OBS Chapter 1746 The word "媚" itself carries an excellent connotation.
Chapter 1746 The word "媚" itself carries an excellent connotation.
After the procession had gone far away, the concubines straightened up, each with a different expression.
A noblewoman dressed in a pale yellow gown gazed in the direction Consort Mei had left, her eyes filled with envy: "Consort Mei is truly beautiful and charming, so lovely that I feel sorry for her!"
"With this outfit and her overall demeanor, it's no wonder His Majesty bestowed upon her the title 'Charming'; it couldn't be more fitting."
A slightly bolder noblewoman dressed in a light green palace gown, upon hearing this, curled her lip and scoffed, "Appropriate? Sister, what you're saying..."
"The Zhuang family is a family of upright officials, with a tradition of poetry and literature, and they value integrity and moral character the most. Yet His Majesty only bestowed the word 'charming' upon the Zhuang family's daughter. The implication of that... well, it's clear that he doesn't really take Consort Mei seriously."
"Otherwise, would she have been grounded for over a month just for saying a few wrong things?"
"Look at Consort Yue, her title is 'Yue' (moon), how elegant and refined."
The noblewoman in the pale yellow dress, after being told this, felt a little embarrassed: "This... perhaps His Majesty simply finds Consort Mei to be charming..."
"Being born beautiful is one thing, being given a title is another."
Another person who had remained silent, a noblewoman in a royal blue dress, gently shook her head and interjected, "However, in my opinion, the word 'charming' is not necessarily a derogatory term."
"Mei originally means liking or beauty. It is extended to mean graceful and pleasing to the eye. His Majesty bestowed this title, perhaps to praise Consort Mei for her outstanding appearance and charming beauty."
She paused, glanced around, and lowered her voice, saying, "To be presumptuous... Consort Mei's words and actions are somewhat frivolous, but what does that have to do with the title 'Mei'?"
"The word '媚' itself carries a very auspicious meaning. A woman who is graceful and charming is a blessing, isn't she?"
The noblewoman in the royal blue dress gave a lengthy explanation, which prompted the people around her to look thoughtful.
Upon closer reflection, it does seem to make sense.
"Charming" is indeed a beautiful word, used to describe a woman's graceful demeanor. The frivolous one was Consort Mei, and had nothing to do with this word.
"My older sister is more educated and has a broader perspective."
The noblewoman in the pale yellow dress looked better and nodded in agreement: "Now that you mention it, it's true. His Majesty bestowing this title upon Consort Mei might indeed be a compliment."
The noblewoman in the light green palace dress was still somewhat unconvinced, but seeing that everyone else had been persuaded, she couldn't say anything more and could only mutter under her breath, "No matter how beautiful it sounds, she still has to go to Yongshou Palace to apologize..."
The group whispered a few more words before dispersing.
……
Yongshou Palace.
Xiao Mingzi bowed his head and reported: "...Your Majesty, Consort Mei has been released from confinement. I heard that she dressed up in her finest clothes and went to Changchun Palace to express her gratitude."
Shen Zhinian felt that this was within expectations.
To be honest, Consort Mei hadn't committed any major offense. It was just that on the night the Yawen Garden caught fire, the Emperor was furious, and she insisted on getting close to him, saying some irrelevant things, which put her in a dangerous position.
Even the emperor would give a certain amount of face to the daughter of a wealthy family. A minor punishment to teach her a lesson would be fine, but could it really cause serious harm?
Just then, Qiuyue came in and announced, "Your Majesty, Consort Mei is outside requesting an audience."
Shen Zhinian smiled knowingly: "Bring her in."
"Yes."
Before long, the beaded curtain rustled softly, and a slender figure gracefully entered.
Consort Mei's attire today is truly exquisite.
Her clothes were luxurious, her makeup was radiant, and her hair ornaments swayed in the breeze. Anyone who saw her would praise her as charming and captivating!
Consort Mei's gaze swept quickly across Shen Zhinian's face and her protruding pregnant belly, her heart filled with a bittersweet feeling.
She then lowered her eyes and knelt down respectfully to pay her respects: "Your Majesty, I, your humble servant, wish you a long and peaceful life!"
"Your Majesty, I am foolish and ignorant, and I have come today to apologize to you!"
Shen Zhinian said gently, "Consort Mei, there's no need for such formalities. Please rise and speak."
"Thank you, Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort."
Consort Mei said in a panic, "That night, when the Yawen Garden caught fire, I was extremely anxious. Seeing Her Highness the Imperial Noble Consort personally at the scene, I was worried about Her Highness's health. That's why I spoke without thinking and said some inappropriate things..."
"Your Majesty, my intention was merely to show concern for Your Highness, and I had absolutely no disrespect whatsoever. However, I am young and inexperienced in speaking, and Your Highness has misunderstood my meaning. It is truly my fault..."
“During these days of confinement, I have reflected on my actions every day and am deeply aware that my words and deeds that night were inappropriate. I not only disturbed His Majesty's presence but also offended the Imperial Noble Consort.”
"Your Majesty, I am filled with remorse and beg you to forgive me this time. I will be careful in my words and deeds in the future, abide by the palace rules, and never dare to do anything wrong again."
His words were perfectly watertight.
To dismiss spreading rumors as being unable to speak is to put it mildly.
They adopted a humble attitude and came up with a plausible excuse.
Shen Zhinian listened quietly, a faint smile on her face, but her mind was perfectly clear.
Consort Mei's actions were not genuine repentance; they were merely a facade forced upon her by circumstances.
She wasn't completely stupid; at least she knew when to bow her head.
In detail, what happened that night wasn't a big deal.
Shen Zhinian saw through Consort Mei's little scheme; she simply wanted to take the opportunity to step on her and show off her cleverness.
If she were to persist in holding onto this matter, it would make her, as the Imperial Noble Consort in charge of the harem, appear petty and intolerant.
Since the other party has already admitted their mistake and His Majesty has already punished them, Shen Zhinian's continued insistence on pursuing the matter only puts her at a disadvantage.
"Consort Mei, you flatter me."
Her voice betrayed no trace of resentment: "That night, things happened suddenly, and I know that Consort Mei did not mean it. Since it was a misunderstanding, it's best to clear things up."
"Your ability to calmly reflect on your mistakes shows your sincerity. Let bygones be bygones."
Consort Mei lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes concealing the resentment that surged within them.
It's in the past? How easy you make that out to be!
If it were truly a trivial matter, why would His Majesty be so furious, confining her to her quarters for over a month, subjecting her to such torment and hardship in Xianfu Palace?
The Imperial Noble Consort is now lying here pretending to be a good person and acting magnanimous!
How hypocritical!
No matter how much hatred she felt, Consort Mei could only suppress it deep in her heart, daring not to reveal a single trace of it.
A look of gratitude appeared on her face, and she repeatedly said, "Thank you for your forgiveness, Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort!"
"Your Majesty is merciful, and I am deeply grateful!"
At this point, Consort Mei gestured to Han Cui, who had followed her in, and presented the gift box she was carrying: "Your Majesty, I know I have made a mistake. I have prepared some meager gifts to express my apology. I hope Your Majesty will not find them offensive!"
Han Cui stepped forward and opened the gift boxes one by one.
Shen Zhinian glanced over and nodded, saying, "Consort Mei is very thoughtful."
"I am feeling unwell and easily fatigued, so I will not keep you here any longer."
Consort Mei tactfully rose and said, "Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort is pregnant with the Emperor's child and is working very hard. I dare not disturb you any further."
"I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's teachings today!"
"Your Majesty, I take my leave. I wish Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort good health and that you will soon give birth to a prince for His Majesty!"