Seize the Throne: Beloved Consort System [10]

On the way, Yin Minglu held the kite and chatted with Xie Yan.

Back in the courtyard, among the palace maids who usually took care of his daily life, the young boy looked around, his curious gem-like eyes were very beautiful, tempting people to reach out and touch them. He asked, “Where is Mingyue, who serves me?”

He just remembered that he hadn’t seen the melodious-voiced, beautiful, and skilled massage and back rub expert among the palace maids for a long time. Normally, he was accompanied by a group of eunuchs or plain-looking palace maids, all of whom were getting older, and there wasn’t a single youthful face among them.

So, for a moment, he felt a bit nostalgic for the young and beautiful Mingyue.

Xie Yan replied, “That palace maid has gotten older, so the internal supervisors let her go to get married.” He didn’t care that a Nine-Five sovereign like him could remember the name of a palace maid; it wasn’t something extraordinary.

Yin Minglu pursed his lips and said, “Where has she grown old? I remember she was only thirteen or fourteen years old, just in the bloom of her youth.” However, in the past six months, many palace maids had come and gone by his side, and there were many new faces. Because such things happened frequently, he had become less sentimental about parting.

As he finished speaking, he fell into the deep gaze of Xie Yan, who was quietly looking at him. Xie Yan’s expression carried an undeniable coldness, and it made Yin Minglu’s body shiver involuntarily. He had a feeling that Xie Yan didn’t want to hear the name of that palace maid from his mouth, and he wondered what that palace maid had done to incur such strong dislike from Emperor Jing.

Yin Minglu had to change the topic, and he playfully brought up himself. He mentioned that considering his virtual age, he was already thirteen this year. In an ordinary family, someone his age could already get married and have children. He couldn’t stay in the palace anymore; it was time for him to move out on his own. Whether they found an existing mansion for him or built a new one, this matter needed to be put on the agenda.

After this year’s imperial examination, the property prices in the capital are bound to rise again. He needed to find a good location soon, whether it was the bustling East Street or the one near the flower and bird market on West Street. Yin Minglu expressed his eagerness for it!

Regarding this matter, Xie Yan smiled and began his usual perfunctory response. He said to Yin Minglu, “You are still young, and once you leave the palace and face such a large estate, there won’t be anyone to help manage the household. Let’s discuss this when you are older. The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works have already included this matter in their plans. They will soon begin to survey the Fengshui, select a location, and start construction. As for when it will be completed, we don’t know yet. In ancient times, construction efficiency was low. It could take decades to build an imperial tomb, and constructing a palace could take many years. Often, the emperor passed away before the project was completed, leading to the decline of his concubines’ favor. If we estimate, even if we choose a location now, it will take at least four or five years for this residence of the heir from another branch to be completed.”

Furthermore, Emperor Jing had another explanation, stating that they weren’t refusing to build it for him. It was just that during this prosperous era, there were occasional natural disasters and man-made calamities, such as floods in the Yellow River province, breaches in riverbanks, earthquakes in Sichuan and Chongqing, and the plight of the common people, which required significant funds from the Ministry of Revenue for large-scale construction projects. Yin Minglu’s small residence would naturally have to wait in line indefinitely.

Faced with these explanations, Yin Minglu could only look on with eager eyes. Although he felt somewhat aggrieved in his heart and thought about how much it would cost to build a mansion, he didn’t dare to say that his house was more important than the well-being of the nation.

Seeing the young man reluctantly compromising, Xie Yan smiled briefly, and the emotions that had settled in his eyes disappeared once again.

On the other side was the garden adorned with various colorful flowers.

When Xie Yan picked up the purse and threw it back, his gesture appeared casual and even graceful, but it was executed with precision. Despite the high palace walls separating them, he accurately threw the purse back at Qin Manman, hitting her square on the head and leaving a sizable bump.

The young girl held her throbbing forehead, wincing in pain. When she realized that things weren’t going as she had imagined, she cursed silently in her heart.

In her script, Emperor Jing would have discovered this exquisite purse by the cobblestone path, irresistibly attracted by the lifelike and beautiful butterfly pattern. After all, in ancient times, men appreciated the needlework of talented noblewomen. He would then return holding the purse, asking the group of palace maidens in the garden about the embroiderer’s identity and praising the person behind the creation for their cleverness.

At this point, she would pretend to be shy and surprised, stepping forward gracefully. She knew that her delicate features didn’t give her an advantage among the other beauties, but her skillful handiwork would temporarily compensate for her physical appearance. It would catch the emperor’s attention and make him feel that she had a unique and refined quality amidst the crowd of ordinary-looking women. In other words, she was uncovering her inner beauty, making herself stand out from the crowd of flashy and ordinary women.

Wasn’t this a common plot in many ancient costume dramas? According to the information detected by the system, Emperor Xie Yan had a preference for people with beautiful eyes. So, for this moment, she had even spent her remaining three hundred points to exchange for fifteen minutes of “Captivating Gaze,” hoping that when the emperor locked eyes with her, he couldn’t resist being enchanted by her beautiful and lively eyes, like a deer in the mountains.

Even if the effect lasted only for a quarter of an hour, when it came to a man developing instant affection for a woman, this time was more than sufficient. When the favorability value reached one hundred, she would directly obtain the permanent version of “Captivating Gaze.” So, the trade of these three hundred points was entirely worthwhile!

However, she never expected that the Emperor did not follow her script at all. He didn’t come back specifically to see their group of court ladies and seemed disinterested in the ladies. He promptly threw the purse back, with such force that it hurt, and she felt like cursing.

She thought something was amiss. This exquisite handcrafted item was so beautiful that it could captivate anyone who appreciated craftsmanship. There was no reason for the Emperor to act this way. Could it be that some clueless eunuch had found it and, not knowing how to appreciate it, coldly tossed it back?

Confused and in pain, Qin Manman let out a groan. After not seeing the Emperor for a while, she regretted wasting her three hundred points.

Behind the palace wall, Xie Yan keenly heard the woman’s painful cry. A sardonic smile curled on his lips. He had seen such tricks many times in the palace. But for an unranked court lady who hadn’t even officially participated in the selection, daring to use such methods to strive for a higher position was audacious. Just like that girl named Mingyue, a lowly-born second-rank palace maid who relied on the child’s favor and preferences, trying to climb higher, without considering if her lowly status matched her aspirations. It was ridiculous!

However, the child was different. Xie Yan had seen these tricks countless times and found them tedious. But the child was still young, likely unfamiliar with such tactics and eager to explore. He might want to pick up the item and return it, falling into a beautifully crafted trap.

And then, he would be enchanted by a cunning and mysterious woman he didn’t know, just like those sheltered young gentlemen from prestigious families who went to the bustling red-light districts for the first time and were swindled by highly skilled courtesans, completely losing their senses and foolishly giving away their hearts.

Thinking about the possibility of the child being captivated by some woman and willingly falling into her trap made Xie Yan’s expression turn cold. His brows furrowed, and his thin lips pressed together tightly. He strongly disliked this possibility. Unable to contain his unease, he discreetly placed a few court ladies with captivating appearances near the child. He instructed them to keep a close eye on him and try to keep him away from the group of palace women.

When Yin Minglu emerged from the steamy bath behind the screen, he was bewildered to find that there were more people attending to him. They stood in the shadows of the eaves, with their faces lowered, appearing silent and unobtrusive, like tools with no presence at all. So, in a brief moment, Yin Minglu hadn’t noticed their presence.

However, when it was time to get dressed, they all began to emerge one by one.

One of them combed his hair, another stood by to help him put on his robe, one knelt to assist him with his stockings, and another crouched down to fasten his belt. Each action was executed with great care and attention, but it all felt somehow off to Yin Minglu. Moreover, wherever he went, these people followed him.

One combed his hair, one stood by to help him put on his outer robe, one knelt to assist him with his stockings, and one crouched down to fasten his belt. They attended to him diligently, but Yin Minglu couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss. Moreover, wherever he went, these people followed.

Holding a wooden comb, Xiao Man awkwardly stood aside, lamenting the insecurity of his job.

Yin Minglu’s expression was also strange. With so many people attending to his meals and dressing him, he had gradually grown accustomed to this life of having everything done for him. Over time, he felt himself becoming lazier and more dependent. He longed to leave the palace because he feared that if he adapted completely, he wouldn’t be able to cope when he eventually left.

He remembered that he used to brush his teeth and wash his face, tidy up his bed, and even prepare his own meals. During the dinner, he held an exquisite small soup bowl and took the opportunity to tell Xie Yan that he didn’t need so many attendants around him.

The young man, who had just bathed and was dressed in carefully selected attire, had long, jet-black hair cascading over his shoulders. His delicate and charming face still had a rosy hue, and his eyes, when he looked at Xie Yan, seemed to glisten with a misty allure, making him appear quite endearing.

Upon hearing this, Xie Yan lowered his eyelashes and calmly asked him, “Do you know how many palace maids and eunuchs usually serve by my side?”

Yin Minglu really didn’t know, and he was unsure why Xie Yan was suddenly asking this question. When Xie Yan mentioned that there were more than a hundred people serving visibly around the Emperor, Yin Minglu was slightly surprised.

Xie Yan smiled and asked, “Doesn’t it seem like many?”

Yin Minglu thought for a moment and honestly replied, “It doesn’t seem like a lot.”

Xie Yan’s smile widened a bit, and he continued, “Since I haven’t established any consorts, you are the second most honored person in this harem after me. According to this standard, the number of people serving around you is actually not many, and it’s even fewer. With fewer attendants, the palace’s prestige diminishes.”

It seemed to make sense! Yin Mingluo held his small bowl, looking a bit dazed, and felt somewhat convinced.

Although later on, he privately pondered for a while and felt that there was something off about that statement, he couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was. He had to let it go.

The night grew deeper. Except for the patrolling guards, the entire palace was silent, with no sound to be heard.

A small patrol team of imperial guards, holding dimly lit palace lanterns, conducted their usual rounds from the front gate to the harem. Their routine activities were limited to this area, and they did not dare to wander aimlessly.

Today was no different from usual. Except for the Chu Xiu Palace, which was well-lit, there was nothing unusual or special. The Chu Xiu Palace served as the residence for storing palace maidens, and the newly appointed palace maidens were all staying there. These women were the future consorts, so common people were not allowed to disturb them.

Therefore, when they heard a woman’s scream, the imperial guards were momentarily startled. However, since they saw that the eunuch guarding the gate outside did not come for assistance, they hurriedly passed by as if they hadn’t heard it, to avoid causing trouble or breaking any rules.

Inside the Chu Xiu Palace, there were many rooms, and the environment was naturally top-notch. However, because there were so many people living in each room, the conversations of small groups created noise and crowding.

The one who had screamed was Qin Manman. After she had finished her bath and returned to her room, she found that her bedding and sheets were completely soaked, which meant she wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight. While she was in the middle of her bath, she had discovered that her clothes, which she had placed behind a folding screen, had been taken by someone. When she finally found them hidden under a stool, they had been torn into pieces and were no longer wearable. Even if she tried to put them on, they would reveal her fair skin, making her almost as exposed as if she weren’t wearing anything at all.

Feeling aggrieved, she covered her chest and returned to her room. Several palace maidens were holding wooden basins and looked at her coldly, seemingly enjoying her disheveled appearance. They spoke in a mocking tone, “Qin Xiu, after bathing, you actually didn’t put on clothes. It’s truly shameless!”

“Of course, otherwise, how could she try to seduce the Emperor in broad daylight? The Emperor ignored her, yet she still wanted to throw her purse. Isn’t Lady Qin shameless?”

“It’s a good thing His Majesty isn’t interested in her. She should take a look at herself in the mirror. She thinks she can attract His Majesty with that poorly made embroidery. How delusional!” They were well aware that the embroidery was not poorly made but rather exquisite, but their jealousy made them downplay it. After all, with just a slight difference, His Majesty could have been attracted by the exquisite craftsmanship of the purse, and they couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread.

If Qin Manman, during the day, knew that the Emperor was going to visit but didn’t share this secret with them and instead chose to prepare and beautify herself independently, it had already irritated this group of palace women. However, when she didn’t give up and secretly threw the purse, attempting to use it as a token of affection to seduce His Majesty, it was like adding fuel to the fire, making the already short-tempered palace women explode. They vowed to give this seductress a hard time!

Several palace women exchanged words, trying to provoke Qin Manman further and making her the target of their ridicule. However, they held back, considering the others’ greater numbers and decided to keep their cool by burying their heads in their beds, out of sight, out of mind.

But as soon as Qin Manman lay down on her bed, she realized that something was wrong. She reached out and felt the cold sensation and a nearby bucket of water, which clearly told her that her bedding had been soaked, and she wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.

She didn’t know who was behind this, but the system could detect it was the eldest daughter of General Wang, who had instructed two less privileged palace women to carry it out.

This kind of exclusionary tactic was truly low, but it was highly effective.

Qin Manman, clutching the damp and musty bedding, suddenly felt a surge of anger rushing to her heart, making her wish she could tear these women, who were now showing mocking faces toward her, to shreds!

She was not one to back down easily. Knowing it was the daughter of General Wang, Wang Qiang, behind this, she directly grabbed a bucket and filled it with water from the well. Then, she rushed towards Wang Qiang’s bedding and splashed the water all over it.

Her actions were bold, precise, and unexpected. The amused looks of the onlookers turned into astonishment. Qin Manman finally breathed a sigh of relief, feeling much better. She thought to herself, “You made me unhappy, so I’ll make you unhappy!”

However, to her surprise, Wang Qiang, who usually carried herself with pride, burst into tears on the spot. She cried as if her heart was broken and went to find the head housekeeper, sobbing and claiming that she was being bullied by Qin Manman.

At that moment, Qin Manman was still standing among the crowd, hands on her hips, holding a bucket, with irrefutable evidence of her actions. The matron¹a head stewardess that’s in charge of palace maidens immediately raised her eyebrows, and her wrinkled old face showed signs of displeasure.

Qin Manman, feeling indignant, said, “It was Wang Qiang who splashed water on me first!”

Wang Qiang, with tears in her eyes, spoke eloquently, “You’re falsely accusing me! Which eye of yours saw it? There were so many other candidates present, and I have no grudges against you. Why would you accuse me without evidence? You’re trying to frame me without any proof, is this how people should behave?”

She cried pitifully, and the other maids gathered around, patting her shoulder and consoling her softly.

In fact, her words made sense. It seemed unlikely that Qin Manman had been seen by the head housekeeper at the time of the incident, and she had no evidence to prove that Wang Qiang had splashed water on her.

Qin Manman was left speechless by this, realizing she had vented her frustration without any evidence. On the surface, Wang Qiang had no known conflicts with her, and there was no apparent motive for the alleged wrongdoing apart from the daytime incident. She couldn’t exactly say the system had informed her about it, so when faced with Wang Qiang’s counterattack, Qin Manman had to swallow this injustice.

She still wanted to argue for herself, but the matron coldly interrupted her, saying, “That’s enough!” The matron was older, and she understood the tactics of these young women very well. She even vaguely sensed that many of the palace maidens were uniting against Qin Manman, but she simply chose not to reveal this.

With her sharp eyes, she looked at Qin Manman, who had single eyelids, thick lips, and no outstanding features except for fair skin. On the other hand, she compared her to Wang Qiang, who had a face like a peach blossom, eyebrows like a crescent moon, and a beauty that was stunningly vibrant. Wang Qiang spoke softly, even her crying evoked sympathy, and she had excellent people skills. It was clear which one was more likely to stand out, no need to say more.

After this thorough examination, the matron’s judgment was clear. She watched Qin Manman, who was still trying to defend herself with gestures, and then decisively slapped her across the face. She also ordered that Qin Manman should stand in the courtyard tonight and not sleep.

Qin Manman was shocked!

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The author has something to say: Thank you, little angels, for voting for me or nourishing me with nutrient solutions~

 

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  a head stewardess that’s in charge of palace maidens