Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 81

The drunken man felt as heavy as stone. 

“Ah Ling, water.”

Qin Ling pushed his chest. “How can I fetch you water if you’re pressing me down like this.” When Xiao Yu lifted his body slightly, Qin Ling quickly rose. As she walked over to the side table, she lifted a cup of water and handed it to him, saying, “Drink slowly.”

Xiao Yu didn’t even take the cup, letting Qin Ling feed him instead. Despite his drunkenness, he was still mischievous.

She looked at him and sighed in resignation. His drunken demeanor hadn’t changed. She remembered the 18th year of Yongchang when, on the eve of his ascension to the throne, the aides and Marquis of Chunnan poured strong liquor into his cup at Prince Jin Mansion. He got so drunk that he caused a ruckus with her for half the night, leaving her with bruises in uncomfortable places.

The next day, she complained to him, but he just smiled and said, “Why are you so silly? Why didn’t you hide?”

… …

When Qin Ling placed the empty cup and turned around, completely defenseless, Xiao Yu picked her up, carrying her back to the bed.

Qin Ling gasped in surprise.

Xiao Yu leaned down and rubbed her nose using his, a hint of wickedness in his smile. Qin Ling’s body stiffened instantly.

Xiao Yu touched her with his eyes closed, kneading her like dough. Qin Ling couldn’t help but push him away, saying, “Your Majesty, aren’t you going to bed early in your drunken state?”

Xiao Yu ignored her words, enjoying the sensation of her skin, smoother than tofu. He continued to nibble on her neck, biting her delicate collarbone. He behaved as if he was about to devour her. After a while, he released her collarbone and began to suck on her earlobe, with the smell of alcohol making its way into her ear. She couldn’t help but try to escape, but the more she resisted, the stronger his grip became, all the while wearing a slight, mischievous smile.

Qin Ling instantly thought of what Si Yue had told her: when men engage in intimate matters, they aren’t afraid of struggles or cries. Once desire takes over, resistance and compliance are the same. So, she decided not to resist.

And indeed, when she lay still, the man loosened his grip and gently kissed her cheek, furrowing his brow and asking, “What’s wrong?”

Qin Ling softened her voice, sounding just like she did when talking to Xiao Yun, “Your Majesty, if you drink too much today, you’ll feel uncomfortable tomorrow. I will bring some hangover soup soon. How does that sound?”

Xiao Yu watched her lips move, feeling a warm sensation in his heart. He let out a low “Hmm,” and asked, “How long will it be?”

Qin Ling replied, “Not long.”

Xiao Yu released the slippery fish in his hand.

Qin Ling quickly straightened her clothes, pushed the door open, and said to Eunuch Sheng, “His Majesty is drunk. Could you please bring a bowl of hangover soup for him?”

Eunuch Sheng bowed and said, “I have already given the order, and it will be delivered shortly.”

The newly employed eunuch couldn’t help but think, “Truly, Eunuch Sheng lives up to his reputation. He always thinks of everything.”

The night breeze was chilly, and not half an hour later, two palace maids slowly made their way towards Dongli Palace. One of them carried a sheep-horn lantern, and the other held a food box.

Eunuch Sheng opened the food box, tested it with a silver needle, and then handed it to Qin Ling. Upon returning to the chamber, Qin Ling found that Xiao Yu was already fast asleep. His breathing was heavy, almost like snoring, but not quite. After some thought, she placed the hangover soup aside and decided not to wake him. Sometimes, a good night’s sleep is better than drinking hangover soup.

Xiao Yu was tall, and he wasn’t light. His drunkenness made it even harder to attend to him. After removing his crown and clothes, her forehead was already filled with beads of sweat.

Qin Ling turned to the cleansing chamber, bathed, and changed into fresh clothes. It was only at the period of hai (around 9-11 PM) that she finally lay back beside him. Just as she was about to close her eyes, he embraced her. He didn’t act insane this time; he simply held her.

The surroundings were silent, and only his voice suddenly sounded from behind, “I want to name you the empress…” He caressed her lower abdomen and whispered, “Ah Ling, please give me another child…” He nuzzled her shoulder with his chin, and the warm breath brushed against her fair neck. “That contraceptive incense. Can you… stop using it?”

Qin Ling’s hands clenched into fists as soon as he finished speaking. The breathing behind her gradually became steady, as if all that had been said moments ago were just drunken ramblings.

***

According to ancestral customs, a ceremonial offering to the heavens and ancestors must occur before the hunting expedition. The Ministry of Rites, the Honglu Temple, and the Bureau of State Ceremonies had already prepared the ritual offerings, sacrificial vessels, livestock, fruits, vegetables, and wine, among other items, well before sunset.

The sequence of rituals, which included welcoming the deities, presenting jade and silk, offering sacrificial food, and presenting gifts and offerings, constituted the opening ceremony for the hunting expedition.

For the sake of etiquette, the grandstand constructed by the Ministry of Works was even more magnificent than in the 18th year of the Yongchang era. The seating arrangement remained the same, with the emperor sitting in the highest position. To his left were noble officials and Mongol envoys, while to his right sat the empress dowager, concubines, princesses, and other female relatives.

After noon, the sunlight became gentler, the wind milder, and birds chirped from the treetops. Drums sounded, and the Ministry of War released the hawks. Xiao Yu picked up the sacred bow presented by Eunuch Sheng, fitted an arrow, drew it back to a perfect half-moon shape, and released it with a sharp twang, breaking the air and striking down the first hawk of the day.

It was a bullseye.

Xiao Yu announced loudly, “Let the event begin!”

The drums changed their rhythm, and the whip cracked, signaling the start of the celebration. Following last night’s banquet, Princess Baoyin had formally positioned herself as one of his consorts. It seemed like she had all the stars in her eyes as she gazed at Xiao Yu. She stared at the bow in the Great Zhou’s emperor’s hand and estimated it to have a draw weight of at least seven stone. Meanwhile, she could only manage a two-stone draw weight. Thinking of this, she couldn’t help but glance at his arms. They must be powerful. Indeed, he was a monarch who had personally guarded his country’s gate.

On the first day of the event, there was no competition; it was a day for spectating. “Spectating” meant jointly enjoying the dance performances of both nations. There were Great Zhou’s qin music, Mongolian wrestling, and Mongolian music, among others.

Princess Baoyin took a sip of water and raised her gaze to Xiao Yu. “Your Majesty, Baoyin has a proposal.”

Xiao Yu looked at her and said, “Princess Baoyin, please go ahead.”

When she heard him address her by her name, a slight smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “Baoyin has heard that your country has always valued equestrian and archery skills. May I invite the ladies to have a friendly competition?”

Her words were laced with a hint of challenge.

No matter how much the consorts may not get along behind closed doors, it was at least when the harem’s doors were shut. Now, the Mongolian girl had issued an open challenge, and if there were no response, it would indeed damage the nation’s prestige. Empress Dowager Chu couldn’t help but glance at the five consorts, and… without the former empress, none of them looked like they knew equestrian or archery.

In this awkward moment, Shuyi Xu stood up and said, “I am willing to try it.”

Empress Dowager Chu was surprised. “Oh? Shuyi Xu, do you happen to know equestrian skills?”

Shuyi Xu glanced at Xiao Yu and replied, “I have some knowledge of it.”

Consort Liu looked at Shuyi Xu and couldn’t help but think: “Some knowledge,” indeed. She must have learned it in secret for a while.

Xiao Yu said, “Go ahead.”

Princess Baoyin glanced at Shuyi Xu’s delicate figure and laughed softly; it was clear she didn’t take her seriously at all. She simply wanted to showcase herself in front of the man she favored and didn’t care who her opponent was. She smiled and said, “Baoyin will pick a bow together with Shuyi.”

Shuyi Xu forced a smile and nodded.

After they left, Empress Dowager Chu looked at Changning, who remained silent and turned to Eunuch Zhang. “Summon the imperial son-in-law. Aijia has something to discuss with him.”

Changning was still as silent as before…

After a while, Su Huai’an arrived at the front of the assembly, following Eunuch Zhang. He saluted each person before finally arriving before Xiao Lianyu. He bowed to her, “This official greets the princess.”

Changning was momentarily stunned.

Looking at him with his head bowed, she was suddenly reminded of the day she first met Su Huai’an. Through countless years, it seemed she could never forget. In the 18th year of the Yongchang era, he had approached her just like this, saying, “This official greets the princess.”

A single thought stirred, and a storm arose…

Princess Changning remained silent for a long time. The empress dowager thought she disliked the imperial son-in-law’s presence in public. She furrowed her brow and berated, “Changning!”

Xiao Lianyu came to her senses only then and looked at Su Huai’an. “No need for formalities.”

The empress dowager said, “Quick. Grant him a seat.”

Su Huai’an sat before Xiao Lianyu, waiting to serve her tea.

Below, the competition between Shuyi Xu and Princess Baoyin was lively. Princess Baoyin was in the lead when Eunuch Sheng suddenly arrived with a report. “Your Majesty, the celestial calendar prepared by Grand Scribe Qin is ready. He is awaiting an audience.”

Qin Wang.

Qin Ling and Su Huai’an exchanged a knowing glance in the air, then quickly averted their gazes. Xiao Yu smiled and said, “Let him come.”

… …

At the far end of the viewing platform on the left, the Imperial Bodyguards were searching Qin Wang’s body. While fifth-ranked officials were common in the capital, the position of grand scribe was rather rare. After examining his sleeves, the guards respectfully said, “Grand Scribe Qin, please proceed.”

Qin Wang walked with steady steps. Qin Ling eagerly looked in his direction, her eyes filled with anticipation.

“I pay my respects to Your Majesty,” Qin Wang bowed and said.

“No need for formalities,” Xiao Yu replied.

Qin Wang presented the celestial calendar and astrological chart in his hands, saying, “The rainy season has passed, and the next few days are the most suitable for the hunting expedition. I hope Your Majesty will make a decision.”

Xiao Yu took a pen, marked two red dots on the chart, then handed it back to Qin Wang, saying, “Please be seated.”

In theory, a fifth-ranked grand scribe, who kept records of celestial events and natural disasters, was not entitled to a seat. However, with Qin Ling being the beloved consort of the harem, Qin Wang’s position also became exceptional.

Qin Wang said, “Thank you, Your Majesty,” and took his seat. He then turned a fatherly gaze toward Qin Ling. Holding her child in her arms, Qin Ling looked back at him.

At that moment, Xiao Yun, who had been dozing off, suddenly became alert. He stretched his arms and legs and sat up, turning to follow Qin Ling’s gaze to look at Qin Wang. Their eyes met, and Xiao Yun offered Qin Wang a friendly smile, prompting Qin Wang to blink in response.

Xiao Yun bounced around in Qin Ling’s arms and pointed to the distance. “Consort Mother, is that a kite?”