Chapter 51

Chapter 51: No, No, No, No, No An Lingrong couldn’t bear it and gave a slight bow. “Auntie, Baojuan, she…” Songzhi impatiently cut her off. “Is the young mistress going to make things difficult for Consort Hua over a mere servant?” “This concubine wouldn’t dare.” “Young mistress, don’t worry~ Once this useless servant is dragged away, the Imperial Household Department will naturally select a new one for you. You won’t be left without someone to serve you.” Though Songzhi’s tone was unpleasant, An Lingrong didn’t feel uncomfortable—in fact, she was even somewhat pleased. She had only known that Consort Hua would find a way to send her a maid, but she hadn’t expected it to be done in this manner. She had thought that when they met outside on ordinary days, the Consort wouldn’t even spare her a glance. Yet, the Consort had deigned to send her own personal maid to publicly quell the gossip for her. Sun Miaoqing was somewhat suspicious. “Isn’t such punishment a bit too severe?” “Severe?” Songzhi retorted. “Hasn’t Changzai Gong learned by now how the Consort manages the Six Palaces?” What didn’t Sun Miaoqing know? The Iron Man Triathlon— Iron fists, iron wrists, and a heart of stone. But was Consort Hua truly doing this to manage the inner palace, or was it to help An Lingrong? “Useless things, only dragging down the Consort’s reputation. If the Emperor finds out, he’ll think the Consort is incapable of managing the Six Palaces.” As she spoke, Songzhi raised her voice again, addressing everyone in Yanxi Palace. “Anyone who dares to gossip about the Emperor behind his back is committing Great Disrespect, punishable by confiscation of family property and extermination of the clan!” They were clearly talking about An Lingrong, so how did it become gossip about the Emperor? This was clearly twisting the facts! The master and servant of Yikun Palace truly shared the same lineage—always resorting to sophistry. Sun Miaoqing looked around the silent palace and realized she was the only clear-headed person there. How foolish these ancients were! Well, she didn’t dare say it out loud. While Songzhi was throwing her weight around, Shen Meizhuang and Zhen Huan, having heard about An Lingrong’s situation, hurried over. The two stood at a distance, watching from afar. Shen Meizhuang said to Zhen Huan, “Look, Consort Hua truly cares for us newcomers.” Perhaps the deep palace would change people, but at this moment, An Lingrong’s heart was still willing to believe that Zhen and Shen were kind at heart and harbored no ill intentions toward her. Especially Zhen Huan. Thus, between Sun Miaoqing and the duo of Shen and Zhen, An Lingrong’s heart leaned more toward Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang. She might not bare her entire heart to them, but treating them as ordinary sisters was acceptable. “Sisters—” An Lingrong trotted over to Shen Meizhuang and Zhen Huan, and each of them took one of her hands. “Are you alright?” Zhen Huan, who had been bedridden all this time and hadn’t left Suiyu Pavilion, had come out for her sake. It was clear that Zhen Huan’s concern for An Lingrong was genuine at this time. An Lingrong shook her head. Shen Meizhuang chimed in, “Though it’s not a good thing, at least Consort Hua has stepped in. From now on, no one will dare to gossip about you.” Zhen Huan nodded, glancing back toward the palace gate. “It’s just that punishing all the maids around you—the Consort’s methods are still too harsh.” An Lingrong subtly withdrew her hands. “Sisters, please come inside and sit.” Passing by Sun Miaoqing, the three of them extended invitations one after another. “Sister Gong, please come sit with us.” Sun Miaoqing wore a smile on her face, but a hint of unease lingered in her heart. Friendship among three was already so crowded—how could it accommodate a fourth? She had tried so hard, so why did she still feel like nothing was going her way? After more than ten years of preparation, can I still not resist the arrangement of fate? Sun Miaoqing watched the backs of those three people chatting and laughing: The uphill road is always more difficult—keep going! All for my son to become emperor! Afternoon, Yikun Palace. "What delicious food have you prepared today? It smells so fragrant." Nian Shilan was arranging the dishes when the Emperor walked in. "Your Majesty, may you enjoy boundless fortune and peace." The Emperor helped her up with both hands. "These small tasks should be left to the servants. Why trouble yourself to do them personally?" "Serving Your Majesty, I spare no effort—why have you come so early today?" [The dishes aren’t even fully set yet.] "After finishing my duties, I couldn’t wait to see you." Nian Shilan had instructed Songzhi to deal with several servants from Yanxi Palace. It wasn’t a major matter. In her previous life, the Empress would have certainly exaggerated the incident in front of the Emperor. Even if she couldn’t immediately punish Nian Shilan, she would have accumulated some resentment against her. But now, the Empress couldn’t be bothered to mention it, so naturally, no one disturbed the Emperor with such trivial palace matters. Songzhi brought a copper basin and knelt by the Emperor’s feet to help him wash his hands. Nian Shilan happily handed a plate to the Emperor. "This dish of vinegar-glazed cucumber—Your Majesty took two extra bites last time, so I thought you must like it." Ever since he could hear Consort Hua’s Xinsheng, knowing that she held some prejudice against him due to events from her previous life after being reborn, it was rare to see her being so considerate toward him. The Emperor was delighted. Just as he was about to praise her, he heard her say: [I hate sour cucumbers the most! Give it to him!] The Emperor: "...6..." "After indulging in rich meats during the New Year, and with the weather turning a bit warm these past two days, let’s not place this dish of pearl shrimp stewed quail in front of Your Majesty." The Emperor knew this certainly wasn’t for his sake. [I love this! Don’t give it to him!] Just as I thought! But these were all minor matters, and the Emperor was willing to indulge her. He dried his hands with a handkerchief and deliberately teased Nian Shilan: "After not having it for a few days, I’ve been missing the culinary skills of your palace. Place this dish of pearl shrimp stewed quail in front of me, so you don’t have to trouble yourself." [Old man! Are you even going to fight me over food?] Nian Shilan glanced at the steamed buns nearby. "These are freshly made by the small kitchen, Your Majesty. Please try them." [Leftover from this morning. Aren’t you always the one who advocates frugality? Start with yourself then.] The Emperor: "..." Nian Shilan picked one up with jade chopsticks and placed it in the bowl before the Emperor. "Your Majesty, please—" He had no choice but to eat it. The Emperor didn’t show any disdain. He ate the steamed bun first, then said: "I’ll be dining at Shoukang Palace tonight, so I won’t be able to come here." [Did he take the wrong medicine? Go wherever you want, why report to me?] [As if I could interfere with you?] The Emperor had never felt so at ease with a woman before—not because he trusted her, but because she allowed him to keep his heart securely in its place. Even when he was with Rouze back then, it wasn’t as comfortable as it is now, even though she often offends him in her thoughts. This is probably the power of mind-reading. Hearing Nian Shilan’s inner thoughts, he said, "If you wish for me to stay, I could also..." [No no no no no no no no no no no no...] The Emperor’s ears were instantly flooded with dozens of "no"s, so noisy that his brows furrowed. Well, it’s clear Consort Hua doesn’t welcome me at all. [Hurry up and leave, hurry up and leave, I can’t bear it!] "Your Majesty holds me in his heart, and I am well aware of it. Today is the Lantern Festival, and Your Majesty should accompany the Empress Dowager. This is a matter of filial piety, and I am not so unreasonable." [You're quite busy tonight, aren't you? Yu Ying'er is going to sing 'Eternal Reunion' for you. If you stay here with me, who will grant her the title of Miaoyin Niangzi?] Grant Yu Ying'er the title of Miaoyin Niangzi? She was just made a Promise a few days ago, and now she's to be given a Title of nobility again? The Emperor wondered if he had been overly indulgent toward this palace maid. [You claim it was Drunken Misconduct when you favored the palace maid Li Jingui, but it seems to me you have a particular fondness for palace maids~] [When you first saw Fuzi, you praised her; when you first saw Liuzhu, you praised her; and when you first saw Huanbi, you praised her too.] The Emperor felt wronged: When had he ever praised Fuzi? He didn't even know who Liuzhu and Huanbi were! It must have been his past self who did these things! [Sun Zhuxi, who serves by the Empress Dowager's side, is Still Charming. Why haven't you praised her?] [Is it because she's older than you, more experienced, and you're afraid of being overshadowed, feeling insecure?] The Emperor: "..." Overshadowed? What is she talking about being overshadowed? [In my opinion, Your Majesty is so affectionate and broad-minded. Why not drink a few more cups tonight and simply favor her as well?] The Emperor's grip on his chopsticks tightened: He couldn't eat another bite of this meal.