Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 95

Eunuch Sheng cleared his throat and asked in a low voice, “Have there been any peculiarities with Her Ladyship lately?”

“Peculiarities?”

Zhu Lan and Zhu Xin exchanged a glance, earnestly trying to recall. After a while, they shook their heads. “I wonder what kind of peculiarities does Gonggong refer to?”

Eunuch Sheng furrowed his brow. “From morning to night—breakfast, lunch, dinner, changing clothes, bathing, afternoon rest, and bedtime—has everything been usual for the lady? Don’t overlook minor things; think carefully.”

Zhu Xin pondered carefully. When Eunuch Sheng mentioned bathing, she recalled a detail. She spoke honestly, “Normally, the lady only spends half an hour bathing, and we wait for the bell inside before attending to her. But in the past few days, the time has been unusually long. Last night, I couldn’t hear the bell for a long time, and calling out to her yielded no response… Worried she might have fallen asleep, I took the liberty to open the door, only to find she was lost in thought and hadn’t heard.”

Zhu Lan nodded in agreement.

“Is there anything else?”

“Indeed… there is another matter.” Zhu Lan hesitated as she spoke, “The lady has been consistently experiencing a loss of appetite lately. Occasionally, she even suffers from nausea leading to vomiting, but she forbids us from speaking of it.”

Eunuch Sheng squinted. “Who was consulted about Her Ladyship’s recent pulse readings?” Qin Ling’s favor in the palace was unparalleled. If she had a loss of appetite, Eunuch Sheng couldn’t help but think of the obvious.

Zhu Lan responded, “It was Lord Xu. Yesterday, as I escorted Lord Xu out, I specifically inquired about any signs of pregnancy with Her Ladyship. Lord Xu mentioned that there were no issues with Her Ladyship’s health, and the loss of appetite is part of a gradual adjustment process.”

Eunuch Sheng inquired again, “When did the loss of appetite begin?”

“If I recall correctly, it started around the time after she returned from Mount Qingyu,” Zhu Lan replied.

Mount Qingyu—the day of Count of Cheng’en’s monument unveiling.

“I understand. Be vigilant during these times. If anything arises, send word promptly,” Eunuch Sheng instructed. After a moment’s thought, he added, “Today’s matter must not be mentioned in front of Her Ladyship.”

“We understand, Gonggong,” Zhu Lan and Zhu Xin bowed respectfully.

Upon reaching Yangxin Hall, Eunuch Sheng relayed the situation, stating, “Her Ladyship’s recent lack of appetite is due to excessive worries, perhaps related to Count of Cheng’en’s affair.”

To onlookers, it might seem reasonable for her to grieve and be distressed after her biological father’s passing.

But Xiao Yu knew it was more complicated.

Under Mount Qingyu lie the loyals’ bones. It’s not just Qin Wang there, but also countless soldiers who sacrificed their lives, their bodies lost in the river, along with the Duke of Zhen, Su Jingbei.

He had thought that vindicating the Su family would untie her long-held knot of the heart, but he didn’t expect…

Xiao Yu lowered his gaze, suppressing the faint unease in his heart. Rolling up his sleeves, he wrot,e “Send this letter to the Lingyun Taoist Temple.”

“Understood,” Eunuch Sheng took the letter.

***

Xiao Yu finished handling official matters in the wee hours and proceeded to the Jingren Palace.

As Zhu Xin heard movement, she just lifted her gaze when a deep voice echoed not far away.

“Everyone, withdraw. No need to attend.”

Xiao Yu walked straight into the hall. Inside, only a dim lamp was left aglow. Qin Ling lay curled on the bed, her brows furrowed, clearly not sleeping soundly.

Xiao Yu removed his outer robe, hanging it on the mahogany rack, and slowly lay beside her. His movements were so light, barely audible, yet this slight sound still stirred her awake.

“Your Majesty is up so early?…” Qin Ling’s voice held a hint of drowsiness, yet her hands had already started to uncover the bedding, preparing to put on shoes to assist him in changing clothes.

Xiao Yu grasped her wrist and pulled her closer, speaking softly, “Where are you going? I just came from Yangxin Hall.”

The faint halo of light enveloped her in the chamber. Her dark hair cascaded down, her delicate features pitiable. She sat up, glanced at the window under lowered lashes, and then, smiling slightly, she said, “I must have been half-asleep. I thought it was already dawn.”

Xiao Yu drew her close again, wrapping his arms around her. “Stay, accompany me for a little while longer in sleep.”

Qin Ling softly agreed and lay back down. Xiao Yu gently caressed her slender shoulders, embracing her closer.

The next day, morning light pierced through the mist and entered the inner chamber. Qin Ling slowly lifted her eyelids, squinting against the bright sun, unsure of the time.

As she propped herself up, about to call for someone, she suddenly realized someone was sitting in this warm pavilion!

“Your Majesty?”

Xiao Yu set aside the book in his hand and looked at her. “There’s no morning court today. I’ll dine with you.”

In the palace, since when did the emperor wait for others?

Qin Ling rose and beckoned Zhu Lan to bring water. Just as she finished freshening up, Eunuch Sheng entered the room, saying, “Your Majesty, Your Ladyship, breakfast is prepared.”

At the mention of breakfast, Qin Ling involuntarily started feeling nauseous. She instinctively pressed against her chest.

Xiao Yu noticed her subtle movements but didn’t say much; he just led her to the side hall.

In the palace, the new kitchen maid, Song, was a renowned figure in the culinary world of the capital city. Not only was she skilled in making noodles, but her desserts were also exceptionally good.

Hearing about the zhaoyi’s recent poor appetite and difficulty swallowing food, Song recommended a bowl of sour cabbage noodles to Eunuch Sheng. Despite its unimpressive appearance, the taste was both rich and refreshing, avoiding greasiness.

Eunuch Sheng glanced at the dark-looking sour cabbage noodles, a bit reluctant. “We don’t usually have these types of rustic dishes in the palace.”

Upon hearing this, Song immediately countered, “Don’t judge by appearance! Does Gonggong know why this bowl of sour cabbage noodles from the Song family has been selling for twenty years?”

Frowning, Eunuch Sheng asked, “Is it a unique recipe?”

“That’s one aspect,” Song replied with a smile, lightly drizzling oil over the sour cabbage noodles. Steam rose as the hot oil met the water, and she continued, “Apart from the secret recipe, what the Song family sells also carries the lively atmosphere of the bustling streets.”

“Hmm,” Eunuch Sheng bought her self-praise and promptly brought two bowls of noodles to the zhaoyi’s side.

Surprisingly, this street-style snack did improve Zhaoyi Qin’s appetite.

After the main meal, Eunuch Sheng presented two food boxes. Placing the bowls on the table, he bowed and said, “This tortoise jelly has just been made in the kitchen. It nourishes yin, clears heat, and eliminates dampness. It’s suitable for intake at the end of summer. Your Majesties, please try.”

Finishing his words, Eunuch Sheng sprinkled some lychee honey on top.

The tortoise jelly indeed tasted delicious, melting in the mouth with a subtle medicinal fragrance wrapped in the sweetness of honey. Qin Ling used to adore such sweets, but today, she didn’t feel like having more than a few spoonfuls. After forcing down a few bites, she put the spoon down.

Eunuch Sheng respectfully withdrew from the room.

Xiao Yu leaned in, looking at Qin Ling. “Have you kept that attendant’s attire?”

Qin Ling nodded. “I have. Why do you ask?” Ever since the Su family’s matter was resolved, Qin Ling hadn’t worn that attire again to Yangxin Hall or stepped out of the palace.

Xiao Yu glanced at her and softly said, “Change into it later. I’ll take you out of the palace.”

Qin Ling paused, then asked, “Out of the palace? Today?”

Xiao Yu glanced sideways, questioning, “Do you not want to go?” The notion of leaving the palace might be more enticing to a palace concubine than any sumptuous meal…

Qin Ling inquired, “Where to?”

Detecting her eagerness, Xiao Yu couldn’t help but smile. “Haven’t you always wanted to visit the Lingyun Taoist Temple? Fortunately, the Taoist Master of Lingyun has just returned from a trip. I’ll take you there.”

A glint sparkled in Qin Ling’s eyes, and she immediately went to change her clothes.

With time pressing, they hastened toward their destination. Xiao Yu tightly held the reins, riding swiftly. The wind whistled in their ears, the scenery passing in a blur, creating an illusion like rare pearls and hibiscus flowers. They exited the city gate, traversing barren hills with no vegetation, soon encountering lush, verdant landscapes in the distance.

The Lingyun Taoist Temple was right in front of them.

Situated in Mount Longxia, closest to the capital, the Lingyun Taoist Temple faced north and was divided into four main sections: the shrine, dining hall, living quarters, and gardens.

As they ascended the stone steps, the first sight was the mountain gate—a two-column, three-bay structure with gray tiles.

Beyond the gate stood the shrine—the Five Elements Hall. It was a multi-eaved structure with copper-tiled roofs resembling fish scales, glistening in the sunlight. Near the hall’s corners were carved stones depicting Yin-Yang symbols and adorned with various patterns of algae, sun, moon, stars, and celestial beings. The craftsmanship was exquisite, giving life-like appearances, symbolizing the cycle of life and the transformation into celestial beings.

Qin Ling entered the shrine and asked, “Your Majesty, where is the Taoist Master of Lingyun?” Inside the Five Elements Hall, the space carried an echo.

“He’ll be here soon,” Xiao Yu replied. “Just wait a moment.”

Qin Ling nodded in acknowledgment.

After a while, a young Taoist monk in gray robes approached. “Your Excellencies, the Master has just finished offering incense. Please allow me to guide you.”

The wooden door creaked open.

The Taoist Master stood up to greet them. “I greet Your Majesty… and Your Ladyship.”

Xiao Yu said, “No need for formalities, Taoist Master.”

The young monk closed the door behind them, and the three of them took their seats.

“Why has Your Majesty and Your Ladyship graced us with your presence today?” the Taoist Master inquired.

With time pressing, Qin Ling got straight to the point, “Have you heard of the legend of life and death?”

The Taoist Master Lingyun nodded. “That is natural. I wonder, when Your Ladyship speaks of life and death, are you referring to possession by spirits, reincarnation, or the immortal soul, as the Shakya school teaches?”

Qin Ling glanced at Xiao Yu and whispered, “I’ve read numerous books and came across a belief that the cycle of life and death for individuals is predetermined by fate. Yet, when there’s possession or reincarnation, it disrupts this predetermined fate, bringing about changes and calamities.”

In Qin Ling’s perception, had she not married Xiao Yu, Dantai Yi wouldn’t have become the powerful general, and perhaps the Su family wouldn’t have faced destruction. Similarly, if she hadn’t died, the real Qin family’s eldest daughter might have lived, Qin Suizhi might not have participated in the martial exams, and Qin Wang might not have met his tragic end.

Everything seemed interconnected, and she was subtly implying to him that perhaps she was the origin of all these calamities.

Xiao Yu’s face remained devoid of any extra expression, except for the sharp movement of his Adam’s apple sliding down his throat.

The Taoist Master picked up the conversation. “Although life and death are predestined by karma, in this world, aside from the law of cause and effect, there’s also the law of affinity.”

Frowning, Qin Ling asked, “What is the law of affinity?”

The Taoist Master continued slowly, “Have you observed the streets of the capital during your travels?”

“I have,” Qin Ling confirmed.

“And how does it compare to before?” the Taoist Master inquired.

“Under a wise ruler, the people live in peace and prosperity,” Qin Ling replied.

The Taoist Master smiled and said, “Have you ever considered what would happen today if the wishes of that Imperial Tutor of Qi State had come true?”

The Imperial Tutor of Qi State was known to be ruthless and greedy. If the Qi army had invaded, there would be no place for the Han people in the capital today.

Seeing her stunned, the Taoist Master continued, “The cycle of life and death, the destiny of nations, is the way of the world. Your Ladyship harbors goodwill and creates good karma. There’s no need to dwell on these matters.”