From that day forward, Li Lan Se frequently sought opportunities to offer words of praise to the Imperial Consort, eventually earning him important duties within the palace. He no longer had to merely clean and sweep the palace courtyard.
'The Jihua (chrysanthemum) blossoms in autumn, signifying pure beauty, yet I believe they are not even half as beautiful as Your Highness,' Li Lan Se declared when accompanying the procession to admire the flora in the imperial gardens.
'Your humble servant dares to open the window. Your humble servant believes that if His Majesty visits Your Highness's palace tonight, and beholds Your Highness's countenance bathed in the moonlight, he will be captivated by Your Highness, never to forget,' the young boy extolled during a night watch before the palace.
'This orchid-patterned cushion suits Your Highness perfectly. The colors on the cushion, contrasting with Your Highness's jet-black hair, are a delight to behold. Sister Wan Ying's skill in embroidery and choosing silk threads has advanced to another level!' It wasn't merely the Imperial Consort he praised; Lan Se learned to compliment her Confidant Maids as well, lest he incur their displeasure.
'Your Highness's natural scent is as sweet as a ripe seventh-month pear. No wonder His Majesty visits Your Highness's palace so often!'
Each time Lii Fei heard the young eunuch's flattering words, the Imperial Consort would be in good spirits. Though she did not bestow rewards every time, she now remembered this young eunuch's name. Yunzhi even remarked that the boy's mouth must surely be coated in sugar.
"I merely memorize and imitate the words from books," Lan Se said, looking up from his calligraphy practice. By now, his handwriting was neat, his strokes beautiful and firm, and he could read many books. Zise even complained that he read books too quickly.
As Lan Se now held duties and received rewards from the Imperial Consort, and was frequently summoned by her, the boy decided to cease accepting mending work from the Imperial Robe Department. His task of mending scrolls was now replaced with transcribing them.
"Has the Imperial Consort sent Brother Yunzhi out of the palace recently?"
"Not yet."
"Is that so..." The young boy's eyes clouded with sadness. Yunzhi, seeing this, quickly added,
"Should the Imperial Consort command me to leave, I will help you search for news of your mother."
"Thank you, Brother Yunzhi."
"Rise. The Imperial Consort has commanded that you and I accompany her to the imperial gardens again. I wonder what delights she finds in the garden; she must visit it once every three to seven days."
"Perhaps it is because she loves flowers. Besides, winter is approaching. Do not complain about her. Let her enjoy the garden and lift her spirits before she cannot leave her palace as often in winter."
Li Lan Se gathered his belongings and followed Yunzhi to the palace entrance, to await the Imperial Consort to finish dressing. He wondered what attire and ornaments the Imperial Consort would wear today. Many servants waited, a source of private amusement, but no one dared to laugh openly.
It was fortunate that few other consorts were out strolling during this period, so Lii Fei did not hear any disparaging remarks about her attire.
Li Lan Se followed closely until they reached the open Chinese pavilion beside the lotus pond. It was octagonally tiled, its supporting pillars intricately carved with tales of immortals, a favored place of leisure for Imperial Consort Lii Fei.
However, today, someone was already seated there.
"Mei Jing of the An clan bows to Imperial Consort Lii Fei."
Imperial Consort An Pin, along with her attendants, bowed deeply, making way for Lii Fei to sit at the place of honor.
"I still recall Younger Sister's name. My memory is not so faded. But I wonder if Elder Sister recalls Younger Sister's name. Younger Sister, there is no need for such ceremony. Pray, be seated." Lii Fei's words were venomous. An Pin's face flushed crimson.
"Thank you, Elder Sister," An Pin sat down, continuing, "I have not seen Elder Sister in a long time. Elder Sister remains as beautiful as ever, her attire as uniquely impressive as before."
Li Lan Se stood not far from the other servants, his ears catching the barbed words. He suddenly thought to himself that these consorts, addressing each other as 'Elder Sister' and 'Younger Sister,' sounded intimate, yet the words they uttered were sharper than shears.
Speaking of which, Xie Shi Wu served Imperial Consort An Pin, but today Shi Wu was not present. What a pity. He was likely tending to Imperial Princess Yu Rong in the palace.
"But Younger Sister seems thinner. Does the food not suit your taste? Wan Ying, did my father send me bird's nest a few days ago? Share some of the bird's nest with Younger Sister An Pin. Younger Sister must nourish her body. Do not allow yourself to grow thin, or how will you serve Elder Brother?"
"Thank you, Elder Sister, for your concern. But Yu Rong still requires my milk. She cries and fusses at night, so I do not get enough rest, Your Highness."
This was a subtle jab, indicating that An Pin had a daughter, while Lii Fei's womb remained flat and silent. It struck the Imperial Consort directly. Lii Fei took a deep breath, suppressing her anger.
"Younger Sister has it hard. When I have leisure, I shall visit the Second Imperial Princess in her palace. I wish to behold how lovely and endearing she is."
"Yanxi Palace always welcomes Elder Sister, Your Highness."
"Today, I feel the air is colder than it should be. I shall return to my palace. Younger Sister, do not stay in the wind for too long either, lest you fall ill."
"Elder Sister's body is precious. May you walk safely, Your Highness. As for me, I shall sit a little longer. It is rare for me to come out to admire the lotus pond. I expect the water in the pond will freeze solid again this winter." An Pin gazed into the distance, then turned back to bow gracefully in farewell. "Respectfully seeing Elder Sister off, Your Highness."
Li Lan Se secretly glanced at the stunning beauty, whose face was now sullen. Her hands were clenched, trembling slightly. The other party, meanwhile, wore a faint smile. It was clear who had lost this verbal skirmish.
But good fortune never comes in pairs, and misfortune never comes alone.
While walking back to her palace, she encountered another Imperial Consort. However, this time Lii Fei had to bow first, due to her lower rank.
"Salutations to Elder Sister De Fei, Your Highness."
This woman with a calm, serene yet dignified face was named 'Xu Huizhen.' She held the rank of Noble Consort (Fei), 'De Fei,' one of the four chief consorts, which included 'Xian Fei,' 'De Fei,' 'Su Fei,' and 'Guifei.' At present, the position of De Fei was occupied, with three other positions still vacant.
Of course, Imperial Consort Lii Fei yearned for one of the four chief consort positions every day. She was not content with merely the 'Fei' rank. However, she could not simply request it, for even the 'Fei' rank and her imperial title were already high enough for one who came from a wealthy merchant family, not the daughter of a prominent official clan.
To bestow rank upon a consort, beyond imperial favor, one also had to consider their family background, conduct, and virtues, ensuring they were suitable for the position. It was not merely being a beautiful woman that could elevate one to such high status.
Xu Huizhen was the eldest daughter of the esteemed Madam Xu, from the Xu clan, a military family since the beginning of the Wu Dynasty. It was said that if the Xu clan bore sons, those sons would possess great martial skill and become excellent generals, even leading armies. Currently, her father held the position of Dà Sīmǎ (Supreme Commander of All Armies), holding half of a tiger tally in his hand. Her eldest brother was a Grand General commanding infantry, having achieved many accomplishments. His most notable feat was driving out the Manchus who had seized the ten northern prefectures of Great Qing.
Besides her suitable family background, Imperial Consort De Fei also conducted herself virtuously, with decorum in her body, manners, and heart. She assisted the Empress in governing the inner court. Two years ago, Her Highness led all the consorts and palace women in prayers for timely rain, earning widespread admiration among the populace. The Emperor then bestowed upon her the rank of Noble Consort (Fei), 'De Fei,' meaning 'virtuous.'
Though she did not possess a countenance as beautiful as Lii Fei's, the aura surrounding Her Highness instilled a sense of peace and calm in those who beheld her. Sometimes, the Emperor would visit Xixiang Palace to discuss philosophy if he felt troubled by state affairs.
Imperial Consort De Fei merely nodded briefly, not stopping to greet. Lii Fei waited until she had disappeared around the corner of the garden before continuing her walk.
Li Lan Se secretly sighed, thinking they would have another verbal clash. Being an imperial consort was truly vexing.
Upon returning to her palace, Lii Fei remained silent, only commanding Xi Ying to summon the imperial physician to check her pulse. She posed a simple yet difficult question: why had she not conceived a dragon child by now?
An Pin had the Second Imperial Princess Yu Rong. De Fei had the Third Imperial Prince 'Wu Shuoyan.'
This year, she was nineteen, having served for over two years. Could her body have a problem? She grew older each year, her youth fading with time. Every three years, the Emperor would select new consorts, and that would be next spring. Younger, gentler, and more youthful women would soon enter, threatening her position.
Wan Ying and Xi Ying subtly gestured for Li Lan Se to say something to comfort Lii Fei.
"May Your Highness not be angry. Did your humble servant not tell you that no woman is as beautiful as Your Highness?"
"What good is beauty if I grow older every day?" The stunning beauty spoke with pent-up frustration. "Lately, His Majesty has visited my palace less and less. When I paid respects to the Empress in the morning, those consorts began to brazenly gossip about me, showing no respect. And even now, I have no child to rely on. What will become of me in the future? I don't wish to become a nun and live in a monastery!"
Imperial consorts of a deceased emperor, if they had a son, could follow him to a residence outside the capital as appointed. If they had a daughter, they would remain in the palace, holding the rank of 'Tai Fei.' But if they had neither son nor daughter, they had to become a nun and live in a temple for the rest of their lives.
Li Lan Se saw the beautiful woman's eyes well with tears and suddenly felt saddened himself. Though she had a sharp tongue and enjoyed making sarcastic remarks, she was considered a good master, worthy of sincere and loyal service.
Since he was now one of Jingren Palace's own, he would support and push her towards her goals, in return for her consistent kindness towards him and the other servants.
Beyond that, the ability to walk with his head held high before other palace eunuchs made the young boy feel inexplicably good. If she fell from favor, it would mean he would no longer have the right to two baozi, delicious soup, and fine clothes, wouldn't it?
It was like a small bird choosing a tree to build its nest. If the tree grew well, strong, and reliable, its nest would never be blown away by the wind.
"What if we do this, Your Highness? Your humble servant will find a way to restore Your Highness's favor, and will not allow other consorts to mock or gossip about you again!"
"You have a way?"
"Yes, Your Highness. Grant your humble servant three days. By then, Your Highness must promise to follow your humble servant's every instruction!"