The Beloved Imperial Consort Chapter 157

Hearing the Master’s matter-of-course order, Ye Kai couldn’t help but inwardly complain. Last time, he had made fun of Wei Zhen, and now he has received the retribution. It was his turn to offend these high-born noble ladies. 

Bracing himself, Ye Kai pushed through the crowd and approached the Fourth Princess. He courteously paid his respects and truthfully conveyed the task assigned by His Highness. 

“Disperse?” Zong Zheng Ying’s eyes widened, wearing an expression of disbelief. Immediately after, she flicked her horsewhip, creating a loud crack sound as it hit the ground, startling the nearby spectators who quickly scattered.  

“Bengong has never given way to anyone while going on an outing.” Zong Zheng Lin had just returned to Shengjing, and already he was picking on her right on the street. Did he learn about her visit to his place to stir up trouble, and hence took this opportunity to stand up for the woman in the residence? 

“Bengong would like to hear what explanation the most upright Sixth Brother has to offer.”

Zong Zheng Ying pushed aside the person blocking her way and strode forward, reaching the front of the carriage. With a swift motion, without even exchanging greetings, she yanked open the curtain. Upon seeing the situation inside, she sneered. 

“It seems that Bengong has spoilt the Sixth Brother’s pleasant outing with a beauty.” 

Zong Zheng Lin lazily leaned on the platform, holding a book in his hand. Upon hearing her words laced with sarcasm, he didn’t even lift his eyelids, pretending not to see her. 

Seeing Zong Zheng Lin’s arrogant attitude, Zong Zheng Ying became even more infuriated. Wasn’t it just a trip to the godforsaken Shuzhong? The place was full of rugged mountain roads. What formidable rebels could possibly be there? The warhorses couldn’t even run properly. This whole battle was nothing more than an attempt by Zong Zheng Ming and him to please the Yuancheng Emperor, currying favor with him to gain some benefits. 

Imperial Father’s heart was indeed biased toward his sons. When has a daughter ever been valued like this? Except for that person. What a pity she was sent to the Far East to form a marital alliance with Juu Uda¹! 

The more Zong Zheng Ying thought about it, the more resentful she became. Without hesitation, she stopped the carriage and took over the front seat reserved for the driver, pushing Ye Kai to the back. 

“Where did the Sixth Brother suddenly appear from? Why, has your Princess Consort become so precious that she can’t even be bothered to say a word when she sees Bengong?” She cast a sidelong glance at He Lian Min Min, who was leaning on a soft chair, and her expression grew dark.

Upon seeing her, this woman actually dared to sit steadily without even greeting her. Was she relying on Zong Zheng Lin to back her up, thus she completely disregarded her House of Princess? 

He Lian Min Min knew her own hardships. It was not that she didn’t want to move, but her whole body was in pain and discomfort. If she hadn’t pressed her lips together, outsiders might have noticed her trembling teeth. 

Zong Zheng Lin put down his book and only then noticed the fine sweat on He Lian Min Min’s forehead. With his phoenix eyes, he threw a sideways glance at the haughty Zong Zheng Ying outside the carriage. He reached out his long arm and pulled He Lian Min Min into his embrace, gently stroking her hair, while his other hand slipped into her sleeve to pat her hand, providing some comfort. 

“There were some ignorant individuals who have caused distress to Bendian’s Princess Consort.” The Sixth Highness glanced at the woman, whose face turned displeased, with an indifferent expression, his words growing increasingly sharp. “Why? Has Imperial Sister come to bring your flesh dealings before Bendian?”

Zong Zheng Ying was the one in the wrong. His ruthless questioning made her completely lose face. 

She did act as a go-between for He Lian Wei Rui, but it was by no means the despicable ‘flesh dealings’ as depicted by Zong Zheng Lin! 

“The Empress Dowager’s spirits have been low lately. Imperial Sister, if you wish, Bendian can plead on your behalf to serve Imperial Grandmother and fulfill your filial duties.”

Zong Zheng Ying’s sensitive spot was ruthlessly struck by Zong Zheng Lin. She had only recently been released by Empress Dowager, being closely watched by the Old Ancestor and made to copy three scriptures. If Zong Zheng Lin were to complain to Yuancheng Emperor, according to their usual course of action, she would be the one to suffer the consequences.

“Hmph! The Sixth Brother doesn’t have to resort to intimidation upon meeting. Bengong simply hasn’t seen your Principal Consort for a long time and came over to say hello. Your Principal Consort has been surrounded by rumors lately. Imperial Father and the Empress Dowager are already anticipating the pulse diagnosis tomorrow.” Zong Zheng Ying smiled with a deeper meaning, but in reality, she was already giving in and harboring thoughts of retreat. 

“Bengong thought that Sixth Brother favored Mu’shi alone, just as rumors said. Today, Bengong realized that you treat women with tenderness and compassion, surrounding yourself with their company, and enjoying the diverse flavors of the flower garden.” Zong Zheng Ying scoffed with contempt. She flicked the horsewhip and coiled it around her wrist. After indulging herself in verbal sparring for pleasure, she left with her entourage. 

Ye Kai seized the opportunity and quickly stepped onto the carriage shaft. Before he could even settle down, he saw He Lian Principal Consort leaning against His Highness’s chest. Feeling awkward, Ye Kai quickly turned away.

Oh, goodness, why did he have to stumble upon this scene again? His Highness seems to be treating Principal Consort quite well, Ye Kai muttered to himself and tugged on the reins, making the carriage steadily move forward.

“Rest for now.” Zong Zheng Lin’s brows furrowed as he held He Lian Min Min’s arms and laid her down on the platform, ensuring a comfortable resting position. “The potency of this medicine is a bit strong, so bear with it for now.” 

He Lian Min Min hunched her back, her inner garment already soaked through. Seeing Zong Zheng Lin showing a rare concern, she suddenly felt that this pain was also a good thing. If she didn’t experience this kind of pain, how could His Highness willingly allow her to get close to him?

Zong Zheng Lin got up and returned to his seat, while He Lian Min Min’s gaze followed his figure. Suddenly, her eyes fell upon a book that was placed upside down on the table.

《Lady Zhu’s Compilation on Nourishing Yin》!

The affection that had not yet dissipated from her heart abruptly cooled down. He Lian Min Min forced herself to close her eyes, no longer indulging in the thoughts of the warmth of this man’s embrace. 

She truly can’t seem to learn her lesson….the affection of His Highness, when has it ever lingered on her? Even in the carriage, His Highness was perusing women’s medical book. As an imperial prince, going to such lengths for Mu’shi, what else was there left to comprehend?

Upon returning to the prince’s residence, Zong Zheng Lin first escorted He Lian’shi to her quarters to rest. After making sure she was alright, he instructed Gui Li to look after her and then got up and departed within the span of one incense stick’s time².

When His Highness left, Feng Momo had a joyful expression on her face. She leaned close to He Lian Min Min’s ear, unable to contain her happiness. “Mistress, His Highness is so attentive to your needs. His care for you is genuine.” 

He Lian Min Min’s closed eyes abruptly flew open. She stared at Feng Momo without blinking, “Momo, what did you just say about His Highness?” The fingers under the blanket curled slightly, and she gripped the silk sheet beneath her.

Feng Momo, in her joy, missed the strangeness in He Lian Min Min’s eyes and once again congratulated her Mistress, “This old servant said that Mistress’s good days are not far away. With the care His Highness has shown, it must be genuine. 

Yes! It was ’genuine’! Zong Zheng Lin’s care for her this time far exceeded any previous occasions. Why?

Even though He Lian Min Min sensed that something was off, her mind refused to cooperate, unable to stop itself from contemplating it again and again. 

If there was anyone in the entire residence who could make His Highness exert such effort, apart from the mother and son in Danruo Courtyard, who else could it be? 

The more He Lian Min Min thought, the more clear-headed she became, not even feeling the pain in her body. After a while, she suddenly ordered everyone to leave, even forcefully dismissing Feng Momo. 

When there was no one left, the woman lying quietly on the bed eventually couldn’t hold back her tears of sadness. 

He Lian Min Min, you truly are a pitiable person! At first, she didn’t understand why His Highness was acting out of his character, going to great lengths to protect her. It was only when inadvertently reminded by Feng Momo that she followed this train of thought and finally realized the truth. 

Sympathy, it was actually the laughable sympathy! 

He Lian Min Min felt like her heart was twisted by a knife. The pain was clear and excruciating, surpassing that of any medicine by Yu Gu by a hundredfold or more! To think she had to rely on His Highness’s protection of another woman to tenuously preserve her position. Such unspoken humiliation, who could be more disgraced than her? 

The last ounce of strength in her body was exhausted in this silent struggle that no one knew about. She closed her eyes, her mind devoid of any thoughts. 

—

In the reddish-purple pavilion, Wan Jing Wen had a dazed look on her face as she held the scissors in her right hand, lost in thoughts. This sight greatly startled Zhu Jin. 

After receiving the letter from Bi Lan, Mistress had been sitting alone in front of the painting table. An entire hour had passed, yet she hadn’t made even the slightest movement. Zhu Jin thought this couldn’t go on and was about to reach out and take those shiny pairs of scissors that send shivers down one’s spine. However, her Mistress suddenly pushed her away as if she had gone mad, narrowly avoiding cutting her arm. This content belongs to thehlifestyle.com, if you see this translation elsewhere, it’s been stolen!

At this time, the Mistress was unwilling to listen to advice from others. Zhu Jin dared not leave her alone in the room and could only accompany her on the side, feeling her legs growing numb from standing for too long.

“How could this be? How could His Highness spare her and even seek medical treatment for her?!”

Zhu Jin didn’t expect Wan Jing Wen to suddenly speak up. The room was originally so quiet that one could hear a pin drop, so this abrupt sound of her voice startled Zhu Jin, making her heart leap to her throat. After finally calming down, she mustered the courage to give a tentative reply as she observed a subtle improvement in her Mistress’s expression.  

“Mistress?” She worried that her Mistress was just speaking to herself and hadn’t fully come to her senses yet. 

Wan Jing Wen slowly raised her right hand and picked up the scissors. Bit by bit, she shredded the silk fabric that He Lian’shi had rewarded her, turning it into countless strips of cloth. The ripping sound sent shivers down Zhu Jin’s spine. 

“How is Bi Lan?” After completely destroying an entire piece of fabric, Wan Jing Wen finally stopped and asked.

That girl hastily delivered the message, only saying that His Highness had taken the Princess Consort out of the residence to seek medical treatment, and it was possible that they would detect some anomalies. There has been no communication since then.

 Zhu Jin kept her head low, her voice tinged with sobs. “Mistress, Bi Lan threw herself into the well.” 

With a sharp snip, Wan Jing Wen cut the strip of the fabric into two pieces. She stared straight at the round table, her hands unable to proceed. After a moment, she stood up, swept all the scattered objects off the table onto the floor, and supported herself on the desk with both hands, chuckling.

“Good, she died well. Only in death can she find release and be free from the hardships of this world.” She won’t have to be like her, where being alive was far more painful than being dead. 

“Mistress, are you alright? You have to take care of yourself. It’s just that Bi Lan’s family…” 

“We can’t intervene. Interfering at this moment would easily leave traces that could be discovered. Arrangements have already been made for Bi Lan’s family on their end, so we don’t need to worry about it.” 

Zhu Jing didn’t know exactly who the ’on their end’ referred to in Mistress’s words, but she knew that there had always been a force at the Mistress’s disposal, faithfully carrying out her commands.

“Couldn’t you find out where His Highness took He Lian’shi?” 

“The Chief Steward has arranged for secret guards to accompany them, so there was no way to follow them. If we forcefully tracked them, it would definitely leave traces.”

Wan Jing Wen let out a long sigh and called someone in to clean up. If she couldn’t figure it out now, all she could do was wait to see the results tomorrow.

——

Zong Zheng Lin returned to the front yard and, upon entering his bedroom, immediately asked Wei Zhen to prepare a bath for him.

Wei Zhen’s footsteps halted, looking at the sky. That’s right, it’s not even the hour of You³ yet, so why would His Highness suddenly think of taking a bath in broad daylight?

“Master, it will take at least a quarter of an hour for the kitchen to boil water. Why don’t you go to Mistress Yao’s quarters to change clothes?” That Mistress’s private kitchen was extravagantly luxurious. The stove was always kept burning, for twelve hours a day, just in case she got hungry and there was not enough time to prepare. 

Zong Zheng Lin unfastened the buttons of his outer robe and casually threw the brocade garment onto a low stool. 

“Just follow the orders. Why talk so much?” If he could return to Danruo Courtyard, why would he let go of the opportunity to have a beauty assist him with his bath and choose to shower alone in his room?  

Since the incident that caused Mu Xi Yao distress because of artemisia, Zong Zheng Lin refrained from directly approaching her whenever he came into contact with other women.

Although there were already orders in the residence forbidding the use of the fragrant powders and incense with artemisia scent, Zong Zheng Lin was worried about getting something filthy on himself, which might make her teary-eyed. While she would endure without complaint, it would only infuriate him.

After having his suggestion denied by His Highness, Wei Zhen drooped his head and obediently went to the kitchen to deliver the message. Master’s temperament, it was certain that he had been spending a lot of time with Mistress Yao, and as time went by, it became more and more unpredictable. Even the habits he had maintained for over a decade had gradually started to change.

Previously, his Master preferred vegetarian dishes and rarely touched meat. Ever since His Highness took that person into the residence, and because Mistress Yao didn’t restrict herself to vegetarian or non-vegetarian food, not only did she eat her fill, but she also enthusiastically scooped food into hHisHighness’s bowl. With each scoop, His Highness’s eating preferences gradually changed to match hers. Nowadays, the chefs in Danruo Courtyard were too numerous to count. Their numbers were definitely more than could be counted on two hands. This didn’t even include the two master chefs specially brought from Shuzhong.

Wei Zhen recalled Mistress Yao’s absurd vision for fine food and couldn’t help but feel that His Highness had spoilt her into a complete spendthrift. That person had made it clear that she wanted to gather renowned chefs from various places and ensure that no dish would be repeated for an entire month. She dared to bring this idea right in front of His Highness. That tone of hers, speaking without the slightest hint of shame or fear of being reprimanded by Master for excessive extravagance. 

And then there was the matter of His Highness occasionally adorning his hair with a flower⁴, just like other princes. Wei Zhen vividly remembered the first time Mistress Yao witnessed His Highness wearing a flower hairpin. The scene was incredibly dramatic, and it turned into an uproar. 

His Highness merely wore a cornelian cherry in his hair, not the perennial or three peonies[5] that women usually favored. Yet, that Mistress acted as if she had discovered something extraordinary, her eyes kept staring intently at His Highness’s head. Finally unable to hold back, she burst into laughter. As she laughed so hard she was doubling over and struggling to catch her breath, she was suddenly frightened by his Master’s dark expression. Although she gradually quieted down, her demeanor made it evident to anyone what was going on. Mistress Yao sat there in silence, with her head hanging low and her shoulders trembling incessantly.

He thought this would be the end of it, but little did he know that this troublesome Mistress was truly adept at stirring things up. During lunchtime, while eating fish, she once again fixated on Master’s flower hairpin, giggling non-stop. Amidst all the laughter, well, a fishbone got stuck in her throat.

Now, that person finally calmed down. But, once her quick-tempered nature surfaced, she started to throw a tantrum, causing such a commotion that it became necessary to call for the imperial physician to remove the fishbone. Only then, with great effort, was she able to put a stop to her crying fit.

After seeing off the imperial physician, the Sixth Highness lost his temper on the spot and began scolding Mistress Yao. Who could have expected that her eyes would fill with tears, cascading down like rain upon pear blossom? Her plaintive complaint, filled with grievances, remained the source of amusement in the entire Shengjing to this day. 

Just then, they heard that oblivious one voice her dissatisfaction, “Who made Your Highness, a grown man, insist on imitating young girls by wearing flowers? Excessively feminine! You’re not some fair-faced scholar, so why pretend to be handsome and elegant?” 

Upon hearing these words, His Highness became so angry that his face turned blue, and the veins on his forehead bulged. 

In Great Wei, men wearing flowers in their hair was considered a refined activity among the high society. Now, being directly ridiculed as feminine by Mistress Yao, how could His Highness not be bothered by it?

Ever since then, the Sixth Highness refrained from using flowers. Whether they were fresh flowers, or handcrafted by artisans, if they were presented to him, he would undoubtedly put on a displeased expression and reprimand that person. 

Following Mistress Yao’s remark, which made Shengjing lively for several days, silk flower shops struggled in their businesses, and the number of men wearing flowers on the streets gradually decreased. As for those fair-faced scholars that Mistress mentioned, they were particularly concerned about being perceived as effeminate and becoming the subject of ridicule. When they passed by flower shops, they often walked at a significant distance. They were so swift that one would have assumed they were not mere scholars but rather martial artists with solid foundations. 

This was also something that Wei Zhen failed to understand. Mistress Yao simply engaged in a casual bout of laughter and tears, causing a brief commotion within her own residence, yet she could make the winds of public opinion dance to her tune. This world has truly become strange… (TL: You may not know it, but your Mistress is akin to an influencer of ancient times, lol)

Wei Zhen stood outside the door, quietly mulling over the rationale behind it. As he marveled at how Mistress Yao was no ordinary person, he heard familiar footsteps approaching from behind.

“Commander Wei.” Mo Lan glanced at the tightly shut door with puzzlement. “Has His Highness returned?”

Wei Zhen nodded, “He’s currently freshening up in the inner chamber.” It seemed somewhat improper to mention that he was bathing at this time.

“That’s perfect. Mistress instructed this servant to ask whether His Highness prefers steamed shrimp or stir-fried in high heat” 

Just as Wei Zhen was about to reply that His Highness didn’t like eating shrimps, he heard Master’s voice coming from the inner chamber, “Who allowed her to eat shrimps?”

Zong Zheng Lin changed into light and simple attire. He pushed the door open and emerged with a stern expression on his face. “The imperial physician explicitly stated that she was prohibited from consuming shrimps. Even if your Mistress happened to forget, shouldn’t you, as the one on duty, bear it in mind?” Shrimps were inherently cold in nature, so Mu Xi Yao should refrain from eating them.

Mo Lan was startled and quickly explained the situation. “Replying to Your Highness, these two baskets of shrimps were delivered to the residence from the country estate. Mistress mentioned that this time of year was perfect to serve Your Highness the chrysanthemum wine she personally brewed to sample. Additionally, pairing it with shrimp meat makes it especially delicious.” 

The Sixth Highness was very easy-going in front of the Mistress, but when dealing with them, he treated them just like any other servant in the household. At times, he could be frighteningly strict…

Zong Zheng Lin’s expression softened at last. “Steamed.” Better prepare it with a lighter taste, so as not to entice her appetite and to avoid her acting affectionately and pestering him. 

“Where is Cefei?” Based on her usual routine, the little woman would either be in the study at this time or in the room accompanying Cheng Qing to learn and recognize characters through the pictures. 

“The Mistress summoned Chief Steward Tian to the main house for a discussion.” In a couple of days, the Young Master will be turning one year old, and her Mistress finally remembered to inquire about the preparations for the banquet. 

Zong Zheng Lin went ahead and headed straight to Danruo Courtyard. Upon hearing Mo Lan’s response, he immediately knew what matter Mu Xi Yao was discussing. If she took the initiative to summon Tian Fu Shan, it had to be either related to a meal or to something of utmost importance she had in mind. 

“Wei Zhen, have Yan Cheng Zhou carry the boxes and crates brought from Shuzhong to Cefei’s courtyard.” He had promised her to bring back a nice gift for Cheng Qing when he left the capital, and now it was time to fulfill that promise as soon as possible. The little woman was impatient by nature and if she were to recall it, he would be caught up in another round of busyness. 

Mu Xi Yao carefully examined the guest list and circled the name of the Fourth Princess, classifying her as an unwelcome individual. Then, there were also Zong Zheng Chun and the Crown Prince. She wanted to cross them off, but unfortunately, these two held seniority over Zong Zheng Lin and she couldn’t stop them. As for Zong Zheng Ying, although the big boss had to address her as ‘Imperial Sister⁵’, after all, she was a princess and wasn’t as difficult to handle as a prince. With a little manipulation, her wishes could still be fulfilled.

Tian Fu Shan took the guest list from Mistress Yao and glanced at it; the Fourth Princess’s name was crossed out from the list with a bold red stroke. 

The corner of Chief Steward’s mouth twitched, feeling the urge to wipe off his sweat. Your rank, Cefei, seems to be lower than that person’s. Isn’t it inappropriate to openly disregard the rules like this?

Mu Xi Yao didn’t care at all. She looked at the person in front of her who hesitated to speak, well aware of his concerns. “Hand the list to your Highness, and as for the upcoming matters, our Lord will take care of them. Go with a peaceful heart, Steward.” 

Go with a peaceful heart? Tian Fu Shan found these words familiar. After careful thought, he almost had his legs go weak from being frightened by the person above. Every time the palace’s Chief Eunuch-In-Charge Gu received the order to execute a concubine who had committed a crime, wasn’t this the phrase they always said at the end?

Tian Fu Shan had a pained expression as he looked at this Mistress who could not be messed with. My Lady, can you please choose your words a little more carefully?

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Translation notes:

[1] Juu Uda refers to one of the six prefectures of the Inner Mongolia (source). 

[2] One incense stick’s time refers to from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

[3] Hour of You refers to 5-7 pm.  

[4] In ancient Chinese culture, it was not uncommon for men, including royalty, to wear flower hairpins as a form of adornment. This practice was part of the traditional attire and reflected the elegance and refinement of the individual. Men wearing flower hairpins was a fashion trend that showcased their sense of style and aesthetics. 

[5] See the difference between perennial peonies and tree peonies here.

[6] Zong Zheng Ying is older than Zong Zheng Lin.

 

Relationship Diagram  (by Sith Kazar)

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