Chapter 14: This Is Called Farewell My Concubine

At these words, a trace of melancholy flashed across Qiao Qingyun’s face, gone in the blink of an eye. She looked at Feng Ke before her and said, “If you can’t bear it, when their symptoms flare up, just knock them unconscious. Of course, that will only spare them pain for a while.”

“How many will survive in the end—I truly can’t say.”

Qiao Qingyun dared not make any promises. If she carelessly guaranteed the wrong outcome, wouldn’t she end up implicated herself?

“I understand,” Feng Ke replied, clearly disappointed. He had thought Qiao Qingyun might have a solution to this predicament, but the only advice she offered was to endure it.

As she watched Feng Ke depart, Qiao Qingyun sighed inwardly. Indeed, being a good master was no easy task.

“What are you looking at?” Yuan Zaichun’s tone betrayed a hint of displeasure.

Qiao Qingyun was momentarily stunned, then forced a sheepish smile. “I noticed Young Master Feng seemed troubled. I couldn’t help but feel sympathy—so many people have fallen victim to these schemes in rapid succession. He must be suffering greatly.”

Clearly, this answer did not satisfy Yuan Zaichun. In his eyes, this woman ought to see no one but him…

Without realizing it, he had already begun to think of Qiao Qingyun as something he possessed.

“Oh?” Yuan Zaichun arched an eyebrow, his words tinged with awkwardness. “If that’s the case, why didn’t you agree to marry him back then? Wouldn’t that have settled everything?”

Startled, Qiao Qingyun immediately began to flatter him. “That wouldn’t do. How could he compare to Your Highness, graceful as jade among men? Besides, you stand above all save one—being with Your Highness naturally brings endless benefits!”

Though her words were nothing but flattery, Yuan Zaichun was clearly pleased to hear them.

“I was quite taken with your rendition of ‘The Drunken Concubine’ yesterday. Tomorrow when we enter the palace to see my mother, perform it for her, will you?”

What!

Good heavens!

Qiao Qingyun nearly rolled her eyes out of her head. What on earth had she done after drinking too much yesterday?

And “The Drunken Concubine”—he wasn’t making it up. He must have actually witnessed it.

“Ah… hahaha… Well, my dance is hardly worthy to grace the main hall. It would certainly be better left to the professional dancers, wouldn’t it?”

Though Qiao Qingyun was nominally General Qiao’s daughter, her father was long gone. She couldn’t very well keep up the airs of a noble lady, could she?

Yuan Zaichun said nothing, merely casting her a cool glance with a look that said, “The choice is yours.” At last, Qiao Qingyun relented.

“Yes, Your Highness. Please summon two seamstresses, so that I may have a proper costume made.”

“Very well.” Such a minor request was easily granted with a wave of his hand, and Qingluo was so excited she could scarcely contain herself.

If Qiao Qingyun could win the Empress’s favor, then the position of Crown Princess would be all but assured!

They worked through the night, and when Qiao Qingyun accompanied Yuan Zaichun into the palace, Qingluo followed close behind, carefully carrying the costume. This was to guard against Yuan Zaichun suddenly demanding a performance and leaving her unprepared.

“Your son pays respect to Mother—may you have peace and prosperity.”

“Your humble subject, Qiao Qingyun, daughter of the late General Qiao, pays respects to Her Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and health.”

On the Phoenix Luan chair sat a woman of resplendent beauty and elegance. Her slender waist belied any evidence of childbirth, and her face, with skin as delicate as a petal and features unforgettable at a glance, marked her clearly as Yuan Zaichun’s mother.

No wonder she held the title of Empress.

The Empress received them graciously, waving her hand with a warm smile. “Rise, quickly. Miss Qiao appears rather delicate—you must take care not to catch a chill.”

The Empress was most adept at such courtesies—how else could she maintain harmony among the palace’s six consorts?

Qiao Qingyun knelt respectfully. “For your humble servant, being granted an audience with Your Majesty is a blessing beyond measure. With Your Majesty’s protection, no ill could possibly befall me.”

Such words only elevated the Empress further, as if Qiao Qingyun would lift her to the heavens themselves—a transparent attempt to curry favor.

Yuan Zaichun found himself ever more intrigued by Qiao Qingyun. In just a few words, she had made the Empress beam with pleasure. Clearly, she possessed some talent.

“Such a sweet tongue. Come here and let me have a look at you.”

Hearing this, Qiao Qingyun’s heart finally settled—she had passed this test.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

With calm elegance, Qiao Qingyun ascended the steps, never once glancing at Yuan Zaichun. Every movement was poised and graceful, as if she were born to such dignity.

Upon reaching the Empress’s side, Qiao Qingyun knelt once more at her feet, gazing up in reverence—a demonstration of her sincere respect, lest anyone question her intentions.

The Empress was even more satisfied by this display. She surveyed Qiao Qingyun from head to toe. “I have heard of General Qiao’s fate. Now you have saved Zaichun’s life. His wish is to bring you into the household—would you think me too forward for saying so?”

At this, Qiao Qingyun feigned shy embarrassment, lowering her head as a blush rose to her cheeks—a perfect picture of a demure young lady. “Your humble servant will abide by Your Majesty’s wishes in all things.”

“Good. It’s clear at a glance you are a sensible child. Zaichun, you must treat Miss Qiao well from now on—she is the one closest to you.”

These words struck Yuan Zaichun with unexpected weight. He had meant to make a jest, but now the words died on his lips.

“Yes, Mother, I understand.”

“Good. Now, get up—you look so restrained, kneeling at my feet. I grant you a seat.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Didn’t you say you would perform a dance for me today, Qing’er?”

Qiao Qingyun had barely touched her seat when Yuan Zaichun’s words nearly sent her tumbling to the floor. Thankfully, Qingluo caught her just in time.

“Oh?” The Empress arched her brows. Everyone knew she was a great lover of music and dance—if she found a kindred spirit, conversation would be endless.

Qiao Qingyun nodded, a bit embarrassed, and rose again. “Yes, Your Majesty, I have prepared a dance for you.”

“Very well, call for the musicians at once.”

With the command given, Qiao Qingyun hurried off to change into her costume—a loosely draped robe styled after the noble concubines of the opera, complete with appropriate headpiece.

A true rendition of “The Drunken Concubine”? Only a fool would perform that! In front of the Empress, no less—had she lost her mind?

Everyone knew, beneath the Empress was the Imperial Noble Consort, and then the Noble Consort. To perform such a dance unthinkingly might well result in being thrown out.

So, Qiao Qingyun had cleverly blended elements of traditional opera into her costume instead.

“The Drunken Concubine”? Hah… This is “Farewell My Concubine”!