Chapter 36:

December had already made her arrangements. Upon learning about the spice incident, she quickly calculated everything in her mind. Originally, she had planned to wait another year or so before exposing the matter. However, due to the recent news of Consort Fu’s pregnancy, the incident was revealed earlier than expected. Naturally, December was aware of the spies within Tingyu Pavilion; these people were meant to stay hidden until precisely this moment to demonstrate her fury.

As for Xiao Dengzi, how could the Empress Dowager’s pawn be discarded so easily?

Only by making proper use of him could the best results be achieved.

The Empress Dowager had entered the palace as a concubine-born daughter, and surely had endured many hardships in her youth. December assumed that the Empress must have been pleased with her subtle criticisms toward the high-born ladies. If the Empress truly didn’t care, she wouldn’t have scolded Chen Yulan when she spoke of sisterly affection.

It was evident that back then, when the two sisters entered the palace together, they must have experienced many moments of rivalry and tension.

December never wasted effort on anything. Even though she didn’t yet know which people the Emperor had placed around her, she would ensure that Xiao Dengzi became a useful piece on her chessboard.

After dinner, December leaned against a small couch by the window, watching the sunset. It seemed that today’s sunset was especially beautiful, a brilliant red, like fire in the sky.

Xing’er lifted the curtain and entered softly.

“Your Ladyship, Eunuch Lai Xi has arrived.”

December quickly stood up. It made sense—after enduring such humiliation today, the Emperor wouldn’t remain indifferent.

With a smiling face, Lai Xi said, “This servant greets Lady Shen. Lady Shen, please receive the imperial decree.”

December immediately knelt down.

Lady Shen is virtuous and gentle, truly pleasing to the Emperor’s heart. Therefore, she is promoted to the rank of Imperial Concubine, with the title ‘Chun.’ She is granted a pair of jade Ruyi scepters, a pair of gold hairpins, six bolts of golden-threaded silk, six bolts of cloud-patterned brocade, ten boxes of pearls, and a pair of pearl-embroidered screen panels…

“Your humble concubine thanks the Emperor for his great favor.”

Lai Xi, known for his sharp senses, quickly helped Shen Layue to her feet.

“Imperial Concubine Chun, please rise quickly. The Emperor has said that he understands your distress. He cannot come in person today, but he will surely come tomorrow to comfort you. Your Ladyship mustn’t be too hard on yourself—please take good care of yourself,” Lai Xi, following the Emperor’s instructions, gently consoled Shen Layue.

“Thank you, Eunuch Lai Xi, for making this trip.”

Without needing further instructions from December, Jin Xin had already prepared a handful of golden melon seeds, smiling as she handed them to Lai Xi. Naturally, Lai Xi did not refuse, thanking her and accepting the gift.

He especially appreciated Imperial Concubine Chun for never trying to curry favor with the palace eunuchs—she was neither overly enthusiastic nor excessively proud.

After delivering his message, Lai Xi did not linger and immediately took his leave.

December watched his retreating figure and smiled slightly.

By mid-afternoon, the imperial decree had already been issued, promoting Consort Fu two ranks to the title of Noble Consort Fu. Then, in the evening, she herself had been promoted and rewarded. Everything seemed to be unfolding exactly as she had planned.

Although she had only been promoted one rank, the bestowed title ‘Chun’ made it almost equivalent to a two-rank promotion.

Smiling to herself, December called for her attendants to prepare a bath.

The servants of Tingyu Pavilion all wore expressions of joy. Although something had happened during the day, if she remained quiet and obedient, things weren’t so bad. With their mistress receiving the Emperor’s favor and rising in status, their own positions had also become more respected.

Several senior maids bustled about, organizing the Emperor’s gifts, all visibly delighted.

“Xing’er, you have nimble hands—make me a dress from that golden-threaded silk.”

As she spoke, the coarse-handed matron carried in the bathwater, and Jin Xin quickly helped her mistress undress.

Soaking in the flower-scented water, December murmured, “I heard the Emperor’s inner chambers have a hot spring, very pleasant indeed. I wonder when I’ll have the chance to enjoy it.”

Seeing her expression of longing, Jin Xin couldn’t help but laugh, “Your Ladyship treats the Emperor with sincerity, and the Emperor will surely cherish you in return.”

Beside her, Xing’er also smiled gently.

“Oh, you always know just what to say. People who don’t know you might think you’re truly gentle by nature, but that’s certainly not the case,” December teased.

Jin Xin protested, “How can you say such things about me, Your Ladyship? Ask Xing’er—everyone says I’m gentle!”

“After today, I doubt anyone in Tingyu Pavilion will still call you gentle, Jin Xin,” Xing’er joked.

The words Jin Xin had cheerfully spoken today had made it clear that gentleness was merely an act.

Jin Xin stomped her foot, “Even you are teasing me now! Just wait—I’ll make sure to get you back, you little brat!”

As the two bantered, December smiled softly, soaking in the water.

The Emperor would surely visit Noble Consort Fu tonight, but she wondered whether his habit of never sleeping with anyone would change. Then again, December thought with a hint of mockery, what was she thinking? Of course, it wouldn’t.

Among the newly entered palace women, aside from Noble Consort Fu (Fu Jin’ao) and herself, Lady Li was the only other one with a high rank.

If their brothers or fathers were advancing in official ranks at such a speed, they would probably feel uneasy.

“This palace’s affairs require your utmost attention. Don’t let others find any loopholes.”

“We obey.”

***

Inside the quiet chambers of Jiao Yun Palace.

Dressed in a sky-blue brocade robe, Fu Jin’ao lay on her side beside Emperor Jing, her fingers tracing his brows, feeling a tinge of sadness.

Emperor Jing caught her hand and sat up.

“The physicians said the first three months of pregnancy require the utmost care. I won’t stay here tonight.”

Fu Jin’ao bit her lip. Naturally, she cherished this child deeply—not only because it would strengthen her position in the harem, but also because it was the child of the man she loved. She had been overjoyed when she learned of the pregnancy.

Yet at the moment she needed his comfort the most, he was leaving. Even if they couldn’t engage in marital relations, she still wished he would stay by her side and rest here.

Seeing him rise to dress, she disregarded propriety and hugged his waist from behind, pressing her delicate face against his back, whispering, “Don’t go, Your Majesty, please don’t go…”

A gentle smile appeared on his face as his long fingers clasped hers, soothingly patting her hand.

“Don’t be childish, Yao’er. You know my habits. Aren’t you the one who understands me best?”

Seeing that he had no intention of changing his mind, Fu Jin’ao lowered her head in disappointment. He still refused to break the rules for her. Slowly, she released her hold and gave him a dazzling smile.

“Then let me help you dress.”

Emperor Jing’s eyes flickered slightly as he looked at her, a momentary daze flashing across his face before returning to normal.

“Rest well. Don’t neglect yourself. Once our son is born, I will personally teach him archery and literature. I will give him the finest things in the world,” he whispered softly by her ear, holding her hand.

Fu Jin’ao’s heart swelled with emotion as she looked up at him. Did he know what he had just said? Was it the meaning she hoped for?

Her eyes reddened slightly as she threw herself into his arms. “Your Majesty, I love you—I love you so much. I will take good care of myself and give birth to our healthy prince.”

He seemed equally moved. “Mm, good.”

After holding her for a while, Emperor Jing finally rose and left.

Fu Jin’ao gazed at his retreating figure, her heart suddenly bright, no longer burdened by the earlier sadness.

Even if there were others, he still treated her the best and had made such a promise. Why should she be upset over a single night’s matter? She had long known that the Empress Dowager didn’t favor her, but she also knew the Empress valued the Emperor’s offspring, which gave her some comfort. At the very least, she didn’t need to fear the Empress.

Even if the Empress harbored ill intentions toward her, what of it? In the end, the most important person in the palace was still the Emperor, wasn’t it?

And he treated her differently from the others.

As for a fox-like concubine like Imperial Concubine Chun, Fu Jin’ao sneered. She had underestimated her, but a woman with no notable family background could never truly win the Emperor’s heart. What right did she have to compete with her?

As for Consort De, once she gave birth to a son, Consort De would have no reason to remain arrogant.

She had loved her elegant, refined, and noble brother-in-law since childhood. Now that she had finally achieved her wish, and her elder sister was gone, wasn’t this proof of heaven’s favor?

Even if he still missed her sister, one day, he would belong to her alone.

Thinking of the Emperor’s brief moment of distraction earlier, Fu Jin’ao felt a twinge of jealousy toward her elder sister.

Yet no matter how she thought or speculated, she could never know that that fleeting daze had been deliberately feigned for her benefit.

After exiting the palace, Emperor Jing looked at the darkening sky and remained expressionless.

“Proceed to Xian Fu Palace.”

Xian Fu Palace was where Consort De resided.

Just as Consort De was preparing for bed, she heard that the Emperor was coming to her palace and couldn’t help but smile brightly. In the end, the Emperor had not forgotten her. Even though there were always new, young, and beautiful concubines, the Emperor was not a heartless man.

In her heart, she knew she held an extremely important place in him.

Meanwhile, upon hearing that the Emperor had not returned to Xuanning Hall but instead went to Xian Fu Palace, Fu Jin’ao’s face turned pale with anger.

Looking at her senior maid Qing’er beside her, she demanded, “Are you sure of this?”

Qing’er knew her mistress was furious but dared not hide the truth, “This servant has confirmed it—His Majesty indeed went to Xian Fu Palace. Please, Your Ladyship, do not distress yourself too much. Your health and the young prince’s safety are most important.”

Fu Jin’ao’s long fingernails dug into her palm, “Zhao Wanning. You once competed with my elder sister, and now you dare compete with me? Do you truly look down on the women of the Fu family?”

Qing’er looked at her mistress with concern and urged again, “Your Ladyship, we must remain calm. The most important thing now is to protect your health and give birth to a healthy young prince.”

Fu Jin’ao calmed herself slightly, placing her hand gently on her abdomen and taking a deep breath.

“You’re right. My prince is the most important. From now on, every detail—what I eat, wear, and use—must be carefully checked by you and the others. Never be careless. My prince must not be harmed under any circumstances.”