Chapter 5: Promotion (晉封)  

The fact that Feng Jin had flipped Zhuang Laoyan’s nametag again did not come as a surprise to her. After all, she had spent a lot of energy for this outcome. If he had merely played with her for a night and then lost interest, it would mean she had no chance of advancing in the imperial harem.

Feng Jin arrived at Taoyu pavilion two hours earlier than he did last night. He wore a soft silk robe made of golden thread, dragons embroidered upon it. His hair was tied up in a knot, restrained within a golden crown, twin dragons each spitting out a pearl at the sides¹. A handsome Casanova².

Zhuang Laoyan did not put on a blouse with a wrap-around skirt again. Instead, she wore a loose muslin dress, its long train trailing the ground as she walked. It gave her more of a fairy-esque impression, a girl flowing like a cloud.

“I heard that you went to pay respects at Jingyang Palace this morning,” said Feng Jin, sitting on the couch. The tea in his hand was steaming.

“That Your Majesty cherishes this concubine causes this concubine great joy. Regardless, because the empress showers us sisters with benevolence, this concubine could not skirt her duties.” She smiled apologetically. “Previously, I had been ignorant of palace protocol and lost manners in front of the empress. Thankfully, Her Majesty did not blame me. When I recall those times, I feel ashamed.”

“To understand your wrongs means you are not arrogant,” Feng Jin said. “It’s a good thing.” He lifted his gaze from the teacup to stare at Zhuang Laoyan. The first thing that caught his attention was her hair, hanging loose on her shoulders. Quite an alluring sight. He reached out and wrapped an arm around her waist. Brought her close to sit on his lap. He stroked her hair. Soft and comfortable to the touch. “Beloved concubine is still young. The fact that you know these things already makes Us³ proud.”

“If Your Majesty is happy, then this concubine is happy as well.” The woman sitting on Feng Jin’s lap did not seem as though she felt awkward at the slightest. In fact, she acted like a normal woman relying on their husband, arms wrapped around his neck. She lifted her head and opened her beautiful eyes. Joy apparent from her gaze. “From now on, this concubine will act responsibly.”

Their gazes met. Feng Jin’s heart trembled, but only for a hairbreadth of a second. Smiling, he caressed her soft and tender cheeks. “You are Our beloved concubine. Even if We favor you more, it won’t cause a problem.”

When he held affection for them, they were akin to the moon in the sky. When he disliked them, one would fear that they could not even compare to a flight of stairs, something to be stepped on by others. Zhuang Laoyan smiled once more and leaned against Feng Jin’s sturdy chest, hiding her piercing gaze. These emperors loved to give promises left and right, but in the imperial harem, which woman would believe them?

Feng Jin carried her to bed. Naturally, they enjoyed themselves to the fullest. Countless skillful touches, all leading to immense satisfaction.

The imperial harem was packed with women. And it went without saying that Feng Jin tasted a lot of women in his lifetime. Despite this, he felt that Zhuang Laoyan tasted the best. He spread his limbs, waiting as the servants under the watchful eyes of Gao Dezhong helped him change into his formal dragon robes. Zhuang Laoyan still lay deep in slumber, unaware of the surroundings.After he was properly dressed, Feng Jin made a sudden move for the bed. He lowered his head, admiring the sleeping beauty in a good mood. “From the moment Miss Zhuang of Taoyu Pavilion had entered the palace, she was gentle, kind, and had a good temperament. Her personality was noble and pure. Very much to Our taste. Today, We have decided to promote her to the rank of Imperial Concubine, with the title of… Zhao.”

Read this as sleepchaser’s word press.

All of a sudden, Gao Dezhong’s heart trembled in shock. That Feng Jin had thoughts of promoting Zhuang Laoyan to the rank of Imperial Concubine already made him surprised, much less this title.

“Gao Dezhong, later on, spread this message throughout the six palaces. In five days there will be a celebration. Tell theDepartment of the Palace⁴ to prepare for the promotional ceremony.” Feng Jin placed a kiss between Zhuang Laoyan’s brows. Then he turned around and left.

“Understood,” said Gao Dezhong. He dared not look at the person sleeping on the bed. His heart trembled again, this time with both fear and surprise. Just two nights, and Feng Jin had not only become fond of this woman but also wanted to promote her to an Imperial Concubine. Too shocking. It illustrated how resourceful this Imperial Concubine Zhao was.

✿

“According to the dictionary ‘Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters⁵,’ the character ‘Zhao’ has the meaning of bright and good, the same bright as in a bright day. It’s not something that can be easily used. Yet His Majesty actually used this character for Miss Zhuang’s title…” The empress stroked her prayer beads, one bead at a time. Her actions were done quicker than usual. “He indeed has feelings for her.”magic

She was frightened to the bone. The emperor had only favored this Miss Zhuang for two nights, yet he promoted her from a Wanyi to an Imperial Concubine. Although it was only a mid-tier 4th-rank position, it had the character of “Zhao” as a title. Other imperial concubines would have to be courteous toward her. Especially so for those of a lower rank. Apart from Noble Imperial Concubine Yan, who else had a title around Zhuang Laoyan’s rank?

Her promotion was like that of Noble Imperial Concubine Yan prior. Until now, the empress had actually not seen the resemblance. If she had known this day would come, then in the past she would have…

“Your Majesty, the empress. This slave has heard that the servants from Qianzheng Palace sent many treasures to Wanyi… to Imperial Concubine Zhao’s residence,” whispered Heyu at the empress’ side, after walking into the room.

The empress was caught in a daze. Then she broke into a smile. “Since that is the case, our Jingyang Palace will also prepare some gifts for the celebration.”

Dropping her gaze, Heyu made to leave.

Sure enough, the empress had thought the emperor truly loved this Imperial Concubine Zhao. But now, after that bit of news, it was clear he was only treating her like a toy. Today, he showered her with affection. Tomorrow, he would forget about her.

The empress’ mood recovered slightly.If an emperor wholeheartedly loved someone, he would not promote her only a single rank, nor would he stop at just an Imperial Concubine. He wouldn’t broadcast it to everyone as well, inspiring their jealousy. Judging from these details, Imperial Concubine Zhao had not grasped the emperor’s heart. He merely found her a bit interesting for now and wanted to play with her for a few more days.

The one thing that did not sit well with the empress, however, was her title. It was glaring evidence that although the emperor didn’t truly love that woman, he should at least like her a little. Now, the empress had to treat her nicer.

✿

Various colors of treasures and silk bolts rushed into Taoyu Pavilion like a tide. Some came from Consorts. Some came from the Jieyus. Whether they were favored or unfavored, everyone sent gifts to Taoyu Pavilion to celebrate her promotion. Everyone wanted to skin her alive.

Zhuang Laoyan swept her gaze through the boxes and trays spilling with treasures. She played with a large and pure eastern pearl as she listened to Fu Bao record the items. A yawn escaped her lips. “We can use the treasures that His Majesty bestowed. Put everything else into the store room.” She glanced at Fu Bao. “Be careful when you store them. Don’t mix them up.”

Aware of the implications, Fu Bao saluted and departed.

“Master, it looks like the weather is nice outside. Shall we take a stroll?” Tingzhu carefully asked as she massaged Zhuang Laoyan’s legs.

“If I were to show my face outside the residence now, wouldn’t that make all the other masters green with envy?” Zhuang Laoyan lazily leaned against the backrest of her seat. “Later, inform the others that if anyone uses my name to act arrogantly against people, they will be punished with thirty strikes of the rod. And they’ll be kicked out of Taoyu Pavilion. Those with poor attitudes will not be allowed to stay here.”

“This slave understands,” said Tingzhu. Seeing that Zhuang Laoyan had closed her eyes to rest, she dared not make another sound.

Currently, the whole imperial harem was throwing things and gnashing their teeth in anger. Yet miraculously, once they caught sight of Zhuang Laoyan, there only existed warm smiles and gentle words. As though they were the best of friends.

Such was the strength of a great sisterly bond.

Power ranks

YESSSS. ZL finally has her first on-screen promotion. The ride only gets better bois. I love the throwback to “sisterly bond” too lmao.

So, it seems like it doesn’t really matter if I release PDFs first. Those sites will still have the chapters. Oh well. I’ll still supply you guys the PDF version for your viewing pleasure.

Next release: Saturday August 10, 2019 at 12 pm EST.