I woke up way earlier than normal (4am) and decided to waste away my time by writing another chapter, while waiting to start studying at my usual time. Enjoy!

Chapter 56

Imperial Concubine Wei
Wei Li Lian
Hougong

Li Lian had two big things to accomplish on this day. Firstly make her greetings to Noble Consort Qi and then go to Consort Wang for her punishment. They were not duties she would like to accomplish but out of obligation, she had to make an appearance. At least the coming back of Dao on that day was something she could look forward to.

From the gate of the quarters of Noble Consort Qi, Li Lian and Ai saw Mole Eunuch whispering things to a palace maid. Li Lian wondered what they were whispering about and planned to sneak on them so as to catch onto a few of their words.

However, that was futile as they looked up when she got within earshot. A knowing look between the two, and the palace maid scrambled back into the quarters.

"My Lady." Mole Eunuch bowed.

"Eunuch Lin, a pleasant morning, isn't it?"

"It is, My Lady."

"I agree, it is as pleasant as your robes that are not tied well." His uniform was displaced and wrongly aligned. His inner sleeves fell out from beneath the outer garment.

"Oh..." He squirmed uncomfortably. It was interesting to watch as he was always the person who rode roughshod over everyone. "His Majesty was moody this morning and woke up earlier than usual. This servant could not dress in time, thus the measly appearance. Forgive this servant."

"Hmm. I wonder if I should send you to the punishment bureau?" Li Lian pretended to think deeply. This eunuch did not go easy on her when she was just a palace maid.

"My Lady, this eunuch is His Majesty's, it would be disrespectful to punish him," Ai suggested from behind.

Like Li Lian was afraid of Yuwen Hong. He too had mistakes he had to repent over.

"All right, Eunuch Lin is excused."

"This servant takes his leave." He bowed and walked away. Still, he poised arrogance and self-confidence.

Mole Eunuch was tall and had impressive looks, though he would be more attractive without the horrible attitude of his.

"Noble Consort's maid opens her legs to this eunuch. What an empress she will be." Li Lian muttered to Ai.

She also hoped Dao did not waste away with an eunuch as the men did not have future prospects outside of the palace. Any palace guard that was not Luo Meng would do than an eunuch.

They continued on and another palace maid emerged to usher them into the welcoming room of the noble consort. The quarters were larger than Li Lian's by half.

"Greetings to Noble Consort Qi."

"Dispense the formalities." She smiled from her empress chair sent to her recently. Now all she wore were the noble consort official garments.

It made the reality of the situation painful to Li Lian. She was really not going to be empress.

"Come and sit down, Li Lian." Noble Consort Qi smiled excitedly, rising from her chair and leading them to the corner of the room where there was a small table with zabuton cushions by the window.

Li Lian took her seat with the assistance of Ai who spared them a little distance and knelt by the servant of Noble Consort Qi, waiting to serve with what may be needed.

"Are you angry at me, Li Lian?"

"Why would this servant be? Noble Consort Qi is not the problem. She is just doing what is best for her wing faction and to survive in this palace."

"Then who is the problem?"

Obviously him.

"I hope it is not His Majesty. He really did have the best intentions in his heart."

Li Lian still did not reply. Rather keep quiet when you don't have kind words to say.

"The emperor waited for you for so many years. But he had to elect someone because there was no longer time. So many decisions are left in the hands of the government―he can not partake in the decision-making process―unless he has an empress."

Did Yuwen Hong send her to speak on his behalf? If he did, he was a wimp.

"He wanted to make me empress before you came but I asked that he wait instead of making hasty decisions when his heart was not at peace."

So what was she saying? That Yuwen Hong waited to select an empress, but when he met Li Lian he found her unworthy for the position, thus he found the peace to establish Noble Consort Qi then? This noble consort might as well keep quiet because she was making things worse than better.

"Does Her Highness want to be my friend?"

The tulip nodded her head without hesitation.

"Then please, spare the talk concerning His Majesty in this servant's presence."

The Noble Consort opened her mouth to speak then closed it. Before finally saying. "I understand, Li Lian. But you must also understand it was a strategic decision. My wing faction is weak, thus it won't be a threat to his reign and the balance of the wing powers will not be disturbed. Remember he is still a new emperor, only ruled for less than 10 years, making sure the wing factions stay in place and do not overpower the imperial family and take advantage is important."

It was not about all this why and that. It was about Yuwen Hong misleading her, that is what hurt the most over all the explanations. He should have discussed it with her, warned her, sought her mind on it. But who was she kidding? She was just a concubine to him after all, with no say to matters. Where her say only mattered was whether she would be opening her legs for him or not.

Noble Consort Qi was still speaking. "...and it has been difficult for my wing. We have not held face for many years. We are looked down upon, abused, and have been called words that are ugly. They say we are a dirty breed, involved with many clans that we have no sense of culture or belonging." She huffed. "But now we will hold face and will be able to stand with something to show off."

While they showed off, Li Lian would be hanging on the rope between life and death.

"Li Lian, I promise you." Noble Consort tried to mimic the Grand Consort by taking her hands. "Whatever you need, I will provide, and when you need someone to stand for you, I will do it."

"Noble Consort has smelt the buttocks of all the dogs in the harem, I wonder how she can still stand for me when she has so many people to please."

"Are you calling me a female dog?"

Li Lian stood. "This servant is just saying for the time being, we will have to start again as strangers."

The tulip unexpectedly lightened up. "Hao. We will start again. And we will end up being the best of friends."

Li Lian prayed that happened later than sooner. Something about this woman made her have her guard up.

Afterward, Li Lian went to Consort Wang. Even after their talking, Yuwen Hong did not decline his punishment. Li Lian knew he would only take it back if she gave him Dao's name.

But that was an impossibility. She promised Mistress Han she would look after her daughter for her.

"I have prepared ink and dozens of papers for you." Consort Wang rested at the back of her quarters under the shade. She leaned against the tree and had a pot of smoke she inhaled. Her pupils were dilated for someone who sat outside.

Li Lian did not say anything but got to work. Now she understood why the woman was able to sleep at night and still abuse people. Substance use was her escape.

She puffed a bubble of smoke. "I look forward to spending the day with the stupid maid who thought she could be empress." Consort Wang cackled. "What a joke."

Li Lian unfolded the scrolls with the scriptures she was supposed to copy. "Does His Majesty know you smoke that?"

"What does he know?" she laughed lazily. "What does he know about the sorrows and pressures of life? I must perform when needed so I need this. It's my best friend." She lifted the black clay pot and hugged it.

"This could ruin your reputation, Your Highness."

"I do not care. Who cares about such things?" A cough from her. "Even His Maj... jesty has things he uses to relieve his sorrow. Does he not bully the maids?"

"That is different." All right, why was Li Lian defending Yuwen Hong's behavior?

Consort Wang laughed again.

"It does not matter. You must know this, Li Lian." They squared a stare against each other, Consort Wang's eyes empty. "That unlike you, I will do anything for the phoenix throne... Even if I should..." She cut her words, thinking better of it, and just ended with the words. "I mean everything."

S.V