Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 69 Part 1

According to the Great Zhou Dynasty rituals, when the imperial concubines return to the palace from their parental home, the first important matter is to pay respects and greet the empress dowager. Dressed in a floor-length peach-colored gown, adorned with a golden and silver hairpin with cloud patterns studded with gems, Qin Ling gracefully walked into the Cining Palace, showing utmost respect by saying, “Chenqie pays respect and greets the empress dowager.” 

“Please rise and have a seat,” said the empress dowager with a loving smile, as if completely forgetting about the previous incident involving Qin Rong. It was as if the past unpleasantness have vanished.

“Thank you very much, Your Ladyship,” Qin Ling replied as she stood.

Empress Dowager Chu inquired, “Is everyone in your family well as you return home today?”

Qin Ling responded, “All is well with my family. Thank you for your concern, Your Ladyship.”

Empress Dowager Chu carefully observed Qin Ling’s attire and appearance and thoughtfully remarked, “Youthfulness suits you well. It’s no wonder His Majesty favors you.”

Now, Xiao Yu spends most of his time resting in the Jingren Palace. The “Pampered Consort” title has already been bestowed upon Qin Ling. Her respectful demeanor and appropriate attire couldn’t stop the underlying tension within the palace. The more she concealed her true feelings and remained composed, the more displeased Empress Dowager Chu became.

Qin Ling replied, “It’s my good fortune to have earned His Majesty’s favor.”

Empress Dowager Chu asked, “You have not been feeling well recently. Have you consulted the imperial physicians in detail?”

Qin Ling nodded and said, “They mentioned that I have a slight deficiency in qi and blood, but it’s nothing serious.”

“That means you should promptly take care of your health,” Empress Dowager Chu said, looking directly at Qin Ling’s belly. She continued, “Aijia knows how fond His Majesty is of you. He has spent half of his time this month resting in the Jingren Palace. The flourishing and prospering of the imperial family is of great importance to the nation. Zhaoyi Qin, you must bear this in mind.”

Though the words seemed to be about the prosperity of the nation, they were subtly addressing Qin Ling, reminding her not to selfishly enjoy the emperor’s favor.

Pretending not to understand the underlying message, Qin Ling followed the empress dowager’s gaze and looked down at her belly. Blushing, she replied, “I will keep that in mind.” The dreams she had been getting were not entirely in vain. Look, she was using the skills she learned from Li Yuan today.

After exchanging some words with little enthusiasm, Empress Dowager Chu yawned and waved her hand dismissively. Qin Ling respectfully withdrew from the presence.

Eunuch Zhang squinted to look at the graceful figure at the door and mused, “Why does this zhaoyi’s temperament seem to have changed a bit?”

“No one’s heart remains unchanged in this palace. Being the sole favored one in the deep palace can inevitably lead to some arrogance. If there is no change at all, then we should look at her with a different perspective,” Empress Dowager Chu lightly chuckled and said, “I wonder if the emperor will still treat her the same once she changes.”

Within these crimson palace walls, Empress Dowager Chu and everyone understood that the emperor’s favor toward Zhaoyi Qin was solely based on her looks.

“How long can the emperor maintain his favor for a mere substitute?” Eunuch Zhang smiled and said, “During these years in the palace, this servant has come to understand one thing.”

Empress Dowager Chu glanced at him, “Why keep me in suspense? Speak.”

Eunuch Zhang remarked, “Anyone unclear about their position must taste the bitter experience of rising and falling.”

Empress Dowager Chu seemed to contemplate his words, a faint smile playing at the corner of her mouth.

Eunuch Zhang straightened his sleeves and chuckled, “No matter how favored Zhaoyi Qin is, her father is just a grand scribe. Ultimately, she’s not suited for the role.” The role referred to being at the pinnacle of the imperial harem.

Empress Dowager Chu felt a sense of relief in her chest. Changing the subject, she said, “Alright, let’s not discuss this further. Tell me, how is the matter with the imperial son-in-law proceeding?”

According to the regulations of the Great Zhou Dynasty for selecting sons-in-law, candidates were first chosen by the empress dowager, the emperor, and the Minister of Rites. The final selection had to be made by the person involved, and even if the person involved was not willing, they could only choose from the last name on the Ministry of Rites’ list.

The empress dowager inquired, “Who did the Ministry of Rites nominate?”

Eunuch Zhang replied, “This year’s top scholar in the imperial examinations, currently an editor at Hanlin Academy, Huai Jing.”

“The scholar from a humble background?” The empress dowager furrowed her brow. “Where are the ones I chose?”

For the selection of Princess Changning’s consort, a total of three candidates had been presented to the empress dowager.

The first candidate was Luo Yongbin, the fourth legitimate son of the Duke of Yi. He came from a prominent family and was upright and resolute in life. He currently held the position of a sixth-rank commander in the Ministry of War. The late emperor had praised his archery skills.

The second candidate was Ninth Young Sir Zhu from the Marquis of Chengyang’s residence. He was the legitimate son of Marquis Chengyang. Handsome and talented, his only flaw was his relatively short stature, but he possessed exceptional character and a kind temperament.

The third candidate was the nephew of Consort Dowager Sun. Even though his family held no noble title, due to Princess Changning being favored, the late emperor had granted him a position with the Salt Transport Commission, which had the most lucrative benefits.

Although the empress dowager intended to arrange the marriage, anyone looking at these candidates could not find fault with them.

The empress dowager toyed with her prayer beads and inquired, “What about the emperor?”

Eunuch Zhang replied, “His Majesty has selected two candidates: Zhang Leisheng, a cousin of Marquis of Chunnan, and Zhao Zixian, the son of Grand Academician Zhao Yuan.”

Both of these candidates were excellent choices.

The empress dowager raised her cup, took a sip, and remained impassive. She asked, “What does Changning say?”

Eunuch Zhang smiled awkwardly, “Princess Changning…”

“Did she not choose the one that I picked for her?”

“Well…”

Empress Dowager Chu looked at Eunuch Zhang with a furrowed brow and said, “I know her temperament. Speak directly, don’t be vague.”

“Yes,” Eunuch Zhang replied, “Princess Changning said that Fourth Young Sir Luo from the Duke of Yi’s residence has a bad reputation in the Qin Pavilion. His character does not match hers. She also mentioned that Zhu Jiulang has an average appearance and is too short in stature. She’s concerned that the offspring might take after him if they have children, potentially diluting the imperial bloodline.”

Empress Dowager Chu slammed her hand on the nearby table and exclaimed, “Did she really say that?”

Eunuch Zhang nodded, “Per word.”

Empress Dowager Chu remarked, “She used to be just willful and stubborn. Lately, she’s becoming more unrefined! What about that Second Young Sir Sun, her maternal cousin? What did she say about him?”

Eunuch Zhang responded, “Princess Changning mentioned that the relationship between her and Second Young Sir Sun is like that of siblings; they can’t live under the same roof peacefully.”

Empress Dowager Chu said, “I can see she still can’t let go of that remnant from the Su family! It’s a pity she has feelings, but that traitorous enemy has long forgotten her!”

Eunuch Zhang concurred, “Your words are absolutely correct, Your Majesty.”

Empress Dowager Chu took a deep breath and asked, “So, has she chosen the emperor’s candidate?”

“Not exactly,” Eunuch Zhang explained, “She mentioned that the cousin of the Marquis of Chunnan is too old and appears more like an elder. Currently, the only choice left is the top scholar recommended by the Ministry of Rites and Zhao Zixian, the son of Grand Academician Zhao Yuan.”

“In my opinion, Princess Changning is likely to choose the top scholar,” Eunuch Zhang added.

Empress Dowager Chu coldly snorted, “All because that one surnamed Huai has an ordinary background without parents, is that it?”

Eunuch Zhang nodded, “Your wisdom is unparalleled.”

“Let her make a fuss. The louder the commotion, the better,” Empress Dowager Chu said. “Considering her mother’s sake, I intended to let her live a peaceful life. If she chooses a self-destructive path, I can do nothing.”

In a moment, Empress Dowager Chu inquired, “Is there any news about Su Huai’an?”

Eunuch Zhang shook his head, “According to the rumors from the outside, he disappeared after entering the capital.”

“Keep a close eye on Changning,” Empress Dowager Chu ordered.