Chapter 25: The Noble Consort

As Di Jiang listened to the music, she unconsciously moved closer to Wu Rui’an and smiled faintly. “Isn’t Lord Jiang very talented?”

“A man who can play the zither so well... but you? You have a fine instrument in your hands yet don’t know how to play it. I’m embarrassed for you.” Wu Rui’an, emboldened by the alcohol, rolled his eyes at her.

Di Jiang was momentarily stunned, nearly losing her temper.

But Wu Rui’an wasn’t done with her yet. He continued, “I’m curious whether Master Di knows anything about women’s work? Or do you only diagnose illnesses and swindle money?”

“You already know?” Di Jiang exclaimed in surprise.

“I know everything,” Wu Rui’an said mysteriously, smiling. “You deceive and swindle with such a straight face that it’s truly amazing. Even I am impressed.”

“Who said I only deceive and swindle? Does Your Highness think diagnosing illnesses is easy?” Di Jiang angrily retorted. “Every medical text I’ve read is as thick as a city wall. Stacked together, they could fill dozens of rooms. I memorize them day and night, practicing what I preach. Do you think I only talk nonsense or sell fake medicine?”

“I never said you sold fake medicine… you admitted it yourself.” Wu Rui’an shrugged, feigning innocence.

“...” Di Jiang was furious but found herself unable to refute him, sighing that Wu Rui’an seemed like a changed person.

Previously, he had been extremely respectful to her, but now he was exposing her in front of others, which made her quite angry.

After playing three pieces, Jiang Qionglin heard the sound of the first watch: “Big ghosts and little ghosts sit in rows, all is safe—”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Qionglin stopped playing and said, “It’s late tonight. There are official duties to attend to early tomorrow. I shall take my leave.”

Jiang Qionglin was currently in favor with Empress Chen Zhao, and both Di Jiang and Wu Rui’an understood, so they didn’t try to detain him.

He packed up the Lingering Melody zither. Before leaving, he earnestly said, “Your Royal Highness, you fought hard to achieve great military feats and were bestowed the title of Divine Protection General by Her Majesty. Are you content to stay away from court and drown your sorrows in the marketplace every day?”

“What are military feats?” Wu Rui’an didn’t even raise an eyelid, waving his hand dismissively. “This time, defeating the Turks wasn’t solely my achievement. The position of Divine Protection General should belong to every soldier who fought alongside me on the battlefield.”

“Better not speak of titles and honors; a general’s success is built on countless bones,” Jiang Qionglin nodded approvingly. “Your Highness showing concern for your subordinates makes me look at you with new respect.”

“What about you?” Wu Rui’an suddenly looked up and calmly asked, “Why did you take the imperial examination? If I’m not mistaken… you were of slave status. You went to great lengths to participate in the examination and won the top honor. Wasn’t there some ulterior motive?”

Jiang Qionglin’s expression darkened. Shaking his head, he said, “I didn’t take the top scholar title to gain fame or become an official.”

“Then why?” Wu Rui’an asked.

“Do you, Your Royal Highness, ever feel an obsession with something?” Jiang Qionglin looked down, his thoughts drifting.

At this moment, both Wu Rui’an and Di Jiang were silent, quietly waiting for him to continue.

After a long while, he seemed to gather his courage and softly said, “My name was given by my father. Qionglin refers to the Qionglin Banquet.”

“My father was an official under the Salt Transport Commissioner. He was the third-place winner in an imperial examination over thirty years ago. Later, he married the eldest daughter of the Kong family, a scholarly family from Jiangnan, who became my mother.”

“My father considered himself highly talented, an unparalleled genius. From a young age, I was influenced by this and aimed for the imperial examination to win the top honor, compensating for my father’s regret of not becoming the top scholar.”

“So why...” Di Jiang showed pity, wanting to speak but hesitating.

“Later, a fire broke out in Jiangnan, burning half the granary. My mother died saving me in the fire. That night, my father also died trying to save others. And I... I survived with the mark of a slave, being sold off.”

Jiang Qionglin, once a noble son, fell into disgrace, subjected to humiliation. But he couldn’t die to clear his name because he owed his mother’s life.

Transitioning from luxury to frugality is difficult. Such an experience might be harder than living in poverty from the start.

“I’m sorry...” Wu Rui’an sighed deeply, finding himself momentarily at a loss for comforting words.

“It’s all in the past,” Jiang Qionglin shook his head and smiled faintly. “Speaking it out somehow feels better.”

Wu Rui’an put down the wine bottle and turned to look at him. He saw an indescribable haze shrouding Jiang Qionglin’s perfect profile—a subtle melancholy, an inherent sadness.

He finally understood where this melancholy came from.

No one is born unhappy. People are naturally joyful at birth. He had enjoyed half his life, playing around, only to discover that there were many who worked hard and strove for their future.

Yet these people always seemed to escape fate’s mockery.

Wu Rui’an cleared his throat, and both turned to look at him. He raised his wrist and toasted a cup of wine to Jiang Qionglin.

Jiang Qionglin didn’t hesitate, picking up the wine cup on the table and drinking it all in one gulp.

Wu Rui’an did the same.

Seeing this, Di Jiang was delighted. Perhaps this was what was meant by resolving past grievances over a cup of wine, with host and guest thoroughly enjoying themselves?

“Official, I take my leave.” Jiang Qionglin said.

“Good journey.” Wu Rui’an smirked slightly and smiled.

...

After leaving Jian Su Medical Hall, Jiang Qionglin encountered patrolling guards. Due to his investigations these days, he had a pass allowing unrestricted movement, so the guards didn’t stop him.

Upon returning to the Jiang residence, the steward immediately greeted him: “Master, you’re finally back! The palace has sent people several times, saying Her Majesty urgently summons you to the palace immediately.”

“Really?” Jiang Qionglin was surprised.

“Absolutely true!” the steward confirmed. “Please hurry, or they’ll come again.”

Hearing this, Jiang Qionglin didn’t delay and headed straight to the palace.

His token, personally granted by Empress Chen, allowed him unrestricted access to the palace at any time. He quickly entered through the nearest Danfeng Gate.

Passing by the Ban Yue Palace, Jiang Qionglin walked under pavilions and towers, gazing at the distant dome of the Taiji Palace. He continued along the white jade railings, estimating he would reach the Qinzheng Hall of the Taiji Palace in about half an hour.

This was the first time Empress Chen had urgently summoned him in the middle of the night these past few days.

He quickened his pace, fearing he wouldn’t be there when she needed him.

He was confused about these feelings. Chen Zhao was the sovereign, yet he couldn’t help but fantasize about her. But it was only fantasy; he never forgot the insurmountable gap between them.

Still, he wanted to treat her well. At least when she needed him, he could offer some small assistance to repay her for promoting him.

Just then, a loud “splash—” shattered the palace’s tranquility. Jiang Qionglin felt a basin of cold water pour over him, soaking his hair, clothes, and shoes.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry! It was unintentional, Your Excellency!”

Jiang Qionglin looked up to see a maid-like woman extending half her body from the steps, holding an empty wooden bucket.

The maid quickly withdrew and appeared before Jiang Qionglin moments later, kneeling and saying, “Your servant is responsible for the Noble Consort Shu’s daily life. Every day, I pour bathwater here. I never expected Official Jiang to pass by at this time. It’s entirely my fault. Please punish me, Your Excellency!”

“How do you know my surname is Jiang?” Jiang Qionglin’s expression darkened as he calmly asked.

“Because...” the maid trembled on the ground, unwilling to continue after a long while.

“Because what?” Jiang Qionglin urged her.

“Because Your Excellency’s appearance is unique in the world. Your servant naturally recognizes...” Her voice grew softer. Jiang Qionglin, however, sighed in relief.

“Get up.” Jiang Qionglin said.

“Thank you, Your Excellency.” The maid rose nervously. At this moment, a gentle female voice came from behind, “Xuan’er, who are you talking to?” As soon as the words were spoken, a lavishly dressed woman emerged from the door. She was young, charming, and bore a resemblance to Chen Zhao.

This was Noble Consort Shu.

Noble Consort Shu shared similar features with Chen Zhao, but their auras were vastly different.

Chen Zhao exuded authority and presence. Sitting there, she emanated intangible pressure and commanded respect without needing to show anger.

On the other hand, Noble Consort Shu was the complete opposite. She was warm and gentle, with every smile and word soft and harmonious. Seeing her was like basking in spring breeze, making one’s heart blossom and lifting one’s spirits.

Even though Jiang Qionglin was soaked to the bone, he dared not show any displeasure. He respectfully bowed and said, “This lowly official, Jiang Qionglin, pays respects to Noble Consort Shu.”

“Lord Jiang, please rise.” Noble Consort Shu stepped forward, helping Jiang Qionglin up. Touching his sleeve, she discovered it was completely soaked and hurriedly pulled his wrist, anxiously asking, “Lord Jiang, did Xuan’er cause this?”

Jiang Qionglin gently withdrew his hand, “She didn’t mean it. Please forgive her, Your Highness.”

“Lord Jiang is truly magnanimous,” Noble Consort Shu said, then furrowed her brows at Xuan’er. “You lazy maid, thinking pouring bathwater outside will make it disappear when it dries tomorrow? Thankfully, you encountered Lord Jiang. If it were Lord Changsun, he’d have skinned you alive.”

“Mercy, Your Highness! This servant will never dare again!” Xuan’er knelt with a ‘thud.’

Noble Consort Shu sighed and waved her hand, “One month’s salary deduction. Go tell the head maid yourself.”

“Yes...” Xuan’er breathed a sigh of relief and retreated.

After Xuan’er left, Noble Consort Shu spoke softly again, smiling lightly, “Where is Lord Jiang heading?”

“To reply to Your Highness, this lowly official was summoned to the palace. Her Majesty awaits me at the Qinzheng Hall.” Jiang Qionglin honestly replied.

Noble Consort Shu was startled upon hearing this and exclaimed repeatedly, “What to do? Appearing disheveled is a grave disrespect. Come change into some clothes in my chambers before going.”

“This...” Jiang Qionglin looked down and realized he indeed couldn’t appear before Her Majesty in this state. He had no choice but to nod, “This lowly official thanks Your Highness for your grace.”

“Thank me for what? It’s my maid who dirtied you.” Noble Consort Shu pouted, then turned and led Jiang Qionglin into the main hall.

Ban Yue Palace had always been the Empress’s residence. Upon entering, everything was several times larger than in Daming Palace. In the main hall, the right side housed the sleeping quarters, while the left side contained the washroom. The bathtub still held a full tub of water, scattered with rose petals. Several petals lay beside the tub, indicating someone had just exited.

Looking at Noble Consort Shu, she wore a simple robe, her long hair let down, yet her makeup remained exquisite, as if waiting for someone.

Noticing Jiang Qionglin staring, she felt uneasy and approached him, saying, “I’m accustomed to removing my makeup before bed. This way, I appear vibrant at all times. It’s still early, Lord Jiang, so there’s no need to be surprised.”

“This lowly official dares not.” Jiang Qionglin bowed, creating distance between them.

Noble Consort Shu didn’t approach further and directly called for a maid to bring a set of men’s clothing.

The garment was as thin as a cicada’s wing, pure as snow—an upper-class Yun Luo Sha garment, worth hundreds of gold per foot.

“Such expensive clothing, this lowly official dare not accept.” Jiang Qionglin placed the garment down and bowed.

“Oh, it’s just lent to Lord Jiang. Wash it clean and return it to me another day.” Noble Consort Shu covered her mouth and laughed.

“This...” Jiang Qionglin hesitated, feeling something was amiss.

“Lord, no need to decline. Hurry and change so you can return to Her Majesty. If she waits too long, she might blame me too.” Noble Consort Shu urged.

“This... alright!” Jiang Qionglin had no choice but to change into the new clothes. Under Noble Consort Shu’s gentle gaze, he hurriedly rushed to Taiji Palace.