The Job Of An Imperial Concubine

8

TJOAIC 8 – CAPTURING ONE’S HEART (攻心)

“Your Majesty, this flower…” Gao Dezhong swept his gaze through the several pots of Ge Jinze before him. Although the flower was easy on the eyes, if one were to talk about noble standing, it wasn’t the most precious. So why did the emperor suddenly like this flower?　　

“We think this Ge Jinze is interesting,” Emperor Chengxuan said, reaching out to brush his fingers upon the purple petals. It was cold and smooth to the touch. A comfortable sensation. “Send a few of these pots to Taoyu Pavilion.”

Gao Dezhong lowered his head, examining the flowers more closely. If memory proved correct, Taoyu Pavilion’s master was just a small Imperial Concubine. For the emperor to bestow these pots of peonies, wasn’t it to boost this Imperial Concubine Zhao’s status in the harem?　　

If he had sent other types of flowers, it wouldn’t be as big of a deal. However, Moutan Peonies weren’t simple. They were noble. If one said they weren’t noble, then what else could be considered as that?　　

Although the emperor favored other imperial concubines, it was merely on a physical level. And he would not stick with one continuously. What kind of person was this Imperial Concubine Zhao? The emperor did not remember much about her, only that she had entered the imperial palace recently. That said, she had already offended many of the other masters of the harem. Stunning in appearance as she was, her temperament was unfortunately lacking. This was precisely why the emperor had forgotten about her in the past. Previously, Imperial Concubine Zhao had been a wanyi, enduring the provocations of other imperial concubines. For her to have found a way out of her poor situation was quite surprising. Could Master Zhuang’s stupidity have all been an act back then?

However, if that’s the case, why had she acted so brainless to the point of inspiring His Majesty’s dislike? Doing so shouldn’t have gained her any benefit. But if this weren’t the situation, then how could one’s personality change so much so quickly?　　

“Are you still wondering why We want to gift Moutan Peonies to Imperial Concubine Zhao?” Emperor Chengxuan watched Gao Dezhong lightly, the corners of his lips tilted upward. It seemed he was in good spirits. 　　　

“This slave does not dare,” Gao Dezhong said, sweat quickly running down his back. To guess the emperor’s intentions was worthy of capital punishment. How could he possibly admit to it?

“Enough.” Seeing his palpable fear, Emperor Chengxuan waved his hand. “Hurry and send the flowers to Taoyu Pavilion.”

✿

“Your Majesty, the consort, this slave heard that today His Majesty had bestowed a few pots of Ge Jinze to Taoyu Pavilion,” said Consort Rou’s personal maidservant, Shiwu. As soon as she finished speaking, she saw Consort Rou’s expression darken.　　

“Are you sure it was Ge Jinze?” said Consort Rou, her stare a blizzard striking down on Shiwu’s form. Even her voice, normally beautiful, brought chills. Shiwu lowered her head. “Yes, master.”

“Good. What a good Imperial Concubine Zhao.” Consort Rou smiled, cold as ice. “This palace gave her a warning, yet she slapped this palace in the face in return. She actually seduced the emperor, causing him to send her Ge Jinze!” She thought she could use that precious breed of peony to bully her. To warn her that her rank wasn’t considered much in the imperial harem. Who knew that woman would turn around and provoke Consort Rou instead?　　

Since young, she was skilled in playing the zither. Even the most talented zither players in the palace could not compare to her. Not only that, she had a pleasant voice and appearance. After entering the palace these past few years, Consort Rou had finally grasped the emperor’s affection. Never had it crossed her mind such a low-ranked Imperial Concubine would go against her.