Imperial Favor Chapter 14.1
Liu Hanjiang
There was quite some distance between Yuxi Palace and Yiqiu Palace so Tang Zhuo Zhuo changed into a new set of clothing with a round, hibiscus coloured fan held lightly in her hands. As it was still early in the day and the sun had yet to reach its peak, it didn’t feel too dreadfully hot.
On the contrary, Zhang Desheng wore a miserable and bitter expression, following from behind as he wiped the rivulets of sweat trickling down his face.
He should have sent those degenerate mongrels to bring the things over* as it would have been better; the items may have arrived, yet he was the person who couldn’t return.
T/L/N: 那帮小兔崽子- He is basically cursing them out as bastards from places much beneath his status; most likely some subordinates he wished he could have sent the treasures with instead of himself.
Although this Zhong Liangdi is not favored at the moment, she was still a master even if in name only, and one can never be sure of what the future may bring. Even if she was no longer of use, his master will still need to ascend the throne with the aid of the Zhong family’s background; it was inevitable that she would be presented with the concubine title. She was someone he could not afford to offend.
Although these were his thoughts, Zhang Desheng dared not utter a word as he trailed closely behind Tang Zhuo Zhuo’s footsteps.
Those who suit their actions to the time are wise*. Ever since he began to serve at his master’s side, he became well learned in fathoming Huo Qiu’s inner thoughts. It was clear that the Crown Prince held the Crown Princess close to his heart; he only needed to see the current situation to know this.
When pressing situations occur, offending that one person would be unavoidable.
How could Tang Zhuo Zhuo not see through this man’s treacherous scheming* in his heart? He was truly a world-wise man**.
***花花肠子- a popular metaphor translating to the ovaries or a generalized ‘bowels’, to put emphasis on someone who is treacherous or lustful.
人精- the latter word could mean either ‘clever’ or ‘spirit’. When paired with the first word ‘person’, it describes someone who is basically ‘street-smart’
But fortunately, this conniving person was also particularly sensible.
After turning a corner, the group arrived at Yuxi Palace’s front entrance where two palace maids stood guard. Upon seeing her, they hastened in a flustered manner to kneel and perform their greetings.
Tang Zhuo Zhuo used the fan in her hand to delicately shade the top of her head. She turned to An Xia, who was at her side, and joked lightly, “It is quite peculiar today; do I not need to pass notice to Zhong Liangdi before I can enter?”
The two palace maids trembled on the ground. Fortunately, Tang Zhuo Zhuo only gave them a minute glance before leading her group onwards into the inner halls.
Zhong Yuxi had been placed under residential confinement. For the first few days, she gnashed her teeth in fury, but she thought of the mess her elder brother was entangled with, she became distraught and wept. Compounded by the hot weather, it was not long before stress caught up to her, causing sore blisters to develop around the mouth that burned painfully.
The onset of pain caused to quickly become more compliant; everyday she would sit in her chambers embroidering handkerchiefs and other garments.
When Tang Zhuo Zhuo entered, she happened to catch a glimpse of a moon-white garment in her hands. Her hands were working tirelessly and it was not until she walked closer that she realized they were men’s bedclothes.
As to who they were for, everyone knew without the need to say anything.
The image of her profile was warm and gentle without a trace of fury or indignation. Tang Zhuo Zhuo stood a dozen or so steps away from her with a dazed look on her face. It was then that she finally caught a shadow of the unflaggingly favored Concubine Zhong of her previous life.
Causing neither disputes nor strife or riling others to anger, she always held herself with a pure and noble comportment, her expression calm and unflappable, in front of others. This tactic, compared to the Zhong Liangdi who knelt on the ground begging pardon for her brother without much provocation, was much more skillful.
Perhaps she heard the approaching footsteps for Zhong Yuxi looked towards Tang Zhuo Zhuo’s direction and her expression morphed into surprise. That expression cooled all too soon, and she softly set down the bedclothes in her hands to bow towards Tang Zhuo Zhuo in greeting. “This concubine greets Your Highness the Crown Princess.”
Tang Zhuo Zhuo nodded lightly in acknowledgement, her eyes sweeping over the meticulously crafted article of clothing. Though her voice clearly carried a brisk smile, the underlying derision could be heard clearly as well.
“Zhong Liangdi is quite elegant, this is perhaps being sewn for His Highness’ bedclothes?
Zhong Yuxi bit her lip as she lowered her gaze to obscure the haze within her eyes and replied docilely, “This concubine’s insensitivity enraged His Highness, and am now seized with fear. This concubine only seeks to find means to extinguish His Highness’ ire.”
Tang Zhuo Zhuo let out a laugh and made no move to sit. She only stood there, fiddling with the nail guard* on her hand for a period of time before she finally spoke, “I fell ill for some time during an inopportune moment, it must have disturbed His Highness and Liangdi’s exclusive time.”
Zhong Yuxi’s hold on her handkerchief tightened but her face remained sincere and fearful. “May Your Highness pardon my fault. How could this concubine possibly have such thoughts? This concubine has been in residential confinement for the past few days; aside from His Highness, all others were forbidden entrance here and so naturally, couldn’t pay a visit to Your Highness. This concubine beseeches Your Highness to forgive this lowly one.”
Her words were without a single fault, yet it was faintly spiteful.
The order for confinement came from Huo Qiu. Even if she were the Crown Princess, she did not have the right to enter her without the Crown Prince’s permission.
Tang Zhuo Zhuo laughed quietly at hearing those words and gently stroked the silvery sleeping garments with her fingers. She spoke lightly, “Liangdi must be troubled.”
“Today, I heard His Highness mention the matter of the Zhong family’s esteemed son being sent to the distant border regions. After receiving His Highness’ permission, I have come to bring you good news.”
Zhong Yuxi closed her eyes momentarily before glancing towards Li Desheng who stood mutely to the side and came naturally to the conclusion that Tang Zhuo Zhuo had received Huo Qiu assent before visiting her.
She kept her smile up no matter the anger dwelling in her heart. “It was this concubine’s elder brother who failed to meet expectations, caused His Highness many difficulties, and even troubled Your Highness.”
The material under her hand was delicate and soft, embroidered with fine stitches. Tang Zhuo Zhuo blinked her beautiful apricot eyes and walked up to stand in front of her.
“His Highness informed me earlier that you believe your elder brother to have been ensnared in someone’s plot that resulted in this vexing situation and therefore, feel wronged.
“I pondered over the possibility of this and was also reminded of Liangdi’s words that day while kneeling before me. My heart was moved as my own elder brother was brought to mind.”
Zhong Yuxi was taken aback for a moment, unsure of the meaning behind those words. Besides….. His Highness, he actually spoke with Tang Zhuo Zhuo this way about her?
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