Chapter 68

Chapter 68: The Emperor's Calculations On the way back from Suiyu Pavilion, the Emperor had initially been somewhat conflicted. His reluctance to carry Zhen Huan back showed that he still harbored apprehensions about the past life. However, when Xiao Xiazi mentioned that Sun Miaoqing had sent a letter of apology and repentance, the Emperor’s heart eased at once. Sun Miaoqing held a unique place in the Emperor’s heart. He could not say he loved her deeply, yet she was important—more important than even the Empress, Consort Hua, or Sun Miaoqing herself could have imagined. During the Palace Selection, Consort Hua had remarked that Xia Dongchun deserved to be chosen, while Sun Miaoqing should never be allowed to participate in any future selections. It was precisely because of this that the Emperor had decided to bring Sun Miaoqing into the palace. Sun Miaoqing, who should not have appeared in this palace, was destined to be a variable in Consort Hua’s current life. As long as she remained, it meant that fate could be altered. The Emperor had never been fond of interfering in the affairs of the inner palace. Neither Yu Ying’er nor Sun Miaoqing were women he cherished deeply. If two others were to quarrel and cause trouble, he would simply wave them away with a gesture or let them face punishment before the Empress. But that day, he had flown into a rage, directly punishing Sun Miaoqing and, in her presence, promoting Yu Ying’er. He had hoped this would teach her a lesson, making her wiser in the future and preventing her from playing games that could lead to her own demise. Sun Miaoqing was still in seclusion, reflecting on her mistakes. Her Green Head Plaque had not been placed in the Jing Shi Fang, but the Emperor had already spoken to Su Peisheng. Tonight, she would attend the Emperor. She had been punished, and she had reflected. Her boldness was her strength, and he could not let her lose it. With Sun Miaoqing as a safeguard for the Emperor’s intentions, his own courage grew. Although he did not break protocol by promoting her, all the gifts that had been bestowed upon Zhen Huan in the past life—the Gold Filigree Sachet, the Cloisonné Bracelet, the Gold-inlaid Pearl and Gem Orchid Hairpin, the Ruyi Palace Flower… and that Lantian Jade Flute—were all sent to Suiyu Pavilion within an hour. Suiyu Pavilion had no Zhi Shi Gong Nv, so a reliable one was assigned there. The Emperor had originally intended to have the Imperial Household Department select one, but now that Wanwan had returned, her people should return to her side. This would also serve as a means for him to keep an eye on her. As long as she remained content as his Wanwan in this life, he could ensure her a lifetime of glory and wealth. But if she dared to harbor even the slightest treacherous thought, tarnishing the memory of Wanwan, he would deal with her immediately. Thus, this was both affection and precaution. That afternoon, Huang Guiquan, under the pretext of discussing palace affairs, arrived at Yikun Palace with a Vermilion Lacquer Brocade Box, beaming with joy as he came to thank Consort Hua. How many gifts the Emperor had bestowed upon Suiyu Pavilion was unknown to others, but the Imperial Household Department knew best. Without the Zhen Huan of the past life for comparison, and judging only among the new ladies, they understood that this Lady Zhen of Suiyu Pavilion had an immeasurably bright future. “Your Highness is far-sighted and wise. This humble servant is ashamed of his own shortcomings. Thank you for your grace. If not for Your Highness, this servant might have offended this new lady. This is a small token of my gratitude, though it is hardly worthy. I hope Your Highness will not disdain it.” Huang Guiquan opened the Vermilion Lacquer Brocade Box in his hands. Nian Shilan remembered that in the past life, when Zhen Huan had gained favor, Huang Guiquan, fearing repercussions for having slighted her earlier, had come seeking her protection, bringing a bag of silver. This time, however, he presented a box—a two-tiered Dressing Case. On the top lay an exquisitely crafted Gold Phoenix Hairpin with Inlaid Red Jade and Pearl Tassels, and beneath it was a stack of Silver Notes. Nian Shilan chuckled and scolded, “You cunning dog.” He was indeed shrewd. If not for his cunning, relying solely on the Nian Family, he would never have held his position as Neiwufu Zongguan so firmly. Through this small matter, Huang Guiquan had realized that Consort Hua’s vision and perspective were now different from before. Previously, he relied on the Nian Family and had a mutually beneficial relationship with Her Ladyship. From now on, he might truly be able to depend on Her Ladyship. When one stands outside of a matter, many things become clearer. This wasn’t the silver of corrupt court officials; it was a favor within the inner palace. Nian Shilan naturally accepted it. “You have a filial heart~” Following Her Ladyship’s instruction, Songzhi took the brocade box with both hands. “Suiyu Pavilion doesn’t have a Zhi Shi Gong Nv. Did the Emperor instruct you to select someone to send over?” Nian Shilan asked. “Reporting to Your Ladyship, originally, word was sent for the Imperial Household Department to prepare, but then a new order came. The Emperor personally selected someone to send over.” “Personally selected someone? He truly dotes on her. Who is it?” Huang Guiquan lifted his eyelids and cautiously replied, “It’s… Aunt Fangruo, who serves in front of the Emperor.” Nian Shilan’s expression darkened: With Cui Jinxi gone, now Fangruo arrives. Truly, she is the heroine favored by heaven. Always with an endless supply of assistance. In her past life, this Fangruo had saved Zhen Huan from dire situations several times, even more capable than Cui Jinxi. After Huang Guiquan left, Songzhi put the items away and asked: “After all, she is the Emperor’s new favorite. Even Huang Guiquan noticed that… she is somewhat different from others. Should Your Ladyship bestow something upon Suiyu Pavilion?” Whether as a gesture of goodwill or a show of power, something should be done, shouldn’t it? “Bestow something upon her?” Nian Shilan snorted and rolled her eyes. “Is that wretch worthy?” [In my past life, it wasn’t that This Consort didn’t bestow anything upon her. With good intentions, I had someone send her a plate of pastries. And how did she respond? She said that just seeing those pastries reminded her of how This Consort crippled Xia Dongchun with Zhang Hong.] [What?] [Did Xia Dongchun get beaten by This Consort for stealing pastries? Or did This Consort use those pastries to cripple Xia Dongchun?] [That wretch is just being pretentious!] [Xia Dongchun made the mistake first, showing disrespect to superiors and causing a scene on the street. This Consort acted according to Palace Regulations. Even the Emperor said nothing, yet she is quite capable of gossiping behind my back.] [So what if she was crippled?] [Ultimately, This Consort was too kind-hearted. In my past life, I should have let Xia Dongchun slap those wenches across their faces and let them all pull each other’s hair on Long Street!] Just as Nian Shilan was fuming, Lingzhi’s voice faintly came from outside: “The sun is high. Noble Lady Shen, since you’ve come, why not come inside?” Shen Meizhuang had originally intended to enter, but upon arriving, she heard Her Ladyship cursing “that wretch” from the corridor. Instinct told her that Her Ladyship was referring to Huan’er. So, somewhat guiltily, she paused her steps. She explained, “I… I was worried that Her Ladyship has just recovered from a serious illness and might still be napping. I was afraid of disturbing Her Ladyship. Please, Auntie, announce me.” [Zhen Huan has gained favor. Shen Meizhuang, that good sister of hers, must be quite pleased, right?] [Instead of going to Suiyu Pavilion at a time like this, what is she doing wandering around This Consort’s place?] [Just hearing her voice reminds me of that wretch. Annoying!] Hearing this, Shen Meizhuang’s lips curved slightly: Is Her Ladyship worried that because Huan’er has gained favor, I will distance myself from her, and that’s why she’s unhappy? They hadn’t experienced the events of the past life, so they truly didn’t understand. In this life, they would start anew. Deliberately raising her voice a little, she said to the inside: “If Her Ladyship hasn’t risen yet, I will wait here. Just let me know whenever Her Ladyship wakes up.”