TPNCQ CHAPTER 7.1
To Show favor without cause, either wicked or thievish 7.1
Form a distance, Su Limo could see a large crowd approaching the Jingren Palace gate.
As they drew closer, before Su Limo could even open her mouth, she heard Xian Guifei say with a smile, "Sister, why are you standing in the wind? Come inside quickly."
The two followed palace etiquette and performed a curtsy. Xian Guifei warmly took Su Limo's hand and led her towards the hall.
This was the first time Su Limo had seen Xian Guifei since her transmigration. Xian Guifei was always busy with the affairs of the harem, and she usually had her maidservants pass on messages to her.
Xian Gufei's skin was delicate like porcelain, smooth and fair, her nose straight and lips a rosy red. A smile played on her lips, revealing charming dimples that deepened and softened with each word she spoke, making her exceedingly attractive.
If Empress Fucha's beauty was soft and gentle, like a classical beauty in a painting of ladies, then Xian Gufei was like a warm spring breeze, making people unable to help but want to get close.
The two of them sat down on the embroidered couch as Xian Gufei waved her hand towards the outside. Four young maidservants and four young eunuchs entered in a line, each carrying various items.
"With all the busy affairs at the end of the year and the numerous ceremonies and banquets during the New Year, I’ve been delayed. I finally have the chance to visit you in person today," Xian Gufei said. "These two sets of palace dresses and four bolts of various colored silk were personally bestowed upon you by the Emperor. This jade ruyi scepter was given by the Empress Dowager for the Fourth Princess to use as a pillow rest. The Empress Dowager has been suffering from a cold these past few days and has been thinking of you since your confinement period ended. She specifically asked me to bring this to you. These two boxes of superior body lotion, a tribute from my natal family, are something I've found quite effective, so I brought two boxes for you." As Xian Gufei spoke, she listed each item with the ease of reciting familiar treasures.
"Thank you for the Empress Dowager's and the Emperor's generous gifts. I haven’t had the chance to visit the Empress Dowager yet, and it’s truly kind of her to be thinking of me. As for your ointment, Sister, I am in need of it now. It’s easy to add flowers to brocade, but true kindness is helping in times of need," Su Limo said, sighing softly.
"You've just given birth to the Fourth Princess, a great contribution to the Qing Dynasty. However, we women know that pregnancy is like passing through the gates of hell; only we can understand the hardships involved. Use these ointments well, and within two months, I assure you that your waist and abdomen will be back to their original state," Xian Gufei said softly, leaning in close to whisper, her concern evident.
"I must return now to prepare for the Emperor's upcoming plowing ceremony. Take good care of yourself, dear sister. The temperature difference between morning and evening is significant, and the cold can be biting. Make sure to nourish yourself well. I've brought more Dong'a ejiao to stew with lamb, which is very nourishing. I imagine you've nearly finished the previous supply, so here’s some more. Eat well, and if you need more, just send someone to Yikun Palace to inform me," she added, her voice filled with care and warmth.
Xian Gufei held Su Limo’s hand, giving her heartfelt advice. When she finished, she didn’t let Su Limei see her off far, leaving swiftly with her entourage, like a gust of wind.
Returning to her bedchamber, Su Limo inspected the various items on the table. She instructed Bai Lu, the young maid, to place the jade ruyi scepter by the Fourth Princess’s pillow for her to use as a headrest. The clothes and fabrics were carefully stored away, ready to be made into new garments soon.
The two sets of palace dresses and four bolts of silk personally bestowed by the Emperor were in light, elegant colors with simple patterns. It seemed the Emperor was taken aback by her overly bright attire from earlier, prompting him to send these refined gifts quickly. They were indeed fine items. However, Su Limo suspected that Xian Gufei had also put in some effort. Otherwise, she wouldn't have made such a grand gesture of delivering the gifts today.
As for the two jars of ointment, if they were truly meant for her benefit, they could have been delivered discreetly like Bai Yueguang (Empress Fucha) had done, without making a spectacle of it for the entire palace to see. Su Limo instructed Dong Xue to place the ointments in a conspicuous spot, alongside the two jars sent by Bai Yueguang (Empress Fucha).
Then there was the Dong'a ejiao. She had received two boxes during the holiday and now another two. Imperial Physician Luo had mentioned that these were beneficial for her health and could help with her recovery. Since they were a gift, she would have them examined by Imperial Physician Luo again to ensure their safety. If they were indeed beneficial, she would certainly consume them. Nothing was more important than regaining her health as soon as possible.
This whole affair began with her pretending to be friendly, flattering Su Limo, and offering her supplements. They played the roles of affectionate sisters, but beneath this display, she was using her influence to send a message to the entire palace. By showing that Jingren Palace, where the Fourth Princess was born, was favored by the Emperor and Empress Dowager, she subtly warned the palace staff against gossiping and perhaps even exerted pressure on Jiafei of Chunxi Palace. Truly, it could be said that she killed multiple birds with the single stone.
This first encounter left Su Limo deeply impressed. The women of the inner palace were indeed formidable, capable of making strategic moves even in casual conversation.
Fortunately, she was just a contented bystander, a clear-headed one at that. She wouldn't let a few flattering words go to her head, nor would she let her children's status make her think she was the most special person in the palace. She harbored no dangerous ambitions, such as vying for favor or fighting for the throne.
Living a peaceful life with her family, surrounded by children and grandchildren, and dying of old age, was more practical and important than anything else.
Currently, her plump figure created the impression that she was unlikely to regain the Emperor’s favor, which helped silence some gossip. She wasn't foolish enough to ruin herself for the sake of others' schemes, only to end up being used as a stepping stone for someone else's ambitions.
*