Chapter 99: The Trouble with Consort Lian

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Qi Rong’s situation was kept within a small circle. In the palace, people simply noticed that she hadn’t been seen for a few days, and then suddenly heard news that the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Zhenbei had become engaged. She had already been sent back to the capital to prepare for her marriage.

 

Even though many felt the engagement was rushed, even abrupt, no one bothered to pursue the matter beyond some quiet murmuring. After all, it was someone else’s issue. While the people directly involved might feel as though the world was crumbling, for everyone else, it was a passing concern, less important than evening mosquitoes.

 

In comparison, the imperial concubines were far more concerned with another matter: the ongoing tension between the Crown Princess and the Empress seemed to have escalated. Empress Xiao Qi used to put on the pretense of being a kind mother, but now, when Chu Jinyao came to pay her respects, she openly wore a cold expression.

 

Zhao Lanhui noticed this but pretended not to. After returning from the palace, she and the Prince Su were preparing to leave for their fief in Qingyang, a thousand miles from the capital, isolated by mountains and rivers, making communication difficult. Zhao Lanhui had been extra cautious, doing everything she could to curry favor with the Empress Xiao Qi, as the Prince Su had instructed her to win the Empress Xiao Qi’s favor, knowing they would need her to speak well of them to the Emperor after they left the capital.

 

While serving the Empress Xiao Qi, Zhao Lanhui also had to be mindful of Noble Consort Shu’s emotions. As the Prince Su’s foster mother, Noble Consort Shu had significant influence, and Zhao Lanhui feared that currying too much favor with the Empress Xiao Qi might offend her. Navigating between two “mothers-in-law” was difficult, and every word and action had to be carefully considered.

 

During today’s visit, Zhao Lanhui noticed Chu Jinyao standing there calmly, with a composed expression, seemingly unfazed by the Empress Xiao Qi’s cold demeanor. Chu Jinyao stood still for a while, just long enough not to be accused of neglecting her duties as a daughter-in-law, then found an excuse and left. Zhao Lanhui was astonished by her boldness. Newlywed wives were usually timid and cautious in front of their mothers-in-law, yet Chu Jinyao acted as though she couldn’t care less about the Empress Xiao Qi’s coldness. It seemed almost unfilial, even rebellious.

 

Zhao Lanhui had heard whispers of Qi Rong’s situation, though she didn’t necessarily feel sympathy. However, seeing how Chu Jinyao openly defied the Empress stirred an odd sense of envy in her.

 

Women were often pampered in their natal homes, but after marriage, they had to submit to the authority of their mothers-in-law. Ultimately, though, they were supposed to spend their lives with their husbands, not their mothers-in-law. Chu Jinyao dared to stand up to the Empress, and her confidence could only come from her husband’s support.

 

Many had privately told Zhao Lanhui that Chu Jinyao’s behavior was inappropriate, that it was not how a virtuous woman should act. Yet, watching Chu Jinyao and the Crown Prince together, Zhao Lanhui couldn’t help but envy her. Chu Jinyao’s real mother-in-law had already passed away, and the Empress Xiao Qi was just a stepmother with a shaky position, thanks to past events. No matter how much she might be tormented, it didn’t matter in the end. In terms of dealing with her mother-in-law, the Crown Prince and Chu Jinyao were on the same side, which was practically like having no mother-in-law at all.

 

Caught between two mothers-in-law, Zhao Lanhui felt genuine envy. After all, in her case, the Prince Su honored his legitimate mother and obeyed his foster mother, leaving Zhao Lanhui stuck in the middle.

 

Zhao Lanhui watched as Chu Jinyao left without a care in the world. After she disappeared from view, the Empress Xiao Qi’s face darkened considerably. Those in the imperial palace pretended not to notice—after all, when it came to the power struggle between the Crown Princess and the Empress, they were mere small fry and had no desire to get caught in the crossfire.

 

After leaving the Empress Xiao Qi’s palace, Chu Jinyao took a deep breath as the sunlight hit her face. She didn’t enjoy seeing the Empress Xiao Qi any more than the Empress enjoyed seeing her. If it weren’t for the obligation of “filial piety,” who would bother to visit her?

 

Linglong asked, “Crown Princess, shall we return to the Qide Hall now?”

 

“No rush,” Chu Jinyao replied. “The weather is nice today. Let’s take a walk in the garden before returning to the palace.”

 

“Yes, Your Highness.”

 

As Chu Jinyao strolled through the garden, she coincidentally encountered Consort Lian. Ever since Consort Lian’s pregnancy was “discovered,” the Empress Xiao Qi had released her from the duty of paying respects, encouraging her to focus on her pregnancy. As her due date approached, Consort Lian heeded the imperial physicians’ advice and walked outside more often, thus encountering Chu Jinyao in the garden.

 

Consort Lian warmly greeted Chu Jinyao, walking over to speak with her. “Crown Princess, are you here for a stroll in the garden as well?”

 

“I came from paying respects to the Empress Xiao Qi and decided to take a walk. Be careful, Consort Lian. You should watch your step with your condition,” Chu Jinyao replied with a smile, though she kept a deliberate distance from her. Given Consort Lian’s pregnancy and the many who might wish her ill, Chu Jinyao was cautious. She didn’t want to be blamed if anything happened to Consort Lian, like a fall.

 

Consort Lian was clearly aware of her situation. In fact, she had always held a deep sense of admiration for Chu Jinyao. In terms of status, Chu Jinyao was second only to the Empress herself as the Crown Princess, and logically, Consort Lian’s pregnancy had a lot to do with the Crown Prince pushing it forward. Furthermore, after the Emperor invited the Taoist Wang Mingci to the palace to expel the evil spirits, if it hadn’t been for Chu Jinyao and the Crown Prince’s intervention, Consort Lian would have drunk the talisman water for sure. At the time, Consort Lian was so scared, she was completely willing to trust Wang Mingci and have him exorcise the evil spirits. But after returning to the palace and gradually coming to her senses, Consort Lian was drenched in cold sweat.

 

Pregnant women, after all, have many taboos to observe, and what they consume must be handled with utmost care. If she had really drunk Wang Mingci’s talisman water, would she still be carrying the Emperor’s child now?

 

Consort Lian didn’t dare think about it. The Emperor, as expected, didn’t hold the Empress Xiao Qi accountable afterward, which terrified Consort Lian even more. She didn’t dare speak a word about it. The power dynamics in the harem were like this: concubines came and went, but the Empress Xiao Qi remained immovable. No one could go against Empress Xiao Qi. As a result, Consort Lian’s fear only deepened, and she was all the more grateful to Chu Jinyao for her help that day. She said, “Ever since that day at the Western Garden, I haven’t had the chance to properly thank you, Crown Princess. I’m deeply indebted to you for saving my life.”

 

Consort Lian wasn’t just talking about the incident where she fell into the water; she was also referring to the time when Wang Mingci had feigned exorcism. However, since this matter involved the Empress Xiao Qi, both Consort Lian and Chu Jinyao tactfully avoided mentioning it directly. Chu Jinyao understood what Consort Lian meant and responded, “Consort Lian, you are being too polite. I was only doing what I should. Besides, even if I hadn’t intervened that day, someone else would have jumped in to save you. You are blessed by the ancestors, so you needn’t worry.”

 

“That’s what people say, but the truth is that I owe you a great debt, Crown Princess. It’s only right that I personally express my gratitude.” Consort Lian insisted and even tried to bow in thanks, but Chu Jinyao quickly had her maidservants stop her. In the ensuing commotion, Consort Lian finally gave up on the formal bow.

 

Seeing Consort Lian calm down, Chu Jinyao quietly breathed a sigh of relief. While Consort Lian’s gratitude was sincere, the child in her belly had made her the enemy of many in the palace. Chu Jinyao had no desire to get caught in this mess. Moreover, it seemed like Consort Lian’s visit today wasn’t just about expressing thanks but also an attempt to form an alliance with the Eastern Palace.

 

Consort Lian understood all too well the dark undercurrents of palace life. After learning she was pregnant, she lived in constant fear, worried that the Empress Xiao Qi would turn against her. Even now, despite her elevation to the rank of consort and her increased favor with the Emperor, Consort Lian still felt vulnerable. For both personal and strategic reasons, she wanted to align herself with Chu Jinyao. After all, her child would be twenty years younger than the Crown Prince, and without the Emperor’s support, both her and her child’s fate rested in the hands of the Eastern Palace. She didn’t have the courage to approach the Crown Prince directly, so she focused on winning over the Crown Princess instead.

 

Consort Lian’s intentions were obvious, and Chu Jinyao remained neutral on the matter. While the other concubines viewed Consort Lian as a threat, Chu Jinyao did not feel the same way. Even if Consort Lian did give birth to a son, it would make little difference. A child born twenty years after the Crown Prince would pose no threat to his position. The Second Prince, who was only two years younger than the Crown Prince, had already been sent to the frontier to avoid clashing with the Eastern Palace, so what harm could Consort Lian’s unborn child do?

 

Chu Jinyao had no desire to involve herself in the harem’s power struggles. Her position was on a different level than the concubines, and she had little interest in who gained or lost favor. However, Consort Lian was the opposite. On their walk, Consort Lian actively sought to engage Chu Jinyao in conversation, eventually steering the topic toward children. “Being pregnant is truly exhausting. These past few days, I’ve been feeling hotter than usual. Fortunately, the Emperor has been kind and allowed me to stay in the palace, which is much cooler than the palace. Otherwise, I can’t even imagine how I’d manage.”

 

Chu Jinyao smiled and replied, “How can it be considered exhausting? It’s a blessing, after all.”

 

Consort Lian touched her swollen belly, her face softening with maternal affection. “Blessing? I just wish he’d come out soon and stop tormenting me.”

 

“Why rush? You’ve already made it eight months, just two more to go, and the child will arrive whether you want it or not,” Chu Jinyao said. Her thoughts briefly wandered. “It’s already July. My sister’s due date is also approaching. I wonder when she’ll give birth.”

 

Chu Jinxian was heavily pregnant and due in July. As a result, she had remained in the capital to await her delivery while Chu Jinyao accompanied the royal family to the summer palace. Being away from her sister during such a critical time left Chu Jinyao worried.

 

Upon hearing this, Consort Lian was surprised. “Your sister is due soon too? What a blessing! Was her first child a boy or a girl?”

 

Chu Jinyao’s smile didn’t falter, but she corrected Consort Lian, “This is my sister’s first child.”

 

Consort Lian’s face flushed with embarrassment. Since Chu Jinyao had been married for over half a year and had spent a year preparing for her wedding, Consort Lian had assumed her older sister must already have children and was hoping to politely comment on the family’s good fortune. She hadn’t expected this to be her first pregnancy.

 

Consort Lian’s expression grew awkward. Considering this, it seemed that Chu Jinyao’s family had faced difficulties with childbearing. Consort Lian couldn’t help but think of Chu Jinyao herself and decided it was best not to bring the subject up any further.

 

Chu Jinyao understood Consort Lian’s awkwardness and concern. The entire imperial court was fixated on the Eastern Palace’s succession, yet she had not shown any signs of pregnancy. Six months wasn’t a particularly long time, but given that there were no concubines in the Eastern Palace and the Crown Prince spent every night with her, the fact that she hadn’t conceived yet was starting to raise questions.

 

Consort Lian had unintentionally touched on a sensitive topic, leaving her feeling both embarrassed and fearful. Chu Jinyao, however, brushed it off and offered a gentle reminder, “Consort Lian, watch your step.”

 

Consort Lian nodded. Realizing that they had been out for quite some time and not wanting to overstay her welcome after broaching such a sensitive topic, she tactfully took her leave. After exchanging a few more polite words with Chu Jinyao, they each returned to their respective residences.

 

Back in the Qide Hall, Qin Yi was dressed in a white robe with gold trim, striding in from outside. He walked straight into the main hall, glanced around, and asked, “Where is everyone?”

 

Xiao Linzi’s eyebrow twitched. His gaze swept over the room, filled with maids, and he thought, “These don’t count as people?” But even though he was grumbling internally, Xiao Linzi still responded cheerfully, “The Crown Princess has gone to pay her respects and hasn’t returned yet. Your Highness, shall I go fetch her?”

 

“She’s still paying respects?” Qin Yi’s brow furrowed unconsciously. It was already late, and she hadn’t returned yet. Could the Empress Xiao Qi be making things difficult for her? Without another word, Qin Yi’s expression darkened as he turned and headed for the door. Xiao Linzi and the others scrambled after him, panicking. “Your Highness! Where are you going?”

 

“Your Highness?” At that moment, Chu Jinyao entered, just in time to see Qin Yi striding out with a grim expression. She asked in confusion, “What’s the matter? Why are you going out again?”

 

Qin Yi saw Chu Jinyao and silently sighed with relief. “Why did it take so long to pay your respects today?”

 

“I ran into Consort Lian while passing through the garden, so I stopped to chat with her,” Chu Jinyao explained, still puzzled as she glanced at the group of attendants behind Qin Yi. “Were you going out to find me?”

 

Chu Jinyao was taken aback by the gesture. Qin Yi didn’t answer, but once they were inside, he pulled her to sit beside him. After scrutinizing her closely, he asked, “Did she give you any trouble today?”

 

There was no need to specify who he meant by “she.” Chu Jinyao shook her head. She knew she couldn’t hide her emotions from Qin Yi, so she didn’t even try. “No, she didn’t. Although her face was cold, she was still polite enough and didn’t make things difficult.”

 

Reflecting on it, Chu Jinyao found it hard to believe. After the incident with Qi Rong, she had been fully prepared for the Empress Xiao Qi to retaliate, yet to her surprise, the Empress Xiao Qi had only given her the cold shoulder and kept her at a distance. Other than that, there had been no other actions taken. Chu Jinyao was both relieved and wary. She didn’t believe the Empress Xiao Qi was a magnanimous person. On the contrary, she knew the Empress to be ruthless and petty. The lack of immediate retaliation only made Chu Jinyao more cautious, as if it were the calm before the storm.

 

Qin Yi seemed to be preparing for something as well. While he remained outwardly calm, there had been an increase in the security around Chu Jinyao. Despite the precautions, Qin Yi still couldn’t shake his concern every time she left the palace on her own. “There are many eyes in the imperial palace. You must be cautious. If you want to go anywhere, just send for me, and I’ll accompany you.”

 

Chu Jinyao was touched by his words. Qin Yi was the Crown Prince and was constantly busy, attending to the Emperor, meeting with officials, and handling state affairs. Even so, he still thought of her. Chu Jinyao knew that if she asked, Qin Yi would find a way to postpone his duties and accompany her, but as his wife, she couldn’t be so unreasonable as to make things difficult for him. It was enough to know he had this intention.

 

Though she understood this, Chu Jinyao didn’t reject Qin Yi’s offer outright. Instead, she accepted graciously, saying, “Thank you, Your Highness. If I do trouble you often in the future, you mustn’t think of me as a bother!”

 

Qin Yi, an expert at reading people, could tell from her expression that she had no intention of bothering him. He sighed inwardly. Chu Jinyao had always been understanding and considerate. While he had always valued these qualities in a woman, when it came to her, it made his heart ache. “You don’t need to be so careful around me. It’s okay to act spoiled.”

 

Chu Jinyao’s eyes lit up with a brilliant smile. For a moment, they sparkled like stars. “You said it, Your Highness. I shall obey your orders.”

 

After spending a little time with Chu Jinyao, Qin Yi went to his study to handle some work. Chu Jinyao, left with some free time, busied herself with managing palace affairs. Life in the imperial palace continued at its own leisurely pace. One afternoon, Linglong entered the room, brimming with excitement. After bowing, she announced, “Crown Princess, we’ve just received word from the Zhao family in the capital. Madam has given birth!”

 

Chu Jinyao was both surprised and overjoyed. “Really? How is my sister?”

 

“Both mother and son are safe, and the Madam gave birth to a healthy baby boy!”

 

Chu Jinyao was relieved, and joy quickly followed. “Thank the heavens for their protection!”

 

Overcome with happiness, Chu Jinyao peppered Linglong with questions about the details of the birth. As she learned more, her excitement grew, and she ordered fresh silk to be brought out so she could personally sew clothes for her new nephew.

 

Chu Jinyao had already made several garments for the baby during Chu Jinxian’s pregnancy, but now that the baby had finally arrived, she was even more excited and wanted to make a few more outfits. Qide Hall was filled with joyful energy. As Linglong went to fetch the sewing box, Chu Jinyao gazed at the flowers outside, her eyes narrowing slightly. “One of the plants looks like it’s wilting. Have someone tend to it.”

 

The servants quickly responded. With Chu Jinxian’s safe delivery, the next few days at the Qide Hall were filled with joy. However, as was often the case, happiness in one corner of the palace was often accompanied by sorrow elsewhere. One quiet afternoon, as Chu Jinyao was inspecting baby clothes, she suddenly heard the hurried footsteps of someone running across the stone steps.

 

Sensing that something was wrong, Chu Jinyao looked up just in time to see a eunuch panting for breath. Struggling to catch his breath, he gasped, “Crown Princess, something terrible has happened! Consort Lian has suffered a miscarriage!”