The Job of an Imperial Concubine

In the wake of Yunxi’s cry of alarm, the people next to Chongyi Zhao all whipped their heads in said imperial concubine’s direction. One glance, and it scared those people so much, their complexions changed. This blood all over her… Did Chongyi Zhao miscarry?

The moment Feng Jin had heard that shout, he found it anything but reassuring. As he turned to look at Zhuang Laoyan, the other party had already paled, but endured the pain without a sound. His legs trembled. He shifted his gaze to the imperial clan members and high-ranking officials around. In the end, he did not stand.

“Yunxi, don’t make a fuss. We’re at the state banquet.” Zhuang Laoyan raised her head, gathered the fox cloak tighter around her. “Reporting to Your Majesty, this concubine does not feel well. May Your Majesty allow this concubine to return first.”

Feng Jin clutched his wine cup. Gritting his teeth, he said with a pause between each word, “Permission granted.” Then he turned to Gao Dezhong who was by his side. “It’s snowing heavily and the road is slippery. Send Chongyi Zhao back to her palace for Us.”

“This slave will comply.” Gao Dezhong did not dare to be tardy, and rushed to retreat. None of the court officials and noble wives knew what had happened. They only saw that the emperor’s most useful eunuch went to send Chongyi Zhao back to her residence. And they all thought Chongyi Zhao was indeed favored.

But the noble wives that had sat closer to Chongyi Zhao were fearful to the extreme. Fortunately, Chongyi Zhao knew not to make a racket in this situation. Otherwise, the imperial clan members would lose reputation. If it came out in public that a struggle in the harem caused the emperor’s child to be miscarried, such would make for an unsightly and shameful occasion.

Once they stepped foot outside Taihe Hall, Gao Dezhong immediately had strong eunuchs bring over her sedan. In a low voice, he said to Yunxi, “Have you summoned an imperial physician yet?”

“Reporting to General Manager Gao, this slave has already had Fu Bao contact an imperial physician.” With red eyes, Yunxi supported Zhuang Laoyan onto the sedan. Holding her hand, she said consolingly, “Master, we’ll arrive at the palace very soon. It will be alright.”

“Yunxi, can my child be saved?” Zhuang Laoyan’s face was pale, voice near whisper and trembling. But everyone around could hear it clearly.

Gao Dezhong looked at the sorrowful Chongyi Zhao. Felt that her face was even whiter than the fox cloak she had on. He sighed in his heart. In the end, she didn’t have the kind of fate to have a child.

After Zhuang Laoyan had left, the other imperial concubines did not feel any more relaxed. On the contrary, they were apprehensive. For Chongyi Zhao to miscarry out of the blue inevitably inspired others’ suspicion. The few of them had been present at the same place. If the emperor took out his anger on them or suspected them…

“Your Majesty, look at this…”

The empress noticed that although the emperor’s expression seemed as usual, his gaze carried a suppressed anger. And she knew that he had been looking forward to the child in Chongyi Zhao. She could not help but start to rejoice in her heart. Fortunately, this child could not be born. “Should this concubine take a look?”

“No need. You are the empress of a nation. How could you leave during a state banquet?” Feng Jin set down the wine cup that he had held for a long time. He prompted the eunuch next to him to pour some wine. As the eunuch poured the wine, he felt that this eunuch wasn’t as satisfactory in his actions as Gai Dezhong. Perhaps Gao Dezhong was better at waiting upon Feng Jin. Then he dismissed the eunuch.

The empress took notice of the emperor’s action and no longer spoke. With a neutral expression, she watched as the bloom of fireworks filled the horizon 

As for the emperor, in the end, his country was more important.

Consort Rou cast a glance at the empty seat. Then looked at the empress and Noble Consort Shu. She wiped her mouth, the corners of which formed a mocking smile.

The Crown Prince of Changfeng Country naturally caught sight of the chaotic scene just prior. In a low voice, he asked the envoy next to him, “Which of His Majesty’s favored imperial concubines was that woman who had just left?” 

“Crown Prince, this subject has asked around before, and the woman who left just now is His Majesty’s favored imperial concubine, Chongyi Zhao. A few days ago, word had it that she became with child. But this subject thinks there is something suspicious about it.” This envoy also knew that the women in the imperial harem were full of schemes. Inevitably, he pitied that imperial concubine.

Sha Duoka stroked his mouth. He waved in a thoughtful manner. “These are the matters of His Majesty the emperor. It has nothing to do with us, so we need not discuss it any further.”  

Assistant Zhuang frowned as he turned his gaze toward the empty seat of his younger sister. Why did his younger sister suddenly leave the state banquet? Did something happen? Suspicious, he glanced at the emperor’s expression. But he couldn’t find anything off about it. Was he just overthinking it?

During the entire banquet, Feng Jin seldom smiled. But the high-ranking subjects present were already used to his imposing manner. And they did not find anything strange about it.

The empress felt a bit upset. She had known the emperor since young. Back then, she was the reading partner of Princess Fuzhu. Later on, the previous emperor bestowed her a marriage with the present emperor. Her wedding day had been grand and with great fanfare, inspiring envy in the hearts of many.

Now, many years later, she turned from an ignorant fifteen-years-old girl to a woman of the imperial harem. Recalling the mutual affection of those years, she couldn’t help but feel very pained. The family of the emperor was heartless. She watched as the women around her received favor and slowly lost favor. Even if she grew used to it, seeing it happen still caused her bitterness and was hard to endure.

At present, she saw the emperor favor another woman. And the bitterness in her heart spread to her mouth. A pain that could not be expressed in words.

“It’s uncertain how Chongyi Zhao is faring right now.” Consort Rou’s tone carried worry. “It’s this chilly today. Hopefully she did not catch a cold.”

“Chongyi Zhao is a fortunate person. It’s likely she is fine.” Arching a brow, Consort Xian smiled at Consort Rou. “It’s surprising to see that Younger Sister Consort Rou is this close with Chongyi Zhao.”

Consort Rou’s expression did not change. “We are sisters after all. Or could we who are present not worry about Chongyi Zhao?” However, the reason for worrying was anyone’s guess. Consort Rou sneered in her heart. It was uncertain who caused Chongyi Zhao to miscarry today. They even dared to scheme during a state banquet.

“Naturally, we would be concerned.” Zhaorong Xu sighed. “The world is always changing.”

Consort Rou looked down on her feigned delicate appearance. A mocking chuckle escaped her lips. She didn’t waste energy in replying.

At that moment, Consort Xian said, “Just now, this concubine noticed that Your Highness Noble Consort Shu did not eat any of the congee. Are you feeling unwell with no appetite?”

“Thank you Consort Xian for the concern. This palace is fine.” Noble Consort Shu glanced at Consort Xian with indifference. She wanted to place the suspicion on her? Could it really be that easy? “However, Consort Xian truly is scrupulous, power of observation different from others’.”

“Enough,” said the empress. “Since you sisters worry for Chongyi Zhao, let’s visit Xihe Palace in a little while. Don’t discuss this anymore.”

Feng Jin expressionlessly glanced at the group of women. He set down his pair of silver chopsticks, before rinsing his mouth and wiping his lips. With a tone of indifference, he said, “It’s getting late. May the beloved subjects do as you will.” Then he rose to his feet.

Seeing that the emperor was getting read to leave, the high-ranking officials rushed to stand and salute in sending him off.

The empress watched as the emperor left, gaze darkening. She suppressed the emotions in her heart, and after saying a few superficial things to the wives of the officials and imperial clan members, she stood to leave.

At this point, the banquet had basically concluded. Everyone left in groups. The imperial concubines present also followed the empress out. However, they understood that there would be no sleep tonight.

“Your Majesty.” After stepping foot outside Taihe Hall, Heyu presented a handheld brazier to the empress. “Are we returning to Jingyang Palace?”

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The empress sighed. “I wonder how Chongyi Zhao is right now. This palace is worried. How could I fall asleep? Let’s go to Xihe Palace for a look.”

The winters in the capital weren’t as mild as those in Jiangnan. The cold and severe winds blew against them, the chill seeping into their bones.

The empress sat on a smooth and soft chaise lounge. It was obviously very warm in the room, but somehow her feet felt cold as ice. She couldn’t help but look sideways at the emperor sitting to her side. After Chongyi Zhao had been sent to her inner chamber, the emperor sat in the main chamber without a word.

For something like this to happen during the state banquet, although they had managed to cover it up, those who witnessed it first hand would definitely be able to tell the Chongyi Zhao’s miscarriage was extremely fishy. Thankfully, Chongyi Zhao was very quick on her feet and knew what to do. She did not make a huge fuss, and even placated the servant next to her, making people send her back to her residence. She never let the situation spiral into a more embarrassing state.

The reputations of the imperial clan members were saved. However, it was uncertain whether it would be the same story for Chongyi Zhao’s child. If saving it was impossible, the imperial harem would be chaotic for many days.

“Imperial physician, how is Chongyi Zhao?” Yunxi looked at the two imperial physicians, worry in her eyes. It really was such a coincidence. The ones on duty today was Imperial Physician Mao and Imperial Physician Zhang, the latter who had a good relationship with the former. They were both experienced imperial physicians of the Imperial Academy of Medicine, always dependable. And their medical expertise was great too. For this reason, Fu Bao had summoned the two of them.

 Imperial Physician Zhang lowered his head as he checked Chongyi Zhao’s pulse. Although his expression was normal, his heart gave rise to many doubts and suspicions. Although Chongyi Zhao’s pulse was weak, it wasn’t one of a miscarriage. Rather, it was the sign of menstruation. He couldn’t help but glance at his good friend. Before, when Chongyi Zhao had been pronounced as pregnant, it was his good friend who had diagnosed her. Usually, his good friend was dependable. How did this situation occur?

Gao Dezhong noticed that Imperial Physician Zhang kept silent, the latter’s expression growing more and more unsightly. He couldn’t help but frown and say, “Imperial Physician Zhang, can Chongyi Zhao’s child be saved?”

“That…” Imperial Physician Zhang pulled back his hand. “Chongyi Zhao’s pulse is weak. She needs to nourish her body. Why don’t we have Imperial Physician Mao take a look?”

Gao Dezhong knew that the people of the Imperial Academy of Medicine liked to be careful. “Then hurry and check her pulse. His Majesty and Her Majesty have arrived. If something is wrong with Chongyi Zhao, you must figure out what to do.”

After Imperial Physician Mao read her pulse over the handkerchief in silence his countenance changed for a moment. The day he had checked her pulse, he had drunk two small mouthfuls of wine. He had felt a “happy pulse¹” and diagnosed her with pregnancy. Now, he was clear-headed. He couldn’t help but feel cold sweat spring from his body. Women who were a few days before their menstruation could also have a “happy pulse.”

As he thought of the consequences of his mistake, he also thought of how much the emperor favored Chongyi Zhao. Imperial Physician Mao swallowed. He took his time to stand. Glanced at Imperial Physician Zhang. Noticing that he did not seem to have the intention to expose him, he could only say, “Eunuch Gao, women must be very careful during their first three months of pregnancy. Chongyi Zhao’s child… can no longer be saved.” At this moment, he was already rejoicing in his heart. Fortunately, it was he and Imperial Physician Zhang who were on duty today. If it was someone else, his whole family would lose their lives.

As soon as Yunxi had heard his words, she knew that her master had won the gamble. It didn’t matter why Imperial Physician Mao had said her master was pregnant. But now that her master  acted like she had miscarried, Imperial Physician Mao would understand it didn’t matter if the pregnancy was real or fake. The misccarriage must be turned into reality. If he had made an error, Imperial Physician Mao would not dare to say the truth. If he hadn’t made an error, and someone had actually schemed against her, Imperial Physician Mao would not dare to say her pregnancy was fake. That’s why, he’d be the only one suffering.

That’s why, no matter the reason, Imperial Physician Mao only had one choice. And that was to say that Chongyi Zhao had miscarried. Even if they could not find the culprit, it would still inspire the emperor’s pity, and solve the crisis before their eyes.

“How could this happen?” Pale, Yunxi staggered. At that moment, she saw her master wake up. She quickly put on a comforting expression. “Master, has your honored self awoken?”

“How’s my child?” Zhuang Laoyan asked with a trembling voice.

“Master… Your honored self will have children in the future.” Yunxi’s eyes reddened. But she held back her tears, helping Zhuang Laoyan adjust her covers.

A moment later, sobs came from the bed. Although they were muffled, people could still hear the grief in them.

Gao Dezhong took in the scene in the room. He retreated outside silently. After saluting the emperor and empress, he said, “Reporting to Your Majesty, Chongyi Zhao’s child is gone.”

The empress did not know whether to feel relieved or not. Originally, she wanted to say some comforting words. But once she turned her head and caught sight of the emperor’s frigid expression, she couldn’t utter a word.

Because of the suppressed fury in the emperor’s eyes, which he did not have when Shurong Ye had miscarried.

Thank you to all my patrons in May 2020:

Michelle S., Ji Y. S., Selena G., Amanda F., Christagale M., David, Wiz, Michelle, Tangerine, Agita P., Angela S., Monique A., Oyinkansola O., RongZhi, Jackie, Pitcch, Auresta, FL3xus, Kimberly, Kelly L., Ariel C., Junyahui, yuukiniah, Elena P., Susan S., Izzy, Abby, Chewyl L., AvalonAngel79, Vern W., Larenda, Kerry-ann, Joan E. O., Nazneen, Jennifer C., AAA22, Aspen, and last but not least, Irene H!

Hahaha, those of you who guessed she wasn’t actually pregnant, good job!

She’s really a great actress, isn’t she? Also, I’ll be going back to previous chapters to fix certain names. For example, Fubao should actually be Fu Bao, He Yu->Heyu etc. I thought Fubao was his eunuch name, but after many chapters, it seems like Fu is his last name (they call him Eunuch Fu sometimes). However, all the maidservants/palace maids are probably called by their given name, or are renamed by their masters. So don’t be surprised when you see the changes haha

For those of you interested in advanced chapters, read this post carefully. There are only three advanced chapters left this month, so if you pledge a tier that gives four chapters, then you’re basically my sugar daddi.

happy pulse: Recall that back in ancient China, physicians diagnosed people through their pulses. A “happy pulse” was what they called a pulse that matched the conditions for a pregnancy.