The Beloved Imperial Consort Chapter 163

“These subjects greet Your Highness,” the two Sirs Administrative Assistants of the Imperial Academy of Medicine arrived as planned. Upon entering, they were taken aback to find the Sixth Highness standing with hands behind his back, his back turned to them, admiring the blooming hibiscus in the vase. 

“No need for formalities. Sirs, please have a seat.” Zong Zheng Lin told them to rise, but he didn’t turn around. Instead, he bent down and picked up the scissors, trimming the overly irregular and soft branches and leaves into a much neater and defined form. Upon a second glance, this hibiscus had taken on a new, refreshed appearance. 

Zong Zheng Lin closely surveyed the other potted plants placed in He Lian’shi’s quarters; each one was by the book, indistinguishable from those found in the palace. Though in full bloom with grandeur, they were devoid of liveliness. 

Recalling the sweet osmanthuses and elephant’s galls¹ in Mu Xi Yao’s room, which she had trimmed into peculiar shapes, it appeared that the little woman’s taste was a bit eccentric, but their charm shined through abundantly. 

For instance, in Cheng Qing’s room, when he went there yesterday, he found a pot of purple sage placed on the long narrow table. After being groomed by Mu Xi Yao, it transformed into a round shape. With two ornaments pinned on it, it resembled the smiling face she often favored. 

A smile unconsciously appeared on Zong Zheng Lin’s lips. That chubby, round object sat right next to his son’s little bed, and when looked at from a distance, it was even larger than Cheng Qing’s head by a full circle. 

Having already sent someone to summon He Lian’shi, Zong Zheng Lin left the two physicians waiting while indulging himself, imitating Mu Xi Yao’s manner as he attempted to do some trimming on the other side with the sweet osmanthus.

The two Sirs were invited by the Sixth Highness to take their seats in the hall. They dared not utter a word so as not to disrupt His Highness’s ‘important affair’. They observed quietly from the side, but their sense of unease only grew stronger. 

Until just a moment ago, His Highness had been quite courteous, but all of a sudden, when working on the sweet osmanthus, he made a few thoughtless cuts that lacked refinement. It appeared to bear some ill omen? 

Such a perfectly fine and exquisite potted flower, now transformed beyond recognition. Could this, whether overtly or covertly, imply some message His Highness was reluctant to express?

How could those who run errands in the palace ever hope to establish a solid foothold if they lacked any judgment or foresight? After sitting like this for a while, the expressions of the two Sirs turned increasingly grave. 

Could it be that the Sixth Highness was using these flowers to send them a warning? His Highness must have placed great importance on the Principal Consort’s health. During upcoming pulse examinations, they have to stay concentrated and absolutely mustn’t make any mistakes. The lord before them had never been the one to show compassion and was accustomed to commanding with authority. 

“Your Highness,” He Lian Min Min was dressed in an imperial princess consort attire, with bright yellow brocade embroidered with auspicious cloud and blossoms motifs. Though not exceptionally beautiful, her entire bearing showcased an excellent upbringing. 

“Greetings, two Sirs.” Upon noticing the serious expressions on the two, He Lian Min Min couldn’t help but feel on edge. After all, she had been raised with a strict upbringing at home and had never been involved in deceitful actions. This was her first encounter, and furthermore, it was a matter of utmost importance—one with no room for retreat—that left her feeling quite uneasy.

In addition, His Highness orchestrated this matter with excessive confidentiality. To put it plainly, it was akin to deceiving the emperor! Having to bear such a weighty affair in heart alone, it would be hard for anyone to stay completely calm. 

“He Lian’shi has arrived. Bendian will have to trouble the two of you.” Zong Zheng Lin cast a casual glance at He Lian Min Min and instantly sensed her nervousness. 

“Whether Bendian’s Princess Consort is unwell or may have fallen victim to foul play, both of you must conduct a thorough examination.” Zong Zheng Lin had confidence in Yu Gu’s abilities. His words were meant to reassure He Lian Min Min.

He Lian Min Min no longer felt that deep yearning for Zong Zheng Lin’s tenderness as she faced him. Yesterday, she had come to understand that his affection for her, however significant, couldn’t surpass the necessity of bearing his offspring. She had feelings for Zong Zheng Lin, but regrettably, the Sixth Highness had another person in his heart. So be it… they would treat each other with respect, and when the time was right, they would have a child. Compared to most noble daughters from prominent families, she wouldn’t be considered faring poorly.

Besides, there were also the Crown Princess and First Princess Consort as ‘shining examples’. At the very least, she couldn’t possibly be worse off than those two.

A quarter of an hour later, the two Sirs courteously bid their farewell, their demeanor and words displaying a notable reverence towards Zong Zheng Lin.  

Just looking at the dark and grim expression on that person’s face, it was clear that there would be a reckoning in the days to come. As for who was so unfortunate enough to provoke him, they were already prepared to be spectators. 

“Your Highness.” He Lian Min Min felt gratitude but didn’t know how to express it. Their relationship as husband and wife had become so awkward that she, as the wife, had to thank her lord husband specifically for concealing the issue of her infertility. He Lian Min Min wasn’t sure whether she should feel fortunate or saddened by this.

“This matter has been taken care of. You’ve been under strain for a few days, so make sure to get some rest.” Zong Zheng Lin stood up and called for Wei Zhen, who was waiting at the door. Without waiting for He Lian Min Min to formulate her response, the two of them had already walked away. 

He Lian Min Min watched the sweet osmanthus, which had been transformed beyond recognition by the Sixth Highness’s trimming. Without a word, she ordered for the tea to be removed and left the main hall with the support of a momo. 

She gazed up at the bright autumn day, her heart free of hesitation. Let’s just live like this. With a child, she could peacefully reside in Chanruo Courtyard, no longer harboring any unrealistic hopes.

“Momo, send word to the family.” She had narrowly escaped this ordeal, but their positions might have to be reversed in the near future. She hadn’t forgotten the grievances she had endured before.

—

Empress Dowager Jin lightly tapped the kang table² with her finger, turned over a page of the scripture, and then raised her hand to dismiss the eunuch who had delivered the message.

“The Sixth’s Consort has suffered injustice. Bring Aijia’s gold and jade headdress to reward her.” As long as she was healthy, it was for the best. Ending this farce sooner would also spare the Emperor from being distracted by unrelated affairs. 

Zong Zheng Ying on the side, who was attending to the Old Ancestor and massaging her legs, couldn’t help but reveal a conceited expression.

“Does Xiao Si³ think that resolving the He Lian family’s matter will erase many of your wrongdoings?” The Empress Dowager noticed her expression and her tone turned stern, “When can we expect a definite answer regarding the issue of offspring Aijia discussed with you last time? You’ve been married for over two years. Although the Prince Consort’s family is cautious due to your status and won’t go too far, if they use the excuse that you’ve committed seven offenses⁴, even if it becomes an irreparable mess, Aijia won’t have a basis to speak up for you.” 

Zong Zheng Ying’s smile froze, and she repeatedly expressed her remorse with a lowered head.

Prince Consort? Hmph! Yang Guo Kang’s ancestors were no more than humble commoners, and if not for the favor of the Gaozu Emperor, who promoted him to the position of the Grand Minister in the secretariat, their family wouldn’t have risen to prominence. 

Yang Guo Kang married a princess, so it was inappropriate for him to hold an official position in the court. Instead, he was assigned a nominal post and spent his time at the academy. Zong Zheng Ying was well aware of what he was thinking.

If it weren’t for the marriage bestowed by the Yuancheng Emperor, Yang Guo Kang harbored ambitions of entering the Hanlin Academy⁵. Unfortunately, the sudden wealth from the heavens put an end to his future career prospects. This also left the di grandson of the Yang family, the one they were most proud of, essentially wasted. It was easy to imagine that Zong Zheng Ying was not well-liked in the Yang family. If it weren’t for her unattainable high status, how could Yang Guo Kang have reluctantly settled for a bedchamber maid?

That man had an innate inclination for chasing skirts. Zong Zheng Ying wished she could gouge his ignorant dog eyes. 

She had harbored resentment towards the Yuancheng Emperor. Back then, why did he choose her of all people, betrothing her to this embroidered pillowrefers to one who is outwardly attractive but lacking ability or talent inside; just a “pretty face” who neither fit high nor low status, yet proclaimed himself to be extraordinarily talented? 

After finally accepting her fate and trying to live with him, the fact that she couldn’t conceive his child frustrated Zong Zheng Ying the most. She had condescended herself, yet she had attracted gossip from outsiders. This was simply outrageous.

“When you have free time, focus more on nurturing your health and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Otherwise, just stay quietly in Aijia’s palace.” In truth, the Empress Dowager felt sympathy for her granddaughter who had lost the support and protection of her maternal family. Unfortunately, this girl was so disappointing that the Empress Dowager had to exercise stricter discipline to prevent her from going down the wrong path.

“On the day of your Sixth Imperial Brother’s eldest son’s first birthday celebration, several high-ranking palace members will accompany Consort Shu to personally offer their congratulations. It might be somewhat quiet here. Xiao Si can come over to keep Aijia company and engage in a little chat. If the gifts are presented, that will be enough. Aijia believes the Sixth won’t make things difficult for you.” Seeing Zong Zheng Ying’s shocked expression, Empress Dowager Jin’s face turned cold, “What’s the matter, are you not willing?” 

Startled, Zong Zheng Ying quickly moved behind the Empress Dowager and began attentively massaging her shoulders. “Old Ancestor, what are you saying? How could your granddaughter not recognize the grace you’ve bestowed? Your granddaughter is eagerly looking forward to it.” To cover up her earlier carelessness, Zong Zheng Ying reluctantly put on a cheerful facade, smiling and complying. 

What was going on? Why did they suddenly forbid her from visiting Zong Zheng Lin’s residence to offer her congratulations? While the Old Ancestor said she wanted her to accompany her, in reality, she was just preventing her from going to the prince’s residence. She had originally planned to use the excuse of He Lian Min Min’s turnaround to give Mu Xi Yao a hard time, but now her plans were ruined. If she believed this was a coincidence, she would have wasted these ten-plus years in the palace!

What a clever Mu’shi! Somehow, she had managed to cross the inner chamber and present her idea directly to the Old Ancestor. It was evident that this tactic was aimed at her! Zong Zheng Ying was seething with anger inside but had to serve the Empress Dowager with a smile. This feeling made her hate Mu Xi Yao to her core. 

—

“Did you say she is fine?” Wan Jing Wen clenched her fists tightly, her eyes bloodshot. 

“It’s impossible, absolutely impossible!” She had used every trick in the book and expended all her efforts to send someone to He Lian’shi’s side, overcoming numerous obstacles. There were only two people who could get close to her and earn her trust.

Now that Bi Lan was gone, the only one capable of accomplishing the task left…after paying such a great price and years of painstaking effort, how could she let He Lian Min Min get away?  

“How could Niu Qi have been exposed? Who in Shengjing City possesses such capability?” Besides, even if someone could discern it, there was no way they could have saved He Lian Min Min from the dire situation in just two days and eliminated the toxins that had accumulated in her body over the years. This content belongs to thehlifestyle.com, if you see this translation elsewhere, it’s been stolen!

Seven years! He Lian Min Min’s blood carried poison, and her body was no longer suitable for bearing children. How could such a condition be cured? Wan Jing Wen wasn’t a fool; how could she easily believe it?

Zhu Jin contemplated for a long time, feeling that her Mistress’s train of thought had gone astray. 

“Mistress, Niu Qi’s poison is unique; how could it be so easily neutralized by someone? This servant suspects that someone has covered it up for Principal Consort.” 

Wan Jing Wen was racking her brains, filled with anger and resentment that made her head spin. Suddenly, with a hint from Zhu Jin, she instantly understood. 

It all made sense now! He Lian’shi was essentially hiding this in secret, even daring to deceive the emperor. This treacherous woman would truly stop at nothing for the sake of wealth and glory. 

Wan Jing Wen was about to expose her deceit when she suddenly looked at Zhu Jin, her words stopped short. 

No, this matter was not something that He Lian Min Min could handle. If she truly possessed such skills, she wouldn’t have just discovered that she’s fallen into someone’s trap only now.

Apart from He Lian’shi herself, there were only two people in the residence who could help her escape this disaster! 

Mu Xi Yao or… the Sixth Highness himself? 

Wan Jing Wen’s complexion was so gloomy it seemed like dripping water. Between these two, it was possible there was some coordination. Others may not see it, but how could she, a woman who has served the Jian’an Emperor for half her life, not know about that man’s special feelings for Mu Xi Yao?

Why did Zong Zheng Lin spare He Lian Min Min? Wan Jing Wen gave it some thought and soon had a clue. This idea infuriated her to the point where she almost spat blood on the spot. For the sake of Mu Xi Yao, for that damned woman, Zong Zheng Lin actually preserved He Lian Min Min that despicable woman’s position as the principal consort. How could this make the woman who couldn’t gain the affection of Zong Zheng Lin in her previous life, and who had lost her son, find her solace?! 

Mu Xi Yao! Wan Jing Wen had never despised anyone as much as she did that woman who enjoyed peace in Danruo Courtyard, taking pleasure in raising her children. If it weren’t for her, He Lian Min Min would certainly have faced utter ruin alongside the He Lian House this time. 

Her son’s blood feud, from now on, must include that Mu’shi, who deserved to be struck by the divine punishment! 

Translation notes:

[1] Elephant’s gall refers to a spieces of aloe. 

[2] Kang table refers to short-legged Chinese table.

[3] Xiao Si refers to Zong Zheng Ying and its literal translation is Little Forth as she is the fourth daughter of Emperor. 

[4] Seven offences refer seven reason for which the husband may unilaterally declare a divorce (see traditional divorce process section here). 

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

[6] Embroidered pillow refers to one who is outwardly attractive but lacking ability or talent inside; just a “pretty face”.

Relationship Diagram  (by Sith Kazar)

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