Chapter 34: Rivalry

Chapter 34: Rivalry

Despite the new favorite, Noble Lady Li, the Emperor didn't forget his cousin Min Jie Yu, who had nearly lost her life. As soon as she recovered, he favored her chamber.

Nearly two months after the new consorts entered the palace, Min Jie Yu finally served the Emperor in bed.

“Min Jie Yu had her plans, but Noble Lady Li's sudden rise thwarted them,” Jiang Hui scooped a spoonful of well-chilled black plum juice into her mouth, her expression relaxed and patient as she taught Shan Zha to understand the palace's intrigues.

"A strategy?" Shan Zha, kneeling at Jiang Hui's feet while massaging her legs, asked, "Master, you mentioned last time that Min Jie Yu was playing a strategic game. Does that mean she wanted to evoke the Emperor's pity?"

"You are half right," Jiang Hui said with a smile.

"So, did Min Jie Yu initially refuse to serve the Emperor for this reason?" Shan Zha was incredulous, finding it hard to believe any consort would refuse the Emperor.

"Her," Jiang Hui chuckled, "She had the Empress Dowager as her backing, giving her the leverage to do so."

"But why?" Shan Zha still couldn't comprehend.

"Because Min Jie Yu is the Emperor's cousin, yet they share no childhood bond," Jiang Hui explained while scooping another spoonful of plum juice, its cool tartness exploding delightfully in her mouth, "Had she served the Emperor from the start, she would have been no different from the other women in his eyes."

"Oh! I understand now!" Shan Zha exclaimed softly, "Min Jie Yu was building a cousinly bond with the Emperor!"

Jiang Hui gave her an approving look.

"But why didn't you do the same?" Shan Zha queried further.

Nearby, Wan Song bent over laughing, tapping Shan Zha's head lightly and explaining, "The Emperor and Master grew up together studying in the Chong Wen Pavilion, childhood sweethearts. Why would they need such tactics?"

There was more that Wan Song didn’t say: Jiang Hui already had a marriage arrangement and had refused to serve in the Eastern Palace. What would be the consequences of such a refusal? Even if spoken diplomatically, it probably wouldn’t end well.

"Perhaps it was the Empress Dowager's suggestion, or she figured it out herself. In any case, the Emperor treats those close to him differently. With the Empress Dowager's support, she needn’t worry about being forgotten by the Emperor, so of course, she tried to cultivate a bond," Jiang Hui mused after finishing her drink, satisfied. "The drowning incident was meant to be the final touch, but with so many beauties around the Emperor, new favorites emerged before Min Jie Yu could recover."

What followed was likely to be another round of rivalry.

Suddenly changing the topic, Jiang Hui inquired, "I heard the Second Princess has been unwell recently?"

"Yes," Qiu Qiu replied, "It's said the hot and humid weather affected her. After eating mashed quince fruit fed by her nurse, she got an upset stomach."

Handing over a silk handkerchief, Wan Song watched as Jiang Hui dabbed the corners of her mouth, then cheerfully instructed, "Please invite Lady Xue over."

The Emperor recently received congratulatory memorials from local educational officials, reporting several scholars achieving the "Lesser Triple Laureates" in this year's imperial examination, attributing it to the Emperor's enlightened rule and flourishing scholarship.

Although Emperor Xiao Sheng tired of these sycophantic phrases, he still found genuine educational achievements gratifying.

In high spirits and about to invite the frail Jiang Hui for a lake excursion, he changed his mind, recalling her delicate health amidst the scorching heat. Instead, he summoned the recently favored Lady Li to accompany him.

On the Dragon Boat in Taiye Pool, Lady Li played "Xunyang Night Moon" for the Emperor, coincidentally crossing paths with Min Jie Yu returning from Cining Palace.

Passing by Taiye Pool, Min Jie Yu, spotting the Emperor from afar, decided against approaching directly and sent her maid, Dong Qing, to greet him.

After An Jing delivered the Emperor’s decree excusing her from formalities, Min Jie Yu briefly curtsied, her gaze sweeping over the brightly dressed Lady Li, then returned to Han Zhang Palace with her attendants.

On the Dragon Boat, Lady Li smoothed the still-vibrating strings of her instrument, smilingly remarked, "Lady Min Jie Yu truly embodies noble grace, her every action adhering to etiquette."

The Emperor, seemingly oblivious to the subtle rivalry between Lady Li and Min Jie Yu, commented, "Today's piece should be enjoyed under the moonlight."

"Then Your Majesty should visit again tonight, and we can appreciate 'Xunyang Night Moon' together," Lady Li flirtatiously suggested, playfully clinging to his sleeve.

In Han Zhang Palace, Dong Qing cautiously entered the inner chamber, discreetly informing her mistress that, as expected, the Emperor had favored Lady Li again.

Min Jie Yu's brows twitched slightly, her gaze drifting over her wrist adorned with a shimmering carnelian and ruby bracelet, suddenly inquired, "Dong Qing, do you find this bracelet beautiful?"

A southern tribute, the large, radiant rubies resembled pigeon eggs, a special gift from the Emperor through An Jing, certainly stunning.

Yet, Dong Qing, hesitating to respond directly, bowed deeply in silence.

Unperturbed, Min Jie Yu instructed, "If Lady Luo visits tomorrow, have her wait in the inner chamber."

"Yes," Dong Qing replied, then cautiously asked, "And about Lady Sun...?"

"The sound of drums is a daily occurrence at the Zhaoyang Palace. It's time Lady Sun presented her congratulatory gift," Min Jie Yu said with a faint smile, a deep look in her eyes.

One day, Xu Xiu Yuan, perhaps swayed by someone’s words, suddenly issued invitations for a flower viewing banquet, specifically requesting Min Jie Yu and Lady Li to attend.

The second princess, being nursed back to health in the Fengyi Palace, was unable to attend due to the Empress's care.

Jiang Hui, having recently resumed her favored status, reluctantly made her way to the Guangyang Palace in a palanquin upon receiving Xu Xiu Yuan's invitation, only to sense an odd atmosphere upon entering the Huazhen Hall.

Despite the scorching heat outside, the hall was comfortably cool with numerous ice basins, ensuring the comfort of those present.

A group of consorts whispered among themselves, with three palace maids kneeling on the ground; two from Guangyang Palace and one, Su Jin, the personal maid of Luo, the Lady of Jinlan Garden from Changxin Palace.

Jiang Hui instantly noticed the shattered Jun ware sky-blue glazed flower pot, its twin peony flowers with golden stamens and pink petals scattered, and Lady Li, nursing her hand with an ice pack.

The arrival of the eunuch caused everyone to look towards the entrance, greeting the belatedly arriving Consort Jiang with formal bows.

"We greet the Imperial Consort, wishing you endless prosperity and peace."

"Rise," Jiang Hui said indifferently, approaching and inquiring, "What happened to Lady Li?"

With the Empress absent, Consort Jiang held the highest status. Hearing her question, Lady Li's maid, Yin Zhu, hastily explained, "Replying to Your Highness, it was Luo's maid, Su Jin, who pushed the tea-serving maid, causing hot water to spill onto my mistress's hand!"

Xu Xiu Yuan added, "I've already called for the Imperial Physician. Imperial Consort, there's no need for concern," though her face betrayed an uncontrollable glee.

Jiang Hui glanced at Luo, who appeared calm, and asked, "Lady Luo, is what this maid of Lady Li claims true?"

Luo respectfully bowed again, her scholarly demeanor subtly present in her gentle tone, unexpectedly confirming, "What Yin Zhu says is true."