Chapter 11
The emperor demoted Liangyi Jin to the lowest rank of Gengyi . In the eyes of every imperial concubine, it was but a small event . That Liangyi Jin was of humble birth and climbed to the rank of Liangyi as a palace maid showed she had some capability, but what a pity that in the imperial harem, one’s honor came from the emperor . If the emperor decided to retract it, it would take only a word .
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“Your Highness, that Liangyi Jin…” Shiwu glanced at her master’s beautiful attire made of palace satin . Then she carefully moved her gaze elsewhere, looking all around, not wanting to be noticed for her wandering eyes .
“His Majesty’s child has left the world . He is grieving . For Liangyi Jin to be demoted to a Gengyi, what is so strange about that?” Consort Rou held Shiwu’s hand for support . Took out a handkerchief and made a show of wiping her lips . “This palace has heard that Liangyi Jin’s brothers let their servants run wild and wicked, bullying others and even beating people to death . From their lips, the emperor favored their sister . ” A smile full of ridicule slid across Consort Rou’s lips . “She’s but a mere palace maid who crawled her way up to the position of a fifth-rank servant . No wonder her maternal family cannot advance in society . ”
Liangyi Jin wasn’t considered the most favored in the palace, but in these past few months, the emperor had visited her a few times . Shiwu was wondering why he picked her out for punishment out of all the imperial concubines in the room back then . As if struck by lightning, Shiwu finally understood the situation .
Noticing the realization plastered on Shiwu’s face, Consort Rou arched a brow, her countenance speaking of impatience . “Be smarter . Don’t make it so that this palace must explain every little thing to you . ”
“Understood . ” Shiwu lowered her head . Standing on the other side of Consort Rou was the maidservant Fuxiu, whose eyes held a sneer . Then said maidservant turned around and carefully attended to Consort Rou, as if she had not heard her master’s words . As if she had not seen Shiwu’s embarrassment .
“Your Highness, don’t the people walking in front of us look like Imperial Concubine Zhao and Consort Yuan?” said Fuxiu . Then she lowered her voice . “Consort Yuan’s expression does not look good . ”
Consort Rou paused in her steps . Studied them . Once again arching a brow, she said, “These past two years, that Consort Yuan did not receive much favor . How would she deal with Imperial Concubine Zhao?” She disliked Imperial Concubine Zhao . However, she also did not hold much love for Consort Yuan . When she had first entered the imperial palace, Consort Yuan made things difficult for her . If the other two women fought, she would gladly watch such a good show .
“Your Highness, this slave has heard some news,” said Shiwu at an opportune time . “This slave has heard from other servants in the past that the Lin family and Zhuang family do not have a good relationship in court . That is why Consort Yuan and Imperial Concubine Zhao don’t see eye to eye . ”
Consort Rou smiled as she reached out to Shiwu . After Shiwu helped support her, she said, “So this is why . Looks like we will see another good show . ”
Meanwhile, Zhuang Luoyan felt that she had been wronged . After leaving Shurong Ye’s residence, she had only been minding her own business as she made for Taoyu Pavilion . Yet by merely walking home, she met someone bent on being antagonistic toward her . And this woman wasn’t the type to hide needles in her smile . She was the type to directly strike .
Consort Yuan did not recall how the previous owner of Zhuang Luoyan’s body had been like . The current Zhuang Luoyan also did not have much of an impression of Consort Yuan . The most she knew was that during the emperor’s time as a crown prince, Consort Yuan had been there to attend to him, an imperial concubine with much seniority . Although she was pushing thirty years old, her appearance was still striking . What a pity that the new replaced the old . No matter how prepossessing, she could only wait for the days to pass by, a chance to ascend nonexistent .
“I’ve heard a while ago that Imperial Concubine Zhao of Taoyu Pavilion, an arrogant and disrespectful person, received the emperor’s favor . I originally thought that this was the work of servants’ gossip, but today I see that those words are true . You are in fact a rude thing . ” Consort Yuan arched a brow, a swift and fierce aura from her form . She reached out with her right hand . Lifted and squeezed Zhuang Luoyan’s chin . She looked down at the kneeling woman before her . Such a tender age, even her skin was smooth and glowing . Compared to Imperial Concubine Zhao, Consort Yuan was already past her prime, so how would the emperor favor her again?
She exerted more strength into her grip, causing red marks to form on Zhuang Luoyan’s chin . Consort Yuan slowly released her hold . Wiping her hand with a handkerchief, she said, “After examining your appearance, I don’t believe it to be the best . With just this level of capability, how could you act so arrogantly in the imperial harem?”
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Zhuang Luoyan lowered her head, cursing in her heart . Although this Consort Yuan did not possess the emperor’s affections, her seniority in the harem was high . For a small Imperial Concubine Zhao like herself to be in Consort Yuan’s hands, most likely no one would say a word to help her . The only people that could save her now were either the emperor or a higher-ranked imperial concubine antagonistic toward Consort Yuan . However, a bit of pondering reminded Zhuang Luoyan about the nature of the imperial concubines and the emperor’s cold attitude toward them . She rubbed her chin . She did not possess the halo of a novel’s heroine . Therefore, she had to carefully think about how to escape from this situation .
“May Your Highness, Consort Yuan grace this concubine a moment of audience . This concubine does not dare to compete for favor . ” Zhuang Luoyan sighed inwardly . This Consort Yuan just wanted to deal with her . The rest were just excuses . The imperial harem truly was a complicated place .
Then Consort Rou finally decided to make an appearance .
“Greeting older sister Consort Yuan,” said Consort Rou . “What is going on here?” Sashaying after her were a group of well-mannered servants . With a gentle smile, she gazed upon the kneeling Zhuang Luoyan . “Isn’t this younger sister Imperial Concubine Zhao? These past few days, younger sister Imperial Concubine Zhao has attended to His Majesty . One would fear that you would be busy from now on . ” She turned to Consort Yuan . “How did she offend older sister?”
Consort Yuan slowly glanced at the other woman . She forced a smile . “Isn’t it exhausting for Younger sister Consort Rou to attend to His Majesty?”
But Consort Rou only approached her . Each step graceful, like a fairy traversing through clouds . “Attending to His Majesty is us sisters’ fortune . How could the word ‘exhausting’ even be considered? Back when older sister used to attend to His Majesty, did you find it exhausting?”
The moment Consort Yuan heard those words, her smile vanished . She glared at Consort Rou, cold enough to freeze . Then she shifted her gaze back to Zhuang Luoyan . A hairbreadth of a moment later, she slowly said, “Since younger sister Consort Rou is here, this palace will overlook your crimes of disrespect . If this occurs for a second time, this palace will not let you off so easily . ”
A smile graced Consort Rou’s lips as she sent off the other woman . Then she stared at the person still kneeling on the ground, the smile never leaving her lips . “Remember this . Today this palace helped you and tomorrow I could also make you kneel,” she said, voice gentle and soft . “In this imperial harem, those who can cut you to death are many . ”
Then Consort Rou left, a smile still gracing her lips and a palace maid supporting her as she walked . The procession that represented a consort’s rank passed by Zhuang Luoyan . As if it were mocking her or ignoring her .
After the procession was gone, Zhuang Luoyan finally rose to her feet . Patted the dust off her knees . Her face did not reflect a trace of desolation . “Tingzhe and Yunxi, once we return home, give me a good massage . Kneeling on the green stone tiles was really hard to endure . ”
“Understood,” said Tingzhe and Yunxi, carefully supporting their master back to Taoyu Pavilion . A sigh, and Yunxi said, “That Consort Yuan would make things difficult for master was out of expectations . Back then, Master Zhuang and Sir Lin did not see eye to eye . Who knew this strained relationship in the outer court would influence the imperial harem? Yet, why would Consort Rou help master?”
“How could this be considered helping our master? She just wanted to watch a good show and make things difficult for both sides . ” Lowering her voice, Tingzhe said, “When Consort Rou first entered the imperial palace, Consort Rou acted very arrogantly toward her . But now, both are of the consort rank, and Consort Rou received the emperor’s favor . Consort Rou just wants to anger Consort Yuan . ”
At this point, Zhuang Luoyan really wanted to say out loud the failure and greatness of imperial concubines . The greatness was their ability to endure what others could not endure and crawl up from the bottom . The failure was that once they’d ascended, they would only remember the good times . They would forget the suffering they had experienced while scaling the mountain .
“That she assisted me was merely to warn me . That she could let me live and also cause my death . ” Zhuang Luoyan laughed . “She is returning the slap she received from that matter with the Ge Jinze . ” Too bad Zhuang Luoyan was a shameless person . Although Consort Rou’s words were not pleasant, in the end she did not have to experience Consort Yuan’s corporal punishment . Zhuang Luoyan felt that her alternate punishment was insignificant in comparison . She didn’t feel much stress from it .
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At any moment in time, the mental resilience of shameless women proved extremely strong .
Once Consort Yuan arrived at her residence, she was so furious that she hurled a celadon¹ tea set, smashing it to smithereens . Imperial Concubine Zhao was actually so hateful . But Consort Rou was even more so, like splinters piercing into her heart . Back then, she had been a little cheap slut who lived in Consort Yuan’s side residence . Nowadays, she could stand shoulder to shoulder to Consort Yuan . She even used the emperor’s favor to show off . Such a loathsome person .
“Lin* Qingyin . What a good Consort Rou!” Consort Yuan snapped a flower stem, her smile cold as ice .
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Because of Shurong Ye’s miscarriage, the emperor was in sorrow . For the past few days, he did not grace any of the imperial concubines a visit . In the hearts of the entire imperial harem, Liangyi Jin was used as an example to keep them quiet . And it worked like a charm . Each and every one of them stayed in their residences without causing any trouble . Even the daily obligation of paying respects to the empress was done so without a fuss . No one flaunted or made things difficult for others during this period .
These days, Zhuang Luoyan was full of leisure . As such, she started to learn a skill mandatory of ancient women: embroidery . Although the previous owner of her body was arrogant, her embroidery was superb . The current Zhuang Luoyan had picked up a treasure . The handkerchief she worked on proved stunning .
As long as no one gave her trouble, life was decent in the inner court . Sometimes, she even practiced calligraphy . Her work wasn’t exemplary, but it was still at the level that could be shown in public .
“Master, today the palace has come up with a new fragrance of incense . Shall we burn some?” Yunxi carried over a small ornate box, her actions speaking of much care .
“Incense?” Zhuang Luoyan furrowed her brow . “Bring it over so I can take a look . ”
The incense within the box was of a good quality . The scent was mild . It was quite suitable to use for adding a pleasant fragrance to clothes or the entire residence .
Zhuang Luoyan picked up a bead of incense . “Currently, the weather is still warm . There’s no need to use incense to repel mosquitoes and other insects . And I have never been of the habit to use incense for my clothes . Put this away . ”
From the many television dramas regarding harem intrigue she had watched, there was a high probability the incense hid poison . Although she could not be sure if the incense she had received was tainted, these kinds of things weren’t good for the lungs in the long run . It was better to play it safe .
Yunxi packaged the incense box carefully before retreating . She already was aware of Zhuang Luoyan’s concerns .
“Is master worried?” Tingzhe lightly massaged Zhuang Luoyan’s shoulders . She softly said, “These things were sent by the Central Province . As such, the chance of the items being tampered with is low . If not, then all of the things we use could have been tampered with . ”
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Zhuang Luoyan lay back on the couch in a lazy manner, limbs spread out with no regard for how she appeared . She smiled . “However, this imperial palace is still controlled by the emperor, empress dowager, and empress . ”
As soon as she heard those words, Tingzhe was struck with fear . She had not thought to this point . She had only considered the usual tricks used by the imperial concubines . Never had she considered the inner court could influence the outer court .
“This slave has thought about it too shallowly,” said Tingzhe . “Master is a clever and nimble individual . This slave cannot compare . ”
“It’s not that your perception was shallow, but that I had thought of it too deeply . My prediction is not guaranteed . How could my guess be so accurate?” Zhuang Luoyan waved Tingzhe off as she yawned . “Enough . I’m exhausted . I’ll be taking a short nap . ”
In Tingzhe’s heart, her master was unwilling to believe the emperor to be such a cold and detached person . She helped Zhuang Luoyan to her bed . Naturally, she did not know if her master were actually tired, or if she were upset or trying to escape answering her previous question .
The emperor had not visited his harem for ten days . The well-behaved imperial concubines started to become impetuous . Because the empress was the emperor’s principal wife, it wasn’t proper for her to advise him . The empress dowager was praying in the temple and naturally could not supervise this situation . For this reason, the imperial harem was sitting restlessly in their seats .
“Your Majesty, the empress has asked for an audience,” said Gao Dezhong, rushing to the emperor’s side . Seeing that he was reading and editing memorials, Gao Dezhong had made sure his voice was low .
“The empress?” Feng Jin furrowed his brow . His tone seemed somewhat apathetic as he continued reading the memorials . “Allow her entrance . ”
Once the empress entered the chamber, she diligently went through the whole ceremony in paying respects . Noticing the emperor’s indifferent expression, she gently said, “Lately, Your Majesty has been busy with matters of the state . Do not forget to take care of your health . ”
“I’ve caused the empress worry . These past few days, many things have happened during court . You’ve worked hard managing the imperial harem . ” Feng Jin rose to his feet and made his way to the empress . Holding her hand, he sat down next to her . “Has there been any trouble in the harem? If so, you do not have to inform me . Just punish them according to protocol . You and I have been married for many years, so there’s no need to worry so much . ”
“That Your Majesty loves dearly this concubine is this concubine’s fortune . ” The smile on the empress’ lips grew . “It’s just that lately this concubine did not see Your Majesty visit the other sisters in the harem, and wondered if Your Majesty was too tired . Only when this concubine visited today did this concubine learn Your Majesty was busy at work . ”
“Why is Caifu speaking like so?” As soon as Feng Jin had heard her words, he broke into a smile . “You and I have been married for more than a decade . You don’t have to be so careful with your words . It’s just that things have been busy lately . Not to mention, the matter with Shurong Ye’s miscarriage…”
“Your Majesty need not be dejected . There will always be more chances for a child . ” Noticing the emperor’s expression of gloom, the empress quickly tried to console him . “The sisters in the imperial harem will try their best to give Your Majesty beautiful and talented children . ”
“Enough . We have caused the empress worry . ” Feng Jin forced a smile . “These past few days you have also been tired . Return early to rest . We are aware of what to do . ”
Once the empress heard the finality in his tone, she did not speak anymore . She could only leave with the appearance of worry and love toward the emperor .
The moment she had left, the smile completely vanished from the emperor’s face . “Gao Dezhong . ”
“This slave is here . ” As soon as Gao Dezhong returned to the chamber, he caught sight of the emperor’s icy expression . His heart couldn’t help but thrash once against his chest . He lowered his head .
“Summon the interior management eunuchs . ”
The interior management eunuchs rushed in carrying the trays with each imperial concubine’s name tag . Once they were set in front of him, there were twenty to thirty tags in total . A portion of those name tags carried names of which he had no impression .
These name tags were arranged by rank . Feng Jin swept his gaze through them . He casually picked one and flipped it over . “Let’s go with this one . ”
The interior management eunuch carefully glanced at that name tag, before retreating .
“By His Majesty’s orders, tonight have Hele Palace prepare . ”
Gao Dezhong kept both his head and gaze low . Hele Palace? Looked like Consort Rou will be targeted by the rest of the imperial harem after tonight .
“Gao Dezhong!”
After hearing the emperor call for him, Gao Dezhong quickly said, “This slave is here . ”
“Give the Jiangnan silk that came into the palace recently to the empress and the other consorts . ” Feng Jin paused . “Send some to Noble Imperial Concubine Yan and Imperial Concubine Zhao as well . ”
“Understood . ”
Noble Imperial Concubine Yan and Imperial Concubine Zhao? Looked like these two were the current favored imperial concubines .