The Beloved Imperial Consort Chapter 164

“This time, the Sixth’s consort has been wronged; don’t keep anger in your heart. The Sixth has carried out this task well. Zhen originally intended for the Imperial Noble Consort to keep some people for him, but that rascal declined. He said that He Lian’shi’s matter has just passed, and if he hastily brought in new people to the household, she would overthink and wouldn’t be able to maintain her dignity in front of outsiders.” 

Yuancheng Emperor flipped over Consort Shu’s tablet tonight, and at this moment, the two of them were lying in bed, talking.  

“The Sixth understands Your Majesty’s sentiments. It’s a good thing that this child respects He Lian’shi.” Consort Shu was helping Zong Zheng Lin by speaking on his behalf. Her son had a cold personality and was unwilling to take in people; she was prepared for this. This time, he really hit upon the right excuse and felt more justified than ever before. 

“The Sixth’s offspring are still somewhat sparse. Since no new people will be entering this time, Mu’shi should be given extra attention. Send a few people over there to keep a close watch, and if there’s any good news, quickly deliver a message to Zhen.” In reality, there was no need for Consort Shu to carry messages; the Yuancheng Emperor only mentioned it to show closeness and affection. 

“Chenqie will keep it in mind. Your Majesty is very thoughtful.” Consort Shu was more delighted than anyone else that Zong Zheng Lin’s offspring received high regard from the Yuancheng Emperor.

“The Sixth’s other Cefei,” Yuancheng Emperor paused in his words. 

“Su’shi. Her father is the Expositor-In-Waiting at the Hanlin Academy, Academician Su Bo Wen.” Consort Shu’s response was quick. It was understandable that the Emperor couldn’t recall Su Lin Rou. 

Yuancheng Emperor had quite a few sons. Last year, he had the Ninth Prince, and this year, he welcomed two more sons and a daughter. Although they haven’t been bestowed names yet due to their tender age and were not as highly regarded as the older adult princes, their consort-mothers, on the other hand, were all young and beautiful, coming from respectable families. The competition for favor has been particularly fierce recently, and even Consort Shu was having some difficulty dealing with it. They often used the excuse of the young age of the princes to come up with numerous pretexts. On several occasions, right in her presence, they diverted Yuancheng Emperor, who was originally supposed to visit her palace, away midway.

As the signs of harem rivalry began to emerge, Consort Shu maintained her usual modest and sensible demeanor. Even when someone scheming intercepted Yuancheng Emperor with their clandestine ploy, she never raised complaints. Yuancheng Emperor became increasingly pleased with her uncontentious nature and would come when he had some free time to make up for it. Unexpectedly, he visited her palace more frequently than the few times he used to in the past. 

Now, everyone has taken stock. Those newcomers failed to achieve their objectives, and instead, they inadvertently enhanced Consort Shu’s reputation and further solidified her favor in front of the Yuancheng Emperor. It was no wonder she held the most secure position and was the most content among imperial consorts; her calculations never failed. Anyone would have to admit their admiration.

“How many months has it been since Su’shi entered the household? Why hasn’t there been any news?” Yuancheng Emperor, dissatisfied, raised the topic of Su House’s daughter for the first time with Consort Shu.

Su Bo Wen was one of the select Han Lin Academy academicians who had captured his attention. This man possessed a sharp intellect, a mind brimming with learning and wisdom, and, most importantly, displayed remarkable perceptiveness. He never entertained unwarranted desires for things that were not his and didn’t come up short when it came to what should be his. A civil official who was this versatile and not constrained in his ways, the Yuancheng Emperor took note and intended to entrust him with important duties in the future.  

“See to it that Su’shi serves attentively and bears a child soon.” 

This was an indirect way of bestowing favor towards Su House. Consort Shu grasped Yuancheng Emperor’s meaning from his words and nodded in agreement. Although Su Bo Wen had a background in Hanlin Academy and bore an honorable reputation, will not align with any factions, he still had a connection to the prince’s household. If the Emperor wanted to assign important responsibilities to this person, it would only be beneficial to Zong Zheng Lin. 

“What did they say after examining the pulse of the Fourth’s consort?” Naturally, in the presence of Consort Shu, Yuancheng Emperor couldn’t overlook the Fourth Prince. Although this son had some imperfections, he never caused him trouble like the others did. Except for marrying a troublesome woman. It’s been over eight years since the Fourth’s consort entered the household, but there hasn’t been any news of pregnancy. Was this due to an inability to conceive or a severe weakness of the body? There should be an explanation. 

After hearing Yuancheng Emperor’s words, Consort Shu’s brow also furrowed. 

“The Imperial Physician has stated that she is in good health, and there are no issues.” What was going on with the Principal Consorts of these two sons of hers? Consort Shu was becoming quite concerned. 

Every time the Fourth’s consort came to the palace to pay respects, she couldn’t help but want to say a few words to her. She was also worried about hurting her dignity as a sister-in-law in front of Zong Zheng Lin’s women, so she could only subtly mention it to Zong Zheng Yun. Little did she know, her eldest son was entirely oblivious. He never followed the rules and solely focused on protecting his wife. He even playfully reassured her, telling her not to worry too much about it. There was no need for her to fret over his matters.

Such words almost made Consort Shu lose her temper right then and there. There was truly nothing she could do with her two sons. Thus, she could only hope for the best. Now that Emperor Yuancheng asked about it, revealing the truth was impossible.

“Zhen has instructed Imperial Noble Consort to arrange two additional people for the Fourth. Inform him about this matter in advance.” This was truly getting more and more outrageous. The Fourth, until now, only had one son and one daughter, and both were born from concubines. It was absurd that a dignified prince had fewer offspring than an ordinary commoner. Even the Sixth, whose grand wedding had taken place just a few months ago, was about to have his second child. With such a simple comparison, the Yuancheng Emperor was already interested in probing into how the Fourth’s consort managed the household. 

In a couple of days, the rumors of the Principal Consort of the Sixth Prince’s residence, Lady He Lian, being unable to bear children had completely dissipated. They were replaced with an imperial decree received by the Imperial Noble Consort, instructing her to promptly select a consort for the Eighth Prince and, additionally, arrange concubines for the Fourth Prince. As for the other princes, the Yuancheng Emperor did not mention them, so the Imperial Noble Consort naturally wouldn’t take any further action.

Meanwhile, whispers were circulating in the capital that He Lian Residence had been targeted, with intentions to conspire against the loyal and virtuous, undermining the political stability of the empire. This issue was of great magnitude, and no one dared to discuss it without the Yuancheng Emperor’s commands. This kind of matter involving factional struggles was always messy. When has it ever concluded without a bloodbath and heads rolling?

——

“Mistress, are you certain that you want this servant to bribe the servants to investigate the Eighth Prince’s preferences?” He Lian Wei Rui’s chief maidservant, Xue Qin, appeared somewhat timid, not daring to take action.

This matter involved an imperial prince. Mistress would be violating ancestral laws by prying in such a bold manner. 

“He Lian Min Min has escaped her plight, but now it’s your Mistress’s turn to face a predicament. If we don’t do this, the days ahead will be even tougher. If you’re smart, you’ll understand that you and I are one. You’d better figure out how to get by in the future as soon as possible.” He Lian Wei Rui set aside the embroidery in her hand, her eyes filled with chilliness. 

This time, that woman narrowly escaped danger, and as soon as she found some peace, she immediately sent a message back home. He Lian Wei Rui couldn’t find out what was specifically discussed, but there had been a significant change in attitude throughout the He Lian House, from top to bottom. This made her realize that her elder di sister, most likely, was leveraging the Sixth Highness’s influence and intended to redress all the grievances she had endured at home.

The Sixth Highness had secured her position, and her status as the Princess Consort was as stable as Mount Tai. Witnessing this situation and firmly believing that the Sixth Highness would eventually inherit the throne, how could their family not strive hard to mend past rifts and provide her as much support as possible? 

She, who had initially hogged the limelight, lost her chances of entering the Sixth Prince’s household. What’s more, she had sullied her reputation in the eyes of the Empress Dowager. Though it was not her own fault, she had ultimately lost her modesty. Without any new developments, it would be challenging for her to enter the Eighth Prince’s residence. The most likely scenario was that, due to her status, the Imperial Noble Consort might place her in the Fourth Prince’s residence as a Shufei. 

The Fourth Prince, Zong Zheng Yun was born with a hearing impairment, and besides his status as a prince, he was, in fact, no different from a useless person. Furthermore, a mere Shufei was not something He Lian Wei Rui could accept. 

Now, the Eighth Prince, Zong Zheng Han became her last chance she had to seize firmly. Missing this man would mean the end of her ambitions. And the best opportunity, undoubtedly, was at the first birthday celebration of the Sixth Highness’s firstborn son. It was the fastest way to get close to Zong Zheng Han in the short term.

——

“Mistress, His Highness will definitely come later. If you keep bullying the Young Master like this, you might end up being punished again.” Hui Lan was livelier than Mo Lan and spoke more directly with Mu Xi Yao, with less hesitation.  

The little bun Cheng Qing, sat obediently, swinging his little head from side to side. After painstakingly putting together half of the puzzle, Mu Xi Yao took advantage of his distraction, her small hand reaching for the piece on the very edge. With a quick and skillful movement, she intentionally hid one piece.

The little bun managed to put together the tiger’s ears, but when he turned around to where the tail should have been, how did it disappear in the blink of an eye?

Mu Xi Yao watched her son adorably engrossed in his search and found it utterly endearing. She couldn’t help but chuckle and once more swiped a whisker piece from him. 

Cheng Qing happened to raise his head just in time to catch his mummy taking away the tiger’s whiskers. He instantly pouted, feeling extremely aggrieved. 

“Mummy, bad!” As he spoke, he grabbed onto Mu Xi Yao’s tightly clenched fist and tried to pry her fingers open, intending to snatch the whiskers back. 

“Mistress, if you keep teasing the Young Master like this, and Madam catches wind of it, she will definitely not spare you.” Gui Momo comforted the Young Master, who was sweating profusely from distress and looked at Mu Xi Yao with a disapproving expression.

When Mistress was not conducting herself appropriately, she could cause even more worry than the Young Master. The Young Master was minding his own business, working on the puzzle; how did he provoke her again? Besides, wasn’t this the very thing you, Mistress, insisted on getting done? Now that you’ve had your way, His Highness sent over several sets of puzzles, why won’t you let the Young Master play with them properly? 

By now, the little one’s eyes had turned red. If he starts crying later, Mistress will find fault with him for being troublesome and raised poorly. The Mistress’s role as a mother was really not fulfilled properly.  

Cheng Qing’s pair of ink-black eyes filled up with mist, and just as his tears were about to fall, he was scooped up by familiar large hands. 

“What’s this? Is Jiao Jiao bullying Bendian’s son again?” As soon as Zong Zheng Lin entered, he saw Mu Xi Yao covering her mouth, giggling with curved eyes and brows. That look of mischief; she must have been up to no good. Sure enough, his son has indeed suffered. 

“Daddy, mommy bad, take puzzle!” Cheng Qing saw his savior had arrived and immediately complained.

“Why haven’t you returned it yet?” Zong Zheng Lin was infuriated. This woman had been caught by him several times. If it weren’t for his gaze stopping her, Cheng Qing would have cried long ago. How could they have come to this day?

Mu Xi Yao sat on the carpet, gently tugging at the hem of Zong Zheng Lin’s robe. She watched the tall man holding her son, his gaze, however, remaining fixed on her, giving a warning.

Already in the wrong, and with everyone watching, there was no room for her to dispute. Mu Xi Yao had no choice but to obediently put the tail and whiskers back. This finally made Cheng Qing quiet down. She obediently nestled against Zong Zheng Lin’s chest, not making a fuss at all. This content belongs to thehlifestyle.com, if you see this translation elsewhere, it’s been stolen!

“Your Highness is terribly biased,” Mu Xi Yao complained. Having a son and not caring about the child’s mother. Another classic example of ‘crossing the river and destroying the bridge‘¹!

“You’re always looking out for your son and lecture Qie on every occasion. Qie was just teasing him, just for a little while. Besides, Qie was trying to help Cheng Qing stay more active and grow stronger.”

Mu Xi Yao lacked confidence in her words. Not only did the Sixth Highness show contempt, but even Zhao Momo, who had just entered the room, let out a long sigh.

“Mistress, this old servant will take the Young Master to have some peach juice.” She hurriedly took the well-behaved child from His Highness’s arms, the farther from Mistress Yao, the better. At this time of day, Mistress Yao was the most idle, and the Young Master mustn’t be brought to her unless necessary. Bullying the Young Master has unexpectedly become her pastime. She has to report it to the Madam when she gets a chance. 

“How many times was this talked about? Is Jiao Jiao unable to control your mischievous hands? Cheng Qing is so young; why would you provoke him…”

As expected, as Zhao Momo stepped out of the door with the Young Master in her arms, she immediately heard His Highness sternly admonishing someone.

But…oh well. Let’s not talk about it. Each time, the discussion began earnestly, but by the end, Mistress Yao always managed to lead it astray.

With the Young Master having parents like this, she didn’t know what to say about it. 

Translation notes:

[1] Crossing the river and destroying the bridge refers to an idiom that signifies an ungrateful or disloyal attitude where a person abandons or betrays a source of support or help once they no longer need it.

Relationship Diagram  (by Sith Kazar)

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