The Job Of An Imperial Concubine

95

Noble Consort Shu, who had  basked in the limelight the most, became a target of gossip and excitement for the first time in the eyes of every imperial concubine. Everyone watched as their aloof and favored-for-many-years opponent suddenly fell in importance, and could not help but feel better, unburdening themselves from their jealousy.　　

“Ever since Xianrong Zhao had fallen heavily injured from Miss Hu’s schemes, she seemed to have become more and more important in the emperor’s heart,” said Noble Consort Xian, sighing with emotion. “This harem lost a favored Miss Hu and gained a favored Miss Zhuang. What difference does this make for me, someone who relied on seniority to climb the ranks in the harem?” She gazed at her reflection in the mirror. Although her appearance was the same as it had been in the past, it could not compare to the freshness and tenderness of those imperial concubines who entered the palace recently.　　

“How could Your Highness just be relying on seniority? This slave can see that His Majesty trusts you. Otherwise, why would he let you raise all the imperial princes?” said the palace maid who was inserting hairpins into her hair. “The other masters don’t have this kind of honor.”　　　　

Hearing those words, Noble Consort Xian smiled. It was clear that what the palace maid had said pleased her immensely. In high spirits, she rewarded that palace maid. She rose to her feet and supported the dangling hair ornaments by her temples. All the women of the imperial harem would one day grow old. Having a son by their side was the last insurance.　　

“Let’s go. Xianrong Zhao’s birthday banquet will be held this evening. Even the emperor will attend, so this palace cannot be late.”A smile bloomed on Noble Consort Xian’s lips. “Younger Sister Xianrong Zhao is a generous person. This palace cannot neglect her.”　　

As the protagonist of the birthday banquet, Zhuang Laoyan naturally had to dress up grandly. Splendid attire and brocade shoes. A golden-yellow flower print on her forehead, precious hair pins inserted into her hair, a fragrant sachet on her body. The Department of the Palace had selected each item with care. Each of the decorative designs were auspicious and cheerful. One could see that the Department of the Palace exerted much effort into this.　　　　

Delicately tracing her brows, Zhuang Laoyan did not not intend to let herself appear ordinary. When a woman was young, she should dress up as much as she could. Once she was at the age where one could not compare to those younger women no matter how hard one dressed up, then it was time to become more austere in fashion. If she appeared austere early on, then wouldn’t she appear lifeless when she was older?　　

She peered into the mirror on the table at her delicately-drawn brows once she was finished with them. Zhuang Laoyan nodded, satisfied. She stood. Made her way to the large standing mirror in the room for a better look. Then she reached out toward the Tingzhu who waited at the side. “Let’s go.”　　

Once she stepped foot outside of Xihe Palace, she passed through a nine-turns bridge, passed by Meixiang Luoxue Garden, and traveled along a long section of the vermillion palace path. She watched as the palace maids and court eunuchs on the road saluted her and yielded the way to her while she passed through. Expression not changing, Zhuang Laoyan sat steadily on her sedan until she reached the main doors of Jingyang Palace.

Heyu, who was waiting at the doors, caught sight of her. And she smiled as she stepped forward to salute Zhuang Laoyan. “Your Highness Xianrong Zhao has arrived. Her Majesty the empress is waiting for you. Please follow this slave inside.”　　　　

“Thank you for the trouble, Heyu.” Zhuang Laoyan smiled at her. Followed her through the doors. The palace maids and court eunuchs attending to her rushed to follow.