Red Chamber 12
Shui Cong had been restless all morning.
The experience last night was too wondrous, so much so that he had been thinking about it all morning.
First came the agitation. He felt he had not been composed enough last night. He had originally intended to first speak with Noble Consort Lin, to get to know each other a little, preferably smoothly steering the conversation toward her seldom-seen cousin, expressing his eagerness for talent, and then proceeding to deeper communication.
But what happened instead?
As soon as he entered the bed curtain, his gaze was captivated by that graceful, slender figure, and then… Shui Cong’s ears grew slightly warm. He buried his head in the memorials, forcing himself to focus.
Although these were merely greeting memorials, from the brief descriptions by these local officials, he could discern some of his father’s political tactics and deeply realize that his father… had truly aged.
Whether it was indulgence toward the old hereditary nobility or issues of corruption in the officialdom, his father mostly chose to handle them lightly, showing none of the decisive firmness of his youth. It seemed that at this age, he had suddenly become “merciful.”
What was this?
In his old age, wanting to earn a reputation as a benevolent ruler?
Shui Cong could not understand it, but that did not hinder his disapproval.
He had not yet assumed personal rule. Every afternoon, he still needed to study with his tutor. Only in the mornings did he have time to read some memorials. Although these memorials had already been reviewed at Ningshou Palace, it was still better than nothing!
To assume personal rule as soon as possible, he must quickly father the First Imperial Prince. With an heir, those officials who supported him would become even more steadfast.
Thinking of this, he paused his brush.
“Is it time yet?” Shui Cong asked Chang’an, who had been standing by on duty, but his vermilion brush began moving again.
Although he could not yet rule personally, he had always been a diligent emperor, willing to read and reread these ordinary memorials.
Chang’an immediately stepped forward, bowing: “Reporting to His Majesty, it is already time for the midday meal. The Imperial Kitchen sent people early to Yongshou Palace to make preparations, awaiting Your Majesty.”
“Then let us go.” Shui Cong set down his brush and very naturally closed the memorial.
He stood up, hands clasped behind his back, and walked toward the door. Exiting Qianqing Gate, he headed straight for Yuehua Gate. After walking down the long street, he reached the side wall of Yongshou Palace. Looking at the red walls and dark tiles of Yongshou Palace, Shui Cong’s heart pounded wildly. The events of last night once again flooded his mind.
After all, it was his first taste, and the novelty was hard to fade quickly, especially with such a beautiful and captivating woman.
So at this moment, he felt somewhat impatient.
As the announcing eunuch loudly proclaimed, “The Holy Emperor has arrived,” the entire Yongshou Palace sprang into action. A Yuan, already dressed and groomed, also emerged from the hall, standing at the foot of the steps before the main hall’s entrance, waiting.
A Yuan had changed her attire, appearing both elegant and scholarly. On a moon-white base, the Hundred Butterflies Pattern was embroidered, and her cyan-green Pibo swayed gently with the breeze, swaying right into the heart of Shui Cong, who had just rounded the Screen Wall and entered.
“May Your Majesty be at peace,” A Yuan performed a distant curtsy.
Shui Cong quickened his steps, reaching out to support A Yuan’s wrist: “Beloved Consort, please rise.”
After speaking, he felt his throat grow dry. Having grown up this far, this was the first time he had called someone “Beloved Consort.” He had only heard his father refer to other imperial concubines (of the previous emperor) as “Beloved Consort.” At the time, he thought such an address frivolous, but now that it was his turn to say it, he felt the words “Beloved Consort” were so pleasing to the ear.
A Yuan gracefully stood up.
Shui Cong did not let go, instead taking A Yuan’s hand and leading her into the hall: “Is there anything in Yongshou Palace that you are dissatisfied with? If so, you can inform the Imperial Household Department and have them replace it as soon as possible.”
“Yongshou Palace is excellent; this humble concubine finds everything to her liking.” A Yuan obediently followed the Emperor inside.
The large tripod incense burner in the main hall was already burning incense, its fragrant smoke wafting throughout the room. Upon entering, Shui Cong noticed that the door to the Western Warm Chamber was locked, indicating it had not yet been tidied. He then led A Yuan into the Eastern Warm Chamber.
Inside the Eastern Warm Chamber, two strip mattresses were placed on the long kang, separated by a small table. On the table stood a vase holding two peach blossom branches, complemented by the gentle smoke rising from a small incense burner below, creating a harmonious scene.
Shui Cong sat on the edge of the kang as Bao Qin and Dai Shu served tea.
“Is the Western Warm Chamber not yet tidied?” Shui Cong took a sip of tea—it was his favorite Biluochun, and the brewing technique was excellent. With one taste, he knew it was Aunt Jin’s handiwork.
“After returning this morning, I was tired and fell asleep, so I haven’t had time to arrange the Western Warm Chamber yet.” A Yuan sat across from the Emperor, separated by the small table, and took a sip from her teacup. Her cup contained flower tea, a health-preserving blend prepared by Aunt Jin.
Sitting close, Shui Cong caught sight of the blooming flowers in her teacup and couldn’t help but smile: “It seems Aunt Jin suits you quite well.”
“Aunt Jin serves in the imperial presence, so she is naturally clever and considerate. This humble concubine is lazy by nature, and it is only thanks to Aunt Jin that Yongshou Palace has been so well organized in such a short time.”
Seeing her trust in his people, Shui Cong’s mood improved even further.
He took A Yuan’s hand and caressed it: “How do you plan to arrange the Western Warm Chamber?”
“This humble concubine wishes to set up a study. When I was still at home, I used to study, write, and paint alongside my elder brother. Now that I am in the palace, I do not wish to neglect my studies.”
“It pleases me greatly to see my beloved consort so eager to learn.”
Shui Cong was a diligent ruler by nature, and now that his newly appointed noble consort also loved learning, he felt even more satisfied with the Lin clan woman before him.
However…
His sharp ears still caught a key detail: “You have an elder brother?”
“Yes, this humble concubine has an elder brother from the same mother, as well as two younger brothers and two younger sisters.” A Yuan did not conceal her family situation: “My elder brother is intelligent and has loved reading since childhood. He has already passed the Xiucai examination before reaching adulthood and is now waiting to take the Autumn Examination this year.”
“Oh?” Shui Cong was genuinely surprised this time.
He only knew that Noble Consort Lin’s cousin was currently serving as the Salt Censor in Yangzhou. He had not expected that Noble Consort Lin’s elder brother would soon also be seeking an official career through the imperial examinations.
“If he passes the Autumn Examination, I must meet him during the Spring Examination next year to see the young talent my beloved consort speaks of.”
A Yuan’s cheeks and ears flushed crimson in an instant. She glanced at the Emperor with shimmering eyes: “Your Majesty is teasing this humble concubine.”
Seeing her reaction, Shui Cong couldn’t help but laugh. He playfully squeezed A Yuan’s hand—there was no helping it, Noble Consort Lin’s hands were truly delightful to touch, with skin as smooth as fine jade, soft and warm, making it hard to let go.
“If I recall correctly, my beloved consort also has a cousin currently serving in Jiangnan Prefecture?” Taking advantage of the pleasant atmosphere, Shui Cong brought up Lin Ruhai.
A Yuan was taken aback for a moment, then nodded. “Yes, but although our two families share the same lineage, we separated during our ancestors’ generation. Nowadays, we only have occasional contact.”
Lin Huan’s relationship with Lin Ruhai was indeed not particularly close. Back then, it was only because Ma Shi wanted to marginalize Lin Han that she remembered this distant relative, forcing Lin Huan to write a letter to Lin Ruhai, which led to Lin Han being sent to Yangzhou.
And Lin Ruhai, due to the incident involving Wen Shi years ago, felt guilty toward Lin Huan and thus accepted Lin Han as his student.
Indeed, after Wen Shi passed away, it was Lin Ruhai’s father who arranged for Lin Huan to return to Gusu to become a teacher at the County School, persuading him to give up the imperial examinations and remain in Gusu for the rest of his life.
“Since you have entered the palace, my beloved consort, you may also maintain contact with your relatives. You are now far away in Jingcheng, unable to care for your parents at home. Having more relatives to visit in the future will provide you with additional support.” Shui Cong spoke with genuine sincerity, as if he were entirely concerned for A Yuan’s parents.
A Yuan inwardly rolled her eyes, but on the surface, she appeared deeply moved. “Thank you, Your Majesty. You are so kind to your humble consort. Since entering the palace, I have not heard any news from my brother for a long time. I wonder if he has returned to Gusu or not.”
“That is no trouble at all. We can send someone out of the palace to visit him.” Although eunuchs in the palace could not leave at will, they were allowed half a day off on rest days.
“Then this humble consort will write a letter to my brother this afternoon, urging him to study diligently, achieve success in the imperial examinations as soon as possible, and share Your Majesty’s burdens.”
Seeing A Yuan so delighted, Shui Cong’s mood improved even further.
During the midday meal, he instructed Aunt Jin to prepare more medicinal cuisine to nourish A Yuan’s health. On one hand, he genuinely enjoyed Noble Consort Lin’s company, and on the other, he hoped that the mother of the First Imperial Prince would come from a more noble background. Compared to the truly common-born women in Chuxiu Palace, someone like A Yuan, with relatives serving as influential officials, could be considered an official’s daughter.
After the meal, A Yuan spread out paper and brush, writing a heartfelt “letter of encouragement” to Lin Han. After finishing, she showed it to Shui Cong before sealing it and handing it to Chang’an, asking him to arrange for someone to deliver it to Fuwang Restaurant in Jingcheng.
Fuwang Restaurant was a dowry shop given by Lin Ruhai. The shop was not large, and its location was not particularly favorable.
Before entering the palace, the siblings had agreed to use Fuwang Restaurant as their contact point. Lin Han had even brought his luggage there, pretending to be a lodger.
Shui Cong was extremely pleased with A Yuan’s understanding and her openness toward him. Before leaving for his lessons in the Imperial Study, he held her hand and said, “Take your time settling into the Western Warm Chamber. I will come to see you again tonight.”
This confirmed that he would be staying overnight at Yongshou Palace.
“This humble consort will await Your Majesty.”
A Yuan gazed affectionately as Shui Cong departed. Only after returning to the Eastern Warm Chamber did she let out a long sigh of relief.
“Bring me a mirror,” A Yuan said, reclining on the kang, her voice somewhat weak but still giving orders to Bao Qin.
Soon, Bao Qin brought a handheld mercury mirror. It was a reward bestowed by the Emperor that very morning. Mercury mirrors were rare and precious; even the imperial consorts in Ningshou Palace had only received three. Now, her mistress had obtained one, and Bao Qin was both overjoyed and treasured it immensely.
A Yuan took the mirror and diligently practiced her “gazing with deep affection even at a dog” expression.
Although her body felt lazy, her spirit was truly that of an overachiever!
While practicing in front of the mirror, she opened the system space and selected the Skill Cards.
It was time to equip Aunt Jin with new skills!
Aunt Jin’s original skills included ‘Cooking’ and ‘Tea Brewing.’ A Yuan went through dozens of Skill Cards and finally chose three Green Card Skills: ‘Medicinal Cuisine,’ ‘Poison Detection,’ and ‘Acuity +5.’
Medicinal Cuisine and Poison Detection could be combined with Cooking and Tea Brewing to comprehensively regulate A Yuan’s health and ensure her safety.
As for ‘Acuity +5,’ it was entirely prepared for the palace servants of Yongshou Palace.
With a bit more acuity, it would be easier to quickly identify spies sent by the Retired Emperor and the imperial concubines among these servants.
She believed that even if there were no spies from the Retired Emperor among these servants, there would certainly be people sent by Consort Dowager Zhen. After all, Consort Dowager Zhen now had two young princes under her care.
She was likely the person most eager for the Retired Emperor to depose the Emperor and install a younger brother on the throne.