Chapter 3: Flattery
Sure enough, the eunuchs from Taiji Hall had already delivered the bangles.
At that moment, Yao Baolin, who had been strolling in the garden with Lu Baolin, also returned. Seeing the scene, who knows what she thought. Most likely, she suspected that Shen Chuliu had deliberately separated from them, gone to the peach grove, and just so happened to “run into” the Emperor…
Shen Chuliu didn’t bother to explain. In the harem, ups and downs came and went—no one could say for sure. Yao Baolin had fallen out of favor since the time of the Crown Prince’s manor, yet she still managed to obtain an eighth-rank Baolin title. Who’s to say she wasn’t just playing the fool?
After a few casual words, they each went back to their own quarters.
Because their ranks were low, both of them could only reside in the side halls of Cuiyun Pavilion. Only those with a Nine Pin (ninth-rank) concubine title or above could live in the main hall.
But Nine Pin was a distant goal. What Shen Chuliu had her sights on was Fifth Pin Meiren. With that, she could have a suite to herself.
Still, the Fifth Pin was a hurdle. Beyond that, reaching Nine Pin was another big one.
Many women lived their whole lives in the palace and ended as Nine Pin consorts, no further.
“Baolin, this maid thinks Yao Baolin must be scheming something. She offended His Majesty before—she’ll never win favor again,” Zizhu whispered.
Zirui came over as well: “Don’t be silly. If she really has no chance at favor, what difference does it make? Our Baolin only entered the palace a year ago. How could she know what happened in the past?”
Zizhu blinked. “But now she knows, right?”
“Knows what? I don’t know a thing. Baolin doesn’t either,” Zirui snapped.
Zizhu stuck out her tongue. “Ah—right, we don’t know. I misspoke.”
Shen Chuliu shook her head slightly. “You all think too much.”
Sure enough, within half a day, news spread through the palace that Shen Baolin had “by chance” met the Emperor in the peach grove—and had even received a pair of white jade bangles as a reward.
As for whether it was truly a chance encounter—who would believe that?
These newly entered concubines were all eagerly waiting for their turn to be summoned. Given Shen Baolin’s good background, why wouldn’t she want to meet the Emperor?
Well, she met him now.
Last night, it was Cao Meiren and Li Jieyu who stole the spotlight. Who would've thought that today a mere Baolin would gain the upper hand?
Sure enough, by dusk, a message came from Taiji Hall: the Emperor had flipped Shen Baolin’s nameplate. She was to prepare herself—the Fengluan Spring Grace Carriage would arrive shortly to escort her.
Shen Chuliu thanked the messenger and gave a silver reward.
“This maid will help dress you!” Zirui was overjoyed.
“It’s sweltering. Keep it simple. That ruqun will do,” Shen Chuliu said.
She wore a high-waisted ruqun, the skirt a vibrant green embroidered with elegant floral patterns. The short jacket above was pale pink, with a sash of soft pink threaded with fine gold—subtle, yet just right.
Her hair was done in a yuanbao bun, charming and tidy, held in place with green-and-pink silk ribbons twisted together, decorated with delicate gemstone flowers. The look was clean and lively.
Because she was young, she only defined her brows and lined her eyes. No other makeup needed.
She wore white jade earrings shaped like little gourds.
On her wrists were the newly gifted white jade bangles.
It was midsummer. She carried a round fan embroidered with drifting clouds, and stepped out lightly, lifting her skirts.
Zirui followed behind. The eunuchs greeted her and helped her into the Fengluan Spring Grace Carriage.
Truth be told, it had been four months since she last shared the Emperor’s bed.
No wonder Zirui was anxious—after all, she really wasn’t very “motivated.”
But once you enter the palace, being unmotivated isn’t an option.
She hadn’t tried to push forward before, mainly because no one had yet conceived. Now that Cao Meiren was pregnant—and Ning Cairen and Li Baolin had both miscarried—the Emperor would likely try to protect Cao Meiren’s child.
That meant it was safe enough for Shen Chuliu to make her move.
Besides, it wouldn’t have been wise to rush into the spotlight upon entering the palace. She needed to assess the different factions, observe everyone’s personalities.
She was only seventeen. What was the hurry?
Last year, six newcomers entered the palace. She was the only one who received a Baolin title. Wouldn’t stepping forward too soon have just attracted suppression?
But now, three of the six had become Baolins. Her rise now wouldn’t draw unwanted attention.
Clear in her thinking, she wore a bright smile—seeming truly pleased.
At Taiji Hall, she stepped out of the carriage and entered the hall, offering a respectful greeting to Qi Yixiu, who was reading by the window.
The young woman lifted her skirt and bowed gracefully, holding a round fan in one hand.
Her voice was sweet and soft—very pleasing.
“Why is Your Majesty still reading? It’s already dusk, and no lamps are lit. This is the worst time to read—it’s bad for the eyes,” Shen Chuliu said as she walked over and lightly pulled the book from his hands. “Your Majesty’s eyes aren’t just your own—they belong to the entire empire. You mustn’t damage them.”
Behind her, Chu Si watched silently, thinking: This one’s quite bold…
Shen Chuliu wasn’t afraid. This Emperor was known for being gentle with his concubines. Of course, she didn’t believe he was truly kindhearted.
But if a low-ranking consort like her did something like this, he wouldn’t get angry.
Otherwise, he’d break character.
Sure enough, Qi Yixiu smiled. “Very well, I’ll do as you say.”
He put down the book and led Shen Chuliu to sit beside him. “What do you usually do in your quarters?”
“I don’t have much to do,” Shen Chuliu said. “After morning greetings, I sometimes stroll through the Imperial Garden, chat with the other sisters, read a little, or play with my maids. Talk with Sister Yao. That’s enough to fill a day. Not like Your Majesty—you must be overwhelmed with work.”
“That’s the way it is for emperors. Your days sound quite leisurely. I heard the other day you’re not skilled in painting or embroidery—so what are you good at, my dear consort?” Qi Yixiu asked. “Don’t tell me you only look pretty. How could the granddaughter of Minister Shen have just a pretty face?”
Shen Chuliu laughed. “Among my sisters at home, I’m the most talentless. It’s true—I only have my looks. If I have one redeeming trait, it’s that I’m bold. But Grandmother always said my temper will get me into trouble.”
“You do seem bold,” Qi Yixiu smiled, lifting her chin with a finger. “You’re good at dressing up—did your maid do this?”
“No, no, it was all my idea! The maids would have piled on every piece of gold and silver they could. But I’m still young—when a girl is prettier than flowers, how could she dress like an old lady?”
Qi Yixiu chuckled. Not many could flatter themselves this naturally.
“Well, it’s a lovely look—I quite like it.” Truth be told, it was fresh and lovely.
“Your Majesty is also very handsome—especially in silver-white robes. Truly like a jade tree in the wind,” Shen Chuliu flattered.
Qi Yixiu raised an elegant brow but didn’t comment.
“Chu Si, serve dinner.”
“If you want anything in particular, just tell Chu Si,” Qi Yixiu said.
“Let’s wait and see what Your Majesty is having,” Shen Chuliu said playfully. “Maybe I’ll like whatever Your Majesty likes.”
Qi Yixiu nodded slightly.
All the women in the harem tried to please him, of course—but this open, straightforward flattery was still enjoyable.
At that moment, Yao Baolin, who had been strolling in the garden with Lu Baolin, also returned. Seeing the scene, who knows what she thought. Most likely, she suspected that Shen Chuliu had deliberately separated from them, gone to the peach grove, and just so happened to “run into” the Emperor…
Shen Chuliu didn’t bother to explain. In the harem, ups and downs came and went—no one could say for sure. Yao Baolin had fallen out of favor since the time of the Crown Prince’s manor, yet she still managed to obtain an eighth-rank Baolin title. Who’s to say she wasn’t just playing the fool?
After a few casual words, they each went back to their own quarters.
Because their ranks were low, both of them could only reside in the side halls of Cuiyun Pavilion. Only those with a Nine Pin (ninth-rank) concubine title or above could live in the main hall.
But Nine Pin was a distant goal. What Shen Chuliu had her sights on was Fifth Pin Meiren. With that, she could have a suite to herself.
Still, the Fifth Pin was a hurdle. Beyond that, reaching Nine Pin was another big one.
Many women lived their whole lives in the palace and ended as Nine Pin consorts, no further.
“Baolin, this maid thinks Yao Baolin must be scheming something. She offended His Majesty before—she’ll never win favor again,” Zizhu whispered.
Zirui came over as well: “Don’t be silly. If she really has no chance at favor, what difference does it make? Our Baolin only entered the palace a year ago. How could she know what happened in the past?”
Zizhu blinked. “But now she knows, right?”
“Knows what? I don’t know a thing. Baolin doesn’t either,” Zirui snapped.
Zizhu stuck out her tongue. “Ah—right, we don’t know. I misspoke.”
Shen Chuliu shook her head slightly. “You all think too much.”
Sure enough, within half a day, news spread through the palace that Shen Baolin had “by chance” met the Emperor in the peach grove—and had even received a pair of white jade bangles as a reward.
As for whether it was truly a chance encounter—who would believe that?
These newly entered concubines were all eagerly waiting for their turn to be summoned. Given Shen Baolin’s good background, why wouldn’t she want to meet the Emperor?
Well, she met him now.
Last night, it was Cao Meiren and Li Jieyu who stole the spotlight. Who would've thought that today a mere Baolin would gain the upper hand?
Sure enough, by dusk, a message came from Taiji Hall: the Emperor had flipped Shen Baolin’s nameplate. She was to prepare herself—the Fengluan Spring Grace Carriage would arrive shortly to escort her.
Shen Chuliu thanked the messenger and gave a silver reward.
“This maid will help dress you!” Zirui was overjoyed.
“It’s sweltering. Keep it simple. That ruqun will do,” Shen Chuliu said.
She wore a high-waisted ruqun, the skirt a vibrant green embroidered with elegant floral patterns. The short jacket above was pale pink, with a sash of soft pink threaded with fine gold—subtle, yet just right.
Her hair was done in a yuanbao bun, charming and tidy, held in place with green-and-pink silk ribbons twisted together, decorated with delicate gemstone flowers. The look was clean and lively.
Because she was young, she only defined her brows and lined her eyes. No other makeup needed.
She wore white jade earrings shaped like little gourds.
On her wrists were the newly gifted white jade bangles.
It was midsummer. She carried a round fan embroidered with drifting clouds, and stepped out lightly, lifting her skirts.
Zirui followed behind. The eunuchs greeted her and helped her into the Fengluan Spring Grace Carriage.
Truth be told, it had been four months since she last shared the Emperor’s bed.
No wonder Zirui was anxious—after all, she really wasn’t very “motivated.”
But once you enter the palace, being unmotivated isn’t an option.
She hadn’t tried to push forward before, mainly because no one had yet conceived. Now that Cao Meiren was pregnant—and Ning Cairen and Li Baolin had both miscarried—the Emperor would likely try to protect Cao Meiren’s child.
That meant it was safe enough for Shen Chuliu to make her move.
Besides, it wouldn’t have been wise to rush into the spotlight upon entering the palace. She needed to assess the different factions, observe everyone’s personalities.
She was only seventeen. What was the hurry?
Last year, six newcomers entered the palace. She was the only one who received a Baolin title. Wouldn’t stepping forward too soon have just attracted suppression?
But now, three of the six had become Baolins. Her rise now wouldn’t draw unwanted attention.
Clear in her thinking, she wore a bright smile—seeming truly pleased.
At Taiji Hall, she stepped out of the carriage and entered the hall, offering a respectful greeting to Qi Yixiu, who was reading by the window.
The young woman lifted her skirt and bowed gracefully, holding a round fan in one hand.
Her voice was sweet and soft—very pleasing.
“Why is Your Majesty still reading? It’s already dusk, and no lamps are lit. This is the worst time to read—it’s bad for the eyes,” Shen Chuliu said as she walked over and lightly pulled the book from his hands. “Your Majesty’s eyes aren’t just your own—they belong to the entire empire. You mustn’t damage them.”
Behind her, Chu Si watched silently, thinking: This one’s quite bold…
Shen Chuliu wasn’t afraid. This Emperor was known for being gentle with his concubines. Of course, she didn’t believe he was truly kindhearted.
But if a low-ranking consort like her did something like this, he wouldn’t get angry.
Otherwise, he’d break character.
Sure enough, Qi Yixiu smiled. “Very well, I’ll do as you say.”
He put down the book and led Shen Chuliu to sit beside him. “What do you usually do in your quarters?”
“I don’t have much to do,” Shen Chuliu said. “After morning greetings, I sometimes stroll through the Imperial Garden, chat with the other sisters, read a little, or play with my maids. Talk with Sister Yao. That’s enough to fill a day. Not like Your Majesty—you must be overwhelmed with work.”
“That’s the way it is for emperors. Your days sound quite leisurely. I heard the other day you’re not skilled in painting or embroidery—so what are you good at, my dear consort?” Qi Yixiu asked. “Don’t tell me you only look pretty. How could the granddaughter of Minister Shen have just a pretty face?”
Shen Chuliu laughed. “Among my sisters at home, I’m the most talentless. It’s true—I only have my looks. If I have one redeeming trait, it’s that I’m bold. But Grandmother always said my temper will get me into trouble.”
“You do seem bold,” Qi Yixiu smiled, lifting her chin with a finger. “You’re good at dressing up—did your maid do this?”
“No, no, it was all my idea! The maids would have piled on every piece of gold and silver they could. But I’m still young—when a girl is prettier than flowers, how could she dress like an old lady?”
Qi Yixiu chuckled. Not many could flatter themselves this naturally.
“Well, it’s a lovely look—I quite like it.” Truth be told, it was fresh and lovely.
“Your Majesty is also very handsome—especially in silver-white robes. Truly like a jade tree in the wind,” Shen Chuliu flattered.
Qi Yixiu raised an elegant brow but didn’t comment.
“Chu Si, serve dinner.”
“If you want anything in particular, just tell Chu Si,” Qi Yixiu said.
“Let’s wait and see what Your Majesty is having,” Shen Chuliu said playfully. “Maybe I’ll like whatever Your Majesty likes.”
Qi Yixiu nodded slightly.
All the women in the harem tried to please him, of course—but this open, straightforward flattery was still enjoyable.
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