Chapter 26 The Frail Empress
The Emperor's Birthday, a day of universal celebration!
On this day, the palace was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and the sound of drums and music filled the air.
Early in the morning, the concubines gathered outside the Qianqing Palace, waiting for the auspicious time to celebrate the emperor's birthday.
The women in their finest attire were like beautiful flowers vying for attention in the imperial garden, their perfumes mingling with the chill of winter, filling the air.
The daffodils arrived right on time.
As soon as she appeared, the concubines who were originally chatting in small groups glanced at her, sometimes openly and sometimes secretly, and then quickly looked away.
No one approached her to speak, tacitly isolating her from the crowd.
The reason is simple... On the surface, Narcissus has just been publicly expelled from Zhaoyang Palace by Consort Li, and her relationship with Consort Yi, who has just been released from confinement, is delicate.
In this deep palace, no one wants to get involved with her troublesome situation.
In the midst of this awkward silence, a gentle, smiling voice rang out:
"Sister Narcissus, come to me."
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Consort Yi standing in front of the crowd, dressed in a magnificent maroon palace gown, with an elegant demeanor and a gentle smile on her face, waving to Narcissus.
Shui Xian noticed that she was surrounded by several concubines who flattered her, among whom Consort Rong was the most active, her face full of fawning smiles, and she was whispering something in Consort Yi's ear.
Shui Xian quickly walked over and bowed respectfully to Consort Yi: "This humble servant greets Consort Yi."
"Get up quickly." Consort Yi personally helped her up, her movements affectionate. "Sister, you look very well today. Just stand beside me, don't be shy."
Her actions were undoubtedly seen as a model of tolerance, instantly earning her a reputation for virtue.
Shui Xian obediently stood slightly behind Consort Yi, adopting an extremely humble posture.
Her gaze swept over Consort Rong, who was standing next to Consort Yi, without making a sound.
Consort Rong and Consort Yi entered the palace in the same year, both being selected as imperial concubines after Emperor Zhaoheng ascended the throne.
Consort Rong came from an ordinary family and was of above-average looks. She had always been in a lukewarm position in the harem and had never been seen to be close to Consort Yi.
Why is she so eager to cling to Consort Yi as soon as she was released from confinement?
Narcissus analyzed the situation calmly in her mind, but her face remained submissive.
Just as I was pondering this, a slight commotion came from behind the crowd.
"Her Majesty the Empress has arrived!"
The eunuch's announcement startled everyone, and they all turned around and bowed.
Empress Liu, supported by her palace maids, slowly walked over.
She was dressed in a bright yellow empress's robe, her complexion was pale, her figure was so thin that she looked as if a gust of wind could blow her away, and there was a lingering sickness between her brows, which was out of place in this lively scene.
"Your humble servant greets Your Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace!"
The concubines bowed in unison, all of them surprised.
Empress Liu was frail and sickly, and usually even skipped the morning and evening greetings, preferring to stay in the Kunning Palace to recuperate. Unexpectedly, she came in person to offer her birthday wishes today.
"All...cough cough...please rise."
The Empress coughed in suppressed urges, waved her hand, and sat down on a cushioned armchair brought by the palace servants.
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress." Everyone stood up, their eyes all falling on the Empress with a hint of curiosity.
The Empress forced a smile, her gentle gaze sweeping over everyone. She didn't say much, simply sitting there quietly, like a flower that might wither at any moment.
Before long, there was another clear, tinkling sound of jade pendants.
Consort Li arrived late, surrounded by palace maids.
She wore a luxurious palace gown embroidered with peonies in bright red, sparkling with jewels, and was as beautiful as a blooming peony, instantly attracting everyone's attention.
Upon seeing the Empress present, Consort Li's eyes flashed with surprise, but she quickly concealed it and stepped forward to bow respectfully: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to Your Majesty. Is Your Majesty feeling any better?"
The Empress nodded slightly, her voice still weak: "Much better, thank you for your concern, Consort. It's been a long time since I last saw you, Consort, you've become even more... radiant and beautiful."
This praise brought a hint of pride to Consort Li's face, and she smiled and agreed.
After getting up, she glanced at the crowd and saw Narcissus standing humbly beside Consort Yi.
She didn't forget her act, immediately giving him a fierce glare without any attempt to hide it, and letting out a very soft, cold snort.
Consort Yi responded with a gentle and dignified smile, but her eyes held a hidden provocation.
The tension between the two was not concealed even in front of the Empress.
Soon, the auspicious time arrived.
With the help of palace maids, the Empress rose and led a large entourage of concubines into the main hall of the Qianqing Palace.
The palace had been newly decorated and was solemn and dignified. Emperor Zhaoheng, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, sat high on the dragon throne, receiving the worship of the crowd.
"Your Majesty, I wish you a long and prosperous life, and may your blessings be everlasting!"
The orderly sounds of birthday greetings echoed throughout the hall.
"Rise." Emperor Zhaoheng's voice was steady and powerful.
His gaze swept downwards, lingering for a moment on the Empress's pale face, before he gave her a gentle smile.
Clearly, even Emperor Zhaoheng did not expect the Empress to come to attend the ceremony.
After the ceremony, a huge table was placed in the center of the hall, on which were a hundred exquisite dishes, symbolizing a long life of a hundred years.
Next, according to their rank, the concubines would step forward to "add longevity" for the emperor.
As the empress, she was naturally the first to step forward. She was frail and moved somewhat slowly, but with the help of palace maids, she used a silver spoon to scoop a spoonful of soup from a jade cup and place it into the jade dish before the emperor. The eunuch in charge of ceremonies beside her announced loudly: "Her Majesty the Empress wishes His Majesty a long life: May the dragon and phoenix bring auspiciousness, may the world be at peace, and may this day be repeated every year!"
The Empress bowed slightly to the Emperor, a gentle smile on her face. Emperor Zhaoheng nodded back, a hint of barely perceptible concern in his eyes.
Next was Consort Li. She stepped forward and scooped up a spoonful of "Gold and Jade Abundance." The eunuch in charge of ceremonies announced, "Consort Li wishes His Majesty a long life: May your house be filled with gold and jade, and may you enjoy wealth, good fortune, and eternal glory!"
Then came Consort Yi. Her posture was elegant and unhurried as she picked up a piece of delicacies. The announcement began: "Consort Yi wishes His Majesty a long life: May the empire be forever secure, may the weather be favorable, and may the nation be prosperous and the people at peace!"
When it was Narcissus's turn, she picked up a pomegranate cake. A chant rang out: "Noble Narcissus wishes His Majesty long life: May the pomegranate bring a hundred sons, may his offspring be numerous and his descendants prosperous!"
The birthday celebration was solemn and lengthy.
After all the concubines had celebrated their birthdays, everyone offered their congratulations in unison, saying many auspicious words, before leaving the Qianqing Palace in turn.
Emperor Zhaoheng had many celebratory ceremonies to attend in the previous court and the capital, so he soon set off to leave.
Immediately afterwards, the concubines moved to Cining Palace to pay their respects and offer birthday wishes to the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager was not in high spirits. She sat for a while, accepted the greetings, said a few polite words, and then, looking tired, dismissed everyone.
After all this commotion, it was nearly noon by the time Narcissus emerged from Cining Palace.
As soon as she stepped out of the palace gate, she was stopped by a palace maid she didn't recognize.
"Noble Lady Narcissus, please wait a moment. Her Majesty the Empress invites you to Kunning Palace for a chat."
Kunning Palace was originally the most prestigious place in the inner palace, and was the Empress's bedroom.
Because the Empress was often ill, the palace gates were frequently closed, giving off a sense of silence.
Narcissus was led into the inner hall by a palace maid and smelled a faint medicinal fragrance in the air.
The Empress leaned against the phoenix chair covered with thick brocade, her face even paler than in the morning, occasionally letting out a suppressed cough.
"Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress." Narcissus bowed respectfully.
"Quickly...cough cough...get up, please have a seat." The Empress's voice was weak, but she forced herself to be strong and gestured to the palace maids to bring a stool for Narcissus.
"Thank you, Your Highness." Narcissus sat down carefully.
The Empress looked at her gently: "Although I am recuperating in the deep palace, I have also... cough cough... vaguely heard that Consort Li seems to have some misunderstanding about you recently? I'm sorry you've been wronged."
Narcissus quickly lowered her head: "Your Majesty is too kind. It's just a small matter, and I wouldn't dare trouble Your Majesty with it."
The Empress sighed softly, covering her lips with a handkerchief: "This has always been how it is in the harem. Now that you have won the Emperor's favor, your primary focus should be serving him. As for other matters... don't worry about them too much... cough cough cough..."
A violent cough interrupted her words, and the palace maid quickly stepped forward to pat her back and soothe her.
It took the Empress a while to recover, and her face turned even paler.
She waved her hand, and a palace maid brought over a jade box: "My health is poor, and I have not been able to see you since you were promoted to Noble Lady. This pair of jade pendants with qilin is a small token of my appreciation, symbolizing the qilin bringing a child."
"I hope that you will soon bear children for the Emperor and ensure the continuation of his lineage."
Narcissus felt a slight stirring in her heart. In her previous life, she had very little contact with the Empress, only knowing that she was frail, but she did not know that she was such a kind and gentle person.
Even while suffering from his own illness, he still remembered a lowly concubine and sent her such a meaningful gift.
She solemnly accepted the jade box: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generous gift. I am deeply grateful for your kindness."
After talking for a while, the Empress became exhausted and had a palace maid escort Shui Xian away from Kunning Palace.
After returning to Kunning Palace, Shui Xian finally had some peace and quiet, as she prepared for the family banquet celebrating the emperor's birthday that evening.
At 5 PM that day, the family banquet for the Emperor's birthday was held in Baohua Hall.
All the concubines in the harem gathered together, clinking glasses and enjoying themselves in a lively atmosphere.
The Empress Dowager attended as usual, sat for a brief, symbolic moment, accepted toasts from the Emperor and others, and then excused herself, surrounded by palace attendants, citing fatigue.
Not long after, the Empress also succumbed to her injuries, turned pale, apologized to the Emperor, and left the banquet.
Her departure was expected and did not cause much of a stir.
However, once the Empress left, the atmosphere in Baohua Palace seemed to subtly change.
Without the Empress's control, the concubines' minds immediately became active.
Consort Li and Consort Yi's eyes met in the air, hinting at a power struggle.
Consort Li was the first to rise: "Your Majesty, to celebrate Your Majesty's birthday, I have specially sought out a Western music troupe. Their music and instruments are all different from those of our dynasty, and they are quite novel and interesting. Please enjoy them, Your Majesty."
Emperor Zhaoheng nodded with interest: "My dear consort, you are kind enough. Granted."
Soon, a group of blond-haired, blue-eyed musicians dressed in strange costumes filed in, carrying various oddly shaped musical instruments.
A piece of music, unlike anything I'd ever heard before, with a brisk rhythm and an exotic flair, resounded throughout the hall. Sometimes soaring, sometimes melodious, it was truly novel.
Everyone in the hall was captivated, and even Emperor Zhaoheng nodded frequently, a look of pleasure on his face.
When the song ended, applause erupted.
Emperor Zhaoheng was overjoyed: "Excellent! A reward! Consort, you are very thoughtful!"
Consort Li thanked the emperor triumphantly, and as she stood up, she looked defiantly at Consort Yi opposite her, as if to say: It's up to you now!
Consort Yi remained completely calm and rose gracefully: "Your Majesty, Consort Li's Western music hall is indeed quite novel."
"Your Majesty, I, though unworthy, have also prepared a congratulatory gift. It is a sign of auspiciousness for our Great Qi, a blessing from Heaven upon Your Majesty!"
"An auspicious omen?" Emperor Zhaoheng's interest was indeed piqued.
Consort Yi clapped her hands lightly.
Three strong eunuchs carried in a heavy object covered in brocade and carefully placed it in the center of the hall.
Everyone looked over curiously.
When she saw the outline of the object clearly, Narcissus raised her eyebrows almost imperceptibly.
The silhouette gave her a strange sense of familiarity!
She felt as if she had seen him in a past life!
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