Chapter 86: Arranging Concubines

 

“Your daughter-in-law understands.” Chu Jinyao responded obediently, appearing to be very compliant, but she only said that she understood, without specifying exactly what she understood. Empress Xiao Qi couldn’t let it go and had to clarify further: “Since the Crown Princess is so virtuous and magnanimous, how will the Eastern Palace handle the matter of attendants serving in bed? The Crown Prince is the heir, and it’s most important for him to have offspring as soon as possible. The Crown Princess should be aware of this, right?”

 

After speaking, Empress Xiao Qi looked at Chu Jinyao with a smug expression, as if watching a play unfold. The teachings of the sages always emphasized that women should be virtuous and tolerant. Everyone could recite the teachings from women’s classics and moral codes, but it was easy to talk about such things when the pain wasn’t theirs. No matter how many grand principles were spoken, when the main wife was actually asked to allow her husband to take concubines, which woman could willingly accept it?

 

Moreover, Chu Jinyao’s husband was no ordinary man—he was the Crown Prince, who was above millions of people. The Crown Prince had stayed in the same bed as her for an entire month, sharing the same chamber. Any young girl could be blinded by vanity and greed in such a situation. Empress Xiao Qi didn’t believe that Chu Jinyao, who hadn’t received proper noble education or instruction on marital life from her mother, would be willing to let go of the Crown Prince so easily.

 

As soon as the Empress said this, the conversation in the palace hall quieted down. It was the eighth day of the first lunar month, and the palace was preparing to light the Lantern Festival lanterns. The grand lantern tower would also be lit today, so all the palace concubines had gathered in Kunning Palace to wait for the lanterns. However, before the lanterns could be lit, they were witnessing an even better show.

 

What could be more entertaining than seeing a clash between the two most esteemed women in the world? The drama between the Empress and the Crown Princess—what could be more captivating?

 

Zhao Lanhui was also present in Kunning Palace. She had already learned about her future status, and today, her mother, Princess Rong’an, had sent her into the palace to begin cultivating relationships with her future in-laws. Naturally, Zhao Lanhui’s focus was on the Empress and the princesses. She sat with them in the warm pavilion, and upon hearing the conversation between the Empress and Chu Jinyao, she also fell silent.

 

In the future, she too would be part of this circle. The Empress would become her legitimate mother-in-law, and the Crown Princess would become her sister-in-law. Listening to the Empress urging Chu Jinyao to accept concubines, Zhao Lanhui felt a mixture of empathy and confidence. She thought that if she were in Chu Jinyao’s position, she would handle it much better.

 

People are always insatiably greedy. Zhao Lanhui lowered her eyes and saw the proud and arrogant Second Princess roll her eyes in disdain. She smiled faintly, thinking to herself that with her status, the Second Princess was obviously more inclined toward her. Zhao Lanhui had confidence that she, as the future Second Princess Consort, would be more capable and better liked than the Crown Princess.

 

(Prince’s wife is called Princess Consort. So in that way second prince’s wife is called second princess consort)

 

Meanwhile, outside, Empress Xiao Qi continued to press Chu Jinyao step by step. In Empress Xiao Qi’s mind, no matter how much Chu Jinyao could tolerate, upon hearing such words, she would surely reveal a look of unwillingness or displeasure. Then, Empress Xiao Qi could easily control Chu Jinyao using the teachings from women’s moral classics. If, by chance, Chu Jinyao showed no signs of reluctance, then her stepson and his wife were truly skilled in deception, and they had certainly hidden it well from her.

 

Amid the silence in the hall, Chu Jinyao gently nodded and smiled at Empress Xiao Qi. The palace was filled with beautiful women, but Chu Jinyao’s beauty was particularly striking—it was a kind of vibrant, luxuriant beauty, like peonies in full bloom, or peonies after the rain, quiet yet resplendent, a beauty that could only be nurtured by wealthy families.

 

In the crowded hall, Chu Jinyao’s beauty stood out even more. Her simple nod and smile made many of the women present, including the Empress, feel slightly inferior. Indeed, there were such stunning beauties in this world, treasures so rare that even other women felt they were precious, let alone men.

 

Before the others could react, Chu Jinyao responded crisply, “Alright.”

 

The others were momentarily stunned. What did she say? Before they could fully process it, Chu Jinyao gestured to Erxue and Erhua to come forward and kneel before the Empress. “I’ve been keeping them by my side for some time, and today I finally have the chance for them to pay their respects to Your Majesty.”

 

The Empress was caught off guard by this sudden turn of events and frowned in confusion. “What are you doing?”

 

“Your Majesty has forgotten—these are the maidservants you bestowed upon me. Each of them is a beauty,” Chu Jinyao said with a smile. “As Your Majesty has taught me well, with Your Majesty’s arrangement, I won’t need to trouble myself to find suitable attendants. Your Majesty’s thoughtfulness is truly meticulous and considerate.”

 

The Empress had originally intended to lecture about how the legitimate wife should not be jealous, but Chu Jinyao’s interruption made it difficult to continue. After all, the Empress was not her biological mother-in-law. She had already given the Eastern Palace four maidservants, and now Chu Jinyao was bringing them forward to pay respects. If the Empress interfered further, it would seem like she was deliberately meddling in her stepson’s marital affairs, and such a reputation would be unseemly.

 

The Empress, temporarily stymied, had to soften her tone. “It’s good that you have the right mindset. As the Crown Princess, the future mother of the nation, you must be virtuous and magnanimous. You absolutely must not lower yourself by competing for favor. Do you understand?”

 

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your guidance,” Chu Jinyao replied smoothly, though internally, she found it quite amusing. A legitimate wife should not compete for favor—ha, it was rich of the Empress to say such things. Chu Jinyao feigned ignorance and deliberately smiled, saying, “Your Majesty is absolutely right. I am still young and unfamiliar with many aspects of managing the Eastern Palace. If Your Majesty sees anything amiss in my actions, please feel free to correct me.”

 

Now that Chu Jinyao had put it this way, what could the Empress do? She could only respond, “It’s nothing. Everyone starts from inexperience and learns along the way. You’ve already done quite well, and you’ll continue to improve in time.”

 

“Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty,” Chu Jinyao said, sincerely bowing in gratitude.

 

With the conversation reaching this point, there was no way to continue the topic. The Empress had no choice but to shift to other subjects. After the Empress initiated a new topic, the other concubines joined in, and the previous conversation was tactfully brushed aside.

 

The lively atmosphere returned to Kunning Palace, and Chu Jinyao returned to her seat. Although she appeared to be listening attentively, a hint of melancholy lingered in her expression. The Empress pretended not to notice, and the other concubines, seeing Chu Jinyao’s subdued demeanor, felt secretly relieved.

 

Everyone in the palace went through this, so how could she be any different? It was just two maidservants, after all. At the very least, she would have ten days to herself. She should be content with that.

 

The concubines engaged in lively conversation, unaware that while Chu Jinyao had spoken many words and had Erxue and Erhua pay respects to the Empress, she had never explicitly stated that she would give these two maidservants any formal status.

 

She had merely brought the two maidservants forward to thank the Empress for bestowing them upon her. Despite agreeing with everything the Empress had said, she had not once declared that she would formally make them concubines.

 

For the first time, Chu Jinyao appreciated the palace’s habit of leaving things unsaid. It had helped her greatly in this instance.

 

However, despite successfully navigating this tricky situation with clever wordplay, Chu Jinyao didn’t feel happy.

 

She could refuse the Empress with subtle tactics, but could she refuse Qin Yi?

 

Because of this matter, even after seeing the magnificent lantern tower and the intricately crafted palace lanterns, Chu Jinyao couldn’t recapture the joy she had felt during the fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

 

Her mood soon spread to the maids around her. Linglong looked at Chu Jinyao with concern, while Erxue remained silent. Erhua, on the other hand, was feeling quite elated, thinking that after seeing the Empress, her status had risen above that of an ordinary maidservant. However, in front of Chu Jinyao, she dared not show her excitement.

 

Erhua’s thoughts were racing, and she glanced at Erxue with a mix of provocation and caution. Erxue sneered inwardly, thinking, “Fool.”

 

At the same time, Erxue understood that she had no way out now. Erhua had been brought out because she was reckless and brainless, but Erxue had also been presented. This was Chu Jinyao’s silent threat. Either Erxue would become like Momo Hong, a sharp tool in the Crown Princess’s hands, or she would be torn apart by the other women in the Eastern Palace who were scheming to climb into the Crown Prince’s bed.

 

Erxue was known for her ability to assess situations and adapt. Since the Crown Princess had shown faith in her, Erxue was willing to find refuge with her. The Crown Princess was a noblewoman—how could she waste time dealing with mere maids? The task of suppressing the scheming palace maids in the Eastern Palace could only fall to another maid from a lowly background, someone ruthless like Erxue.

 

When they returned to Ciqing Palace, Momo Gong, who had been joyfully awaiting them, was startled by Chu Jinyao’s expression. She quietly asked Linglong, “What happened to the Crown Princess?”

 

Linglong shook her head, subtly pointing to Erhua, who was preening herself and adjusting her hair. Then she discreetly gestured in the direction of the northwest. Momo Gong quickly understood—the trouble must have come from Kunning Palace, likely related to those beautiful maidservants once again.

 

Once they were inside, Momo Gong dismissed the other attendants and softly offered to help Chu Jinyao unwind. “Shall I help you let down your hair, Your Highness?”

 

“Yes,” Chu Jinyao replied.

 

As Momo Gong carefully removed Chu Jinyao’s ornate hairpins, she caught a glimpse of the Crown Princess’s expression in the mirror. Trying to be tactful, she said, “Your Highness, you are the mistress of the Eastern Palace. There has been a long-standing estrangement between His Highness and that lady. The difficulties you face are all for His Highness’s sake. Don’t let it weigh on your heart.”

 

“I know,” Chu Jinyao replied.

 

In the past, Chu Jinyao had been troubled by the Empress’s difficulties, but she had never seemed this despondent. Momo Gong had an inkling of what might be bothering her. “Your Highness, could it be that you are worried about the matter of accepting concubines?”

 

Chu Jinyao remained silent, but Momo Gong couldn’t help feeling relieved. “Your Highness, you are of such esteemed status—how could you be concerned with those women? His Highness is rational and listens to you, which is already more than many legitimate wives could hope for. Those women are mere playthings. No matter how much trouble they cause, they cannot surpass you.”

 

Linglong quickly pushed Momo Gong away before she could continue her attempts to console Chu Jinyao, realizing that such advice would only deepen her mistress’s emotional turmoil. Once they were alone, Linglong knelt beside Chu Jinyao and looked up at her with concern. “Your Highness?”

 

Over the years, Chu Jinyao had come to see Linglong as more than just a maid—she regarded her almost like a sister. Linglong gazed earnestly at her, and Chu Jinyao, lowering her guard, spoke her heart. “Linglong, do you think I should take the initiative to find concubines for His Highness?”

 

Linglong didn’t answer immediately. She pondered for a while, then grasped Chu Jinyao’s hand, her palm warm and steady. “Your Highness, this is a matter between you and His Highness. It doesn’t matter what others say; you need to ask yourself how you feel and how His Highness feels. From what I’ve observed, His Highness cares for you deeply. If you were to find other women for him without saying a word, I think he might be angry.”

 

Chu Jinyao didn’t want to do it either. She realized that her mindset had become dangerously conflicted. She had initially resolved to remain composed, not letting herself be swayed by the illusions of wealth and favor, not allowing jealousy to corrupt her heart. She didn’t want to end up like Madam Zhao, who spent her entire life consumed by jealousy of concubines, or like other women, who lived in resentment, waiting in vain for fleeting moments of “dignity” and affection from their husbands. She had wanted to be a free-spirited and graceful Crown Princess.

 

When she had first married, everything had seemed fine. But in such a short time, Chu Jinyao had realized that she couldn’t do it.

 

She couldn’t bear the thought of seeing Qin Yi with other women, smiling at them, writing with them, and sharing intimate nights with them.

 

Unknowingly, tears welled up in Chu Jinyao’s eyes. Linglong, seeing her mistress’s beautiful eyes brimming with tears, felt a pang in her heart. A sudden idea came to her. “Your Highness, didn’t you cough a little when you returned earlier, perhaps from the cold wind? Why don’t you feign illness? When His Highness returns, I’ll tell him about the Empress’s pressure regarding concubines. Out of pity, he surely won’t want to take any other women.”

 

Chu Jinyao thought it made sense. She could use the excuse of illness to gauge Qin Yi’s attitude. The two of them quickly set their plan in motion.

 

By the time Qin Yi returned from the banquet, the night was already deep. The Emperor didn’t concern himself with state affairs, but he did enjoy hosting banquets with various pretexts. Today’s banquet, in particular, had celebrated the Emperor’s late-in-life son, a matter of great pride for someone of his age. The ministers were happy as well, and the festivities had lasted a long time.

 

During such occasions, Qin Yi couldn’t avoid drinking or toasting, and it wasn’t until the Emperor was thoroughly entertained that he could excuse himself. Once he was free, he immediately made his way to Ciqing Palace. Even though he hadn’t had this habit before, now that someone else shared his quarters, he always felt uneasy if he returned late.

 

However, as soon as Qin Yi stepped inside, he sensed something was off. He recognized the faces of Chu Jinyao’s maids, including Linglong, who usually attended her closely. Linglong’s expression was solemn, as if she had something to say but didn’t dare.

 

“What’s wrong?” Qin Yi asked.

 

Linglong had underestimated the pressure of facing Qin Yi. Her voice lowered almost to a whisper. “Her Highness doesn’t seem well.”

 

Qin Yi’s expression immediately changed. Without even bothering to remove his court robes, he pushed past the attendants and strode quickly towards the inner chambers. Linglong followed in a panic, standing guard at the bedroom door while shooing the other servants away.

 

When Qin Yi entered, he didn’t see Chu Jinyao at first. He could make out her figure, lying with her back to him, behind the bed curtains. Qin Yi’s gaze sharpened, though his steps softened.

 

“Jinyao, what’s wrong?” Qin Yi sat lightly on the edge of the bed, reaching out his hand but hesitating just before touching her shoulder. He didn’t want to hurt her with too much force.

 

Chu Jinyao slowly turned to face him, her cheeks flushed. “Your Highness.”

 

“How did you fall ill so suddenly? What happened? Have you summoned the imperial physician?”

 

“No, there’s no need to trouble anyone.”

 

Qin Yi’s frown deepened as he examined her pale complexion. He was about to rise. “That won’t do. I’ll have someone fetch Imperial Physician Gao right away.”

 

Alarmed, Chu Jinyao grabbed his sleeve. “Your Highness, it’s already late. There’s no need to disturb anyone.”

 

“Why not? You just rest, and leave the rest to me.”

 

“Your Highness,” Chu Jinyao, seeing no other choice, propped herself up and hugged his arm, holding him back. “It’s nothing serious. If I keep warm tonight, I’ll be fine. Really, no need to call too many people over. Just stay here and talk with me.”

 

Qin Yi stopped at her words, looking at her intently for a moment before sitting back down. “Alright.”

 

“Your Highness, I met with the Empress today.” Chu Jinyao tried to bring up the matter casually, noticing small red paper fragments on Qin Yi’s shoulder, likely from the lanterns. Instinctively, she reached out to brush them off, but before she could touch him, Qin Yi suddenly took hold of her wrist. He examined her carefully, his expression still inscrutable, before placing his palm gently on her forehead.

 

Qin Yi’s hand was cool to the touch, and Chu Jinyao blinked, a sense of foreboding creeping in.

 

After checking her temperature for a moment, Qin Yi slowly sat back. His face betrayed no emotion, leaving Chu Jinyao lying there, her eyes wide as she stared at him, forgetting her earlier plan. They gazed at each other for a few moments before Qin Yi smiled slightly. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

 

“I…”

 

Qin Yi’s smile seemed as usual, but the glint in his eyes made Chu Jinyao instinctively sense danger. She stammered, unable to form a coherent sentence, when Qin Yi spoke again, his tone slow and deliberate: “You’ve gotten bold. You even dared to pretend to be sick.”

 

Chu Jinyao immediately realized that Qin Yi was angry. She thought to herself that provoking him to this point could be considered an accomplishment worth recording, but now wasn’t the time to be careless. She carefully tugged at his sleeve. “Your Highness?”

Qin Yi didn’t respond, but the look in his eyes was sharp enough to cut through steel. If any of the ministers who had dealt with Qin Yi saw this, they would undoubtedly be terrified, kneeling in shock and unable to speak. But Chu Jinyao wasn’t one of his ministers. So, seeing this, she wasn’t scared at all. Instead, she used a woman’s natural instinct—she started to act spoiled.

“Your Highness, are you mad at me?”

Qin Yi was truly furious. When he first heard the news, his heart had jolted, a chilling sensation spreading from his head down to his toes. He was almost ready to issue an order for someone to take his waist token and open the palace gates to drag Imperial Physician Gao out of his house, palace rules be damned. Chu Jinyao had frightened him for quite a while, only for it to turn out to be a false alarm.

Qin Yi’s face remained cold as he made a move to get up and leave. Sensing that things were going south, Chu Jinyao knew that letting him walk away now would be disastrous. Without any regard for propriety, she quickly threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his waist. Qin Yi froze for a moment, then tried to pull her off. But Chu Jinyao refused to let go, clinging to him with a tone that bordered on tears, “Your Highness, are you leaving?”