The Job of an Imperial Concubine

Chapter 23: Potted Plant (盆栽)

This chapter was sponsored entirely by Michelle S. Thanks a bunch! You’ve gotten me coffee for days!

In the imperial harem, what was more empty and dimly discernible than the emperor’s love? Ever since Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang had entered the palace, she had not been favored much. Occasionally, the emperor would visit her chambers. After facing the handsome emperor, she had found her heart moved. This emperor was the first and only man she ever had. Not to mention, he was so handsome. 

However, it’s been too long. Watching as this man frequented many other women, watching as he looked at her with impassive eyes, she slowly ceased those thoughts of love. Although living in the imperial harem in peace and safety could not be considered a grand life, it wasn’t as hard to endure as being thrown into the Cold Palace. The Jiang family had settled in Jiangnan for many generations. For this reason, the other imperial concubines had never treated her too poorly.  

Today, Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang saw from Chongyi Zhao’s eyes the love that she couldn’t conceal. And then realization struck her. She had thought that after the emperor had ignored Chongyi Zhao, the other woman grew smarter, rising from a wanyi to a chongyi in just one year. But looking at her now, in what way did Chongyi Zhao appear smart? In fact, she had fallen in love when she shouldn’t have.

Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang wanted to mock this woman for being stupid, feeling bitter inside. Still, toward this girl who was in the spring of her youth, she felt some pity. But when Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang recalled her own rank in the imperial harem, was she even in the position to spare pity for someone? She averted her gaze, no longer looking at the clasped hands of the emperor and Chongyi Zhao. Today, that hand warmed Chongyi Zhao’s own. But yesterday, whose hand did he held? Whose hand would he hold tomorrow?

Feng Jin did not have much of an impression on Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang. He only remembered that she was a woman of few words. The Jiang family was a scholarly family from Jiangnan for many generations. What a pity that Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang was inflexible, unable to thrive and accommodate the teachings of such a family. In fact, due to such teachings, she was as dull and boring as a block of wood. That said, one did not have to worry about this type of woman in the imperial harem. They usually wouldn’t cause trouble.

“Since We have coincidentally met with the two beloved concubines, why not come walk with Us?” Feng Jin released Zhuang Laoyan’s hand. Glanced at the garden. “We fear that if we wait and enjoy the scenery in a little while, it will be too hot outside.”

Zhuang Laoyan and Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang both performed the full ceremony before following him. Compared to Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang’s wooden and dull bearing, Zhuang Laoyan’s gaze seemed more lively. Like a colorful painting. As such, even a person as serene as Feng Jin would occasionally speak a few words to her as they walked.

“Those in the imperial palace are all fond of colorful flowers. However, We find these few cypresses strong and healthy,” said Feng Jin, pointing at some cypress trees nearby. “What are the two beloved concubines’ thoughts?”

“Upright with integrity, insusceptible to storms,” Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang respectfully said. “The leaves of the cypress trees are unchanging in hue through the seasons. In the eyes of the world, no other thing is better to represent Your Majesty. Your Majesty is even taller than the cypress, even more upright with integrity, even more insusceptible to storms.”

After hearing such words, Feng Jin nodded. He did not comment on that. He shifted his gaze to Zhuang Laoyan. Saw that she was deep in thought.  “Does beloved concubine not agree with Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang’s words?”

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“Naturally, Elder Sister Jiang’s words are reasonable. It’s just that this concubine did not think as deeply.” Zhuang Laoyan revealed a shy smile. She pointed the the shadows beneath a cypress tree. “In the summer, the shade will certainly feel refreshing and cool. In this concubine’s opinion, Your Majesty is a tree reaching toward the heavens, a girder holding up the heavens.” Then she pointed to the inconspicuous little flowers growing by the feet of the cypress trees. “This concubine is a little flower relying on the tree to survive. Perhaps it will never know the full extent of the cypress tree’s ability. However, it will still rely on the cypress to survive.”

When it came to men, what was more satisfying and rest-assuring than knowing that a woman depended on them for everything? After Feng Jin heard these words, he saw the shyness on Chongyi Zhao’s face. It seemed as though because of these comments, she felt embarrassed yet did not know how to take back those words. With a light smile, Chongyi Zhao said, “Emperors should resemble the cypress, but the cypress would not completely resemble the emperor.”

“This concubine has misspoken. May Your Majesty have forgiveness,” said Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang. Her face paled as she immediately knelt.

As soon as Zhuang Laoyan saw Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang’s expression, she wanted to kneel as well. However, she was blocked by Feng Jin’s hand. “Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang need not do this. What crime have you committed?” Although he was not too happy with her comment earlier, he was also not interested in her rule-abiding and dull appearance. After slowly saying a few words of assurance, he did not speak of this topic again.

Once Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang had heard the emperor refer to her as “Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang,” she bit her lip as she rose to her feet and moved to the side. Sunlight fell upon her face, making her cheeks feel as if they were burning in pain. 

Feng Jin changed his tone as he said to Zhuang Laoyan, “Since beloved concubine compared yourself to those flowers beneath the cypress, why don’t we check to see what kind of flower they are?”

Such words were clearly meant as flirting. On Zhuang Laoyan’s face was yet another shy smile. However in her heart, she strongly disdained the deep-rooted bad habits of men. Still, she only said, “For Your Majesty to say this is merely cherry picking. When did this concubine compare oneself to that specific flower? This concubine was only speaking in the general context of a flower relying on the cypress to survive.”    

Flowers would not bloom for long. Humans would not always experience good times. Although beautiful women were as lovely as flowers, there would come a time when they felt the bite of age. However, Zhuang Laoyan had a normal way of thinking. She wouldn’t think of herself as a flower, not to mention such a pitiful little flower.

The most important thing was that if the flowers under the cypress grew wilted and dry, her troubles would be great.

After a while, Zhuang Laoyan actually felt like slapping herself in the face. Why did I have to say that? Why had I forgotten that even the most respectable of men had such an indecent side?! 

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A group of people approached the inconspicuous flower. Zhuang Laoyan sighed. Although the flower could not compare to those shown in the empress’ flower appreciation event a few days ago, the pure white petals carrying a light golden edge, surrounded by green leaves, gave off an adorable, simple, and elegant air.   

“Your Majesty, this is Golden Edge June Snow,” explained Gao Dezhong as he came forward. “Some civilians grow this flower in pots. It’s weak against too much sun and strong winds. Doctors like to call this flower White Horse Bone. This slave is not skilled in medicine. However, this slave has heard that this flower aids in blood circulation to the liver and removes the body of excess heat. It can be considered a plant that has medicinal value.”

Feng Jin grunted in acknowledgment, nodding. He muttered, “Even so, bring this flower to Our palace. Although this flower is small, its simplicity and elegance brings people joy.”

“Yes,” Gao Dezhong quickly replied. “Today this slave will have the palace’s gardeners deal with this matter.”

“Be careful with it. Do not harm it.” Feng Jin turned to look at the blinding sun. He turned  to Zhuang Laoyan and Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang. “The sun is already high and bright in the sky. Beloved concubines should return.”

“This concubine will take her leave.” Zhuang Laoyan curtsied and glanced at the inconspicuous flower. Then she slowly retreated a few steps, turned around, and left.

After they were a distance away, Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang finally said, “Although June Snow likes places with shade, when it is under the cypress, it also struggles to survive. If it can live a bit more unrestrainedly, it would have a more magnificent bloom.” 

Zhuang Laoyan sent her a surprised look. Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang’s words surely were hard to listen to, but if one thought about it deeply, one would see there was no malicious intent behind them. Rather, they held the intention of giving her advice.  Whether it was sincere or not was anyone’s guess, and Zhuang Laoyan herself could not determine it. For this reason, she said, “Perhaps the June Snow is extremely fond of being under the cypress tree. You and I are not the June Snow, so how could we know whether it feels comfortable there?”

“Younger Sister’s words are correct.” Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang’s tone carried a different meaning. She studied Zhuang Laoyan. Such a young and pretty girl. Her eyes did not resemble her own at all, the latter having been rid of their shine by the imperial harem long ago. “If one could live comfortably and happily for the rest of one’s life, it would be the best.” As a woman who had never received favor in the imperial harem, she did not feel hate or jealousy toward Chongyi Zhao. It’s just that she found it a pity that such a vivacious woman gave her heart to the wrong person.

Once the two reached Taoyu Pavilion, Zhuang Laoyan invited Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang inside for some tea. After she politely refused, Zhuang Laoyan did not press the matter, finding a seat on her couch. Feeling dizzy, she had Fubao summon an Imperial Physician.

Once the Imperial Academy of Medicine heard that the favored Chongyi Zhao wanted her pulse taken, no one dared to dally. They sent the capable Imperial Physician Tong to examine Chongyi Zhao.

Imperial Physician Tong was over forty years old. He took her pulse over a handkerchief. Instantly, he knew this Chongyi Zhao was fine. However, he could not just say this. He could only place the blame on the hot weather and advise her to rest well.

“Imperial Physician Tong’s words put me at ease.“ Then Zhuang Laoyan pretended to inadvertently say, “Today, I heard Elder Sister Imperial Concubine Wang fell ill. Is it serious?”

How would Imperial Physician Tong know a little Imperial Concubine Wang’s illness? But after hearing Zhuang Laoyan’s inquiry, he said, “This official did not take Master Wang’s pulse. As such, this official does not know. May Master Zhao forgive this official.” 

“Imperial Physician Tong is too serious. I am aware that the Imperial Academy of Medicine is often busy.” Zhuang Laoyan gestured for him to rise. Then she rewarded him. “It’s just that we share sisterly affections, so I am worried for her. May I bother Imperial Physician Tong to check her pulse once more?”

“The masters’ health is this official’s responsibility. How could we dare to accept the word ‘bother?’” Imperial Physician Tong understood immediately. Chongyi Zhao wanted the Imperial Academy of Medicine to quickly heal Imperial Concubine Wang.

After Imperial Physician Tong went to Imperial Concubine Wang and Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang’s shared residence, Jingyu Pavilion, Tingzhu carried an ice bowl treat over. “The people in the imperial palace all worship those at the top and step on those at the bottom.”

“Who wouldn’t be like that?” Zhuang Laoyan smiled. Worshipping the top and stepping on the bottom was what normal people did. Today she helped Imperial Concubine Wang merely to pay back the good intentions behind Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang’s prior words.

While the women of scholarly families were good, they were not well-suited for the imperial palace. Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang’s words of advice were meant only for Zhuang Laoyan. 

However, everything had a cause and effect. If it were someone else, they might not have received Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang’s advice. 

In Jinyu Pavilion, Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang sat on Imperial Concubine Wang’s bedside to chat. Then a palace maid rushed in, a happy expression on her face.  

“Master, the Imperial Academy of Medicine’s Imperial Physician Tong is requesting for entry.”

“Did you just say the highly-talented Imperial Physician Tong?” Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang looked at the palace maid in shock. Currently it wasn’t yet time for the regular checkup. Even if it were, this imperial physician would not have been assigned here.

“This slave heard that after Imperial Physician Tong checked Chongyi Zhao’s pulse, he came directly to our Jinyu Pavilion,” said the palace maid in a well-behaved manner.

“Why would that person from Taoyu Pavilion help me?” Imperial Concubine Wang coughed. She sat up from bed, confused. She leaned against the bed and breathed heavily. “Big Sister, do you know why?”

“Let’s not think about the reason. It’s better to heal your illness first.” Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang reassuredly looked at her. After the palace maid escorted the imperial physician inside, she said, “You don’t have to worry.”

Imperial Concubine Wang sighed. She closed her eyes to regain her energy. She and Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang were both people who did not receive much favor. Today, they did not care what intention Chongyi Zhao had to help them. If it weren’t for her assistance, she did not know how far the illness would progress. In fact, she was too afraid to even imagine it.

Once Imperial Physician Tong arrived at the inner chamber, Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang noticed he was courteous. He was also very careful as he examined Imperial Concubine Wang’s pulse. And the two solidified their assumption that it was Chongyi Zhao who had told him to carefully examine her. Virtuous Imperial Concubine Jiang recalled the gaze Chongyi Zhao had toward the emperor, and the words of advice she had told Chongyi Zhao. A light sigh escaped her lips. She was uncertain if those words were meant for herself and Imperial Concubine Wang or for Chongyi Zhao.

Outside Qianzheng Palace, during the hottest part of the day, the General Manager of eunuchs Gao Dezhong led an eunuch carrying a potted plant, rushing inside. Once they had arrived, he sighed in relief. He adjusted his clothes, entered the main hall and softly said, “Your Majesty, the Golden Edge June Snow has been safely secured into a pot. Where should it be placed?” If it were another potted plant, he would not have asked this question. However, this one seemed different from the rest.

Feng Jin, who was going through memorials and proposals, looked up. Gazed at the June Snow in a pot held carefully to a eunuch’s chest. He scanned the surrounding area and pointed to the bonsai tree on the shelf reserved for flowers and plants. “Place it next to the bonsai tree.”

“Understood.” Gao Dezhong glanced at the bonsai tree, taking much care in placing the potted flower beside it.

Afterward, as Gao Dezhong and the gardener eunuch walked backwards to the door and turned around, he glanced at the Golden Edge June Snow and the bonsai tree. He lowered his head even more and left.

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The author has something to say:

The first chapter of today is up. I’ll try my best to release the second chapter at 12.  Hehe ~=3=

Translator’s notes:

My goodness Feng Jin… He’s placing the June Snow flower next to the bonsai tree because ZL said the tree represented him and the flower represented her… Is that the hint he’s becoming whipped?

Anyway, this will be the last sponsored chapter. From now on, if you want access to advanced chapters, you can get it on my Patreon once December 1st rolls along. My Ko-fi and Paypal will only be for general donations.

Edit 9/22/21:

With a light smile, Chongyi Zhao said, “Emperors should resemble the cypress, but the cypress would not completely resemble the emperor.”

Changed this from FJ saying it. I misinterpreted the speaker, sorry!