CHAPTER 643: CHAPTER 643: CARELESS

The autumn hunt was an age-old tradition.

Unless there was a significant event, it occurred every year.

They had not gone for the first few years because the late Emperor had passed away, he was still in mourning, and the Imperial Court was not yet well-organized.

Everything was unprepared, making it inappropriate to travel.

But now things were different; the country was flourishing, and there was no reason not to go.

Taking one more person or one less person hardly constituted a significant matter.

It did not count as breaking the rules.

Xia Ruqing had carefully considered this before she dared to speak; otherwise, she wouldn’t have dreamt of voicing it.

Zhao Junyao was not the kind of foolish Emperor who would disregard everything for a favored woman.

He had a limit in his heart: anything below was coquettishness, but beyond that was spoiled petulance.

Xia Ruqing gauged that limit just right.

The evening meal was still simple, as usual. Zhao Junyao was in a good mood and inevitably ate an extra bowl of rice.

After the evening meal, he went out for a walk and then returned to bathe and sleep, which is not worth detailing.

「Early the next morning.」

When Xia Ruqing woke up, Zhao Junyao had already left for court.

Zi Yue came in and said, "My lady, it’s still early..."

Xia Ruqing shook her head. "It’s not early. I need to pay my respects. I served His Majesty last night, so it wouldn’t be good to be late!"

Zi Yue looked at the sky and, not advising further, turned to fetch her clothes.

Half a Shi Chen later, Xia Ruqing was fully dressed.

The air was quite chilly on an early August morning.

She had chosen a set of autumn palace garb in a shade of lilac.

On her head, she wore a pair of Purple Jade Carved Flower Hairpins, a pair of Filigree Enamel Hair Ornaments, and two coral-colored gemstone fragments Zhu Hua.

In her ears hung a pair of Silver Crescent Moon Earrings, and around her wrists, a pair of Twisted Silver Bracelets, one inset with an emerald.

Her shoes were also exquisite, embroidered with a pair of butterflies poised to take flight, made of quality Brocade Silk.

From head to toe, she was the epitome of elegance.

In the past, Xia Ruqing was not so meticulous.

But... today was different.

The Emperor hadn’t entered the Harem for a month or so.

Logically, for his first visit back, he should have rested with the Empress.

If not her, then it should have been with the Noble Consort or Consort Ning; that was the protocol.

In any case, it was not supposed to be her turn.

But in reality, the Emperor didn’t go to any of their chambers; instead, he came straight to hers.

The Noble Consort and Consort Ning, among others, would inevitably make a few sour remarks.

Therefore, Xia Ruqing could not afford to give them any leverage.

This exquisite palace attire also served as a forewarning. It declared to all that she was a consort, the most beloved by the Emperor, and the one nurturing the Crown Prince.

So, those who thought to contend with her had better tread lightly.

「Jiaofang Hall」

Xia Ruqing arrived quite early, even earlier than those Honored Ladies.

After arriving, the Palace Attendants served tea and refreshments, and she quietly drank tea and nibbled on snacks.

There was no impatience, nor a hint of irritation.

Inside the inner chamber, the Empress was still washing and dressing.

After Yu Lan went out and returned, she whispered in her ear, "Your Majesty, Consort Xian Pin has arrived!"

The Empress’s gaze flashed, and after pausing for a moment, she let out a cold laugh.

"Hmph, at least she knows her place!"

Sister Ji, somewhat worried, said, "Your Majesty, this servant feels that Consort Xian Pin... Her brother has now become a Third-rank Marquis, and I hear she has another brother who is about to take the imperial examinations. The Xia Family... it looks like they’re truly on the rise. Consort Xian Pin is also the mother of the Crown Prince and is now deeply favored by the Emperor! This servant fears..."

The Empress’s gaze turned icy, and her hands clenched the handkerchief tightly.

"I have been careless, truly careless! Back then, I was blinded by the Noble Consort, so focused on competing with her that I overlooked everything else! Now that I think about it, the Emperor might have set his heart on someone else long ago. Perhaps he merely used the Noble Consort as a smokescreen! So, one by one, they all have children, but only I still..."

The Empress’s words trailed off; she could not continue.

In her eyes, there was disappointment and hatred.

Your Majesty, am I so unworthy in your eyes?

She dared not think further. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, she remained dazed for quite a while before regaining her composure.

The bitterness in her heart was swallowed down once again.

The Empress’s hands were trembling.

"If this bitterness can kill me, let it! If it can’t, then someday, I will trample it all underfoot!"

As she spoke, her eyes were filled with surging hatred.

For all the years she had been married into the palace, not once had she enjoyed a day of peace.

She refused to believe that the heavens would forever be blind!

She waited; she would just wait for that day!

"Your Majesty, everyone is present!" Yu Fu came in to report.

The Empress immediately hid the ruthlessness in her eyes, took a deep breath, and stood up. "Let’s go!"

"Yes!"

After entering the great hall and performing the ceremonial greetings, the Empress cast a cursory glance at Consort Xian Pin.

Noticing her exquisitely arranged clothing, dignified behavior, and respectful attitude, she sneered inwardly, thinking, Cunning indeed!

She paid her no more attention.

Instead, she turned to Consort Cheng Pin, smiling as she asked, "Is everything alright with you? Are the Sister and Wetnurse Nanny to your satisfaction?"

Consort Cheng Pin immediately got up and respectfully greeted her. "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Everything is fine!"

Consort Cheng Pin was well-behaved, which pleased the Empress, and she nodded.

"As long as you’re fine, I can rest easy," she said. "The Second Prince is still young, and both the Emperor and I value him greatly. If you need anything, you must speak up!"

Having said this, she also engaged Consort Ning in some conversation before declaring herself tired and dismissing the gathering.

Throughout the entire time, she ignored Xia Ruqing, not even granting her a glance.

When leaving Jiaofang Hall, Xia Ruqing was following behind Consort Ning, walking alongside Consort Cheng Pin.

When Consort Ning noticed, she quickly turned back and pulled Consort Cheng Pin along. "Sister, let’s hurry back; the Little Prince cannot be left alone!"

Consort Cheng Pin stumbled forward a great step as she was pulled.

Turning back with some embarrassment, she glanced at Xia Ruqing.

Xia Ruqing beamed. "Go on ahead!" she encouraged.

Only then did Consort Cheng Pin nod and follow Consort Ning away.

After all, she resided in Yichun Palace and couldn’t afford to offend the one in charge there.

「On her side, Xia Ruqing returned alone to Qingya Residence.」

As she entered, Zi Su immediately expressed indignation on her mistress’s behalf. "What is this? We were walking perfectly fine, and they deliberately left our mistress behind?!"

Zi Yue hurriedly said, "We don’t bother with such trifles!"

Xia Ruqing, having removed her outer garments, chuckled merrily. "Your mistress has simply become the object of the Empress’s jealousy! She (Consort Ning) is just currying favor with the Empress to slight me. It’s no big deal!"

To wear a crown is to bear its weight!

With all the affection I’ve received, if they weren’t jealous, it would defy all reason!

Xia Ruqing yawned.

"Alright, I’m a bit sleepy. I’ll take another nap! I got quite chilled on that trip out. For breakfast, I want a bowl of small wontons with shrimp, another bowl of mutton soup, and two pancakes, dry and crispy!"

"Yes, my lady!"

Zi Yue answered, helped her mistress lie down, and then left.

Xia Ruqing still felt sleepy, and she fell asleep not long after closing her eyes.

「Meanwhile, at Xifu Palace.」

Returning from the Empress’s place, the Palace Attendants had collected the morning meal from the Imperial Kitchen and laid it out.

Ying Qiu helped the Noble Consort change into casual clothes and said, "Your Highness, please have your meal!"