Story of Consort Xi

Chapter 9: Intolerable

Both Jing Ren Palace and Yong He Palace were situated in the eastern part of the Imperial Palace. Hence, Consort Yi arrived at Jing Ren Palace within a short period of time. Seeing the arrival of Consort Yi from afar, the eunuch guarding the entrance of Jing Ren Palace respectfully bowed: "Your humble servant sends his greetings to Your Highness Consort Yi. Peace be with Your Highness."

Disembarking from her sedan, Consort Yi and her group were led in by maid He Zhu, who was Noble Consort Rong's most trusted maid. Upon entering the palace, a gust of warm air welcomed the guests. As Noble Consort Rong disliked being overly extravagant, the entire Jing Ren Palace was decorated modestly and yet dignified.

Currently in her fifties, Noble Consort Rong was selected into the Imperial Harem on the ninth year under Emperor Kang Xi's rule. While she no longer possesses the beauty and appearance of a youth, age had deeply enhanced her aura of regal stature. Seated beside Noble Consort Rong, was Crown Princess Shi Xiu Yu.

Passing her hand warmer to maid Ji Qiu, Consort Yi gracefully curtsied and greeted: "Greetings to Your Highness Noble Consort Rong." Behind her, Gorolo Mu Yue and maid Ji Qiu also followed suit.

"I have said so many times that you do not have to be so formal. Quickly rise please." Noble Consort Rong waved her hand to signal her maids to bring in an extra chair for Consort Yi.

"The etiquettes of the palace must be adhered to. If not, others may accuse me of being rude." Consort Yi replied, before sitting down. Passing the white jade Guanyin statue, she then continued: "I have received a white jade Guanyin statue recently. Seeing that the jade quality and craftsmanship are top-notch, I purposely kept it for Your Highness. I know that you have been a devout Buddhist the past few years, and hence this statue is most suitable for you."

Upon receiving the statue, Noble Consort Rong's heart wavered at the sight of it, despite having seen many jewels and treasures. The entire statue was roughly 2 feet high, the white jade was bright and lustrous without any impurities. The craftsmanship on the statue was fine and exquisite. Although Royal Consort Rong initially rejected the gift, she quickly accepted it after some persuasion by Consort Yi.

"Xiu Yu sends her greetings to Your Highness Consort Yi." Crown Princess Shi stood up and curtsied. Smiling, she commented: "Is she a new maid from your palace? She possesses a beautiful face, and..."

"And?" Consort Yi questioned politely.

Frowning slightly in confusion, Crown Princess Shi continued: "I may have seen wrongly, but her facial features do resemble yourself slightly, Your Highness Consort Yi."

While Noble Consort Rong didn't pay attention initially, she quickly spotted the similarities upon hearing Crown Princess Shi. Could it be merely coincidence. However, the question was quickly answered when she spotted the tassel that adorned Gorolo Mu Yue. According to the rules, maids were not allowed to wear tassels. Suddenly, Noble Consort Rong recalled something and quickly guessed the identity: "You did not see wrongly, but you spoke wrongly. She is the younger sister of Consort Yi. How could she be a maid?"

Smiling, Consort Yi said: "It seems that nothing can be hidden from Your Highness. Mu Yue, come forward to greet Noble Consort Rong and Crown Princess Shi."

Gorolo Mu Yue obediently stepped forward and curtsied: "Mu Yue sends her greetings to Your Highness Noble Consort Rong and Your Highness Crown Princess Shi."

Waving her hand to signal Gorolo Mu Yue to rise, Noble Consort Rong said: "Such a beautiful lady, you do resemble the young Consort Yi. It seems like the Imperial Harem will possess one more Lady Gorolo."

From her words, Noble Consort Rong was hinting that Gorolo Mu Yue has a very high chance to be successfully selected. As the in-charge for the upcoming Imperial Harem Selection, Noble Consort Rong's predictions were highly accurate and dependable. Although she was highly pleased, Consort Yi did not reveal any signs of happiness. Instead, she gave a huge sigh and looked dejected.

"Why are you sighing? Do you not want Mu Yue to be successfully selected?" Noble Consort Rong asked curiously.

"How would that be possible?" Consort Yi said. Upon some prompting from Noble Consort Rong, Consort Yi repeated Mu Yue's story. Upon hearing the story, Crown Princess Shi laughed coldly, whereas Noble Consort Rong looked enraged: "Like father, like daughter. This Niohuru Ling Ruo is indeed audacious!"

"Hmm? Noble Consort Rong, you have also heard of this person?" Consort Yi feigned surprise.

"Your Highness Consort Yi may not be aware. Ling Ruo's father is under the same department as my father. Despite being a mere Lower Four ranking official, he is arrogant and has offended my father many times." Crown Princess Shi replied.

Hearing that, Consort Yi said: "Previously, the Niohuru clan was supported by the late Empress Xiaozhaoren and the late Noble Consort Wen. As such, they were proud and looked down on other clans. Although they have now fallen, they are still hoping to rise again once more." She turned her head towards the direction of Zhong Cui Palace meaningfully.

Despite possessing great composure, Noble Consort Rong still couldn't hide the look of wariness. She may not be threatened by a mere candidate, but she definitely couldn't ignore someone who looks so similar to the late Empress Xiaochengren. Everyone who had worked in the Imperial Palace during the early years under Emperor Kang Xi's rule, were aware of the position that Empress Xiaochengren holds in Emperor Kang Xi's heart.

This person. Must not be allowed into the Harem.

"Indeed." Noble Consort Rong narrowed her eyes in agreement. Touching the intricate embroidery designs on her sleeve, she said: "Although I am in-charge of hosting the current Imperial Harem Selection, I do not have the power to reject candidates. Only His Majesty can do so. Do you all have any ideas?"

Consort Yi frowned lightly. She understood what Noble Consort Rong meant. This was the tricky part. Whether the candidate is chosen depends solely on the Emperor's will. Even as high-ranking concubines, they can only provide some slight opinions. Unless...

Just when Consort Yi was still thinking of ways to prevent Ling Ruo from appearing during the day of Selection, Crown Princess Shi suddenly stood up: "What if the candidate is no longer a virgin, or has already slept with others?"

"What do you mean?" Noble Consort Rong sat up. Both Noble Consort Rong and Consort Yi turned to look at Crown Princess Shi.

In response, Crown Princess Shi gave an evil smile.