The Job of an Imperial Concubine

Chapter 9: Soft Knife (软刀子)

The ground was littered with petals. The sky lit in twilight, Gao Dezhong lowered his head in silence. He watched as the last rays of the sun fell upon the emperor’s form, his shadow dragging longer and longer. The light grew dimmer by the second, a sense of melancholy upon its wake. 

“Your Majesty… The sky is darkening,” Gao Dezhong softly said, stepping forward.

Feng Jin turned his head. Glanced at him. Saw that the eunuch was peering up with his head lowered. “We remember back when Noble Consort Wei stood as the most favored imperial concubine in the last generation. Although We were of the legitimate line, in the imperial harem We still had to yield to her son, Our Second Imperial Elder Brother.” 

The moment Gao Dezhong heard these words, he dropped his head even lower. He had attended to the current emperor early on, and as such, understood the darker elements of the imperial harem. He knew what methods Noble Consort Wei used to grasp the wholehearted affections of the prior emperor. Yet it was unfortunate that…

Feng Jin shifted his gaze to the lotus pond. Back then, his Second Imperial Elder Brother shoved him into this very pond. After that, he suffered from a serious illness. But his Second Imperial Elder Brother had only been punished to copying ten sets of Buddhist scriptures. What a pity that this Noble Consort Wei only cared about power. In the end, she was bestowed three feet of white silk. Even this previously beloved second brother received the emperor’s hate.

Before his Imperial Father passed away, he had said that the women in the imperial harem did not love wholeheartedly. Feng Jin found it laughable. If one didn’t truly know a person, how could one hope that the other party would truly love them? That said, Feng Jin had always felt that his Imperial Mother’s love for his Imperial Father was legitimate. However, after the latter’s death, the former became the imperial harem’s most noble empress dowager, and did not seem sad about the death at all.

Because of his past experiences, never had Feng Jin hoped to truly hold the hearts of any of his imperial concubines. He also did not see true love as anything of value. There were too many beauties in the imperial harem. Whoever attended to him well would be favored a bit more. 

For this reason, when he heard Imperial Concubine Zhao’s words earlier this day, his heart trembled in surprise and an emotion he could not put into words.

In his youth, his Imperial Mother had once informed him indifferently the tricks the women in the imperial harem used to compete for favor. They were not necessarily for the emperor’s love, but rather the power. Only foolish women would give their hearts to the emperor. And said foolish women would not last long.

He no longer remembered how Imperial Concubine Zhao looked when she first entered the palace. But currently, it seemed like she was one of the imperial harem’s foolish women.

“Tonight have Taoyu Pavilion prepare for Our arrival,” Feng Jin slowly said, plucking a pear blossom from a tree. He played with it, twirling it in his fingers, the white petals tumbling to the ground.

✿

“Master Imperial Concubine Zhao, His Majesty will arrive tonight,” said a messenger eunuch after paying respects, a smile on his lips.

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“Thank you for coming this far.” Yunxi placed a pouch of silver into the messenger eunuch’s hands, before speaking pleasantries.

The messenger eunuch had the notion that the emperor favored this up and coming Imperial Concubine Zhao. After saying a few more pleasant words, he left. Once outside of the residence, he looked over his shoulder to the sign of Taoyu Pavilion, the sun having completely set. Who would have thought that the master of this place would rise from the ashes?

“Master,” Tingzhu said as she carried a tea kettle over to Zhuang Laoyan sitting by a mirror. She placed the kettle on the side of the table. She walked forward. “It’s getting late. This slave will help you bathe and change clothes.”

Zhuang Laoyan pulled up the little hairs clinging to her forehead. After seeing her beautiful features reflected upon the mirror, she said, “Go and prepare.”

Tingzhu glanced at her worriedly. Saw that her expression was as calm as the still waters of a lake. She retreated without a sound and instructed the other servants to prepare.

Once Feng Jin’s procession stopped before Taoyu Pavilion, he could make out a figure standing at the front of the courtyard.

Flickering in and out of sight like a moon veiled by sheer clouds, drifting along like falling snow amongst the returning wind.¹

Underneath the lanterns stood a beauty in a blouse and wrap-around skirt the color of the moon, resembling a willow swaying in the wind. Her hair was let down loosely on her shoulders. The lantern in her hands rocked in the breeze.

As the wind picked up deeper into the night, the ends of her skirt and sleeves billowed. So did those dark locks, framing her face like a curtain. Feng Jin hopped off his palanquin. Reached out for Zhuang Laoyan’s hand. “A charming gaze turns one’s way; after a glance of the most talented writing, one will forget the sufferings of the world². However, these few lines of poetry cannot do beloved concubine justice.”

Once Zhuang Laoyan heard these words, she lowered her head slightly, the corners of her lips tilting upward. Her cheeks flushed a delicious pink. “Is Your Majesty being serious or just teasing this concubine?”

“Of course We are speaking from the heart,” said Feng Jin, personally receiving the lantern from Zhuang Laoyan’s hand instead of ordering a servant for this task. One hand held Zhuang Laoyan’s own; one hand held the lantern as they walked into the main chamber. Her hand felt warm and soft, an incredibly comfortable sensation. He recalled what she had said in the afternoon and spoke more gently than usual. “The night is cold. Why did beloved concubine wait outside?”

“Your Majesty is this concubine’s husband. This concubine did not want His Majesty to arrive to the sight of a few cold and quiet red lanterns.” Zhuang Laoyan’s voice gradually softened. “This concubine also wanted to wait for Your Majesty to return.”

Once Gao Dezhong, who was behind them, heard this, he gradually slowed down his pace. The words Imperial Concubine Zhao had said were already breaking protocol. She was only a low-ranked imperial concubine. She could not use the word “return” when speaking about the emperor. However, the emperor did not seem to mind. As a servant, Gao Dezhong could only pretend to be deaf in this situation.

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While slowing his pace, Gao Dezhong sneakily peeked at the two figures in front of him. And he saw the emperor supporting Imperial Concubine Zhao over the sill. She smiled at him.

If one were to say Noble Imperial Concubine Yan could doom the whole empire with a smile, then Imperial Concubine Zhao’s smile was full of true love. Gao Dezhong remembered the words this evening that he should not have heard, suddenly feeling pity toward her. 

In the imperial harem, what could be more pitiful than a woman wholeheartedly loving someone?

Gao Dezhong followed them until he was right outside the main chamber. He helped them shut the doors and retreated a few paces, standing guard outside on the stone steps. He gazed at the red lanterns hanging high above. Although these lanterns signifying the emperor’s arrival were hung in Taoyu Pavilion, who knew when he would fancy someone else?

Zhuang Laoyan followed the emperor to bed and sat down. Seeing his gentle expression, she knew this: he did not mind her acting as if they were a normal married couple, that he was her normal husband. She relaxed in her heart. The risky path that she had taken bore fruit. If she were able to return to her original world, she would definitely write a book titled “72 Tricks to Capture Someone’s Heart,” a number one seller. Unfortunately, a transmigration usually occurred as a one-way trip. The ones who could return were few, much less a person who worked for a company that produced a bad product.  

“What’s on your mind? Just now you said you were waiting for Us to return, and now you are silent,” said Feng Jin in a gentle voice. “Now that We have arrived, We do not wish for you to keep quiet.”

“How does Your Majesty know what this concubine is thinking?” Zhuang Laoyan pulled at his sleeves in agitation. “That Your Majesty has come makes this concubine’s heart beat with joy. It’s just that previously this concubine had misspoken and feels upset.” 

After hearing this, Feng Jin paused. Then a smile graced his lips. “We are your husband. For what reason must you feel discomfort to say you will wait for Our return?” 

The hand grasping his robes trembled. The tremble seemed to enter his heart, and his heart suddenly went one beat out of rhythm. He saw in Imperial Concubine Zhao’s eyes the joy and excitement she tried to hide. Feng Jin’s hand had already arrived at her soft head, giving it a soft pat.

If one was unaware that love did not arrive, one would not be in pain. She’s just a foolish woman who was wholeheartedly in love and lying to herself. After giving her a few scraps of favor, her heart will fall into the palm of his hands.

Perhaps it’s because he knew how much the woman in his arms loved him, or perhaps it’s because the body of the woman in his arms felt so soft and delicious, whatever the reason, Feng Jin was wholly satisfied throughout the night. The woman in his arms was already deep in the land of slumber, a hand unknowingly laying on his chest.

According to protocol, if the imperial concubine attending to the emperor performed well she would be allowed to literally sleep with the emperor for one night. Her sleeping position should be proper and in line with the palace rules. However, this Imperial Concubine Zhao actually slept with her body covering the emperor. She didn’t follow protocol at all.

Still, a smile grew on Feng Jin’s lips. In the privacy of their chambers, no one else would be privy of any broken rules. He also didn’t mind her action. The other imperial concubines were a different story though. Fortunately, they did not emulate this behavior. For this reason, Feng Jin let her do as she pleased. 

Who said that the emperor would have such patience? Zhuang Laoyan found this emperor full of energy. When she woke up in the morning, she saw that Emperor Chengxuan had already worn his official robes. She squinted, her gaze converging on that man. Thank goodness for his handsome looks. Otherwise, her mood would not be as pleasant.

Feng Jin looked over his shoulder at the bed. Saw the infatuated gaze of Zhuang Laoyan. He approached the bed and sat down. “Beloved concubine is awake?”

“Your Majesty.” Zhuang Laoyan pretended to try to get up from bed. Then fell back down. She had predicted that he would come and help her rise from bed.

“Beloved concubine is exhausted from last night. You do not have to wake up to attend to me.” After these few words, he made to leave.

Who knew that the moment he rose to his feet, she would grab at his robes. He turned his head to look at her. Came in contact with her stare. He couldn’t help but ask, “Is beloved concubine feeling unwell?”

Then he saw Imperial Concubine Zhao retrieve a sachet from underneath her pillow. She placed it in his hand. “Your Majesty gifts this concubine many things. Everything that this concubine has belongs to Your Majesty. Only this sachet came from somewhere else, from a temple that this concubine had prayed in. The temple master said this sachet can keep one safe and give one luck. This concubine will give this to you.”

Upon the sachet, the character for fortune was sewed. Although the cloth of the pouch was of a decent quality, it could not compare to that of imperial goods. The small pouch was charming. Feng Jin slipped it into his  sleeve. “We understand beloved concubine’s feelings. We will now attend morning court. You should continue to rest.”

Once Feng Jin left Taoyu Pavilion and sat in his palanquin, he took out the sachet. Gazed at it for a moment. Then he slipped it back into his sleeve instead of hanging it by his waist.

Meanwhile, Zhuang Laoyan climbed into the wooden bathtub. After she let the palace maids massage her waist and shoulders, she slipped into a fresh set of clothes. She brought Tingzhu and Yunxi to Jingyang Palace, to pay respects to the empress.

The empress was a legitimate daughter of the Zhao family. For her to become the empress wasn’t due to the emperor’s love but rather the Zhao family’s power. Although the Zhao family was powerful, it wasn’t arrogant. As such, even though the emperor did not favor her all these years, he did not treat her coldly. The empress also managed the imperial harem well. 

However, Zhuang Laoyan felt that no matter how rule-abiding the Zhao family was, the emperor would still want to hold their power in his hands. As such Emperor Chengxuan might have some plans for this family. It was only a matter of time.

She waited for an eunuch to announce her before entering the main chamber of Jingyang Palace. Sitting inside were a few imperial concubines. In an honest manner, she approached the empress to pay respects. The empress did not make it hard for her. After she finished her salute, the empress pointed her to her seat.

“Younger sister Imperial Concubine is a bit late today.” Consort Rou’s voice was pleasant as always.

“This concubine has wronged. May Your Majesty, the empress bestow punishment,” said Zhuang Laoyan, rising to her feet, her eyes only on the empress.

Consort Rou’s expression slightly changed. Seeing that the empress didn’t seem upset, she glared at Zhuang Laoyan.

The empress’ smile could be described in one word: gentle. “There’s no need for that, Imperial Concubine Zhao. You worked hard attending to His Majesty yet still arrived to pay respects to this palace. Such a courteous individual.”

Noble Imperial Concubine Yan watched this show with a bright smile. She was also smiling in her heart, but this one was of a colder nature. In front of the empress, how would Consort Rou have a turn to speak? Imperial Concubine Zhao had slapped Consort Rou’s face hard.

“Your Majesty, the empress is benevolent and does not blame this concubine. This concubine is ashamed.” Zhuang Laoyan saluted once more to Consort Rou. “This concubine also thanks Consort Rou for the gift of imperial silk. The imperial silk’s pattern, A Thousand Layers of Weizi, almost seems alive.”

A Thousand Layers of Weizi pictured a famous breed of flower. It signified the most noble of things. Most imperial concubines could not use it, unless the emperor or empress bestowed it to them. For Consort Rou to gift it to Zhuang Laoyan was inappropriate. It begged the question of where she put the empress in her eyes.

As soon as Consort Rou heard those words, the mistake of her words struck her like thunder. One would fear she caused the empress anger.

“The palace silk His Majesty bestowed to Consort Rou has been generously given you. Now that you have it, take care of it well,” said the empress, smiling as she glanced at Consort Rou. “We are all sisters that attend to His Majesty. You too are qualified to use this palace silk.”

Consort Rou’s express stiffened. She rose to her feet and curtsied. “This concubine has lost manners. May the empress bestow punishment.”

“We all share sisterly bonds, so what is this about losing manners? Consort Rou, you are too careful.” The empress covered her smile with a handkerchief. “Hurry up and sit.”

Consort Rou sat down, pale as a ghost. She did not dare to speak again.

Zhuang Laoyan lowered her gaze. The empress was full of cunning. On the surface she said that she did not blame her, yet in reality she was warning Consort Rou. That no matter how favored she was, in the empress’ presence she was no different than the other imperial concubines. Because she was the empress, no one could step before her.

What a good soft knife. It could not kill, yet could cause a person to wish for death.

She looked at the pale Consort Rou, then at the other imperial concubines whose smiles did not change. Finally, Zhuang Laoyan retracted her gaze. 

The women in the imperial concealed their flaws to the utmost of their ability.

Whew. Feels nice to actually feel like editing for once. I’ve been reading my previous chapter translations, and boy do I need to work on “Englishing” some sentences (Some sentences sound awkwardly similar to their Chinese counterparts, making me cringe). I’ll fix them when I have time.

I find it so funny that Feng Jin thinks ZL is one of the “foolish women” who actually love the emperor. Also, who knew the Thousand Layer of Weizi silk would come back to bite Consort Rou in the ass?

Thank you chels from the Chrysanthemum Garden discord for helping me with that poem about the moon and snow!

Next release: Saturday September 7, 2019 at 12 pm EST.