Youthful Glory

Ming Tan had originally thought that the southern tribute bestowed by the palace was merely some common rewards, as every household had received plenty.

It wasn’t until several days later, when the southern envoy escorted the departing Princess Yongle out of the capital, that Empress Zhang seized the opportunity to summon Ming Tan for a conversation, revealing that this was not the case.

“This palace had intended to summon you earlier, but on one hand, we were occupied with Princess Yongle’s departure, and on the other, we thought it best for you to rest longer in your mansion after the fright you suffered.

“Speaking of which, you were truly wronged the other day. Duke Pingguo’s Mansion failed in its hospitality, and this palace ought to apologize on their behalf.”

“Your Highness flatters me. This subject is unharmed, merely feeling slightly unwell. A few days ago, I received some Cangshan Snow Green tea and had intended to invite Hanmiao and the others over for a cup, but due to my discomfort, I refrained from hosting guests.” Ming Tan responded with a smile.

She didn’t go out of her way to defend Duke Pingguo’s Mansion, as the Emperor had already issued an edict reprimanding Duke Pingguo for “lax household discipline.” If she outright claimed the incident had nothing to do with the mansion, it would seem overly ingratiating. A slight mention of Zhang Hanmiao, however, subtly conveyed her lack of resentment toward the mansion.

Upon hearing this, Empress Zhang lightly stirred her teacup and smiled. “Speaking of Cangshan Snow Green, Qizhi truly treasures you. Just the day before yesterday, when the Emperor visited Changchun Palace, he mentioned how Qizhi usually declines rewards. Yet this time, when the southern envoy presented tribute, he specifically requested a chest of fine silks and another of gemstone hairpins for you. Later, upon hearing that the southern tribute included Cangshan Snow Green, he took half of it. I suppose that ‘Zhaoyebai’ horse was also for you, wasn’t it?”

Wait…

Those items weren’t bestowed by His Majesty—her husband had actively asked for them?

Noticing her expression, Empress Zhang teased softly, “What, you didn’t know?”

Ming Tan shook her head, slightly embarrassed, her ears tinged with red.

Fortunately, Empress Zhang didn’t deliberately embarrass her further and instead instructed the attending matron beside her, “The Princess Consort enjoys tea. Send her all the Mengding Ganlu tea this palace received this year.”

“As you command.” The matron replied.

Still flushed, Ming Tan didn’t forget to seize the opportunity to rise and express her gratitude. “‘In music, only the pure waters are known; in tea, the old friend is Meng Mountain.’ Many thanks for Your Highness’s generosity.”

Shufei, seated nearby, chuckled lightly. “Princess Consort Dingbei is beautiful, gracious, and learned—no wonder Prince Dingbei treasures her so.”

“Your Highness Shufei praises me too highly.” Ming Tan inclined her head slightly, poised yet with a hint of shyness.

Empress Zhang’s summons today happened to coincide with several consorts paying their respects at Changchun Palace. Shufei, who had just spoken, was said to be a longtime companion of the Emperor since his days as Crown Prince. Though her favor had waned over the years, the Emperor, remembering their past affection, continued to treat her generously. She appeared to be someone who avoided contention.

A jade-green-clad woman seated further down took up Shufei’s words and added, “Prince Dingbei is indeed a man who appreciates talent.”

“…”

The hall suddenly fell silent for a moment.

Ming Tan initially thought this was merely a compliment and found nothing amiss, but the abrupt silence felt awkward and strange.

She discreetly observed and noticed several gazes subtly shifting toward Lanfei, who had been quietly sitting opposite her. Lanfei had also been stirring her tea, but her movements paused almost imperceptibly at the remark.

Though Ming Tan knew little about the inner workings of the Daxian imperial harem, she was aware that since Consort Yu’s imprisonment in the cold palace, Lanfei had risen as the most favored consort.This Consort Lan enjoyed immense Imperial Favor, having been promoted two ranks within a year despite bearing no children, rising swiftly from Guiren to Consort.

It was said that Consort Lan possessed extraordinary literary talent.

For some reason, Ming Tan couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right as she pondered over this.

Before she could delve deeper into her thoughts, Empress Zhang smoothly shifted the conversation to this year's summer retreat arrangements.

"His Majesty mentioned the retreat to Yongchun Garden when he visited Changchun Palace the other day. Judging by how scorching the mornings have become, it's indeed time to relocate."

The outspoken palace lady in emerald-green robes eagerly asked, "Your Highness, when shall we depart?"

"Barring unforeseen circumstances, we'll set off in half a month. I've prepared a list of attendees, but His Majesty wishes to keep the entourage small this time—only Shufei, Lanfei, Li Pin, Chun Pin, and Mu Guiren will accompany us." Empress Zhang cast her a brief glance. "Consort Zhuang will remain to oversee palace affairs. Since you're from Consort Zhuang's household, Jia Guiren, you may stay to keep her company."

Ah, so the lady in emerald-green was Jia Guiren.

Ming Tan remained silent, counting discreetly... only five were selected. Including Jia Guiren, who wasn't to be taken along, and Consort Zhuang, who was staying behind to manage affairs, that made seven consorts and concubines. From Empress's tone, this was considered a small retinue, which suggested the imperial harem likely numbered at least twenty or thirty.

As this thought crossed her mind, Empress Zhang turned to her: "By the way, Princess Consort, His Majesty has arranged accommodations for Prince Dingbei as well. Should you find the time, you might accompany His Highness for a brief stay at Yongchun Garden. The gardens are tranquil and scenic—perfect for relaxation."

Ming Tan promptly curved her lips in a smile, rising to perform a proper curtsey. "Indeed. We're deeply grateful for Your Majesties' consideration."

...

Ming Tan had entered the palace at mid-morning. By nearly noon, when she finally emerged from Changchun Palace, before she could even exhale in relief, she overheard Jia Guiren—who had exited behind her—openly sneering without restraint: "How long has it been since His Majesty last visited Changchun Palace? Yet Her Highness keeps bringing up that brief visit from the other day as if it were some grand occasion!"

Ming Tan: "..."

Was it permissible to mock the Empress like this within the palace walls?

Just as Ming Tan puzzled over this, someone approached her: "Princess Consort Dingbei."

She turned. "Consort Shufei."

Shufei smiled gently, glancing toward Jia Guiren in the distance before kindly offering an explanation: "Jia Guiren is from the prominent Du family of Longxi. Having entered the palace recently, her temperament remains rather forthright. Should she have caused any offense, I'm certain it was unintentional. Please don't take it to heart."

The Du family of Longxi—an aristocratic clan with centuries of prestige.

No wonder she dared speak so recklessly within the palace.

Though where exactly had Jia Guiren offended her? Could it be that earlier remark about "Prince Dingbei being such an admirer of talent"?

Ming Tan couldn't help but recall the subtle atmosphere at that moment. Every subtle clue seemed to point toward... Consort Lan.

As if remembering something, Shufei added with gentle warmth: "Her Highness mentioned you're fond of tea? I happen to have some newly acquired Jingting Green Snow tea. Why don't I have it packaged and sent to you? Among the inner court, Consort Lan is the most discerning tea connoisseur. My unrefined palate can never distinguish quality—it would be a shame to waste such fine leaves on me."

Consort Lan again.Ming Tan seemed to have understood something. After a moment of silence, she replied without revealing her thoughts, "Your Highness Shufei is too kind. Since Consort Lanfei is the most skilled in tea appreciation, presenting this tea to her would be more fitting."

Shufei still wore a gentle smile, though it now carried a hint of reluctance and self-mockery. "What I possess, how could Consort Lanfei not have?"

Hearing this, Ming Tan let out a soft laugh. Her voice remained as gentle and clear as ever, yet there was a meaningful undertone. "Then how does Your Highness know that what you have, I do not possess as well?"

Shufei was taken aback.

But Ming Tan did not engage further in veiled exchanges. She performed a slight bow and left directly. "There are pressing matters at home, so I shall not linger."

Earlier in Changchun Palace, it had been Shufei who first praised her for her talents. Then, when Jia Guiren hastily added a remark, it was Shufei who first glanced at Lanfei before subtly hinting that Jia Guiren's words might have been offensive—and then casually mentioning Lanfei's fondness for tea. Through all these subtle cues, Shufei had been quietly guiding Ming Tan to wonder: was there something between her husband and Lanfei?

Admittedly, Lanfei and her husband did seem suspicious upon first glance. But Shufei was no innocent bystander either.

They were all consorts of the emperor. If they wanted to scheme and fight in the palace, that was their business—she had no interest in getting involved. But trying to use her as a pawn against Lanfei? Not a chance.

Though she had refused to take the bait in front of Shufei, Ming Tan couldn't help but feel unsettled. Upon returning home, she immediately sent someone to investigate Lanfei's background.

Lanfei's history wasn't hard to uncover. She came from a respectable official's family, which had been most prominent during her grandfather's time. Her grandfather had once served as Minister of Rites and held the title of Grand Tutor, serving as the teacher to Crown Prince Mincong.

Crown Prince Mincong—wasn't that her long-deceased father-in-law?

Lying on the couch, half-dozing against a pillow, Ming Tan was lost in these thoughts when a faint rustling sound reached her ears. Someone lifted the curtain and entered the inner chamber—the footsteps were all too familiar.

Jiang Xu drew back the bed curtains just as Ming Tan opened her eyes, their gazes meeting.

"Husband, why have you returned at this hour?" Ming Tan was slightly surprised. She had never seen Jiang Xu return home at noon before.

"There was nothing pressing at the military camp, so I came back early," Jiang Xu replied evenly, his eyes briefly sweeping over her.

The summer heat was stifling, and Ming Tan had dressed lightly for her midday rest. The delicate fabric of her pale pink gauze robe draped over her slender frame, the sash at her waist half-undone, revealing a glimpse of fair skin below her collarbone and the gentle curves beneath. Her waist looked so delicate it seemed one could encircle it with a single hand.

Jiang Xu's gaze darkened slightly, his voice lowering as well. "Why aren't you asleep?"

"I couldn't sleep," Ming Tan answered obliviously, sitting up to wrap her arms around Jiang Xu's waist. She leaned against him lazily, her voice sweet and coaxing. "Are you tired, Husband? Why not rest with A Tan?"

Jiang Xu didn't refuse, so Ming Tan began unfastening his outer robe herself, chattering idly about her visit to the palace that day.

She hadn't intended anything beyond a simple midday nap with her husband and some casual conversation—preferably leading naturally and discreetly to the question of what connection existed between Jiang Xu and Lanfei.

Once Jiang Xu lay down, Ming Tan nestled obediently into his arms, still murmuring away to set the stage. She meandered through various topics until she finally landed on the tribute from Nanlü.

"Oh, Husband, was that snow-white foal also meant for me?"

Jiang Xu gave a faint hum. "I'll teach you to ride when there's time.""……"

No need.

Why did he always try to teach her such unladylike things!

She deftly changed the subject: "After hearing what the Empress said, I went to the stables as soon as I returned from the palace. That little foal is truly beautiful—snow white without a single stray hair. I adore it! Hmm... shall we name it 'Little White Rabbit' from now on?"

Little White Rabbit.

That was clearly a Jade Lion.

He didn't respond, his gaze falling on the increasingly disheveled gaps in Ming Tan's clothing. His Adam's apple bobbed as he suddenly grasped something. Ming Tan froze, looking up at him in disbelief. He gently kneaded and stroked, his warm breath brushing against her ear as he murmured in a low voice tinged with faint amusement: "Yes, it is indeed a little white rabbit."

Author's note: Jiang Qizhi has learned to flirt!

Note: "Of music I hear only the Green Water; of tea I know only Mount Meng." — Bai Juyi's "Lute and Tea"