Chapter 29: Truly Worthy of Being Empress
As soon as the words were spoken, others were happy, but Consort Shu Feng’s face turned pale instantly.
Why would the Empress suddenly bring this up?
Shen Chuliu only took one glance to see that Consort Shu Feng had just been completely undercut by the Empress.
Tsk tsk, this really was...
The Empress truly lived up to her title.
The rumors circulating in the palace these past few days were clearly instigated by Consort Shu Feng—obviously a move to curry favor.
To make others grateful to her.
Consort Shu Feng had always looked down on the Empress for being a foreign princess and had long sought to replace her.
Even if she couldn't replace her, she still hoped the Second Prince’s presence would allow her to overshadow the Empress.
So it was no surprise she released those rumors.
But the Empress didn’t refute her. Instead, she went straight to Empress Dowager and Grand Empress Dowager to request the matter herself.
Now that she was pregnant—though even without it—it was appropriate for her to promote the women of the harem.
The Emperor wouldn’t object much either.
And now, this move was like a heavy slap across Consort Shu Feng’s face. It was also a counterblow for her recent schemes.
No wonder—even though Consort Shu Feng bore the only prince—the Emperor didn’t favor her. Tsk, another clear sign that the Emperor preferred intelligent women.
Shen Chuliu was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle—after all, it had nothing to do with her.
“The Empress is truly considerate of us. She was like this even when we were at the Prince’s manor. And she still is. Ah, this humble consort is useless—after giving birth to the Eldest Princess, I’ve been like this. From now on, whatever Your Majesty says, I’ll simply follow,” said Attendant He, the first to react.
“Elder Sister Xiuyi is right,” agreed Attendant Rong. She thought more deeply—after all, she was still helping manage the inner palace—and didn’t dare offend Consort Shu Feng carelessly.
“Her Majesty the Empress is, of course, most magnanimous and kind,” said Consort Yi a little awkwardly.
That slap may have landed on Consort Shu Feng, but since she now stood on Consort Shu Feng’s side, it stung her too.
As for Lady Jieyu Li and others of lower rank, they were simply happy. No matter what, a promotion was a good thing.
The Empress, seeing things had settled, added, “You younger ones needn’t rush. In the future, your rewards will come as well. For instance, women like Baolin An—if she bears a child, a promotion is inevitable.”
This time, Shen Chuliu sincerely stood and curtsied. “I will heed Your Majesty’s guidance. Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Mm. You may go now. We are off to visit the Empress Dowager,” said the Empress as she rose.
Those ranked Talented Lady and below withdrew.
Outside Fengzao Palace, Talented Lady Ning smiled, “If there’s another promotion, Talented Lady Shen would be called Beauty Shen.”
“Sister Ning flatters me. This humble consort only received favor recently because His Majesty saw I’d been wronged. Another promotion? I wouldn’t dare think of it,” Shen Chuliu replied with a smile.
Talented Lady Ning, always aloof, said no more and left.
Concubine Baolin Li gave a cold snort. “Really putting on an act,” she said vaguely, then also walked off—though it was clear who she meant.
Who else could it be but Shen Chuliu?
Shen Chuliu didn’t mind. Life in the harem was exactly like this: you talk about others, they talk about you.
If someone of a higher rank like Talented Lady Wei scolded Concubine Baolin Li, that was fine. But for someone just barely outranking her to lecture her—that would only make you look bad.
Yes, if you're only slightly higher in rank and immediately strike at someone beneath you, it just looks petty.
But they were all in the harem. There was time. Plenty of days left for scheming.
“That Concubine Baolin really thinks too highly of herself just because she’s favored!” Zirui huffed.
“What nonsense are you spouting again? In this palace, favor does give you the right to act recklessly. She’s only recently entered, but already she’s more favored than Talented Lady Ning ever was. Why wouldn’t she be proud?”
“I just think it’s unfair to you,” Zirui pouted.
“You better drop that thinking early. In this palace, there’s no such thing as fairness or unfairness. If I’m not doing well, it’s because I lack the ability. Who are you going to reason with here?”
“Yes,” Zirui replied. She understood logically, but still felt indignant.
Back when her mistress was in the marquis’s household, no one dared cross her. Now in the palace, she had to bend and yield...
“Don’t get things twisted. If Concubine Baolin is targeting me, it means there’s something about me she finds threatening. Otherwise, with so many others around, why focus on me?” Shen Chuliu said with a smile.
“And besides, she’s attacking me openly. What’s there to fear? Can her words take a piece of my flesh? It’s the quiet dogs that bite—this truth holds anywhere.”
Zirui said nothing more, because Concubine Baolin Yao had just caught up from behind.
Zirui thought, sure, that Concubine Baolin Li was no good, but... Concubine Attendant Lu really was also...
“Sister came from the Prince’s manor, so this time’s promotion—you should at least become a Junior Attendant,” Shen Chuliu said.
Baolin Yao looked displeased. “Chuliu, why do you doubt me? There’s no way I’ll be promoted.”
She didn’t elaborate further, only shook her head. “His Majesty is tired of me. If I can just live out my days peacefully at the Baolin rank, I’ll consider myself lucky.”
Shen Chuliu had heard similar words from her a few times but hadn’t taken them seriously—until now.
So she didn’t ask further.
“Don’t look down on me, Chuliu. We both live in Cuiyun Pavilion—if you move out to live alone one day, I’ll be sure to come and visit,” Baolin Yao said, finally making clear that she hoped to lean on Shen Chuliu.
Shen Chuliu smiled. “Let’s go back.”
She was a little curious about what offense Baolin Yao had given the Emperor, but then again, if she’d angered him and was still alive, clearly it wasn’t an unforgivable crime.
Still, in the year Shen Chuliu had been in the palace, Baolin Yao had never once been summoned to the Emperor’s chambers.
Yet the rest of the harem didn’t shun her, so clearly they weren’t aware.
Everyone was excited about the upcoming Mid-Autumn promotions—eager and hopeful.
Consort Yi was thinking, this time with the promotions, she’d finally secure a proper position as one of the Four Consorts.
Even if it were the lowest of them—Consort of Virtue.
Being a full second-rank consort was a world apart from being a first-rank attendant.
You could say the Empress had dangled a single carrot and riled up the entire harem.
The Wardrobe Bureau had also been overwhelmed lately.
The palace ladies all needed new outfits for Mid-Autumn. Who wouldn’t need at least two stunning sets?
Cuiyun Pavilion was now practically on fire with activity.
At least compared to last year, things were better—last year wasn’t bad either, with the Emperor’s favor and Shen Chuliu’s noble background.
But this year, she had genuine favor.
So early that morning, the Wardrobe Bureau had already sent her new dresses.
One was a pale yellow embroidered brocade skirt, the other a flowing gown of sheer plum blossom silk.
Both were more luxurious and beautiful than her usual attire, and perfectly complemented her graceful figure.
The brocade dress was matched with ornate ruby jewelry set in red gold; the plum blossom gown with delicate glass beads and silver accessories.
For someone of Talented Lady rank, it was exceedingly luxurious.
When the occasion called for it, Shen Chuliu never skimped.
On normal days, she didn’t think it necessary—she was still young, after all. And besides, if she dressed extravagantly all the time, wouldn’t the Emperor get used to it?
A little change was always good.
“These dresses are just right. Make sure to reward them well with silver pouches,” she said after trying them on.
Chisu replied, “Already prepared, Talented Lady. No need to worry.”
“Mm.” Shen Chuliu was very satisfied with Chisu and Jimei. Though they weren’t as meticulous as Zizhu, they were still excellent.
Why would the Empress suddenly bring this up?
Shen Chuliu only took one glance to see that Consort Shu Feng had just been completely undercut by the Empress.
Tsk tsk, this really was...
The Empress truly lived up to her title.
The rumors circulating in the palace these past few days were clearly instigated by Consort Shu Feng—obviously a move to curry favor.
To make others grateful to her.
Consort Shu Feng had always looked down on the Empress for being a foreign princess and had long sought to replace her.
Even if she couldn't replace her, she still hoped the Second Prince’s presence would allow her to overshadow the Empress.
So it was no surprise she released those rumors.
But the Empress didn’t refute her. Instead, she went straight to Empress Dowager and Grand Empress Dowager to request the matter herself.
Now that she was pregnant—though even without it—it was appropriate for her to promote the women of the harem.
The Emperor wouldn’t object much either.
And now, this move was like a heavy slap across Consort Shu Feng’s face. It was also a counterblow for her recent schemes.
No wonder—even though Consort Shu Feng bore the only prince—the Emperor didn’t favor her. Tsk, another clear sign that the Emperor preferred intelligent women.
Shen Chuliu was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle—after all, it had nothing to do with her.
“The Empress is truly considerate of us. She was like this even when we were at the Prince’s manor. And she still is. Ah, this humble consort is useless—after giving birth to the Eldest Princess, I’ve been like this. From now on, whatever Your Majesty says, I’ll simply follow,” said Attendant He, the first to react.
“Elder Sister Xiuyi is right,” agreed Attendant Rong. She thought more deeply—after all, she was still helping manage the inner palace—and didn’t dare offend Consort Shu Feng carelessly.
“Her Majesty the Empress is, of course, most magnanimous and kind,” said Consort Yi a little awkwardly.
That slap may have landed on Consort Shu Feng, but since she now stood on Consort Shu Feng’s side, it stung her too.
As for Lady Jieyu Li and others of lower rank, they were simply happy. No matter what, a promotion was a good thing.
The Empress, seeing things had settled, added, “You younger ones needn’t rush. In the future, your rewards will come as well. For instance, women like Baolin An—if she bears a child, a promotion is inevitable.”
This time, Shen Chuliu sincerely stood and curtsied. “I will heed Your Majesty’s guidance. Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Mm. You may go now. We are off to visit the Empress Dowager,” said the Empress as she rose.
Those ranked Talented Lady and below withdrew.
Outside Fengzao Palace, Talented Lady Ning smiled, “If there’s another promotion, Talented Lady Shen would be called Beauty Shen.”
“Sister Ning flatters me. This humble consort only received favor recently because His Majesty saw I’d been wronged. Another promotion? I wouldn’t dare think of it,” Shen Chuliu replied with a smile.
Talented Lady Ning, always aloof, said no more and left.
Concubine Baolin Li gave a cold snort. “Really putting on an act,” she said vaguely, then also walked off—though it was clear who she meant.
Who else could it be but Shen Chuliu?
Shen Chuliu didn’t mind. Life in the harem was exactly like this: you talk about others, they talk about you.
If someone of a higher rank like Talented Lady Wei scolded Concubine Baolin Li, that was fine. But for someone just barely outranking her to lecture her—that would only make you look bad.
Yes, if you're only slightly higher in rank and immediately strike at someone beneath you, it just looks petty.
But they were all in the harem. There was time. Plenty of days left for scheming.
“That Concubine Baolin really thinks too highly of herself just because she’s favored!” Zirui huffed.
“What nonsense are you spouting again? In this palace, favor does give you the right to act recklessly. She’s only recently entered, but already she’s more favored than Talented Lady Ning ever was. Why wouldn’t she be proud?”
“I just think it’s unfair to you,” Zirui pouted.
“You better drop that thinking early. In this palace, there’s no such thing as fairness or unfairness. If I’m not doing well, it’s because I lack the ability. Who are you going to reason with here?”
“Yes,” Zirui replied. She understood logically, but still felt indignant.
Back when her mistress was in the marquis’s household, no one dared cross her. Now in the palace, she had to bend and yield...
“Don’t get things twisted. If Concubine Baolin is targeting me, it means there’s something about me she finds threatening. Otherwise, with so many others around, why focus on me?” Shen Chuliu said with a smile.
“And besides, she’s attacking me openly. What’s there to fear? Can her words take a piece of my flesh? It’s the quiet dogs that bite—this truth holds anywhere.”
Zirui said nothing more, because Concubine Baolin Yao had just caught up from behind.
Zirui thought, sure, that Concubine Baolin Li was no good, but... Concubine Attendant Lu really was also...
“Sister came from the Prince’s manor, so this time’s promotion—you should at least become a Junior Attendant,” Shen Chuliu said.
Baolin Yao looked displeased. “Chuliu, why do you doubt me? There’s no way I’ll be promoted.”
She didn’t elaborate further, only shook her head. “His Majesty is tired of me. If I can just live out my days peacefully at the Baolin rank, I’ll consider myself lucky.”
Shen Chuliu had heard similar words from her a few times but hadn’t taken them seriously—until now.
So she didn’t ask further.
“Don’t look down on me, Chuliu. We both live in Cuiyun Pavilion—if you move out to live alone one day, I’ll be sure to come and visit,” Baolin Yao said, finally making clear that she hoped to lean on Shen Chuliu.
Shen Chuliu smiled. “Let’s go back.”
She was a little curious about what offense Baolin Yao had given the Emperor, but then again, if she’d angered him and was still alive, clearly it wasn’t an unforgivable crime.
Still, in the year Shen Chuliu had been in the palace, Baolin Yao had never once been summoned to the Emperor’s chambers.
Yet the rest of the harem didn’t shun her, so clearly they weren’t aware.
Everyone was excited about the upcoming Mid-Autumn promotions—eager and hopeful.
Consort Yi was thinking, this time with the promotions, she’d finally secure a proper position as one of the Four Consorts.
Even if it were the lowest of them—Consort of Virtue.
Being a full second-rank consort was a world apart from being a first-rank attendant.
You could say the Empress had dangled a single carrot and riled up the entire harem.
The Wardrobe Bureau had also been overwhelmed lately.
The palace ladies all needed new outfits for Mid-Autumn. Who wouldn’t need at least two stunning sets?
Cuiyun Pavilion was now practically on fire with activity.
At least compared to last year, things were better—last year wasn’t bad either, with the Emperor’s favor and Shen Chuliu’s noble background.
But this year, she had genuine favor.
So early that morning, the Wardrobe Bureau had already sent her new dresses.
One was a pale yellow embroidered brocade skirt, the other a flowing gown of sheer plum blossom silk.
Both were more luxurious and beautiful than her usual attire, and perfectly complemented her graceful figure.
The brocade dress was matched with ornate ruby jewelry set in red gold; the plum blossom gown with delicate glass beads and silver accessories.
For someone of Talented Lady rank, it was exceedingly luxurious.
When the occasion called for it, Shen Chuliu never skimped.
On normal days, she didn’t think it necessary—she was still young, after all. And besides, if she dressed extravagantly all the time, wouldn’t the Emperor get used to it?
A little change was always good.
“These dresses are just right. Make sure to reward them well with silver pouches,” she said after trying them on.
Chisu replied, “Already prepared, Talented Lady. No need to worry.”
“Mm.” Shen Chuliu was very satisfied with Chisu and Jimei. Though they weren’t as meticulous as Zizhu, they were still excellent.
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