Eating and sleeping were Jiang Ling’s greatest joys in life, and after transmigrating into this book, they had become her only anticipated pleasures.
Hearing that the culprit Yuan Mingdi had arrived, Jiang Ling’s irritation surged uncontrollably. The food she had been savoring moments ago suddenly tasted like cardboard in her mouth.
Jiang Ling set down her chopsticks and stiffly prepared to rise from her couch to greet him. Yuan Mingdi strode into the side chamber, pausing momentarily at the sight of the food spread across the low table. “Remain seated,” he said. “Are you feeling better?”
“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. This humble consort still feels somewhat unwell.” Jiang Ling lied through her teeth while smoothly resuming her seat, her mind already staging a dramatic internal monologue: “Of course I’m not well! How could I possibly be well when I can’t even eat a meal in peace! What exactly are you trying to do? You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you? Not coming earlier or later, but precisely at this moment!”
Yuan Mingdi: “…”
His expression turned deeply complicated as he scrutinized Jiang Ling, suspecting that her ailment wasn’t abdominal discomfort but rather some form of delusional madness.
“Since you’re unwell, by my decree, summon the imperial physician…” After brief consideration, Yuan Mingdi decided to show mercy by calling for medical examination.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ling broke protocol to urgently interrupt: “Your Majesty, this humble consort…”
Here, her eyes shifted cunningly as she cleverly continued: “This humble consort has a delicate constitution and tires easily, requiring proper recuperation. I beg Your Majesty to rescind your previous decree. Henceforth, let other sisters manage the duties of the Bureau of Candles.”
Yuan Mingdi chuckled coldly. Her petty schemes were transparent as day, yet she dared play such games before him!
When Consort Zhao had suggested assigning the Bureau of Candles to Jiang Ling, Yuan Mingdi had immediately agreed.
Her daily routine consisted of nothing but eating and sleeping. Laziness, ignorance, vulgarity, bad temper—her flaws were too numerous to count.
Yuan Mingdi couldn’t stand seeing her idle and was determined to thwart her wishes. “If your constitution is delicate,” he declared, “you shouldn’t overeat. Be careful of indigestion harming your health. I shall decree that henceforth your meals shall be changed to plain congee.”
“Damn it!” Jiang Ling’s scheme had backfired spectacularly. She froze in place, inwardly raging: “That dung-faced bastard is nothing but trouble! Getting involved with him really brings the worst luck! I might as well starve to death and be done with it!”
Hearing the familiar “dung-faced” epithet, Yuan Mingdi’s initial satisfaction at seeing Jiang Ling’s setback instantly evaporated, his expression darkening.
As Jiang Ling desperately pondered countermeasures, her mouth moved independently: “Your Majesty, I’m better now!”
“Ahem, strangely enough, perhaps due to divine protection, this humble consort feels completely recovered and can eat normally again!” Even Jiang Ling herself found this explanation painfully forced as she struggled to justify it.
Yuan Mingdi could bear no more, releasing a long, exasperated sigh. If he took her antics seriously, it would only make him appear petty—quarreling with a fool!
Wen Juan presented hot tea. When Yuan Mingdi looked again at the stunned Jiang Ling, his frustration returned. “Serve the meal!” he snapped impatiently.
As Wen Juan withdrew to obey, Yuan Mingdi shot a sidelong glare at Jiang Ling, his anger mounting.
He had come personally upon hearing of her discomfort, only to receive complaints and fabrications—not even a single inquiry about whether he had eaten!
The side chamber being living quarters, Yuan Mingdi rose and moved to the main hall. Jiang Ling had no choice but to follow and stand properly at attention nearby.
Palace maids and eunuchs filed in carrying hot water, towels, and food boxes. After Yuan Mingdi washed his hands and sat down, he remarked to Jiang Ling, who was still standing stiffly: “Oh, are you feeling unwell? Can you still stand steady?”
Hearing the emperor’s sarcastic tone, Jiang Ling lowered her head further and stammered: “This humble consort can stand steady.”
Yuan Mingdi snorted through his nostrils and said: “Sit.”
Jiang Ling hurriedly expressed gratitude before taking her seat. When the emperor picked up his chopsticks to eat, she quickly resumed her meal as well.
The imperial cuisine was fresher and more delicious. Following the rule of silence during meals, Jiang Ling ate quietly and contentedly.
Yuan Mingdi practiced health preservation and only ate until seventy percent full. Watching Jiang Ling clean her plate completely, and remembering she had already eaten half a meal earlier, he studied her for a long moment but ultimately remained silent.
If he told her to eat less, she would surely complain behind his back about his stinginess—that he wouldn’t even let people eat their fill, that she couldn’t go on living!
After the meal, Yuan Mingdi intended to take his afternoon rest, though it was already later than usual today. As fatigue washed over him, he set down his teacup and rose toward the bedroom: “Time to rest.”
“What does that mean? Are we sleeping together?” Jiang Ling’s eyes widened, her entire body stiffening.
Yuan Mingdi took a deep breath, turned around in anger, and strode away.
It was all because he was drowsy and confused—this wretched woman always assumed he wanted to sleep with her! What wishful thinking!
Yuan Mingdi’s sudden departure left Jiang Ling utterly bewildered. However, after reconsidering, she soon relaxed.
Emperors were naturally suspicious, fearing assassination, and wouldn’t casually stay in their consorts’ quarters.
Yawning, Jiang Ling returned to her bedroom and lay down. Gazing at the canopy, she reflected on the recent disturbances.
Regardless of Consort Zhao’s intentions, she would adhere to one principle: avoid getting entangled in their conflicts.
Firstly, she lacked the capability and must recognize her limitations. Secondly, she was isolated and weak—challenging them would be like an egg striking a stone.
Most importantly, she believed any conflict required a clear objective.
Her goal was to live peacefully, freely, and comfortably. Fan Ying Hall was tranquil and serene, with no worries about food or clothing—such a life was already good enough.
As for the storeroom, the Shangqin Bureau personnel were handling it. She would remain completely hands-off and never get involved.
Having made her decision, Jiang Ling felt relieved and fell into a sweet sleep.
She slept soundly until mid-afternoon, when A Ruo and Fang He came to attend to her hair. Wen Juan entered and asked: “Mei Ren, the storeroom has begun distributing candles and lanterns. Would you like to go supervise?”
“No need. Zhong Shanggong and Fang Sideng are there,” Jiang Ling replied decisively.
Wen Juan hesitated before saying: “The day after tomorrow is His Majesty’s birthday celebration. The banquet lanterns need to be drawn in advance. Perhaps you should oversee this personally to ensure nothing goes wrong.”
For Yuan Mingdi’s birthday, he would receive court officials’ congratulations during the day and host a banquet at Lan Yue Hall in the evening, requiring large quantities of candles and lanterns.
Jiang Ling hadn’t considered this and began to feel a headache coming on.
Although no one would likely dare cause trouble during the emperor’s birthday celebration—especially after the Mid-Autumn banquet incident—Jiang Ling couldn’t feel entirely at ease. With a resigned groan, she headed to the storeroom.
Fang Sideng and Shen Yi were both present. Jiang Ling asked: “Are the lanterns and candles for His Majesty’s birthday prepared?”
Shen Yi replied: “Mei Ren need not worry. This servant has already sent people to deliver them to the storeroom.”
Fang Sideng added: “The Shang Yi Bureau staff previously notified us they will come collect them tomorrow morning.”
Jiang Ling nodded with an air of gravity. “Good. His Majesty’s sacred birthday must not be treated carelessly. You must perform your duties diligently and avoid any mistakes.”
Shen Yi and Fang Sideng responded in unison. Without further words, Jiang Ling went to inspect the storeroom.
The storeroom was piled high with crates, and eunuchs were still bringing in more continuously. Jiang Ling felt somewhat reassured and, after lingering briefly, returned to Fanying Pavilion.
A Ruo entered holding a pouch. “This servant has finished making it for you, Mei Ren. You only need to add a few final stitches to complete it.”
Jiang Ling took the blue brocade pouch embroidered with pine and bamboo patterns. “Is this pouch for me?”
A Ruo replied, “How could Mei Ren forget? Everyone must present gifts for His Majesty’s sacred birthday. In previous years, you always gave pouches, so this year this servant made one too.”
Jiang Ling smiled awkwardly. She hadn’t considered the gift matter at all and wasn’t skilled in needlework. “You finish it then. My embroidery is poor, and I might ruin it.”
A Ruo thought this reasonable and added the remaining stitches before putting it away for Jiang Ling.
The next day, the Shang Yi Bureau collected the candles and lanterns, and everything proceeded without incident.
Jiang Ling breathed a long sigh of relief. Another day passed, and Yuan Mingdi’s birthday arrived.
All the imperial concubines, princes, and princesses gathered in Lan Yue Hall. According to their ranks, they solemnly performed the court congratulations ceremony and presented their gifts to Yuan Mingdi.
Jiang Ling stood at the very end among the Mei Ren, just before the Cai Ren. Wedged among the crowd, she couldn’t control her anxiety as she listened to the eunuch announcing the gifts.
The gifts from Imperial Concubine Lin and Consort Zhao were both precious and thoughtfully chosen – personally created calligraphy and paintings, handwritten sutras, jade artifacts, and antiques.
Clutching her pouch, Jiang Ling guiltily glanced around and felt slightly relieved to see others holding similar pouches.
When her turn came, Jiang Ling’s heart pounded fiercely, her palms damp with sweat. Mimicking others’ congratulatory phrases, she woodenly stated, “Your humble consort wishes Your Majesty eternal longevity and enduring reign!”
Yuan Mingdi glanced at the pouch in Jiang Ling’s hand, his eyes revealing mocking disdain.
Indeed, she couldn’t be bothered to put in any effort – a shabby pouch, and she actually dared to present it!
Maintaining decorum before the crowd, Yuan Mingdi temporarily restrained himself from making an issue of it, motioning for her to rise.
Jiang Ling genuinely disliked and felt ill-suited for such occasions. After taking her seat, she felt completely drained, as if half her life had been exhausted!
As the Cai Ren and lower-ranking consorts continued their congratulations, Jiang Ling remained tense. She kept glancing at the hall’s candles and lanterns, fearing something might go wrong.
The arm-thick beeswax candles illuminated the hall brightly as daylight, emitting a faint, delicate fragrance.
Finally, all palace women completed their congratulations, and the banquet officially began. Like the Mid-Autumn banquet, musicians played melodious music while dancers performed accordingly.
The princes and princesses were still young and didn’t present gifts. The eldest prince, Xiao Yunrui, stepped forward holding a calligraphy scroll to pay respects.
Jiang Ling followed the movement with her eyes when she noticed the beeswax candles placed on the bronze candlesticks at the Danbi – their flames flickered uncertainly, as if about to extinguish.
“I’ve written a large character for Father. I wish Father a long life of hundred years, with blessings and longevity matching heaven’s.”
Yuan Mingdi was quite pleased and summoned Xiao Yunrui forward. “I must carefully examine Eldest Son’s calligraphy to see how you’ve improved.”
Xiao Yunrui ascended the Danbi with his scroll and presented it. Just as Yuan Mingdi accepted and unrolled it for appreciation, darkness suddenly fell before his eyes.
The beeswax candles behind the Danbi throne extinguished one after another!