Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Two days later, Baoyu came to White Deer Terrace to read an Imperial Edict.

“Congratulations, Your Ladyship! From now on, you are a Noble Consort!” Baoyu handed the bright yellow Imperial Edict to me, offering his congratulations. “This is the very first one in our palace!”

I could feel that both he and Doukou were genuinely happy for me. However, I didn’t quite understand what was different about being a Noble Consort. Looking at the two large cabinets being carried in by the Little Eunuchs, I held the Imperial Edict and suddenly had an epiphany.

Could it be-

Is it because a Noble Consort has two more cabinets than a regular Consort?

“My Lady!” Doukou laughed so hard her tears almost came out, giving me a reproachful look. “How could it possibly mean that?”

Baoyu was also caught between laughter and tears, but he still spoke up for me. “Sister Doukou, what Her Ladyship says isn’t exactly wrong. These two cabinets of rewards are indeed things only a Noble Consort can enjoy.”

After she finished laughing, Doukou explained to me gently, “My good Lady, a Noble Consort is different from a Consort.”

“How is it different?”

I didn’t understand. Aren’t they both consorts?

“Well…” Doukou thought for a few moments before switching to an explanation I could understand. “Now that My Lady is a Noble Consort, you can eat more delicious food and wear more beautiful dresses.”

I didn’t care much for those things; being able to eat my fill and stay warm was enough. Hearing her say this, I only nodded with a lack of interest. But Doukou’s next words made me perk up. She said, “You can also go to Heqing Hall to find the Emperor yourself, and you can stay with the Emperor for even longer.”

“Really?”

I looked at Doukou with wide eyes. It was never allowed before, so why was it allowed now that I was a Noble Consort?

“Of course it’s true!” She and Baoyu exchanged a look, smiling mysteriously. “You’ll be able to see the Emperor tonight.”

I could see Ah Zhi tonight? I became happy. Being a Noble Consort was actually such a good thing; no wonder Fourth Younger Sister had repeatedly warned and instructed me to fight for favor and snatch the Emperor.

The afternoon suddenly became difficult to endure as I waited expectantly for Yin Zhi to send someone to fetch me. I waited and waited, and finally… dinner arrived.

Unsurprisingly, I stuffed myself again.

Doukou originally wanted to rub my stomach for me, but Su Zhongguan arrived with the Little Eunuchs. She only had enough time to wash me until I smelled sweet before sending me onto the sedan chair. The Little Eunuchs hurriedly lifted the sedan to leave, and Doukou rushed after us to give me instructions. “Don’t be afraid, My Lady, don’t be afraid… I’m not going anywhere, I’ll be right here at White Deer Terrace waiting for you to come back…”

Actually, I didn’t feel afraid at all; I was even a little happy to see Ah Zhi. But I still nodded vigorously at her. Seeing that she could no longer keep up with the Little Eunuchs’ pace and was stumbling as if she were about to fall, I hurriedly told her to go back. “Don’t chase, don’t chase… I’ll bring some snacks back for Doukou, the osmanthus-flavored ones!”

Doukou finally slowed to a stop, though she still refused to turn around, watching me leave. The sedan chair passed a corner and turned; she could no longer see me, and I could no longer see her.

I turned back and began to mutter over and over, “Ask Ah Zhi if his illness is better, ask Ah Zhi if his illness is better…”

After arriving at Heqing Hall, my feet touched the ground. Just as I was about to walk inside, I suddenly froze.

“Your Ladyship, what is the matter?”

Su Zhongguan was a bit surprised, but he still asked me patiently and kindly.

I looked at him blankly, unable to remember what I had been muttering to myself for so long.

“Mr. Chongjiu…”

“What was I supposed to ask Ah Zhi?”