Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 39

People in the palace say they look similar.

It was silent on the land covered by the snow.

Yangxin Hall was brightly lit.

Xiao Yu frowned slightly as he looked at the memorial in his hand.

The tomb of the early deceased wife of Su Jingbei, Yun shi of the Su, showed signs of being worshiped yesterday.

[‘Yun shi’ means she was from Yun clan, surnamed Yun, ‘of the Su’ means she married into ‘Su’ clan]

Xue Xiangyang bowed his body and said: “This small official is incompetent and has let Su Huai’an escaped once again. May Your Majesty give a punishment.”

Xue Xiangyang’s complexion couldn’t be seen. Actually, he had been gritting his teeth since earlier.

Not to mention being included in history, his achievements and merits throughout his lifetime were enough to make the historian describe him as an excellent schemer and virtuous politician.

And this Su Huai’an was no doubt the biggest stain in his political career.

Three years ago, he could disappear out of thin air in the prison while dying, and now three years later, not only he managed to swagger into the capital, he even worshiped his deceased mother right under his eyes.

Su Huai’an used to be a high official of the Supreme Court, how could he not know that Yun shi’s tomb would be guarded? He brazenly appeared because he didn’t take the defense laid out by the Ministry of Justice seriously.

“Escaped?” Xiao Yu turned the jade ring in his hand and said in a heavy voice: “Have the guards of the city gate been investigated?”

Aside from Xue Xiangyang, there was also the assistant minister of the Ministry of War, He Changzhii who came along.

He Changzhi stepped forward.

“This official has obtained information from the guards on duty at sunrise today, and they said there were two suspicious people around that time. Both are merchants who were heading for the south and southwest, respectively.” He Changzhi shook his sleeves and bowed: “The remnants of Su clan came to the capital this time around without hiding from our ears and eyes, he must have had other plans. Although it is very likely these two people were simply a cover to trick us, it didn’t rule out the idea that he had planned this to achieve his goal.”

It is inevitable to overthink when fighting against an intelligent person who knows the ins and outs of law. However, sometimes, overthinking is not necessarily good.

Xue Xiangyang took a deep breath: “This official has a request: Please allow me to head for the southwest.”

Although the Su family’s treason case was investigated by many parties, the suspect was lost in Xue Xiangyang’s hand, and he had not been found even after three years had passed.

People in the capital often joke about this. Some people said that the prison of the Ministry of Justice could do tricks, some people said that Xue Xiangyang swallowed the Su family’s treasure and let Su Huai’an go.

Xue Xiangyang had been dreaming to arrest Su Huai’an, to take revenge for the insult.

Xiao Yu looked at Xue Xiangyang and said slowly: “Depart soon, and return soon.”

Xue Xiangyang said: “This small official received the order.”

After a moment, Xiao Yu turned to look at He Changzhi: “Since Official Xue is heading southwest, then we will leave it to Assistant Minister He to stay in the capital and investigate further.”

He Changzhi: “This small official received the order.”

The two people withdrew, the sound of the door closing slowly ceased. Xiao Yu raised his head and looked at the bright moon outside from his throne.

The man’s gaze was apathetic, however, his grip on the cup in his hand became stronger and stronger, his joints faintly whitened.

Had he returned?

After a long while, Xiao Yu took the brush and dipped it in ink, and began to write. When he finished, he folded the paper and called: “Sheng Kanghai.”

Gonggong Sheng stretched his neck and said in a small voice: “This servant is here.”

“Deliver this to Marquis of Chunnan as soon as possible.”

Gonggong Sheng replied: “Don’t worry, Your Majesty. This servant will do it immediately.”

Clang—

The clock that signaled it was already the period of zi shi [11 pm – 1 am] rang. It was the time where people should be lying in their bed with their head on their pillow. However for some people, it was destined to be a sleepless night: for example, the diligent emperor in Yangxin Hall, for example, the exam candidates who were preparing for the metropolitan examination in the second month.

Generally speaking, after the triennial examination, the candidates from regions could come earlier to the capital and rent a place to prepare. Naturally the poorer ones could only rent jointly with other people.

Tang Wen raised his hands above his head, then shook his arms, and his shoulder blades creaked. He closed the book, looked back at Huai Jing, and said with a smile: “Top-scorer Huai.”

Huai Jing lay down with his clothes on, and said with closed eyes: “Didn’t I tell you not to call me that?”

Tang Wen’s hometown was in Henan Province, Xinyang Prefecture. He was a friendly person.

“Why can’t I call you that? Brother Huai should realize that there are people behind you! He Wenyi, Chu Jiangya, Mu Zhengting, all of them are from aristocratic families, but you are the one who became the top-scorer in the triennial examination. If I was the top-scorer, my old mother would’ve called me that.”

Huai Jin was silent.

Tang Wen put his arm on the table and stared at Huai Jing and said: “Hey, Top-scorer Huai, I’ve never seen you study before. I’m really curious, you go out all day from sunrise and bring wine for those officials in the Ministry of Justice, how did you become a top-scorer?”

“Can’t you tell me?”

Huai Jing sat up and wore his cloak in silence.

As soon as Tang Wen saw that he was about to go out, he immediately said again: “Yesterday I couldn’t even see your shadow, are you going out to bring them wine again?”

Huai Jing rephrased these words in his mind—I couldn’t see your shadow yesterday. Are you going to drink again? Will you be returning tonight?

“No.” Huai Jing patted Tang Wen’s shoulder and said: “Brother Tang, this lowly Huai will give you advice. You should diligently study the bureaucratic language. Else you will suffer in the court examination.”

Tang Wen frowned. His face looked like he had seen something incredulous: “Is my bureaucratic language not proper? Is it not good? Is it not understandable?”

Huai Jing raised his hand to his forehead: “Nevermind, I spoke too much.”

Before Huai Jing reached the door, Tang Wen shouted again: “Top-scorer Huai.”

Huai Jing turned to look at him: “Is there anything else?”

Tang Wen said: “The Lunar New Year is coming soon, so I’m going to write a letter for my parents and sister at home. Are you going to write one as well? I will send it to the relay station tomorrow.”

Huai Jing froze. His Adam’s apple moved slightly: “Many thanks, I’ve already sent my greetings to them.”

Tang Wen nodded: “Then I won’t be long-winded. Drink less.”

The capital was prosperous, and the New Year was approaching, so the streets were lively. The taverns and tea houses were all painted with new paint, and red lanterns swayed gently in the wind.

Huai Jing walked into a restaurant and followed the attendant to the third floor.

On the third floor, where one can watch the moon and write poems, most of the people sitting around and talking were students who participated in the imperial examination this year.

Huai Jing swept his gaze around and found a corner to sit and drink.

“That person, could it be… Huai Jing?”

With the murmur of the young man in purple robes, all the eyes around focused on Huai Jing.

“Brother Chu, do you recognize him?”

This graceful young man in purple robe was the nephew of Empress Dowager Chu—Chu Jingya.

Chu Jingya nodded slightly and said: “We met once during the triennial examination.” He lowered his voice a little and said: “He’s the top-scorer this year.”

Upon meeting, there is no reason not to say hello. Chu Jiangya walked over and said with a smile: “Brother Huai is drinking alone? Or do you have an appointment with someone?”

Huai Jing got up and also smiled: “This lowly Huai is alone. If Brother Chu doesn’t mind, how about we have a drink together?”

Chu Jiangya turned his head and called: “Someone come, bring two more jars of good wine!”

Seeing that Chu Jingya was willing to give him this face, they all sat down at Huai Jing’s table with their wine glasses.

When scholars met and drank together, they would inevitably recite poetry as a counterpoint. One verse and one cup, they soon became drunk. And once drunk men shed all their noble pretense, it was unavoidable to talk about the three ways.

[three ways is a metaphor for ‘the part of the human body below the waist’]

For example, which music house had the most beautiful songs, which famous courtesan’s poems were good, and which theater girl was the most moving.

Chu Jiangya had peach blossom eyes, and his thin lips drew out his loose appearance. Everyone knew he had enjoyed all the pleasures of life.

After exchanging cups, one did not know who started it first, but soon the man’s smile became frivolous.

Chu Jiangya was drunk and dizzy. He raised his cup and asked: “Is Brother Huai married?”

Huai Jing said: “This lowly Huai is not married yet.”

“Don’t be in a hurry.” Chu Jiangya continued to laugh and joked: “Just wait, in the future, when Brother Huai becomes the top-scorer in imperial examination, with that scholarly honor, there will be so many people wanting to be your family’s first lady.”

“I will borrow Brother Chu’s auspicious words.” Huai Jing toasted him with a cup of wine and asked: “What about Brother Chu?”

At this moment, a man named Zhang He suddenly stood up while swaying and flattered drunkenly: “In my opinion, with Brother Chu’s appearance, not to mention the daughter of some marquis family, even a princess will do.”

As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere suddenly froze a bit.

Because the Great Zhou dynasty still had a princess to be married.

Zheng He frowned as if he had remembered something and haiss-ed: “I heard that Her Highness the Empress Dowager has announced that the grand princess has returned to the capital. Could it be that she intends to…”

After these words, Chu Jiangya knocked over the wine cup, and his eyes became sharp.

Zhang He immediately sobered up.

He held his forehead and said: “Ah, I must be drunk. Look at me, I’ve started talking nonsense.”

Huai Jing’s face did not change, he only tapped the corner of the table with his fingertips.

Time slipped through the fingers, and another major event happened in the court. There were successive earthquakes in Weinan and Huayin areas of Shaanxi Province, causing heavy casualties. There were funerals every few households. Xiao Yu was so busy that he never entered the harem again.

Empress Dowager Chu was not in good health now, so the morning greetings were exempted, but every half a month, she would summon the imperial concubines once, and inquired about the affairs of the harem.

Qin Ling saw the empress dowager for the first time today after she moved palace, so Zhu Xin and Zhu Lan were very attentive.

Zhu Xin looked into the mirror while adorning Qin Ling and said lightly: “Master, the disaster is so serious right now, so this servant will not add gold hairpins to your hair bun. How about this sea-water patterned jade hairpin instead?”

Zhu Lan held up the turquoise hairpin and said: “The green skirt will look good with this moon-white short coat. What does Master think?”

Qin Ling smiled and nodded in agreement.

Half an hour later, Qin Ling brought Xiao Yun to Cining palace. Empress Dowager Chu immediately smiled and said: “Yun’er, come to Imperial Grandmother.”

Xiao Yun walked over, saluted respectfully, and said slowly: “Grandson wishes Imperial Grandmother good health.”

Xiao Yun learned to speak late, so although he could understand words, when he spoke, it sounded a little rusty.

Before they came here, Qin Ling told him to say what he wanted to say slowly, no need to worry.

The child’s voice was sweet and cute, coupled with this slow tone, it was no different from being a spoiled child.

Empress Dowager Chu touched the back of Xiao Yun’s head, raised her eyes, and said to Qin Ling: “The eldest prince’s temperament is indeed a lot brighter than before. You’ve done a lot.”

Hearing the empress dowager’s undisguised praise, Xu Lanzhi couldn’t help looking at Qin Ling’s face.

The complexion looked good, bright like spring flowers. It was truly a good appearance.

Everyone in the palace said that she looked very much like the late empress.

How similar was it to make that person give up the Xu family and choose that powerless, unknown, and hopeless Qin family as the maternal family of the eldest prince?

Qin Ling bowed and said: “That’s all the contribution of the Imperial Tutor. This concubine doesn’t dare to take credit.”

Empress Dowager Chu smiled a little, then said to Consort Liu: “Consort Liu, the current disaster situation in the court is tense. It is good that you’ve taken the initiative in reducing the expenses of the palace.”

Consort Liu said: “I don’t deserve so much praise from Your Highness. This concubine and the other sisters are married to His Majesty, since we cannot help His Majesty, all we can do is save some money.”

After that, Consort Xue couldn’t help but exclaim “oh” and said: “What do you mean you don’t deserve the praise? This concubine remembers that Big Sister Liu used to burn hundreds of firewood every day. It could be said that you’ve sacrificed so much in this period!”

With the change of power in the harem, Consort Xue naturally disliked Consort Liu, so she spoke mockingly. It might be assumed that she had not let go of the grudge from being deprived of the right to manage the Six Palaces.

But the winners were naturally indulgent towards the losers. Consort Liu didn’t respond to her, and simply turned her head to say that the eldest prince seemed to have grown taller.

Xiao Yun cupped his hands to answer and said slowly: “Consort Mother measured it for erchen yesterday.” After speaking, he stretched one finger above his head: “I’ve grown this much.”

After that, Xiao Yun also looked back at Qin Ling.

Everyone could see that the eldest prince had become happier after he got a foster mother.

Xu Lanzhi looked at the eldest prince in a daze, her eyes full of disappointment.

It was a pity that in the harem, if some people were happy, some were ought to be disappointed.

Empress Dowager Chu raised her hand and stroked Xiao Yun’s head, and said slowly: “Aijia is old and has no other wishes. In addition to praying for good weather in Great Zhou, I hope that you can give birth to more children for His Majesty. Add some joy, otherwise, Yun’er will feel lonely, being alone in the palace.”

The empress dowager’s words were like stabbing Xu Lanzhi’s heart with a knife.

The emperor refused to soak in the rain and the dew, how could she give birth?

“Speaking of adding joy… Empress dowager doesn’t have to worry.” Xu Lanzhi paused and looked at Qin Ling: “His Majesty loves Jieyu Qin so much, surely it won’t take long.”

Hearing this, Consort Liu and Consort Li’s eyes moved at the same time.

This daughter of the Xu family was too young, and couldn’t stand provocation. Empress Dowager Chu threw a bait, and she got hooked immediately.

Empress Dowager Chu turned her gaze to Qin Ling and said with a frown: “It’s been a while since you entered the palace… Aijia heard from Imperial Physician Ning that your body is weak, and after being frightened, you fainted several times. Are you feeling better now?”

When it came to ‘fainting’, Consort Xue’s heart surged.

Before Qin Ling could say anything, Consort Xue said from the side: “Speaking of this matter, this concubine is really ashamed.”

“If His Majesty had not arrived in time on that day, there would have been a lot of trouble.”

What Consort Xue said was really clever.

It sounded like an apology, but it was actually implying that the emperor was distracted by the harem affairs. The fact that Jieyu Qin fainted and that the emperor kept watch over her all night long had spread in the palace.

“Consort Xue, it is good that you know your mistake.”

The empress dowager turned the Buddhist prayer beads in her hand, looked up at Qin Ling and said: “Jieyu Qin, aijia knows that His Majesty loves you so, but this is not good. Live in peace and recuperate your body. The Holy One’s favor is precious, don’t fail to live up to the expectations.”

The empress dowager’s tone was not serious, but the meaning couldn’t be more obvious.

—Since your body is ill, it is not suitable for sleeping together.

Qin Ling understood the meaning of the words, and immediately bowed her body and said: “This concubine will listen to Your Highness’ words.”

Empress Dowager Chu said to Gonggong Zhang: “Go to the imperial hospital and tell Imperial Physician Wei to check on Jieyu Qin’s pulse every day.”

After coming out of Cining Palace, Imperial Physician Wei came to Jingren Palace with a medicine box in his arms, and after half a shichen, Zhu Lan sent the person away and closed the door. Zhu Lan was so angry that she had to take two deep breaths to calm down.

The words in this harem, each sentence was more difficult to deal with than the other.

A moment ago, it was implied that Master had been favored for a long time, and that Master was weak and could not bear the mighty grace of the Holy One.

Coupled with these words from Imperial Physician Wei, her master was about to be bedridden to recuperate.

“Master’s illness is clearly cured, what a bunch of nonsense…”

Qin Ling saw that her eyes were red, and patted her on the shoulder lightly: “Well, in the future, just add one more medicated meal every day.”

“How could it be as simple as adding a medicated meal? Why did Imperial Physician Wei speak as if Master’s illness is so severe, even advising you to stay in bed…”

[T/N: This is sarcasm if it’s not clear enough]

“That’s it.” Qin Ling interrupted her: “Right now, the disaster in the imperial court is serious, this nonsense must not be repeated.”

After saying that, Qin Ling got up and went to comfort her son.

Zhu Lan naturally couldn’t understand Qin Ling’s thought, she only felt that her master was definitely wronged.

In the evening, as soon as Qin Ling drank the herbal meal, she heard a report from outside—Consort Li was coming.

Li Yuan was here?

Qin Ling frowned. Now she was considered to be attacked by the whole group, what was Li Yuan doing by coming here?

Before she could think further, Qin Ling hurried over to greet her. Li Yuan helped her up with a smile and said softly: “Jieyu Qin doesn’t need to be so courteous.”

The two entered the hall and sat to chat. When the tea was served, Li Yuan said: “These Goryo ginsengs were specially sent by my mother when they paid tribute last year. They have the effect of invigorating qi, revitalizing the body, and soothing the nerves. His Majesty likes to cut them into slices and soak them in tea. Jieyu Qin can drink first and taste it. If you like it, I will have someone send some over.”

“This is enough.” Qin Ling continued: “Thank you, Your Highness.”

“The words said by the empress dowager today is a bit heavy, but Little Sister should not worry. I understand your thoughts.” Li Yuan spoke, and every word was just right and understanding.

“I came from Goryo, traveled here thousands of miles, without anyone to depend on. It was thanks to His Majesty’s grace alone I could enter the palace and become a consort.” Li Yuan looked into Qin Ling’s eyes and said: “Those days when I just entered the palace, I only thought that I couldn’t fail the sacred grace, and all day long hoping that I’ll be able to spread His Majesty’s branches, but unfortunately, it made me overthink things, my period schedule became disordered… and it made me difficult to get pregnant. Ah, right. Is Little Sister’s (period) schedule still accurate?”

Qin Ling replied lightly: “Yes.”

Li Yuan pulled something out from within her sleeve, apparently a folk remedy to make one conceive easily, and also the kind of mattress that required a little cooperation from the emperor.

[T/N: I have no idea what the latter means. Perhaps some kind of mattress that allows an easier position when doing it, to conceive]

“This prescription is a bit troublesome, but as long as Little Sister asks His Majesty, he will surely take care of it.”

In order to birth him a child in her previous life, Qin Ling did not lack any physicians. Qin Ling had also learned of this kind of folk remedies from the momos around her. However, she was pretty thin-skinned at that time, and didn’t dare to discuss it with him.

Although Qin Ling didn’t understand why Li Yuan said these things, it could be said that her words had no bad intentions today.

Qin Ling nodded and smiled: “Your Highness’ heart-to-heart words today, this concubine has memorized it.”

Li Yuan couldn’t help getting surprised after seeing her eyes.

After a long while, Li Yuan left. Returning to Changchun Palace, Cheng Min, the maid next to Li Yuan, said: “His Majesty will definitely understand my lady’s thoughts for helping Jieyu Qin today.”

As if she didn’t hear it, Li Yuan stretched out her hand to grab an orchid leaf, rubbed it slowly, and whispered: “He has truly visited another person.”

[T/N: the ‘visit’ here is as in an emperor’s visit to his concubine] 

T/N: It can be seen that Qin Ling’s mindset has changed from when she was still Su Ling, which explains why Li Yuan got surprised after seeing her eyes and muttered “He has truly visited another person”, because Qin Ling’s gaze is different from Su Ling. I say she visits just to make sure it is not the same person, despite the odds. Oh, and you can see Huai Jing’s first mention in Chapter 3.