The Beloved Imperial Consort Chapter 173

“Yu Ying, which family’s daughter is this young lady?” Instead of directly asking the person lying on the bed, who was still visibly shaken, Mu Xi Yao turned to inquire Di Wu Yu Ying.

“She is the third miss of Fengtian Prefecture’s Cheng House, Huo Xiu Jun.”

Having learned her name, Mu Xi Yao spoke gently, showing care towards the maiden, “Miss Huo, are you feeling any discomfort? Would you like Qie to call the imperial physician for you? If you’re unable to speak, blinking your eyes will suffice.” She could also provide some treatment to the young girl from earlier. Given that Danruo Courtyard had only an assortment of jars and bottles of ointments for emergencies, provided by Zong Zheng Lin, if it was a concussion caused by someone, she would not be able to treat it.

The young miss, hearing her speak in such a soft and gentle tone, seemingly filled with kindness, felt her nervousness begin to subside.

“Thank you Cefei, for your concern. This humble one is fine, just a bit shaken and feeling weak,” she said, somewhat bashfully. Judging by her look, it appeared she was trying to force herself to sit up.

Mu Xi Yao shook her head, her eyes conveying disapproval. She pressed the person to lie down, comforting her to not worry about formalities. After half a quarter of an hour, seeing that her emotions had settled, she tentatively spoke again.

“How did Miss Huo end up fainting beside Mingyue Lake?” Dan Zhu was knocked unconscious, but Huo Xiu Jun had no external injuries on her body. Could it be that she was drugged into unconscious by someone?

“This humble one does not know. This humble one suddenly felt overwhelming dizziness and then lost consciousness,” Huo Xiu Jun, having overcome her initial fright, was now considerably better. After all, as a young lady raised in a prestigious family, she was more poised than the little servant girls.

“So it is,” Mu Xi Yao nodded.

“Yu Ying, at the place where Miss Huo fainted, was there any sheltering spot? Or was it in an open area by the lake?”

“When we discovered Xiu Jun, she was lying on her side in the bushes by the lake. After we quickly woke her up, apart from being frightened, we noticed nothing else amiss.”

Mu Xi Yao’s eyes sparkled with understanding, already grasping some of the situation. Could it be that the assailant chose different methods based on their target’s status? For those of high status, whom it was best not to provoke, they resorted to using narcotics to subdue them?

But what could be the other party’s motive behind such actions? Consecutively knocking out two people of vastly different social standings and then leaving them neglected on the ground without a second thought. Was all this effort just for the sake of deliberate malice, to toy with people? There was something odd about this…

“Hui Lan, take Qin Xiang from the garden and inspect that place to see if there’s anything that cannot see the light of day.” With Qin Xiang’s expertise, it should be easy to identify any common narcotics.

Qin Xiang from the garden was a servant girl Zong Zheng Lin had specifically requested from Yu Gu early on, to serve at her disposal. Skilled in fragrance blending and medicine, she was considered half a discipline of Yu Gu. She got along well with everyone in the courtyard and was very diligent.

Anything  that cannot see the light of day? Hearing Mu Xi Yao say this, Di Wu Yu Ying’s entire being tensed up. What kind of things could not see the light of day? Could it be that Xiu Jun was harmed by someone? 

“This matter should not be made public, as it would harm your reputation. However, the imperial physician must still be summoned; taking care of one’s health is of utmost importance.”

In this era, woman were often burdened by their reputations. Since it was not a graceful matter, it was preferable to avoid other people’s gossip and protest one’s innocence.

Mu Xi Yao herself had once been targeted by such a scheme, hence she particularly loathed such vile actions. Regardless of the perpetrator’s motives, the mere fact of disregarding a woman’s most valuable reputation was enough to incur her resentment.

“You all understand the gravity of this issue. Once you leave this room, do not speak of it. Whether Miss Huo can live a peaceful life in the future depends on whether you can live up to your own conscience.” Mu Xi Yao has always been strict with her and her people’s character and morals. Not only towards Di Wu Yu Ying, but she also issued a warning to other two ladies from prestigious families, as well as to everyone in Danruo Courtyard.

“If even a single word of this matter leaks from Danruo Courtyard, once the person responsible is identified, you all know what the punishment will be.” This was the first time Mu Xi Yao asserted her authority in front of everyone. Even in the past, when disciplining someone, she never put on the air of a mistress in front of the two momos.

This time, it involved matrimonial prospects of a maiden in her teens. Mu Xi Yao had to proceed with caution. She could take tough measures and even be ruthless if necessary, but only if someone offended her first. Towards those who were innocent, she would rather maintain kindness.

The lives of women in the inner yard were not easy. She didn’t want one to become pitiful just because life was hard. Mu Xi Yao had a particular disdain for the phrase ‘pitiable person¹’.

Holding onto conscience and kindness could at least preserve a sense of cheerfulness in this otherwise unclean inner yard. The cycle of karma was not without reason.

“Do not worry, Mistress, these servants understand.” Zhao Momo and Gui Momo were both her long-serving attendants. They naturally grasped her kind intentions towards Miss Huo and immediately made their stance clear along with those under them.

“Cefei, please rest assured. Xiu Jun is a dear friend to all of us. Having spent so much time together in the literary society, we’re akin to schoolmates. We would never speak ill of her behind her back or commit anything dishonorable.” Di Wu Yu Ying was frank and upright by nature. She promptly settled the matter on the spot, ready to confront anyone who dared to object.

“Alright, alright, enough with the rascal behavior. You just need to understand that this is not a matter to joke about.” Mu Xi Yao was concerned that these noble young ladies might speak thoughtlessly, unaware of the impact of their words. Sometimes, unintentional remarks could be the most hurtful.

“Momo, take the visiting card and summon the imperial physician to come have a look. Just mention that Qie feels a bit nauseous and is worried about getting an upset stomach from the cold. Also, invite Madam Cheng to come over; Qie has some questions about embroidery Qie’d like to seek her advice on.”

Mu Xi Yao offered the excuse so effortlessly that it amused those around her. If Cefei were to seek advice on needlework, she might have to start with how to hold a needle. But there were only so many topics that women could talk about together, so selecting the most mundane one to avoid drawing unwanted attention was crucial.

“Using this as the reason, do you find it suitable?”

Huo Xiu Jun felt a twinge of sourness in her nose, “Xiu Jun understands Cefei’s kindness, and is grateful for such care.” Being neither family nor close acquaintances, Cefei was willing to offer help in times of need and think so thoroughly on her behalf. She would definitely remember this favor.

“Well then, take a good rest. Your mother will be brought to you soon to keep you company.” Mu Xi Yao instructed Mo Lan to put a light blanket over her and take her to the outer room. Only then did she finally have the chance to properly speak with Di Wu Yi Ying.

“I made you wait today, and for that, I apologize. It also turned into a bit of spectacle for the two misses.” Most of the credit went to the big boss!

“I’ll have Mo Lan deliver the promised copybook to your maid later. This way, you won’t lose it while you’re out enjoying yourself.” The palace flowers she gave last time were sent to her again the next day. This miss Di Wu was quite spirited, completely devoid of Di Wu Yi Zhao’s inscrutability and shrewdness.

Because an incident occurred in the prince’s residence, Mu Xi Yao, as a partial mistress of the household, felt compelled to make amends as much as she could. Thus, her interactions with the three were particularly attentive and enthusiastic.

While Mu Xi Yao was attending to the esteemed guests, He Lian Wei Rui maintained her composure as she gazed at the man standing before her.

“Your Highness, this humble one is grateful for your assistance earlier.” Reservedly, He Lian Wei Rui expressed her gratitude but did so without ingratiating herself. She still preserved her captivatingly icy appearance, but the aloofness that kept people at bay in the grand hall was absent at this moment.

Meeting you, Eighth Prince Zong Zheng Han, had truly been a challenge. Just this brief encounter has exhausted all of this humble one’s wits. 

“Miss He Lian need not be so formal.” Zong Zheng Han scrutinized her briefly, his tone very polite while his eyes carried a hint of curiosity.

This was the woman rumored to admire Zong Zheng Lin devotedly to death? It appears now that people have misjudged her.

Her looks were secondary; it was her attire that was intriguing. There had been a time he favored a bedchamber maid. That woman was keen on presenting herself with deliberate mannerisms. Given her youthful beauty and novel personality, he had doted on her for a while. The residence was rife with rumors that he preferred women who were captivatingly icy and aloof; he never prohibited such talk, so they continued to circulate.

Today, at this hour in the front yard, encountering Miss He Lian from He Lian House dressed in such a way, if Zong Zheng Han failed to discern the underlying machinations, it would not do justice to his deeply scheming and cunning nature.

“Miss He Lian, please take a seat.” Since she came for him, listening to what this woman had to say shouldn’t be too much of a bother.

“Everyone knows that Bendian favors women of lofty character. Miss He Lian’s attire indeed appeals to Bendian’s taste. Bendian presumes you are a clever lady, so feel free to speak your mind.”

“Your Highness, why tease this humble one? Whether Your Highness truly favors aloof and proud women is something Your Highness knows best. Today’s attire is merely for convenience, to give Qie the opportunity to be invited here by Your Highness.”

Whether she was lofty or not wasn’t important; what mattered was to make Zong Zheng Han clearly see how she blatantly ‘attempted to appeal to his tastes’ and that she wasn’t without ulterior motives.

If you wish for a man to marry you, you must first capture his interest.

“Oh? It appears Bendian has underestimated the daughter of the He Lian House.” The woman in front of him was bold, both in her words and deeds.

“Your Highness is mistaken. The daughter of the He Lian House is not He Lian Wei Rui.”

“Quite full of pride.” Zong Zheng Han chuckled softly. Her implication was clear; she held her di sister in low regard and looked down upon Zong Zheng Lin’s princess consort.

“It’s not that Wei Rui looks down on others; it’s just that there’s someone else who stands as a formidable opponent to Wei Rui.”

“Who might it be that Miss He Lian takes seriously?” Referring to the other as a formidable opponent, it appears He Lian Wei Rui was not blindly conceited. Zong Zheng Han paid slightly more attention and listened as she elaborated further.

“Coincidentally, it’s also someone from the Sixth Highness’s inner yard. The woman who stood out among all at today’s Draw Lots Ceremony – the Sixth Highness’s Cefei, Lady Xi Yao of Mu House.”

It was not her abilities that concerned her, but rather, she couldn’t decipher her tactics. Through several discreet observations, she found Mu’shi never played by the rules, always taking actions that caught everyone off guard. Despite lacking evidence, she was certain that He Lian Min Min’s escape from this calamity had something to do with that woman. This content belongs to thehlifestyle.com, if you see this translation elsewhere, it’s been stolen!

Mu’shi? Zong Zheng Han tapped his knee softly with his right hand, surprised by the answer. Mu’shi’s reputation among the princes was exceedingly flamboyant, so much so that Zong Zheng Chun had considered eliminating her, though all his attempts ended in failure. As for the Crown Prince, who lusted after her, it was better left unsaid.

He Lian Wei Rui’s target was actually the woman he has not yet figured out? Zong Zheng Lin’s Cefei…such a shame, indeed.

“Does Miss He Lian believe herself to be more outstanding than Mu’shi?” Standing so confidently before him, unless she provided a convincing reason, why would he step in to take this woman who settled for ‘the second best’ option? Without sufficient temptation, she wouldn’t be worth it for him to lower his status to go to the Imperial Noble Consort and beg for the lady of the He Lian House, who was well-known for her ‘undying affection’ for Zong Zheng Lin.

“Whether this humble one is more outstanding than Lady Mu, Your Highness might as well wait and see what happens next. There’s one thing, however, Your Highness may not yet be aware of.” He Lian Min Min smiled meaningfully. Watching the man in front of her waiting for her to speak with great interest, she took a teacup from the table, casually dipped her finger into the tea, and with just a few leisurely strokes, she managed to make Zong Zheng Han reveal a grave expression for the first time.

Translation notes:

[1] A pitiable person comes from the phrase ‘A pitiable person must have a detestable side’, which suggests that people who find themselves in situations that evoke pity often have their own faults or have made decisions that contributed to their predicament.

Relationship Diagram  (by Sith Kazar)

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