According to the rules of the Royal Family, a child who had not even been named was not considered to have died young. Moreover, as an elder, she did not need to observe mourning even for adult Princes. The Empress Dowager’s anger was somewhat unreasonable.
After a while, the Empress Dowager also felt it was meaningless and just waved her hand.
"Let it be, let it be!"
As she spoke, she thought of something else and gave an order, "Take care of the Noble Consort when you have time... If the Imperial Son does not wish to visit, it’s fine. After all, she is from my Shih Family, and nobody can mistreat her!"
Sister Qing answered, "This servant has already arranged everything. Her food, drink, and expenses are just like before. No one dares to cheat her out of anything. It’s just that..."
"Just what?" the Empress Dowager asked.
Sister Qing frowned, showing some concern. "Empress Dowager, it’s not a solution for the Noble Consort to continue to be so despondent..."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager snorted coldly. "Despondent? If she is despondent, do you think I am feeling any better? Even the Empress knows to come and pay respects in a pretentious manner, but she doesn’t think to do so! Her son, wasn’t he also my grandson? How long has it been? Has she truly forgotten? Or does she genuinely believe that this old woman doesn’t need her respects?!"
Sister Qing was about to persuade her, but the Empress Dowager waved her hand. "Let it be, let it be! I know what you want to say! She is my niece after all, a junior. I had no intention of arguing with her!"
Having said that, she changed the subject. "Have you received any news about the matter I asked you to handle last time? What have they said?"
Sister Qing thought for a moment before speaking. "There’s news. They say there are several girls of suitable age in the clan, but I do not know which one the Empress Dowager has in mind."
The Empress Dowager thought for a moment and then instructed, "Choose someone lively. Also, have someone paint a portrait of each and send them over! We must take a look at their appearance!"
What’s the use of being lively if she’s not beautiful?!
"Yes!"
As soon as she finished speaking, a Little Eunuch came to announce, "The Emperor has arrived..."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager’s mood finally brightened a bit. Deep inside, she sighed: I have not raised him in vain!
She quickly instructed, "Quick, invite him in!"
Zhao Junyao was very filial indeed. Upon entering, he first performed the proper rites. After rising, he and his mother shared a moment of deep filial affection. After sitting with the Empress Dowager for a good while, Zhao Junyao finally got up to leave.
Sister Qing chuckled heartily. "The Emperor really does have a filial heart, coming to see you every now and then..."
The Empress Dowager’s expression seemed somewhat vacant as she said, "Ultimately, it’s still better to have a son!"
Sister Qing said no more.
「Meanwhile, at Noble Concubine Shih’s residence.」
Noble Concubine Shih had also vaguely heard that the Empress was holding a feast. She was so angry that she smashed a cup on the spot.
"That bitch, she’s doing it on purpose! She must be feeling so pleased with herself in her heart!"
Ying Yue quickly tried to console her. "Your Highness, your health is not yet recovered; it is most important for you to take good care of yourself! You must not get angry so easily again!"
Noble Concubine Shih gave a cold laugh but did not respond. Suddenly, she got up and leaned in front of the mirror. Through it, she caressed her haggard face. That face was no longer as tender, stunning, and charming as it once was. Now, she was pale and thin!
There will be another selection next year? There are truly many women in the Palace, an endless supply! The Empress! She must be very pleased with herself! Even without favor, she is still the Empress, holding power over The Six Palaces. With enough patience, she can afford to bide her time! But what about me? Without favor, it’s difficult for me even to see my cousin once! Not to mention the once bustling crowds of people who fawned over me, now long gone. Today, my residence is desolate, practically abandoned. Am I really to fall so low? Do I really have to spend my whole life being trampled underfoot? No!
"Ying Yue! Comb my hair!" As Noble Concubine Shih spoke, her gaze turned resolute, revealing a hint of determination. "Even if it means fighting, I will fight to the very end! I absolutely cannot sit idly by while that wench remains so pleased with herself!"
"Your Highness, where are you going? It’s cold outside!"
"Less nonsense!"
Ying Yue had no choice but to dress and apply makeup for Noble Concubine Shih. It was unknown how long it had been since she last wore makeup; the heavy powder could not hide her haggardness. The winter clothes sent by the Ministry of Internal Affairs were also tailored to her previous size. When Noble Concubine Shih put them on, they seemed baggy. The familiar powders and cosmetics, the usual dress sizes—now on her, they just looked oddly dreadful.
Seated in the soft palanquin, she looked at the snow-covered ground. Noble Concubine Shih suddenly felt as if she had stepped into another lifetime.
Unwittingly, it has been so long since the Imperial Son left... The feeling of him kicking and moving inside my womb was too vivid, almost as if it were only yesterday. A foolish child? Ha! I don’t believe it! Empress!
「At the plum garden pavilion.」
Inside the pavilion of the plum garden, a lively banquet was in full swing. Concubines were arranged on either side of the Empress according to their ranks. In the open space in front of the pavilion, dancers waved their feathered costumes, dancing gracefully. Delicious food and fine wine, laughter, and cheerful conversation filled the air.