TJAIP Chapter 3

Few in the imperial harem believed that Consort Zhuang Wanyi would rise again. Though she had some beauty, her simple and naive nature seemed unlikely to win favor for long. Yet news of the Emperor’s reward to her began to circulate, leaving many women with complicated emotions.

“The Emperor gave her that pair of glass hairpins,” the Empress remarked coolly while twirling her prayer beads. “It seems Consort Zhuang has some tricks up her sleeve. I underestimated her. He Yu, send the silk I received last month to Peach Jade Pavilion.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” He Yu responded, carefully retreating. Even after turning away, she noted that the Empress’s expression remained unreadable.

Peach Jade Pavilion was unusually lively that day. The Department of Internal Affairs palace attendants brought over various supplies, seemingly forgetting the neglect they had shown just days prior. Zhuang Luoyan, however, pretended not to notice their earlier slight. She merely instructed them to leave the items without putting on airs, a gesture that further unsettled the eunuchs.

If she had scolded them, the matter would have been settled. But her indifferent response, combined with her recent return to favor, suggested a deeper calculation level. In the palace, the most seemingly gentle women often harbored the sharpest fangs.

“Your Grace, the Empress’s servant, He Yu, just arrived with silks from the Empress as a gift. Noble Consort Shu, Consort Ning, Lady Xu, and Lady Yan also sent offerings,” Yun Xi reported, bowing before Zhuang Luoyan.

“Accept them,” Zhuang Luoyan replied with a calm smile. “But you should understand the intention behind their gestures.” She knew these gifts weren’t meant to curry favor. Rather, they were veiled reminders of her low status—a consort who could only receive their charity, not stand as their equal.

“Yes, Your Grace,” Yun Xi said, retreating to organize the items with Fu Bao. Both ensured the gifts were recorded and stored without flaunting them in front of Zhuang Luoyan.

Meanwhile, in the imperial study, Emperor Feng Jin reviewed reports after lunch. A eunuch presented him with the selection cards of the harem consorts. The cards, made of silver, copper, or wood, reflected the consorts’ ranks.

Initially uninterested, the Emperor was about to decline when he recalled his earlier encounter in the peach grove. Zhuang Wanyi’s awkward yet endearing demeanor flashed in his mind, a refreshing contrast to the practiced elegance of the other consorts. He reached for her wooden card and set it down decisively.

“Light the lamps at Peach Jade Pavilion tonight,” he ordered.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the eunuch replied, glancing at the name engraved on the wooden card. Peach Jade Pavilion was about to enjoy a few days of glory.

The announcement of the Emperor’s visit caught Zhuang Luoyan off guard, though she did not resist the idea. The servants bustled around, preparing everything. Watching their frantic efforts, she sighed. In the harem, losing favor was akin to losing one’s lifeline.

After bathing, she began to apply her makeup but soon dismissed Yun Xi and Ting Zhu. “I’ll do it myself,” she said. She knew men found overly strong fragrances or heavy makeup unappealing. A light dusting of powder to enhance her already radiant complexion sufficed.

Drawing her eyebrows into soft, delicate arches and painting a small peach blossom on her forehead—an homage to the morning’s peach grove—she exuded understated elegance. Her choice of attire, a moon-colored gown with flowing sleeves, struck the perfect balance between allure and dignity.

When the Emperor arrived, the sight of her waiting quietly outside, holding a six-sided glass lantern, stirred something in him. The faint peach blossom scent in the air added to her serene beauty. Concerned she might catch a chill, he stepped down from his palanquin and wrapped her in his cloak.

“There’s no need for such formality, my dear,” he said, taking her hand and leading her inside.

As she hung the lantern on a carved wood rack, the Emperor noticed a playful drawing of a chubby pig she had sketched. Amused, he sipped the floral tea she offered.

“Your drawing is… unique,” he remarked, a teasing smile on his lips.

“Truly, Your Majesty? I’ve been practicing for days,” she said, her joy evident.

Her innocent delight charmed him. Despite her unpolished art, her youthful exuberance was refreshing. Holding her hand, he led her to the bedchamber. The soft blush on her cheeks as he spoke of retiring for the night only heightened her appeal.

Later, wrapped in his arms, Zhuang Luoyan reflected on the power of subtle flattery. Men, no matter how accomplished, enjoyed being praised for their prowess. The Emperor’s attentiveness during their intimate moments exceeded her expectations.

By the time the Emperor departed at dawn, Zhuang Luoyan pretended to remain asleep, allowing him to leave without disturbance. Observing this, the head eunuch, Gao Dezhong, made arrangements to send more attendants to Peach Jade Pavilion, recognizing that the Emperor’s favor would bring newfound prominence to this quiet corner of the palace.

Once the room was silent, Zhuang Luoyan opened her eyes, a faint smile gracing her lips. Men, she thought, no matter how powerful, often found themselves ensnared by the simplest displays of vulnerability.