empress, Gonggong Sheng could not help but sigh deeply.
The late empress was magnanimous and compassionate. She was good to everyone. She even remembered the preferences of a castrated person like him.

Gonggong Sheng glanced at the sundial in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Thinking about three years ago.
The Kunning Palace in those days was often filled with laughter, and the Imperial Palace had not been frosted all over.
Her Majesty the Empress often conjured a jade pendant out of nowhere and said: “This is a shanshui jade pendant that Bengong’s eldest brother just brought over. Does Gonggong Sheng have any information about it?”

[Hall of Supreme Harmony: The largest of the three halls that constitute the heart of the Outer Court of the Imperial Palace]

The image changed abruptly, and he heard again Her Majesty the Empress spoke: “Gonggong, please let me in. I must see His Majesty today.”

Gonggong Sheng shut his eyes and walked towards Shuyu Courtyard.

The deep palace was secluded. The breeze blew, and yellowed leaves fell from the rustling branches.
The court eunuchs and the court maids were sweeping the ground.

Gonggong Sheng came over under the banner of Shangyi Bureau.

Gonggong Sheng let the young eunuch behind him deliver this year’s fur into the courtyard.
Qin Ling hurriedly walked out, and said: “How could I bother Gonggong to come here in person.”

She had predicted that Shangyi Bureau would send some people over today, but she did not expect it would be Gonggong Sheng.

Seeing the person before him again, Gonggong Sheng still felt a bit at a loss.
But, thinking back about the reason for his visit, he soon answered: “If this Shuyu Courtyard is lacking in anything, Meiren can just tell this servant.”

Qin Ling naturally knew that these words were only spoken out of courtesy. She replied softly: “Shuyu Courtyard doesn’t lack anything. I’ve troubled Gonggong.”

Gonggong Sheng was really not used to this face being this polite. He could not help glancing upwards and replied: “The 9th of next month will be the Longevity Festival. E-Expecting Meiren to plan ahead.”

[Longevity Festival: Celebration of the emperor’s birthday. It’s a national holiday on this day]

Hearing these words, Qin Ling still did not understand.
The pointers by the court eunuch who worked by the emperor’s side were more important than anything else in this harem.

Qin Ling took out a jade pendant, which she had prepared earlier, from her sleeve, and put it into Gonggong Sheng’s hand, “Thanking Gonggong for the pointers.”

This situation made Gonggong Sheng felt as if being struck by lightning.
Gonggong Sheng looked at the shanshui jade pendant, and asked intermittently: “Where did, where did Meiren get this shanshui jade pendant?”

The truth was, Gonggong Sheng had seen a lot throughout his years from when he was still a mere court eunuch.
Fine delicacies, gold and silver, pearls, jewels, and other precious stones. He did not lack any of it.
It was just that, gifts within this palace were all about favors. He would receive the gifts from those he wished to have relations with and would refuse the others.

Brushing her cheek, Qin Ling pretended not to be embarrassed and said: “Eldest brother is doing business outside, this was given by him.”

Gonggong Sheng was enlightened and nodded his head, put together his hand, and replied: “Then this servant thanks Meiren.”
Qin Ling: “Gonggong is too courteous.”

Gonggong Sheng left Shuyu Courtyard. The young eunuch by his side spoke: “Gonggong, do you want me to tell the Shangqin Bureau…”
Gonggong Sheng: “No need. Don’t do anything.”
The young eunuch: “Understood.”

The evening approached. Gonggong Sheng entered Yangxin Hall with a smile while carrying the list of names and the nameplates.

Seeing his expression, Xiao Yu could not help but frown.
Gonggong Sheng looked humble, however, he unreasonably placed the nameplates before the emperor, and smilingly said: “Since Commander Lu will not be coming tonight, Your Majesty should take a look.”
The sharpness between the emperor’s eyebrows made Gonggong Sheng’s heart hop about.

Xiao Yu looked down at the nameplates, and sneered at once: “Sheng Kanghai, how big is the gift you’ve received from Meiren Qin?”
There were six nameplates on the tray, but only Meiren Qin’s nameplate alone was tied with a red rope.
Gonggong Sheng bent both knees and knelt on the ground, “This servant is guilty.”

The sky suddenly darkened, then the rain began to trickle down. It was very quiet, and water dripped down from the window, drop by drop.

Then one only heard Xiao Yu, rubbing the sheep-fat white shanshui jade, and said word by word: “Is this given by Meiren Qin?”

The author has something to say:
Tricking (same Chinese character as acting) the opponent in the next chapter.

ps: In this non-conventional palace fight, the male lead really isn’t a scumbag. Everything that the female lead knows is only from the perspective of the female lead. The real plot hasn’t yet been launched, and the golden fingers haven’t been released. Many of you might want to see the male lead chasing his wife, however, there will be no sudden favors, it will be done step by step. Be patient~

Translator’s Note:
Don’t worry about the place names, most of them won’t matter in the future. I can use “We” for ”Zhen”, but cannot use “This palace” for “Bengong”, because it sounds weird, but– AAAAAAA