Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 99

It’s that time of the year when the greenery fades in mist, and the falling leaves announce the arrival of autumn. The weather grew colder daily, yet the empress dowager seemed to be gradually improving.

The chilly autumn wind whispered, bringing a coolness to the curtains.

Today was the empress dowager’s first audience after returning from Mount Li. All the concubines attended solemnly, dressed in plain attire devoid of bright colors, as simple as fresh lotus leaves.

Before the sky fully brightened, they gathered at the gates of the Cining Palace.

The five concubines respectfully exchanged greetings, the same gestures and concerns, but their gazes and tones clearly differed from a year ago. Some sharpness faded, replaced by harmony. To say they didn’t envy Zhaoyi Qin’s favor was false, yet their ambitions for favor were notably diminished.

These concubines were all from prestigious families; none were naive. Why would the emperor elevate the entire Qin family? They all had their suspicions.

In essence, no one would challenge the emperor’s choice.

Soon after, Eunuch Zhang led the five concubines into the inner hall.

The empress dowager reclined on her couch, dressed in simple silk, visibly paler than before. Despite just entering autumn, she held a hand warmer wrapped in soft silk.

“We respectfully greet the empress dowager and wish her enduring health and peace.” The five concubines simultaneously bowed.

“The formalities are unnecessary, please, all of you, take a seat.”

The empress dowager sipped her tea and rubbed her temples. Seeing this, Consort Liu immediately stood, expressing concern, “Your Ladyship, if you’re unwell and yet haven’t called for us to attend to you, it weighs heavily on our hearts.”

The empress dowager chuckled, “You’ve managed the harem so efficiently, which has alleviated my worries.”

Consort Xu timely continued the conversation. Servants presented a jar of Buddha-shaped sweets, followed by handwritten Buddhist scriptures from Consorts Xue, Liu, and Qin, while Consort He embroidered a scripture scroll.

After receiving the tokens of goodwill from each palace, the empress dowager relaxed, shifting the discussion to the expenses for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival banquet. After the official matters, she glanced at Eunuch Zhang, remarking, “Oh, remember to distribute the lychees sent by the Guanglu Temple to all the palaces later.”

Eunuch Zhang promptly acknowledged her instructions.

“These lychees were sent swiftly from Sichuan by express, with red shells like fire and white flesh like snow, exquisitely sweet and delightful. They’re at their freshest now, so make sure to enjoy them soon; otherwise, their taste will change within two days.”

“We thank the empress dowager for her gracious gift.” The consorts stood up to express their gratitude.

Speaking of lychees, they are indeed a seasonal delicacy; something one can enjoy only once or twice during this time. As they’re unavailable locally, they must be swiftly delivered by express. Ordinary households couldn’t afford them; they were more of a sporadic gift for the empress dowager and the emperor.

After the empress dowager finished speaking, seeming somewhat fatigued, and since the consorts weren’t troublesome individuals, they promptly excused themselves. Just as Zhaoyi Qin finished her courtesy and before she turned away, she heard the empress dowager speak from behind:

“Zhaoyi Qin, please stay.”

Qin Ling’s heart skipped a beat, suppressing her unease as she responded, “Yes.”

Empress Dowager Chu kept her behind without speaking, reclining in her chair as if resting. Qin Ling stood by, offering tea, and said, “Your Ladyship, please have some.”

Empress Dowager Chu didn’t acknowledge it.

Qin Ling sensed the empress dowager’s displeasure and assumed she wanted to keep her waiting, so she remained silent and attentive. Eunuch Zhang, observing nearby, couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—not just for Zhaoyi Qin’s shrewdness but also for her impeccable demeanor and etiquette. Despite holding the posture for so long, she didn’t falter.

After a long silence, Empress Dowager Chu finally took the teacup, had a sip, and remarked casually, “The Buddhist scriptures you copied earlier were written quite well.”

“Your praise is too kind.” With that, Qin Ling tightened her skirt and knelt straight down.

“What is this for?”

Qin Ling bowed respectfully, lowered her gaze, and softly said, “Since returning from Mount Li, I’ve wanted to apologize to the empress dowager, but I was afraid of disturbing your tranquility. Fortunately, today presented an opportunity.”

Qin Ling was perceptive. She knew that with someone like the empress dowager, who had experienced two dynasties, trying to win her over with etiquette and rituals wouldn’t work. It was better to show some humility proactively.

Empress Dowager Chu tightened her grip on the cup and asked, “Mount Li? His Majesty praised your significant achievements there. What wrong are you apologizing for?”

“No matter the reason, even if it was urgent, I should not have opposed the empress dowager that day.” Qin Ling remained kneeling, speaking slowly and respectfully, “I ask the empress dowager to punish me.”

At these words, Eunuch Zhang raised an eyebrow involuntarily. Zhaoyi Qin’s demeanor upon entering the palace, modest and obedient, now seemed nothing more than a facade.

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager Chu suddenly smiled, “Punish you? But I never blamed you, Zhang Chuan, help the zhaoyi up.”

Eunuch Zhang promptly moved to assist Qin Ling to stand.

Qin Ling continued to serve the empress dowager in the Cining Palace for a while. After she left, Eunuch Zhang approached the empress dowager and began gently massaging her temples. Empress Dowager Chu murmured with closed eyes, “If things continue like this, once she’s expecting, the emperor will grant her the title of empress.”

Pressing on his throat, Eunuch Zhang responded, “The zhaoyi is scheming deeply. That huge fire at Mount Li still haunts me.”

Empress Dowager Chu sighed heavily, “Send a sealed letter to the Chu family and ask Ah Ying to come to the palace. We can’t delay any longer.”

Eunuch Zhang paused, then rose to comply.

“Wait,” the empress dowager called out to him.

“What further instructions does the empress dowager have?” Eunuch Zhang bowed.

“I heard Xue Xiangyang has left the capital. Where did he go exactly?”

Eunuch Zhang hastily replied, “The information from the Ministry of Justice is becoming stricter. Rumors suggest he went to the Jiangnan region.”

Empress Dowager Chu caressed the hand warmer gently, asking, “Indeed, the south?”

Eunuch Zhang lowered his head and responded, “Two sources confirm it’s the south.”

Empress Dowager Chu sighed deeply, her shoulders slightly relaxing, but she continued, “I’ve been restless these past few days, feeling unsettled about the Chu family’s matters…”

“Your Ladyship is thoughtful,” Eunuch Zhang chuckled. “Throughout history, filial piety governs the world. If His Majesty takes action against the Chu family, how will history judge it?”

Empress Dowager Chu gazed out the window as a flurry of yellow leaves spun and fell with the wind. She sighed, “Let’s hope for the best…”

On the twentieth of the seventh month, darkness enveloped the sky, storm clouds churned, and the palace walls’ willow trees swayed and shed their leaves with a rustling sound. Eunuchs and palace maids huddled under the eaves, watching attentively.

Chu Ying followed a palace maid into the inner chamber. As the door creaked, Eunuch Zhang turned back, gesturing to ensure she didn’t disturb the empress dowager.

Behind layers of curtains, the empress dowager appeared exhausted, reclining with closed eyes on a table as if dozing off.

Chu Ying quietly approached and knelt beside the empress dowager’s table. Two hours later, when the incense burning in the room had finished, Empress Dowager Chu slowly opened her eyes. Seeing Chu Ying kneeling there, she smiled faintly, “Ah Ying.”

Chu Ying’s eyes glistened slightly, and she immediately bowed her head again, “Ah Ying pays respects to the empress dowager.”

“Why so formal when meeting me? Come, get up.” The empress dowager smiled, pulling her up and having Chu Ying sit by her side, holding her hand.

Chu Ying was the only unmarried daughter of the Chu family. Logically, considering her status as the legitimate daughter of the Chu estate and the current empress dowager’s niece, her marriage arrangements should have been discussed long ago. Yet, it had been delayed until now.

Seeing the weariness on the empress dowager’s face, Chu Ying couldn’t help but softly remark, “Aunt, you’ve been burdened with too many matters lately. Last time I came to visit, you weren’t this thin…”

The empress dowager waved her hand, saying, “I’m fine. It’s just these days have been restless, that’s all.”

Chu Ying knew the empress dowager’s resilience but wasn’t sure how to comfort her at that moment. She suggested accompanying her for a walk after dinner.

The empress dowager readily agreed. After they finished dinner, they strolled through the Cining Garden.

“If I hadn’t delayed your marriage for so many years, you would have been married by now…” The empress dowager squeezed Chu Ying’s hand and asked, “Do you hold any resentment in your heart because of this?”

Chu Ying replied anxiously, “Aunt, how could you say such things? If you say that, what would I become? Both Dad and Aunt have worked tirelessly for the prosperity of the Chu family for generations. As a daughter of the Chu family, I’ve known since childhood the responsibilities I bear. How could I resent that?”

The empress dowager looked affectionately at her niece, feeling at ease in her presence.

“I summoned you here today because I have something to tell you…” The empress dowager lovingly patted Chu Ying’s hand.

Chu Ying smiled, “Aunt, just speak your mind.”

The empress dowager said, “In the coming days, I’ll arrange for you to meet the emperor. If you can’t enter the palace, I’ll personally handle the marriage proposal for you. I won’t let you feel slighted.”

Chu Ying’s heart skipped with joy at the prospect of meeting the emperor, but then she remembered the rumors of the emperor favoring a certain zhaoyi, feeling a sense of uncertainty. She lowered her head meekly and said, “Whether I can serve the emperor in the palace is all up to my destiny. I’ll obey whatever you decide, Aunt.”

***

The sky had darkened, and the rain outside was pouring harder.

After dinner, Xiao Yu headed to the Cining Palace to accompany the empress dowager for a game of go.

Observing his soaked robe, the empress dowager pondered for a moment before making a move with a white piece, and said, “Third lang.“

Xiao Yu looked up.

The empress dowager turned her head toward the window, listening to the sound of the rain pelting the banana leaves. After a brief silence, she spoke slowly, “The day I escorted you back to Kunning Palace was also a rainy day. You were drenched, and it was I who walked you back…”

As she spoke, she met his gaze.

The sharp contours of her eyes softened gradually, recalling the memory of that prince drenched in rain. One tall, the other short, they stood face-to-face under the umbrella. He bowed to her, “Son pays respects to Mother.”

Back then, his eyes held reverence and gratitude, unlike now, where regal authority overshadowed, his demeanor became weightier, and his gaze concealed more. His face showed no joy or anger, displaying the demeanor of an emperor more prominently.

Xiao Yu’s voice grew solemn, “Mother remembers it all.”

“How could I forget…” Empress Dowager Chu continued, “The night you returned, you had a high fever. You kept murmuring about your birth mother. I stayed by your side the entire night until you regained consciousness. Your biological mother passed away early, and Meng shi was harsh and domineering, causing you much suffering. I genuinely felt for you…”

A subtle movement in Xiao Yu’s throat betrayed his emotions.

“Since your arrival at Kunning Palace, you’ve dedicated yourself daily to literary and martial pursuits, never slacking. You’ve been disciplined and diligent, even during your military campaigns, rarely causing me worry…” Empress Dowager Chu sighed deeply, lost in her thoughts. “The years have passed swiftly, nearly twenty years gone in the blink of an eye…”

Hearing this, Eunuch Sheng suppressed the corners of his mouth, feeling a pang in his eyes. In this palace that seemed to emphasize rules the most, fairness was absent. Unfavored princes learned to navigate life here, emulating relationships with the occupants, learning how to survive in the palace.

At fourteen, the emperor established his own residence, and by eighteen, he led troops to the battlefield, wearing heavy armor, wielding a long sword, living among soldiers on the frontier, facing hardship together. After two full years away, he returned with calloused hands and scars on his back; these struggles in the past went unnoticed. It’s only now, after many years, that they seem to be acknowledged.

Xiao Yu softened his tone, “I’ve always held your nurturing in my heart, Mother, and I never dare forget it.”

Empress Dowager Chu had been waiting for these words.