Because Noble Consort Chen is currently in her confinement period, Emperor Song Zhao still insists on her "resting" in the palace. As the highest-ranked consort, Consort Song Zhao is expected to receive visits from the other consorts in her palace.
Usually, these visits follow a formal procedure, with little conversation exchanged before Consort Song Zhao dismisses them. However, today is different.
Upon seeing the consorts' arrival, Consort Song Zhao wears a smile that seems both genuine and insincere on her face.
After the initial greetings, Consort Yao can't help but speak up, her patience wearing thin. She asks, "Have you all heard about what happened last night?"
"Who hasn't?" Consort Yin chuckles. "The Yonghe Palace was in total chaos yesterday evening. Not only us, but even the two parrots that are always in the room must have known."
Consort Yun adds, "The Noble Consort found out that her child had died and she cried inconsolably. The Emperor comforted her throughout the night, and he even skipped the morning court session today..."
She hesitates for a moment, her voice filled with resentment, and adds, "It's the first time since his ascension to the throne that the Emperor has missed the morning court session because of a consort."
Consort Yin sneers, "So what? Just because the Emperor spent the night with her, does that mean her child will come back to life?"
Concubine He interjects, "The Emperor has also shown compassion to Noble Consort Chen. I heard that he promised to adopt Chenghuan as Noble Consort Chen's own son and formally recorded him in the jade registry. In the future, even though he won't be the Emperor's biological son, he will still be considered a son of Noble Consort Chen."
Upon hearing this, Consort Yin laughs even more disdainfully and challenges, "Do you want that child?"
Concubine He is momentarily at a loss for words, feeling awkward for a while before timidly responding, "I am merely a lowly concubine. How could I dare to imagine such good fortune..."
"Enough," Consort Song Zhao interrupts in a solemn tone, putting an end to their discussion. "The matter of the imperial heir is not something we can discuss. Let's not provoke the Emperor's anger."
With Consort Song Zhao's intervention, the others finally stop their gossiping. They exchange glances, unsure of what to say for a moment.
Just as Consort Song Zhao is about to dismiss them, Rongyue suddenly stands up and respectfully bows to her. She says, "May I inform Consort Yifei that my family has sent me some exquisite Xiyun incense? The production process for this incense is intricate and difficult to obtain. My family has sent me too much, and I can't possibly use it all. I thought of sharing it with my sisters here."
"Xiyun incense?" Consort Yun, who adores fragrance, is well aware of the rarity of this incense. She asks, "This incense can only be made by the 'Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion' in Jiangdu. Moreover, it's not even the time for this incense to be released. My family made a reservation with the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion for delivery in April. How is it that you have it before me?"
Rongyue explains with a smile, "It turns out that Consort Yun also patronizes the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion's products. It is truly my mother's great honor."
Rongyue bows again and says, "If you have any preferences, there is no need to trouble yourself. Just let me know, and I will make the arrangements for you."
"Oh?" Consort Yun smiled brightly and said, "In that case, thank you in advance."
As they spoke, Cai Ying had already presented Xi Yun Xiang.
The originally large block of scented paste was divided into many small pieces and placed in different-sized iron boxes according to the rank of the consorts, making it convenient to use.
Rongyue distributed the scented paste, and when she was about to give it to Song Zhao, Song Zhao said,
"Sister's intention is good, but for something used so intimately, it should be checked by the imperial physician first to ensure its safety before we can all use it with peace of mind. I'm going the extra mile here. I hope you won't mind, sister."
"The empress's words are reasonable. This concubine naturally doesn't mind."
Coincidentally, today was the day the imperial physician came to check Song Zhao's pulse for peace and security, and he was waiting in the side hall, making it convenient to call him over.
After the imperial physician carefully examined the scented paste and found no issues, Song Zhao smiled and said,
"Thanks to Tong Chang's thoughtful gesture. Take a whiff, everyone. This scented paste truly smells heavenly."
Consort Yun also said, "That's why it's a highly sought-after product from the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion. They only produce a limited quantity each year, and if you're late to place an order, you won't even get a taste of it."
Song Zhao said, "When it comes to using fragrance, no one in the palace knows more than Consort Yun. It's the same scented paste, but while Sister can make it last all day, I, as a fool, can't keep the scent for even half a day. I'm truly wasting a good thing."
Consort Yun felt quite pleased with the praise and said, "It depends on how you use it and where you apply it."
Consort Yao then said, "Why not let Consort Yun teach us?"
Consort Yun regarded this as her secret to gaining favor and naturally didn't want others to know. But Consort Yao's words caused a stir, and now everyone wanted Consort Yun to share her knowledge. Caught between a rock and a hard place, she reluctantly agreed, putting on a brave face.
"Alright, alright. Watch carefully, everyone. I'll demonstrate once, but don't bother me if you didn't see it clearly."
Consort Yun used a small amount of scented paste the size of a pea and warmed it with her fingertips before applying it to seven or eight different places, such as her wrists, behind her ears, in her hair, and on her dress.
Her movements were swift, as if she feared others would learn from her. It was dazzling to watch.
During this time, the other consorts didn't remain idle; they also took some scented paste and practiced along with her.
In the end, the entire Palace of Eternal Joy was filled with a fragrant aroma. The consorts all gained some insights and then gathered in groups of two or three to discuss and leave.
Later that night, when Song Zhao heard that Xiao Jingheng had returned to the Palace of Morning Sun from Noble Consort Chen's palace, she prepared a late-night meal to visit him.
Coincidentally, the curly red lilies she had carefully cultivated in the palace had bloomed.
She picked some with a strong fragrance and brought them along.
When she reached the gate of the Palace of Morning Sun, she happened to see Jiang Deshun pacing anxiously outside.
Song Zhao approached and asked, "What's the matter, Grand Tutor Jiang?"
"Oh! Divine Empress, you've come at just the right time!"
Jiang Deshun saw her as if she were a lifesaving bodhisattva and immediately poured out his grievances.
"The Emperor consoled the Noble Consort last night, and he has been by her side until now. The Noble Consort is overwhelmed with grief after the loss of her child. She cried herself to exhaustion and had to drink a sedative to fall asleep. However, the Emperor stayed up for a whole day and night because of this.
Now that he has returned, despite the court attendant's advice to rest, the Emperor refuses. He has a mountain of memorials piled up from the past two days, but he insists on handling state affairs before he can find peace of mind to rest. With the loss of the young prince and enduring a day and night without rest, even the strongest body could not bear it. Take a look at this..."
Song Zhao sighed and said, "As parents, how can one not be heartbroken when such an event occurs? The Emperor also wishes to immerse himself in state affairs temporarily to forget the sorrow. Your Excellency, please don't worry. I will go in first and try to persuade the Emperor."
