Chapter 13: The Story of Zhen Huan – Summer, Winter, and Spring, Part 12

Later on, she even resolved to grit her teeth and endure it, merely letting the other party wait at the door as a slight show of authority. Yet she truly did not expect this person to be so intolerant of any grievance, barging in with eyes closed, claiming to serve her by adorning her hair, but upon entering, simply flopped onto the soft couch—what nonsense was that?

The Empress was seething with anger from the very morning, planning to wait until everyone arrived before sending them all away promptly.

Since the day of the Consort Jia’s investiture ceremony, the Noble Consort Nian had not been seen. Who would have guessed their next encounter would be half a month later? The Consort Jia’s eyes barely open, and above her sat the old hag, so furrowed with anger that wrinkles deepened. She could hardly contain her laughter.

It seemed that no matter the mountain, there was always a taller one. Consort Jia’s achievements far surpassed any previous encounters.

That arrogant and overbearing demeanor was barely tolerable, but it didn’t concern her. As long as it made the one above uncomfortable, she herself would feel at ease.

Consort Xiang was utterly delighted to see Noble Consort Nian’s reaction—this was good news. If the noble consort had come to her senses, it was perfect: the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Consort Xiang was aware of Noble Consort Nian’s recent moves. Ever since the court physician’s examination, she had been relentless, like a snapping turtle refusing to let go, determined to see the one above removed.

She was quite optimistic about this. With the Empress Dowager present, the harem had no one resilient enough to withstand such a blow, making success difficult. But now, things were different—the hope had arrived suddenly.

Consort Xiang need not switch sides; as long as Noble Consort Nian aimed correctly, she could follow along with peace of mind. Even if luck failed and something unexpected happened, she had a daughter and could protect herself.

This, of course, rested on the premise that the Urgala family’s supporters in court had been largely defeated by the Nian faction.

Thinking this, Consort Xiang looked gently at the young lady opposite her, sipping tea leisurely, smiling like the Buddha of happiness.

Beside her, Consort Li was bewildered from the moment she entered, unsure of how to react, simply following Consort Xiang’s lead.

As for the other concubines, those of low status stayed hidden, while those like Consort Jing kept a prudent and courteous demeanor.

There was also Consort Qi, who glanced left and right, uncertain how to speak without anyone initiating conversation, but kept stealing glances at Consort Jia beside her.

Amidst the collective silence, the quiet of Jingren Palace was palpable. The Empress glanced repeatedly at Consort Qi. She could not speak; when the messenger arrived, reporting that Su Peisheng’s disciple, Xia Xiazi, was waiting outside the door, she could only rely on Consort Qi to retort a bit while she herself found faults.

Unexpectedly, Consort Qi was so ineffective that even with her eyes nearly askew, she gave no reaction.

Finally, the Empress drew a deep breath and, her face iron-black with rage, ordered everyone to leave.

Xia Dongchun came in drowsy and left just as groggy.

Upon exiting, Noble Consort Nian had intended to say a few words to her but couldn’t bring herself to do so and waited. Yet when the other party emerged, she swiftly climbed into her palanquin and fell asleep.

Had she been out sneaking around last night?

Seeing the situation was amiss, Consort Xiang immediately stepped forward to reason, “Your Highness, I have heard that she was spoiled at home, always sleeping until the sun was high.”

This was a fabrication. Whether at the Xia family or now in the Princess’s residence, no information about her could be gleaned.

Though the princess protected her dearly, it didn’t stop Consort Xiang from speaking falsehoods freely—perhaps they were true. After all, she had correctly guessed the Empress Dowager’s affairs before.

One could only say she was truly the intellectual representative of the noble consort faction—remarkably clever.

Noble Consort Nian was not angry; upon hearing a way out, she quickly lowered herself, “Is that so? Then so be it. I heard that Princess Ziyun has only one daughter, whom she dotes on even more than her two sons. It seems what the elder brother said is true.”

Such indulgence was truly unprecedented.

Consort Xiang was momentarily surprised but immediately felt her decision was correct; indeed, one must not confront her directly.

She then energetically continued to persuade the noble consort, “This is good. With such lax rules, her rise will be far better than that one inside, who acts all prim and proper as the Empress.”

Noble Consort Nian only slightly frowned before relaxing again. It didn’t matter who rose, as she herself could not.

She didn’t particularly dislike this person either.

Within Jingren Palace, the Empress still wore a sullen expression. “So, Xia Xiazi has left?”

Jian Qiu answered cautiously, stammering, “Yes, following… following that lady behind.”

The Empress instantly clenched the handkerchief tightly. “Truly spoiled beyond measure, comparable to Consort Yang.”

Jian Qiu and the others all knelt, knowing such words must not be spoken—it was tantamount to implicating the Emperor.

Yet they had to advise, “Your Highness, the newcomer will pay homage tomorrow.”

The Empress knew she had misspoken, truly vexed by the matter. “Very well, I shall watch coldly and see how far she can go.”

Though she spoke thus, the panic she felt during that investiture ceremony returned.

She had hoped to gradually erase this person’s favor in the Emperor’s heart, but both played by no rules, each more obstinate than the other, especially the Emperor. Since her arrival at court, he seemed to have lost all reason.

Even the Empress Dowager had tried to persuade him, but he wouldn’t even meet with her.

This was unprecedented.

Now, not only had the initial impression of Consort Jia on the Emperor not faded, but after half a month of constant interaction, their emotional foundation had been solidly laid.

The Empress shut her eyes tightly, unwilling to utter a single word.

Meanwhile, Xia Dongchun, newly arrived at Zhaohua Palace, slept soundly, carried inside by Yin Zhen, who had been waiting for her.

Having heard of her affairs right after court, he hurried over, chuckling all the way, thinking how much trouble the little thing could cause, having driven the Empress to such fury.

He had planned to accompany her tomorrow but never expected the palace intrigues to be so clever—it saved him the trouble.

Yin Zhen gently laid her on the bed, softly kissed her forehead, and instructed, “Take good care of your mistress. I shall visit tonight.”

With that, he departed.

Su Peisheng followed eagerly behind, stealing a glance at Ye Yun as he left.

As the Emperor walked away, the trio immediately began plotting.

Ye Yun said, “Quick, the lady Zhen Huan arrives tomorrow. What news should we leak to the mistress? Also, Pearl, what have you heard these days?”

Pearl replied, “Yes, yes, plenty—big news…”

Bubble pondered slightly, “We could do this… or that…”

The three conferred thoroughly, determined to have Xia Dongchun arrive tomorrow full of energy, ready to spar verbally. Their mistress had been severely restrained in front of the Emperor lately—not much restraint, but ultimately suppressed by force.

Now, things were looking up.

At Chengqian Palace, the young ladies happily chatted with their sisters, casually gifting a palace maid to someone, leaving the moved Zhen Huan utterly clueless about the happenings in Zhaohua Palace.

Her pride was excessive. She believed the entire harem existed merely to please with beauty. Even the half-month-favored Consort Jia was seen as the only one possessing the virtue of a worthy consort, the conduct of Ban Jieyu—a perfect example.