Chapter Forty: After All, You're Not Good-Looking

Jiang, the Talented Lady, was momentarily speechless. She had tried to support Shen Fuyu, yet Shen Fuyu had insulted her appearance?
“Well, it’s only natural,” Shen Fuyu continued, “since His Majesty favors me and I’m now with child. I suppose my sisters can’t help feeling a little unhappy.” Her words carried not a hint of remorse; instead, she smiled smugly, her left hand resting idly on her belly in a deliberate display. “But I am not the sort to be jealous or monopolize His Majesty’s affections. In the future, I shall persuade him to spend more time with my sisters. Would that satisfy you, Lady Shu?”
Though her words were directed to all, her question singled out Lady Shu.
Lady Shu could no longer contain her anger, trembling with fury, her gaze fixed on Shen Fuyu as if she might devour her. Very well! Shen Fuyu, you certainly have your ways—let’s see what the future holds!
“Right and wrong will be decided by His Majesty and the Empress Dowager. Virtuous Consort, do not let favor breed arrogance.” Lady Shu clenched her fists and, having said her piece, called to the maid at her side, “Let’s go!”
After the commotion, the midday banquet proceeded haphazardly. With Lady Shu and Zhaoyi gone, most of those remaining were concubines of lower rank. The winds in the palace had shifted: ever since Shen Fuyu’s pregnancy and Lady Sun’s night with the emperor, many concubines who had endured nearly three years at court finally glimpsed hope. Yet most came from humble backgrounds, unlike Lady Shu and Lady Sun, whose families were prominent. To attract the emperor’s attention was as unlikely as reaching for the heavens.
Jiang, the Talented Lady, was pushed to the farthest corner. Her lowly birth had always made her reliant on Lady Sun and Lady Shu. Today, she had spoken up for Shen Fuyu in public, gaining none of Shen Fuyu’s favor and incurring Lady Shu’s wrath. Her future promised nothing but hardship.
“The food here with Virtuous Consort is always exquisite. I hear His Majesty has assigned her a special chef—it’s far superior to what we fetch daily from the Imperial Kitchen.”
“Indeed, indeed!”
Shen Fuyu watched their flattery with cool indifference. Such empty gestures meant nothing to her; she needed no allies among these women. The more allies, the less anger she could gather. She would not respond to their sycophancy. Yet, seeing how they banded together to ostracize Jiang, the Talented Lady, a spark lit in Shen Fuyu’s eyes.
Jiang sat quietly at the end, eating with no appetite, her expression dour—a pitiful sight.
Shen Fuyu made a sudden decision, her lips curving into a smile as she asked, “Talented Lady Jiang, how do you find the food?”
The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Jiang. The concubines who had shunned her most fiercely looked uneasy, secretly fearing Shen Fuyu might now support Jiang.

“I find it excellent,” Jiang replied, surprised by the attention. She steeled herself; since she had already chosen her path today, she might as well switch allegiances if needed. The Virtuous Consort was pregnant and enjoyed imperial favor; even scraps at her table might be better than the charity some others offered. “No wonder the chef granted by His Majesty is so skilled. His Majesty truly cherishes you, Consort!”
“If you like it, have more,” Shen Fuyu said, taking a bite of fish before speaking languidly, “After all, with your lack of beauty, it’s unlikely you’ll ever be favored. This delicious food is not something you could get on your own. While you have the chance here, eat your fill—it may not happen again.”
At her words, laughter erupted. The concubines who’d been worried earlier immediately relaxed. They were adept at reading the room; seeing Shen Fuyu trample Jiang, they followed her lead.
“Yes, Talented Lady Jiang, you should eat more, lest the Virtuous Consort’s hospitality go to waste!”
“The Consort is right; only she possesses such beauty, winning the emperor’s heart!”
Their words pressed Jiang’s dignity into the dirt. She sat stunned, her face flushed and pale by turns as the mockery cut deep. Her chest heaved with anger, but she could not utter a single word.
Why? Why was she targeted like this?
She looked up at Shen Fuyu, exalted and adored, and felt a surge of bitterness. Why? Both of them were daughters of lesser wives—why did Shen Fuyu enter the palace as a consort, while she was only a talented lady? She had humbled herself, fawned over everyone, yet was treated with contempt by this wretched woman. Why? It was unfair! She could not accept it!
“Talented Lady…” The maid behind Jiang trembled in fright.
“Look at her, she’s angry now!”
Someone’s comment prompted another round of laughter. Jiang’s face went crimson with rage. She cast one last glance at the crowd, then, unable to catch her breath, fainted on the spot.
“Talented Lady Jiang!”

…
Shen Fuyu wiped her mouth with deliberate calm. She was satisfied, both with the meal and with the anger she’d harvested—almost at level forty, just a bit more to go. Yet she felt a twinge of annoyance: Jiang, the Talented Lady, was disappointing. She’d expected more of the girl, but after only a little provocation, Jiang had collapsed. Useless!
“Take her back,” Shen Fuyu said, waving her hand in boredom. She glanced at the women around her, who all tried to ingratiate themselves. If she switched moods and began rebuking them, things might get messy. She’d already angered three; together, they might equal Qin Zhiyi’s worth.
In any case, this was just the beginning—the real drama was yet to come.
With Jiang, the Talented Lady, carried away unconscious, Shen Fuyu sent the others off under various pretexts. Palace attendants cleared away the remnants of the feast. Green Tea, eager to outmaneuver White Lotus, hurried to help Shen Fuyu rise. “Your Grace, allow me to assist you in resting.”
“Mm, you’re certainly diligent, always busy at the right moment,” Shen Fuyu replied without ceremony. White Lotus, pushed aside, wore a pretty little expression that Shen Fuyu found delightful.
Green Tea forced a laugh as she helped Shen Fuyu to a seat. “I was foolish before, but I promise to serve Your Grace with utmost devotion from now on.”
“Just stay as you are,” Shen Fuyu said, glancing at her sidelong. “You always say that, but nothing ever changes—forget it, you’re hopelessly inept.”
Chastened, Green Tea’s face paled, but she rallied quickly. “Yes, Your Grace, I am slow-witted and need your guidance.”
“I’d rather let you go. Even Qin Shihuang knows how to please a man, but you haven’t learned a thing. Why not hang yourself and come back as a dog next life? You might do better than you have this time.”