Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 78

The next evening, the various carriages and horses arrived at Mount Li one after another. As soon as they disembarked, there were exclamations of admiration all around. Mount Li was known for its clouds and mountains. Even though it was evening, the mountain had wisps of flowing clouds. Emperor Jiaxuan liked to come to Mount Li because people said that the clouds and mist on Mount Li carried the aura of an emperor.

 

Looking around, there were numerous peaks and beautiful towers on the mountains, with sunlight casting a gentle glow on the glazed tiles of the eaves, creating a shimmering effect.

 

Mount Li is divided into four parts: east, west, south, and north. The palace was built on the flat terrain facing south. The east and west sides were hunting grounds, and this was the place where the hunting and feasting for the Mongolian prince would take place. As for the northern part, it was difficult to build a palace due to the rugged and hilly terrain, so no palace was constructed there.

 

The imperial concubines were situated in the Puning Palace to the south. Its meaning was “peaceful dwelling, joyful occupation, and everlasting tranquillity.”

 

The Puning Palace was adjacent to the Changxi River, covering an area of seventy acres. It was the second largest palace on Mount Li, the largest being the Changning Palace, reserved for the emperor and ministers for handling state affairs and hosting the Mongolian envoy.

 

The Puning Palace was divided into four courtyards representing spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In each courtyard, there was a main hall, and in each hall, there were main rooms and side chambers. The eastern and southern sides were surrounded by water, and behind them were mountains. Curving and winding corridors connected the palace area to various courtyards.

 

Beside the road, flowers and plants adorned the surroundings, with the scenery changing as one walked, and pavilions and towers displaying their unique charm.

 

In reality, when it comes to grandeur of buildings, whether it’s the Mount Li Imperial Villa or the Mounta Qi Imperial Villa, they cannot be compared to the Forbidden City. However, the charm lies in the abundance of birds and animals, the beauty of the mountains and waters, and the natural delights that cannot be found within the red walls of the Forbidden City.

 

The empress dowager and the five concubines arrived at the Chunxi Palace. After the five concubines were seated, the empress dowager promptly ordered Eunuch Zhang to serve tea. Then, she turned to Xiao Yun and said, “After the bumpy journey, Yun’er seems refreshed.”

 

Qin Ling replied, “He slept through the journey and is completely energized now.”

 

Qin Ling playfully poked him from behind. Xiao Yun immediately dismounted and came over to the empress dowager. He clasped his hands together and said, “Grandson pays respects to Imperial Grandmother.”

 

The empress dowager smiled and said, “Well, come closer, let me look at you.”

 

Xiao Yun obediently walked over and was lifted by the empress dowager. He sat on her lap, glancing eagerly at Qin Ling.

 

A child’s eyes cannot hide their feelings. Seeing this, everyone couldn’t help but think: Not only does the eldest prince resemble the Emperor, but his thoughts also bear little difference from the emperor’s. His eyes are fixated only on that face.

 

The empress dowager then turned to Princess Changning and asked, “Changning, while recovering at Mount Li, where were you staying?”

 

Xiao Lianyu smiled and said, “Changning stayed at the Dongli Palace.”

 

“Dongli Palace?” The empress dowager pondered momentarily and said, “Why stay there?”

 

Dongli Palace was considered the most remote part of the Puning Palace.

 

Xiao Lianyu said, “Dongli Palace has hot springs that never run dry, with steaming hot water suitable for recuperation all year round.”

 

The empress dowager nodded and asked, “Are you comfortable staying there?”

 

Xiao Lianyu nodded and said, “The hot springs are very comfortable!”

 

“Indeed, if you weren’t comfortable, you wouldn’t have stayed there for three years without coming down.” The empress dowager teased her, saying, “In that case, you can continue staying at Dongli Palace.”

 

Xiao Lianyu smiled. “Thank you, Mother.”

 

The empress dowager then turned to Qin Ling and said, “Yun’er is not yet at the age for horseback riding and hunting, but learning to shoot a small bow with Princess Changning is also good. Aijia remembers there’s a study and a hunting pavilion in Dongli Palace. You can stay there with the Princess Changning.”

 

Qin Ling replied, “Chenqie thanks the empress dowager for her grace.”

 

The empress dowager made a sound of acknowledgement and looked at the others, saying, “Consort Liu and Consort Xue will stay with Aijia at Chunxi Palace. Shuyi Xu and Shuyi He will stay at Xiaoyi Palace. As for Qiuming Palace, it will remain vacant for now.”

 

Remain vacant.

One couldn’t help but ponder over these words.

 

Everyone knew that this Mongolian envoy came with beautiful women, and if the emperor chose anyone and favored them, they could move into Qiuming Palace.

 

All the concubines stood up and said, “We thank the empress dowager for her grace.”

 

Empress Dowager Chu added, “Tutor Yao couldn’t accompany the expedition due to his age. Aijia has discussed this matter with the emperor. Although this is a hunting trip, the eldest prince cannot neglect his studies. Minister Huai will temporarily oversee the eldest prince’s studies.”

 

Upon hearing this, Xiao Lianyu tightly clenched her fists.

 

The empress dowager patted Xiao Lianyu’s shoulder and said, “Changning, do you remember what I told you before?”

 

Xiao Lianyu replied, “Rest assured, Mother.”

 

Empress Dowager Chu smiled. “Very well, it’s not early. You all should go back and rest.”

 

Upon hearing about resting, Xiao Yun hurriedly prepared to leave.

 

As everyone left Chunxi Palace, the empress dowager held Eunuch Zhang’s hand and turned to return to her sleeping quarters. Inside the hall, the lights were lit. Empress Dowager Chu rubbed her neck.

 

Eunuch Zhang immediately went behind her, placing his fingertips on her temple and gently applying pressure.

 

Eunuch Zhang bowed and whispered, “There is currently no unusual activity around Princess Changning. Her relationship with that Fu family young man seems genuine, not a pretense.”

 

Empress Dowager Chu frowned and asked, “What do you mean?”

 

“This servant investigated and found that Fu Xun was indeed at Mount Li three years ago,” he continued. “The Imperial Guards patrol every hall of Puning Palace. If Su Huai’an were hiding here, it’s highly unlikely there would be no disturbance.”

 

Empress Dowager Chu narrowed her eyes and said, “Continue to watch her, especially at night. Keep a close eye.”

 

Eunuch Zhang remained silent for a while before speaking, “There is another matter I must inform Your Ladyship.”

 

“What is it?” Empress Dowager Chu inquired.

 

“It’s about the account books. The Xue and Mu families are becoming restless,” Eunuch Zhang reported.

 

Empress Dowager Chu twirled the prayer beads in her hand and said, “Send a message to the Chu family; there’s no need to panic.”

 

Eunuch Zhang responded, “If these account books end up in the hands of His Majesty and he possesses the evidence, blaming the Chu family, what should we do?”

 

Empress Dowager Chu replied, “In the first year of Yanxi, sixty thousand soldiers perished on the battlefield with no remains left. Even today, the grievances of the people have not dissipated. If the common people of Great Zhou come to know that there are traitors within the six ministries, collaborating with enemy states, where will the emperor’s authority stand? Even if the emperor investigates this matter, it won’t escalate.”

 

“This servant is foolish… there’s something he doesn’t understand.”

 

“Speak.”

 

Eunuch Zhang said, “After so many years, why did Su Huai’an specifically choose to return to the capital at this time?”

 

“The Su family’s treason is undeniable, but his status as the legitimate eldest son born to Madam Su is also undeniable. What exactly is Su Huai’an planning? Whom does he intend to befriend? No one knows. But this man must not be spared. The account books can be buried, but the individuals are alive. If the emperor gets hold of these account books first, will he spare the noble families?” Empress Dowager Chu said slowly and deliberately.

 

Eunuch Zhang nodded, “The Chu family is different from others. To His Majesty, Your Ladyship is indeed a benefactor.”

 

Empress Dowager Chu’s lips curled coldly.

A benefactor?

 

***

 

Around the Mount Li Imperial Villa, lanterns were already lit, lining up along the eaves. A team of Imperial Bodyguards stood below the surrounding walls.

 

Qin Ling led Xiao Yun back to their residence. Just as they reached the gate, they heard a soft voice, “Ah Ling.”

 

Qin Ling turned back to look—

Qin Suizhi was standing before her.

 

“Brother! What are you doing here?”

 

Qin Suizhi made a hushing gesture and smiled, saying, “I got permission from Commander Lu to switch shifts to come here.” Then he addressed Xiao Yun, “Greetings to Your Highness.”

 

Xiao Yun furrowed his brow, considering for a moment. If his mother referred to him as ‘brother,’ wouldn’t that make this man his uncle? Xiao Yun tugged at Qin Ling’s hand and asked, “Mom, is this my uncle?”

 

Qin Ling was just thinking about explaining when she saw Qin Suizhi crouch down, looking at Xiao Yun and saying, “To Your Highness, I am a humble subject.”

 

A four-year-old child doesn’t grasp complexities, but in his eyes, anyone around his mother was a good person.

Father, the consort dowager, the maids, Momo—they were all good.

 

Xiao Yun stepped forward, held Qin Suizhi’s shoulder formally, and said, “No need for formalities.”

 

Qin Ling couldn’t help but smile.

 

She looked at Qin Suizhi’s thin clothes and said, “The temperature fluctuates greatly on the mountain day and night. Why aren’t you wearing a fur cloak?”

 

Receiving his little sister’s concern, the young lad, as handsome as a jade crown, couldn’t help but reveal a row of neat white teeth. He immediately responded, “Don’t worry, my lady. I’ll put on the fur cloak in a moment.”

 

“Will you be stationed here these days, Brother?”

 

Qin Suizhi nodded quietly and whispered, “Go into the house, my lady. I’ll be right here; if you need anything, throw a pebble, and I’ll come to you.”

 

Qin Ling nodded and looked at his freezing red hands, quickly handing him the hand warmer.

 

“I’m not cold!”

 

“Take it!”

 

“I’m not cold! You take it!”

 

“Tsk! Will you take it or not?”

 

“I’ll take it, I’ll take it.” Qin Suizhi accepted the pale purple hand warmer, then smiled and said, “Oh, by the way, Dad is also coming to Mount Li this time. He asked me to tell you it will rain today, so remember to take an umbrella when you go out.”

 

Qin Ling looked at his smile and was momentarily stunned.

Dad.

Yes, Qin Suizhi still didn’t know anything yet.

 

She felt an instinctive closeness to Qin Suizhi.

 

In her memories, Wen Shuanghua was infatuated with love, and Qin Wang had eyes only for Jiang Lanyue. Qin Suizhi was like a brother and a father to her. Even when she had her first period as a young girl, she spoke to Qin Suizhi first in her panic.

 

At nineteen, the young lord was not yet married and didn’t frequent places of entertainment, so how could he understand such matters? He instinctively thought she was seriously ill and rushed to find a doctor. His legs wouldn’t cooperate, and he often stumbled along the way. His entire body was bruised, looking like he had been beaten.

 

Yet, he held her hand and said, “Ah Ling, as long as you’re okay… as long as you’re okay…”

 

There were many such instances.

 

For example, when she came of age, the jewelry and accessories were all personally arranged by Qin Suizhi. Coming of age for a young girl was a significant event, but due to Qin Wang’s integrity, he didn’t want to make a big fuss. However, Qin Suizhi couldn’t bear to see his sister suffer even a bit.

 

In the end, Madam Qi, who held the highest status in Qian’an, came to preside over the coming-of-age ceremony. 

 

There were countless instances like this…

 

But at this moment, she suddenly felt she was letting him down. How could she be like a disaster?

 

Qin Ling’s eyes turned red, and Qin Suizhi immediately panicked. He quickly took a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her, whispering, “Did something happen?”

 

Qin Ling took it, wiped her tears, and smiled, saying, “It’s nothing. It’s just that seeing my brother here, I felt a surge of emotions…”

 

Qin Suizhi looked at the handkerchief and hesitated to speak. After a moment, he said, “Ah Ling, I can’t stay long. I have to go on duty. How about I come to accompany you tomorrow night?”

 

Qin Ling clutched the handkerchief and nodded.

 

Qin Ling returned to her room and dismissed the servants. The emotions she had suppressed burst forth immediately. If it weren’t for her becoming a palace consort, if she hadn’t encouraged Qin Suizhi to pursue martial arts, the Wen family’s business would still be in Qin Suizhi’s hands, and Qin Wang wouldn’t have died. 

 

Xiao Yun was anxious beside her. He climbed onto the bed and grabbed Qin Ling’s clothes. “Mom.”

 

Qin Ling said, “It’s nothing.”

 

Xiao Yun turned around and noticed a bunch of grapes on the table. His eyes lit up, and he shifted his position, standing on the floor. He plucked the grapes, just like his aunt had—first peeled off the skin, then removed the seeds. He then cradled the green and juicy pulp and offered it to Qin Ling.

 

Qin Ling was taken aback.

 

Xiao Yun earnestly said, “It’s sweet.”

 

Qin Ling slightly opened her mouth, and Xiao Yun fed her.

 

Xiao Yun extended his sticky, chubby hand and wiped Qin Ling’s tears. “Mom, don’t cry…”

 

She couldn’t cry in front of the child. Taking a deep breath, she said, “I’m fine.”

 

As she spoke, she watched Xiao Yun wipe the remaining fruit juice on his hands all over her. Qin Ling raised an eyebrow and quickly lifted him, taking him to wash.

 

After coaxing Xiao Yun to sleep, footsteps echoing with a sense of oppression filled the room.