Due to Xiao Jingheng's instructions,
Early next morning, Consort Hui moved out from Changle Palace.
Before leaving, she clung to Song Zhao reluctantly and said gloomily:
"Sister Song Zhao, can I still come to play with you in the future?"
"Of course." Song Zhao smiled gently, "I'm close with my younger sister, and I certainly hope my younger sister can come to my palace often."
Consort Hui then laughed merrily, "Alright! Sister Song Zhao treats me the best!"
The smile on Song Zhao's face lasted until Consort Hui's entourage left in the sedan chair, then it disappeared instantly.
Watching the magnificent parade, she seemed to have seen off the plague god and sighed lightly in relief.
Later when Song Zhao woke up from her nap, Xiaofuzi came to report that the rank and residence for the new concubines have been decided.
The ranks were jointly determined by Xiao Jingheng and the Empress Dowager, while the palaces were arranged by Consort Chen.
After Song Zhao took medicine to protect her pregnancy, Xiaofuzi recounted the details:
"In the past, Noble Consort Li's younger sister and Miss Tong were both granted the rank of Constant Attendant and moved to Zhaochun Palace to live with Consort Hui."
"Because of her low status, Kang, the daughter of Yingzhou prefect, was only granted the rank of Candidate and moved to Yaohua Palace to live with Consort Yao."
"As for Miss He, the daughter of the Minister of the Imperial Stud, she was also granted the rank of Constant Attendant and moved to... Zhongcui Palace."
"Zhongcui Palace?" Song Zhao raised her hand to interrupt Xiaofuzi, asking doubtfully: "After Consort Shu died, Zhongcui Palace has been vacant. Without a main consort, why move her there?"
Xiaofuzi said solemnly: "This is what I wanted to explain... Zhongcui Palace now has a new main consort - Ru Naren, the Mongol princess. She was favored by His Majesty and granted the rank of Concubine."
Song Zhao idly fiddled with a sprig of jasmine on her side, silent for a moment, then said:
"I thought she would at most be granted the rank of Noble Lady. Now it seems I have underestimated her. However, there is precedent for directly granting the concubine rank to new consorts when they enter the palace. We are currently on military campaigns expanding north and south. The Mongol tribes and Consort Ying's maternal Adarkhan tribe have contributed troops.
Although they are vassals, their status is similar to that of princes when it comes to appointments. Granting her the concubine rank is also to appease her maternal tribe."
Xiaofuzi also understood this reasoning, but he still resentfully said:
"But this makes Concubine Ru equal in rank with you, my lady. She is even more difficult to handle than Consort Chen. I fear she will also cause headaches."
Song Zhao smiled lightly, unconcerned: "Whether others give her face, she still has to have the ability to maintain her position. His Majesty favored her with the concubine rank, but whether she can sit firmly depends on her own competence."
Xiaofuzi said: "The new consorts will purify themselves and pray for good fortune in Jiaxue Pavilion tonight. The area is under curfew. Once the decree is issued tomorrow morning, the matter will be settled."
Song Zhao looked at him meaningfully, "Indeed. But aren't graves also dug at night? Wait and see how our Concubine Ru digs her own grave tonight."
Seeing the thriving jasmine in her hand with rich fragrance to cheer people, she asked:
"Have the jasmines I requested from the Bird and Flower Office arrived?"
"They have arrived, all excellent specimens."
Song Zhao nodded: "Then have Yunshan deliver them to Jiaxue Pavilion, congratulating their joy."
*
That night, in Rongyue's room at Jiaxue Pavilion.
Rongyue sat in front of the couch, letting Cai Ying carefully roll up her trouser legs.
Her calves were slender and fair, but bandages were wrapped around them.
Cai Ying unwrapped the gauze gently.
Beneath it were two unfinished long scars, looking like whip marks.
Cai Ying sprinkled gold sore medicine powder carefully on Rongyue's leg wounds. Her actions were already very gentle, but Rongyue still couldn't help sucking in her breath softly from the pain.
"Young miss, have I hurt you?"
Rongyue shook her head lightly without speaking.
Cai Ying's eyes instantly reddened, "The old master has never hit the young miss before. He was too harsh this time..."
"Don't cry." Rongyue stroked Cai Ying's head, forcing a smile, "It was me talking nonsense that angered father. He had to beat me awake."
The mistress and servant seemed to be avoiding something, not explaining clearly.
After Cai Ying dressed Rongyue's wounds and rebandaged them, she asked quietly:
"Earlier, the Yi Concubine sent a handwritten letter hidden in the jewelry box, inviting the young miss to meet tonight. But Jiaxue Pavilion is under curfew tonight for the new consorts' purification and prayers. If you go out privately, it would be offensive to imperial grace. Young miss...are you still going?"
Rongyue said coldly: "What does imperial grace have to do with me? I only know Tong and I were childhood sweethearts. After years of separation, I miss her dearly. The purification is over and the prayers have settled. I'll dress as a palace maid to go out unnoticed."
Thus, Cai Ying tried to dissuade her no more,
"Then I will dress up the young miss. The night is late and frosty. Go and return quickly."
At the same time, in Ru Naren's room, it was extremely lively now.
Knowing she was granted the concubine rank, the new consorts all crowded in after purification to fawn over her.
After everyone left, only Constant Attendant He remained.
Sharing Zhongcui Palace with Ru Naren and being lower in rank, she naturally needed to flatter more:
"Let me congratulate Sister Ru! Miss Tong comes from a prestigious family but only got the rank of Constant Attendant in the end. Sister gained the concubine rank directly - clearly showing His Majesty's high regard!
Tomorrow when the decree comes down, Sister will be one of the Six Concubines with such an honored status! We sisters all came tonight to celebrate Sister's joy, yet Miss Tong didn't come to see you?"
"Speaking of that wretch makes me furious!" The swelling on Ru Naren's face hadn't subsided yet. Covering her cheeks, she resentfully said: "If not for her, I wouldn't have been beaten by Consort Chen's servants!"
Constant Attendant He fawned: "Sister needn't tolerate her anymore. You're a concubine now, still afraid of a petty little Constant Attendant? Sister should assert your authority as the main consort and put Miss Tong in her place!"
Hearing this, Ru Naren straightened her back and smiled wantonly,
"Let's go then! See what that lame woman is up to!"
