55. Shu Fei's Jealousy

The Imperial Palace—Hall of Eternal Peace

The Hall of Eternal Peace was Consort Shu’s residence. Though it lacked the splendor of the Phoenix Hall, it was still magnificently adorned, with redwood beams carved and painted so exquisitely that it possessed its own unique charm. Unlike the spacious Phoenix Hall, this place was more intimate; naturally, a single consort could not compare to the empress. Seated in the main chamber, Consort Shu was listening to a young eunuch reporting on Emperor Xuanyuan Ren’s gifts to Huiyue.

The eunuch’s voice was sharp as he relayed, “His Majesty bestowed upon Princess Siyue a pair of pearl earrings, an agate necklace, and a two-toned silk gown. That silk gown, I believe, was a gift from the Snowland Kingdom. We all thought it would be presented to you, Your Grace. In a few days, it will be the little prince’s first birthday. Imagine how stunning you would look in it then! But to give such a dress to a mere court lady—she’s hardly worthy!”

In two days, the birthday of Consort Shu’s young son would arrive. The palace was preparing a grand banquet, to which nobles and ministers would be invited. Her father, Li Jinzhou, had already arranged for someone to raise the matter of declaring her son crown prince at the feast, though whether the emperor would consent remained uncertain.

Dressed in a crimson gauze gown, Consort Shu shot the eunuch a piercing glance, then sneered, “So, His Majesty is fond of that girl? Half the month, he spends with the empress, and now there’s Huiyue as well. If this continues, he’ll forget all us consorts entirely!” She still hoped for the emperor’s exclusive favor, but Xuanyuan Ren visited her chambers barely once or twice a month. Despite her elevated status and having borne a son, his affection for her remained lukewarm, and he showed no intention of making her empress.

The maid beside her smiled, “How could that be? How could she compare to you, Your Grace? The emperor is merely bewitched for the moment. Once he comes to his senses, he’ll know who is truly the best!” Yet, even the best was not necessarily Consort Shu.

Consort Shu nodded, though anxiety lingered in her eyes, and she instructed the eunuch, “Watch everything closely for me. If anything unusual happens, report at once!” She waved him away, and the eunuch bowed out. Consort Shu had been in the palace seven or eight years, her ambition to become empress unwavering from the start. What seemed an easy goal had proven elusive. She was not a woman who could love Xuanyuan Ren selflessly; she craved power and status.

A eunuch’s loud announcement shattered her thoughts, “Her Majesty the Empress arrives!” Dressed in a golden phoenix robe and crowned with a phoenix diadem, Du Haiju entered, accompanied by a matron and her personal maid. In the inner palace, those of higher rank could enter the chambers of those beneath them without invitation; the eunuch’s proclamation was merely a courtesy to let those inside prepare.

Consort Shu rose and greeted Empress Du Haiju, “May Your Majesty enjoy endless peace and prosperity!” Her maidservants knelt. There were strict rules for such ceremonies: consorts of the noble rank needed only to offer a blessing, lesser concubines had to curtsy deeply, and maids were required to kneel and kowtow. Consort Shu, being of noble rank, only needed to offer a blessing.

Du Haiju waved her hand with regal grace, “I’ve come today to discuss arrangements for the little prince’s birthday banquet. His Majesty has entrusted me with the task. I hope my efforts will please both you and the young prince.” Du Haiju took the seat Consort Shu had just vacated. To possess such magnanimity was rare; to organize a celebration for another woman’s child, for her husband’s sake—once one entered the palace, the dream of being unique was folly, only a source of misery.

Though annoyed, Consort Shu maintained her smile, “Since His Majesty has entrusted everything to you, I shall defer to your decisions.” Her tone revealed a hint of resentment. It was her son’s birthday, yet Du Haiju would organize the festivities, as if she, the mother, counted for nothing—not ignored, but not truly valued. Was it not a blessing to have someone else shoulder the burdens for her?

Du Haiju continued smiling, “If you have any suggestions, please speak freely.” She could guess Consort Shu’s feelings. Since Xuanyuan Ren had given her the responsibility, she would not disappoint his trust. Only such women could be empress; only then would the palace remain orderly. If the empress were prone to jealousy, chaos would reign.

Consort Shu respectfully offered another blessing, “Thank you, Sister. You truly trouble yourself for us. In the future, I will have the young prince properly repay your kindness.” Somehow, her words sounded less like gratitude and more like a veiled threat.

Du Haiju laughed, “You’re too polite. The young prince calls me Mother Empress. Though he is your son, he is also mine.” Every word held a hidden meaning; all Xuanyuan Ren’s children addressed Du Haiju as Mother Empress.

Consort Shu hastily replied, “Of course, of course. It seems I was too formal—please don’t take offense, Sister.” Hypocrisy was essential in the palace; women had to learn it to protect themselves.

Du Haiju rose and said, “If you have no special requests, I’ll go attend to other matters. There’s much to be done.” She left. She had intended a calm discussion but it had become a battle of words. Every time Consort Shu met other consorts, it was the same; thus, Xuanyuan Ren never cared for her deeply. Without Li Jinzhou’s influence, she would never have attained her noble rank.

Consort Shu and her maid bowed, “Farewell, Your Majesty.” Watching Du Haiju’s retreating figure, Consort Shu thought fiercely: When my son becomes crown prince, you’ll have no reason to act so haughty!

Women, men, the old, the young, and those neither young nor old—bring your gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts, shower them upon me without restraint. Let the storm rage even fiercer!