The next day, Wang Qingyao sent a request to the palace, but it was not for Consort Chen, but for the Empress Dowager.
Although Consort Chen was friendly towards Xiao Yun, she was still a palace consort, and Xiao Yun did not visit her often. She also had no familial ties to the Xiao family.
If Wang Qingyao requested an audience without a proper reason, it would undoubtedly arouse suspicion from those with ulterior motives.
The Empress Dowager, however, was different. Wang Qingyao had met her several times, and the Empress Dowager was quite fond of her. If she accompanied the Empress Dowager to chat, people would only think she was amusing the Empress Dowager and bringing honor to the Xiao family.
Wang Qingyao brought the Empress Dowager small trinkets from the common folk and recounted interesting events from the outside world. The Empress Dowager was so amused that she laughed heartily and told Wang Qingyao to visit more often.
With no Empress in the palace, the Empress Dowager was the most esteemed woman, usually surrounded by ladies from noble families who would chat and amuse her.
In terms of amusing the Empress Dowager, Wang Qingyao was not as skilled as them.
However, the Empress Dowager seemed to particularly favor Wang Qingyao, willing to elevate her and let everyone know of her affection.
Perhaps it was not to favor Wang Qingyao, but to favor the Xiao family.
After leaving the Empress Dowager's palace, Wang Qingyao "accidentally" walked near Consort Chen's Ruhuai Palace.
For some reason, she suddenly felt a bit dizzy. Pearl, disregarding etiquette, helped her to the entrance of Ruhuai Palace and asked the guards to let them in to rest for a while.
Upon seeing that it was the Princess of Ding'an, the palace attendants hurried to inform Consort Chen. To their surprise, Consort Chen personally came to greet them, not only allowing Pearl to help Wang Qingyao to her sleeping quarters but also offering to send for an imperial physician.
Wang Qingyao quickly said, "Your Highness, there's no need to worry. I might have walked too quickly and suffered some heatstroke. I'll be fine after a short rest."
Consort Chen then ordered some cooling tea to be made and gave Wang Qingyao some cooling balm to apply. She showed no airs, acting as caring and thoughtful as a benevolent elder.
Wang Qingyao understood then. Consort Chen was not just friendly towards Xiao Yun; she was exceptionally so.
It seemed that Empress Xiaoxian had a very close and deep relationship with her back then.
Wang Qingyao rested on the couch for a while and felt much better. She held Consort Chen's hand and thanked her, "Your Highness is so kind. No wonder the Prince said Your Highness has a Bodhisattva's heart."
Consort Chen smiled, "I am not kind to others, but who can I not be kind to when the Prince of Ding'an is Empress Xiaoxian's nephew? I am merely extending my love to him."
Wang Qingyao was secretly surprised. Although Empress Xiaoxian was not a taboo subject in the palace, she had passed away many years ago, and tragically with her unborn child. Most people in the palace avoided mentioning her. Yet, Consort Chen spoke of her so openly, unafraid of others knowing she still cherished Empress Xiaoxian.
Perhaps this was why the Emperor did not favor her.
Consort Chen was granted her title for her merit in bearing the Seventh Prince. Including Noble Consort Wei, there were only four consorts in the palace.
Her rank was considered quite high, yet she had never been favored by the Emperor, not even as much as some lower-ranking beauties and talented ladies.
However, she did not seem to be unhappy about it. Judging by her complexion, which was rosy, and her peaceful demeanor, she appeared to be living comfortably.
It was evident that she did not care much for the Emperor's favor.
As Wang Qingyao was contemplating how to subtly bring up Empress Xiaoxian, Consort Chen unexpectedly mentioned her, and Wang Qingyao followed her lead, saying, "Your Highness still remembers Empress Xiaoxian!"
"Naturally," Consort Chen replied. "Empress Xiaoxian saved my life. I will never forget it."
In essence, it was a tale of a young palace maid offending a favored consort, and Empress Xiaoxian intervening to keep her by her side, which later led to Consort Chen's fortune.
Few in the palace dared to discuss Empress Xiaoxian with Consort Chen. Once Wang Qingyao asked, she couldn't stop talking.
"Was the Empress beautiful?"
"Beautiful, like the Bodhisattva Guanyin. With a delicate head and graceful eyebrows, her celestial beauty was unmatched in the imperial palace."
Wang Qingyao tried to imagine it but couldn't quite picture it.
Empress Xiaoxian and Grand Consort Fang were sisters. They should have borne some resemblance.
However, Grand Consort Fang was ascetic and did not dress up. Although her features were not bad, she had a somewhat sorrowful look.
It was impossible to compare her to the Bodhisattva Guanyin.
"The Empress's heart was as compassionate as the Bodhisattva Guanyin's. When she managed the six palaces, she was kind to all, never harboring resentment because the Emperor favored someone else," Consort Chen said. "You must remember, she was truly a good woman."
Wang Qingyao thought to herself, *What do I need to remember? You remember it.*
She said, "The Empress was such a good person. Heaven truly has no eyes to let her leave so early."
Consort Chen was stunned for a moment, then sighed deeply, "Yes, heaven truly has no eyes."
"Although a woman's childbirth is like stepping one foot into the gates of hell, there were so many imperial physicians in the palace, and Her Highness was such a good person. Even the Bodhisattva should have protected her and her child's safety. How could it be... alas..."
As Wang Qingyao spoke, she observed Consort Chen's expression. However, Consort Chen seemed to suddenly sense her intention, her lips curved, and she scrutinized Wang Qingyao, "Why are you suddenly so interested in Empress Xiaoxian?"
Wang Qingyao: "Hahaha, it's not me who's interested. Didn't Your Highness bring her up first?"
"Oh, I don't want to talk about it anymore. Is the Princess of Ding'an feeling better? If so, you should leave. I have other matters to attend to."
Well, she turned her mood faster than flipping a book. Just moments ago, she was showing concern and affection, and now she was rushing her away. Truly, a woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea.