Chapter 62
Consort Ning’s¹ temperament was similar to her title, calm and peaceful . She was a woman who could easily make people feel at ease to a great degree . She and Zhuang Laoyan did not have much interaction in the past . For this reason, they did not speak much as they drank tea .
At present, everyone was watching her every move . Although she had to guard against those with ill intentions toward her, no one dared to be rude to her on the surface . This scenario where everyone was careful not to disrespect one made one feel extremely good . No wonder so many women wanted to be the most favored in the harem . Because power, luxury, and vanity came from the emperor’s favor .
“Consort Ning’s tea always tastes better than what I have,” said Noble Consort Xian with a smile, setting down her teacup . “Even though I have the same tea in my palace, I still am unable to get the same taste . ”
“Such words are the truth . Usually, when His Majesty comes to my palace to drink tea, His Majesty always praises the tea of Elder Sister Consort Ning,” said Consort Rou with a smile . “Today, once I’ve drunk this tea, I truly feel that the ones in my palace are merely water used to wash pots . ”
“The words of Elder Sister Noble Consort Xian and Younger Sister Consort Rou causes me much embarrassment . ” Although Consort Ning’s voice wasn’t melodious, it gave others a sense of comfort that could not be put into words . It suited her gentle temperament . And it even made Zhuang Laoyan, a woman, very fond of her .
Something like approachability was also an effective implement in the imperial harem .
She picked up a tea cup and blew lightly at the tea . The taste was mild, yet carried the fragrance of plum blossoms . It made her recall those female leads in transmigration novels, and how they relied on their skill in making delicious tea to capture the attention of important characters . Once she had thought of this, Zhuang Laoyan found herself somewhat incompetent . When it came to talents, she couldn’t recite poetry or paint . She couldn’t even brew tea . Not to mention, she couldn’t sing or dance . And she couldn’t even completely recite the “Art of War²” from the “Thirty-Six Stratagems³ . ” When it came to emotions, she had no way to make that man think only of her . She truly could not pass the lowest standards of a transmigration female lead .
“What is Xianrong Zhao thinking about to be this distracted?” Consort Rou turned her head a hint to look at Zhuang Laoyan . At that angle, it seemed like she was looking at Zhuang Laoyan with arrogance .
“This concubine is merely thinking that whenever His Majesty arrived at my residence, he would also dislike this concubine’s tea . Originally, this concubine did not know the reason for this . But now, that is no longer the case . ” With reluctance, Zhuang Laoyan drank another sip . “His Majesty’s taste has been raised this high by Her Highness Consort Ning . A common person like this concubine cannot brew a good tea for His Majesty . ”
“The words of Your Highness, Xianrong Zhao, are too polite . Who doesn’t know that the food that comes from your palace’s personal kitchen are all culinary delicacies . ” Because Noble Imperial Concubine Yan had lost face a few days ago, she was completely hostile against Zhuang Laoyan, someone who had entered the palace after her yet outranked her as a xianrong . “Although your honored self does not have good tea, His Majesty will keep coming to you because of your gourmet food . ”
Other than to secretly mock her for using gourmet food to keep the emperor around, was there another intention?
In a lazy manner, Zhuang Laoyan looked at Noble Imperial Concubine Yan . “If Noble Imperial Concubine Yan likes any of my dishes, why don’t you share a meal with me in the future when you have the time?”
You mock me for relying on gourmet food to keep the emperor around . I mock you for not even having gourmet food . When Zhuang Laoyan striked at her opponent, she would never care about things like kindheartedness and nobleness .
“Many thanks for the kindness, Your Highness Xianrong Zhao . This concubine is not someone who has a strong desire for good food . ” Noble Imperial Concubine Yan smiled to the point where her face was stiff . “It’s better not to disturb Your Highness . ”
Noble Consort Shu idly watched as those women clashed . She blew at the tea leaves floating at the surface of the tea . After Noble Imperial Concubine Yan had finished speaking, she said in an unhurried pace, “It seems like Noble Imperial Concubine Yan does like culinary delicacies . Otherwise, why would you remember that Xianrong Zhao had a personal kitchen?” Gently setting down her teacup, she sent a brief glance at them . “Even His Majesty has said Xianrong Zhao is fond of gourmet food . Naturally, your desire for culinary delicacies does not compare to hers . ”
Noble Consort Xian shifted her brows a shade . The words of Noble Consort Shu did not give Noble Imperial Concubine Yan any face at all . Although she had used the same path as Noble Consort Shu to attract the emperor’s favor, what a pity she did not copy her thoroughly enough . Some things could not be imitated . As such, Su Rui was a noble consort, and Xue Zhenyao was only a noble imperial concubine .
One must not blame Noble Consort Shu for such impolite words; no one would like seeing someone else copy them to rise in the ranks . At this moment, this Noble Imperial Concubine Yan still did not know how to act, and just had to be so talkative . No wonder other people didn’t give her any face .
After Noble Consort Shu had spoken, Noble Imperial Concubine Yan’s expression grew even worse . Her words explicitly and implicitly meant she could not compare to Zhuang Laoyan . However, Noble Imperial Concubine Yan could not refute her .
“Actually such praise is too excessive . It’s merely tea brewed with the plum blossoms picked from the snow . Yet, you have all praised it as extremely precious,” said Consort Ning in a gentle tone . “When it comes down to it, it’s merely something novel . ”
Consort Ning successfully broke up the awkward atmosphere in the room . Zhuang Laoyan had not felt a sliver of awkwardness, however, drinking another big mouthful of tea . “This concubine is not someone who knows how to brew tea, and merely thinks this tea tastes good . ”
“Seeing the appearance of Your Highness drinking tea, this concubine is convinced you do not know how to appreciate tea,” said Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang with a smile . “This concubine was lacking in manners . May Your Highness please grant forgiveness . ”
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“I know that you want to use the phrase ‘a cow chewing Moutan peonies⁴’ to describe me . ” Zhuang Laoyan shook her head, a smile playing on her lips . “In my opinion, the tea of Her Highness Consort Ning is delicious . And this is the biggest truth, correct?”
“Among the tea’s flavor exists the plum blossom’s strength of character . How could this be a taste that’s common?” said Zhaorong Xu, a faint smile on her lips . “Your Highness the xianrong is indeed honest . ”
Among all these women, Zhuang Laoyan found Zhaorong Xu the most unbearable; if she ranked the second, then no one would rank the first . Such pretentiousness truly caused others disgust . One would fear that she had forgotten the joke she had made of herself in the plum blossom garden a few days ago .
“There’s some good in being honest . To always easily grow melancholic seems fake in others’ eyes . ” Consort Rou snickered in ridicule . “We are all common people . Naturally, we would not understand things like strength of character . No wonder Zhaorong Xu endures the bitter cold to appreciate the plum blossoms’ strength of character . ”
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As soon as Consort Rou had said this, laughter filled the room . It seemed no one had forgotten the joke Zhaorong Xu had made of herself prior . As such, everyone could not help but laugh .
Looking at Zhaorong Xu’s unsightly expression, Zhuang Laoyan sighed in her heart . The Heavens might not strike a pretentious person, but people would . A person with Consort Rou’s personality perhaps could not stand Zhaorong Xu’s pretentiousness even more than Zhuang Laoyan couldn’t . Therefore, her words did not allow her to keep any dignity at all .
A smile on her lips, Noble Consort Shu shook her head . She shifted her gaze to Zhuang Laoyan, her attitude full of jest . “It’s clear that you wasted the plum blossoms His Majesty bestowed to you . Fortunately, you do not know how to appreciate this plum blossom tea . Otherwise, those pitiful plum blossoms would enter your stomach . ”
“May Your Highness Noble Consort Shu please allow this concubine to keep some face . Or else this concubine will be too embarrassed to stay here,” said Zhuang Laoyan, face flushing . She picked up her teacup to hide her embarrassment .
“Actually, We think beloved concubine’s words are correct . Thankfully, those pitiful plum blossoms did not enter your stomach . ”
As soon as the women present had heard the emperor’s voice, they all rose to their feet in succession to pay respects .
Feng Jin reached out to support Noble Consort Shu to her feet, then turned to face Zhuang Laoyan . “Drink less, or We will feel bad for Consort Ning for the tea . ”
Noble Consort Shu also made a few jokes . Afterward, her gaze fell upon the woman in red behind the emperor . “Isn’t that Cairen Zhen?” She looked her up and down . “Your Majesty the empress truly has great insight . These red clothes are truly suitable for Cairen Zhen . ”
“This concubine thanks Your Highness for the praise . ” Cairen gazed at the imperial concubines present enviously . These were all the masters in the harem that had some position . She thought that she would be like these women before long, and the servants would have to carefully wait on her . She’d be different from how she was now, obliged to pay respects to the imperial concubines higher in rank than her .
“Just a while ago, We met Cairen Zhen in the imperial gardens by chance . We heard that Consort Ning had invited all the beloved concubines to appreciate tea, so came for a look . ” Feng Jin sat in the seat of honor . Received the cup of tea Consort Ning had presented to him . “You all may sit . We did not come to disturb you . ”
With you around, even if there were some women who had the mood to appreciate tea, they would have already lost it . Zhuang Laoyan returned to her seat to sit . She glanced at Cairen Zhen, who sat at the farthest seat . Who did not say a word .
“A moment ago, We heard that Cairen Zhen can also brew good tea . However, We have never drunk any tea better than Consort Ning’s . ” Feng Jin took a sip . Turned to face Consort Ning . “Truly a good tea . No wonder some people would rather be laughed at as a cow who chewed Moutan peonies just to drink a bit more . ”
“Your Majesty is praising this concubine too much,” said Consort Ning . She smiled as she looked at Cairen Zhen . “How about this concubine have a taste of Cairen Zhen’s tea?”
A grunt of approval left Feng Jin’s lips . “Then let’s have her make some tea for us to taste,” he said without much care, setting down the teacup .
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After Cairen Zhen had heard these words, a happiness that could not be concealed showed on her face . After saluting, she rushed to start .
Zhuang Laoyan sighed in her heart . This Cairen Zhen was too simple; she only thought of attracting the emperor’s attention . It had never crossed her mind that this was Consort Ning’s teappreciation event . How could she use this event to show off her tebrewing skills? And she did not even try to decline modestly the slightest bit . Whether she was too confident or did not place Consort Ning in her eyes was truly anyone’s guess .
Under the gazes of all the imperial concubines, Cairen Zhen made tea, her actions graceful to the max . A fair hand held a Yixing clay teapot⁵ . Coupled with that red dress, such a sight gave rise to a bright and splendid bewitchment that could not be put into words .
After every master had a cup of tea before them, Consort Ning’s plum blossom tea from prior had already gone cold .
Feng Jin was the first to have a taste . He nodded as he said, “Although it’s not as cool and refreshing as Consort Ning’s tea, it’s still delicious . ”
A smile blossomed on Consort Ning’s lips . “Your Majesty is praising this concubine too much . Cairen Zhen’s tea has a special and distinctive flavor . ”
Zhuang Laoyan took a sip . The tea indeed tasted decent . However, it had been brewed in the wrong place .
“We’re just about done drinking tea . The tea set should be put away,” said Feng Jin . He set down his teacup, appearing not too fond of Cairen Zhen’s tea .
“Understood . ” Cairen Zhen had obtained a word of praise from the emperor and was full of joy in her heart . She rushed to order her personal maidservant, “Lao’er, put away the tea . ”
Without a word, Feng Jin watched as the tea set was put away . Then he chatted a bit with the imperial concubines . About more than thirty minutes later, he turned to Consort Ning . “It’s getting late . We ought to return . ”
One by one, the imperial concubines stood to send him off . After Feng Jin had taken two steps, he stopped in his tracks all of a sudden . And he pointed to the Lao’er who had just returned to the room . “Cairen Zhen, is this palace maid someone by your side? What is she called?”
Cairen Zhen thought that the emperor took a fancy to Lao’er . Although she felt unwilling, she still said deferentially, “Reporting to Your Majesty, this is this concubine’s first-ranked palace maid . Her name is Lao’er . ”
“Which ‘lao?’” A slight furrow to his brows .
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“Reporting to Your Majesty, this is the ‘lao’ in silk . ” After Cairen Zhen had responded, the emperor did not react for a good while . She couldn’t help but raise her head in a careful manner . However, shewas only met with the handsome yet expressionless face of the emperor .
“Drag away that slave called Lao’er and cane her to death . ” Feng Jin sent an indifferent glance Cairen Zhen’s way . “Have the Department of the Palace send a new palace maid to Cairen Zhen . ”
Face pale, Cairen Zhen watched as eunuchs dragged Lao’er away . For a long time, she stood there stunned . Completely clueless on how Lao’er had caused the emperor displeasure .
“This tea appreciation event is over . This palace ought to return,” said Noble Consort Shu . She did not spare Cairen Zhen a glance as she left .
One by one, everyone left . After Cairen Zhen had stepped foot outside of Consort Ning’s palace in a confused manner, she finally felt cold all over .
“She doesn’t think about what kind of thing she is, and actually dares to use that name,” said a few eunuchs in gossip not too far away . “Serves her right to be caned to death . That Cairen Zhen truly is arrogant . She dared to call her own palace maid that name . Truly cannot be seen in public . ”
Cairen Zhen staggered . When contrasted against the red dress, her good-looking face was pale to the point of terrifying .
“That Lao’er… How could she just be caned to death like that?” said a palace maid by Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang’s side, voice trembling . To clearly see a first-ranked palace maid die like that caused her heart to pound from fear .
“Currently, who are the people basking in the limelight the most?” asked Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang, tone normal .
“Who else could it be? Isn’t it just those few?” said the palace maid supporting Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang, not quite understanding . “But what does that have to do with them?”
“Do you know what Xianrong Zhao’s given name is?” Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang stared at a direction far away . Mockery in her tone, she said, “Who told that Lao’er to follow that master? Her death was justified . ”
All of a sudden, realization struck that palace maid . No wonder the emperor would order death by caning for that Lao’er . Xianrong Zhao’s given name had a ‘lao’ character . Not only was the pronunciation the same, even the way to write it was .
“His Majesty truly favors Xianrong Zhao,” muttered the palace maid .
Noncommittal, Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang smiled . “Indeed he favors her . ”