Chapter 10: Ground Spinner Firework

Besides, they said that the Second Young Master who died early was the most handsome in the family.

“So, she has no children, isn’t a peerless beauty, and has no family backing. She rose in rank so fast—what’s there to worry about? Just a ground spinner firework. Come on, set the table, I’m starving. What’s good to eat today?”

While dazedly setting the table, Ziru asked, “What’s a ground spinner firework?”

“Pfft, well said. A ground spinner isn’t worth much,” Shen Chuliu shook her head. “Fireworks fade quickly. Though they shine for a moment. She's like that—a small firework spinning on the ground. Can’t shoot up into the sky, and will burn out soon.”

In the harem, a woman without power or status can still rise high, but she’s got to have some kind of talent or support, right?

This one was clearly just a decoy.

The further she rises now, the quicker she’ll fall.

She really wasn’t worth paying attention to.

“No need to bother with her. As for that Lady Cao, we’d better keep our distance.” That one wasn’t very clever.

Punishing Miao Cairen wasn’t the issue, but doing it twice in a row outside the Empress’s palace showed a serious lack of sense.

It wasn’t like her case—hers was a moment of anger. But Lady Cao, now, just seemed to be flaunting her pregnancy and throwing her weight around.

Everyone thought that now Miao Cairen had risen in rank, she’d be summoned to the Emperor’s bed tonight.

But unexpectedly, the Emperor summoned Shen Chuliu.

She had no choice but to change into appropriate attire and follow the eunuch out.

Fortunately, she’d already had dinner, so she boarded the carriage and headed to the Taiji Palace.

Outside the palace, the young eunuchs greeted her with cheerful smiles, and she just waved them off lightly.

Inside, the Emperor, Qi Yixiu, was drinking tea. When he saw her, he waved her over. “Beloved consort, how about having some snacks and tea?”

Shen Chuliu smiled at him. “The moonlight is beautiful tonight. Isn’t it a pity to stay here drinking tea and waste it?”

“Oh? Then according to beloved consort, where should we enjoy our tea?” Qi Yixiu asked with a smile.

“Well, that depends on Your Majesty. If you’ve been busy and tired from work during the day, we could go to the little garden behind the Taiji Palace. The bamboo’s growing well—perfect for a walk. If you’re not too tired, then perhaps somewhere else. There are many scenic spots in the palace. I’ve always wanted to visit more of them, but one can’t wander freely here. With Your Majesty, I’d get to see more.”

Shen Chuliu spoke with grace and ease.

“In that case, let’s go to the little garden. I’m happy to accompany you even if it’s tiring. But I suppose you haven’t sat there before?” Qi Yixiu looked every bit the attentive man.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Shen Chuliu smiled again. “And, I should pay my respects—wishing Your Majesty good health. I forgot to greet you earlier. You mustn’t hold it against me later and say I lack manners.”

Qi Yixiu was truly amused this time. “Rise.”

“Chu Si, go prepare the back garden. Make sure to light incense properly so the beloved consort isn’t bitten by insects.”

Chu Si quickly acknowledged and left to prepare.

Shen Chuliu thought to herself: this Emperor calls every young concubine “beloved consort.”

That reminded her of a joke, and she almost burst out laughing.

“So happy?” Qi Yixiu noticed her expression and asked.

He didn’t expect much from her answer. All harem women had the same few lines they’d say.

Shen Chuliu smiled. “If Your Majesty gives me a few more pieces of your delicious pastries, I’ll smile even brighter.”

Qi Yixiu chuckled. “Then eat.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Shen Chuliu said playfully, and picked up a red bean cake.

She had to admit, the Da Yi dynasty’s palace pastries were really good.

Not all of them, but at least eight out of ten were to her liking.

She ate two red bean cakes, wiped her hands, and the two of them headed to the garden.

Qi Yixiu had worked all day, and seeing a concubine was his way of unwinding.

Unwinding didn’t just mean the obvious—it meant relaxing his mind.

Among the young concubines, the ones he remembered most were Shen Baolin and Lu Baolin.

Lu Baolin had served him more often, while Shen Baolin not as much.

But over the past year or so, she’d behaved herself. Any disputes were small ones.

At first, he thought she was just average and rarely summoned her.

Yet she never tried to catch his attention either...

Not that he blamed her—after all, the Marquis of Jing’an’s family had always been loyal. He couldn’t completely neglect her. So he’d make a point to see her every few months.

Still, the fact that this woman had dared to strike Miao Cairen had piqued his interest.

At least it showed she wasn’t someone who just accepted her fate. He didn’t care for lifeless women.

In the garden, the bamboo was indeed growing well. Shen Chuliu even touched it.

Qi Yixiu thought this well-born concubine might recite a poem or say something elegant. He was in a good mood and ready to play along.

Instead, she said, “This bamboo’s perfect. It’d be great for making bamboo rice.”

Qi Yixiu was momentarily caught off guard. Bamboo rice?

Was she hungry?

Impossible.

He had given orders that she be well taken care of. Her family background warranted it. Even if she wasn’t favored, he wouldn’t let the servants mistreat her.

She had everything a Baolin ranked consort should have—sometimes even more.

So she must just be a foodie.

“Does Your Majesty like bamboo?” Shen Chuliu asked, then quickly added, “I’m not trying to pry into Your Majesty’s preferences. That wouldn’t be proper. I’m just curious.”

Qi Yixiu’s mouth twitched. “I don’t like bamboo rice.”

“Ah, Your Majesty, don’t make fun of me. How embarrassing.” Shen Chuliu lowered her head, her ears turning red.

Qi Yixiu watched her with amusement. Under the moonlight, her pale blue robe made her look even more beautiful.

Her features weren’t perfectly clear in the soft light, which only added to her charm.

Tonight, she had drawn her eyebrows in the “Autumn Lady” style—neither long nor thick, ideal for a young woman. It made her look especially delicate and lively.

It also brought out the brightness in her almond-shaped eyes.

Having lived in the modern world, if there was one thing she understood well, it was beauty and presentation. She’d seen countless styles.

For the past year, she’d kept a low profile. Now that she didn’t want to hide anymore, she was beginning to show her true self, bit by bit.

She didn’t need much makeup—she was still at that naturally beautiful age.

Even with a half-bare face, she was pleasing to look at.

Qi Yixiu, naturally someone who wouldn’t deny himself, was moved. He pulled her into his arms. “You look very beautiful tonight, beloved consort.”

“Then Your Majesty should look at me more. I may not be able to ease Your Majesty’s fatigue from reviewing memorials, but at least I can give you something else to look at.” Shen Chuliu blushed as she spoke, but her tone was generous and open.

Qi Yixiu laughed. “Very well, I’ll look at you more.”

The night breeze rustled. Strands of short hair beneath her lily-style hair bun blew across her face. The young emperor reached out and tucked her hair behind her ear.

The little concubine in his arms gave a soft yelp and burrowed into his shoulder. “Your Majesty, you're so charming!”

The tone was both complaining and shy—who was seducing whom, really?

Qi Yixiu didn’t let go. He held her like that, warm from the summer night but relaxed in the breeze.