Chapter 262: Part 2

“Of course I don’t blame you.”

As far as Princess Consort Zhang knew, this was Noble Consort Rong holding her tongue.

She had barely sat down when Consort Jiang’s arrival was announced.

The imperial edict had been issued, so people could start using her new title, but the ceremony itself hadn’t taken place. No one knew if the Emperor planned to grant her a unique honorific name.

With the Empress and three high-ranking concubines all gathered, Princess Consort Zhang had a sudden idea. “We have just enough people for mahjong.”

“I’m afraid I’ll have to be the party pooper, then. I don’t know how to play mahjong,” Jiang Xian said, pausing for a moment. “However, I’m a quick study if you’ll teach me the rules. You’ll just have to go easy on me.”

“Don’t look so surprised. She’s hopeless when it comes to any kind of entertainment.”

Noble Consort Rong scoffed.

Princess Consort Zhang gave her a sympathetic glance.

‘What’s the point of living if you don’t even know how to have fun? How dull!’

Jiang Xian wasn’t offended. She simply smiled and said, “It’s mostly because it’s hard to get a group together. I don’t have that many friends I can call on to play. Activities for two are much more suitable for the Noble Consort and me.”

Princess Consort Zhang was surprised to see that Noble Consort Rong, who had been scowling ever since she walked in, actually relaxed her expression. She even seemed somewhat pleased. “We should have Chen Guiren come play with us.”

“Her? I’m afraid she’d lose every penny she’s saved since entering the palace to you.”

“Her entire fortune is just broken silver. It’s not worth anything.”

‘Princess Consort Zhang remembered Chen Guiren. The woman was quiet, rarely spoke, and liked to hide in the shadows, practically blending in with the palace maids.’

The Empress watched from the side with a gentle smile as the two Noble Consorts bickered. Their squabbling seemed to breathe life into the palace, which usually smelled faintly of medicine all year long. She hadn’t noticed it before, but having concubines she was close with made her realize that ‘people truly needed companionship. It had nothing to do with being men or women; sometimes, the company of other women was even better.’

Jiang Xian turned to her. “Does Your Majesty play mahjong?”

“I am not particularly skilled at it.”

“She’s not interested in anything competitive,” Noble Consort Rong cut in. “Before her marriage, at gatherings for the noblewomen in the Capital, she would only ever watch, never participate.”

“Watching others play is more interesting than playing myself.”

The Empress didn’t deny it.

‘Princess Consort Zhang shot her a sideways glance. ‘How dare Noble Consort Rong bring up the past? She was the worst sore loser in the entire Capital. Whenever she started to fall behind or lose, she’d hold a grudge and throw a tantrum, then get her father and brothers to stand up for her. She earned a terrible reputation for it. Even girls from the most insignificant families managed to make close friends, but the only person willing to be her lackey was that young girl from the Ma family. A proper young lady from a main wife, treated like nothing more than a high-class servant by her.”

‘She was only getting away with it because Jiang Xian wasn’t from the same social circle and didn’t know about her sordid past.’

But despite her thoughts, Princess Consort Zhang didn’t expose her.

‘After all, she would undoubtedly fly into a humiliated rage.’

“But let’s return to the matter at hand. I wish to devote myself to Buddhist prayer and my recovery, so I’ve summoned you to help share my burdens,” the Empress said, turning to Jiang Xian. “Though you have only just been promoted to Jin Guifei, you are dependable. I will need you to shoulder more of this responsibility. The three of you must discuss matters civilly and not allow disagreements to harm your relationship.”

‘She didn’t want them at each other’s throats, forcing her to step in and mediate.’

‘The Empress was going into seclusion for prayer. Do. Not. Disturb.’

“I understand, Your Majesty. I will not give you cause for worry,” Jiang Xian replied. She then turned to Noble Consort Rong. “I will have much to ask for your guidance on, Sister. I fear I’ll be disturbing you frequently at Zhaoyang Palace.”

Noble Consort Rong replied, “Come if you must. We can spare a meal for you.”

Jiang Xian was completely unfazed by such a tame, cold remark. Princess Consort Zhang, on the other hand, looked thoroughly displeased. She truly didn’t want to go to Zhaoyang Palace to discuss matters, but now it was her only choice.

Sigh…

Princess Consort Zhang suddenly understood the Empress’s desire for seclusion.

‘Once you reach the rank of consort, what more could you possibly be unhappy about in the harem!’

‘As for material comforts, they were of the highest caliber.’

‘Why take on all this extra trouble for no reason? It’s better to just close your doors and live a quiet life.’

Princess Consort Zhang lamented inwardly.

The three consorts went to Jianzhang Palace to discuss the new arrangements. After the palace duties were divided, they each returned to their own residences. While Noble Consort Rong and Princess Consort Zhang were merely assigned tasks, Jiang Xian’s imperial edict granted her the authority to help manage the Six Palaces. The palace maids and eunuchs, who always had the most current information, immediately understood. Aside from the Emperor and Empress, the one person they could not afford to offend was Consort Jiang.

‘She held real power now.’

‘From now on, they were all basically working for her.’

This time around, although Noble Consort Rong had clearly been knocked down a peg compared to Consort Jiang, she was given authority over a portion of the Imperial Household. This was not only tangible power, but also a signal to the palace attendants. It showed that even though she had fallen from favor, the Emperor and Empress were still showing her respect. She remained a high and mighty Noble Consort and was not to be treated with contempt simply because she was no longer the favorite.

…

「Seven days later, the ceremony for her promotion to Noble Consort was officially held.」

Princesses, princess consorts, and other noblewomen kowtowed in respect. The brilliant yellow silk of her robes, fluttering in the wind, stung the eyes of many onlookers, but no one was surprised. Over the years, Consort Jiang had borne the Emperor a son and a daughter, earned merit by attending to the sick and offering effective remedies, shielded the Empress Dowager from a fatal sword thrust, and tirelessly worked to ease the Emperor’s worries. Every task assigned to her was completed flawlessly, often exceeding all expectations. She never disappointed.