Chapter 7: Shen Qing Felt Unlucky

Shen Qing felt a sudden relief, but in the inner palace, some people were feeling anything but comfortable.

Originally, the women in the harem were still watching Shen Qing’s misfortune with amusement. But after just one day, the situation reversed too quickly. Not only did the Emperor summon her again for the nightly visit, he even specially rewarded her.

However, when the news reached Consort Yu, it hardly made her feel any better.

“The Emperor rewarded only her among the eight newcomers. The others got nothing. Why just her?” Consort Yu’s tone was unpleasant.

Wen Qiu, standing nearby, replied, “Your Highness, you forget. Shen Qing hasn’t been given any title nor promoted in rank. The others more or less have titles and ranks, only she does not. Besides, the other day there was that misunderstanding that made her look like a joke. The Emperor must be showing mercy, probably trying to compensate.”

Consort Yu still felt uneasy. “Just looking at that face of hers irritates me.”

She had noticed this when Shen Qing came to pay respects. She couldn’t deny that Shen Qing was truly beautiful—so beautiful that even a glance made her heart burn with jealousy.

Wen Qiu knew Consort Yu disliked those who were good-looking, so she didn’t push the topic. “After all, she comes from a humble background, not someone worthy of high status. Even if the Emperor finds her pretty, it’s difficult to promote her.”

The palace politics were tangled and complicated. Shen Qing’s background meant that even if she had a child, she couldn’t raise it herself—what use would that be?

There was no need to say more; Consort Yu understood perfectly well.

She snorted coldly but then thought to herself, “Perhaps the Empress likes her.”

No power or influence, but good looks—wouldn’t the Empress like that? After all, the Empress was desperate for children.

Consort Yu smiled with some disdain.

Thinking that way, Consort Yu remembered her own two children. She decided not to bother with manicures and went off to see her kids.

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Shen Qing had received the reward and enjoyed a satisfying breakfast, but after eating, it was time to formally go and pay thanks.

Of course, this thanks wasn’t for the Emperor. The Empress was in charge of such matters. Yesterday, the awkward moment meant the Empress had instructed no formal thanks were needed, but today was different—she had to pay respects properly.

So she went to the Empress’s Fengyi Palace.

Shen Qing followed protocol and performed the bow.

The Empress smiled slightly when she saw her, looking very dignified: “Sit down.”

Shen Qing stood up and sat down, and someone served her tea.

One had to say, the Empress seemed very polite and kind-looking—if only Shen Qing hadn’t read the original story.

The Empress sighed as she looked at her: “The Emperor neglected you the day before yesterday because of matters from the previous dynasty. Did it scare you?”

Shen Qing pursed her lips and made a somewhat embarrassed expression: “I dare not say.”

“You have a low rank, and in this palace, the servants always serve according to one’s status. Were you neglected and wronged?”

Shen Qing looked somewhat anxious and didn’t know how to answer.

Ah yes, low rank means servants serve you less generously. Has it taken you this many days in the palace to realize this?

Seeing her expression, the Empress’s lips curved slightly—new to the palace and still inexperienced. But truly beautiful; even afraid, she looked pitiful, didn’t she?

The Empress continued, “The Emperor isn’t someone who loves beauty much. He is busy with state affairs most of the time. Don’t think too much. Now that the Emperor has rewarded you, naturally no one will make you suffer again. As for before, I cannot say much, you understand.”

Shen Qing: “…”

She had been pretending very well, and when the Empress acted kindly, she naturally accepted it. But the Emperor “isn’t someone who loves beauty”?

Your Highness, do you misunderstand the Emperor?

But of course, she couldn’t say that, so she showed a bit of gratitude: “Thank you, Empress.”

The Empress nodded: “Hmm, serve the Emperor diligently and bear children soon—that is the proper way.”

Shen Qing showed some shyness: “Yes.”

The Empress’s meaning was quite clear: first, she reminded Shen Qing that having a low rank meant being looked down upon, so life would be hard without favor. Second, she told her to focus on having children. That was the role of a consort.

Having read the original story, Shen Qing knew the Empress was far from simple and dignified.

Today’s advice was nothing more than telling her to have a child soon. After she had a child, the original story showed the Empress’s methods: get rid of the mother and keep the son.

A bloody story, which Shen Qing still remembered.

Though it was customary for the Empress as the primary wife to raise the consort’s child, the biological mother was always different. This way, the child would be a bond for Shen Qing to keep the Emperor coming, and wouldn’t stop the Empress from having her own children later—a win-win.

The Empress’s wish for Shen Qing to bear children quickly was not about a happy future—it was a rush toward the gates of hell.

The Empress soothed in a gentle tone: “Your rank is low now. If you encounter any difficulties in the palace or if any careless servants slight you, you may come to me.”

Shen Qing glanced at the Empress and then knelt: “Thank you, Empress.”

The Empress sighed, sounding both regretful and meaningful: “One’s youthful years don’t last long. You are in full bloom now and must dress well. The palace is never short of beauties coming and going—it’s hard to make the Emperor remember you.”

Goodness, anyone hearing this would think to scramble for favor and try to have a child quickly.

After this, Shen Qing left Fengyi Palace and headed back to her own Zhaohua Palace.

At the door, Chunhua greeted her.

Shen Qing turned to Chunhua and said, “You know I’ve always liked reading medical books. After hearing the Empress’s advice, I think she makes sense—one’s youth doesn’t last long. I saw some recipes for beauty and skin care in the medical books. Go to the pharmacy and get some herbs; we’ll brew them ourselves.”

Chunhua didn’t suspect anything. Maintaining beauty to keep the Emperor’s favor was so proper.

Now that Shen Qing had favor, being motivated was a good thing.

Chunhua went to the pharmacy.

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Shen Qing asked Chunhua to get birth control herbs, but the pharmacy staff were sharp-eyed and feared attracting attention. So they split the herbs into batches mixed with many other medicines to confuse anyone’s view.

After all, Shen Qing no longer wanted children and had long studied medical books. Now she had an excuse.

Shen Qing didn’t know her actions had reached the Empress’s ears.

The Empress chuckled: “She really listened to what I said.”

Jinzhi beside her remarked, “That’s good. Once she has a child, the Empress will be satisfied.”

The Empress traced the lid of her teacup with her finger: “Let’s hope she’s useful. Even if her status is low, the Emperor’s child is always precious.”

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As for Shen Qing, after getting the herbs, she focused on her plans.

To others, it looked like she was only preparing beauty remedies. Some even laughed, saying that a girl from a humble family already dreaming of such things right after starting to serve.

But in their hearts, looking at Shen Qing’s dazzling beauty, they were curious and wanted to try some of her concoctions themselves.

In fact, among the herbs Shen Qing prepared was a birth control pill. When Chunhua wasn’t paying attention, Shen Qing carefully hid it away. Having this gave her peace of mind.

As for the Empress, Shen Qing showed respect, as she must. Even if someone like Consort Yu felt unwilling inside, they still had to show respect. After all, the Empress’s position was firm.

While Shen Qing was busy with her birth control concoction, Consort Yu, seeing the Emperor had already slept with all the newcomers, started to recruit people.