Chapter 33

Chapter 33: The Empress Sends Medicinal Soup "Sister An." "Greetings to Changzai Gong." Living in the same palace, Noble Lady Fucha carried herself with a certain arrogance, but Changzai Gong treated An Lingrong with courtesy, often sending her gifts. An Lingrong was quite grateful to her. However, before the inner thoughts related to Consort Hua arrived, she had no intention of seeking sisters or aligning herself with any faction. An Lingrong’s expression remained neutral as she respectfully bowed to Sun Miaoqing. "We are sisters, why such formalities?" Sun Miaoqing reached out to help An Lingrong up. "Are you heading back to your palace, sister?" "Me? I was just about to visit Sister Zhen at Suiyu Pavilion." What a foolish Lingrong. You treat Zhen Huan like a sister, pouring out your heart and soul, yet she shares a deep bond with Meizhuang, always keeping you at a distance. They truly didn’t deserve your genuine sincerity in the early days. "Since I have nothing else to do, let’s go together." On the way, Sun Miaoqing affectionately linked arms with An Lingrong. "Sister, don’t worry about attending the Emperor. As sisters, I will always find ways to speak well of you in front of the Emperor." "Sister..." At this time, An Lingrong was timid and insecure, easily moved by even the slightest kindness from others. "It’s just that with the New Year approaching, the Emperor is busy with many affairs. It will likely have to wait until after the New Year. Please be patient a little longer." Sun Miaoqing knew her current status—her own favor with the Emperor was not yet stable, so how could she influence his selection of consorts? But she knew that after the appearance of the "Miaowazhongzi," An Lingrong would be chosen for the Emperor’s bed. When the time came, she would seize the opportunity to guide An Lingrong in avoiding being sent back untouched. How could that not count as helping her? "Thank you, sister." An Lingrong’s gaze toward Sun Miaoqing held a bit more gratitude. ~ As the New Year approached, there were many matters to attend to in the palace. Nian Shilan was tasked with overseeing this year’s New Year’s Eve palace banquet. The Empress also frequently summoned her to Jingren Palace under the pretext of discussions. "...Other matters aside, seeing plum blossoms every day in winter has grown tiresome. Let’s not display them for New Year’s Eve." Rouze loved red plum blossoms the most. If the Emperor saw them, he might be reminded of her, so the Empress felt it necessary to remind Nian Shilan. [Red plum blossoms? That’s a good thing.] [In my past life, the Emperor drank a few too many cups of wine on New Year’s Eve, saw the blossoms, thought of her, and went to Yimei Yuan.] [Coincidentally, that wretch Zhen Huan disregarded palace regulations and went alone to Yimei Yuan to pray, reciting some sentimental poetry, getting her shoes and socks wet, and playing a game of playing hard to get, stirring that old fool’s heart.] [In my past life, I foolishly didn’t understand the situation. Am I going to be foolish again in this life?] [Even if I don’t compete for favor, I will never let that wretch Zhen Huan have her way. This New Year’s Eve, not only red plum blossoms, but even paper cuttings and clothing—nothing with plum blossoms will be allowed.] [Speaking of which, what’s wrong with that old woman, the Empress?] [Has she grown a conscience or changed her nature?] [In my past life, when I needed her reminders, she didn’t give them. In this life, when I don’t need her nonsense, she goes on and on. Truly, no one in this entire harem is better at currying favor than her.] Nian Shilan rolled her eyes at her. "Understood, I will give the orders accordingly." The Empress silently consoled herself: It’s fine, it’s fine. As long as she still listens to me, the outcome is what matters. "There’s one more thing..." [That dog Emperor was right—the Empress really is getting old and talkative!] Don’t get angry. Your health is your own; it’s not worth ruining it over this. The Empress silently let out a breath, inwardly cursing along, "That dog emperor!" How dare he say behind her back that she was getting old and naggy? He should take a look at his own wretched state! "Since Zhen Changzai entered the palace, she has been bedridden. Changzai Gong and Attendant An often visit her. As you assist in managing the Six Palaces, it is only proper that you send someone to inquire about her condition." The Empress did not care whether Consort Hua was concerned about Zhen Huan; she even hoped that Consort Hua would not show any concern. She was merely telling Consort Hua: Sun Miaoqing had been frequently visiting Suiyu Pavilion lately. One was the ultimate victor of the previous life, the other a reborn individual who held the future in her hands. If these two were to form an alliance, it would spell trouble for both the Empress and Consort Hua. They had to take precautions in advance. Especially regarding Huang Guiquan. Earlier, the Empress had instructed Jian Qiu to send someone to keep an eye on the Imperial Household Department. Deputy Chief Jiang Zhongmin reported that he had not observed Sun Miaoqing making any special contact with the department's personnel, except that Liang Duorui was always the one assigned to duty at Yanxi Palace. Liang Duorui, the head of the Guangchu Department. The Empress was certain that this was the future chief of the Imperial Household Department whom Sun Miaoqing intended to cultivate. Or rather, Liang Duorui was likely the final chief of the Imperial Household Department in the previous life, which was why he had gained Sun Miaoqing's favor in this lifetime. Now that the Empress regarded Consort Hua as part of her own faction, Consort Hua's people were effectively her people. Huang Guiquan was currently the chief of the Imperial Household Department, and he was known for his opportunistic and fawning nature. For the sake of the bigger picture, it was unnecessary to create openings for their enemies over trivial matters at this moment. Nian Shilan was no fool either. The thought, "I'll see her? I'll see her dead!" had barely crossed her mind when she immediately realized the implications. And what she realized went beyond just the matter of Huang Guiquan. "I must tell that fool Consort Li not to take Kang Luhai away. A traitor like Kang Luhai should stay in Suiyu Pavilion to irritate Zhen Huan." "If the Empress has no other matters..." "No rush—Jian Qiu." Jian Qiu bowed slightly and personally stepped out. Moments later, Huichun and Xiuxia each entered carrying a tray. On them were placed a Shuangyu Er Gaiwan and two Wanshou Ciwan bowls. In front of Nian Shilan, Jian Qiu lifted the lid of the Shuangyu Er Gaiwan and ladled soup into the two bowls. The Empress said, "Winter has arrived; it's time for nourishment." Hearing the Empress's words, Nian Shilan looked over in confusion. "What does the Empress mean by this?" "The pastries at Jingren Palace may not compare to those at Yikun Palace, but the soups are quite well-made. This season is perfect for nourishing the body. Try some, sister." The Empress gestured slightly. Jian Qiu picked up the tray from Huichun's hands and knelt before Nian Shilan. "Please taste the soup, Consort Hua." "Both bowls... are for me?" As soon as the lid was lifted, a strong medicinal scent wafted out, making it hard for Nian Shilan not to suspect the Empress's intentions. "Unwarranted kindness is never sincere—it must be a trap!" "What? Has she stopped pretending and revealed her true colors, intending to poison me right away?" "But she doesn't seem foolish enough to openly attack me while the Nian Family is at the height of its power." Nian Shilan truly could not fathom the Empress's intentions. The Empress did not explain directly. "Sister, choose a bowl first." With the soup right before her, Nian Shilan had no choice but to accept it. Her mind flashed back to Qi Yuebin's bowl of safflower soup from years ago. No matter what, she would never drink medicinal soup given by others. Even if she wasn't pregnant now. "I'll take the bowl and pretend it's too hot to handle, then spill it."