Hustle Queen in the Harem: My Consort Won't Stop Grinding

Chapter 33: Chapter 33: That’ll Be Extra

Shu Changzai was making the Emperor work overtime again, and again, and again!

During the morning greetings the next day, she was, as expected, on the receiving end of plenty of sharp glares.

But unlike before, this time, aside from a few catty remarks, no one tried to use it as an excuse to punish her. The high-ranking concubines’ gazes frequently drifted to the empty seat at the head of the room—the one that had belonged to Noble Princess Consort Rong.

The topic that eased the gossip pressure on Jiang Xian was none other than the Noble Consort.

Lu Ronghua sighed. "It’s a shame that Ma Wanyi, who was so close with our Sister-in-law, was also confined. I wish to show my concern for the Noble Consort’s current situation, but there’s no way to do so. I can only worry helplessly."

Feng Liangyuan said with a concerned frown, "With our Sister-in-law living in Zhaoyang Palace all by herself, it must be a bit lonely..."

A muffled chuckle came from the head of the room, and everyone fell silent.

The laugh was barely audible. Based on Jiang Xian’s years of experience in large meetings and her sharp hearing, she determined it had come from the direction of Princess Consort Zhang. Yet, when she glanced at her from the corner of her eye, the consort’s expression was as serene and solemn as a wooden Buddha statue.

Lu Ronghua said calmly, "Sister Liangyuan, don’t say such foolish things. The Noble Consort’s Zhaoyang Palace is very lively. It’s so crowded with Palace Attendants they can barely fit."

According to the rank of a Noble Consort, she was entitled to six palace maids. That was just the official number—the ones who were always around Noble Princess Consort Rong and were known by name. There were many more unnamed junior Palace Attendants for menial tasks. Even the seamstresses had their own supervisor, so the total number of servants was countless, far beyond what a mere Liang Yuan could imagine. Her cheeks flushed slightly. "Sister Ronghua is the one who thinks things through."

...

But that wasn’t what Lu Ronghua actually meant.

Because the Noble Consort had once made an arrogant declaration when she first entered the harem: "Zhaoyang Palace was gifted to me by the Emperor. No one else should even think about moving in."

And yet, the Emperor had actually acquiesced to her arrogant behavior.

With such overwhelming favor, how could it not make the veteran concubines fearful and wary?

"Ma Wanyi wasn’t there, but wasn’t Shu Changzai present yesterday?"

Consort Guo’s gaze landed on Jiang Xian.

Jiang Xian smiled. "I’ve forgotten all about it. I only remember that the snow was falling particularly hard."

"Forgotten everything? How can Shu Changzai be so forgetful?"

Even Lu Ronghua was a little disappointed.

The Noble Consort being put in her place—what a classic scene!

The women of the Six Palaces would have paid a fortune to hire Jiang Xian for a live performance and hear her tell the story—what a pity. With the "big boss" watching, Jiang Xian had only just promised the Emperor last night that she wouldn’t gossip about the matter. Otherwise, she would have repeated every single word for her "colleagues" to hear at the morning meeting.

"I am slow-witted. I’ve disappointed you, Sister."

Consort Guo shot back coldly, "Slow-witted? I think not. If you were truly slow-witted, how could the Emperor be so fond of Shu Changzai?"

Her contemporary, who hadn’t been promoted as quickly, was now making catty remarks.

Unlike with the high-ranking concubines, Jiang Xian wasn’t afraid of her, nor could she afford to be. "The Emperor is a man of great learning and talent. Any display of intelligence before His Majesty would merely be showing off. I would rather be a tactful and docile fool,"

She paused. "Although that’s just a clever turn of phrase. I was never as clever as you to begin with, Sister."

’The protagonists in many palace-intrigue novels are always very conscious about hiding their edge. But this was Jiang Xian’s first time in the palace; she could only rely on her own workplace experience. One key takeaway was to never let people think you were afraid of trouble. If someone cursed you, you had to slap them right back. Why show any deference to a peer? A Noble Lady? A Noble Lady with less of the Emperor’s favor than her had to be polite to her, too.’

This attitude would prevent a lot of trouble.

Previously, when watching Shu Changzai confront the Noble Consort, Consort Guo had been quite envious. Now that she was the one being confronted, it didn’t feel nearly as good. Her face flushed red, and for a moment, she couldn’t think of a retort that was both perfectly polite and devastatingly sharp.

After all, she rarely had to argue with people back home!

Unlike a former office worker, who had to endure endless meetings and constant verbal jousting.

Consort Guo bit her lip, a storm brewing in her eyes. Just as she was about to let the hot tears roll down her cheeks, the Empress, from her seat at the head of the room, spoke up. "It’s time."

Time for what?

The newcomers who hadn’t been in the palace long were still confused, but Princess Consort Zhang had already risen to take her leave.

The Empress said, "I am tired. You are all dismissed."

’If you’re going to cry, go cry outside Jianzhang Palace. If you’re going to fight, take it somewhere far away. Just don’t expect me to mediate.’

The concubines exchanged glances, then followed Princess Consort Zhang’s lead and took their leave. The tears welling in Consort Guo’s eyes could no longer be held back, so she lowered her head pitifully as they streamed down her cheeks—a truly beautiful sight.

After leaving Jianzhang Palace, Consort Guo looked for her target, but she was nowhere to be found.

"She sure runs fast,"

she said hatefully. "Just wait until the Empress Dowager comes out of seclusion. I’d like to see how she explains using her seductive wiles to bewitch the Emperor and throw the whole harem into chaos!"

Because the Central Palace was without an heir, the Empress Dowager had gone into seclusion to fast and pray.

Aside from the Emperor, who paid his respects every morning, and the Empress, who visited once every ten days, she refused all other visitors to show her sincerity to the Buddha. Thus, apart from the initial selection, the new concubines had yet to meet the Empress Dowager. They only knew of her as a formidable figure who never made public appearances.

"Just wait. The Empress Dowager will certainly make an appearance at the Longevity Festival."

If the Empress Dowager didn’t even appear for the Emperor’s birthday, the entire imperial court would be rife with speculation.

At the mention of the Longevity Festival, Consort Guo grumbled, "I still have to go back and figure out what gift to present..."

※

The Emperor’s birthday was an event of the utmost importance, as well as an opportunity for the concubines to vie for his favor.

Ordinary treasures would likely not catch the Emperor’s eye. Those from powerful families had their relatives search for the perfect item, while those with artistic talent prepared paintings or calligraphy. Although their works were inferior to those of true masters, the sheer number of concubines presenting such cultured gifts allowed the imperial court to praise the Emperor for valuing talent over mere beauty—a fine reputation to uphold.

Many also chose to make clothing or scented sachets to show their thoughtfulness and charm.

Jiang Xian had set her mind on performing a dance.

Although word had spread that the Emperor forbade a female instructor from staying overnight at Yizhu Pavilion, it couldn’t stop the other concubines from developing an unusual fervor and almost superstitious faith in Shu Changzai, the current recipient of the Holy Favor.

They didn’t know the Emperor’s preferences, but they were convinced Shu Changzai did.

Thus, in a complete reversal of its previous desolation, Yizhu Pavilion became a hot spot.

Chen Daying stealthily peeked her head out the back door and saw many unfamiliar faces peering inside in what they clearly thought was a subtle manner. She quickly pulled her head back and muttered in confusion, "I feel like I see people every time I step outside these days. They aren’t casing the joint, are they?!"

He Xiang explained, "Miss, what are you saying? As if a theft could happen within the harem. They’re here to gather information. With the Longevity Festival approaching, they want to know..."

"They want to know what I’m giving the Emperor, right?" Chen Daying answered preemptively.

He Xiang thought they were probably all there for Shu Changzai and had nothing to do with her own mistress, but on second thought, she nodded. "Exactly. You’re so clever, Miss."

Chen Daying gave a rather smug smile. "In that case, I’d better go tell Sister Shu."

She returned to the inner chambers and, with practiced familiarity, went to the main hall to find Jiang Xian.

Because the two were on good terms, Jiang Xian’s palace maids didn’t stop her, merely announcing her arrival. Jiang Xian was never unavailable. Day or night, when others were awake, she was awake; when others were asleep, she was still grinding. Upon finding Jiang Xian, Chen Daying relayed what she had seen.

Jiang Xian nodded calmly.

"Thanks for the heads-up."

Chen Daying said, "It’s all thanks to me."

He Xiang glanced at the other mistress; she had probably known for a while. But that didn’t stop her own mistress from taking the credit. Chen Daying put on a serious face. "To prevent information from leaking out of Yizhu Pavilion, I think we need to gather the Palace Attendants and lay down some rules. We can’t have someone with a loose tongue selling us both out for a bit of candy."

She looked again at the Palace Attendants serving in the main hall. Their faces all seemed a bit rounder, as if they had been eating very well recently.

"You’re too late, Miss Chen," the palace maid Mian Xia said with a sigh. "Our mistress has already instructed us. If anyone asks about the gift, she told us..."

Chen Daying asked curiously, "Was it to keep your mouths tightly sealed and not reveal a single word?"

Mian Xia shot Jiang Xian a reproachful glance, as if she didn’t quite approve of her mistress’s methods. Jiang Xian let her stare, a placid smile on her face. Mian Xia continued, "Our mistress told us to say this: ’Shu Changzai treats us servants wonderfully, she’s like a second mother to us. If you want us to betray our mistress... well, you’re going to have to pay extra.’"