Chapter 9: Legend of Zhen Huan – An Lingrong

The emperor immediately went to Jingren Palace to personally visit the empress. He accompanied her for a meal, then patted his backside and left abruptly, choosing to stay overnight in Yikun Palace instead. This move was a blatant slap in the face to the empress. The empress was so furious it gave her a headache, and her hatred for Consort Hua only deepened. The emperor stayed in Yikun Palace for three days, finally calming the jealous Consort Hua. He then continued to summon new favorites, this time revealing Zhen Huan’s token. The next day, a generous gift was bestowed upon attendant Guan Changzai, with various items flowing into the Cuiyu Pavilion.

What followed was seven days of lavish favor, outshining even Consort Hua’s prominence. Zhen Huan’s little circle basked in unprecedented glory, as if to say that even Consort Hua was nothing special by comparison. The youngest attendant, Fang Changzai, enjoyed freeloading in various palaces. In the end, to cling tightly to Zhen Huan’s support, she moved directly from Xianfu Palace to Cuiyu Pavilion to keep her company, successfully joining Zhen Huan’s small group.

Of course, Zhen Huan’s overwhelming favor enraged Consort Hua completely. “That despicable Zhen Huan,” Consort Hua’s eyes reddened with anger. “I always knew that fox would never behave herself. Trying to steal the emperor from me—she truly doesn’t know her place.” “Your Highness, please calm down. She’s only an attendant,” Song Zhi gently soothed. “Look, she’s served the emperor for so long, yet she remains only an attendant. The emperor hasn’t promoted her rank—clearly he doesn’t favor her.” “Hmm, that’s true,” Consort Hua finally calmed somewhat. Sitting down, a look of disdain crossed her radiant face. “How dare she accuse me of ‘serving with beauty.’ Isn’t Zhen Huan doing the exact same?” Their enmity stemmed from Zhen Huan’s bold remark before entering the palace, openly criticizing Consort Hua: “Serving with beauty never lasts long.” Such an insult was tantamount to slapping Consort Hua in the face. Such an arrogant and tyrannical woman would never let it go.

The next day, after paying respects at Jingren Palace, Consort Hua’s entourage blocked Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang. Whether they liked it or not, they obediently bowed and paid their respects to Consort Hua. “I’ve heard that Noble Consort Shen is well-mannered and literate; she must be skilled at grinding ink,” Consort Hua said condescendingly. “From today onwards, Noble Consort Shen, please come to Yikun Palace to help me grind ink!” Whether Shen Meizhuang was willing or not, the order was given and the group departed.

Zhen Huan wanted to approach and discuss it with her but was stopped by Shen Meizhuang. “Huan’er, don’t cause conflict with Consort Hua because of me,” Shen Meizhuang said stubbornly. “I refuse to believe she can do anything to me.” “Sister Mei!” Zhen Huan looked at her with concern, holding her hand. “You must be careful with Consort Hua. I’ll find a chance to tell the emperor about this and spare you this hardship.” “Huan’er, don’t worry about me,” Shen Meizhuang replied earnestly. “The emperor’s favor is crucial; it’s best if you find a way to get promoted.” “Alright, I will,” Zhen Huan nodded, though she felt uneasy. Despite seven days of favor, the emperor showed no intention of promoting her rank or allowing her to live in the main palace. Thinking this over, she decided to probe the emperor the next time she served him.

Shen Meizhuang also started working at Yikun Palace, doing chores. At the empress dowager’s urging, the emperor reluctantly let Zhen Huan have a chance, though her hopes were dashed when he revealed Xia Dongchun’s token. Zhen Huan was furious but understood the emperor was not hers alone.

When Xia Dongchun received the news, she was elated to the point of foolishness. Lady Fucha, knowing her simple nature, offered some advice. Though not very clever, Xia Dongchun was obedient. Otherwise, Lady Fucha and Li Siqi wouldn’t have bothered with her. Fortunately, Xia Dongchun was fairly attractive and enjoyed two days of favor. She, too, received no promotion or title but was gifted some items by the emperor.

“I haven’t been given a title,” Xia Dongchun said disappointedly, looking at them. “Everyone else has one, only I don’t.” “Why the rush?” Li Siqi glanced at her belly and said coolly, “Once you’re pregnant, not only titles but promotion is possible.” Xia Dongchun’s face lit up instantly. “Really? I can get pregnant?” “Not that quickly,” Lady Fucha chuckled helplessly. “Even if you do, it won’t show right away—at least a month before it can be confirmed.” “Oh, I see,” Xia Dongchun’s excitement faded, and she dropped the subject. She then looked at Li Siqi. “An Lingrong, it should be your turn to serve the emperor, right?” “Don’t know,” Li Siqi answered calmly. “Depends if the emperor reveals my token. If he forgets me, then I’ll just freeload with you all forever—that’s not so bad.” “You wish!” Xia Changzai said disdainfully. “I’ll definitely drive you away. Who told you to offend more people than me?” “What nonsense! If I didn’t watch you…” Li Siqi’s eyes showed contempt. “Someone as stupid as you, sold off but still counting the silver for others, possibly used to death without even realizing it.” “You’re talking rubbish!” “Whether I am or not, you know it in your heart.” “An Lingrong…” “Enough, what are you two arguing about?” Lady Fucha interrupted their pointless quarrel. She looked at Li Siqi and said, “Go back and prepare well. Maybe tonight will be your turn to serve.” “Alright!” Li Siqi accepted her kindness without refusal. She stood and bowed, “I take my leave!” Under their watchful eyes, she left the main hall first. Lady Fucha’s voice still echoed, “Xia Changzai, don’t blame Xin for speaking harshly. You’d better listen to her.” “I refuse to listen to her,” Xia Dongchun retorted stubbornly. “She offends everyone; who knows when she might get us killed.” “You’d probably get us killed first. She’s smarter than you…” Their voices grew fainter as Li Siqi’s smile remained unchanged.

***

“My lady, you’re back!” He Xiang greeted her. “Several pots of rare flowers were just delivered from the flower room—seems they’re called Jade Terrace Golden Cups.” “Jade Terrace Golden Cups?” Li Siqi couldn’t help but glance toward the nearby flower pots. Sure enough, one pot held a cluster of blooming flowers called Jade Terrace Golden Cups, emitting a faint, delicate fragrance. Green Lotus said happily, “My lady, they’re beautiful!” “Indeed, very beautiful.” Li Siqi didn’t approach, knowing the sap and pollen of Jade Terrace Golden Cups were toxic.

The first time An Lingrong served the emperor, she trembled all over, becoming a joke in the harem after a failed attempt to ‘return the jade intact.’ Whether the empress ordered Baojuan to tamper with the flowers remains unclear. Now immune to poison, Li Siqi didn’t mind and didn’t have the flowers removed.

“Xiao Huzi, is there something wrong with the Jade Terrace Golden Cups?” Li Siqi asked casually. “Did the empress send them?” “Yes, mistress, it was indeed sent on the empress’s orders,” Xiao Huzi explained. “The flower’s fragrance, combined with the frost-lowering pollen buried at the bottom of the pot, causes anyone standing near for a while to feel gradually chilled and tremble uncontrollably for about half an hour.” “That trick again,” Li Siqi sneered. “Extract the toxins from the pot and toss it back to Jingren Palace. I want Yixiu to tremble nonstop for three days and nights.” “No problem!” Xiao Huzi agreed cheerfully.

Li Siqi thought the emperor would pause his summons for consorts to serve, but surprisingly, he revealed another token. The chosen attendant was none other than Xin Da Ying herself. Since she had the chance to serve, Li Siqi took the drug for bearing twins, hoping to see if bearing twins would make the emperor value her more.

That night, Li Siqi was wrapped like a chicken roll and escorted to the dragon bed.