Chapter 38– In the Palace of Kunning

Liang Jiugong felt infinitely wronged.

He stood frozen in place. It was no good to step forward and serve; not stepping forward wasn’t good either. He remained half-bent at the waist, looking so miserable and pitiful that Wan Anran couldn’t help but laugh quietly.

His Majesty was clearly just being pretentious and putting on airs!

Smiling sweetly, Wan Anran picked up another piece of meat and offered it again. “Oh right, oh right! It was my fault—I forgot to mention this earlier. Today, the Imperial Kitchen specially sent over more than ten kinds of barbecue sauces for me to sample and select from. It’s the first time Eunuch Liang has seen them, so he likely doesn’t know which sauce pairs with which meat. Let me serve Your Majesty instead.”

Liang Jiugong let out a long sigh of relief.

He gave Noble Lady Wan a deeply grateful smile and quickly took a few steps back, deciding that until he left Xianfu Palace, he would remain as invisible as possible.

Kangxi withdrew his stern and killing gaze.

He took a bite of the meat Noble Lady Wan handed him. The faint citrus flavor surprised him. The sweet and sour taste perfectly countered the greasiness of the pork belly while adding an unexpectedly delightful aroma.

Wan Anran brimmed with confidence.

She explained in detail: “This is a new barbecue sauce from the Imperial Kitchen, made with citrus and honey. The flavor is quite unique. What does Your Majesty think?”

Kangxi nodded in satisfaction. “Not bad. Reward him.”

The attending eunuch almost burst out laughing in joy. With just this one word of praise from the Emperor, the cooks would be rewarded, and he, too, would surely benefit. The envious looks from the other eunuchs around only made him puff up with pride.

Grinning, Wan Anran then offered a grilled shrimp. “This is another sauce I selected just now. Would Your Majesty like to try it?” This sauce resembled modern XO sauce, and even Wan Anran had been surprised when she tasted it.

The first bite was rich and savory, followed by a spicy aftertaste. Coupled with the crispy shell and springy shrimp meat, it amazed even the well-experienced Kangxi. He had eaten grilled shrimp countless times, but this flavor still caught him off guard. Kangxi’s expression relaxed. “Reward him.”

The eunuch in question was so delighted he almost fainted on the spot.

The remaining eunuchs grew increasingly eager, craning their necks as if hoping they would be next.

Next came the beef.

The beef used in the Qing court was different from modern times—chewier and slightly tougher. Wan Anran proudly picked up a thin slice and held it to Kangxi’s lips. “I had the maids slice it very thin and paired it with a specially made plum sauce. The flavor is top-notch!”

Kangxi tasted it.

Compared to the earlier citrus-flavored one, this plum sauce was more sour and didn’t quite suit his palate. Still, seeing Wan Anran’s confident look, Kangxi didn’t bat an eyelash and said, “Indeed, very good. Delicious. Liang Jiugong, reward him.”

The eunuch stifled his laughter with a hand over his mouth.

Energized, Wan Anran kept serving dish after dish. After one round of food, it was clear that Noble Lady Wan was still eager and seemed determined to feed Kangxi until he was a little pig. Kangxi was both amused and helpless. He reached for a lettuce leaf, carefully placed some plum sauce, cucumber, and pork belly on it, then cheerfully stuffed it into Wan Anran’s mouth. “You’ve been feeding me so long—you must be tired too. Eat something properly.”

Wan Anran’s apricot eyes widened.

Kangxi’s gesture made a blush creep up her cheeks, and even her heartbeat sped up. But in the next moment, she regained her composure—what was there to get flustered about? His Majesty was just giving her face. He was now planning to enjoy the food himself.

Not that Wan Anran was one to boast—

She had still noticed that Kangxi’s reactions to the sweet-and-sour sauces were tepid. He clearly preferred spicier flavors.

Wan Anran stuck out her tongue.

Eat that much spicy food and just wait for the pain tomorrow…

After this feast, a sudden vegetarian trend swept through Qianqing Palace over the following days. Whether it was the Emperor or the Crown Prince, they all ate unusually light meals. This left the concubines in the rear palace utterly bewildered. Forced to follow suit and eat vegetarian food for several days, they only breathed a sigh of relief once His Majesty returned to his usual diet.

In the end, no one could figure out where this strange trend had come from.

Only the three people in Xianfu Palace wore strange expressions.

Wan Anran laughed so hard she almost fell over. But before she could enjoy a few days of happiness, a piece of bad news arrived—an edict from the Grand Empress Dowager decreed that, starting from the fifteenth of this month, the morning and evening greetings would resume. All Noble Ladies and above were required to first pay respects to the Empress, then proceed to Cining Palace to greet the Grand Empress Dowager.

Wan Anran: ………

What did this mean? It meant she could forget about sleeping in from now on!

Wan Anran nearly burst into tears.

To her, it was a disaster. But for the other Noble Ladies in the palace, it was joyous news. Being able to go to Cining Palace and Kunning Palace for morning and evening greetings meant more chances to see the Emperor. The palace was abuzz with speculation. Aside from Consort Xuan, even the Seven Consorts treated this as a serious threat.

Who knew if another new favorite might emerge?

Of course, while some were delighted, others were just as bitter and depressed as Wan Anran. Wuya, who had been demoted to First Class Attendant, was so angry she nearly coughed up blood. When she had still been a Noble Lady, why weren’t there such benefits? To see the Emperor even once, she’d had to curry favor with Consort Tong for ages. But now… The more she thought about it, the more enraged she became, clutching her chest and tossing restlessly in bed.

The palace maid looked on with concern. “My lady… please, calm your heart. That mouth sore just won’t go away…”

First Class Attendant Wuya was full of grievances.

There was one sore in her mouth, then another, and her gums were terribly swollen. Worse, she was pregnant but didn’t want anyone to know. She didn’t even dare call the imperial physician. All she could do was endure it.

Even if Wan Anran didn’t want to—

On the morning of March 15, she still had to follow Consort Xuan to Kunning Palace to pay respects to the recently recovered Empress. This part Wan Anran was fine with. Though rumors said the Empress had recovered, no consort had actually seen her. Without seeing her in person, Wan Anran couldn’t feel at ease.

The greeting was scheduled for the early hour of chen (around 7–9 AM).

Of course, to show respect for the Empress, the concubines had to arrive a tea’s time (about 15 minutes) early. Including time for grooming and traveling to Kunning Palace, Haitao and the others shook Wan Anran awake right at mao zheng (about 5–7 AM) and began preparing in a hurry.

Thankfully, in the palace, everyone slept early at night.

If this were modern times, anyone who made her get up at six in the morning would be her sworn enemy! Wan Anran chose a pale ivory palace gown embroidered at the corners with winding floral patterns. Her hair was adorned with two gilded hairpins inlaid with kingfisher feathers and pearls. She even dusted her face with some palace powder—for once. After all, today was the Empress’s first public appearance since her illness. Being too plain would seem disrespectful—Consort Xuan had reminded her the day before.

Consort Xuan strongly suspected: if she hadn’t warned her, Noble Lady Wan might have shown up barefaced.

When Wan Anran arrived with Haitao in a hurry, Consort Xuan even gave her a once-over to confirm everything was in order. Only then did the three of them set off toward Kunning Palace.

The spring weather was warm.

Consort Xuan, unlike in winter, didn’t ride in a sedan chair but strolled leisurely with Wan Anran and Noble Lady Nara down the covered walkway. As they walked, she said, “There are few opportunities for exercise in the palace. When we can walk, we should walk more. Otherwise, everyone becomes so delicate and frail that two steps leave them gasping. That’s an easy path to illness.”

Just as she finished speaking, a group of people appeared ahead of them.

Imperial Consort Yi, seated in her palanquin, looked at Consort Xuan with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. Clearly, she had heard every word Consort Xuan had just said.

Consort Xuan remained calm and composed.

The corners of her lips curved into a faint smile, and she even nodded slightly at Consort Yi. “Would younger sister like to come down and take a walk with us?”

Wan Anran and Noble Lady Nara were witnessing such a scene for the first time. Wan Anran covered her mouth to stifle a gasp, while Noble Lady Nara lowered her head and kept her hands together in front of her, appearing especially demure and well-behaved—apart from her eyes that kept wandering. The two of them were like fledgling chicks just out of the nest, or like curious badgers lining up to watch a spectacle. They held their breath, fully absorbed and wide-eyed with curiosity.

Consort Xuan kept her smile warm and composed.

Imperial Consort Yi cupped her face and sighed. “Unlike elder sister, I don’t have two lovely younger sisters to chat with. Walking alone in the palace can be so lonely and unbearable. Unless…”

Her tone changed as her gaze swept over Wan Anran and Noble Lady Nara. “Would elder sister be willing to part with one of her dear sisters to accompany me in Yikun Palace?”

As if there was no one left in Yikun Palace.

Before Imperial Consort Yi rose to her current rank, Attendant Zhang and Daying Qing were still notable names in the palace. But ever since she was promoted, the two of them had been confined within Yikun Palace, calling for help to no avail. By now, they were completely silent and forgotten.

Consort Xuan chuckled softly.

She cupped her face and let out a feigned gasp, her expression one of sudden realization. “Ah, I see. Perhaps your family, worried that you’d be lonely in the deep palace, thought to send your elder sister in to keep you company?”

Imperial Consort Yi’s expression instantly changed.

Her smile stiffened. “Perhaps elder sister misheard. How could it be that I entered the palace only for my elder sister to follow suit?”

“Perhaps,” Consort Xuan replied lightly.

“…I’ll take my leave first,” Imperial Consort Yi said through gritted teeth. Without waiting for a reply, she pulled the curtain down with a swish and called for her attendants to move forward. The palace servants, highly perceptive, quickened their pace and vanished from sight within moments.

Once they were gone, Wan Anran was the first to excitedly rush forward. “Mistress Xuan, was what you said true? Imperial Consort Yi’s elder sister is entering the palace!?”

Noble Lady Nara looked half curious, half puzzled.

She frowned slightly. “Hasn’t Imperial Consort Yi’s elder sister already married? Then why wasn’t she selected during the previous consort selection?”

Consort Xuan snorted. “Rumor has it—she’s a widow!”

Wan Anran and Noble Lady Nara both gasped.

Unlike Noble Lady Nara, whose face showed pure shock and distaste, Wan Anran was more intrigued. “His Majesty… really has a rather… ahem, unique taste!”

Quite the exotic preference.

A widow. Sisters. Tsk tsk tsk.

Wan Anran shook her head in disbelief.

The fluttering feelings she’d harbored just a few days ago immediately froze over, as though plunged into an icy abyss.

That’s it? I’m clearly not in his league… QAQ

Aside from this minor interlude, the group continued on leisurely toward Kunning Palace. Upon arrival, the familiar palace maid, Lian Nan, greeted them with a radiant smile. “Consort Xuan, Noble Lady Wan, Noble Lady Nara—please follow me.”

They were led into the inner hall.

The Niugulu Empress had always been gracious and generous. Even though this was the first time the newly promoted Noble Ladies were attending the morning and evening greetings, seats had already been arranged for them. After instructing Noble Lady Nara to keep an eye on Noble Lady Wan, Consort Xuan then smiled and walked toward the upper ranks. Noble Lady Nara led Wan Anran to join a group of other Noble Ladies.

There weren’t many Noble Ladies in the palace.

Most were familiar faces. They smiled politely at Noble Lady Nara, and then at Wan Anran.

Everyone was somewhat curious about this newly favored Noble Lady. But seeing Noble Lady Nara chatting so amiably with her, they assumed she had a pleasant temperament. Some who were close to Noble Lady Nara came over to chat about recent palace happenings, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed.

The only one who seemed to take issue with Noble Lady Wan was Noble Lady Daijia.

When Wan Anran tried to start a conversation, Daijia scoffed and deliberately moved to a seat farther away.

That felt a bit excessive, no?

Noble Lady Zhang, who shared the same palace, cautiously explained, “Daijia is just a bit blunt by nature. It’s just that, um… well…”

“Aiya! Before Noble Lady Wan’s arrival, the Emperor’s favorite was Noble Lady Daijia,” another noble lady chimed in loudly with a chuckle. “She’s just feeling a little awkward now—don’t take it to heart.”

Wan Anran: …

I wasn’t taking it to heart at first, but after you said it so loudly, the look Daijia just shot me is practically spitting fire. How can I not take it to heart? Looking at this noble lady who was clearly stirring trouble on purpose, Wan Anran nearly burst out laughing in frustration.

She tried to speak with Noble Lady Daijia.

But the moment she opened her mouth, the other woman gave a cold snort and turned her head away.

Wan Anran: …………

Though they had only been sitting for a quarter of an hour, it felt as long as her entire senior year in her past life.

She was tired and just wanted to go back to Xianfu Palace.

Just as Wan Anran was getting a headache, a palace maid lifted the curtain and entered. “The Empress has arrived.”

The Empress truly was her guardian angel!

Wan Anran quickly stood and performed a curtsey with the others. She sneaked a glance up at the Empress, and the heart she had suspended in midair finally settled.

The Empress Niugulu looked to be in good spirits.

She wore a crimson cloak embroidered with pomegranate blossoms. A faint flush colored her cheeks, and her eyes were bright and clear. She even seemed to have gained a little weight since before.

The Empress immediately sensed a gaze falling on her. She lifted her eyes and, seeing that it was Noble Lady Wan, the stern look on her face softened into warmth. She smiled gently at Wan Anran before proceeding to the head seat and raising her hand in a graceful gesture. “You may all rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” the consorts replied in unison.

Though she had prepared herself, Noble Consort Tong still couldn’t hide the disappointment in her eyes when she saw the Empress’s appearance. She forcibly pushed down the turmoil in her heart and said softly, “Your Majesty, are you feeling better?”

The Empress smiled and nodded. “I’ve fully recovered. I heard the imperial physicians say your eczema has flared up again? You must take good care of your health and rest well in Chengqian Palace.”

To others, the Empress’s words sounded full of concern. But to Noble Consort Tong, each sentence was like a dagger straight to the heart. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she stiffly nodded. “Thank you for Your Majesty’s kindness.”

The Empress beamed and nodded.

The hall fell silent for a moment until Consort Rong began chatting cheerfully about the upcoming Wanshou Festival. The conversation slowly shifted, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed.

Wan Anran stifled a yawn.

The consorts’ conversation bored her to no end. Her eyes drifted toward the refreshments on the side table. On the plum blossom-shaped dish, each compartment held five exquisite pastries: mung bean cake, honey milk custard, red date and yam cake, brown sugar sticky rice lotus root, and creamy bean cake. All were freshly made and aromatic.

Wan Anran picked up a piece of red date and yam cake and placed it in her mouth.

The soft, sweet flavor melted in her heart. Her eyes narrowed slightly with delight, and it was as if little hearts floated around her.

The Empress’s gaze passed over Wan Anran.

She couldn’t hide the smile in her eyes, feeling a trace of satisfaction: the refreshments she had ordered the palace servants to prepare had indeed served their purpose. After about two cups of tea’s time, seeing that it was nearly time to pay respects at Cining Palace, the Empress set down her teacup. “It’s getting late. Let us go pay our respects to the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager.”