The Beloved Imperial Consort

Chapter 108

Thirteenth year of Zhanghe, the first lunar day of the eighth month. The sixth prince Zhong Zheng Lin has established his residence outside of the palace. His advisors, subordinate officials and crew have all thus entered the records. At the same time, his private soldiers and residence guards have been installed into a military organisation. 

In the third quarter of an hour of Chen1, Zhong Zheng Lin was dressed in a black-edged court gown of an imperial prince that was embellished with a solemn jade-stoned belt. The top of his head was adorned with an official hat embellished with East pearls2. The sixth Highness wore a cold and stern expression, his figure tall and dashing. In the main hall of the prince’s residence, he performed an auspicious ritual3. Subsequently, he invited the incoming visitors who came to send congratulations to the feast.

The womenfolk was, on the other hand, entertained by He Lian principal consort. A tall stage was built in the inner yard, the atmosphere there bustling with noise and excitement.

On this occasion, not only did all the princes arrive, even members from three great duke and eight great marquise Houses came to express congratulations. Apart from Duke of An ,who was unconscious and bedridden, both Duke of Rong and Duke of Wei showed up in person.

He Lian Min Min sat eminently on the head seat. Her makeup was exquisite, appearance dignified and elegant. Right now, she was turned to the side and chatting with the old dowager of Duke of Rong’s house about the opera. 

When Mu Xi Yao arrived, she could be considered as the latest one. All the seats in the theatre were already occupied by distinguished guests who were engaged in lively conversations. 

“Little sister has come.” He Lian Min Min ordered people to serve tea and then continued to watch the opera with the old dowager next to her.

To be able to sit next to the sixth prince’s consort, the person was either the female member of the prince’s household or a woman with an official title. As soon as everyone saw Mu Xi Yao’s belly, they immediately knew who was the newcoming person. 

“Fourth-sister-in-law.” Mu Xi Yao greeted warmly. 

“Sister-in-law is heavy with pregnancy. No need for politesse. I’ve been saying, how come I didn’t see you today. Without you, this cheerful occasion seems to be less vivid.” The fourth princess consort pulled her to chat with her as affectionately as always. The cefeis and concubines following behind her all greeted her with a smile.

When He Lian Min Min turned her head, she discovered that many people over there were fawning over Mu Xi Yao. A displease appeared on her face. She, indeed, lacked conduct. She was outside, yet she didn’t follow precedence. Which cefei dared to act so brazenly, being more fawned on than the actual principal consort? 

“Is she the Mu’shi?” The old dowager frowned. As soon as she saw that woman’s coquettish appearance she immediately knew that she was no good. She was pregnant with a child, yet not only wouldn’t she rest in her chamber, she would even join the lively group and have people curry favor with her. One simply couldn’t bear to watch her. 

“She is Mu cefei. Right now, she is in the eighth-month pregnancy.” As a mistress of the household, it was not appropriate for He Lian Min Min to directly state her standing. She discussed her only briefly so that the other person would judge that woman’s behaviour by herself.

It was well known in Great Wei that old dowager of Duke of Rong’s House loathed concubines. Now that she had met the immensely favored cefei of his sixth Highness, she couldn’t stand the sight of her. Seeing her strike water right and left4, she found her presence to be an eyesore. 

“Does cefei not know that an opera is taking place here and no form of noise is to be tolerated?” The old dowager criticised her sternly. She was a noble lady whose rank had been bestowed by the late Emperor. Her words were naturally full of confidence, showing Mu Xi Yao no kindness.