Chapter 20
Noble Consort Shu’s birthday had been held in a grand manner at Jingyang Palace, and the emperor had bestowed her many gifts . Even the empress dowager, who usually prayed in seclusion and did not socialize with others, sent her something . Noble Consort Shu had already been eye-catching, but now she was even more so .
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While Noble Consort Shu received heavy favor, the other imperial concubines were preparing to ridicule Zhuang Luoyan, whose birthday was arriving .
Dressed in a blouse and wrap-around skirt and a pair of embroidered shoes, Zhuang Luoyan drew her brows and painted her lips with the aid of a mirror . She adjusted the pearl and jade hairpins in her hair . “Let’s go pay respects to Her Majesty, the empress . ”
Yunxi and Tingzhe shared a look, the latter feeling worried . “Master, today is your birthday . If…” They knew that everyone in the imperial palace looked forward to see the joke that was their master . Now that they were heading to Jingyang Palace, who knew what the other masters would say?
“As imperial concubines, shouldn’t we all be paying respects to Her Majesty, the empress?” Zhuang Luoyan rose to her feet . “Let’s go . ”
“Yes,” said Yunxi and Tingzhe, supporting Zhuang Luoyan out of the inner chamber . Once they had arrived at the main chamber, Zhuang Luoyan caught sight of the pot of water lilies gifted by the emperor . They had yet to bloom in the beginning . But because the servants had moved the pot outside, the lilies were blossoming, with only the last few inner petals furled . Just a glance, and it would inspire in others pleasure and joy . “Take care of it well . ”
“Yes,” said the palace maids and eunuchs within the room . Since Zhuang Luoyan had said all that she had wanted, she left Taoyu Pavilion .
During the morning, the sun hung bright in the sky, its light a shade of orange-red . It should make others feel warm, but in the summer, it would only feel sweltering . Zhuang Luoyan fanned herself . Lifted her head to peer at the sun in the east . Its shape resembled a fried egg . She handed her fan to Tingzhe, who stood by her side, before stepping foot within the front doors of Jingyang Palace .
“Imperial Concubine Zhao has arrived!” announced the eunuchs at the door . Lifting her gaze, she noticed the other imperial concubines looking at her secretly, under the cover of chatting among themselves .
“This concubine greets Your Majesty, the empress . ” Zhuang Luoyan did not pay attention to the stares of the other women . She stepped forward in a well-behaved manner and paid respects to the empress .
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“No need to be so ceremonious, Imperial Concubine Zhao . He Yu, present her a seat and serve her tea,” said the empress, a smile painted on her lips as she lightly nodded . Her tone was gentle as she said to Zhuang Luoyan, “Today is your birthday . Originally, you need not pay respects . However, this palace has something to tell you and did not want you to make another round . ”
“Paying respects to Your Majesty is this concubine’s duty . This concubine cannot for the sake of a birthday fail to do so,” said Zhuang Luoyan, a smile gracing her lips . “That Your Majesty, the empress remembers this concubine’s birthday is already this concubine’s good fortune . ”
“We are all sisters . How could things be so serious?” The empress’ smile still carried a gentle touch . “Your birthday should be celebrated . This palace has already arranged for the dishes for tonight’s banquet . Everyone here should also attend . We will treat it as Imperial Concubine Zhao’s birthday celebration . ”
Seeing how the empress conducted herself, the others naturally dared not slight Zhuang Luoyan . From their lips spilled celebratory words . Even those who had wanted to watch a good show quelled their desires . Aware of the empress’ intention, they would give her face .
“I remember that your birthday is in March,” said Jieyu Ma to Jieyu Zhuang . She watched as crowds of women congratulated Imperial Concubine Zhao, then shifted her gaze to Zhuang Wanqing, on her lips a smile that did not quite touch her eyes . The empress did not remember to help Jieyu Zhuang arrange even a small birthday celebration .
Zhuang Wanqing gave Jieyu Ma a slow sideways glance . “The redness and swelling on Elder Sister’s cheek is still apparent . Younger Sister has an ointment that reduces swelling . How about I lend it to Elder Sister for a try?”
All of sudden, Jieyu Ma’s face grew flushed . Zhuang Wanqing noticed her embarrassment, the corners of her lips tilting up slightly . Then her gaze fell upon Zhuang Luoyan . She lowered her eyes and lifted her teacup . Lightly blew at the tea leaves floating at the surface . However, the hand holding the cup was exerting a lot of force in the grip .
The empress took in the expressions of every imperial concubine . Smiled coldly in her heart . Tonight would prove an even more lively event .
After Zhuang Luoyan finally left the main hall of Jingyang Palace, a few imperial concubines approached her for a chat . Only after chatting could Zhuang Luoyan finally leave for her residence . Yesterday, there hadn’t been that many people congratulating her .
“Noble Consort Shu of Anqing Palace has sent gifts . ”
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“Consort Rou of He Le Palace has sent gifts . ”
“Consort Xian of Ruanming Palace has sent gifts . ”
Gift after gift flowed into Taoyu Pavilion like a roaring river . Zhuang Luoyan read the lists of birthday gifts . Although they weren’t the most extravagant or superior, they were also not the worst . With a smile, she placed the lists on top of a table . “Store these well too . ”
“Your Majesty, Imperial Concubine Zhao is only an Imperial Concubine . Why must we…” In Ruangming Palace, Qinglu was massaging Consort Xian’s shoulders and did not understand her master’s intention .
“Although she is technically an Imperial Concubine, after tonight, who knows what rank she will be? Just a moment ago, that Xiao Weizi who sent the gifts to Taoyu Pavilion said that even Jingyang Palace had given some . ” Consort Xian shut the book of Buddhist scriptures in her hands . “If you don’t believe it, then wait and see . This Imperial Concubine Zhao should not be underestimated . ”
Qinglu nodded and quickly said, “Then is she going to be promoted even faster than Noble Imperial Concubine Yan?”
“What kind of thing is Noble Imperial Concubine Yan?” Consort Xian smiled mockingly . “Her status originally could not compare to Imperial Concubine Zhao’s . Currently, the emperor is favoring her . If there was a day she was no longer favored, one would fear that she would be cast below everyone . ”
Qinglu dared not ask any further . She only said in a careful manner, “Your Majesty sees through the matter clearly . This slave is too ignorant . ”
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Consort Xian did not comment, the corners of her lips tilting upward . How many women in the imperial harem were unable to see clearly?
The sun had set, the skies already gray . Once Zhuang Luoyan had arrived at Jingyang Palace to thank the empress, she found her seat . Because it was her birthday, they made an exception for her so that she could sit with the other high-ranked consorts .
“Previously we have said that for Younger Sister Imperial Concubine Zhao’s birthday, we must drink a few cups . Young Sister should not forget,” said Noble Consort Shu . At first, she had felt unhappy that the empress held a birthday celebration for Imperial Concubine Zhao . But after she had seen that the dishes, decorations, and even musicians and dancers could not compare to her own, the unhappiness in her heart lessened in an instant .
“This concubine has a low alcohol tolerance . However, because of Your Majesty’s goodwill, this concubine will naturally accept it . ” Zhuang Luoyan lifted the cup, toasted it to everyone in the room, and drank it down .
Seeing that Imperial Concubine Zhao wasn’t acting on pretentious refusal, Noble Consort Shu no longer made things difficult for her . Not to mention, she did not want to embarrass Imperial Concubine Zhao too much . Just a bit of smiles was enough .
“You all should not cause Imperial Concubine Zhao to fall drunk today . Don’t make it so that this palace’s residence will have an additional drunkard . ” The empress was typically magnanimous . At present was no exception . “He Yu, serve Imperial Concubine Zhao a bowl of soup¹ . It’s too early to get tipsy . ”
“Looks like Your Majesty, the empress dotes on Younger Sister Imperial Concubine Zhao the most,” said Consort Rou in a light and gentle manner . “But it’s true that getting drunk now would be no fun . ”
The empress glanced at Consort Rou . “This palace cares about you all as well . ”
Zhuang Luoyan wiped at the corner of her lips with a handkerchief . Would a principal wife actually care about the concubines? These people were incredibly skilled in lying through their teeth . Even she herself felt embarrassed for them after hearing it .
“An Imperial Edict has arrived . ”
Once the imperial concubines had heard this announcement, they quickly left their seats and knelt at the center of the hall . As soon as they had noticed that the person holding the Imperial Edict was the emperor’s trusted Eunuch Gao Dezhong, their hearts grew chaotic .
“Taoyu Pavilion’s Miss Zhuang is able and virtuous, appearance upright . After entering the palace, she has brought Us joy . Her manner of speech is suitable for a woman of beauty . Today is her birthday, and she will be promoted to a lesser third-rank Chongyi Zhao . ”
“This concubine thanks His Majesty for his benevolence . Long live the emperor . ” After performing a full ceremony to give her thanks, Zhuang Luoyan received the Imperial Edict from Gao Dezhong’s hands .
“May Chongyi Zhao quickly rise,” said Gao Dezhong, reaching out to support her . He smiled . “This slave knows that the masters are taking delight from the banquet . This slave will return . May the masters slowly enjoy . ”
“Watch your step, Eunuch Gao . ” Zhuang Luoyan rose to her feet, holding the gold-threaded Imperial Edict . She felt surprised . She had thought the emperor would promote her to at most a Noble Imperial Concubine . Yet, he actually promoted her from a lesser fourth rank to a lesser third rank .
The moment after the empress heard the Imperial Edict, she was shocked . Now she was back to normal . “For Chongyi Zhao to be promoted is a fortunate event . ” Then she bestowed another set of jewelry to Zhuang Luoyan .
Although the other imperial concubines in the room wore smiles on their faces, perhaps none of them were actually in a good mood .
Discontent, they pressured Zhuang Luoyan to drink . Although she was skilled in refusing their cups, when facing such strong opponents she had no choice but to drink more than she had wanted . Once the banquet had concluded, she was a bit tipsy .
Sitting on her swaying sedan, Zhuang Luoyan placed a hand on her chin . She lifted her head . Gazed at the countless stars in the sky . She realized her sight was growing blurry . Although she was still quite sober, the world seemed to spin .
As soon as she had looked away from the sky, she caught sight of the emperor’s procession approaching .