CH 7

Translated by: Jellylynn

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Names mentioned in this chapter (which can also be found in the glossary):

-廖青青(Liào qīngqīng)- Liao Qing Qing, the female lead. 

-廖容华(Liào róng Huà)- Lady Liao of Lovely Countenance, the female lead’s current designation.

-景礼帝(jǐng lǐ ​​dì)- Emperor Jing Li, the male lead.

-荷香(Hé ​​xiāng)- He Xiang, the female lead’s maidservant

-梨声阁(lí shēng gé)-Lisheng Pavillion, the place where the female lead resides.

–梁贵妃(liáng guìfēi)- Noble Consort Liang

–廖婕妤(Liào jié yú)- Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness, the female lead’s paternal elder cousin. 

–蒋芳仪(Jiǎng fāng yí)- Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony, the female lead’s “best friend”

–李婉仪(lǐ wǎn yí)- Lady Li of Graceful Deportment 

Current ranking: Noble Consort Liang → Worthy Consort + Virtuous Consort → Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness → Lady Liao of Lovely Countenance → Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony + Lady Li of Graceful Ceremony

She woke up at dawn and went to pay her respects to Noble Consort Liang. She observed that Noble Consort Liang was radiating an air of spring time and was grinning from ear to ear. It was probably because she had gotten along harmoniously with the Emperor last night. Then, she looked at the other concubines, whose gazes were flickering towards her.

She was her usual self; she spoke very little. After staying for a while, Noble Consort Liang needed to attend to the palace affairs. Therefore, she and her party of concubines took their leave.

Previously, Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness and Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony were reprimanded by the Emperor. After almost half a month of rest, they were able to finally pull themselves togethers. They deliberately approached Liao Qing Qing.

Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness said, “Younger sister, I heard that His Majesty didn’t go to your place yesterday.”

Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony added, “I heard that His Majesty ate in the imperial study  yesterday afternoon. The meal was personally made by Lady Li of Graceful Ceremony. In the evening, His Majesty still remembered Noble Consort Liang. He went to Noble Consort Liang’s place very early and didn’t go to Lisheng Pavilion.”

This sarcastic tone was really revolting!

The reason Liao Qing Qing was worried about Emperor Jing Li was that it would cause other women in the harem to use vicious actions against her.

In the end, the other women treated her normally. But it was the original owner’s “good sisters” from childhood who kept causing her trouble.

She remembered that those two, Liao and Jiang, had never gained favour before.

Then, she didn’t need to be afraid of them. She looked at the two people and softly asked, “How long has it been since His Majesty visited your place?”

Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness and Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony froze. The two of them and Liao Qing Qing grew up together since childhood. Liao Qing Qing’s father’s post was low-ranking; and her mother was also from a minor household, so her status couldn’t be compared with theirs.

But because of the surname “Liao”.

Therefore, they were brought up together with Liao Qing Qing. Liao Qing Qing had always been weak; no matter how they provoked or prayed for luck, Liao Qing Qing remained silent and even apologised.

This also included the last time in Lisheng Pavilion. They flirted with the Emperor in front of her, but Liao Qing Qing was still foolish and weak; she didn’t say a word.

However, she now dared to speak with thorns laced within her words.

Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness and Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony were beyond shocked.

Liao Qing Qing wasn’t finished speaking. She imitated the sarcastic tone of Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness and Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony. She raised her slender fingers and said, “If I remember correctly, it seems that His Majesty hasn’t been to your place, right?”

This sentence undoubtedly stabbed the hearts of the two people. Since they entered the palace, the number of times Emperor Jing Li’s visits could be counted on one hand. Their faces instantly flushed.

Liao Qing Qing was not in the mood to bicker with them. It would be good if the other imperial concubines were to see it.

She still wanted to live her low profile life.

After saying that, she smiled gently at the two of them. Then, she took He Xiang and departed, leaving the two of them fuming.

But the two of them very quickly stopped being angry. This was because today was already after the fifteenth, and Emperor Jing Li had not gone to visit Liao Qing Qing’s place in the afternoon.

This was out of the ordinary!

One must know that Emperor Jing Li went to Lisheng Pavilion daily for half a month; moreover, it was twice a day.

Right now, he had not set foot in the imperial harem for two days, let alone Lisheng Pavilion.

Could it be that Liao Qing QIng had just lost favour?

“She definitely lost favour!” Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony gloated, “Previously, His Majesty would go very diligently. He hasn’t gone to Liao Qing Qing’s place for two consecutive days. He doesn’t even send her a message. Like I have said, His Majesty is not a person obsessed with beauty.”

“The main thing is that Liao Qing Qing only has beauty.” Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness said, “Over time, he is bound to get tired of it?”

Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony covered her mouth and laughed, which contained thirty percent mockery and seventy percent elation.

A thought flashed through Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness’ head. She asked, “Is Liao Qing Qing secretly sad in Lisheng Pavilion at this time? She is the best at being sad.” In the past, when Liao Qing Qing was bullied in Liao Manor, she would be quietly sad.

“She’s definitely sad!” Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony said with certainty.

“So should we go and take a look?” Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness asked.

“Comfort her along the way?” Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony said with a smile, “Tell her not to be so sad. It’s the usual condition. It will be like that from now on.”

Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness smiled upon hearing that.

The two discussed and decided to do it. They purposely dressed in an extremely bright coloured, and strolled happily towards Lisheng Pavilion as they thought of how worried and dismal she would be.

In reality, Liao Qing Qing was relaxing comfortably on the couch. She was reading folk stories while eating chilled watermelon slices. Her mood could not get any better. On the contrary, He Xiang reminded her after much deliberation, “Mistress, His Majesty did not come again this afternoon.”

Liao Qing Qing read her folk story while replying, “I know.”

“It’s been two days.” He Xiang furrowed her brows and continued.

“It’s been two days.” Liao Qing Qing repeated with regret.

“Indeed.”

Liao Qing Qing thought ‒ The days without Emperor Jing pass by too quickly. Two days have gone by two days in the blink of an eye. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Emperor Jing Li didn’t come all the time?

She turned her body sideways to eat another slice of watermelon. But when she turned around she saw that He Xiang’s face held a morose expression so she asked, “What’s wrong with you, He Xiang?”

He Xiang immediately returned to her senses.

Liao Qing Qing asked, “Are you thinking about the dilemma with His Majesty?”

He Xiang said, “This maidservant is thinking if it is because of our poor service that His Majesty does not want to come?”

“All of you are not to be blamed,” Liao Qing Qing said.

“Then—”

“Don’t think too much. All of you did a good job. Go get me a watermelon to eat.”

“Yes.”

After all, He Xiang was still a palace maid. Although the Great Wei Dynasty was not as restrained as the previous dynasties and more friendly to women and subordinates, she was still a palace maid. If she said too much, it would make the mistress fed up with her.

She thought of ways to make the mistress to be more attentive to His Majesty; however, she didn’t dare to say too much. She could only bury her head to work and get watermelon for Liao Qing Qing.

As Liao Qing Qing munched on the cold and sweet watermelon, the sentence “Is it because of our poor service that the emperor does not want to come” suddenly appeared in her mind.

Speaking of serving—He Xiang and the others were really good at serving.

Then, what about her?

It seemed that she didn’t serve Emperor Jing Li before his morning court. That day, after Emperor Jing Li held her hand, she was inwardly disdainful and wiped it with a handkerchief… When Emperor Jing Li saw it, he did not have any reaction to it.

Could it be that he was actually angry?

So he did not come these two days?

Good.

Very good!

She just hoped that Emperor Jing Li would keep his distance from her. To never come and find her again, and play with other women in the harem.

As she thought of this, the voice of the palace maid sounded from outside the room, “Mistress, Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness and Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony are here.”

Why are they here?

Liao Qing Qing had no choice but to sit up and receive Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness and Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony. Both of them were dressed vibrantly with smiles on their faces.

“Younger sister, how are you today?” Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness and Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony said at the same time.

Liao Qing Qing said, “I’ve caused Elder sisters to worry for me. This younger sister has been eating and drinking well. I’m extremely well.”

“Is that so?” Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness gaze harboured malicious intentions. She scrutinized Liao Qing Qing with her eyes, laughed and said, “I thought Younger sister would hide under the covers and cry. So we rushed over here with bated breath.”

After saying that, Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness looked at Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony with unspoken mockery in her eyes.

Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony quickly added, “Yeah. I thought Younger sister was crying.”

“Crying about what?” Liao Qing Qing asked, “Why should I cry?”

“His Majesty didn’t visit Younger sister’s place again.” The tone of Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness revealed disappointment but there was pleasure in her eyes.

Oh.

These two just came to laugh at her. They really are idle.

Liao Qing Qing rolled her eyes with gusto at these two in her heart. Then, she said, “No, His Majesty had at least visited me, this younger sister. But His Majesty doesn’t even know where the door of your courtyard is facing, right? Wouldn’t Elder sisters be washing your faces with tears?”

In terms of being sarcastic, she, Liao Qing Qing, had not been afraid of anyone.

The two of them, Liao and Jiang, were instantly upset.

Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony said seriously, “Lady Liao of Lovely Countenance, how can you talk to Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness like that?”

Liao Qing Qing asked back, “How come I can’t talk to her like that?”

Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony appeared hurt and said, “Lady Liao of Lovely Countenance, we are sisters. Although you don’t like me, you can directly tell me. My rank is lower than yours, so I will accept it. However, Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness is different. Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness is your paternal female elder cousin. Uncle Liao’s position is higher than your father’s. The position of Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness is also higher than yours, so you should show some respect.”

“Oh, really? Then tell me where I have disrespected her?” Liao Qing Qing asked again, “Am I not stating the truth? Since when did the Great Wei Dynasty not allow people to state the truth?”

Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony was rendered speechless.

Originally, Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness was here to see Liao Qing Qing cry in grief. In the end, not only did she not see Liao Qing Qing weeping bitter tears, but she was also angered by Liao Qing Qing.

She was instantly unhappy and spoke in a loud tone, “Liao Qing Qing, what kind of attitude is that?”

When He Xiang heard it, her heart tightened. Although Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness was not a big figure in the palace, her position was higher than her mistress’. Her mistress must respect Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness.

She became anxious.

Liao Qing Qing said calmly, “The attitude of treating a good sister.” She deliberately emphasised on the word “good”.

“I wouldn’t dare to be your good sister,” Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness said.

“Then what are you here for?” Liao Qing Qing asked in response.

“I’m here to teach you a lesson,” Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness said as if it was a matter of fact.

“To teach me a lesson?” Liao Qing Qing asked rhetorically.

“That’s right.” Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness finally felt that she was finally able to take revenge. She instantly straightened her back and said in arrogance, “Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness, officially, I’m Lady of Handsome Fairness while you are Lady of Lovely Countenance. You have to listen to me; unofficially, I’m your elder sister while you are my younger sister. I can teach you well when you don’t do the right thing.”

He Xiang immediately became worried. She was especially afraid that her mistress would suffer a loss.

Liao Qing Qing laughed and asked, “How are you going to teach me?”

“First of all, to let you have enough brains to learn from your mistakes? Lest both my father and your father blame me for not taking good care of you in the imperial harem.” Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness then bellowed, “Kneel!”

It was for Liao Qing Qing to kneel.

Liao Qing Qing did not kneel.

Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness slightly side-stepped. She turned to the side and said to the palace maids behind her, “Someone come. Make Lady Liao of Lovely Countenance kneel.”

The two palace maids have been in the palace for many years. After receiving the order, she was a little hesitant. After all, Lady Liao of Lovely Countenance was still Emperor Jing Li’s most favoured person a few days ago. Presently, if she were to be punished, won’t it make Emperor Jing Li unhappy?

On second thought, Emperor Jing Li had always been unconcerned about the affairs of the imperial harem. He usually forgets after a good sleep; never remembered. This was the habit of Emperor Jing Li for many years and it had never been changed.

Maybe Lady Liao of Lovely Countenance was also the same. Otherwise, Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness and Lady Jiang of Fragrant Ceremony would not dare to do so.

Furthermore, the rank of Lady Liao of Handsome Fairness was higher than Lady Liao of Lovely Countenance, and she was Lady Liao of Lovely Countenance’s paternal elder cousin. It was only right to teach Lady Liao of Lovely Countenance a lesson.

So they approached Liao Qing Qing.

He Xiang immediately went forward. Without waiting for her to kneel, Liao Qing Qing pulled and stopped her. She (He Xiang) looked at Liao Qing Qing in confusion.

Liao Qing Qing looked as if she was sure of her victory.

Just then, a low and imposing voice suddenly sounded outside the courtyard, “Let me see who dares to touch my[1]person?”

The author has something to say: ——

Liao Qing Qing: I’m going to reveal my skills!

Emperor Jing Li: Qing Qing, move away. Let me do it!

Liao Qing Qing: ???

————

[1] 朕(zhèn)- I (imperial) or we (imperial use).