Chapter 30: Worthy of Favor

Among the four maids, only Ziru, the one she brought from home, was prone to acting on impulse. But she knew how to keep it under control—only ever behaving that way in front of her.

So Shen Chuliu didn’t mind. A clever and capable servant was needed, and a close one was even more so.

Besides, once she was officially conferred a higher rank, she would be assigned eunuchs as well. There would only be more people around in the future, but how many could she truly trust?

Ziru and Zizhu brought over her jewelry.
“Take a look, my lady.”

Shen Chuliu glanced over it.
“Very nice. Go ask Baolin Yao if she needs anything.”

Zizhu replied,
“I’ll go right away.”

It was just a gesture—since Yao Baolin had openly expressed a wish to ally herself with her, it wouldn’t do to reject it outright.

After all, they’d lived together for over a year now. She had a good sense of her character—not exactly a great person, but far more trustworthy than Lu Xiaoyi, who called everyone ‘sister’ at the drop of a hat.

Of course, this only applied when things were going well. In this palace, Shen Chuliu never expected anyone to help her in a time of true need.

That morning, rain began to fall.

They said “one autumn rain, one degree colder,” and it wasn’t wrong.

By midday the rain had stopped, but the weather had turned chilly.

Shen Chuliu didn’t mind the cold.
“Should we change the blankets tonight?”

Ziru replied,
“We’ve already prepared everything, my lady. But I think just adding a quilt will be enough tonight.”

She knew well how Shen Chuliu hated getting too warm at night.

“Go invite Baolin Yao for lunch. There’s a banquet tonight, and we may not eat our fill,” Shen Chuliu said.

Jimei went to fetch her.

The palace kitchen sent over quite a few fine dishes, and the two of them also requested a few extras, eating quite well.

The maids also set up a small table of their own and enjoyed a little Mid-Autumn celebration.

That afternoon, Shen Chuliu rewarded her four close maids with silver, along with a few of the lower servants in Cuiyun Pavilion.

As the time approached, she changed into the goose-yellow brocade skirt and left with Baolin Yao.

In the rear hall of the Zhengyang Palace, the consorts had already gathered. The weather was still gloomy even though the rain had stopped, and many were in a hurry, afraid the rain would start again and ruin their makeup.

This wasn’t technically a state banquet, but it was close enough—any embarrassment here would not be taken lightly.

Every move and detail mattered here.

Naturally, the women took time to exchange pleasantries and quietly assess each other’s outfits and jewelry.

If someone looked worse than them, they could relax. That was the norm.

When the time came, they moved to the front hall and took their seats according to rank.

Shen Chuliu sat behind Cairen Ning and Cairen Zhao, just ahead of Lu Xiaoyi. Among the Baolins, Li Baolin took the lead.

She had an official title, so that was expected.

Soon, the Empress, the two Empress Dowagers, and the Emperor all arrived. The ministers and their families had already been seated earlier.

Everyone rose to greet them.

Qi Yixiu waved his hand.
“Today is Mid-Autumn. No need for too much ceremony.”

They thanked him and sat down with the help of their attendants.

Once seated, members of the imperial clan came to offer congratulations, all aware of the Empress’s pregnancy. The mother of the nation expecting a child was certainly a good thing.

The King of Lu had already returned to his fiefdom, and the current princes were all Qi Yixiu’s cousins. There were fewer ulterior motives now.

The Emperor and Empress gave their thanks, the Emperor drank wine, and the Empress only sipped water.

Next, everyone exchanged Mid-Autumn pleasantries with the two Empress Dowagers, and the performances began.

Qi Yixiu chatted and drank with his ministers, seemingly quite at ease.

Even if he was only putting on a facade of warmth, at least he wasn’t frightening to look at.

Among the women, there was plenty of praise for the Empress and Empress Dowagers. Talk turned to clothing and jewelry—it was lively enough.

Once the festivities had settled a bit, the Empress took a moment to speak.

“Your Majesty, this concubine would like to ask for a bit of good fortune on behalf of the ladies who entered the palace from the former crown prince’s household. Would you allow it?”

Qi Yixiu quickly helped her sit back down.
“The Empress is generous—it's their good fortune indeed. Since you've personally spoken, how could I not allow it? Today is an auspicious day. It’s fitting to have good things happen.”

He looked out at the assembled consorts, all beautiful as flowers.

“It’s about time for some promotions.”

“Pass my decree,” he ordered.

Chu Si came forward to receive the imperial edict.

“He Xiuyi is promoted to second-rank Consort with the title Jin. Granted residence in Taiping Palace.

“Song Xiurong is promoted to the head of the Nine Pin, with the rank of Zhaoyi.

“Li Jieyu is promoted to Chongyuan with the title Yi.

“Liu Meiren is promoted to Chongyi with the title Kang.

“Zhao Cairen is promoted to Meiren. Ning Cairen is promoted to Jieyu. Li Baolin is promoted to Xiaoyi.”

The consorts whose names were called stood to express their gratitude—naturally, they were overjoyed.

Especially those who rose more than one rank.

Those not named—like Shufei Feng, Yifei, and Cairen Cao—looked visibly displeased.

But Feng Shufei had expected this. Her next promotion would make her Guifei, and that wasn’t likely now.

Cairen Cao had been demoted for a past offense, so she wasn't eligible either.

But for Yifei, it was awkward.

She had long been considered the most favored, yet now her rank and title were no longer unmatched.

Not getting promoted meant she had to reflect—had she done something wrong?

“And as for Cairen Shen,” Qi Yixiu said, “she’ll be included as well. I can’t think of a good title at the moment, so I’ll give it next time.”

Shen Chuliu was cursing him inwardly. What, trying to make me a target?

But on the surface, she smiled and stood.

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s favor. Long live the Emperor.”

She wore a goose-yellow brocade skirt, her hair in a Lingxian bun, and her accessories were set in red gold and rubies, making her look like a little fairy.

After a long time, Qi Yixiu once again saw that little black dot that had haunted his thoughts.

She normally didn’t dress like this, but today, all dolled up, she exuded a completely different charm.

Utterly irresistible.

But the occasion wasn’t right, and Shen Chuliu remained proper and composed.

Though concubines weren’t expected to be solemn, one had to read the room. This was a time to hold oneself with dignity.

Even if the Emperor didn’t like that, it had to be done.

Trying to flirt with the Emperor now—never mind what others would think—even the Emperor himself would likely regret it later.

So as Shen Chuliu walked back to her seat, she held her head high, displaying all the poise of a noble lady.

The wives of court officials below all noticed and praised the good upbringing of the Jing’an Marquis’s family.

The Marchioness of Jing’an was glowing from all the compliments.

She thought to herself, Even though Chuliu was reluctant to enter the palace at first, doesn’t she seem to be doing just fine now?

In just over a year she’s already a Cairen. If she’s fortunate enough to bear a son or daughter, she’ll rise even higher.

She knew her granddaughter well—Chuliu was a resourceful girl.

Once she has a firm footing, maybe in a few years we can send Biyu in as well. Not necessarily to make one obey the other, but if the sisters support each other, perhaps the Jing’an Marquisate could rise further.

Qi Yixiu didn’t know all this. He was simply watching Shen Chuliu’s elegant walk, proud of how dignified she made him look.

His consort should be proud and beautiful—just like this.

No wonder he thought she was worth a bit of favor these days.

She really was worthy of it.