The Beloved Imperial Consort Chapter 68

Gradually, Tang Hui Ru stifled her tears. Supported by a servant girl’s hand, she got up and sat upright before the dressing table, grooming herself in front of the mirror. 

When she looked at the woman’s beautiful face in the mirror, she suddenly remembered how she was sitting on a swing and looking at the alley outside where the rain beat the spoilt flowers. That was when she found out how ridiculously laughable she was. Unexpectedly, she had also withered and became mud on the ground that no one asked about. 

She softly stroked the hair on her temple. Since she, Tang Hui Ru, was doomed to forever lose her hope and fall into mud. In that case, how can that di sister of hers, who sent her to an ice-cold purgatory, enjoy a quiet spring and smile brightly like a flower all by herself?  

Tang Hui Ru packed up and gave a last glance at the little courtyard that has accompanied her when she had waited lonely through countless of nights. Subsequently, taking the servant girls, she left without turning her back. 

By the time they’ve arrived at the gate to the estate, Tang Hui Ru has finally turned around and curtsied, “Chief steward, qie knows qie is slow-witted by nature and disliked by his Highness. Now, qie has only one thing to ask for. Qie begs steward to comply to this matter.” 

She took out a letter from the bundle and passed it to him, “Qie will have to bother chief steward to pass on this letter to cefei on qie’s behalf. Qie will take leave.” After finishing, she slightly bent her knees and then climbed onto the carriage. 

Tian Fu Shan looked at the letter in his hands and recalled the dead water like quietness in little lady Tang’s eyes. He shook his head and sighed. 

At this time, Shuhui Courtyard was also in a busy and chaotic mess. 

“Mistress, Hong Xiu has passed on a message. Yesterday, she was knocked out by little lady Tang. She woke up just this morning.” 

“Useless person!” Tang Yi Ru waved her hand and smashed the dangling hairpin in her hand, consumed by the anger. 

That Hong Xiu was the second rank servant girl in Tang Hui Ru’s courtyard. She used a large amount of money to buy her. From time to time, Hong Xiu would send some information over to her. As soon as she heard Tang Hui Ru urgently asked to see cefei yesterday, she immediately knew that things were far from good. Fortunately, she had taken it into consideration beforehand and didn’t let her see cefei. Otherwise, it would be hard to tell who would be the one with ill-luck now. 

She has exploited even such an arrangement. Originally, she had left Hong Xiu for the safeguard purposes. So that in case she made any slight movements, she would be able to remedy it as early as possible. However, what she didn’t expect was that woman actually had some skills, after all.  Not only did she pull out her informant but she even managed to leave behind a snake in the grass. 

What did Tang Hui Ru do last night? 

Tang shufei couldn’t rest or eat in peace. She sent Hong Xiu back to carefully check the house. However, she didn’t find any spider’s thread and horse track1. Tang Yi Ru felt uneasy inside, yet she couldn’t find the source behind this uneasiness. 

“Mistress, there’s no need to worry. There’s no person of use by little lady Tang’s side. Everything ought to be absolutely safe.” Seeing her mistress’s brows crease, Shu Mei knew she was worried inside the heart. 

Tang Yi Ru gently fiddled with her fingers. She bit her lips and contemplated for a moment. “No. I must have overlooked something. Otherwise, why would that wench deliberately knock out Hong Xiu? Are there truly no people of use in her courtyard?” 

Shu Mei’s confident shake of the head has somewhat eased Tang Yi Ru’s mind. It was just Tang shufei’s mind calmed down too soon. A letter has been placed in between the documents that were presented to Zhong Zheng Lin every day and it was currently being delivered to the villa. 

“Did father agree to arrange the manpower?” She sent her off merely in order to conveniently deal with her. 

“The house has sent news. At first, sir was very hesitant. Until later, when he was told merits and drawbacks, he finally made a decision.” 

“Good then. Finally, there would be a resolution.” If she had known about Tang Hui Ru’s thoughts earlier, she would have got rid of her during her boudoir time2. Unfortunately, she was in the palace later on. In addition, father was soft-hearted which, in the end, had delayed lots of time. It was inevitable that things would change.

In the evening. Mu Xi Yao was surprised that she has received a letter from little lady Tang. She opened the letter and began to read it attentively.  She has finally found the answer to the matter that had perplexed her for two years. 

As it turns out, the reason Tang Yi Ru was repeatedly yielding to little lady Tang was actually due to this. Indeed, heaven at last repays a crime and the guilty will not escape. 

Just as she was pondering, she saw Zhong Zheng Lin come in with a frosty expression. 

“Your Highness.” Mu Xi Yao got up and went to attend to him. 

Zhong Zheng Lin looked down at little woman’s head. He pulled the person to sit on the low stool.

“Little Tang shi’s carriage encountered bandits. Her personal maidservants were killed and the manservants of the prince’s estate were seriously injured. They were already carried back to give medical treatment. Little Tang shi, on the other side, was rescued by a wandering swordsman who passed by. Her whereabouts are unknown.” 

Mu Xi Yao was shocked. Tang Yi Ru was indeed vicious and merciless. She even wanted to cut clean the last means of her sister’s survival. What she didn’t know was that this action of hers justified what little lady Tang’s letter said.

Mu Xi Yao snorted. This kind of woman has already fallen into madness. She cannot be left. 

She can strive for favor and climb up the ladder in the prince’s estate. However, fondness of bravery and fighting3 absolutely musn’t be tolerated.  She can deal with the womenfolk’s tricks. But, once it ascended to an open spear and open stab4, she better hand this matter over to Zhong Zheng Lin.

Mu Xi Yao picked the letter that was placed on the table and passed it on to Zhong Zheng Lin who was looking at her with a puzzled expression.    

Zhong Zheng Lin took and looked at it. It was totally unfamiliar handwriting, a woman’s. He read the content. His expression got more and more heavy. After reading the whole letter, he laughed grimly. 

“Venomous woman!” Now, when he recalled little Tang shi’s circumstance, everything was clear. 

“Your Highness, the struggle in the inner yard has always been ruthless. However, those were all tricks that were better kept under the table5. As long as there were not life or dead animosity, they would still retain themselves. However, Tang shufei’s actions were tantamount to hiring an assassin and bury a man. This is too serious.” Mu Xi Yao didn’t hide the slightest bit her disdain for Tang Yi Ru. If this woman was not eliminated, the inner yard will hardly become peaceful. 

“Furthermore, the incident with the little Tang shi’s sudden illness last time. It wasn’t the improper use of food. The abrupt outburst of her old illness was caused by stimulation. Qie didn’t mention about it due to lack of evidence. 

Zhong Zheng Lin’s brows creased when he heard about the inside story. He thought it was coincidental, too. After this matter, he had no more doubts. 

“If there was no Mo Lan to rescue her at the time, would she die?” 

Mu Xi Yao recalled the circumstances on that day. She was very sure, “It wouldn’t  take long before she died.” 

Zhong Zheng Lin fiercely narrowed his phoenix eyes. His expression was unreadable. 

“Rest assured, Jiao Jiao. Bendian’s inner yard won’t condone a crazed woman.”

When this kind of woman went insane, he certainly couldn’t bear to see a mishap happen to Mu Xi Yao and their son. 

Mu Xi Yao’s heart relaxed once she got Zhong Zheng Lin’s promise. That woman had seriously fallen into disarray. She hasn’t made a move yet, but she was already busy on her end. It was all thanks to little lady Tang who has hindered her actions. Otherwise, how could she live so well in Danruo Courtyard?  

Mu Xi Yao felt deeply comforted inwardly. She had taken in a good concubine. Not only did she took a woman that Zhong Zheng Lin would never touch, but she could also share worries and difficulties with her and help her solve problems. Unfortunately, big boss wasn’t happy with it. This kind of benefit will be hard to enjoy in the future. It was truly not easy to goof off. 

The two were using a meal in the main hall. Cheng Qing was fed the milk. He was currently being carried by Gui Momo who was aiding him with digestion at the side. The little guy, seeing that both of his parents were present, cheerfully babbled as he watched the two. 

Mu Xi Yao picked food for Zhong Zheng Lin while looking at the little bun’s lucky mascot6 appearance. She smiled sweetly. 

“Concentrate on eating.” The sixth Highness, seeing that little woman was distracted by other things, his expression turned displeased. 

Mu Xi Yao pouted. There was a new addition to stinky man’s bad habits. Whenever she attended to him, she had to be wholeheartedly concentrated on him. Otherwise, this great lord will begin to give you an attitude. 

Her eyes turned. Mu Xi Yao switched the dishes that were disliked by Zhong Zheng Lin to the front. She picked the celery and bamboo shoot slices and put them into his bowl. 

When the sixth Highness saw the extra celery in the bowl, his expression was quite severe. 

“Your Highness, Cheng Qing is looking. Your Highness cannot give him a bad example.” Mu cefei’s expression was earnest. She sternly requested the sixth Highness to make a good example. 

The corner of Zhong Zheng Lin’s mouth twitched. When he looked up, he saw his son’s big and black eyes staring at him. He lowered his head and hesitated for a moment. Then, in an elegant manner, he slowly ate the food in his bowl, finishing them all off. 

Looking at the man’s tense side profile, Mu Xi Yao laughed inwardly. No matter how well you disguised yourself on the outside or how invulnerable you are, after returning home, you actually dare to be picky about food? Humph! If sis can’t fix you, sis will have your son to fix you.


Translation comment: 

When I translated this chapter there was one moment I suddenly felt very sad. For both Tang sisters. They may be evil in our standards (for their deeds) but considering the era and environment they lived and were brought up, they’ve probably believed the way they acted was the only way for them to survive (though, it still doesn’t justify their actions). 

Their marriage match was more of a pipe dream that eventually became their downfall. There’s a Chinese saying/idiom? that people are good in their roots. But damn, it’s so hard to stay untainted by the environment/society that surrounds us and still remain pure and innocent. Okay, long story short, I’m so glad I don’t live in ancient era and instead live in an era where women are well more respected.

In addition, about the release schedule. Before it was every Monday and Friday, but nowadays since I’m a little busy it will turn to Monday/Tuesday and Friday/Saturday. Many thanks for understanding 😀


Translation notes: 

[1] Spider’s thread and horse track is a Chinese phrase meaning clues, hints 

[2] Boudoir time means during her time as maiden/unmarried time

[3] Fondness of bravery and fighting is a Chinese idiom meaning someone aggressive, combative and belligerent

[4] Open spear and open stab derived from a Chinese idiom easy to dodge the spear in the open, hard to avoid a stab in the dark (it is hard to guard against secret conspiracies) 

[5] Better kept under the table is a Chinese idiom meaning to not be disclosed, too inferior to show in public, not presentable 

[6] Lucky mascot was an official 2008 Olympic mascots 

 

Relationship Diagram  (by Sith Kazar)

Support Author


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29 COMMENTS

  1. Nayfa | 16th Jul 19

    Thank you for chapter 😍😍😍😍

    • Summer | 16th Jul 19

      You’re welcome, Nayfa ^^

  2. Jessica F Lins | 16th Jul 19

    Thank you very much for the chapters !!!

    • Summer | 17th Jul 19

      You’re welcome, Jessica F Lins ^^

  3. Hamda | 16th Jul 19

    Need more 🥺

    • Summer | 17th Jul 19

      This story is too addicting 😂

  4. iRead4Fun | 16th Jul 19

    The Tang sisters story actually makes for good reincarnation or transmigration story. The di daughter vs. the shu daughter. Just with a different ML. 😅

    No worries about delayed chapters and whatnot. As long as you’re fine and not burned out and you give us updates, it’s all good. 😊 Thanks for the chapter, Summer! 😁

    • Summer | 17th Jul 19

      You’re welcome iRead4Fun and thanks ^^

      Actually, I was having the same thoughts. The little lady Tang’s story so much suits for transmigration! Especially the scene where she’s being attacked and then saved by the wandering swordsman. It would be interesting to see how story would unfold, lol.

  5. Helen | 17th Jul 19

    Thanks for the update. Always looking forward to your translation. In order to survive, these ladies have to scheme.

    • Summer | 17th Jul 19

      You’re welcome, Helen ^^

      Yup. Even by wicked means, unfortunately.

  6. Sennaretha | 17th Jul 19

    Thankkk youuu 😍

    • Summer | 17th Jul 19

      You’re welcome, Sennaretha ^^

  7. Mimi | 17th Jul 19

    Thank you for your hardwork♡

    Please take care! Don’t overlook your health during this busy period. I hope all is good for you and it stays good♡

    • Summer | 17th Jul 19

      You’re so welcome Mimi and thanks ^o^

  8. Mya med | 17th Jul 19

    Can someone please explain to me what did TIR do so that her sister got her and threatened her ??

    • Summer | 20th Jul 19

      Hi Mya med,

      it’ll be explained in next two chapters 😉

  9. Anasthesia | 20th Jul 19

    I can’t wait for ZZL to become the Emperor and MXY become guifei. She would probably be always in the imperial palace’s ponds and lakes, fishing, letting the Empress do all the work while she lazes all day long. And ZZL will always flip her nameplate that all the eunuchs are so used to it they no longer ask him to choose and just directly guide him to her palace 😂

    • Summer | 20th Jul 19

      Your description so fits their tempers 😂👍

  10. Usag1 | 24th Aug 19

    Thx u for the chapter and so agree with you…lucky we live in this era..even though some man still have mistresses outside the room…but at least we have a choice to live them not like ancient era

    • Summer | 24th Aug 19

      You’re welcome, Usag1

      So well said 👍

  11. Silemt Honny | 18th Sep 19

    Luckily we live in modern-day where women have freedom for their choices.

    • Summer | 18th Sep 19

      Exactly! Though we also have our own worry, we have at least more of rights than women in the ancient time.

  12. Silent Hobby | 18th Sep 19

    The women in ancient era didn’t have many choices in their life. From birth to die, thay had been doctrine to obey their father, husband and son. So their life revolved around their husband after marriage, hence they did whatever it takes to get the husband’s favor. It was cruel but that happen in those time at many places around the world in ancient era.

    • Summer | 18th Sep 19

      I oftentimes feel that at such time, women were only man’s property. They needn’t to think nor have a will of their own as everything was for their father and husband to decide. It frustrates me how poorly they were mostly treated. I guess women were held in high regards only in some tribes as some of them had a matriarchal society.

  13. Elizabeth | 20th Apr 20

    I agree that they are a product of their environment…but they should know better than to force a man who has no feelings to “marry” them

  14. Deebean | 1st Aug 20

    Thank you for the chapter! 😊

    • Summer | 7th Aug 20

      You’re welcome, Deebean ^^

  15. Snow | 3rd Jun 22

    It’s a pity women’s lives were wasted during that time

  16. al | 12th Jul 23

    I agree. I love reading these types of novels but they always make me think about how many woman have experienced these hardships in the past and died miserably. It makes me really sad and on the other hand grateful that, although life can be stressful, I am able to live independently and shape my own future. I wish every woman had that opportunity 🙁

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