Chapter 14: What a Pity

Thanks to Imperial Physician Liu’s acupuncture and medicine, Yun Ying slept soundly through the night.

When she awoke, there was still a faint bloated pain in her lower abdomen, but compared to the sharp cramps from the day before, it was far more bearable.

Presumably, the emperor had taken a short rest before coming to Qingzhu Pavilion last night, so Yun Ying woke earlier than usual today. Meanwhile, the emperor—who had held her in his arms all night—remained asleep, eyes gently closed.

Leaning against Zhao Chong, Yun Ying tilted her head slightly to look at him, then subtly moved a little away from him.

She did not get up or try to wake him, only quietly observed him.

She had to admit, the emperor was quite handsome.

His features were striking and well-defined—sharp brows and eyes, a high nose bridge, and a clean, tight jawline. Even in the dim light under the sheer bed curtains, his dignified and heroic appearance was unmistakable. Now in the prime of his life, clothed in elegant robes and filled with ambition, he had the bearing of a dragon among men. Just standing there would be enough to make countless young women fall for him.

What a pity…

As Yun Ying thought this, she suddenly caught sight of a silhouette moving beyond the sheer curtains and quickly gathered her thoughts.

Unbeknownst to her, the emperor had woken up just before her and was secretly listening to her thoughts.

Hearing her praise his looks, Zhao Chong felt both proud and pleased.

But then came her sudden thought—”What a pity.”

The thought stopped abruptly, and he couldn’t catch a single hint of what came next. What was she pitying?

She had just said he was handsome and could easily capture women’s hearts—so why the pity?

His curiosity piqued, Zhao Chong wanted to know what Yun Ying truly thought, but couldn’t think of a way to bring it up, especially since he was still pretending to be asleep. The feeling was rather maddening.

“What time is it?” Yun Ying softly asked.

A palace maid outside immediately replied, “My lady, it is now the third quarter of the yin hour.”

There was still time before morning court, so no need to rise in a rush.

Before Yun Ying could say anything more, Zhao Chong suddenly wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her back into his embrace.

He hadn’t thought much about it last night when he came to Qingzhu Pavilion. But now, feeling the soft warmth in his arms, Zhao Chong lowered his head, suppressed his curiosity, and said calmly by her ear, “My beloved seems to have lost some weight.”

Yun Ying didn’t know Zhao Chong was already awake.

The sudden embrace made her pause in surprise. She looked up at him as he spoke.

Their eyes met, and she was momentarily captivated by the depth in his gaze. Regaining her composure, she smiled slightly. “Your Majesty is truly perceptive.” She responded politely, then took the opportunity to gently remind, “It’s already the third quarter of the yin hour. Will Your Majesty be rising soon?”

Her mind was now calm and clear.

As she suspected, the “what a pity” thought from earlier was no longer continuing.

Unable to probe further into her thoughts, Zhao Chong could only say, “Lying here with you for a little longer won’t hurt.” He then asked how she was feeling.

Yun Ying answered straightforwardly, “Thanks to Your Majesty’s great blessing, this concubine is feeling much better.”

They chatted a while longer, but Zhao Chong still couldn’t discern anything else from her thoughts. Resigned, he finally let her go and got up to prepare for morning court.

Two quarters of an hour later, he left Qingzhu Pavilion and boarded the imperial carriage.

“Xia Jiang,” he said on the way to court, still unable to stop thinking about that puzzling “what a pity.” After pondering for some time with no answer, he asked his chief eunuch, “Is there anything about me that could be considered a pity?”

Xia Jiang was startled and immediately bowed. “Your Majesty, this servant is ignorant. May I ask why Your Majesty would ask such a thing?”

Zhao Chong replied, “Just a casual question. No need to be nervous.”

Though he responded obediently, Xia Jiang dared not speak further on the matter.

But in his heart, a vague idea flashed by: A pity… because His Majesty still has no heir?

Zhao Chong: “…”

Even eunuchs like to meddle in this sort of thing?

Back at Qingzhu Pavilion, Yun Ying had hot water prepared, bathed, changed into loose and comfortable clothes, and had breakfast with the help of Biwu and Biliu. After drinking her medicinal soup, she climbed back onto the bed, lazily ate preserved plums, and read a storybook. As for the emperor’s inexplicable kiss the night before—she’d slept it off and forgotten all about it. She hadn’t thought of it again.

Meanwhile, more news was spreading from what had happened the night before at Wangchun Pavilion.

Lu Shuqing had not only been demoted to the rank of Baolin but was also placed under house arrest. The emperor decreed that she was not to take a single step out of Wangchun Pavilion for three months.

This punishment was no light matter.

A demotion and confinement? It was practically turning Wangchun Pavilion into a cold palace. After a few months, who knew if the emperor would even remember she existed?

Truthfully, Lu Shuqing had never been particularly favored to begin with.

Had she simply fallen out of favor, it wouldn’t have stirred much in the harem.

However, since news of Lu Shuqing’s demotion spread after last night, many concubines gradually came to a realization—the punishment might have something to do with the venomous snake incident at Qingzhu Pavilion.

Though the matter wasn’t made public, the concubines had learned of it through whispered rumors.

And precisely because it wasn’t publicly discussed, they realized the matter was likely investigated directly on the emperor’s orders.

If previous events had hinted that Yun Ying was gaining favor, then this punishment for Lu Shuqing was a solid blow that proved it. Before they even realized it, Imperial Concubine Yun had already become someone the emperor personally protected. Her methods must not be underestimated.

Thus, Yun Ying became someone the entire inner palace began to view with caution.

The very person they now regarded warily listened nonchalantly as Biwu reported the gossip, and only sighed faintly. “The Virtuous Consort will likely have a hard time in the coming days.”

Recalling what had happened at the Chaohui Hall, Biwu whispered, “Consort De seems very wary of the Virtuous Consort.”

Yun Ying smiled. There had never been a shortage of people in the palace who sucked up to the powerful and trampled the weak. Just because Consort De once acted tough in front of the Virtuous Consort didn’t mean everything would return to normal.

As for herself, she only needed to live her own little life well.

She popped another preserved plum into her mouth and hummed lightly, “I feel like having something sweet to drink.”

Biwu was momentarily stunned, then smiled and bowed. “Yes, I’ll have the kitchen prepare something right away.”

Yun Ying nodded as she chewed the plum and stared at her book. Biwu quietly left the room.

Like many others, Consort De also noticed the emperor’s growing favor toward Yun Ying.

She resented it deeply. How could His Majesty dote on someone so tactless and reckless? She figured it was probably just a passing novelty.

Since Yun Ying was currently in favor, Consort De didn’t plan to provoke her and risk the emperor’s displeasure. Besides, the emperor had already scolded the Virtuous Consort and demoted Lu Shuqing—both events she considered good news. And with her birthday approaching, this was icing on the cake.

Using her birthday as a reason, she requested an audience with the emperor.

Zhao Chong, recalling the austerity the six palaces had endured after donating silver and gold, approved her request to host a birthday banquet in Qiulan Palace. He said nothing more, only that if she enjoyed it, she could make it lively and festive.

Consort De was overjoyed and bowed with radiant delight.

Back at Qionghua Hall, she immediately began planning the event in detail.

After having been embarrassed by the Virtuous Consort in Chaohui Hall, she naturally wanted to regain some face. She also knew that many concubines had been living frugally after their donations, so her banquet would be a perfect opportunity to curry favor. With these considerations in mind, Consort De poured her efforts into every detail of the event, ensuring the dishes and refreshments were exquisite and plentiful.

She invited every concubine in the palace to attend.

Yun Ying was among them.

By the day of the banquet, Yun Ying’s period had passed. Knowing that Consort De would certainly put great care into the event—with good food, drinks, and likely some entertainment—she decided to attend in good spirits.

The banquet was held in Qiulan Palace.

As always, Yun Ying followed her principle of arriving neither early nor late.

Although Consort De didn’t like Yun Ying, she had no intention of making a fuss on her birthday, so she didn’t trouble her in the slightest. After Yun Ying greeted her, a palace maid led her to her seat.

The seats for the concubines were arranged by rank.

Seated near Yun Ying were Consort Cui and Consort Shen, who held the same rank as her.

Cui Jieyu had not yet arrived, but Shen Wenyin had come earlier and was already quietly sipping tea.

Seeing Yun Ying take her seat, she set down her cup, smiled, and politely greeted her.

Since the banquet had not officially started, Yun Ying returned the greeting and exchanged a few pleasantries with Shen Wenyin.

Within a quarter-hour, the rest of the concubines arrived one after another. Upon inspection, it was clear only two notable figures were absent—Virtuous Consort and Lu Baolin.

Lu Baolin was under house arrest, so her absence was expected.

As for the Virtuous Consort…

Yun Ying lifted her teacup and took a slow sip just as a eunuch’s sharp voice rang from outside the hall.

“Her Highness, the Virtuous Consort, arrives—”

At the sound, Yun Ying smiled slightly, set down her cup, and rose with the others to greet the incoming consort.

Consort De stepped forward, her face beaming with joy. “So much has happened lately. I thought you might not be free, Sister Virtuous Consort. I’m so glad you made it today.” She then invited her to take her seat.

Though the Virtuous Consort wore makeup, there was still a trace of weariness in her eyes and brows.

The affair with Lu Shuqing had clearly taken a toll on her.

Consort De’s mood grew increasingly elated, her smile two shades brighter. The Virtuous Consort feigned ignorance and simply smiled faintly. “How could I not come to celebrate Sister De’s birthday?” she said, and ordered her chief maid, Su Yu, to present the birthday gift she had prepared in advance.

Inside the purple sandalwood box lay a pair of exquisite glazed hairpins—delicate and refined, yet carrying an understated elegance.

Upon seeing the hairpins, Consort De’s expression subtly shifted.

The Virtuous Consort said warmly, “I remember that Sister De was quite fond of these glazed hairpins. But at the time, His Majesty gifted them to me instead. Knowing it’s your birthday today, and recalling how much you liked them, I thought I’d bring them to celebrate your day.”

Just a few words, and Consort De’s memories were stirred—each one like a soft blade pressing into her heart.

Indeed, they were hairpins she had once loved, yet the emperor had given them to the Virtuous Consort. She had sulked bitterly over that. And now the Virtuous Consort gifted them back on her birthday—it was clearly a reminder that she could not overstep her.

Though Consort De seethed inside, she could only grit her teeth in secret and maintain a graceful smile as she thanked the Virtuous Consort. After instructing her maid Shuanghong to put the gift away, she welcomed the Virtuous Consort to her seat, and the banquet officially began.

Not long after, palace maids dressed in plain-colored garments entered one by one, placing an array of dishes, fruits, and pastries before each consort.

Yun Ying, who had been quietly observing the sparring match between the two consorts, now turned her attention to the feast.

Looking at the endless stream of dishes before her, everyone present could tell that Consort De had spared no expense for this banquet.

Among the lavish courses was even a serving of crab.

Crab wasn’t at its most delicious this time of year.

Even during crab season, it wasn’t easy for the consorts of the Six Palaces to enjoy such delicacies.

Lately, with no imperial banquets held, the food had been rather bland. Ignoring the undercurrents between the Virtuous Consort and Consort De, everyone ate heartily. The appearance of crab drew smiles from all. Yun Ying was no exception—crab wasn’t something to pass up. She immediately asked Biliu to help her shell it.

News of the lively atmosphere at Qiulan Palace reached Zhao Chong just as he was chatting idly with Empress Dowager Zhou in Yongshou Palace.

The Empress Dowager, never one to restrict the consorts, smiled and said, “Crab is a fine thing, though a bit cold in nature.”

Zhao Chong paused. He remembered how Imperial Physician Liu had instructed that Yun Ying should avoid cold foods after her treatment.

But he couldn’t exactly send someone to stop it now.

“Crab goes best with Danyang wine,” Zhao Chong mused. “Since Mother is so concerned, Xia Jiang, take some Danyang wine to Qiulan Palace.” Additionally, he sent numerous birthday gifts to Consort De.

The Empress Dowager glanced at him meaningfully. “Since Your Majesty has some free time, why not visit Qiulan Palace yourself?”

Consort De had invited nearly every consort in the Six Palaces.

Zhao Chong chuckled wryly. “I came today to keep Mother company—why would you try to send me away?”

His words were half in jest. Ultimately, he let Xia Jiang deliver the gifts on his behalf.

The Empress Dowager laughed. “I wouldn’t dream of sending you away. As it happens, the kitchen is making lotus seed fish parcels today. Since you’re here, join me for a meal.”

“Yes, your son obeys.”

Zhao Chong smiled as he accepted the invitation.

Later, Chief Eunuch Xia Jiang appeared at Qiulan Palace, delivering many gifts to Consort De.

The consorts all received Danyang wine along with the tribute.

As envious glances swept across the hall and congratulations poured in, Consort De’s earlier irritation toward the Virtuous Consort dissipated. Although it was regrettable the emperor hadn’t shown up in person, the generous gifts—and his special attention to the crab’s cold nature—left her deeply satisfied.

Yun Ying, however, didn’t care about any of that.

After returning to her seat, she accepted the Danyang wine, had Biliu pour a cup, and prepared to sip it slowly.

The golden-hued Danyang wine was crystal clear. As it neared her lips, a rich aroma greeted her nose.

Once she drank it, the wine proved smooth and sweet, not harsh in the slightest.

Yun Ying enjoyed several cups in quick succession. She felt content, her eyes narrowing with quiet delight, and plucked a grape from the tall fruit plate to eat.

Sitting on her other side, Consort Cui, who hadn’t spoken at all, suddenly turned to look at her.

“‘Flowers bloom on the branch, but for how many days? Life in this world, how long does it last?’”

Consort Cui softly recited a verse and then said to Yun Ying, “Imperial Concubine Yun, what do you suppose the Six Palaces will look like this time next year?”

Yun Ying, having eaten a few grapes, wiped her hands with a handkerchief and smiled. “Enjoy the wine today, for who knows what tomorrow brings.”

“Consort Cui, this Danyang wine is quite good. You should try some.”

Consort Cui slowly turned her gaze away.

She looked down at her cup and forced a smile. “This year’s flowers are more beautiful than last’s. Next year’s may be better still—but who will be there to enjoy them?”

Knowing Consort Cui’s fondness for poetic melancholy, Yun Ying didn’t respond further.

Though she had indeed been unlucky in her previous life, poetic laments about flowers wilting in a few days always sounded more like a curse.

Still, she enjoyed Consort De’s birthday banquet thoroughly and left in a cheerful mood.

After the banquet, she took her leave at the appropriate time.

Holding onto Biliu’s hand as she exited Qiulan Palace, Yun Ying, feeling a bit too full, recalled Imperial Physician Liu’s advice that she should walk more. Seeing that the hour was still early, she said, “There’s no rush to return. Let’s walk a bit to digest.”

With Biwu and Biliu accompanying her, she strolled through the palace grounds.

She deliberately chose shaded and quiet paths and soon came upon a wall covered in trumpet creeper flowers.

Vibrant green vines blanketed the wall, while bright orange blooms adorned them like a vivid tapestry.

Admiring the scene, Yun Ying asked, “Where are we?”

Biwu replied, “My lady, we are near the peach orchard.”

Peach orchard?

Yun Ying raised an eyebrow. “Then let’s take a look.”

This wasn’t the season for blossoms, but there were still peaches.

Recently, the orchard had supplied fresh peaches to various palaces.

Yun Ying wasn’t there for peaches—she simply thought it might be cooler.

Indeed, the orchard was pleasant.

The peach trees were dense with leaves and heavy with fruit.

The sun barely penetrated the canopy, and a gentle breeze made the shade quite agreeable.

Biwu, who came from a farming family and had been sold into the Yun household due to poverty, was now Yun Ying’s trusted maid. Seeing the abundance of peaches, she couldn’t help but smile.

“My lady, it seems this year will be a good harvest.”

Yun Ying looked at a plump peach hanging nearby. “I once read that fruit trees have ‘on-years’ and ‘off-years’—if they bear a lot one year, they’ll produce less the next, and vice versa.”

Biwu blinked. “Is that so?”

“I only read it somewhere. I’ve never verified it,” Yun Ying said with a smile.

As they talked about fruit, a voice suddenly called out behind them, “Greetings to Imperial Concubine Yun!”

Yun Ying turned to see Baolin Xie Mengling and slowly faced her.

“Baolin Xie,” Yun Ying nodded briefly.

Xie Mengling bit her lip, took a few steps forward, and fell to her knees. “Imperial Concubine Yun, I beg you, please help me.”

Yun Ying frowned and stepped back a few paces.

Xie Mengling continued, “If you help me, I will serve you loyally for the rest of my life in gratitude.”

Yun Ying recalled the last time she saw Xie Mengling begging Shen Wenyin the same way.

She stared at her for a few seconds and then said to her maids, “It’s getting late. Let’s return.”

Xie Mengling crawled forward on her knees, pleading, “Please help me. You are in favor now—you can speak to His Majesty. I’ll do anything you ask.”

Yun Ying frowned deeper and said coldly, “Baolin Xie, watch your words.”

“We are both consorts of His Majesty. You don’t owe me anything, and I need nothing from you.”

Tears welled up in Xie Mengling’s eyes and quickly spilled over.

Just like with Shen Wenyin, she grabbed Yun Ying’s skirt. “But I can’t see the emperor, and I can’t let my family suffer. Please…”

Yun Ying felt a headache coming on.

Anyone would find such persistent begging difficult to endure.

“Baolin Xie, I don’t know what troubles your family may be facing, but I trust His Majesty’s wisdom and fairness. He would never wrong an innocent.”

Seeing Xie Mengling’s pale face, Yun Ying added, “Your filial piety is admirable. But may I ask—if someone in your family has done harm, do you pity their victims as well? Or if your family truly cared for you, wouldn’t they act honorably and speak prudently?”

“I can’t help you, and I don’t want anything from you in return.”

“Gather yourself. Stop running around desperately begging others.”

Seeing her stunned silence, Yun Ying pressed her lips together, said no more, and walked off with her maids.

Xie Mengling’s tears streamed endlessly. It was a long while before her chief maid helped her up. Silently crying, she left the orchard.

After they’d gone, Biwu grumbled, “Why was Baolin Xie being so reckless?”

“Even I felt alarmed listening to her.”

Yun Ying replied mildly, “She’s only fifteen. How can we expect a girl that age to be worldly?”

“You’re too kind, my lady,” Biwu said.

Kind? Yun Ying curled her lips slightly. Even in her past life, when she had needed help to gain favor, she had never touched matters of court.

And she had no intention to now.

Still, she had said those things for Xie Mengling’s sake. Whether she would take it to heart or not wasn’t her concern.

Everyone has their own fate. She wasn’t a Buddha and couldn’t save anyone.

Now she recalled how Xie Mengling had ended in her previous life. After similar troubles, she begged everyone for help. No one wanted to get involved. In the end, she killed herself outside the Hall of Diligent Governance, hoping to move the emperor to show mercy.

But the emperor flew into a rage.

A mere concubine using death to threaten the Son of Heaven, daring to meddle in politics—how could he tolerate that?

In her past life, Yun Ying had thought Xie Mengling incredibly foolish. Now, looking back, she saw her as truly pitiful. Even willing to die, and yet no one had pitied her. If her family had cherished her, why were they so greedy?

In the end, one must care for oneself.

After Yun Ying and Xie Baolin left, the peach orchard fell into silence.

Zhao Chong had been walking there with Empress Dowager Zhou.

Before they could see anyone, they had overheard Yun Ying and Xie Baolin’s entire exchange.

[This Yun Concubine…]
[Who would’ve thought she was so rational and composed?]

Empress Dowager Zhou’s inner thoughts drifted into Zhao Chong’s ears, making his expression shift subtly.

He glanced at the kneeling maids nearby and asked the empress dowager, “Would you prefer to walk elsewhere, or return to Yongshou Palace?”

Empress Dowager Zhou said, leaning on Nanny Xu, “It’s getting late. Let’s go back.”

Zhao Chong nodded and accompanied her out of the orchard.

But even after returning to the Hall of Diligent Governance, Zhao Chong kept thinking about Yun Ying’s words.

Based on her inner voice in the peach orchard, neither Yun Ying nor Xie Baolin had realized others were nearby. Everything Yun Ying had said came from her heart.

If that was the case…

In her eyes, not only was he good-looking, but also wise and just. She trusted he would protect her from wrongful accusations.

Then… why did she still say “What a pity”?

Zhao Chong frowned deeply, curiosity consuming him.

What exactly does she pity about me?