Chapter 26 Part 4 - Promoted Once Again

Names mentioned in this chapter (which can also be found in the glossary):

-廖青青(Liào qīngqīng)- Liao Qing Qing, the female lead. 

-曦修容(xī xiū róng)-Lady Xi of Refined Countenance, Liao Qing Qing’s current designation

-景礼帝(jǐng lǐ ​​dì)- Emperor Jing Li, the male lead.

–梁贵妃(liáng guìfēi)- Noble Consort Liang

-荷香(Hé ​​xiāng)- He Xiang, the female lead’s maidservant

-廖贵人(Liào guìrén)- Noble Lady Liao, the female lead’s paternal elder cousin. 

-梨声阁(lí shēng gé)-Lisheng Pavillion, the place where the female lead resides. 

–谢绎(xiè yì)- Xie Yi, a given name of Xie manor’s third son, also known as General Xie and Xie Zi Xing. He was the person Liao Qing Qing went on a blind date with. 

–淮山王(huáishān wàng)- King Huaishan, Noble Consort Liang’s grandfather.

–季氏(jì shì)- Ji Shi, the female lead’s mother. 

–二老爷(èr lǎoye)- Second Master Liao, the female lead’s father. 

-正乾宫(zhēng qián gōng)- Zhengqian Palace, the place the male lead resides. 

Current Ranking: Noble Consort Liang → Worthy Consort + Virtuous Consort → Lady Xi of Refined Countenance →  Lady Li of Graceful Ceremony → Noble Lady Liao + Noble Lady Jiang

After that, Liao Qing Qing made use of her foot injury and stayed in Lisheng Pavilion. She read, grew vegetables and sampled dishes. She appeared to be very at leisure but she didn’t feel completely at ease.

She specifically informed the people of Lisheng Pavilion to be extra careful when doing things. Furthermore, they should not act recklessly or speak carelessly because she had gotten Emperor Jing Li’s “favor”.

In addition, she asked He Xiang to keep an eye on the situation in the imperial harem. This was to prevent her dying without knowing the reason.

As for Xie Yi… From the beginning to the end, Xie Yi did nothing wrong. She heard He Xiang said that the Emperor had called for an audience with Xie Yi once. But he did not punish Xie Yi and just chatted for a shichen (an hour).[1]

Liao Qing QIng did not know the matters of the discussion between Emperor Jing Li and Xie Yi, but she knew that Emperor Jing Li was really a good Emperor.

In such a manner, her days went by day by day.

Emperor Jing Li would come to Lisheng Pavilion every day. Occasionally, she would rest in Zhengqian Palace when she did not accompany him to “sleep”. The entire imperial harem appeared peaceful. Virtuous Consort, Worthy Consort, Lady Li of Refined Countenance and such would occasionally visit her and chat with Liao Qing Qing.

They all took note that their speech and actions were all appropriate, and that nothing could come from  it.

However, two more letters came from the Liao Manor outside the palace.

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One letter was written by Ji Shi.

The other letter was written by her father, Second Master Liao.

On the surface, it was to inquire about Liao Qing Qing’s health. But in fact, she still wanted her to help Noble Lady Liao out of the cold palace. Second Master Liao also took care to stress that Ji Shi missed her very much and hoped to enter the palace to meet her.

This time, Liao Qing Qing wrote a reply.

In the letter, she explained that she was living well and told Ji Shi not to miss her. She also missed her mother but her right foot had not yet healed and it was inconvenient to see her for the time being.

Within a few days, a letter came from Second Master Liao accompanied with two silver cheques.

When she received the letter, Emperor Jing Li was also present. Liao Qing Qing directly showed the silver cheques to Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li, “Are you short of silver?”

Liao Qing Qing nodded. “I’m a bit short. After all, it’s going to be the New Year, so there are many places to reward.”

The next day, Liao Qing Qing received a reward from Emperor Jing Li.

One thousand taels of white silver!

That’s a lot!

Liao Qing Qing immediately returned the silver cheque sent by Liao Manor.

And focused on spending Emperor Jing Li’s silver!

This made Emperor Jing Li laugh heartily again.

With more than enough silver on hand, Liao Qing Qing was also in a good mood. She continued to spruce up her 1.3 mu[2] (866.7 sqm / 0.21 acre) of land and did not receive any more letters from Liao manor.

On the other hand, Noble Consort Liang’s family entered the palace.

He Xiang told her that not only Noble Consort Liang’s mother, but her elder sister and sister-in-law had also visited. They had lunch in Linhua Palace and stayed throughout the day. No one knew what was discussed.

Liao Qing Qing said, “Maybe they are talking about her family’s matters.”

He Xiang said, “Noble Consort Liang’s family is not in a good condition.”

“Don’t make careless remarks.”

He Xiang hurriedly kept quiet.

Liao Qing Qing did understand the connection.

Noble Consort Liang’s grandfather, King Huaishan, had nothing special to his credit. However, he had followed the revered ancestor to conquer the world. He followed behind and picked up a lot of merits.

Later, the revered ancestor died.

King Huaishan took credit for his work and suppressed the previous Emperor. In addition, he also had checks and balances against Emperor Jing Li.

Compared to the previous Emperor’s benignness, Emperor Jing Li was relatively black-bellied.[3]

He forcefully circled between several meritorious officials and groups with power allowing them to fight against each other.

As a result, King Huaishan also collapsed.

But even a scrawny camel was bigger than a horse.[4] Although Noble Consort Liang’s lineage could no longer become a situation, it was still much stronger than the average person.

Moreover, Noble Consort Liang was presently a Noble Consort.

She shouldn’t be underestimated.

Liao Qing Qing whispered to He Xiang her analysis of the situation.

He Xiang nodded repeatedly.

Liao Qing Qing said, “These things also have nothing to do with us. Don’t speak drivel. It will be good if we live our lives well.”

He Xiang hastily nodded her head.

Not long after Noble Consort Liang’s family left, there were family members from other palaces who came to visit.

After all, it was the end of the year so there were a lot of activities.

This was something Liao Qing Qing understood very well.

A few days after a wave of visits by relatives, there was a memorial sent by someone wishing that Emperor Jing Li would establish an Empress. Emperor Jing Li dealt with them with a few words and then ignored these people.

However, these imperial subjects did not give up and continuously wrote the memorials. Emperor Jing Li read the memorials in Lisheng Pavilion. A series of several memorials were about establishing an Empress.

About “completing the family to rule the country and Heavens”.

About “prosperity to the family and all things”.

About “family can’t be without a master”.

About “the importance of an heir” and so on.

Liao Qing Qing, who was grinding Emperor Jing Li’s ink, saw it clearly.

She saw after Emperor Jing Li furrowed his brows, he picked up the vermillion brush and began to write:

“Beloved subject, when will the western mountain river embankment be completed?”

“I[5] heard that Beloved subject is still helpless against the bandits in Quanzhou?”

“Beloved subject, please manage your son well.”

“Beloved subject, your memorials contain typos. Please do more reading.”

“……”

Liao Qing Qing wanted to laugh when she saw the replies.

The next few days in the imperial court, no one mentioned about the establishment of an Empress. The cabinet ministers present a memorial of the year end summary. The data was pleasing.

Emperor Jing Li was in a good mood.

The imperial harem was also happy and the New Year’s spirit intensified. Everyone was very busy, especially Emperor Jing Li, who visited the Lisheng Pavilion every day in a hurry, held Liao Qing Qing’s hand, said a few words, and then left.

Liao Qing Qing’s foot was almost healed at this time.

She also helped Noble Consort Liang organize Lunar New Year’s matters.

Just like that, it was about to be the Lunar New Year.

On the twenty-eighth day of the Lunar New Year, Emperor Jing Li went to the private courtyard. As usual, he fetched Her Highness, Empress Dowager, to the palace. This time, the Empress Dowager actually agreed to return. However, she dwelled in Shouxi Palace once she returned to the palace.

She dispensed with ceremonies of paying respects and meetings.

Liao Qing Qing had not seen the Empress Dowager’s face at all.

Everything was exactly the same as if the Empress Dowager did not return.

The difference was that Emperor Jing Li had to accompany the Empress Dowager on the thirtieth day, Lunar New Year’s Eve.

He could not come to Lisheng Pavilion.

If he was not coming, so be it then.

Liao Qing Qing didn’t care anyway.

Very quickly, it was the thirtieth, Lunar New Year’s Eve. Once she opened her eyes, she saw it was snowing; the snow fluttered about in the air.

Before noon, the ground had a thick layer of snow.

The entire Lisheng Pavilion was dressed in a white layer.

It was extraordinarily peaceful and beautiful!

Liao Qing Qing was delighted all day. In the evening, there were sounds of firecrackers in various palaces.

The same for Lisheng Pavilion.

He Xiang made hot pot according to what Liao Qing Qing said.

Liao Qing Qing sat down in front of the table and looked at a brand new copper pot on the table.

Next to the copper pot, there was a clean chicken, fish, meat, eggs and vegetables.

All of them were what she loved to eat.

Liao Qing Qing turned her head and said, “He Xiang, let’s eat together.”

He Xiang was startled and said, “Mistress, it’s not permissible.”

“It’s okay. His Majesty is not coming today.”

“There is a difference between master and servant.”

“It’s the Lunar New Year, so it is okay.”

He Xiang insisted, “No. If someone were to see it, this maidservant[6] being punished would be minor. But it will be bad if it falls into the mouths of others.”

What He Xiang said was very accurate.

This year, her ranking rose quickly. Who would know if some jealous imperial concubine grasped the opportunity to get hold of her weakness. So, she did not force her.

She looked at the table filled with food and suddenly felt she was being a little emotional.

It was the Lunar New Year.

In the twenty-first century, she grew up with her grandparents. After her grandparents passed away one after another during high school, she was alone.

Every Lunar New Year, the windows of other people’s homes were bustling with activity.

But she was all alone.

Right now, her rank was not sufficient to spend the Lunar New Year with the Emperor and Empress Dowager.

She could only stay in Lisheng Pavilion.

Again, it was a cold and bare Lunar New Year.

“Mistress, are you homesick?” He Xiang saw that Liao Qing Qing was still for a long time.

Liao Qing Qing remained silent.

He Xiang said, “It would be good if only His Majesty could accompany Mistress.”

Liao Qing Qing wore a faint smile.

Suddenly, a voice sounded, “Qing Qing.”

Liao Qing Qing turned her head and saw Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing was draped in a gray cloak, holding an umbrella in his hand, standing at the door and smiling gently at Liao Qing Qing. His handsome appearance was extremely good-looking.

She looked at Emperor Jing Li in astonishment.

Emperor Jing Li asked, “Why? Don’t you recognise me?”

Liao Qing Qing hurriedly went forward, paid her respects to Emperor Jing Li and said, “Your Majesty!”

“Ay!” Emperor Jing Li smiled and answered. He left the umbrella outside and took off his overcoat. He wrapped his arms around Liao Qing Qing and said, “Let’s go. Let’s go inside. It’s cold outside.”

Liao Qing Qing walked towards the dining table in Emperor Jing Li’s embrace.

She slightly tilted her head and looked at Emperor Jing Li’s cold silhouette and three-dimensional features. This man was really striking.

At this time, Emperor Jing Li happened to look over and asked, “Why are you looking at me?”

“Your Majesty,” Liao Qing Qing called out softly.

“Hm?”

“Why are you here?” This really surprised Liao Qing Qing.

“To accompany my young wife to eat Lunar New Year’s Eve dinner!”

“….”

The author has something to say: ——

Liao Qing Qing: I have suspicion that Your Majesty secretly read my folk stories!

Emperor Jing Li: Ahem!

————

[1] 时辰(shí chén)- Shi Chen is used in ancient china instead of hours. One Shi chen is equal to 2 hours.

[2] 亩(mǔ)- Classifier for fields. Unit of area equal to one fifteenth of a hectare

[3] 腹黑(fùhēi)- ‘Black-bellied’ is a word from Japanese anime culture (haraguroi 腹黒い) that signifies someone who is superficially kind and nice, but inwardly mean and cruel. This chinese term is used often in web novels. The term exists because someone will only know that person’s true nature only after “being eaten up.” Credits: Languagelog & Urbandictionary

[4] 瘦死的骆驼比马大(shòusǐdeluòtuobǐmǎdà)- Even a scrawny camel is bigger than a horse. It means that even after suffering a loss, a rich person is still better off than ordinary people./a cultured person may come down in the world, but he is still superior to the common people.

[5] 朕(zhèn)- I (imperial) or we (imperial use).

[6] 奴婢[núbì]- I; your humble servant (term of self-address used by servants, maid-servants and eunuchs when addressing the emperor, minister, concubines, etc.)

End of Chapter 26 Part 4/4

Translator’s Note: I’ll be posting the extra chapters in these few days; hopefully, these chapters will be posted on Monday or Tuesday. See you again!