HomeSheng Shi Di FeiChapter 47: Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Noble Consort

Chapter 47: Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Noble Consort

Mo Xiuyao’s guess proved correct. Not even two days after the betrothal gifts were sent, someone from the palace arrived with Imperial Consort Ye’s edict, saying she missed the Third Young Lady and requested her presence in the palace. Ye Li knew perfectly well who truly wanted to see her. When Ye Yue was at home, their relationship, though not notoriously poor, was certainly no better than with Ye Ying. Unfortunately, although Ye Yue was only an Imperial Consort, Ye Li, not yet officially the Prince Ding’s consort, had no right to refuse her. So she could only accept the edict, return to her quarters to change into appropriate attire, and then follow the summoning eunuch to the palace, accompanied by Qing Luan and Qing Yu.

The capital of Da Chu lay in the north, its palaces towering and magnificent. The moment one descended from the carriage, the grand imperial presence was overwhelming. Unlike the intricate craftsmanship of ordinary noble residences, the imperial city emphasized grandeur and majesty. The five-clawed golden dragons coiled around massive stone pillars seemed to warn all of the inviolability of imperial power. First-time visitors would surely be awed by its magnificent splendor, but Ye Li, having long grown accustomed to hundred-foot towers and famous landmarks both domestic and foreign, could only offer mild appreciation. After dismounting at the palace gates, Ye Li followed the guiding eunuch into the inner palace, discretely observing the palace environment while noting her location.

After passing through layer upon layer of palace gates, they finally stopped before an ornate palace building. Ye Li looked up—Yaohua Palace. She remembered that this was where Ye Yue had been granted residence.

“Third Young Lady Ye, please wait while this servant goes to announce you,” the leading eunuch said in his high-pitched voice.

Ye Li nodded, “Please proceed, sir.”

After the eunuch went in to announce her, he didn’t return quickly. Ye Li stood waiting for nearly the time it takes to burn an incense stick without anyone emerging. Qing Yu whispered, “Young Miss, what does Imperial Consort mean by this?!” Qing Luan softly rebuked, “Hold your tongue. If the Young Miss hasn’t spoken, what right have you to comment?” Qing Yu also understood that the imperial palace was not like their home where one could speak freely. She blinked somewhat ashamed and fell silent. Ye Li smiled faintly, “Be patient.” Qing Luan hesitated, looked around, then asked quietly, “Young Miss, could it be that Imperial Consort…” Ye Li shook her head and smiled, “Imperial Consort Ye wouldn’t use such crude tactics.” Both Qing Yu and Qing Luan were extremely clever, and hearing Ye Li’s words, they immediately understood. They both closed their mouths and said no more—it was just standing and waiting, after all. One was trained in martial arts, the other had studied medicine since childhood; neither was some delicate flower.

Another half hour passed, and still no one emerged from Yaohua Palace. However, from not far away came a swaying procession. The grandeur of their arrangement indicated it must be some noble person’s party. Ye Li and her two companions stepped aside to avoid offending them. Soon, the group arrived at Yaohua Palace’s entrance, with palace maids and eunuchs surrounding two women in palace dress. They stopped not far from where Ye Li stood. One woman in blue robes looked at Ye Li curiously, “Oh? This young lady seems unfamiliar. Why are you standing here?”

Ye Li had to step forward and curtsy gracefully, “I am Ye Li, the Third Daughter of the Minister of Revenue, paying respects to the two noble ladies.”

“So you’re the future Princess Ding. We hardly deserve such courtesy.” The woman in pink hurriedly stepped aside, covering her smile with her sleeve, “Why is Third Young Lady Ye standing here? Have you come to visit Imperial Consort Ye?”

Ye Li nodded and smiled, “Indeed, I came at Imperial Consort’s command for an audience.”

“In that case, let’s go in together,” the lady in blue moved to take Ye Li’s hand. Ye Li smiled and said, “This is my first time in the palace and I’m unfamiliar with protocol. Without Imperial Consort’s summons, I dare not enter. I won’t delay the noble ladies’ time, and I thank you again.” The two women exchanged glances, and the one in pink smiled, “If that’s the case, we’ll go in first. Imperial Consort Sister is with child now and tires easily, perhaps she fell asleep and the servants dare not disturb her. Third Young Lady Ye, please wait a moment.”

“Thank you.”

“Young Miss, why didn’t we go in with them?” Qing Yu asked softly. She wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but there seemed to be more people passing by than when they first arrived.

Ye Li turned to look at her and asked with a gentle smile, “Guess whether we would have been thrown out if we’d followed them in?”

“Surely… not?” Qing Yu said uncertainly. While it would be embarrassing for a daughter of the Ye family to be thrown out, it wouldn’t reflect well on Imperial Consort Ye either.

“Hey… over here, over here…”

Ye Li turned around to see a small head peeping out from behind a flowering tree not far away, smiling and waving at her. Ye Li looked around before pointing at herself. The child, mostly hidden behind the tree, nodded at her, “Come over!”

“Young Miss?”

Ye Li waved them off and walked over slowly. “Are you Uncle Prince Ding’s future princess?” A delicate and adorable little girl about seven or eight years old crouched in the bushes, her hair done up in cute buns adorned with two strings of lustrous pearls. Her finely crafted clothes were embroidered with golden phoenix patterns, indicating her noble status at first glance.

“I am. And who might you be?”

“I’m not telling you,” the little girl said, looking at her with bright, smiling eyes.

Ye Li didn’t mind and smiled, “Then do you know Prince Ding? Have you seen him? Lying isn’t good for children, everyone knows Prince Ding hasn’t left his residence for many years. Probably as many years as you’ve been alive.”

The little girl gave her a look of disdain, “Just because I haven’t seen him doesn’t mean I can’t hear about him from others, right? Sister Xiang Xiang told me that Uncle Prince Ding is the best fighter in the world, the smartest, most handsome, and most capable person. When I grow up, I want to marry him!”

Sister Xiang Xiang?

Ye Li looked at the serious-faced little girl, trying not to laugh. However, she didn’t want to crush the little girl’s fragile spirit, “Do you know how old Prince Ding is? By the time you grow up, he’ll be old. By then, there will be people with better martial arts than him, smarter than him, and more handsome than him. He won’t be the most capable person anymore. What will you do then?”

Hmm? The little girl looked confused, “Then… what should I do? No, you’re lying. You want to marry Uncle Prince Ding yourself, that’s why you’re deceiving me!”

“I’m not deceiving you. Look, I’m much older than you now, right? You’ll need to be as old as I am before you can marry. By that time, I’ll be old too. Prince Ding is older than both of us, so you see, by then…”

The little girl sighed woefully, “By then Uncle Prince Ding will be older than Grandfather. If I marry him, Big Imperial Sister will surely laugh at me. Alright then, I’ll let you have Uncle Prince Ding.”

Ye Li held back her laughter and nodded sincerely, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

“How did you know I was a princess?”

Ye Li blinked, “Not only do I know you’re a princess, I know which princess you are.”

“I don’t believe you, you’ve never seen me before.”

Ye Li smiled, “I bet you’re Princess Changle, the Empress’s daughter, aren’t you?”

The little princess tilted her head and studied Ye Li for a moment before nodding, “Alright, I agree with Sister Xiang Xiang’s words, you are indeed clever. This princess will grudgingly accept you as a friend.”

Seeing the tiny girl trying her best to maintain an adult’s demeanor and a princess’s dignity while looking at her, Ye Li smiled brightly, “Thank you for your favor, Your Highness. Why is the princess here, and… um?” She pointed at the flowering tree where the little princess was hiding. Princess Changle shifted unconcernedly in her hiding spot and continued, “This princess heard that the Ye family produces beauties. Imperial Consort Ye and Ye Ying who looks like she’ll blow away in the wind are famous beauties. So this princess came to see if all the Ye family women were truly beautiful. Now this princess admits, you look more pleasing than Imperial Consort Ye and Ye Ying. You barely qualify as a beauty. I guess you’ll still have to wait a long time, so how about coming to play with this princess?”

Ye Li was puzzled, “How do you know I’ll have to wait a long time?”

Princess Changle pursed her little lips, “My Imperial Mother says that the women in the palace have nothing better to do, so they try hard to find things for others to do. When they dislike someone, they make them wait longer during morning greetings, or kneel longer, that’s what these women love to do most. But don’t worry, my Imperial Mother won’t do such things.”

Ye Li smiled silently, and Princess Changle glared at her dissatisfied, “Are you coming to play with me or not?”

Ye Li shook her head helplessly, “I still need to wait for Imperial Consort Ye’s summons. You know, if she wants to see me and can’t find me, it will be very troublesome. Also… someone’s coming.”

Princess Changle peeked out, then quickly pulled her head back in, “Noble Consort Liu is coming, don’t tell anyone you saw me. She’s the most annoying.” Ye Li nodded, helping to arrange the flowering tree back to its original state, “I understand, hurry back now. Don’t let the Empress worry.” After fixing the bushes, Ye Li returned to where Qing Luan and Qing Yu were standing, waiting for an even grander procession to pass by.

A faint floral fragrance could be detected from far away. The woman approaching, surrounded by groups of palace maids and eunuchs, wore a goose-yellow palace dress embroidered with lotus and phoenix patterns. Her graceful figure, wrapped in well-fitted palace garments, revealed elegant curves. Her skin was as white as snow, her cherry lips delicately touched with color, carrying seven parts allure and three parts coldness. Among the many beautiful women Ye Li had seen these days, Qin Zhong had the elegance of an orchid, Hua Tianxiang the dignity of a peony, Princess Qixia the stunning beauty of a peach blossom, while this Noble Consort Liu was like a pear blossom—pure white charm that seemed delicate yet carried an untouchable coldness.

“You are Ye Li?” Noble Consort Liu stopped before Ye Li and asked coolly.

“This humble one is true. Greetings to Noble Consort Liu.” Ye Li curtsied slightly.

Noble Consort Liu’s delicate willow brows raised slightly, “You’ve never been to the palace before, have you? How did you know who I am?”

Ye Li smiled gently, “A few years ago, when His Majesty performed the Heaven Worship ceremony, this humble one was fortunate enough to glimpse Your Grace’s beauty, so I remember.”

Noble Consort Liu paused slightly, remarking with some amazement, “That… must have been five or six years ago, right? How remarkable that you could remember from such a young age.”

“Your Grace’s incomparable beauty naturally leaves an unforgettable impression,” Ye Li smiled.

“You are indeed more likable than your second sister. Why are you standing here? Come in with me. Imperial Consort Ye must have fallen asleep, actually leaving the future Princess Ding waiting at the palace gates.” Noble Consort Liu spoke coolly, but her tone brooked no refusal. Ye Li hesitated for a moment before curtsying slightly, “In that case, please, Your Grace, lead the way.”

In Yaohua Palace, when Ye Yue saw Ye Li enter with Noble Consort Liu, she was momentarily stunned. Noble Consort Liu looked at her coolly, “Sister, seeing Third Young Lady Ye waiting outside, I invited her in. Sister won’t blame me for meddling, will you?” Though she said this, Noble Consort Liu’s expression showed no fear of offending. Ye Yue forced a smile, tugging at the corner of her mouth, “Noble Consort Sister jests. It’s all this sister’s fault for lacking energy these days and being so forgetful. If Sister hadn’t brought Third Sister in, wouldn’t Third Sister have been left waiting uncomfortably? You useless servants, why didn’t any of you remind me!” Her alluring phoenix eyes glared at the palace maids and eunuchs filling the hall, immediately prompting a chorus of pleas for forgiveness.

Noble Consort Liu frowned impatiently, “Enough, Sister. If you forgot, you forgot. Why torment the servants? Surely Third Young Lady Ye won’t hold it against you. Isn’t that right?”

Ye Li had to follow her lead, “Noble Consort jests. This humble one only waited briefly, how could there be any offense taken?”

Only then did Ye Yue brighten, pulling Ye Li to sit beside her, smiling, “Third Sister rarely goes out, and I haven’t seen you since entering the palace? Now that I finally see you, after a year or two, Third Sister has become even more outstanding. How is everyone at home?” Ye Li answered each question in turn. Ye Yue continued asking about everyday matters, and Ye Li responded respectfully. Strangely, Noble Consort Liu seemed completely unaware that this was a family reunion between sisters, simply sitting there listening. Even though there was no opening for her to join the conversation, she appeared unbothered, sitting there with her slightly cold smile. Ye Yue seemed accustomed to Noble Consort Liu’s behavior, showing no intention of asking her to leave or taking Ye Li elsewhere for privacy.

“I couldn’t attend Fourth Sister’s wedding. How is she and Prince Li getting along?” Ye Yue asked with a smile while gently stroking her slightly protruding belly.

Ye Li recalled Ye Ying’s dejected expression when she returned to the manor two days ago—things could hardly be called good. However, she had no intention of troubling Ye Yue with this news, so she simply smiled and said, “Fourth Sister and Prince Li are naturally doing well in their newlywed bliss. I… have been quite busy lately and haven’t had the chance to talk much with Fourth Sister.” Ye Yue had long known that Ye Li and Ye Ying’s relationship wasn’t good, so she didn’t mind. She just held Ye Li’s hand and smiled, “We’re all sisters of the same family. After marriage, we can’t always see each other and play around like we did at home. But do visit each other more often. I can’t leave the palace, but you sisters should look after each other outside. That way Father and Grandmother won’t worry. Don’t you agree?”

Ye Li nodded, “Your Grace speaks wisely.”

As the sisters were discussing family matters, a palace servant entered to announce that the Empress Dowager had summoned Third Young Lady Ye. Ye Yue paused for a moment before turning to smile at Ye Li, “Since the Empress Dowager has summoned you, Third Sister should hurry along. The Empress Dowager’s virtue is known throughout the land, and she’s most loving toward the younger generation. Third Sister need not be afraid. Sister… isn’t convenient to accompany you, so I won’t go along.” Ye Li nodded, watching as Ye Yue’s well-maintained jade fingers gently stroked her belly, and nodded faintly, “This humble one thanks Your Grace for the advice. If that’s all, this humble one shall take her leave.” Ye Yue smiled and said, “Third Sister, take care. Someone come and escort the Third Young Lady out.”

“Sister, I happen to be going to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager as well. I’ll go with Third Young Lady Ye,” Noble Consort Liu stood and said.

Ye Yue nodded, “In that case, I’ll trouble Noble Consort Sister.”

Noble Consort Liu nodded slightly, “Third Young Lady, let’s go.”

Following Noble Consort Liu out of Yaohua Palace, Ye Li glanced back at the magnificently decorated palace gates. If she hadn’t been mistaken, when the Empress Dowager’s summons was mentioned, Ye Yue had shown signs of nervousness. And Noble Consort Liu… She looked at the noble consort walking ahead with her entourage. Even now, she couldn’t tell whether Noble Consort Liu’s attitude was friendly or hostile. Accompanying her into Yaohua Palace, then accompanying her to see the Empress Dowager? Ye Li would guarantee that if Noble Consort Liu hadn’t been sitting there the whole time, Ye Yue would have had far more to say than what was discussed today. But to say Noble Consort Liu was being kind to her… Not only had they never met before, but the disdain barely hidden beneath her cool arrogance made it impossible for Ye Li to believe. Shrugging helplessly, Ye Li followed quietly behind. The people in this palace were truly troublesome…

The Empress Dowager’s palace was located in the northwest of the imperial city, its area comparable to two Yaohua Palaces, its magnificent golden halls, and pavilions revealing the noble status of the Emperor’s mother.

“Zhangde Palace was specially built for the Empress Dowager after the Emperor ascended the throne,” Noble Consort Liu turned back to look at Ye Li while they waited to be announced, speaking coolly, “Also, don’t listen to your sister’s nonsense. The Empress Dowager is not someone with a good temper. Watch yourself.” Ye Li smiled faintly, “Thank you for Your Grace’s advice.” Noble Consort Liu snorted lightly and swept into Zhangde Palace first. Ye Li followed, her face showing no waves though her mind had already turned hundreds of circles. Although she had only been in the palace a short while, the peculiarities of the imperial palace had already exceeded her understanding. It was said that the current Emperor had been placed on the throne through the Empress Dowager’s efforts alone, and the current Empress Dowager was known as a wise and enlightened mother, yet Noble Consort Liu, as the Emperor’s favored consort, showed not the slightest respect for the Empress Dowager. And… she looked up at the three grand characters on the plaque under the palace eaves, with their flying dragons and dancing phoenixes. Zhangde—she hoped the Emperor had written this willingly.

“This humble one Ye Li pays respects to Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager.” Entering the great hall and seeing the tall figure in the bright yellow imperial robes, Ye Li’s face showed only a moment’s surprise before she respectfully bowed.

“Rise. Shang’er, why have you come?” Mo Jingqi glanced at Ye Li before quickly turning his gaze to Noble Consort Liu beside her, even stepping down from the throne platform to pull Noble Consort Liu to him. Noble Consort Liu snorted lightly and said coolly, “What? Does Your Majesty think this consort cannot pay respects to the Empress Dowager?” Mo Jingqi sighed and said softly, “You know that’s not what I meant.”

“Your Majesty!” A voice carrying hints of severity and displeasure came from above. Ye Li discreetly looked up. The Empress Dowager must have been a stunning beauty in her youth. Though she was Noble Lady Xianzhao’s elder sister, the Empress Dowager appeared somewhat younger than Noble Lady Xianzhao. However, her phoenix eyes now carried an indescribable sharpness, though Ye Li knew they must have been enchanting and beautiful in her youth. At this moment, the Empress Dowager wasn’t paying attention to Ye Li, but rather directing her sharp gaze at Noble Consort Liu, her eyes even carrying traces of killing intent. The Empress Dowager strongly disliked Noble Consort Liu.

“Imperial Mother.” Mo Jingqi frowned slightly, pulling Noble Consort Liu up to the main hall, “Imperial Mother, Shang’er has come to pay her respects. She must have met Third Young Lady Ye and come together.”

The Empress Dowager said coolly, “Paying respects? How rare that Noble Consort Liu remembered to pay respects to this grieving one today.”

“Imperial Mother, you know Shang’er’s health hasn’t been good since giving birth to Jing’er.” Mo Jingqi looked somewhat embarrassed, yet remained steadfast in protecting Noble Consort Liu at his side. Catching sight of the Empress Dowager’s dark expression, Ye Li couldn’t help but sympathize with her in her heart. After finally bearing two sons, outlasting the previous emperor’s primary consort to become empress, and exhausting all efforts to put her son on the throne to become Empress Dowager and enjoy her golden years. Who knew that while her younger son’s occasional foolishness was bearable, her elder son who became emperor would turn out to be one who chose his wife over his mother?

“Imperial Mother, didn’t you say you wanted to meet Third Young Lady Ye? Shall we first see how the princess we’ve chosen for Xiuyao is?” Seeing the Empress Dowager’s increasingly dark expression, Mo Jingqi quickly said.

Ye Li internally grimaced—Your Majesty, are you trying to deflect trouble onto others?

Sure enough, the Empress Dowager quickly turned her gaze back to Ye Li. Ye Li silently decided it was better to believe Noble Consort Liu’s words. Just the Empress Dowager’s gaze alone was not something an ordinary person could easily bear.

“You are Ye Li?” After a long while, the Empress Dowager finally spoke.

Ye Li respectfully lowered her eyes and answered, “In response to the Empress Dowager, this humble one is indeed Ye Li.”

The Empress Dowager frowned and said, “Raise your head and let this grieving one have a look.”

Ye Li did as told, allowing the Empress Dowager and Emperor to examine her.

“This grieving one met your mother several times back then. The Xu family’s granddaughter is indeed incomparable to those who are beneath notice. What a pity…” The Empress Dowager didn’t finish what was pitiful, and naturally, no one was tactless enough to ask. Ye Li’s sharp eyes caught Noble Consort Liu’s displeased expression as she sat beside the Emperor. She felt slightly puzzled—the Empress Dowager shouldn’t have been making oblique references to Noble Consort Liu. After all, as the daughter of Minister Liu, she was certainly not of lowly status.

“This grieving one’s Li’er is ignorant. Young Lady Ye, please don’t take the previous matter to heart,” the Empress Dowager’s sharp phoenix eyes fixed unwaveringly on Ye Li.

Ye Li smiled, “The Empress Dowager’s words are too kind. It was simply that this humble one and Prince Li were not fated. Rather than discovering our incompatibility after marriage, it was better that His Highness brought it up beforehand—it was good for both him and me. This humble one is grateful.”

“Oh? What are Young Lady Ye’s thoughts on the matters surrounding Li’er’s wedding?”

“This… that is His Highness’s private affair. This humble one dares not presume to guess.”

“What if this grieving one insists on hearing your view?” the Empress Dowager asked.

“This humble one thinks… perhaps His Highness was too excited about his wedding and didn’t rest well the night before?” Ye Li replied with a harmless smile and a hint of apprehension as she looked at the Empress Dowager. “Everyone in the capital knows of His Highness and Fourth Sister’s mutual affection. Finally able to marry his beloved, it’s understandable that His Highness would be somewhat excited.”

“Young Lady Ye, this consort heard that you recently accused Prince Li of not paying for goods and demanded quite a sum from him?” Noble Consort Liu suddenly smiled and asked.

The temperature in the great hall dropped sharply. Ye Li blinked in confusion, her face showing shame, “This humble one was ignorant, please forgive me, Empress Dowager and Your Majesty. Since my late mother’s passing, this humble one rarely goes out. The first time managing affairs, I somewhat lost my composure. Grandmother later reprimanded me, and I had someone return the silver to Prince Li’s residence and apologize to His Highness. However…” She was thrown out along with the silver. Afterward, Ye Li gave two hundred taels to the steward she had sent as compensation for mental distress and contentedly pocketed the rest.

Since Mo Jingqi was clearly in the wrong to begin with, even the imperial family couldn’t rightfully blame her. Seeing Ye Li’s startled and ashamed expression, Mo Jingqi coughed lightly, shot Noble Consort Liu a warning look, and said soothingly, “Enough, this matter was due to Jingqi’s poor judgment, not Young Lady Ye’s fault. Imperial Mother had no intention of blaming you either.”

Ye Li gratefully replied, “This humble one thanks Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager for your magnanimity.”

The Empress Dowager nodded indifferently, “Enough, this grieving one had no intention of finding fault. Give Young Lady Ye a seat.”

Two palace maids brought forth an embroidered stool and placed it behind Ye Li. After expressing her thanks, Ye Li carefully sat on only two-thirds of the stool. In her heart, she felt no gratitude for the Empress Dowager’s gesture of offering a seat—if given the choice, she would rather have continued standing. Sitting not only made someone already positioned lower seem even shorter but also seriously affected one’s line of sight. Moreover, the proper sitting posture for noble ladies was even more strenuous than childhood horse stances; at least in a horse stance, your legs could brace against each other. To sit so elegantly and properly without training from childhood, one could only pray not to fall off the stool.

“Young Lady Ye, how is Master Qingyun?” Mo Jingqi looked at Ye Li, his gaze carrying a hint of inquiry.

Ye Li smiled faintly, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. Uncle mentioned that Grandfather is still in good health.”

Mo Jingqi smiled, “No need to be so nervous. I once had the privilege of witnessing Master Qingyun’s bearing and couldn’t help but admire him greatly. It’s just been many years since I’ve seen him.” Ye Li lowered her head shamefully and said, “Since mother’s passing, this humble one hasn’t seen Grandfather for many years either. Unable to serve him in mother’s place, this humble one truly fails to deserve Grandfather’s love.”

“Oh? Surely Master Qingyun wouldn’t miss his only granddaughter’s wedding to Prince Ding?”

“Grandfather is advanced in years and cannot endure the hardships of travel. I fear he won’t be able to personally see this humble one… but Grandfather has sent First Uncle to the capital to preside in his place. This humble one is truly delighted.”

Mo Jingqi’s eyes flickered, “Oh? Master Hongyu has already arrived in the capital? Then… the Eldest Young Master Xu…”

Ye Li smiled openly, “First Cousin and my other cousins have also come to the capital together. Since Uncle holds no official position, there was no need to announce it.”

Mo Jingqi laughed heartily, “The Xu family has always disdained empty fame and preferred tranquility. However, Master Hongyu was also one of my teaching ministers. Not being able to welcome him upon his arrival in the capital seems somewhat discourteous.” Ye Li hurriedly said she didn’t dare think so, but inwardly disagreed. First Uncle had merely given him some academic guidance at the previous emperor’s command—how did that make him a teaching minister? Moreover, if he truly wanted to welcome them, he would have done so already. She didn’t believe Mo Jingqi truly didn’t know when First Uncle had arrived in the capital.

Mo Jingqi had no intention of dwelling on this topic. Looking at Ye Li, he said, “Young Lady Ye won first place in this year’s Hundred Flowers Gathering. Even Princess Ronghua has praised Young Lady Ye several times before the Empress Dowager. I wonder if Young Lady Ye might favor us and the Empress Dowager with a demonstration.” Without giving Ye Li any chance to refuse, he waved his hand, and palace servants already brought forward a carved writing desk complete with brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.

“This humble one begs your indulgence for my poor skills.”

While standing at the writing desk and preparing to paint, Ye Li cursed the Emperor a hundred times in her heart. She truly couldn’t understand these ancient emperors’ pleasure in randomly making people write poetry and compose verses. After all, not everyone enjoyed composing poetry, and even fewer possessed such improvisational talent. What if someone was called upon by the Emperor but couldn’t produce a poem?

Ye Li painted a conventional orchid picture and added one of her grandfather’s earlier poems about secluded orchids. Perhaps the only truly impressive aspect was her calligraphy. Watching the gazes of those observing the change from scrutiny to surprise and then to disappointment, Ye Li remained unbothered as she stood respectfully behind the writing desk, awaiting the Emperor’s evaluation.

“A secluded orchid? This is Master Qingyun’s poem?” Noble Consort Liu asked with furrowed brows.

Ye Li replied shamefully, “This humble one is truly not well-versed in poetry. Please forgive me, Your Majesty.”

A flash of disdain crossed Noble Consort Liu’s eyes as she glanced at the painting, “Young Lady Ye’s calligraphy is quite good, though.”

The Empress Dowager rarely agreed with Noble Consort Liu, but Ye Li’s work from the Hundred Flowers Gathering was now in the palace. The painting could hardly be called stunning, merely conventional, and as for the poetry… all three on the dais silently questioned whether that stunning peony poem that had amazed everyone at the Hundred Flowers Gathering was truly Ye Li’s work. After all, the Xu family had no shortage of talented scholars. Finding someone to ghostwrite for Ye Li would certainly have been a person of significance, so such an impressive poem was hardly surprising. “Young Lady Ye’s calligraphy is indeed excellent.”

Ye Li sensed that the interest of the three above had notably diminished. Though she didn’t quite understand why ancient people thought that mastery of the four arts represented one’s ability and intelligence, at least this result wasn’t bad for her.

It wasn’t until the afternoon that the Empress Dowager had someone escort Ye Li out of the palace gates. During this time, she contributed her calligraphy skills by copying a volume of scriptures for the Empress Dowager. Since no one remembered about her returning to Yaohua Palace to bid farewell to Imperial Consort Ye, Ye Li didn’t want to trouble the Empress Dowager’s escort and pretended to forget as well. Accompanied by palace servants, she left the imperial city with gifts bestowed by the Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Noble Consort Liu. Only after sitting in her carriage did Ye Li slowly release the breath she had been holding in her chest for most of the day.

“Young Miss, please rest a while. Your complexion doesn’t look good,” Qing Yu said softly, taking Ye Li’s pulse.

Qing Luan said helplessly, “Young Miss must have been nervous on her first visit to the palace. It’s a pity we couldn’t enter the Empress Dowager’s palace and accompany Young Miss.”

Qing Yu smiled faintly, “If you had gone in, you probably would have only frightened yourself. Better not to cause trouble for Young Miss.”

Ye Li leaned back in the carriage, resting her eyes while reviewing everything that had happened in the palace today. While in the palace, she had to be careful everywhere, with many things she couldn’t think through carefully. The Emperor, Empress Dowager, Noble Consort Liu… everyone seemed normal, yet they all seemed to be hiding some unknown complicated relationships. And Ye Yue…

Wait!

Ye Li’s eyes snapped open, startling Qing Luan and Qing Yu. “Young Miss, what’s wrong?”

“The carriage is taking the wrong route!” Ye Li said. Before she finished speaking, with a whoosh, a long arrow pierced through the carriage.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Chapters