Chapter 28

Chapter 28 Similarly, the Brocade Pavilion was filled with joy from top to bottom. Fang Yuan'er never expected that after waking up from a nap, she would become a Concubine Consort. After all, previously, with the joy of her pregnancy, the Princess Consort had personally spoken on her behalf to request the position of Concubine Consort, yet the Prince hadn't approved it. She had thought there was no hope, but who knew Prince Jing suddenly agreed?! The entire Brocade Pavilion was filled with congratulations, and Fang Yuan'er generously distributed money, giving generous rewards to everyone. Only after the rewards were given did she remember that Xie Run had also become a Concubine Consort along with her? Fang Yuan'er toyed with a jade ornament, saying casually, "Fools do have foolish luck." Although Xie Run was also favored, she still couldn't compare to Fang Yuan'er. Fang Yuan'er had grand ambitions and had never taken the 'sweet and naive' Xie Run seriously. She could create soap, glass, and ice-making techniques—what could Xie Run do? To rely on beauty to serve a man—how long could such favor last? What Fang Yuan'er knew was far more than this. Influenced by modern thinking, she felt that love was completely unreliable. To bind a man entirely to oneself could only be done through interests! If Xie Run heard this, she wouldn't find any problem with it either. But Fang Yuan'er overlooked one thing. Prince Jing was only a prince now, so naturally he could be bound by interests. But if one day he became Emperor, holding the power of the world in his hands, unless one commanded a million troops, what interest could possibly bind him? Fang Yuan'er underestimated the power of imperial authority in feudal society, and she would eventually suffer greatly because of it. At this moment, Fang Yuan'er wouldn't think that Xie Run had made Prince Jing change his mind and suddenly promote both her and Xie Run. She was more inclined to believe it was related to the fact that both she and Xie Run were pregnant at the same time. Moreover, Fang Yuan'er thought further ahead. She and Xie Run had become Concubine Consorts, which meant there were now three Concubine Consorts in the residence. What arrangements would Prince Jing make for the two women bestowed by Noble Consort Rou? These two were of similar status, and without any special favor, their ranks would certainly be similar. But there was only one Concubine Consort position left. Either both would be given the position of Side Consort, or they would be concubines... Fang Yuan'er naturally preferred them to be concubines. If these two became Side Consorts and blocked her path to advancement, Fang Yuan'er would have no choice but to be ruthless. If they were merely concubines, Fang Yuan'er wouldn't care much whether they were favored or not. She only feared that these two would fight over the sole Concubine Consort position. The same question was asked of Prince Jing by the Princess Consort at noon. After all, Prince Jing could casually grant ranks to people, but as the Princess Consort who managed all matters of the inner court, she naturally had to consider far more things. When Prince Jing proposed promoting Xie Run and Fang Yuan'er to Concubine Consorts, the Princess Consort brought up this matter. Princess Consort: "The people bestowed by Mother Consort will arrive in a couple of days. If Xie and Fang are promoted to Concubine Consorts, how should the ranks of these two be arranged?" According to the Princess Consort's wishes, she naturally wanted these two to become concubines. After all, a concubine with family background and a Concubine Consort carried completely different weight. However, this could only be said by Prince Jing. If she said it, and it reached Noble Consort Rou's ears, she feared it would become jealousy and suppression of newcomers. Prince Jing said indifferently: "Since Mother Consort chose them to bear children and spread the family line, whichever of the two gives birth to a child first will be promoted to Concubine Consort." The Princess Consort immediately understood—both would enter the residence as concubines. But with Prince Jing's words, the two would likely become natural rivals the moment they entered the residence. This saved the Princess Consort quite a bit of trouble. "Then I shall make the arrangements," the Princess Consort asked again: "Now that three people in the residence are to be promoted to Concubine Consorts, they will probably all need to move courtyards..." Before the Princess Consort could finish, Prince Jing said with some impatience: "Just arrange these trivial matters of the inner court as you see fit." Then he added: "I naturally trust you." That aside, the Princess Consort's ability to handle affairs was certainly not a problem. Soon, Xie Run received word from the Princess Consort, asking her to choose her own courtyard. The one delivering the message was Miss Tinghe from the Princess Consort's courtyard. She was delicate in appearance and spoke in a slow, measured manner: "Because the Four Seasons Courtyards haven't been occupied for a long time, there are many places needing repairs, and they probably can't be cleaned out in a short while. If everyone moves at once, it would be inconvenient when the two mistresses are further along in their pregnancies in a few days. The Princess Consort has thus asked everyone to choose their courtyards first, and then each Concubine Consort can decide when to move in." According to the regulations of the residence, aside from some small pavilions and minor courtyards, the main courtyard, Side Consort courtyards, and Concubine Consort courtyards had long been planned out. The four Concubine Consort courtyards were Spring Mountain Court, Summer Pond Court, Autumn Maple Court, and Winter Snow Court. Originally, besides the Princess Consort, there was only one Side Consort Ning in the residence. She had occupied one of the only two Side Consort courtyards, which was renamed Orchid Fragrance Court. Even when Side Consort Ning was later demoted to Concubine Consort Ning, Prince Jing, out of pity for the Eldest Young Master, didn't make her move out of Orchid Fragrance Court. Because the residence had not had Concubine Consorts for many years, the four courtyards designated for Concubine Consorts had also been vacant for many years. Miss Tinghe said with a smile: "Each of the four courtyards has its own character. Spring Mountain Court has half a low mountain in its backyard, with beautiful spring scenery and quite peaceful surroundings." "Summer Pond Court is adjacent to Guanyuechi, has the best location, and is quite bright—perfect for enjoying lotus flowers in summer. Autumn Maple Court is exquisite and grand, with a grove of maple trees in the front yard, and it's also close to the Princess Consort's courtyard." “As for the Winter Snow Courtyard, it is indeed large, with a plum grove inside, but it is somewhat remote and cold. It is only used when viewing snow each year. The repairs would likely take a bit longer...” After hearing this, Xie Run smiled and slipped a jade bracelet to Tinghe, asking softly, “Miss Tinghe, have Sister Fang and Sister Yun already made their choices? If they have any preferences, it would be good to let me know in advance, so we don’t end up overlapping.” Tinghe accepted the bracelet and said with a cheerful smile, “Consort Fang and Consort Yun haven’t chosen yet, but I heard Consort Fang quite fancies the Summer Pond Courtyard, while Consort Yun thinks the Autumn Maple Courtyard is not bad.” “Thank you, Miss Tinghe, for telling me. Might I take some time to think it over before reporting to the Princess Consort?” “Of course,” Tinghe said. “The Princess Consort said that repairing the courtyards won’t be done overnight, so the mistresses may take their time choosing—no need to rush.” Xie Run chuckled inwardly at that. There were only four courtyards in total—what was there to take time choosing? It was merely a way to let the three of them settle things privately, to avoid an ugly scene over a courtyard later. This was originally the Princess Consort’s task, yet she generously delegated the authority, but also passed the conflict onto the three of them. Of the four courtyards, the best was actually the Summer Pond Courtyard—the most lavish and grand, fitting Fang Yuan’er’s tastes perfectly. It was no surprise she had her eye on it. Next was the Autumn Day Courtyard, which required little repair and was quite refined and imposing. Consort Yun could move in once she recovered her health. The remaining Spring Mountain Courtyard was decent enough, but it was the smallest of the four, and its rear connected to half a low mountain, with uneven terrain. The Winter Snow Courtyard was large, but very remote and cold—the worst of the four. Of course, even the worst was better than the small pavilion Xie Run currently lived in. Hearing this, Xie Run already had some idea in mind. She had no intention of vying for the spotlight, so naturally she wouldn’t compete with those two over anything. Moreover, upon hearing that the Spring Mountain Courtyard had half a low mountain, she couldn’t help but feel a bit tempted. After all, she spent her days strolling in the courtyard, but walking around couldn’t make flowers bloom—there were too many restrictions in the end. The Spring Mountain Courtyard was quiet; once she shut the courtyard gates, she could do whatever she pleased. In the end, as expected, Fang Yuan’er chose the Summer Pond Courtyard, Consort Yun chose the Autumn Day Courtyard, and Xie Run chose the Spring Mountain Courtyard. The three courtyards began renovations in full swing. According to custom, a promotion to Concubine Consort warranted a proper banquet. Since both Xie Run and Fang Yuan’er were pregnant, Prince Jing feared more trouble might arise, so he decided to wait until both had given birth to hold the celebration together—it would be livelier and more dignified that way. Xie Run was happy to enjoy the leisure, but Fang Yuan’er was somewhat displeased. She always felt this was the Princess Consort’s way of showing her authority. Xie Run couldn’t understand Fang Yuan’er’s way of thinking; at the moment, she was pondering something else. With her promotion, her household would need more staff. According to the regulations for a Concubine Consort, she could have four senior maids, four junior maids, three servants for sweeping and chores, and one young eunuch added. The traitor who leaked the soap recipe last time hadn’t been found yet. Yuli was already careless and hot-tempered, and now that Xie Run was pregnant and promoted, she feared Yuli would become arrogant and even less fit to keep by her side. With new people coming in, Xie Run couldn’t feel at ease at all. After thinking it over, Xie Run had Dantao call Xiaoshu and Xiaoci in. The two entered, bowed, and stood quietly. Xie Run said gently, “Now that I’ve been promoted to Concubine Consort, I’ll need a few more attendants. You two are veterans now, so when the time comes, I’ll report to the Princess Consort and promote you to senior maids.” Xiaoshu and Xiaoci were overjoyed and quickly expressed their gratitude. Xie Run added, “Don’t rush to thank me. I’m willing to promote you, but you’ll need to prove yourselves useful.” Xiaoshu, quick-witted, immediately responded, “If you have need of this servant, I will do my utmost, even if it means death!” Xiaoci, a beat slower, echoed the sentiment. Xie Run said, “New people will be added to the courtyard, but I’m new here and don’t know their temperaments. You two are household-born servants, so you know the estate’s situation better than I do.” “If there are good candidates, feel free to recommend them to me. If they’re chosen, there will naturally be a reward.” “This servant obeys!” As she replied, Xiaoshu’s eyes darted about, already having a few candidates in mind. Xie Run letting them recommend people was giving them real benefits. Xie Run was now a Concubine Consort, had a measure of favor, and carried the Prince’s child in her belly. Even being a rough servant in her courtyard was more prestigious than being a senior maid in another courtyard. For household-born servants like Xiaoshu and Xiaoci, with parents and siblings in the estate, their connections ran deep. Once word got out that Xie Run’s courtyard needed people, plenty would be willing to pay to use the two of them as a route to serve by Xie Run’s side. It wasn’t just money—favors and face were another layer entirely. In some respects, Xie Run was beginning to build her own power within the Prince’s estate. The benefits weren’t visible yet, but over time, they would show. After promoting the two maids, Xie Run had Dantao call Yuli in, leaving only mistress and servant. Xie Run: “Do you know why I called you here?” Yuli was still under punishment and hadn’t served by Xie Run’s side for some time. She heard Xie Run call her and thought the mistress had stopped being angry and wanted to summon her back to serve at her side. But hearing these words now, she knew that wasn't the case. Yuli felt uneasy. "Mistress, this servant knows she was wrong. This servant will be careful with her words from now on and will never again speak out of turn." Xie Run stared at her for a moment, then shook her head with a sigh. "No, in your heart, you still don't accept it." Yuli's expression stiffened. Xie Run said slowly, "You probably still think you have genuine loyalty to me, that you're speaking up for me out of a sense of injustice, and that I can't tell friend from foe and have wronged you." A flicker of alarm showed in Yuli's eyes, and she instinctively tried to explain herself. "This servant isn't! Mistress, this servant isn't—" "Then do you feel wronged?" Xie Run's gaze was clear and calm as she asked indifferently, "I'll only ask this once. If you still lie to me, then there's no need for me to ask again." Yuli's heart sank. She was silent for a moment before slowly nodding. Since things had come to this, Yuli decided to speak her mind fully. "This servant's loyalty to you, mistress, is witnessed by heaven and earth. But that Lady Fang—she's merely the daughter of a merchant. How could she compare to you?" "The people in the main kitchen fawn on the powerful and trample on the weak. That Concubine An has had no favor from the prince for years—she merely got pregnant by luck. Yet the people in the main kitchen act like lapdogs when they see her maidservant... This servant can't stand it!" "You, mistress, originally had favor too—why indulge them?!" Xie Run was filled with helplessness. Yuli had lofty ambitions but limited abilities, and a considerable temper. Yet at the end of the day, she was still loyal to her. With someone like this, it was hard to punish her and hard to use her—she was the most difficult to handle. Xie Run had originally wanted to correct her way of thinking, but after hearing these words, she only felt cold sweat running down her back. The Yuli before her—wasn't she just the Qiulan of the past?! Xie Run sighed and closed her eyes heavily. "Those who follow different paths cannot make plans together. From what you say, I suspect you often think I'm not ambitious enough, don't you?" Yuli's earlier bravado vanished instantly. She murmured, "This servant wouldn't dare. This servant only feels that you, mistress, have a gentle temperament, and you need someone with a stronger temper by your side to seek justice for you." Xie Run said, "...Justice in this prince's mansion is never obtained through having a strong temper. Enough, no need to say more." Seeing Xie Run's expression, Yuli finally began to panic. "Mistress, are you..." Xie Run chose to be direct. "I have now been promoted to Concubine Consort, and I must be even more careful and cautious on the road ahead. I'm afraid I can no longer keep you by my side." Hearing this, Yuli immediately knelt on the ground. The movement was so abrupt that even a grating sound could be heard. "Mistress, you're not planning to cast this servant aside, are you!" Xie Run stood up to help her up, her voice softening somewhat. "You haven't committed any wrongdoing, so I naturally won't punish you. It's just that you're not suited to living in the inner courtyard of this prince's mansion. Do you understand what I mean?" Yuli was somewhat dazed. "This servant... understands." Yuli felt that every word she spoke was difficult to get out. With reddened eyes, she asked, "Then how does mistress plan to deal with this servant?" "After all, we've shared the bond of mistress and servant. I won't treat you poorly. You're no longer young now. I plan to find you a good match and marry you off with great fanfare." Yuli's pale face suddenly flushed with a hint of crimson, and she began to stammer. "Mistress, this servant..." Xie Run said, "I asked Dantao. She said you have a neighbor back in your hometown, someone you grew up with as childhood friends. This year he even passed the county examination, and he's admired you for a long time... What do you think of it yourself?" Yuli said with a red face, "Could this servant think it over?" "Of course." After seeing Yuli off, Xie Run let out a breath, also filled with helplessness. She raised her hand and touched her belly, which was not yet visibly showing. She didn't want to be an ungrateful person, but for the sake of the child in her womb, she had to eliminate all dangers. Back in her own room, Yuli began to cry softly. To say she wasn't sad would naturally be a lie.