Chapter 39 – His Majesty Is Thinking of You

Over in the Imperial Study, Xuanyuan Ling suddenly remembered what he had said last night: “Go to the Department of Precious Items and have someone make a chain.”

Zhao Hai was puzzled. “What kind of chain does His Majesty want?”

Xuanyuan Ling said, “To be worn on the ankle.” He paused. “Preferably one that makes a sound when it moves.”

Zhao Hai: “…”

An anklet wasn’t quite like a bracelet—it probably wasn’t something they had in the private treasury. Unexpectedly, His Majesty still remembered and specifically asked for the Department of Precious Items to make one.

He quickly lowered his head to avoid revealing any inappropriate expression and didn’t dare delegate this to anyone else. He went personally to the Department of Precious Items to deliver the order.

When the steward of the Department, Mao Delu, saw Zhao Hai coming, he was rather surprised. “Eunuch Zhao, what wind blew you in today?” Someone of Zhao Hai’s status usually wouldn’t come to the Department of Precious Items.

Zhao Hai said, “Naturally, I’m here on business. His Majesty wants an anklet. Make sure you oversee its creation.”

“An anklet?” Mao Delu asked, “Did His Majesty give any specifications?”

Zhao Hai’s expression was a bit difficult to describe. “He said it should make a sound when it moves.”

Mao Delu exchanged a knowing look with Zhao Hai. As a craftsman, he replied, “If it needs to make a sound, I have some patterns ready. But an anklet won’t be as meaningful without a matching bracelet.”

Zhao Hai responded, “I don’t understand such things. Just make several styles. That way, His Majesty can choose.”

Mao Delu got the message. After Zhao Hai left, he couldn’t help but wonder who His Majesty intended the anklet for. While the Department of Precious Items wasn’t as highly regarded as the Imperial Kitchen, they still had to tailor their services based on favor within the harem. Whoever His Majesty wanted to reward today, they would naturally be treated with great care.

With that in mind, Mao Delu immediately gathered the craftsmen and had them start sketching and discussing designs. They moved quickly and, within half a day, had produced several styles, which were delivered to Xuanyuan Ling that afternoon.

Xuanyuan Ling picked up one of the golden anklets. A golden bell hung from it, which made a crisp, pleasant sound with the slightest movement. Its appearance resembled the anklets worn by toddlers learning to walk, except this one was more delicate and refined, engraved with patterns. Unlike the cute ones worn by children, this anklet evoked thoughts of grace—when worn and in motion, it would surely be a beautiful sight.

“The craftsmen at the Department of Precious Items do know how to do their job,” Xuanyuan Ling remarked.

He added, “Tell them to make a matching pair of bracelets to go with this anklet.”

Although he had just given a pair of red jade bracelets, he now found himself impressed with the craftsmanship of the anklet and thought it wouldn’t hurt to give Shen Qing another pair of bracelets.

Zhao Hai acknowledged the order, but this time he didn’t go himself. Instead, he sent Xiaoxiazi.

Xuanyuan Ling smiled slightly. “Once it’s done, have someone deliver it to Companion Shen.”

The next day, Shen Qing received the anklet and bracelets delivered by Xiaoxiazi.

Previously, when Xiaoxiazi had relayed a message to Shen Qing, it had been under Zhao Hai’s instruction. But this time, his attitude was far more respectful and proper.

Although Shen Qing was still technically just a Companion, things had changed.

Xiaoxiazi said, “His Majesty specially instructed this servant to bring this to the Companion, and he said the Companion may wear them often from now on.”

Naturally, Shen Qing expressed her gratitude. “Please thank His Majesty for me. And thank you as well, Eunuch Xiaoxiazi, for making the trip.”

Previously, when Zhao Hai had ordered Xiaoxiazi to deliver a reward, it had been with clear instructions to show special consideration. Since then, every time Xiaoxiazi came, Shen Qing had given him a silver reward.

This time was no different. Xiaoxiazi knew Shen Qing was generous, and he was more than happy to come to Zhaohua Palace bearing gifts.

It wasn’t really about the money—Consort Yu was generous too—but acting humble and respectful, and receiving such kindness in return, as though someone was truly thinking of you, was a completely different matter.

Even as a servant, one was still human.

After a few auspicious words, Xiaoxiazi left with a smile.

Chunhua whispered, “His Majesty really is thinking about you, my lady. He sent another gift.”

Xiaoxiazi hadn’t mentioned what the gift was. Shen Qing opened it and saw the anklet with golden bells and the matching bracelet. “…”

Had the Emperor awakened some strange interest?

Was she really supposed to wear this?

“Just put it away for now,” she said.

Chunhua, suspecting nothing, obediently stored the items.

That afternoon, after lunch, Shen Qing decided to take a walk to help digestion. Being close to the Imperial Garden had its benefits.

She walked around a bit and was just about to head back when, unexpectedly, she ran into Consort Shen.

Consort Shen was out again, avoiding trouble. Consort Yu had grown increasingly brazen, and she simply couldn’t endure it any longer. So she went out again to escape. After all, Consort Yu wouldn’t go so far as to have someone stop her in broad daylight. If she could avoid trouble during the day, she’d be fine. The only downside was that the servants attending her would suffer instead. When the mistress wasn’t present, they bore the punishment in her place.

“Greetings to Consort Shen.”

Consort Shen quickly supported Shen Qing. “No need.”

Shen Qing replied politely, “Our ranks are different. We shouldn’t disregard propriety.”

Consort Shen studied her without expression.

Shen Qing had heard that Consort Shen was being tormented by Consort Yu, but surely she hadn’t just run into her today only for Consort Yu to suddenly turn her sights on Shen Qing too?

Of course, Consort Shen had no such intention. The two of them had no real relationship—it was merely a passing encounter. After the greeting, Shen Qing took her leave.

Once Shen Qing left the Imperial Garden, the smile on Consort Shen’s face vanished completely.

She walked through the flower-filled garden, beautiful scenery all around, yet it only made her own life feel all the more bleak.

She murmured, “Other people come to the Imperial Garden to relax, but I’m here to avoid disaster.”

Her palace maid didn’t dare respond.

“Am I really supposed to be endlessly tormented by Consort Yu without a way to fight back?” Consort Shen looked off into the distance.

The maid was terrified. She wanted to offer some comforting words, but couldn’t think of any. Consort Yu’s rank was high. Falling out of favor and being targeted by her—what could you do besides endure?

As she was thinking this, she heard Consort Shen say, “Let’s go back.”

“My lady…” At this hour, it was likely that Consort Yu’s people were still there.

Consort Shen said, “Let’s go back. We can’t avoid it.”

If it couldn’t be avoided, then she would face it head-on.

With that thought, her expression hardened slightly. That day, she was scolded by Consort Yu under the pretext of enforcing palace rules. But the next time Consort Yu sent for her, Consort Shen claimed she wasn’t feeling well and refused to go.

Did Consort Yu believe her?

Of course not.