The Job Of An Imperial Concubine

19

TJOIAC 19 – PEAR (梨)

“Is Imperial Concubine Zhao fond of the water lilies?” asked the emperor, noticing Gao Dezhong’s arrival.

“Reporting to Your Majesty, Imperial Concubine Zhao fancies the water lilies greatly. The eunuchs of Taoyu Pavilion quickly brought the flowers inside the main chamber.”

As soon as Feng Jin heard those words, he grunted in acknowledgement, nodding once. He waved his hand to dismiss Gao Dezhong.

Noble Consort Shu’s birthday celebration was being held at Jingyang Palace. Zhuang Laoyan arrived neither too early nor too late. She did not stand out in the group of imperial concubines, and sat with the women who were of a similar rank as her. Then she chatted with those sitting at her table.

“Today, Younger Sister Imperial Concubine Zhao’s complexion looks good,” said Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang with a smile.

“Elder Sister’s is as well,” Zhuang Laoyan said, also smiling. Although it was unclear whether Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang was merely making polite remarks or if there was a hidden meaning beneath her words, she did not want to think too hard about it.

At their table, Noble Imperial Concubine Yan sat in the seat of honor. Once she heard the two speak, she turned to look at Zhuang Laoyan. Smiled. “Younger Sister Imperial Concubine Zhao’s complexion is indeed good. Could it be because your birthday is coming up that you are in high spirits?”

So they had indeed arrived. This type of pleasant-sounding words that hid sharp needles within. It really made Zhuang Laoyan feel like it was difficult to hold one’s own. Yet another smile graced her lips, her stare falling upon Noble Imperial Concubine Yan. “Today, the birthday celebration of Her Majesty, Noble Consort Shu is quite festive. Younger Sister is a simple person, feeling happier upon seeing such festivity. As such, Younger Sister has let Elder Sisters witness such a joke.”

Noble Imperial Concubine Yan’s smile did not quite touch her eyes. “The birthday of Her Majesty, Noble Consort Shu would naturally be a joyous occasion.” Then her gaze left Zhuang Laoyan. It seemed she no longer held any interest in conversing with her. Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang and Imperial Concubine Wang, who were both sitting at the side, shared a look. As if they did not see the two crossing swords.

“Her Majesty, the empress has arrived.”　　

Zhuang Laoyan rose to her feet. Saw the empress enter the hall dressed in the imperial robes befitting of her status. The luxurious corners of her robes shimmered under the candlelight. All of the imperial concubines performed the full ceremony of paying respects. They watched as the empress shifted Noble Consort Shu’s seat to a seat of a lower priority compared to hers. She lowered her gaze.

“Today is Noble Consort Shu’s birthday. Us sisters need not abide by protocol to such a great extent. Just happily celebrating is enough,” said the empress as she supported Noble Consort Shu’s hand and sat down. Once the rest of the imperial concubines had sat as well, the empress glanced at Heyu, who was standing by her side. Understanding her master’s intention, she waved a hand signifying for the dancers and musicians to enter the room　　

The first dance was Ma Gu Gives Her Birthday Greetings¹. The leader of the dancers had a flexible body, her dance lithe and graceful. A person like Zhuang Laoyan, who had no skill in dancing, found it enchanting. 　

“This palace sees that this dance is decent. Lithe, auspicious, and graceful.” Once the dance ended, the empress said, “Heyu, reward them!”

“This slave thanks Your Majesty, the empress,” said the dancer who portrayed Ma Gu, kowtowing. 

Seeing that the empress was bestowing rewards, some of imperial concubines did so as well in succession. Zhuang Laoyan was no exception, also fond of the dance. Judging by the lead dancer’s age, she should be about fifteen to sixteen years old. But for some reason, she felt that the smile on Noble Consort Shu’s face was stiff.