After the rebellion was successful, I realized that this place was the Red Mansion

Chapter 302 Xing Xiuyan

On this day, Madam Xing came to the Jade Emperor Temple. After entering the house, she first bowed to Xing Xiuyan. After the maids and servants withdrew, Xiuyan then stood up and bowed to her family, inviting her to sit down.

Madam Xing was overjoyed that a noble lady had appeared in the family and treated her with such respect. She said to Xiuyan, "Your place is a bit remote. Besides, when I came in, I saw that the temple plaque was still hanging at the door. It should be replaced. How can a lady like you live in a temple?"

Xiuyan smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, Aunt. But I'm used to living in temples and nunneries, so I don't mind."

Madam Xing sighed, "Don't blame your aunt for being nosy, but although you are now called Your Highness, you haven't been made a concubine yet." She looked at her again and said, "Most of the girls in the garden have already been favored by the Emperor and have been made concubines. Your sister Lin goes without saying, and I heard that Miss Bao is also going to be made a Noble Consort. Apart from Miaoyu and that girl from the Wang family, you are the only one left!"

Xiuyan blushed and lowered her head, saying, "I'm not in a hurry."

"You still say you're not in a hurry!"

Madam Xing raised her voice and said, "You're not bad looking, and you have a good figure, so why are you ranked so low? Leng Zixing should really be scolded for not including you when the Twelve Beauties of Jinling were being passed down."

Xiuyan said, "It has nothing to do with the Twelve Beauties."

"Why not shut it down? I was just about to tell you that the Emperor intends to make Qiao Jie a concubine in the future!"

"To make Qiao Jie'er a concubine?"

Xiuyan was very surprised and quickly asked, "How did you know, Aunt?"

When Madam Xing saw her pressing for answers, she said smugly, "I heard some old women talking about it in private. They said that Feng'er told Qiao'er at home, and Qiao'er told her wet nurse, and it gradually spread."

Xiuyan thought for a while before saying, "Your Majesty is being far too absurd..."

Madam Xing, however, was delighted and laughed, "What's so absurd about it? Does anyone dare to criticize the Emperor's actions? At worst, we can just ask her mother to give up her position as a concubine. I think my granddaughter is more suitable to be a concubine than her!"

Jia Lian is her son, and Qiao Jie is her granddaughter. Qiao Jie's elevation to imperial concubine status brings her even more glory than Xiu Yan's!
Xiuyan then remembered that the Emperor only bestowed the title of Beauty upon Fengjie, perhaps to reserve a Consort position for Qiaojie.

Conferring the title of Imperial Concubine had a far greater impact than conferring the title of Beauty. While ordinary talented women, beauties, and noble ladies would not be recorded by historians, Imperial Concubines would mostly have children, which would certainly be recorded in the historical records.

Thinking of this, Xiuyan said, "Aunt, this matter is not a good thing to hear. Don't let anyone spread it anymore, especially don't let it spread outside the palace. With Leng Zixing as an example, if people spread it recklessly, female officials will deal with it."

Madam Xing quickly agreed, saying that she had already told the servants not to gossip.

To be honest, those female officials didn't have much power, and no concubines supported them, yet they were feared by maids, servants, and even Madam Xing and Madam Wang.

Because they would complain to the young ladies, and if that wasn't dealt with, they would report it to the Third Young Lady. If it got to the ears of the Emperor's maids like Yuanyang and Qingwen, the Emperor might find out.

Just then, a maidservant came to report: "The eunuch has come to deliver an imperial edict. Miss and Madam, please go out quickly to receive the decree!"

Xiuyan and Madam Xing hurriedly went out, and the little eunuch quickly relayed the imperial edict, telling Xiuyan to wait at home, as His Majesty was about to arrive.

After the eunuch left, Madam Xing hurriedly said, "The Emperor is coming soon. I won't keep you here any longer. There's something else I need to tell you."

"Aunt, please speak."

“It’s not good for you to live in the Jade Emperor Temple. Your parents also said that this is not a place for a goddess to live. I think the Grand View Garden is more suitable…”

"aunt!"

Xiuyan interrupted her with a smile: "Yihong Courtyard was originally where the young master of the Jia family lived. Now it should be occupied by the noble and favored empress. Consort Xie will be coming to the capital in two months. All the concubines in the harem are guessing that she will live there. Even Empress Zhang and the others have not moved in. How can I move in?"

Madam Xing said, "Silly girl, they are concubines from the previous dynasty. How can they compare to you? You move in now, and when Consort Xie comes, we can find somewhere else to stay. His Majesty dotes on you; would he really ask you to move out..."

Before she could finish speaking, Xiuyan pushed her out the door, laughing and saying that the Emperor was coming. Madam Xing had no choice but to leave.

Xiuyan didn't mind living here. It was quiet and comfortable, and it was also close to Longcui Nunnery. Besides, it wasn't too remote. To the north was the Qingtang Thatched Cottage where the princess lived, where a group of little princesses lived and made a lot of noise every day.

She then thought that if Qiao'er were to be favored by the Emperor and made a concubine when she grew up, the little princesses would probably be the same. They were all quite beautiful, and perhaps they could all stay in the palace, saving the trouble of selecting concubines from the court and the common people.

Lost in thought, a maid rushed in shortly after: "Miss, the Emperor has arrived!"

Xiuyan hurriedly tidied her makeup and went out to greet the emperor. A group of eunuchs and palace maids led the way, and a moment later, the emperor's tall figure came into her view.

"Your Majesty, I respectfully welcome you." Xiuyan stepped forward and bowed humbly, like a wife welcoming her returning husband.

"It has been a long time since I last visited you!"

Chu Yan spoke casually, glancing at Xiuyan's beautiful face. Seeing her lower her head, he reached out and lifted her fair and smooth chin. Because they were outside, Xiuyan quickly blushed.

Chu Yan looked at her for a moment before smiling and saying, "Come on, let's go inside and talk!"

After saying that, he took Xiuyan's hand and went inside.

The Jade Emperor Temple had not been renovated. Chu Yan and she entered the quiet room. He looked around, and Xiu Yan blushed and said, "The Jade Emperor Temple does not have a heated room, and my room is a bit messy."

Chu Yan's expression was strange as he asked her, "Why didn't you say there was no warm pavilion?"

Xiuyan smiled and said, "I'm used to it. When I rented a room in the temple before, there was only one bed in the room. Now I can live in the whole temple, which is much better than before."

Chu Yan sat down and said, "How can Jinling compare to this place?"

Xiuyan sat beside her and shook her head, saying, "Wearing thick clothes and being well-fed will naturally warm you up, especially if you're not weak or sick. Besides, there are hand warmers and braziers, so you won't be cold at night."

Chu Yan laughed and said, "You are now my concubine, so don't mention the past. How can we live without a warm pavilion? It's a pity that it's too late this year. You can ask Sister Feng to find someone to build one for you in the spring."

Xiuyan had no choice but to agree, and stood up to bow and express her gratitude.

Chu Yan took her hand, hugged Xiuyan in his arms, and acted affectionately towards her, saying, "I've been saying for a while that I'd like to come and sit here for a while, and I'm only just now getting around to it. It's a pity that your place is too simple. How about we stay at my place tonight?"

Xiuyan's heart raced. She had been preparing for the night, and blushed as she lowered her head, saying, "As His Majesty's concubine, it is only right that I serve him." She then added shyly, "I am ashamed. I never thought His Majesty would stay here overnight. I will ask Sister Feng to repair the Jade Emperor Temple when the weather gets warmer."

Chu Yan laughed and said, "That's more like it."

Xiuyan then said, "As a concubine in the harem, it's not appropriate for this place to still be called a temple. If word gets out, it will cause controversy. How about changing it to Jade Emperor Pavilion?"

"up to you."

Chu Yan stroked her face with his palm. Xiu Yan, who was obedient and gentle in his arms, was stiff at first, but slowly got used to the man's caresses, and her soft body couldn't help but move closer to him. When Xiu Yan was moved, Chu Yan asked with a smile: "Did Xiu Yan say anything else just now? For example, did you advise me not to go to Longcui Nunnery to sleep with Miao Yu?"

Xiuyan was taken aback, then quickly said, "I had no such intention, I was just worried about Your Majesty's reputation..."

She was getting a little anxious, worried that he would misunderstand.

Chu Yan held her hand and said, "It is right for you to advise me. There are even people in the court who submit memorials to advise me, let alone you in the harem. But I don't care. I am diligent in governing the country, but I have been a bit indulgent in my private affairs."

These were genuine words from the heart, and Xiuyan was moved. She couldn't help but smile and say, "Your Majesty is... a bit indulgent, but he has not violated any personal morals." After a pause, she said, "I have heard that Your Majesty intends to make Qiao'er a concubine."

Chu Yan laughed: "Feng Nu came to ask me a couple of days ago, I didn't expect that even you would know now!"

Xiuyan said, "Yes, I also heard it from rumors. I told them not to talk about it in private."

Chu Yan said, "The more you forbid it, the more they will talk. It's better to let them talk. Qiao'er is still young. Anything will die down after ten years."

Xiuyan thought for a moment and then smiled and said, "Although His Majesty is fond of beautiful women, he is magnanimous and never fusses over trivial matters."

Chu Yan stroked her beautiful face. "Xiuyan, are you asking me to pamper you?"

Xiuyan blushed with embarrassment and was quickly embraced and kissed by Chu Yan.

When she was catching her breath, Chu Yan asked, "What did Madam Xing say to you?"

Xiuyan nestled the girl's body in his arms, and after a long, lingering kiss, she lost her usual cleverness and answered casually, "My aunt came to tell me that she wanted me to move to Yihong Courtyard, but I refused."

After she finished speaking, she came to her senses, feeling uneasy. How did the Emperor know about this? Did he know that Qiao Jie's story was told by her aunt?

Seeing the change in her expression, Chu Yan said, "Don't take it to heart. It was just that the eunuch said something extra when he was replying. Your aunt has withheld your money before. Don't let my beloved concubine be bullied again."

The word "beloved concubine" was spoken to her alone, and Xiuyan's young heart trembled. She quickly said, "Auntie is only a little confused about small things, but she has done nothing wrong in important matters. My family has come from afar to seek refuge, and Auntie did not drive us away. This is a great kindness. How can I forget it just because Auntie withheld some of my money? Besides, my monthly allowance was originally given by the Jia family."

After hearing this, Chu Yan exclaimed in admiration, "Those who would 'treat a great favor as a great enmity' should be ashamed after hearing Xiuyan's words! How many people in the world can do that?"

Even among the many outstanding young ladies of the Grand View Garden, Miss Xing's character is first-rate.

Unfortunately, despite her good character, she could not become the emperor's favorite concubine and was therefore unable to be granted the title of Imperial Concubine.

Chu Yan's affection for them surpassed their character. For example, Wang Xifeng, though not a very good person, was able to please him in bed.

After thinking for a moment, Chu Yan said to Xiuyan, "I originally intended to make you a concubine, but seeing your virtue, I will reward you and make you a royal consort, shall I?"

Xiuyan said, "I should accept Your Majesty's decree, but if I am made a concubine for such a trivial matter, who knows how many concubines there will be in the palace in the future. I appreciate Your Majesty's kindness to us, but I think it is unnecessary to make a concubine for this reason."

Chu Yan smiled and said, "When I ask you this question, it usually means I've made up my mind, and your usual words can't change it. However, since you've said that, then I'll make you a concubine after you give birth to a child for me!"

Xiuyan blushed and lowered her head, whispering, "I have already made clothes for the children, one set for each boy and one set for each..."

Chu Yan asked in surprise, "Why are you all making children's clothes?"

Xiuyan blushed and smiled, "His Majesty has said that one of the concubines will give birth to a little princess for His Majesty this year. Most of the ladies have already had the honor of serving His Majesty. How can we not prepare? Even if we don't need it this year, we can use it in the future... We can also give it to the concubine who has given birth as a gift for the child."

Chu Yan chuckled, "So, my first daughter will have more than a dozen tiger-head hats and little bibs. Did Xiuyan make any little bibs?"

"some."

"Bring it here for me to see, and to see how well you embroider."

Chu Yan chatted with Xiuyan while admiring the children's clothes she was embroidering. About half an hour later, when Xiuyan was flushed and panting, Yuanyang came in to report: "Is His Majesty having dinner with Miss Xing tonight?"

When Chu Yan returned to Daguan Palace, Yuanyang, Qingwen, and the others did not come with him. However, after they found out that he had stayed at the Jade Emperor Temple for a while, several of them came outside to wait and serve him.

Chu Yan glanced at Xiu Yan, and seeing that she had nothing to say, he said, "Xiu Yan and I will go back to Yangxin Hall later. You go back and prepare. If there are people waiting in the room, tell them that I have summoned Miss Xing tonight and ask them to go back."

Yuanyang agreed, and Xiuyan hurriedly said, "I'll go to Yangxin Hall after I've washed and dressed up?"

Chu Yan said, "I will also take a bath tonight. You can come and bathe with me." Seeing Xiuyan's face turn red, he had the idea of ​​teasing her, so he smiled and whispered, "I saw that although Xiuyan was poor when she was young, she was not small. I have long wanted to see how big Xiuyan is."

Xing Xiuyan found this statement a bit strange, and said with a smile, "When I was a child, I rented a guest room in a temple, and now I'm of marriageable age..."

She suddenly realized that the "growing up" His Majesty referred to did not mean reaching the age of marriage, but something else entirely.

She looked down, and two red clouds instantly spread from her face to her ears. She stammered shyly, "Your Majesty..."

Chu Yan embraced her tightly from the front and chuckled softly, "Xiuyan, don't be shy. It's good that you've grown up. I like it. I will definitely pamper Xiuyan tonight. Who knows, I might change my mind after one night and make you a concubine tomorrow!"

Xiuyan was extremely shy.

But she also vaguely understood that the Emperor's conferment of titles upon the concubines, aside from the girls' personalities... yes, their appearances and figures, were all due to their nighttime service to the Emperor.

“Your Majesty…” Xiuyan said softly, “Neither my mother nor my aunt taught me how to get married. They said the palace maids would teach me, but the palace maids didn’t teach me either.”

Chu Yan laughed: "It was I who told them not to interfere. I love your natural cuteness, not that you're all cut from the same mold, lying in bed and doing whatever I teach you. That would be so boring."

Xiuyan blushed and thought for a long time before saying, "Your Majesty is wise and mighty... indeed, you are extremely fond of beautiful women!"

Chu Yan laughed for a while at her words, and Xiu Yan smiled too, quietly nestled in his arms, waiting for tonight to arrive.

After a passionate encounter with His Majesty, she no longer felt the timidity and unease of a bride on her wedding night, and was now only waiting to be favored by Chu Yan tonight.

Shortly after, Yuanyang came in to report that everything needed for tonight had been prepared in Yangxin Hall.

"Let's go back!"

Chu Yan picked up Xiuyan, who quickly got down, saying, "Your Majesty, I can walk by myself."

Chu Yan then took her hand and they went back to Yangxin Hall together.

(End of this chapter)