Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 77

On the 18th of the fifth month, a grand procession of soldiers and horses set off from the Forbidden City toward Mount Li Imperial Villa. Ministers and important officials from the imperial court accompanied the emperor to attend to state affairs, and the imperial harem also followed. 

This journey went smoothly, thanks to the extravagance during the Yongchang era. Emperor Jiaxuan had a fondness for hunting and would visit the Imperial Villa every other year, leading to the construction of numerous royal roads and palaces along the way, ensuring comfortable accommodations and rest during the journey.

The Imperial Bodyguards led the way, followed by the emperor, empress dowager, imperial concubines, and princesses in their respective carriages.

Around noon, under the bright sun, the march was bustling with activity, and the carriages of the imperial concubines made rustling sounds.

Shuyi Xu’s face turned pale as she clutched her chest, dry heaving several times.

Chang Zhi, her attendant, said, “Should this servant summon the accompanying imperial physician?”

Shuyi Xu waved her hand and said, “Not even the empress dowager has called for the imperial physician. What’s the point in calling now?”

Chang Zhi remarked, “Master, your complexion is quite poor.”

Shuyi Xu responded, “It’s alright; we’ll arrive in another day. I’ll just endure a little longer.”

Chang Zhi, teary-eyed, looked at her and whispered, “This servant truly pities you, Master.” Before entering the palace, Xu Lanzhi had been adored by the masses, even within the Xu family.

Shuyi Xu patted her hand and softly said, “Get me some more water.”

Chang Zhi watched her mistress sipping water with lowered eyes and couldn’t help but say softly, “This servant has something important to say.”

Xu Lanzhi held the water bag and whispered, “The entire surroundings are filled with the Imperial Bodyguards. Please speak softly.”

Chang Zhi whispered to Xu Lanzhi, “During this hunting expedition, Master should seize the opportunity to make an impression in front of His Majesty. Look at Zhaoyi Qin; a single favor has elevated the entire Qin family in His Majesty’s eyes. If this continues, where will there be a place for Master once she becomes pregnant?”

At this, Xu Lanzhi couldn’t help but sigh. Before entering the palace, her mother had mentioned that His Majesty might entrust the eldest prince to her care in due time. Now, it seemed that opportunity had slipped away.

Chang Zhi continued, “Master is known as the most talented in the capital, excelling in music, qi, painting, martial arts, and archery. Who can surpass you in these aspects?”

“While that’s true, His Majesty and the empress dowager must grant such opportunities,” Xu Lanzhi responded. She remembered her father’s words, “In the first year of Yanxi, the emperor personally guarded the nation’s gates, displaying his might and grandeur. If you want His Majesty’s genuine favor, you must cater to his preferences. Simply engaging in music, chess, and painting won’t suffice.”

For this reason, she dedicated two full years to mastering archery.

Chang Zhi added, “During this banquet, countless important figures are present. Perhaps there’s a chance to create an opportunity. Master, consider this: who did the second Mongolian prince bring along?”

Upon hearing this, Xu Lanzhi fell into contemplation. The second Mongolian prince had come with his younger sister, a precious jewel to the Mongolian Khan. The implications were clear.

She knew she was falling out of favor. If new members entered the imperial harem, she feared that the emperor would even forget her appearance over time.

Xu Lanzhi responded, “Understood.”

Meanwhile, concerning the Mongolian diplomatic mission, Qin Yue, who was by Consort Xue’s side, was also discussing the matter.

Consort Xue rested with her eyes closed as Qing Yue massaged her shoulders, asking, “What is on your mind, Your Ladyship?”

Consort Xue furrowed her brow and waved her hand, saying, “My elder brother sent a message advising me not to upset His Majesty recently and to observe the situation calmly.”

“Very well, you should rest a while too.” Qing Yue nodded and fanned Consort Xue.

Consort Xue suddenly sat up as she fanned and scoffed, “What’s the big deal with these foreign women? Can’t they find suitable matches where they come from?” Before Qing Yue could respond, Consort Xue continued, “Well, whether they are Mongolian beauties or Goryeo maidens, His Majesty will favor whomever he pleases. What we should worry about is the position of favor.”

On the other hand, on the person in favor’s side——

Qin Ling leaned on her hand, glancing sideways outside the carriage. The gentle breeze caressed her face, exceptionally pleasant.

The eldest prince was asleep on her lap, occasionally making faint “hmm” sounds.

Zhu Xin chuckled and said, “This servant has prepared several types of fruits, fearing His Highness might feel nauseous during the carriage ride. But His Highness seems fine, falling asleep as soon as he gets on. It’s quite convenient for us.”

Qin Ling asked, “What time is it now?”

Zhu Xin replied, “It’s approximately past noon, I suppose…”

“We should wake him up, or he won’t be able to sleep tonight.”

Qin Ling lowered her head and glanced at Xiao Yun’s belly, using her hand to pat it gently. “Yun’er, wake up.”

She called, but he didn’t wake, just nuzzled against her.

Xiao Yun slept in circles, and Qin Ling watched him turn around twice.

Qin Ling sighed helplessly, pinched Xiao Yun’s armpits, and lifted the little dumpling straight up. The carriage bumped, and the little bundle of flesh swayed and wobbled. Xiao Yun, with a dazed look, glanced at Qin Ling. 

Then he slowly closed his eyes.

Qin Ling looked at this comical sight and chuckled. Was he so tired that he could sleep even while standing?

She whispered in his ear, “Still sleeping? His Majesty will be here soon.”

As the words fell, the little dumpling was startled as if struck by lightning, his chubby face frozen in surprise. His round eyes widened instantly.

Qin Ling pinched his cheeks and burst into laughter. With the emperor approaching, it seemed like a wolf was coming.

At that moment, Qin Ling heard the sound of hooves approaching. She turned around and saw Princess Changning pulling the reins tightly.

Princess Changning dismounted and said to the horse attendants, “Stop for a moment.” The attendants immediately halted the carriage.

Xiao Lianyu lifted the carriage curtain and peeked inside, asking, “My lady, do you have space for Changning here?”

Qin Ling said, “Of course, Grand Princess, come in quickly.”

Princess Changning smiled and sat beside Qin Ling. With her left hand supporting the side of the carriage, she leaned over and looked at Xiao Yun with a smile, “Why are you just standing there? Call Auntie.”

This Princess Changning had always been like this—elegant in demeanor yet lazy and unrestrained in character, never fond of adhering to formalities.

Xiao Yun hesitated momentarily, stood upright, and bowed, “Greetings, Auntie.”

Xiao Lianyu suddenly procured a bunch of grapes and smiled, saying, “Hmm, good. Call me one more time.”

Xiao Yun glanced at Qin Ling, seeing no intention from his mother to rescue him, so he reluctantly bowed again and said, “Auntie.”

The sweet and childish “Auntie” was truly endearing. Xiao Lianyu hugged the eldest prince directly, weighing him in her arms, and said to Qin Ling, “He seems heavier than last time.”

Qin Ling replied, “Indeed, he’s a bit heavier but also taller.”

Xiao Lianyu nodded and smiled, “At three and a half years old, he’s in the rapid growth phase.”

After speaking, she pinched Xiao Yun’s cheek and said softly, “Auntie will feed you grapes, okay?”

Xiao Yun shook his head, “Thank you, Auntie, but I can eat by myself.”

Xiao Lianyu didn’t hesitate and skillfully peeled the grape, removed the seeds, and held it up to his mouth. “Eat.”

After hesitating, Xiao Yun slowly opened his mouth and took a bite.

Xiao Lianyu patiently peeled another one, and Xiao Yun found it delicious—sweet and sour. He opened his mouth for another bite.

“What a good boy.”

After amusing the child, Xiao Lianyu wiped her hands and glanced outside, then turned to Qin Ling, saying, “At this rate, we should arrive early tomorrow morning. It would be better for Your Ladyship to stay close to me.”

Qin Ling replied, “That will depend on the empress dowager.”

Xiao Lianyu smiled, her almond-shaped eyes curved, “Having stayed in Mount Li for three years, many beautiful spots are nearby. When we arrive, you can join me to enjoy the scenery.”

Xiao Lianyu had a delicate countenance, but she exuded a subtle charm and allure, like a fox spirit untouched by the human world within the mountains and forests. Coupled with her sweet and naturally gentle voice, it was hard to refuse even the most unreasonable requests when she spoke.

No wonder Su Huai’an, known for his aloofness, would bow in her presence.

Qin Ling nodded. “Alright.”

As they were discussing, they suddenly heard the sharp voice of a eunuch, “Is Princess Changning here?”

A shadow crossed Xiao Lianyu’s eyes. It was the voice of Eunuch Zhang. She turned and lifted the curtain, asking, “Is it Mother looking for me?”

Eunuch Zhang smiled with folded hands, “Indeed.”

Xiao Lianyu stepped down from the carriage.

In no time, she arrived at the empress dowager’s carriage and asked, “Mother, do you need something?”

Empress Dowager Chu had a stern expression. “Changning, come here. Aijia has something to ask you.”

Xiao Lianyu smiled, “Why is Mother so serious?”

Empress Dowager Chu asked sternly, “What’s the matter with you and a guard?”

Xiao Lianyu’s cheeks reddened slightly as she responded, “Has Mother heard something?”

“It’s more than just hearing!” Empress Dowager Chu said angrily. “Changning, you can usually act recklessly, but the prince consort is here during this hunting expedition. Why were you in the same carriage as a guard?”

After hesitating, Xiao Lianyu finally said, “Changning truly likes him, Mother. I don’t want to marry someone I don’t love.”

“Fu Xun from the Fu family holds no title or position. How can he be a match for you?” Empress Dowager Chu continued, “Furthermore, you chose the prince consort yourself, and your marriage was granted by imperial decree. How can you say you won’t marry him?”

Xiao Lianyu lowered her head and bit her lip.

Empress Dowager Chu squinted at her, “You were foolish four years ago. I considered your young age then. If you make a foolish mistake again today, don’t blame me for taking action.”

Tears rose in Xiao Lianyu’s eyes, and she choked out, “Changning understands.”

The moonlight was deep; Xiao Lianyu left.

Eunuch Zhang whispered, “Could Princess Changning really have feelings for Fu Xun from the Fu family?”

Empress Dowager Chu squinted, “Keep a close eye on her. I want to know if her relationship with the guard is genuine. She’s willing to disregard her reputation to cancel this marriage.”