Consort Shu

Chap 3: Entering the Palace

3. Entering the Palace

　　In the Liangyi Hall, Emperor Yongxu, Yuwen Xi, had finally finished going through the documents on his desk. A young eunuch entered with a mahogany tray, carrying wooden cards with the names of the concubines from the harem. The cards were used for the emperor to select his concubine to serve him in bed for the night.

Yuwen Xi glanced at the name cards and picked up the one belonging to Jiang Lingyi, who had recently gained his favor. He said, "Tonight's meal will be arranged at the JinHua Pavilion."

The eunuch bowed and hurried to deliver the message to Jiang Lingyi, informing her to prepare for the emperor's arrival.

Observing this, Jiang Xi thought that Jiang Lingyi's name card had been overturned for five consecutive days, which indicated that she was highly favored. There might be some restlessness in the palace tomorrow. In the past two weeks, some newly arrived masters hadn't even had the chance to meet the emperor. It was a pity for the newly appointed Consort Shu Niangniang who had not yet entered the palace; the emperor had asked about her briefly when he returned from the Shen family after announcing the imperial edict but hadn't mentioned her since.
(Addressing or referring to an empress or an imperial concubine)

"Jiang Xi, how is the preparation for the ChangLe Palace?" Emperor Yuwen Xi took a sip of the lotus seed soup and suddenly asked about ChangLe Palace.

"Replying to Your Majesty, Shanggong Bureau reported yesterday that ChangLe Palace has been prepared," Jiang Xi was shocked and quickly lowered his head to reply.
(An administrative office or bureau responsible for managing the affairs and activities of the palace's high-ranking consorts and concubines, including their daily schedules, accommodations, and various ceremonial events.)

　　Emperor Yuwen Xi nodded and said, "Go and inform the Empress. Since the Chang Le Palace is ready, let's choose a date to let the selected person enter the palace. It's been about a month, and if we don't proceed, it might stir up some troubles."

"Yes, this servant will go see the Empress now." Jiang Xi bowed respectfully and carefully retreated. After leaving the Liangyi Hall, he took out a handkerchief to wipe off the sweat from his forehead and squinted as he looked at the scorching sun outside. It was almost June, and the days were getting hotter.

When Shen Moyun received the order for her to enter the palace, it had been almost a month since the initial decree. As she looked at the gugu who had come to convey the Empress's message, a small smile appeared on Shen Moyun's face. She said, "It was hard on gugu. Jinsè, receive gugu and serve her tea."
(Form of address for senior maids; literally Aunt)

Jinsè nodded and approached the gugu, showing her respect with a bow, and then led her away.

As for Empress Xiao... Shen Moyun picked up a jade bracelet that was entirely green in color. It had been exactly a month since the decree was issued. Was this a stumbling block set by the Empress, or was it the Emperor's intention? Regardless of whose idea it was, it seemed that for the next year or two, she would have to obediently stay in the ChangLe Palace and lead a quiet life of her own.

　　"Miss, the sun is poisonous and hot today. Let's drink some sour plum soup to relieve the heat" Su Yue brought over a bowl of sour plum soup. The light green porcelain bowl was adorned with a brownish-red soup, looking very refreshing.

"Ok," Shen Moyun absentmindedly responded. She was still contemplating how to conduct herself after entering the palace. The Emperor was the monarch of the country, and he had seen countless beautiful women. To keep him visiting her room more often and to avoid being perceived as falling out of favor, she couldn't afford to neglect any details.