TJAIP Chapter 18

In the imperial garden, the concubines were invited by the Empress under the pretense of admiring flowers and enjoying the coolness. Zhuang Luoyan, looking at the flourishing trees and large ceramic basins filled with ice, gave the Empress a respectful greeting before choosing her seat.

Tomorrow is Consort Shu’s birthday, and the Empress inviting the concubines to admire the flowers now, what could it mean? Leaning back in her chair, Zhuang Luoyan noticed the calm manner in which Tingzhu and Yunxi fanned behind her, which added to the coolness in the air.

“Consort Shu has arrived, and so has Su Xiuyi.”

Zhuang Luoyan turned her head to see Consort Shu and Su Xiuyi entering together. In the presence of Consort Shu, Su Xiuyi always seemed somewhat restrained, overshadowed by her.

After the greetings, the other concubines soon arrived, and Zhuang Luoyan patiently watched as the eunuchs brought in one flower pot after another. After the concubines admired each one, the pots were carefully removed. Although the flowers were different, each pot had a name symbolizing good fortune.

“This green peony is rare. It’s still blooming so beautifully. How do you find it, Consort Rou?” the Empress asked, smiling, as a pot of green peony was brought to her.

Consort Rou stood and bowed, “It is indeed special.”

The Empress smiled without replying and waved her hand for another pot of flowers to be brought in, this time a chrysanthemum that should have been blooming in autumn.

Zhuang Luoyan glanced at Consort Rou without showing any signs, noticing her forehead beading with sweat. She smiled and lowered her head to sip from a tea cup; it was indeed a hot day.

Once the flower viewing concluded and Zhuang Luoyan had her fill of tea, the Empress slowly set down her cup and began speaking on a topic unrelated to flowers.

“Tomorrow is Consort Shu’s birthday. Although women of the harem should not be extravagant, Consort Shu has served the Emperor for many years, and both the Emperor and I are fond of her. We thought we should properly celebrate her birthday tomorrow. We are all good sisters here, so we should enjoy the celebration together,” the Empress said. After hearing the concubines rise and agree, she continued, “The flowers have been admired, so you may all go.”

Upon hearing these words, Zhuang Luoyan rose again to bow, then, along with the other concubines, watched as the Empress left.

Once the Empress departed, a few concubines from Consort Shu’s faction approached with congratulations. Zhuang Luoyan observed the expressions of the other concubines, and none seemed out of place.

“Consort Shu is deeply favored by the Emperor, so her birthday should be celebrated properly,” Xianfei smiled and said to Consort Shu. “Tomorrow, I shall have a drink with you.”

“Xianfei, you flatter me,” Consort Shu stepped forward to take Xianfei’s hand. “You have always treated me so well. Don’t mention just one drink, I’ll drink seven or eight with you.”

As Consort Shu spoke, the other concubines gathered around, teasing her. Zhuang Luoyan could only marvel at the scene, a perfect display of sisterly affection.

Not interested in putting on a show for others, Zhuang Luoyan bowed to the higher-ranking concubines and prepared to leave, but Consort Shu called her back.

“I heard that Concubine Zhao’s birthday is also coming up?” Consort Shu smiled gently. “When your birthday comes, we should drink a few more glasses with you.”

Zhuang Luoyan bowed again, “For the daughters of the Empress, even if I am drunk, I will still drink.” Consort Shu had subtly revealed her own birthday in front of the other concubines. If the Emperor or the Empress granted her any gifts, she would gain a reputation for being attentive. If nothing happened, she would be happy to have these women laugh at her.

Having achieved her goal, Consort Shu stopped speaking and allowed Zhuang Luoyan to take her leave. With an unchanged expression, Zhuang Luoyan walked away, glancing back at the few women still standing in place—mostly those with higher ranks, except the Empress.

“Master, it looks like it’s Consort Yan and Jieyu Ma ahead,” Tingzhu remarked, seeing a few people standing by some bushes, clearly Consort Yan and Jieyu Ma.

Zhuang Luoyan raised her head to look. Their expressions didn’t seem like those of close sisters, and she was about to turn away when she heard a loud slap. Turning back, she saw a large palace maid near Consort Yan retracting her hand, while Ma Jieyu’s face had clearly turned red and swollen.

Frowning slightly, Zhuang Luoyan wasn’t sure what conflict lay between Consort Yan and Ma Jieyu, but Consort Yan’s actions seemed too audacious.

Just as Zhuang Luoyan was about to leave, she saw a group of people approaching, and her expression changed. She adjusted her accessories and stepped forward to meet them. “This humble servant greets the Emperor.”

Seeing the Emperor, Consort Yan’s face changed drastically. She paid no attention to Ma Jieyu and, holding up her skirt, knelt next to Zhuang Luoyan. “This humble servant greets the Emperor.”

Ma Jieyu, with her red and swollen face, also knelt before the Emperor, casting a slightly smug glance at Consort Yan. “This humble servant greets the Emperor.”

Emperor Fengjin extended his hand to help Consort Yan and Zhuang Luoyan up. “Rise, my beloved consorts.”

He then glanced at Ma Jieyu’s swollen face, his eyes narrowing slightly. His next words were completely unrelated: “It’s hot today. How did you all gather here?”

“Your Majesty,” Consort Yan answered softly, “The Empress invited us to admire the flowers. We were just about to return when we unexpectedly encountered Your Majesty.”

“The Empress is thoughtful,” Emperor Fengjin said, releasing Consort Yan’s hand and gently patting Zhuang Luoyan’s hand. “You may all return and rest soon.”

“Your Majesty…” Ma Jieyu spoke up, but before she could continue, Emperor Fengjin gave her a cold look. “Do you have something to say about my words?”

Ma Jieyu immediately grew quiet, her face falling. “This humble servant… takes her leave.”

Zhuang Luoyan lowered her head, her mind chilled by the sight of Emperor Fengjin holding her hand. Once favored, Ma Jieyu now met such a fate, showing how cold-blooded and indifferent the Emperor truly was. People often say that actresses are heartless and courtesans are ungrateful, but it was the Emperor who was the true embodiment of cruelty and detachment.

Looking up at Consort Yan’s smug expression, Zhuang Luoyan turned her gaze back down, focusing on the finely manicured nails on her hand.

Seeing Zhuang Luoyan’s lowered head, Emperor Fengjin mistook her for being shy and released her hand. “Rest early today, my beloved consort.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Zhuang Luoyan curtsied. “This humble servant takes her leave.”

“Take your leave,” Consort Yan followed suit.

Emperor Fengjin nodded, allowing them to leave. After they walked a bit further, his smile vanished completely.

“For the next two years, do not elevate Consort Yan’s rank,” Emperor Fengjin said as he turned to walk in the opposite direction. “Send a pot of water lilies from my collection to Concubine Zhao.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Gao Dezong replied, noting that the Emperor had not mentioned Ma Jieyu at all, confirming that she was effectively dismissed.

Zhuang Luoyan had just returned to Taoyu Pavilion when she was informed that the head eunuch from Qianzheng Palace had arrived. She rose to greet him.

“Greetings to Concubine Zhao,” Gao Dezong said with a bow. “The Emperor has instructed me to bring you a water lily to admire. Please tell me where you would like it placed.”

After thanking him, Zhuang Luoyan instructed the eunuchs to place it in her room and offered him tea. “Thank you, Gao Gonggong, for making the trip, especially in this hot weather.”

Gao Dezong, after politely declining, took a sip of tea and smiled. “Your words are too kind, Concubine Zhao. It is my duty to serve the Emperor, and you are too gracious.”

“Your loyalty is commendable, and the Emperor is bound to favor you,” Zhuang Luoyan replied with a smile. “It is my fortune that the Emperor remembers me.”

Gao Dezong was also very polite, and after a few words, he took his leave. Zhuang Luoyan sent him off a few steps before returning to her room.

The water lily came in a blue-and-white porcelain pot, accompanied by partially opened blossoms and lotus leaves, making the scene particularly refreshing. Zhuang Luoyan reached out to touch the petals, then, taking a cup of water from Tingzhu, added a few drops to the water. “This water lily is truly beautiful.”

Yunxi glanced at the flower and quickly lowered her head.