Concubine Zhuang's sudden appearance has distrupted the Noble Consort's train of thought. She appears lost for words, and very displeased. Concubine Zhuang ignores her reaction and sits herself down next to you, smiling as she does so.
Xiu Ying: The serious comment from you makes us a bit awkward as Noble Consort and me just play for fun.
Concubine Zhuang: Forgive me. I won't interrupt you. Do continue.
Noble Consort: [Throwing chess piece aside] You grow more brazenfaced every day!
The Noble Consort is far less tactful in her address. Even more surprising, Concubine Zhuang appears completely unfazed by the stinging remark.
Concubine Zhuang: Brazenfaced? It must be the facial cream the Emperor presented me with last week. Yesterday he said my skin looked smooth as white jade... What do you think, My Lady?
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Xiu Ying: (You think Concubine Zhuang must have a death wish.)
Noble Consort: [Smiling coldly] Smooth as white jade? There must be something wrong with His Majesty's eyesight. Next time you should try asking his opinion under broad daylight.
Concubine Zhuang: Are you saying the Emperor was mistaken?
Noble Consort: Do not mention him in my presence! You might have fooled him with you simpering smiles, but you don't fool me!
Concubine Zhuang: [Suddenly turning to you] What do you think, My Lady? Has the Noble Consort cross the lines of propriety?
Concubine Zhuang is obviously trying to stir up trouble, and the Noble Consort's quick temper makes her an easy target. You'd better try to smooth things over.
Xiu Ying: [Quietly] Don't be angry, my Lady, I'm sure Concubine Zhuang didn't mean anything by it. How about we take a stroll along the lakeside? I believe you were about to tell me something.
You manage to placate the Noble Consort, but just as she is about rise and follow you out, Concubine Zhuang raises her voice.
Concubine Zhuang: You might look like a grand lady, but you sound like a fishmonger's wife. If the Emperor could hear you, he'd throw you out with the trash.
Before you can intervene the Noble Consort grabs the chessboard and throws it right at Concubine Zhuang.
Noble Consort: Whore! You have no right!
The board is heavy and well-made and crashes into her. Concubine Zhuang slides off the seat and lies motionless on the ground.
Noble Consort: [Startled] Foolish girl! Who knew she was such a weakling?! I hardly touched her! You'd better cover for me!
Whatever the reason for Concubine Zhuang's sudden weakness, she has to be taken to see the Imperial Physician immediately.
Even as the Noble Consort is considering how best to cover up her mistake, the Emperor appears on the heels of one of Concubine Zhuang's maids.
Emperor: [Critically] Still a slave to your temper, I see my Lady.
Noble Consort: Concubine Zhuang;s impertinence could not be borne! I was teaching her a lesson! I had no idea she was so delicate! I will be more careful in future!
The Noble Consort raises her chin defiantly. The Emperor looks ready to unleash a stream of invective, when the Physician turns around quickly, all smiles.
Imperial Physician: Wonderful news, Majesty! Concubine Zhuang is expecting!
You quickly turn to look at the prostate concubine. Your eyes meet. She seems amused almost victorious.
The Emperor stares at the doctor, god smacked, while and angry scowl spreads across the Noble Consort's features.
Emperor: [Astonished] Truly?
The Physician confirms his diagnosis and the Emperor cannot hide his delight. He moves next to the bed and takes Concubine Zhuang's hand in his own.
Concubine Zhuang: [On the verge of tears] It's all my fault. I provoked the Noble Consort and your child almost paid for my mistake. I'll be more careful in future, Your Majesty.
Her words were no doubt to draw the Emperor's attention to the Noble Consort's earlier outburst. They had the desired effect.
Emperor: Noble Consort, you could have killed my heir! How could you be so reckless! And unrepentant! Go back to your quarters and reflect your actions. Do not leave without my permission!
Noble Consort: [Looking at you desperately] You! Tell him it wasn't my fault! It was an accident!
The Noble Consort pleads with the Emperor but he remains completely unmoved and orders her back to her quarters. Watching the scene unfold, you think you finally understand the sudden change in Concubine Zhuang's demeanor. She has a secret weapon now.
Concubine Zhuang: [Glancing at you] Thank you for speaking up for me today, my Lady.
Suddenly everyone's eyes are on you. You react quickly though, sighing out loud and answering in a steady voice.
Xiu Ying: The Noble Consort has a short fuse and does not hide her displeasure. Anyone would have done what I did.
You choose your words carefully to convey to Concubine Zhuang that although Noble Consort might have been in the wrong, she is not completely blameless either. Concubine Zhuang watches you for a moment, then turns her attention back to the Emperor. To your relief Concubine Zhuang does not pursue the matter. You make you excuses and take your leave.
Soon after returning to the Phoenix Hall you receive word Concubine Zhuang has been promoted to the station of Consort. It stands to reason. After all, no concubines have fallen pregnant in three years. Naturally the Emperor will be very pleased.
Xiu Ying: (What I don't understand is why Concubine Zhuang would deliberately go and provoke the Noble Consort, knowing she was pregnant)
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