The Job Of An Imperial Concubine

25

TJOAIC 25 – THE EMPEROR AND THE EMPRESS DOWAGER (皇帝太后)

If one were to say what’s different between today and yesterday, it would be that the self-proclaimed sick-for-many-days Ronghua Ye had finally come to pay respects to the empress. The empress’ expression was the same as usual, seemingly unchanged even after the empress dowager had left seclusion. 

Zhuang Laoyan sent a curious gaze at Ronghua Ye. Shurong Ye, who had suffered a miscarriage, did not yet appear. However, her demoted younger sister, Ronghua Ye, actually showed her face. Whom the empress dowager favored the most was unknown to Zhuang Laoyan.　　　　

“Shurong Ye has arrived!”　　

As everyone heard this announcement, they shifted their attention to the person standing by the entrance. Yet because Zhuang Laoyan happened to look at Ronghua Ye instead, she saw that other woman’s expression was somewhat strange. It did not appear happy. In fact, it gave off an impression of ridicule.　　

When it came to appearance, Ronghua Ye was more beautiful than Shurong Ye. Not to mention, she was more vivacious. If Zhuang Laoyan were a man, she would favor Ronghua Ye more than her sister. Ronghua Ye was considered to be flippant and impudent in the imperial harem. However, she knew her limits. So why did she wear such a strange expression today?　　

Could she be jealous that her sister’s rank was now higher than her own? But that seemed far-fetched. 　　

Because of her miscarriage, Shurong Ye had not appeared in public for a while. Although it could be said that she had recovered a little if she were able to appear in public today, her complexion seemed more wan and sallow than it had before. 　　

“This concubine greets Her Majesty, the empress.” After Shurong Ye paid respects to the empress in a well-behaved manner, she moved to the side. When her gaze fell upon Ronghua Ye, she quickly averted her eyes.　　

The empress smiled. “It’s been a while since we last met. Have you recovered?” She turned to He Yu. “Present a seat to Shurong Ye. Place her… next to Ronghua Ye. I think you two sisters have not had a good chat in a long time.”　　

Zhuang Laoyan directed her gaze at the gentle-faced empress. She truly deserved to be called the empress. She even knew whether the Ye family sisters had met up or not. No wonder all the women who used to be favored never dared to be arrogant in her presence. It was apparent how skilled the empress’ measures were.　　

“Thanking Your Majesty, the empress, for the concern. This concubine has already recovered.” Shurong Ye’s expression was somewhat stiff. Whether she was thinking about the child she had no fate with or something else was anyone’s guess. 　　

Ronghua Ye glanced indifferently at Shurong Ye, who was sitting next to her. In a slight manner, she leaned her body to the side. With a smile, she said in a soft voice, “After so many days, Elder Sister should in fact have recovered.” 　

A light smile spread across Shurong Ye’s face. She could not help but forgive Ronghua Ye. “Is Younger Sister blaming Elder Sister for not visiting you those days?”　　

Once Ronghua Ye had heard those words, she lifted her head. Looked at Shurong Ye. Looked like she wanted to determine if her sister’s words were sincere. Suddenly, she flashed a smile that could put flowers to shame. “We share an intimate sisterly bond. Elder Sister’s health is not good, so how could Younger Sister blame you? Younger Sister has grown up these past few years. How could I still be like those little children, ignorant and not sensible?”　　

Noble Consort Shu lifted her teacup. Her gaze fell upon the Ye family sisters’ act of sisterly affection. Then she shifted her gaze to the other people in the hall. Most of the imperial concubines sipped their tea, as if they did not notice the two sisters. However, they kept looking at the Ye family sisters from the corner of their eyes. Only the young Chongyi Zhao seemed different, just drinking her tea in a well-behaved manner. It was unclear whether she truly had no interest in those two, or was just putting on an act.