Chapter 152 Making Up for Loss by Watching a Show Since the plan was to invite the imperial concubines to watch a show, then...
Since the plan was to invite the imperial concubines to a theatrical performance, preparations needed to be made. Cheng Qianyue first decided on the location: the opera stage on the east side of Ning Shou Palace. That opera stage wasn't unfamiliar; when the Empress Dowager was still alive, she often took people there to listen to performances. However, due to the numerous funerals held in the palace in recent years, the opera stage had been empty, and now was a good opportunity to clean and tidy it up.
After the opera house was tidied up and the Southern Palace was almost ready, Cheng Qianyue instructed people to send invitations to the Eastern Six Palaces and the five northern palaces of Cining Palace, inviting the imperial concubines, noble ladies, and other high-ranking officials to attend the opera. When the appointed day arrived, the opera house indeed became bustling with activity.
Cheng Qianyue took the play script that was brought to her and handed it to Consort Tongjia, saying, "Consort Tongjia, please take a look and see if there is any play you like."
Consort Tongjia took the memorial and read it for a long time but did not choose a play. She smiled and said, "In my opinion, all of these are good. I really don't know which one to choose."
"In my opinion, the Imperial Concubine's favorite person right now is probably the Yang family generals." The Imperial Concubine Yi raised an eyebrow and chimed in, drawing out her words: "Loyalty to the emperor and serving the country."
Consort Tongjia looked over with a half-smile: "Look at what you're saying, as if I'm the only one who likes this. Does everyone else not like to hear this?"
"If anyone's going to sing, it should be the princes outside; that's how it sounds good. As for me, I still find women's plays more interesting." Consort Yi's smile remained unchanged as she turned to Cheng Qianyue and asked, "Does the Noble Consort enjoy such lively performances?"
Cheng Qianyue smiled and instructed the person next to her, "First, pick a play called 'Mu Guiying Takes Command'." Then, she answered jokingly, "To be honest, I've always loved excitement since I was a child. When I was little, I loved going outside to watch people fight, and when I grew up, I loved watching people fight on stage. But if you ask me which play is good, I really can't say. I just think whichever play is fun and exciting is the best."
Upon hearing this, Consort Yi immediately bent over with laughter. "I think the Noble Consort is quite a straightforward person. After this 'Mu Guiying Takes Command' performance is over, why not call in some acrobats to show off their skills? Like balancing a jar on your head, tossing a ball, or face-changing or something."
Cheng Qianyue said, "That's wonderful. The Dowager Consort is truly thinking of me."
Before long, "Mu Guiying" took to the stage and began to sing opera. It must be said that she was indeed a trained performer; not only was her pronunciation clear and her voice deep, but her fighting skills were also superb. She waved the flag in her hand with great force, making everyone applaud. After the entire opera was finished, the next act was a variety show, which actually included face-changing.
"Very well, reward the person who performed the face-changing act," Consort Yi said loudly.
Cheng Qianyue smiled and looked over: "Since the Dowager Consort bestowed it, it's clear that she also likes it."
Consort Yi replied, "Indeed, the faces on those buildings have changed so much, one after another." She glanced at Consort De beside her and said, "They've changed much better than some of the faces in the palace." Looking at Cheng Qianyue, she continued, "Your Highness doesn't know, it's really rare for someone who has had the same face for so long to suddenly change their face."
Cheng Qianyue could tell from the fact that Consort Yi had been talking non-stop since she arrived that she was angry about recent events. She guessed that the other consorts and concubines were also angry, but they didn't have Consort Yi's fiery temper and dared to say it out loud in front of everyone.
"Your words are quite witty." Cheng Qianyue pursed her lips and sighed. "Speaking of which, it's my fault. I should have invited you all to see and listen to the play sooner." She rose and gave a slight curtsy to those beside and behind her. The imperial concubines, not expecting this, all tried to stand up. Cheng Qianyue quickly asked them to sit down and continued, "His Majesty often tells me to be respectful to the imperial concubines, so that the princes can focus on their duties outside."
She first looked at Consort Rong and said, "His Majesty values the Third Prince highly and previously praised his excellent calligraphy." Then she looked at Consort Yi and said, "His Majesty also praised the Fifth Prince, saying that the Prince is steady and reliable, and he would feel at ease if you left the palace to live out your days in the Fifth Prince's residence." After looking around, she looked at Consort Wanliuha and said, "The Twelfth Prince returned from the mausoleum last year, and His Majesty praised his filial piety and allowed him to rest at home. I estimate that he will soon have a post to take up."
Lady Wanliuha was surprised that the Imperial Concubine would mention her among so many people, and immediately showed an expression of being flattered. She was originally a concubine of the late Emperor, and was promoted to Noble Lady Tai because she had a son. She hurriedly said, "Your Majesty values siblings, and we are all thinking about how to repay Your Majesty's kindness."
Cheng Qianyue smiled kindly at her, a pang of sympathy rising in her heart, for Wanliuhashi truly looked pitiful. Though much younger than Consort De and Consort Yi, she appeared much older, her hair a deep, white mess. Cheng Qianyue knew that Wanliuhashi's appearance was the result of years of vegetarianism and Buddhist chanting, and said to her gently and jokingly, "Everyone in the palace knows your sincerity, kneeling before the Buddha every day to pray for our ancestors. But little do they know how heartbroken they would be to see you like this. Not only the ancestors, but the Emperor and I also feel distressed. You shouldn't always be a vegetarian; it's not good for your health in the long run. If you become ill, wouldn't we lose someone who sincerely serves our ancestors?"
No one knows which words touched Wanliuhashi's heart, but her eyes immediately reddened, and she wiped away her tears with a handkerchief, saying, "What the Imperial Concubine says is true."
After questioning Wanliuhashi, Cheng Qianyue looked at all the imperial concubines and continued, "The Emperor values you all, no matter which one it is. For now, you can stay in the Forbidden City peacefully. If you need anything, just let me know. If you are not comfortable, the Emperor may hold me responsible."
Upon hearing this, many of the imperial concubines smiled warmly, creating a harmonious atmosphere in the audience. After a while, the acrobatic performance on stage ended, and Cheng Qianyue got up and had people escort the imperial concubines back. Only after most of them had left did she breathe a sigh of relief and look at Ruodie, asking, "Is everything prepared?"
Ruodie quickly replied, "Reporting to Master, everything is prepared."
Cheng Qianyue nodded and said, "In that case, send them all over." She glanced at the theater; she had only really enjoyed the show today, but she guessed that the imperial concubines had done the same. She said softly, "Reward the people from the Southern Mansion."
Before long, the streets and alleys of the inner palace became unusually lively. Palace maids and eunuchs carrying trays filed out of Yongshou Palace and headed towards the Eastern Six Palaces and Cining Palace, delivering things to each household.
Inside Chengqian Palace, Consort Yi had someone bring the satin that the Imperial Concubine had sent to her. She reached out and touched it, smiling as she said, "It must be the workmanship of the Suzhou weaving workshop." She sighed, "No wonder the Imperial Concubine is so beloved by the Emperor." She took what was offered to her without hesitation, truly unafraid of the Emperor's wrath upon his return.
Aunt Zheng, who was serving Consort Yi, said, "That's right. The Consort is more confident than others. Even though the Emperor is not in the Forbidden City, the Consort still dares to invite us to see and listen to the play in such a grand manner." She paused and whispered, "The Consort must be feeling quite pleased after seeing the play and speaking out today."
Consort Yi snorted, "What do you mean by 'watching a show and talking'? I think you're trying to say that what I said today was too sharp and too pointed." Taking a deep breath, she said matter-of-factly, "If I don't say this, how can I vent my anger and that of others?"
Even when the late Emperor was alive, Consort Yi's temper was always at odds with everyone else's. Over the years, she had many minor and major conflicts with the other concubines, the most frequent being with Consort De. The reason was simple: one had a fiery temper, the other a kind-hearted person; Consort Yi simply couldn't stand Consort De's amiable, benevolent face. However, after the late Emperor passed away, she became too lazy to cause trouble, so in recent years, their relationship, though tumultuous, had been relatively amicable. But recent events had truly offended Consort Yi.
They were both originally imperial concubines, so why should you be allowed to stand out and steal the limelight? What, so you're the only one with two sons? Hey, I have two sons too. Your fourth son is a prince, and your fourteenth son is a duke, so my fifth son is also a prince. It's just that my ninth son's rank is a little lower, only a beile, but my ninth son and tenth son have a good relationship, so it's alright if he borrows my tenth son's title of prince.
So in what way am I worse than you?
Consort Yi was indignant. Why was it that only Consort De was seen by others? What was she showing off for? Every family has a good son, right? She couldn't vent her anger on the birth mother of the eldest prince, but she could at least say a few sarcastic remarks to Consort De.
Consort Yi calmed down and said, "I actually felt much happier today after all this rambling." After a while, she said to Aunt Zheng, "Don't think that I'm just throwing a tantrum. I'm also helping others vent their anger."
They were all widows of the late emperor with sons. What would others think of Consort Ke's focus on currying favor with Consort De? They were probably all like her, directing their resentment and anger towards Yonghe Palace. With this big jerk, their resentment has probably lessened considerably. Thinking about it this way, how could she not have done a good deed? Otherwise, if things had really escalated, it wouldn't just be the consorts who felt indignant. The late emperor's sons were all quite hot-tempered; who knows, they might have caused trouble for the fourth prince outside! Humph!
Meanwhile, in Yonghe Palace, Consort De was also looking at the gifts sent by the Imperial Concubine. More than the brightly colored satin, she was more interested in a small box of pearls. She knew who had sent it; it was Lin Quan'an, the chief eunuch of Yongshou Palace. He had said, "Your Highness the Consort has suffered some injustice today, and our master truly feels apologetic. Therefore, we have sent an extra box of pearls, saying they are for making jewelry for you. We hope you will accept them with a smile and forgive us."
Looking at the brilliance of the pearl in the box, Consort De felt much better. Although she had once been one of the Four Consorts, she had never received such a large pearl; the gift from the Noble Consort was truly extravagant. However, she didn't feel too overwhelmed holding it, as she had suffered an undeserved misfortune. But this was something she couldn't tell anyone. What could she say? That she didn't like accepting the gift from Consort Ke, that she didn't like Consort Ke coming to see her in person? Wouldn't that offend even more people?
Consort Ke was genuinely displeased. Consort Ke's actions were too conspicuous; she avoided all other palaces, choosing only Yonghe Palace, which immediately put her in a difficult position. But what could she do? There was nothing she could do. Even if Consort Ke was out of favor, she was still one of the Emperor's concubines and the mother of the eldest prince; she had no reason to offend her.
However, after a while, the Dowager Consort De was also annoyed to death by her, but she had no choice but to muster up her energy to exchange pleasantries, and then she was speechless while exchanging pleasantries.
Yes, Consort Ke, it's true you have an eldest son, but his future isn't something she, as a dowager consort, can decide. Trying to win her over is useless. Oh, it's true her two children hold high positions, but the fourth and fourteenth princes achieved their titles and status through their unwavering loyalty to the Emperor. As their mother, she's already too cautious in the palace to allow her two sons to abandon their promising lives and jump ship to the eldest prince.
As the conversation progressed, Consort De inevitably came to think that Consort Ke was a bit foolish.
Firstly, the Emperor is in his prime and might not be willing to appoint a Crown Prince so quickly. Secondly, to speak disrespectfully, how did the Emperor behave when he was Crown Prince? He was truly loving and kind to his brothers, did not form factions, and only listened to the late Emperor. Although the eldest prince is not yet the Crown Prince, there's no harm in learning from the Emperor's example. After all, the lessons of the past are there for all to see; why are you making such a fuss?
Consort De truly didn't want to associate with fools. Fortunately, the Imperial Concubine invited everyone to watch a play today, thus smoothing things over. She first ordered someone to put away the box of pearls; it was too conspicuous and absolutely could not be displayed in the Forbidden City. Then she instructed others, "Tomorrow, please have the imperial physician come to check my pulse." After a while, she whispered to her close attendants, "If Consort Ke sends anyone again, tell them I am ill and cannot receive guests."
She should just get sick and get rid of Yonghe Palace as soon as possible, so that the Emperor won't come back and suspect her and her two sons' loyalty if he hears about it.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com