Chapter 208: Volume 1 Chapter 208 — Grand Display, I

Even now we are still in the mourning period; although the major mourning has passed, the formal mourning attire has not yet been lifted, so the palace people must still wear plain garments.

But even plain clothes can be made to look floral; Rong Luoge watched Song Huihe, who was at the front, whose pear‑white palace skirt was embroidered with layers upon layers of petals, outlined with silver thread, dazzling brilliantly in the sunlight.

Song Huihe may not be an absolute beauty, yet this attire truly makes her stand out.

Luo Ronghua is far more low‑key compared with Zhou Jieyu; both are wearing the light‑colored palace robes prescribed by protocol, their outfits modest and proper.

Bringing up the rear is Su Ying, whose garment is a Jiao Yue Sha. Though called Jiao Yue Sha it is not genuine dragon silk but an imitation, it is nonetheless exceedingly rare, light and soft with a pure hue, and as she walks it seems as if a galaxy flows at her feet.

Rong Luoge also has a Jiao Yue Sha, but she thought it too conspicuous and kept it in storage; she did not expect the Empress Dowager to be truly attentive to Su Ying, having a garment of such precious fabric tailored for her.

If it weren't for her sudden whim to go out today, she would have thought there was a spy among them who tipped them off so Su Ying could flaunt herself before her.

"Concubine, I pay my respects to the Noble Consort."

"I, Su Ying, have seen the Noble Consort."

Their rank is displayed here; they find her displeasing and wish they could replace her, yet now they must still bow respectfully before her.

"Rise, no need for formalities," Rong Luoge said with a smile. "It's rare to be out today, and I didn't expect to run into you all—what a coincidence."

Behind the scenes they may clash fiercely, but under everyone's watch they cannot be caught with any leverage; the old officials in the court are all keeping an eye on them.

Song Huihe, the highest‑ranking among them, rose and surveyed Noble Consort Rong, especially noting the very evident pregnancy that was rather off‑putting. She suppressed her irritation, forced a smile, and said, "Your Majesty is right; we happened to be out today and decided to view the flowers together, and we didn't expect to meet the Noble Consort again—quite a coincidence."

Rong Luoge was too lazy to argue, thinking she would just give a couple of lines and leave, so she said, "The weather is fine today, the Imperial Garden's flowers are in bloom; you all may continue admiring them."

Su Ying stood at the back of the crowd, looking up at Rong Luoge. Just a few years ago this woman was suffering on a rural manor; then she became Princess Consort Qi, shortly after became Dong Gong Good Lady, and later became Noble Consort. Such a series of opportunities is something ordinary people could never even imagine.

But she just happened to have that luck; luck alone is one thing, yet after entering the Eastern Palace she was the Crown Prince's sole favorite, and after becoming Noble Consort and observing mourning she became pregnant again—truly infuriating.

"An invitation is no match for a chance encounter; it's rare to meet the Noble Consort. I boldly ask, shall we admire the flowers together?" Su Ying said with a smile, her expression genuinely sincere, showing no hint of displeasure.

"Indeed, it's rare to see Your Majesty. I wonder whether Your Majesty will accept this favor?" Song Huihe said, smiling at Noble Consort Rong.

Rong Luoge glanced over the crowd, then laughed, "What's this about granting a favor? Yuan Bao, go tidy the pavilion ahead; I will lead everyone there to view the flowers."

"Yes," Yuan Bao replied immediately, then led a young eunuch to tidy the pavilion.

Rong Xin also instructed a junior palace maid to prepare tea and snacks at once, and sent another person back to Yuzhao Gong to fetch cushions, incense burners, and other items; in an instant everyone around became busy.

In the time it takes to sip a cup of tea, the octagonal pavilion was already set up; thick moss covered the stone slabs, incense burners lit in the corners, and a faint floral scent spread through the air.

Another palace attendant brought a three‑tier lacquered food box, opened it and arranged the assorted pastries on the table; a second attendant set out a full set of white‑jade tea cups. The large pavilion was very quiet, only the faint footfalls of the servants could be heard.

When everything was ready, the guests bowed and stepped back. Yuan Bao, with the young eunuch, guarded the pavilion entrance as if facing a great enemy. Rong Xin stood behind Noble Consort Rong, attending to her; this arrangement could rival the Empress, right?

Seeing Rong Luoge's ordinary demeanor, everyone's thoughts truly wavered.

Rong Luoge looked at the expressions of the group, sneered inwardly, and thought, what is a silent slap in the face?

This is it!

These people just want to crowd me out invisibly, don't they?

When it comes to showing off, I've never lost!

"Noble Consort, you truly have refined tastes; we feel inferior," Song Huihe was the first to break the silence. Though she kept reminding herself to stay composed when facing Rong Luoge, she couldn't help it upon seeing her so arrogant.

She's not a Buddha!

Rong Luoge lifted a white‑jade tea cup, took a delicate sip, the armor on her fingertips—hollowed crimson gold set with various gems—shimmering brilliantly. She set the cup down, took a handkerchief to dab her lip corner, then said, "Madam Zhen Shen, your words are rather surprising to me; these matters are merely ordinary. Did you not receive such instruction while in the inner chambers? Though I grew up on a manor, I have never neglected propriety."

Song Huihe mocked her for being pretentious; Rong Luoge retorted bluntly, "Which noblewoman in the capital hasn't gone through this? It's merely learned etiquette; people don't display it often, only when a particular occasion calls for showcasing status."

But Rong Luoge is now a Noble Consort, just below the Empress among the consorts; even a grand display conforms to protocol. Even with a phoenix hairpin on her head, it has only two fewer wings than the Empress's.

For someone like Madam Zhen Shen, a phoenix hairpin is forbidden to wear.

Su Ying watched from the shadows; her interactions with Rong Luoge were few. After all, this woman grew up on a manor, returned to the capital without much exposure, and was soon to be married. Seeing her current demeanor, Su Ying felt a pang, realizing she does not seem the uncouth manor girl she once was.

Song Huihe's complexion, irritated by Rong Luoge, was on the verge of breaking. She forced herself to stay calm, lifted the tea to pretend to drink and cool herself. The moment the tea entered her mouth, she recognized it as this year's tribute tea—a rare brew; not every consort in the Hou Gong receives it, and she only gets one or two servings every six months. Yet Noble Consort Rong now serves it to guests.

The tea lingered uncomfortably, only increasing her anger.

Luo Ronghua and Zhou Jieyu bowed their heads to drink tea; at this moment, unless they are named, they must play the submissive role, lest they become cannon fodder for higher‑ranking consorts.

Someone, lacking tact, listened as Su Ying laughed and said, "I recall the Zhou family has a tea garden; I wonder if this tea comes from there?"

Zhou Jieyu was startled, looked up at Su Ying, and, unable to offend her, replied as calmly as possible, "Miss Su, this is tribute tea, harvested from a century‑old tea tree. In Owl Country such trees are scarce, yielding very little each year; the Zhou family does not have any."

Is this a matter of having or not having?

Who would dare have it? Even stealing tribute tea—it's reckless!

Su Ying truly isn't a good person; why dig a pit for her?

It infuriates her!