The Beloved Imperial Consort Chapter 147

“One of them is the Second Miss of He Lian Residence, He Lian Wei Rui, who is also shu sister of the Sixth Prince’s Princess Consort,” Fu Zhaoyi replied coldly, her demeanor still proud and aloof. “Miss Wei Rui had written a book called《New Interpretation of Buddhist Scriptures》, which was highly praised by the current Chancellor of the Hanlin Academy¹. 

“As for the other person, she also has a close connection with the Sixth Princess Consort. Why don’t you guess who it is?” 

“Could it be that He Lian House has produced two talented women? Which sister of the Princess Consort is she?” Cao Chonghua² asked curiously.

“Unfortunately Chonghua’s guess is wrong. The second woman is His Sixth Highness’s Cefei, Mu’shi. Doesn’t she have a close connection to the Princess Consort?”  

Mu’shi? Everyone was surprised. He Lian Wei Rui’s work 《New Interpretation of Buddhist Scriptures》can still be considered reasonable, but there had never been any mention of Mu’shi’s talents before. 

“What books and poems has Mu Cefei composed? Why haven’t we heard of them?” The third Princess, Zong Zheng Rong, was very puzzled. It stands to reason that someone who could be compared with Zhu Ge Li should have been famous a long time ago. Apart from her Jiayi Workshop and silver tongue, Mu’shi seemed to have no other good reputation. 

“Although Cefei’s literary reputation is not prominent, it is because she is very humble. As for what works she wrote, Chengqie doesn’t know.” Fu Zhaoyi’s reply, which contained half an explanation and half a disappointment, clearly could not satisfy the people present. 

“If Zhaoyi doesn’t know, how can you be certain that her literary talent is exceptional?” This was but an unfounded and baseless claim. Who couldn’t talk such empty words? 

“Since Chengqie dares to say so, there’s naturally a basis for it. It is not Chengqie but His Majesty who praises her remarkable literary talent.” 

On one occasion when she was accompanying His Majesty in the imperial study, Fu Zhaoyi accidentally overhead Yuancheng Emperor candidly speak to his officials, “Mu’shi’s literary talent is peerless among women.” Upon hearing these words for the first time, Fu Zhaoyi felt extremely jealous. She also had some talent but was never able to impress Yuancheng Emperor. When the Emperor read her poems and lyrics, he only complimented her with “elegant penmanship”.

Pushing Mu Xi Yao out at this moment indeed silenced the entire Fengan Palace.

Yuancheng Emperor’s words were unquestionable, and no one dared to question them. As for why the Emperor held such a high opinion of Mu’shi, Fu Zhaoyi did not know and also dared not to ask any further. 

Empress Dowager Jin had great trust in Yuancheng Emperor’s judgment. Upon hearing that Mu’shi was praised by Yuancheng Emperor himself, she naturally nodded in agreement. “Mu’shi is a good one. She is well-learned and versatile, which is rare.” What was even rarer was that she was blessed with both happiness and longevity, a person of great destiny proclaimed by the Great Master. Of course, Empress Dowager would not casually mention this to others. 

She could only recall a few Principal Consorts among her grandsons’ harem. But Mu’shi was an exception. She was not a princess consort, but she left a deeper impression on the Empress Dowager than anyone else. That lass was very clever. As long as she was not jealous and did not monopolize favor, Empress Dowager still had a good impression of her.

“Chengqie is surprised that Cefei would be so humble.” 

“Indeed. Mu’shi is not only talented and virtuous, but she also has great skills in childbirth and child-rearing.” Consort Qi spoke in admiration. 

Consort Shu sat silently, calmly watching the group of women deviate from their usual behavior and go around a big circle only to sing Mu Xi Yao’s praises. She sensed that something was off, but couldn’t figure out what was really going on and remained cautious, her expression tinged with wariness.

Have they concocted a new plan while Mu lass was absent, unafraid of her sharp counterattack? Watching the Noble Consort remain silent from beginning to end, those who didn’t know might have thought that she was just watching a show from the sidelines. 

Unfortunately, Consort Shu and her have been at odds not just for a day or two, they have been old enemies for more than a decade, and no one understood each other better than the other. There was no stranger thing than Noble Consort recuperating in Yuye Palace. She’d been released for a few days and trouble had already found Mu lass? To call it a coincidence, even Consort Shu would feel embarrassed. 

“It’s been three years since Cefei entered the household and she already has the firstborn son. Now, she is about to give birth again. It’s a good thing that His Sixth Highness is thriving with offspring.” The Third Princess Zong Zheng Rong, due to the instruction of her birth mother, the Imperial Noble Consort, was relatively friendly toward Mu Xi Yao. This statement was originally made with good intentions, but unfortunately, it was twisted by Zong Zheng Ying’s interference.

“Only Cefei is pregnant with a child in Sixth Brother’s household. It’s rather deserted there.” After being reprimanded by Empress Dowager last time, Zong Zheng Ying was very cautious this time and dared not to speak too bluntly. She only opened up a topic. 

“If His Sixth Highness can eliminate rebels with one fell swoop in quelling of the uprising in Shu Zhong, it would be a great accomplishment. His Majesty would surely bestow handsome rewards upon him. By then, rewarding a few women to enter His Highness’s household to bear children for him would be an easy task, wouldn’t it?” Consort Qi took a silk handkerchief, covered her mouth with it, and chuckled. 

Consort Shu swept a glance at them, immediately understanding why these women had gone through so much trouble. It turned out that they wanted to push women on her son. This was quite surprising. Were they not afraid of arousing her suspicion by mentioning this in front of her? Or was there some other reason that she was not aware of?

“Since Your Ladyship Imperial Noble Consort is now selecting cefeis for His Eighth Highness, why not also keep an eye out for some good ones for His Sixth Highness? If imperial princes were flourishing in offspring, Old Ancestor would also be pleased to see that happen, wouldn’t she?” 

The Imperial Noble Consort sat at a right seat below Empress Dowager Jin’s, watching these women engage in chatter, looking quite lively. She had become inexplicably involved in this matter and it was unclear whether Empress Dowager would take it to heart or not. 

“What do you think, if Miss Wei Rui and Mu Cefei spend time together, wouldn’t it be especially interesting? Both are beauties with talent and looks in Shengjing. If they could accompany His Highness at the same time, it would be a beautiful tale. Who knows, they might get on well and spark their creativity. It could lead to many masterpieces. Then, female students in Shengjing will definitely have their moment to shine.” Cao Chonghua enthusiastically proposed a bold idea, which sounded quite tempting. 

Empress Dowager Jin was not interested in which woman would enter the prince’s household, but she was particularly concerned about the younger generation’s offspring. She had already been paying attention to it, and listening further to interesting points Cao Chonghua spoke, she couldn’t help but take an interest in He Lian Wei Rui.  

“Does Chonghua wish to witness the legendary tale of ‘Ehuang and Nüying³’ with your own eyes?” Imperial Noble Consort pointed at Cao Chonghua’s previous playfulness with a smile. 

At last, the anticipated show has arrived. He Lian Min Min’s heart was surprisingly filled with relief instead of fear. It was better this way. What should come will come, so it was better to settle it early and not keep things in heart, uneasy at all times. 

“If it’s really so, wouldn’t seeking Old Ancestor’s grace make the beginning even more glorious?” Zong Zheng Ying massaged Empress Dowager’s arms while making jokes. 

Duke of An’s House had given her plenty of benefits. If she could accomplish this, she would not only gain three prosperous shops but also make Mu Xi Yao helplessly watch Zong Zheng Lin being taken away by another woman. It would definitely cause her unbearable pain.This content belongs to thehlifestyle.com, if you see this translation elsewhere, it’s been stolen!

“You all are just blindly meddling in this matter. The matter in Eighth’s inner yard is more important. Imperial Noble Consort needs to be more diligent. However, since that He Lian Wei Rui is mentioned, we might as well take a closer looked at her. If she’s really a good one, it’s not too late to think it over later.” Empress Dowager Jin’s stance had begun to loosen. Imperial Noble Consort and Fu Zhaoyi’s gazes met. They smiled at each other and quickly looked away, going along with Empress Dowager’s intentions with smiles. 

At this moment, Consort Shu was completely baffled about He Lian Wei Rui. Why did so many people speak up for her? She looked at He Lian Min Min who was sitting poised below. Her solemn face showed no emotion. She indeed appeared to be unfazed by the situation. 

She would have to ask for more details once they go back. It seemed like there was more to it than meets the eye.

Translation notes:

[1] Hanlin Academy refers to an institution subordinated to the central government and entrusted with the draft of official documents.

[2] Chonghua refers to the rank o an imperial concubine.

[3] Ehuang and Nuying refer to two characters “Ehuang” and “Nüying” from Chinese ancient mythology. They were Emperor Yao’s two daughters and both married Emperor Shun as his wives.

Relationship Diagram  (by Sith Kazar)

Previous Chapter | Table of contents | Next Chapter