The Empress naturally wouldn't reprimand Concubine Xiao Zai,
Because Consort Chen arrived even later than her.
If she were to scold Concubine Xiao Zai, what would Consort Chen say?
So she could only endure it silently, but that doesn't mean she doesn't mind.
After Concubine Xiao Zai arrived, everyone waited for a while until Consort Chen arrived leisurely.
She perfunctorily greeted the Empress and took her seat. When she saw everyone's gaze fixed on her,
She rolled her eyes and covered her nose with a handkerchief, yawning lazily, and said,
"Weren't we supposed to discuss how to celebrate the Emperor's birthday? Are you all able to tell from staring at me like that?"
After being sarcastically challenged by her, the other concubines withdrew their gazes and, prompted by the Empress, each spoke about the programs or gifts they had prepared to celebrate Xiao Jingheng's birthday.
When it was Song Zhao's turn, she timidly said,
"Your servant has no exceptional skills, but I can play the pipa. I have been practicing diligently these past few days, hoping to perform a piece for the Emperor's birthday."
The Empress smiled and said, "Very well, the pipa has a clear and resonant tone, and it is also quite challenging to play. Among the harem, only Consort Chen, who is skilled in many things without being overwhelmed, has some knowledge. But she can't claim expertise either."
Consort Chen glanced at Song Zhao from the corner of her eye and sneered, "Then play well. I'm also looking forward to seeing your performance."
Then she turned to Xiao Zai and said, "Oh, Xiao Zai, you look really good today. I heard that your song yesterday deeply touched the Emperor's heart, and he was very pleased. When it comes to the Emperor's birthday banquet, why don't you also sing for us? Let the sisters have a glimpse of what kind of singing can make the Emperor take notice of you."
Consort Chen's words were filled with jealousy, and even Xiao Zai, who was not very clever, could sense the tone.
She immediately panicked and said, "This servant... I dare not. Consort Chen, please forgive me. It was a slip of the tongue, and it didn't mean that..."
When she became nervous, she became tongue-tied and couldn't articulate her words clearly.
Consort Chen didn't even look at her, allowing her to remain reserved in her presence.
The other concubines were all watching the spectacle with the mentality of enjoying the show, and no one was willing to mediate for Xiao Zai.
Just at that moment, the Empress cleared her throat and said,
"Consort Chen, we all heard the disrespectful implications in Xiao Zai's words towards the Emperor. It was an unintentional mistake. Please don't make things difficult for her."
Upon hearing this, Consort Chen glanced at the Empress, and then unexpectedly smiled and helped Xiao Zai to her feet.
"This palace was just teasing you. Why are you so scared? This palace admires your beautiful voice. When you have free time, will you teach this palace?"
Xiao Changzai finally breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly said, "Noble Consort, you are too kind. It is an honor for me if you appreciate my humble skills."
"Your words are truly sweet, no wonder the Emperor likes you. Since we've come this far in our conversation, why not take advantage of the opportunity? Are you free today?"
Xiao Changzai nodded repeatedly, "Of course, I am available."
Consort Chen said, "After bidding farewell to the Empress, accompany this palace back to the palace. I hope you can teach me well."
Everyone's gaze fell on Consort Chen and Xiao Changzai,
Only Song Zhao was looking at the Empress.
The Empress had a faint smile on her lips, and she appeared composed, but it gave Song Zhao a chilling feeling.
Although on the surface, the Empress was speaking up for Xiao Changzai, who didn't know about the conflict between Consort Chen and the Empress?
When the Empress advocated for Xiao Changzai, Consort Chen felt that the Empress was deliberately trying to win her over,
In Consort Chen's eyes, Xiao Changzai had taken away her favor last night, and today the Empress was extending an olive branch to Xiao Changzai. How could she tolerate Xiao Changzai?
The Empress's clever move of borrowing strength indeed worked wonders.
Later, when they finished paying their respects and dispersed, Xiao Changzai followed Consort Chen back to the palace.
On the way to Yonghe Palace, Xiao Changzai was still thinking:
Consort Chen had a considerable influence in the harem, and if she could win her favor, her future would be much brighter.
With this expectation in mind, when they arrived at Yonghe Palace, Consort Chen asked her to sing a sample.
Xiao Changzai sang the song "A Dream in the Garden" with a beautiful and melodious voice, showing great skill.
However, Consort Chen's mind was filled with the seductive image of Xiao Jingheng on the dragon bed last night.
So, before Xiao Changzai finished singing, she said, "Your performance is good, but it feels a bit off. Why don't you try singing louder with a higher pitch? Let this palace hear how it sounds."
Kunqu opera emphasizes a gentle and graceful melody, with a touch of melancholy. It's not about who has the loudest voice or the highest pitch.
Singing in such a strained and loud manner would only lose its charm.
But Consort Chen insisted on hearing it, so Xiao Changzai had no choice but to sing with a forced effort.
As she reached the high notes, it was evident that Xiao Changzai was already struggling, almost forcing her voice to sing.
Consort Chen applauded and said, "That's it, that's much better. Sing a few more times, and let this palace listen and learn."
At this moment, Xiao Changzai realized that Consort Chen was deliberately making things difficult for her,
But it was easy for her to enter Yonghe Palace, but not so simple to leave.
She could only obey Consort Chen's words and sing two more times, even though her voice was already exhausted, and even her speaking voice became hoarse.
"Consort Chen, cough... I'm feeling a bit exhausted. Can I..."
"You can sing all night for the Emperor, but you can't sing for this palace? Why? Are you unwilling to sing for this palace?"
Xiao Changzai quickly swallowed the second half of her sentence and rephrased,
"Concubine Xiao's throat feels uncomfortable. May I ask the Consort Chen for a glass of water?"
Consort Chen smiled and said, "Seems like I've been absent-minded. You've been singing for quite a while, yet I haven't even prepared a cup of clear water for you. Ying Xiang, quickly fetch some water for Concubine Xiao."
Ying Xiang swiftly handed a cup of water to Concubine Xiao.
However, Concubine Xiao noticed that the water was filled with ice cubes, and her fingers holding the cup felt extremely cold.
Seeing that she didn't drink, Consort Chen asked, "Didn't you say you wanted water from me? Why aren't you drinking?"
Concubine Xiao's eyes turned red with bitterness, but reluctantly she finished the cup of icy water in one gulp.
Consort Chen then smirked and yawned, saying,
"I'm feeling a bit tired. I'll go rest for a while. Ying Xiang, you'll be in charge of attending to Concubine Xiao. Let her sing for another two hours, and once she becomes proficient, she can then teach me."
As Ying Xiang accompanied Consort Chen back to the sleeping quarters, she deliberately raised her voice when passing by Concubine Xiao, saying,
"Rest assured, Your Highness. I will take good care of Concubine Xiao!"
