The Job of an Imperial Concubine

Carrying her infant, Zhuang Laoyan turned her head and caught sight of the emperor coming over in large strides. On his body, court robes picturing a five-taloned dragon soaring through the skies. She stepped forward and performed a slight curtsy. “This concubine pays respects to the emperor.”

“You all may rise.” Feng Jin made his way before Zhuang Laoyan, taking the infant from her arms. He gazed at his son, whose eyes had already opened and whose skin had grown fair and tender. A smile slid its way across his lips. “Start the banquet.”

An auspicious lady received the infant from the emperor’s hands, auspicious remarks flowing from her mouth. Then, she took a piece of red string from a tray and tied it to the baby’s ankle. To represent interweaving good fortune into his body. From then on, the infant would be blessed with great luck.

Following that, Old Mistress Zhuang received Fourth Prince from the auspicious lady’s hands. She bowed to heaven and earth. Prayed for blessings for him. She carried him outside of the palace hall and took three steps, before returning. Afterward, Old Mistress Zhuang gave Fourth Prince to Zhuang Laoyan, smiling. “Your Highness Consort Zhao, Fourth Prince will definitely be blessed with good luck and longevity. May Your Highness treat him well.”

This action represented the maternal family praying for their grandchild. Although the members of the imperial clan, as per their status, did not have to follow these procedures, since they had invited Old Mistress Zhuang to follow said procedure, it was evident that the emperor treasured and respected Consort Zhao.

“Rest assured, Mother. I will definitely do him well.” Zhuang Laoyan held her infant, solemn. She rose to her feet to perform a curtsy toward Old Mistress Zhuang. “Thank you, Mother.”

Old Mistress Zhuang hurried to stop her from curtsying. After returning half a salute, she retreated to the side with red eyes. The woman before her was no longer just her daughter; she was Jiuzhou Country’s Consort Zhao. Thus, she could not accept her curtsy.

From the tray held in Gao Dezhong’s hands, Feng Jin picked up a little cloak with the two characters “Fushou” embroidered onto it. Then he carefully draped it over Fourth Prince’s body. Extending a hand, Feng Jin poked his little forehead. “It’s cold. Bring the child to the rear palace hall.” This was the father giving blessings to his child. Ordinary families would personally drape a cloak, with the character for fortune, over their children. But in the emperor’s immediate family, there were many imperial princes who did not receive this privilege. At the very least, the previous three imperial princes did not have this honor.

The womenfolk present all saw this clearly: This Fourth Prince would be extremely fortunate.

Zhuang Laoyan handed over her baby to the wet nurse. She raised her head and gazed at the man before her. He was handsome, with a tall and slender body, possessing advantages other men did not. However, this man was the emperor. A man that could have hundreds of women. The emperor she both could not love and was afraid to love.

Despite this, the corners of her lips tilted upward, revealing a loving smile akin to a flower. As if there were only him in this world, as if no one else mattered. As if she were blind to everyone else.

In a flash, he bowed his head. Their gazes met. Her eyes brimmed with deep emotion, and his were clear, black and white in sharp contrast. It made it difficult for others to tell just who loved whom, just who was lying to whom.

Expression neutral, Feng Jin gazed at this woman. Slowly, he turned around. Made for the seat of honor and sat down. Then he cast a glance at Gao Dezhong.

“This imperial edict shall be announced to the world, so that all can know of it: Old Mistress Zhuang has raised a good daughter, able and virtuous, bringing Us much joy. Thus, Miss Zhuang’s promotion to Consort Zhao…”

Zhuang Laoyan knelt in silence, listening to Gao Dezhong’s loud voice echoing throughout the entire palace hall. All of a sudden, her heart felt unprecedentedly calm. Ever since the first day she had appeared in this world, she never felt this tranquil. It was to the point that she sensed the envious gazes of the surrounding people, and the aloof and remote gaze of Feng Jin.

“Miss Zhuang, Consort Zhao, resembles the lady of House Zang; is calm, harmonious, and of good fortune; hardworking, pure, and gentle. She has received the Heavens’ blessing and birthed a son for Us. Indeed, she has received the Heavens’ love…”

I’m pure? Perhaps this harem had no pure women. Those who were had already died or withered away. The women who died. The women who lost favor. The women in the Cold Palace, who remained alone, suffering with no one to rely on. Each of them flashed through Zhuang Laoyan’s mind. Some of these people found defeat by Zhuang Laoyan’s hand. Some found defeat on their own.

“Our heart is at ease. Consort Zhao shall hereby be conferred the position of noble consort due to her excellent and meritorious service. The official promotion ceremony shall be held on an auspicious day in August. That is all.”

August. This was the month of Zhuang Laoyan’s birthday, as well as that of Noble Consort Shu. For some reason, Zhuang Laoyan shifted her gaze toward Noble Consort Shu after she had received the imperial edict, kowtowed, and given thanks for the imperial grace. Yet, she only saw the other party’s apathetic and serene appearance.

As the other women congratulated her, Zhuang Laoyan recalled the first time she had laid eyes on Noble Consort Shu: Back then she had been a calamitous beauty stepping through the doors at a leisurely pace. Now, in the blink of an eye, the beauty was present, yet the husband’s heart had long since left.

Feng Jin noticed Zhuang Laoyan staring blankly; she did not seem to have reacted yet. A trace of a smile appeared on his lips, and he hinted for Gao Dezhong to read aloud the second imperial decree.

“Noble Consort Zhao’s mother, Miss Chen, is able and virtuous. We have a wonderful woman in Noble Consort Zhao due to Miss Chen’s efforts. Thus, she shall be conferred the title of first-ranked Honored Lady and a cloud phoenix robe.”

Never had Old Mistress Zhuang imagined that the emperor would reward her. She was caught in a daze, before kneeling to accept the imperial decree. Even after receiving it, she still felt dizzy. Is this honor and favor a good or bad thing?

“Alright. Noble Consort Zhao’s body is still in a weak condition. She should return to rest earlier. The empress will take care of everything here. You and We will return together.” Following that, Feng Jin stood and left the crowd with Zhuang Laoyan.

A weak smile on her face, the empress watched as the two departed. Then she stood up straight and said to those present, “Since this is the case, let us all take part in this banquet together.”

The womenfolk at the scene were all imperial concubines or Honored Ladies. Each and every one of them was the picture of jubilation, as though this happy occasion belonged to them.

Zhuang Laoyan and the emperor sat within the imperial sedan. As it swayed, so did her dangling hair ornaments. Feng Jin’s gaze fell upon her hair. He reached out a hand to hold Zhuang Laoyan’s. At that moment, he sighed. “Now, there is only you by Our side who understands and loves Us.”

Zhuang Laoyan tilted her head to look at the emperor. His expression was as tranquil as it had been in the past. However, there existed an additional sliver of loneliness. She placed her other hand on top of his. Said in a soft voice, “Your Majesty, as long as you look back, you can see this concubine behind you all along. This concubine exists because of you.” Back then, if the emperor had not spurned the original Zhuang Laoyan, how would she be here now?

His hand, which was held in hers, trembled a hint. Feng Jin reached out and pulled her into an embrace. Closed his emotional eyes.

As the emperor, he could never be too emotional about any matter, nor could he allow any matter to influence his emotions. But loving only a single woman was something he could accomplish.

The wheels of the imperial sedan rumbled over the green stone paths. The emperor’s processions would forever be the most dignified and imposing of the rear palace, the most revered. As the imperial sedan passed by, court eunuchs and palace maids knelt. Only when it had completely faded away into the distance did they dare lift their heads.

After returning to Xihe Palace, Zhuang Laoyan watched as the imperial sedan, which held the emperor, drew farther until it could no longer be seen. Only then did she slowly turn around, gaze falling upon the palace servants who had been behind her. “Bring Fourth Prince to me.”

“Yes,” said an older female servant, withdrawing from the room in a quiet fashion.

After she had taken her son from the wet nurse’s hands, Zhuang Laoyan’s delicate and good-looking face revealed a trace of a smile. She extended a hand to stroke her son’s tender cheek. The women of the imperial harem fought for themselves, for their families, for their children. Rarely did they stop for a rest.

She was not afraid of fighting. Not afraid of those young women who would enter the palace in the future either. Since she had the desire to protect something, it would only make her stronger and more formidable with age.

The job of an imperial concubine was one that could not be resigned from. Either you succeeded or you died. She did not want to die. She wanted to live well. Not only that, she wanted her child to live well. So how could she not work diligently and succeed in this profession?

After Old Mistress Zhuang was conferred the title of First-ranked Honored Lady, the statement “Old Mistress Zhuang has a good daughter” spread throughout the entire country of Jiuzhou. So much so that people wrote novels, which were perhaps touching or erotic, using Noble Consort Zhao and the emperor as models. Many imagined how much of a calamitous beauty Noble Consort Zhao was, how infatuated the emperor had been. It was only then that such a moving love story could be written.

And because of this, Noble Consort Zhao’s father used the excuse of being old and sick to retire from his post. After Emperor Chengxuan had urged him to stay over and over again, he finally accepted Old Sir Zhuang’s request. However, the emperor conferred him the title of Grand Preceptor. Although it held no true power, it was extremely honorable.

In a flash, everyone wanted to marry a daughter of the Zhuang clan. Matchmakers practically broke down the door sill of the Zhuang estate from treading upon it too much. However, what amazed others was the following: Not a single person of the Zhuang clan acted in an arrogant and unbridled manner. On the contrary, they acted as they had always in the past. Many felt deeply moved. It was no wonder that the emperor favored solely a Zhuang family daughter. The Zhuang clan were well-versed in etiquette, steeped in propriety, and virtuous. It was thus clear how virtuous Noble Consort Zhao was.

Zhuang Laoyan was not at all concerned about what those outside the palace thought. She passed her comfortable days as always. On a certain day, she had a chance encounter with the woman who used to be Consort Ning, Miss Hu. And Zhuang Laoyan had almost not believed her eyes that the dark-expressioned woman before her had been Consort Ning. The understanding Consort Ning who was an expert in making tea.

Miss Hu was quite a distance away from her. Her face lacked any hint of respect and she did not move to salute Zhuang Laoyan. She merely looked at the Zhuang Laoyan in splendid attire. All of a sudden, she laughed. “Pitiful, pitiful. Truly pitiful.”

Zhuang Laoyan cast her a glance. She did not want to bother with her, and also did not want to make things difficult for a woman. Using Yunxi’s hand for support, she slowly walked away.

Miss Hu gazed at Zhuang Laoyan’s back, practically laughing in tears. She covered her eyes with a hand and said in a low voice, “Pitiful worm. We’re all pitiful creatures.”

But Zhuang Laoyan never caught the last words of Miss Hu.

“Emperor, you are a pitiful worm who can’t even see through your own heart.”

The eighteenth of August. An immensely auspicious day according to the Astrology Bureau.

In the main palace hall, Zhuang Laoyan took the noble consort gold booklet and gold seal that was proffered to her. There was also a brocade gown with the image of a phoenix soaring through magic clouds. She adjusted her hair accessories and clothes. Sat down in a dignified manner upon a chaise lounge.

Below stood many Honored Ladies of the third rank and above. Each held respectful bearings, expressions one of reverence as they prostrated and kowtowed to her.

“This official’s wife pays respects to Your Highness Noble Consort Zhao! Long live Your Highness the noble consort!”

Slowly, Zhuang Laoyan raised her head, faintly lifting her chin in the process. At this moment, she was the most favored woman of the imperial harem. Other than the empress, there was no imperial concubine as respected and honorable as her.

“Please rise, everyone.”

As the honored ladies did so, so did Zhuang Laoyan at a leisurely pace. Upon the red carpet, she took one step at a time toward the entrance to the palace hall, the long, long tail of her dress dragging across said carpet like running water, honorable and gorgeous.

At the entrance of the palace hall stood a man in a black dragon robe with a hint of red. He was the most honorable man of Jiuzhou Country, and also the man Zhuang Laoyan fought for her whole life. Even though she did not love him, and he did not love her.

Yet, they were destined to be tangled together their whole lives.

The sun rose from the east. Even if there was a time when it would set, once tomorrow rolled by, it could rise again.

And this resembled the women of the harem. They would forever be uncertain of when they would lose favor. Of when they could stand at that high, high place.

Being an imperial concubine was a job. One could regard it as important but could not fall in love with it.

Because to fall in love would make one consigned to eternal damnation.

Power ranks

And here we go! Last chapter of the main story!

Our girl ZL really shot up in the ranks, didn’t she? I believe in around 2-3 years, she went from a proper fifth-rank wanyi to a proper first rank noble consort.

What a journey this has been. I want to thank all of my readers, ko-fi donators, and patrons for the support until now. Without you guys, I may have finished translating TJOAIC, but I’m not sure if it would have been so timely.

There are four extras left, some that are in the emperor’s pov, some Fourth Prince’s (ZL’s son), so please stay tuned for that!

It feels a little bittersweet now that the main story is completed. I started translating TJOAIC back in July 6, 2019, so it has taken ~26 months, 1 chapter a week. This doesn’t mean I’m done with translating, though. I have another project by Miss Butterfly in this blog, The Times Spent in Pretense, so do check that out if you’re interested.

Next release is Saturday, September 18, 2021.

For those of you interested in advanced chapters, there are two chapters remaining this month! If you pledge a tier that gives 3+ chapters now, you’re basically my suga daddi. Click here for September 2021’s release schedule.

IMPORTANT Patreon announcement!!

ALL TJOAIC TIERS WILL BE DELETED AFTER SEPTEMBER 2021. Please note that even if I delete a tier, as long as you do not delete your pledge (which is something entirely different), Patreon will continue charging you the pledge amount every month!

Furthermore, after September 2021, all double-novel tiers will be discontinued/re-purposed, but NOT deleted. I’m still thinking of what to do with those tiers in the future. Patrons of double-novel tiers, please delete your pledge by the end of September 2021, or else Patreon will keep charging you every month, and I will assume that you are simply donating to me.

Last but not least, I’ve decided that for October, I will be giving early access to the last two chapters of TJOAIC (120 and 121) to September patrons of all tiers except Wide Awake. Think of it as a last thank you.

If you like this novel, please rate/review/add this novel to your reading list on NU!

Thirty-seventh chapter of The Times Spent in Pretense is out! You can read it here. It’s weekly now!

By the way, I have a new BL novel project, with my own summary below:

By the emperor’s decree, Fu Ming is to marry Jin Yi and become his male wife. The initial reception is cold. Can the two sort things out between them, the winter departing and the snow thawing?

If you’re interested, you can find it here.

Also, plugging me and my friends’ website focused on BL! Click here if you’re interested.