Story of Consort Xi

Chapter 6: Crisis

On one of the coldest days in the year, dripping water turned into ice. Yet the Eastern Palace [1] was warm and cosy, just like Spring time, which came from the burning of charcoal. Surrounded by the warm drowsy scent of perfume, the Crown Princess Shi Xiu Yu was lying on a chaise lounge chair, with two maids gently massaging her legs on each side. The entire hall was tranquil and silent.

Some moments later, the curtain at the doorway was pulled open. A maid in her forties entered the room. She waved her hand silently at the two maids, signalling them to leave. She then took over the job of massaging.

"How did it go? Did you manage to find out where the Crown Prince went these past few days?" Crown Princess Shi asked without opening her eyes.

"In response to Your Highness' questions, your humble servant has already inquired about it. The Crown Prince has been going to see a prostitute in Ning Yue Brothel recently. It seems that His Highness may be considering to redeem the prostitute." The maid Ying Xiang replied cautiously.

"How dare he!" Crown Princess Shi opened her eyes, slamming her hand on the handle of the chaise lounge chair in intense anger.

"Your Highness, be careful of your hand!" Maid Ying Xiang quickly attempted to appease the Crown Princess. "His Highness is merely acting, he does not truly like her. His Highness only has you in his heart, as can be seen from the lack of concubines even after all these years."

"Hmph, you do not need to speak up for him. I know of his personality and character well." Despite saying so, the icy expression on her face faded. With the support from Ying Xiang, Crown Princess Shi stood up and walked towards the hearth. She then scooped up some perfume powder with her long nails and gracefully sprinkled it over the fire. Instantly, the scent of perfume intensified.

"I wouldn't even bother about him if I wasn't worried that his indulgence in lust would be detrimental to his official imperial work. His Majesty hasn't been satisfied with his performance in the recent years, and yet he doesn't even know to tone down and exercise restraint." Making up her mind, Crown Princess Shi said: "Ying Xiang, banish the prostitute from the Capital. It will not do for his heart to be distracted."

Ying Xiang nodded: "Yes, my highness. Regarding the information that Your Highness instructed me to find out yesterday, I have asked Supervisor-maid Hong Ling of Zhong Cui Palace. Ling Zhu indeed has a daughter who entered the current Imperial Harem Selection. She is Ling Ruo, fifteen years of age. Your humble servant has secretly spied on her, she is very beautiful. But most importantly, she looks like somebody."

"Who?" Crown Princess Shi asked indifferently. However, her face drastically changed upon hearing Ying Xiang's reply. In shock, she exclaimed: "What? The late Empress Xiaochengren? [2]"

"Yes, your humble servant sees the shadow of the late Empress Xiaochengren in Ling Ruo. Despite having passed away over twenty years ago when your humble servant was still about fifteen years old, your humble servant will never forget the beauty of the late Empress Xiaochengren." Having served Noble Consort Rong in the Imperial Harem before, Crown Princess Shi did not doubt the words of Ying Xiang. Ying Xiang continued: "The late Empress Xiaochengren was the true love of His Majesty, and even after so many years His Majesty has never once forgotten about her. If His Majesty sees Niohuru Ling Ruo, not only will she be selected into the Imperial Harem, she may be quickly promoted to the rank of Concubine or even Consort."