Chapter 12: The Big Belly

The two entered the palace, where the maids promptly set out another bowl and chopsticks for the emperor.

Lu Shuyao had long been eager, her eyes filled with anticipation as she glanced at the emperor.

He did not move to eat, so she dared not either.

The emperor’s deep, slanted eyes flicked toward her briefly before he picked up his chopsticks.

Lu Shuyao immediately followed suit and lifted her own.

“Eat,” he said simply.

Lu Shuyao’s face lit up with a radiant smile, dimples faintly appearing on her fair cheeks.

She first served the emperor some dishes, then chose her own favorites.

Her movements while eating were neither hurried nor slow, flowing gracefully like a gentle stream.

Before long, her bowl was empty, and she pursed her lips shyly.

The palace chefs’ cooking was exquisite, and she even wanted to have another half bowl.

With the emperor still before her, she hesitated for a moment, but then thought: she had been through hardship in a past life; could she not even have half a bowl of rice?

She reached out and said to the nearby servant, “Bring another bowl.”

Madam You wanted to speak but held back, casting a glance at His Majesty seated at the head of the hall, as if silently signaling for Lu Shuyao to stop such bold behavior.

The servant noticed Madam You’s expression and inwardly sighed, realizing he was not the only one troubled by this.

Madam You had served in the palace for many years and had attended to numerous concubines during the late emperor’s reign. She had never seen anyone like Lu Baolin, who could still eat heartily in front of the emperor.

Not to mention such audacity in the emperor’s presence, but which woman could be so carefree before the man she admired?

This Lu Baolin truly lacked guile—no wonder the emperor favored her.

In this harem, the pure and sincere like Lu Baolin were the rarest.

Seeing that His Majesty did not forbid it and even seemed in a good mood, Madam You approached the servant holding the bowl and whispered, “Just a little more, half a bowl will do.”

The servant nodded discreetly.

While the servant was refilling the rice, Lu Shuyao ladled a bowl of ginseng chicken soup for the emperor.

“Your Majesty, this chicken soup is delicious. Please have a taste.” She gently placed the bowl beside Ye Yancheng’s hand and looked up at him with a demure expression, lips pursed slightly.

When the new half bowl of rice arrived, Lu Shuyao happily resumed eating her own meal.

After they finished their meal, Ye Yancheng stood and said, “Yuanshu, prepare to proceed to the study.”

Yuanshu was the chief eunuch beside him, a man so influential that even the Empress Dowager showed him some respect within the palace.

Hearing this, Lu Shuyao rose and bowed respectfully, escorting him out of Yuyiao Hall.

Once His Majesty had departed, Madam You looked at Lu Shuyao and sighed, “Miss, why didn’t you try to keep the emperor a moment longer?”

Lu Shuyao glanced at the emperor’s tall retreating figure, then at Madam You and replied, “His Majesty still has court affairs to attend to in the study. Why should I make things difficult for him?”

Madam You was momentarily taken aback.

Lu Shuyao knew Madam You’s words were meant to help her gain favor, so she smiled and said, “Next time, I will listen to you.”

Madam You smiled as well. “Very good, it was my oversight.”

Understanding this was a graceful way for her mistress to give her face, Madam You took Lu Shuyao’s hand gently and spoke with more warmth than usual, “When you saw His Majesty off just now, did you notice anyone by Weiyang Lake?”

Lu Shuyao hadn’t paid attention. “Someone there?”

Madam You said, “Near the Shen Noblewoman’s quarters.”

Thinking of Shen Rushuang’s powerful background, Madam You advised cautiously, “Although Shen Noblewoman holds a low rank now, her family is mighty. It’s best for you to avoid provoking her.”

Being granted a title without favor—such a distinction was likely unique to Shen Rushuang.

Lu Shuyao nodded but knew in her heart this was impossible.

Today, the emperor first saw Shen Rushuang, but dined with her instead. Though he did not stay overnight, Shen Rushuang was clearly watching her closely.

The palace maid sneaking glances was proof enough.

When faced with conflict, one must meet force with force; since she had accepted entering the palace, she was no longer afraid of such matters.

***

The next morning, Madam You helped the still-drowsy Lu Shuyao up and ordered the palace maids to help her dress and wash up.

“Quickly bring the mistress a cup of hot tea,” Madam You urged the others.

After drinking the fragrant hot tea, Lu Shuyao finally felt fully awake.

Today she was to pay respects to the Empress Dowager—she could not afford to be careless.

Madam You had already chosen her outer robe: a simple, pale blue three-layered skirt embroidered with white and deep blue thousand-bird patterns. The entire outfit was not ostentatious but was more refined and splendid than what an ordinary palace maiden would wear.

Lu Shuyao changed with confidence, allowing Madam You to help arrange her attire.

Ren Shou Palace, where the Empress Dowager resided, was some distance away. Lu Shuyao rode in a sedan chair for part of the journey, then walked the rest of the way.

***

“Little Sister Lu,” Lin Ruo greeted Lu Shuyao with a smile upon seeing her.

“And you dare call her sister? She’s now a sixth-rank Baolin; what are you?” Zhang Xinwei sneered sharply in response.

Lu Shuyao glanced at Zhang Xinwei, then took Lin Ruo’s hand. “Let’s go inside.”

Lin Ruo hesitated, glanced at Zhang Xinwei, then followed Lu Shuyao inside.

The reception hall for the Empress Dowager already held quite a few people.

Though the late emperor had passed on, besides the Empress Dowager, several grand consorts still lived.

One grand consort appeared particularly young, about the same age as the emperor’s consorts present—and she was heavily pregnant!

Lu Shuyao was surprised but quickly composed herself.

Shen Rushuang had arrived early today, seated just below the grand consorts.

Beside her sat the last of the five palace maids, rumored to be from a noble family: Kong Ya, granddaughter of a former grand secretary, almost like the granddaughter of a prime minister.

Kong Ya was plain in appearance, with a noble bearing and few words. She usually only associated with Shen Rushuang but never involved herself in her affairs. Among the five palace maids, her presence was the least noticeable.

After entering, Lu Shuyao first paid respects to the grand consorts, then took a seat opposite Shen Rushuang.

Between them was an aisle, with a censer placed in the center, fragrant smoke rising gently. Shen Rushuang’s gaze passed through the white mist toward her.

Lu Shuyao did not look up but lifted the cup of clear tea, blowing gently on the leaves.

Once everyone had arrived, the Empress Dowager herself entered not long after.

She was well-preserved, appearing not very old, dressed in her usual regal manner.

“Everyone’s here?” she asked.

The lady-in-waiting beside her whispered a few words.

“Which one is Lu Baolin, favored by His Majesty the other day? Let me have a look.” the Empress Dowager inquired.

Lu Shuyao stood and bowed.

The Empress Dowager glanced over her and said, “Truly a beauty. No wonder the emperor likes her. Since he favors you, you must henceforth remain respectful and serve well. Never become arrogant because of his favor and cause trouble.”

“I will remember, Your Majesty,” Lu Shuyao replied, never daring to disobey.