Chapter 2

Chapter Two

By mid-morning, the warm sunlight filtered gently onto the dark tiles outside. The palace maids of Changchun Pavilion stood quietly beneath the long corridor, lowering their gaze to avoid the lingering heat from the roof tiles.

Qing Li, carrying a tray of tea, stepped lightly onto the bluestone path. When she caught faint sounds from the neighboring Jade Qiong Court, she paused, turning to glance that way. Zhaoyang Palace had long been home to only one consort, and accustomed to the quiet, the sudden noises unsettled her for a moment.

Frowning, Qing Li withdrew her gaze. The earth was still damp from yesterday’s rain, and she brushed the mud from her feet before entering the inner hall.

Inside, a woman dressed in a lotus-colored palace robe leaned against the couch, reading a book. When Qing Li set down the tea, she closed the book. Her gentle features reflected in the bronze mirror. Seeing Qing Li’s expression, she understood instantly and asked:

“Have the new concubines arrived?”

Qing Li responded promptly, “They should have. I heard some movement next door.”

As she spoke, Qing Li efficiently presented the tea to her mistress.

The consort named Su seemed to hesitate, or perhaps not. She lowered her head to sip the tea, then suddenly paused so subtly it was almost imperceptible. Before Qing Li could react, Su whispered softly:

“Is this Silver Needle tea from last year’s stock?”

The question needed no answer. Su had received this gift only when she was promoted last year. The new tribute teas entering the palace this year had no place in Changchun Pavilion.

Upon speaking, Su’s eyes drooped, and without waiting for a reply, she slowly finished the tea, sipping it gently.

Qing Li stood momentarily stunned. Her mistress had appeared as usual these days, giving no hint of unease.

Only now did Qing Li perceive the difference. How could her mistress be so indifferent? If she truly did not care, why would she unconsciously fixate on the arrival of the new concubines?

A sudden pang stirred within Qing Li.

Being brought into the palace by her mistress, she knew well that her words about the tea were not what she truly meant.

Su had entered the palace two years ago and had been somewhat favored since, otherwise, she would not have attained the rank of consort in such a short time. Yet, like the tribute teas, palace consorts were always replaced by newer, more favored ones. The old never quite pleased like the new.

Qing Li looked at the cup of tea and felt a surge of regret.

This Silver Needle tea was a gift from the emperor last year. Though she hadn’t sensed her mistress’s true feelings before, she had worried that her heart might be troubled. When she brewed the tea today, she had deliberately chosen this imperial gift to remind her mistress that the emperor still thought of her. Unexpectedly, it had backfired.

As Qing Li and her mistress spoke, Chu Qingwan had finally prepared herself and arrived at Changchun Pavilion to pay her respects.

Stepping inside, she discreetly observed her surroundings. The palace staff tread carefully, their footsteps silent along the corridor. Upon reaching the hall, a maid bowed respectfully and said:

“Please wait a moment, Lady Chu. Allow me to inform my mistress.”

Standing before the hall, Chu Qingwan sensed some subtle, measuring glances cast her way. As a newcomer, it was natural for her to attract curiosity.

Inside, Consort Su was speaking with Qing Li. Seeing the maid’s report, she showed no surprise. High-ranking consorts knew well that as long as Lady Chu was not foolish, ignorance was impossible.

Su instructed the maid to bring her in, then glanced at Qing Li with a wry smile.

“Enough, compose yourself quickly. We wouldn’t want others to witness a spectacle.”

Qing Li hurriedly lowered her head, wiping her face.

When Chu Qingwan was ushered in, Qing Li’s expression had returned to normal, but the lingering atmosphere made Chu blink slightly. She bowed as if unaware:

“Consort Su, I pay my respects.”

She lowered her head slightly in deference.

This simple gesture revealed her entire face to Su, whose eyes involuntarily narrowed, breath momentarily tightening.

Su was well aware that the palace lacked no beauties, yet upon seeing Lady Chu, she couldn’t help but feel she stood out strikingly.

The young woman kept her gaze lowered, her eyebrows delicately arched like willow leaves, cheeks flushed with a light rosy glow. Her face was full and fresh, adorned with a faint dusting of powder, resembling a lotus reflected upon a pond, lighting up the entire hall upon her arrival. Though her hair was simply pinned with minimal ornament, her beauty was undeniable.

Snapping back to attention, Su smiled and gestured for her to rise.

“Lady Chu, you’ve just arrived after a long journey. Why not rest inside the hall?”

She turned to instruct the servants to offer seats and bring tea.

Chu Qingwan sat gracefully as attendants brought in tea—this year’s tribute from Zhongsheng Hall. Though not as prized as Silver Needle, it was still a rare and fine brew. Coming from a distinguished family, Chu Qingwan naturally recognized it. She sipped quietly, her eyes briefly reflecting deep thought.

Every detail within the palace revealed hidden messages.

Changchun Pavilion was adorned with exquisite ornaments and bathed in bright light. The atmosphere among the staff was neither oppressive nor tense, indicating the pavilion’s stable standing in the palace. Yet, the tea Su offered was just a common variety in the palace, somewhat at odds with the favor that Xiaoluzi had mentioned, though Changchun Pavilion remained respected.

Chu Qingwan recalled Songxia’s words and quietly understood the reason.

Setting down her cup and wiping her lips, she took a neatly folded handkerchief from Chichun and spoke gently and respectfully:

“I am unaware of your preferences, Consort Su, but this is a piece of embroidery I made at home—a handkerchief. I hope you will not find it lacking.”

Qing Li took the handkerchief and presented it to Su with both hands. It was a simple blue cloth embroidered with the common plum blossom pattern. Apart from the quality of the fabric and craftsmanship, it bore no personal flourish.

Su glanced at Chu Qingwan. Though the handkerchief was not valuable, the fact that Lady Chu had sewn it herself made it a rare token of sincerity. No one could find fault with it. Its plain and simple design ensured that if it were lost or damaged, no one would suspect her.

Impressed by such propriety for a newcomer, Su casually swirled her cup and signaled Qing Li to take the handkerchief away.

“Lady Chu, if your embroidery is still to be criticized, I fear I would be ashamed to show my face.”

A faint blush colored Chu Qingwan’s cheeks as she modestly lowered her eyes.

She was somewhat surprised herself. Though Songxia had told her that Consort Su was kind, she hadn’t expected such humility even towards lower-ranked concubines.

Su’s gaze briefly met Chu Qingwan’s before she released her hold on the cup and gave Qing Li a look. Qing Li exited and soon returned carrying a brocade box containing a jade ruyi scepter.

“This jade ruyi is smooth and fits the hand. You may enjoy it during your leisure. Please accept it as a token of greeting.”

After speaking, Su massaged her brow, revealing a trace of weariness. Understanding the cue, Chu Qingwan gracefully rose to take her leave.

Outside Changchun Pavilion, Chichun quietly exhaled, supporting Chu Qingwan.

“Consort Su truly is as kind as Songxia described.”

Being a higher-ranked consort than their mistress, Chichun naturally hoped Su would not be difficult to deal with. After today’s exchange, it seemed Su showed no hostility and even presented such a precious jade ruyi—a promising ally.

Chu Qingwan glanced at the brocade box in Chichun’s hands and sighed softly.

“Kindness indeed, but also troublesome.”

Chichun looked puzzled.

Chu Qingwan said nothing further outside. She had heard from her father about the reasons for the early selection. Knowing the Empress Dowager clashed with Consort Zhou, she wished to avoid any entanglement with Zhou.

Yet, Su was close to Consort Zhou. If she grew too close to Su, others might assume she was aligned with Zhou’s faction.

Therefore, upon hearing Songxia’s advice, she chose only a safe, unremarkable handkerchief as her gift to Su. Yet Su’s return gift was clearly more valuable. Whether there was hidden meaning, Chu Qingwan hoped not. She was not being paranoid but cautious—this involved the two most powerful consorts in the palace.

Meanwhile, inside Changchun Pavilion, Su was discussing Chu Qingwan with Qing Li.

Su tilted her head, watching the newcomer’s retreating figure, and shook her head.

“She is cautious.”

Qing Li snorted.

“Cautious? I’d say she’s sly.”

Su said nothing further. Qing Li, puzzled, asked:

“Why did you give her that jade ruyi?”

Changchun Pavilion had only that one jade ruyi, a favorite of their mistress. Knowing Lady Chu would reside at Jade Qiong Court, their mistress had prepared two gifts: the jade ruyi and a hairpin.

Su waved a finger at Qing Li in the air.

“Don’t be so petty.”

Afterward, Su composed herself and spoke softly:

“This selection brought eight new concubines into the palace. Except for Lady Gu, only two received the rank of Talented Lady.”

In terms of family background, Chu Qingwan was no match for Du Talented Lady. The emperor was stingy with ranks. Even Baolin had someone of similar status to Chu Qingwan, yet only Chu Qingwan was granted the title.

Meeting her now, Su was unsurprised. Ranks in the harem were never based solely on lineage.

If she were the emperor, she might favor Chu Qingwan as well.

Su turned and met her own reflection in the bronze mirror. The woman inside touched her face, her eyes clouded with uncertain emotions.

They say those who use beauty to serve others never fare well, but in this palace, who does not hope for a fair countenance?