Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 36

“Why didn’t Your Highness agree today, at the palace?”

The 37th year of Yongchang era, 15th April

The carriage of Prince Jin’s mansion slowly stopped in front of the Zhen Estate.

Su Ling stood from the chair, lifted the hem of her skirt, and ran down the steps, while Fu Ying warned from behind: “Princess, please slow down!”

When a married woman returns to their maternal home after marriage, she must feel joyful, how could she slow down?

After passing through the hanging flower gate, Su Ling went straight to the main courtyard.

Before entering the door, Su Ling heard the sound of sword clashing.

Oh, General Su must be practicing, she thought.

She pushed open the door with her fingertips and probed her head in.

She saw Su Jingbei wearing a black narrow-sleeved robe, performing a sword dance in the middle of the courtyard, his movement incisive and ruthless. Before she could call her father, the double-edged sword immediately made a beeline for her.

“Who is it?!” Su Jingbei snapped.

Su Ling was so frightened that she even jumped in fright. She soon turned her body away and looked as if she was about to cry: “Dad, what are you doing?! You nearly disfigured this daughter!”

Su Jingbei looked back—

The sword in his hand was stuck in the doorframe, and a strand of hair was still floating, falling towards the ground.

Su Jingbei raised his chin, and said: “Let me see which thief dares to trespass into the duke’s estate.”

Su Ling frowned at him and complained: “Dad, which thief dares to trespass into the mansion in broad daylight?! I wonder if you did it on purpose…”

Su Jingbei looked at Su Ling, his tone softened, and said: “Come here and let Dad take a look.”

After listening to the words, Su Ling, who was still gnashing her teeth just now, immediately closed her mouth, trotted to Su Jingbei, and rocked her arms: “Lord duke is old but vigorous ah.”

Su Jingbei chided: “You haven’t changed at all.”

Su Ling: “Dad, where’s Brother?”

Su Jingbei: “Why are you looking for him?”

Su Ling: “For Her Majesty the Empress’ birthday tomorrow, I’ve asked Eldest Brother to prepare a set of cups of the twelfth-month flowers as a gift, but where is he?”

Su Huai’an stood behind her with his arms folded in front of his chests, and tsk-ed.

Su Ling turned her head back, and with eyes bent, called: “Brother!”

Su Huai’an gave her a slightly disgusted look, and said in a peculiar way: “A married woman who still goes back to her maternal home to leech off. Why don’t you take a look, which lady is the same as you in this entire capital?”

Su Ling opened her mouth and said sweetly: “Lord Su is such a good brother, there’s only one such person under the heavens.”

“You haven’t grown even after getting married.” He said that, but his heart softened, and he handed the set of cups to her.

Su Ling looked at the cups in her hand and praised him over and over again.

Su Jingbei suddenly opened his mouth: “That’s right, I have something to say as well. Let’s all sit down.”

The three sat in the courtyard. Su Ling poured tea for the two people in front of her, showing a virtuous gesture.

Su Jingbei looked at her and said: “Ah Ling, how are you and Prince Jin recently?”

There was a smile within Su Ling’s eyes. There were many words in which she wanted to express herself, but in the end it simply came out as: “We’re okay…”

“Okay” meant it was not “bad”, Su Jingbei and Su Huai’an could see it clearly.

Su Jingbei said: “Prince Cheng’s side concubine gave birth to a son a some days ago. Although he was born from a concubine, he was also the first imperial grandson of the current dynasty. There are already rumors outside that this imperial grandson is the Great Zhou’s lucky star. The dragon’s heart is pleased, and it is extremely possible that Prince Cheng will be appointed the crown prince because of this.”

Su Ling frowned and said: “But a lot of corruption cases and selling official ranks in Suzhou are related to Prince Cheng. Didn’t His Majesty scold him for forming a party for selfishness only a few days ago?”

Su Jingbei said: “You have been away from the capital for a few months with Prince Jin, what appears on the surface is different from the reality. The politics of Great Zhou is just like this, the princes’ forces contradict each other. Do you think His Majesty knew about his atrocities only recently? Ah Ling, if you think about the Mu family’s recent actions, you should also understand.”

The Mu family was the maternal family of Prince Cheng.

The Mu family didn’t just donate a good amount of money to the imperial court. When they found a copper mine, they handed off the copper to the imperial court to preserve the power of Prince Cheng.

Su Ling said slowly: “Daughter is aware as well.” Last time, Prince Cheng was punished not because he embezzled and sold official ranks, but because all the money went into his own pocket.

Su Jingbei nodded and said: “A few days after Prince Cheng’s Palace announced the birthday of the eldest imperial grandson, Prince Yan didn’t want to lose as well. Last month, there were announcements that Prince Yan’s main consort and side consorts are also pregnant one after another. So currently, there are three unborn children from Prince Yan’s Palace.”

After Su Huai’an heard what was said, he glanced at Su Jingbei.

Su Jingbei continued: “Ah Ling, in the end, the current empress is not Prince Jin’s biological mother. If you can bring up the matter before the empress does, it can be considered as a show of virtue.”

Su Huai’an: “Father!”

Su Jingbei said: “Quiet down. If Ah Ling isn’t married to the imperial family, I would never mention this kind of matters. But since she’s already married into one, I have to persuade her for her own good.”

Su Ling secretly patted Su Huai’an’s arm and smiled: “Dad, I understand.”

Su Jingbei sighed in reply.

After dinner, Xiao Yu came to Zhen Estate to pick up Su Ling back home.

Su Ling carefully held the set of cups and followed him into the carriage.

Seeing her fragile figure from the back, Su Huai’an felt an inexplicable feeling in his heart. Then he thought, since Xiao Yu was there himself, he resisted gritting his teeth and said: “It’s only been a few months, and you seem to have forgotten how you cried when you got married.”

Su Ling seemed to hear Su Huai’an’s murmurs, as she soon lifted the curtain of the carriage and waved to Su Huai’an, fawning him with her eyes.

Xiao Yu said: “Jingming, I’ll take her home first. I’ll come back to play chess with Father-in-law another day.”

Su Huai’an swept away the gloom on his face, bowed to Xiao Yu, and replied: “Take care, Your Highness.”

Back in the carriage, Xiao Yu took Su Ling’s hand very naturally and closed his eyes to rest.

Su Ling asked: “Are you tired?”

Xiao Yu gave a light mm and leaned his head on her.

Su Ling’s shoulder sank, and she looked down at her stomach.

***

This time, the empress’ birthday was arranged together by Honglu Temple and the Ministry of Rites. All women from every family must participate in the banquet.

[Honglu Temple: Mainly in charge or court ceremonies, welcoming guests, etc]

Guided by Gonggong Zhang, Su Ling and Xiao Yu headed to Kunning Palace.

At this time, there were only Zhaoyi Sun and Princess Changning in the hall. When Changning saw Su Ling, she waved her hand and called “Sister-in-law!” with a smile. Princess Changning loved pearls. When her body moved, the pearl hairpin on her head swayed along and made ding-ling sounds.

Zhaoyi Sun let out a low cough: “Changning, this is Kunning Palace. Behave.”

The little princess pouted and sat up straight.

Empress Chu said: “Changning is not even fifteen yet. She’s at a lively age, don’t restrain her all the time.”

Zhaoyi Sun sighed: “She is spoiled by the empress.”

Empress Chu stroked Princess Changning’s nose with her hand.

Su Ling and Xiao Yu entered the hall and greeted them with good wishes before Su Ling presented the set of cups.

There were twelve cups of twelfth-month flowers, all of which were light to hold and made of white porcelain throughout.

On the outer body, twelve kinds of flowers were painted in white and blue colors, namely daffodil, winter jasmine, peach blossom, peony, pomegranate, lotus, orchid, osmanthus, chrysanthemum, cotton rose hibiscus, chinese rose, and plum blossom. One flower for one cup. Even Empress Chu, who was already used to rare treasure, was distracted by it. (1)

Empress Chu said: “I knew at a glance that Ah Ling chose it. You’re very considerate.”

“It is good if Imperial Mother likes it.”

Princess Changning also found it novel when she looked at it, and couldn’t help saying: “Where did Sister-in-law find such delicate objects?”

Su Ling: “My eldest brother found it for me.”

When Empress Chu heard the word “eldest brother”, she said: “I remember that Lord Su is already past the year of the weak crown. Is he engaged already?”

[Basically he’s already an adult. In most novel it is around 20]

“Not yet,” Su Ling paused and continued, “It’s in discussion, and it’s almost time…”

Changning’s ears twitched at these words, and she nonchalantly interrupted: “Do you know which young lady it is?”

Those words were said lightly, but anyone would realize there was a hint of something.

Su Huai’an was famous all over the capital, and it was not an exception for the princess.

“Changning!” Zhaoyi Sun frowned.

Empress Chu glanced at Princess Changning and said: “Come to think of it. Changning has reached the age to discuss marriage.”

Princess Changning consciously touched the pearl hairpin on her head, blinked, adn murmured: “I-I don’t mean that, Consort Mother. Changning is wrong…”

Empress Chu was amused by her spoiled appearance. She raised her hand and pinched her face, “Bengong really wants to know, which youth in our Great Zhou will be able to take you home.”

Zhaoyi Sun looked at her own daughter and sighed.

After talking for a while, Zhaoyi Sun saw that Empress Chu wanted to say something but hesitated. She soon realized it was private and had something to do with Princess Consort Jin.

She coughed lightly, pulled Changning, and said: “It will be the palace banquet in another hout. There are still some unattended matters, so I will go back first.”

Empress Chu glanced at her worriedly: “Is your illness serious?”

Zhaoyi Sun said: “It’s just an old problem.”

After Zhaoyi Sun and Princess Changning left, Empress Chu sighed: “Ah Ling, it’s been some time since you’re married with third lang.”

After that, Empress Chu glanced at her stomach with a tender look, but Su Ling only felt something biting cold was stuck there.

Su Ling lowered her head, and in a moment she raised her head again and slowly said: “I actually have a few words in my heart today that I would like to say to Imperial Mother.”

Empress Chu took her hand and said softly: “You child, why are you so polite towards me? Just say it directly.”

Su Ling’s lips showed a hint of a smile, “Two days ago, chenqie went to Prince Cheng’s Palace to present a gift. The imperial grandson looks tender and lovely, I really like it. I became anxious for the palace well, but the physician said that chenqie’s body is weak and needs to recuperate for a while. So I thought, what don’t we take in two side concubines first. What does Imperial Mother think of this?”

After hearing this, Empress Chu opened her mouth, patted Su Ling’s hand, and said: “Third lang is really lucky to marry you.”

Xiao Yu nodded and drank tea without saying a word.

“To share the worries of the palace is what chenqie should do.” Su Ling continued: “Then… does Imperial Mother have someone in mind?”

Empress Chu pretended to be contemplative, then said after a while: “Speaking of, I have two people in mind who are suitable. One is the daughter of Wen Dashou, the high official of the Ministry of Ceremonies, Wen Caining. She is 17 years old. The other is the daughter of Zuo Yangzhi, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Appointments, Zuo Qingqing. She is also 17 years old. These two are very good in appearance and in studies. Do you know them?”

In the end, Su Ling was still the legitimate daughter of Duke Zhen, so Empress Chu paid attention to her face. Since the main consort hadn’t had an heir yet, the identity of the side consorts couldn’t be too high.

The daughters of a fourth-ranked official from the Ministry of Ceremonies and a third-ranked official from the Ministry of Appointments. They were not too low in status, but also not exceeding the Su family.

Just right.

Su Ling said: “I have met them a few times, and we get along pretty well.”

Seeing her so bright and open-minded, the smile within Empress Chu’s eyes became brighter: “Since this being the case, fix a date to…”

At that time, the man who had been quiet for some time suddenly put the tea cup on the table, and said lightly: “Imperial Mother, don’t rush.”

Empress Chu looked at him and said: “Why not? What are you waiting for?”

Don’t rush, that meant refusal.

Xiao Yu said slowly: “Let this son think about the matter of accepting side concubines.”

His tone was indifferent, but loud.

Empress Chu glared at him: “I’ve been discussing this with Ah Ling, and you only talk about this now?”

Xiao Yu said: “Erchen apologizes to Imperial Mother.”

Xiao Yu disobediently and personally rejected the matter. Although Empress Chu understood what he meant, she didn’t mind if he lost face and said lightly: “It is common to say apology, and it is a waste of time to say apology. But third lang, you’re wasting Ah Ling’s good intentions in this way.”

Xiao Yu slowly smiled: “It is I who doesn’t know what is good.”

Su Ling looked at the man in front of her and was stunned. It felt as if someone had pinched her heart, and she couldn’t help but cringed.

She slowly sighed ad quickly said in a roundabout way: “Chenqie only considered the matter just now when Imperial Mother mentioned it, so I haven’t talked with His Highness yet. It is chenqie’s fault for not thinking thoroughly.”

Empress Chu glanced at Xiao Yu and said: “What not thinking thoroughly? This is called feeding someone’s good intention to the donkey.”

After the banquet, Xiao Yu and Su Ling got into the carriage together. After a long silence, Xiao Yu spoke up: “You saw the physician?”

Su Ling was stunned when she heard the words, and after a few moments, she said: “I saw the physician once last monet.”

Xiao Yu took her hand and lowered his eyes to her level: “And he said you are weak and need to recuperate?”

Su Ling avoided his inquiring eyes and admitted honestly: “No, he said that I am healthy. Maybe it’s just not time yet, and told me to wait.”

Su Ling added another sentence: “Perhaps it’ll be there after the wait.”

“This is my first time hearing that there will be a child if we wait.” Xiao Yu sighed, then smiled frivolously and grabbed her waist. Su Ling secretly pushed his hand, pointed in the direction of the coachman and mouthed: Let’s talk again after we’re back home.

But his smile only grew even wider and asked knowingly: “What are we going to talk about after we’re home?”

Su Ling’s demeanor was still dignified, but her face and neck were as red as the evening sky, and she avoided her gaze from him.

The sound of the carriage and horses gradually grew weaker. The coachman pulled at the reins, sighed softly, and said: “Your Highnesses, we’ve arrived.”

Su Ling opened the curtain and alighted the carriage. 

Xiao Yu followed close behind.

The two stepped on the clear shadow of the full moon and returned to Chang’en Hall.

Su Ling sat in front of the trousseau, tilted her head and took off her earrings, and said softly: “Fuying, prepare the water. Let His Highness take a bath first.”

Xiao Yu walked behind her. Seeing the lovely reflection in the copper mirror, he asked: “Then what about you?”

“What about me?” Qin Ling pointed at herself, not understanding.

“Together?” He asked softly.

Su Ling bit her lip and was silent.

After the silence, there was an exclamation and the sound of earrings falling to the ground.

Sure enough, a bath that tests one’s will is really unsuitable for a newly-married couple. By the time they returned to the couch, their clothes were still wet.

The blue bricks in the inner room were full of water and big and small footprints.

Xiao Yu hugged and kissed her. After the passionate bath was finished, it was as if the sea waves were surging, overturning the sailboats.

Su Ling pressed her hands against the man’s hot chest, the man was wearing a thin undershirt, with his broad back and thin waist.

The young lady put her wrists around the man’s neck and asked him in a low voice: “Why didn’t Your Highness agree today, at the palace?”

Xiao Yu only moved and didn’t say a thing.

Qin Ling’s voice was almost shaky: “Tell me, why didn’t you agree?”