Ch 52: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

The Empress Dowager was pleasantly surprised to hear that Shen Yunxuan enjoyed reading miscellaneous books since it was a hobby she herself loved. However, she couldn’t help but suspect that the Shen family had somehow learned of her interest and deliberately coached Shen Yunxuan to appeal to her tastes.

It didn’t take long for the Empress Dowager to dismiss this suspicion. Shen Yunxuan was able to respond seamlessly to various topics the Empress Dowager brought up. She even brought up interesting anecdotes from books she had read, making it clear she was genuinely well-read in travelogues and miscellaneous works.

The Empress Dowager’s mood brightened considerably. While society often praised scholarly women, they usually looked down on those who enjoyed light reading and travelogues. Over the years, the Empress Dowager had found no one who shared her passion, keeping her reading habits a private indulgence. To her delight, she had now found a kindred spirit in Shen Yunxuan.

Their first meeting turned into an animated conversation, with Shen Yunxuan even offering, “My elder brother recently returned from our ancestral hometown and brought back several travelogues. May I bring them tomorrow to share with you, Your Majesty?”

“Wonderful! I also have a few travelogues here. If you enjoy them, you can take them with you to read,” the Empress Dowager replied enthusiastically. She was already looking forward to it, especially since Shen Yunxuan had mentioned books the Empress Dowager hadn’t yet read—new material to explore.

Shen Yunxuan gratefully expressed her thanks. In her past life, she had learned of the Empress Dowager’s love for such books because the Emperor had secretly instructed Shao Kun and Shen Jun to procure travelogues during their military campaigns. Shao Kun never mentioned it to her, but Shen Jun, in their coded correspondence, had shared the secret. He even copied the books, sending one copy to Shen Yunxuan and another for their personal collection while presenting the originals to the palace.

This lifetime, after her rebirth, those books had become a source of enlightenment for Shen Yunxuan, especially as they expanded her knowledge of the other two worlds. She realized much of what she learned could benefit this world, so she began reading travelogues daily and even created a few of her own.

This gave her a plausible reason to suggest innovative ideas in the future. After all, how else could a sheltered minister’s daughter explain her broad knowledge?

As they conversed, palace servants brought the travelogues and informed the Empress Dowager that the fan shi (a type of potted plant) had grown well and was thriving.

Shen Yunxuan immediately remembered that in her past life, the Empress Dowager had received a fan shi plant, which she adored for its bright red, round fruits. She had even invited consorts and noblewomen to admire it two months later. It seemed this time, the Empress Dowager had acquired it earlier but had kept it a secret to ensure its survival.

However, Shen Yunxuan knew from the knowledge in her “books of memory” that in other worlds, fan shi was called “tomato,” a common edible plant with numerous culinary uses. In ancient times, it had been grown as an ornamental plant until people discovered it was edible.

Seizing the moment, Shen Yunxuan exclaimed, “Fan shi! Could it be the one with stalks like wormwood and flowers like pomegranate blossoms?”

The Empress Dowager was intrigued. “Indeed! Do you know of the fan shi?”

Shen Yunxuan replied earnestly, “I read about it in a travelogue. It was described as an edible plant brought from foreign lands. I had thought it was just fanciful writing, but I didn’t expect it to truly exist!”

“Edible?” The Empress Dowager was astonished. She immediately ordered the servants to bring the potted fan shi plants. Pointing to them, she asked, “Are these the fan shi you’re referring to? The presenter mentioned they were ornamental and festive. Can they really be eaten? How?”

“The book I read was damaged by water and discarded, so my memory is vague,” Shen Yunxuan said thoughtfully. “But I recall it mentioned that the fruits are non-toxic but should not be eaten on an empty stomach or with seafood in large quantities. They can be served cold with sugar, stir-fried with eggs, or stewed with beef brisket. The best ones can be washed and eaten raw. There’s even a dish called fan shi egg-drop soup. But the details weren’t specific—it was only briefly mentioned as an unusual food.”

The Empress Dowager marveled, “Indeed, the common folk often encounter the most fascinating things. Someone had already seen and tasted this plant.”

Her trusted attendant, Ping Mama, cautioned, “Your Majesty, if it is to be eaten, it would be prudent to have the Imperial Physicians examine it first.”

Shen Yunxuan nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty. If you’re willing to part with these fan shi plants, why not have the Imperial Physicians verify their edibility and let the imperial kitchen experiment with them? I, too, am curious to see if the book’s descriptions are true.”

Amused by Shen Yunxuan’s eager expression, the Empress Dowager laughed and lightly tapped her finger on Shen Yunxuan’s forehead. “Look at her! So greedy, already eyeing my potted plants. Very well, let’s do as you suggest. Send two pots to the Imperial Physicians and the kitchen. If they are edible, stay and join me for lunch today.”

Shen Yunxuan was overjoyed and immediately bowed. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness! I’m so glad I came today—I’ll learn so much from you.”

The Empress Dowager chuckled. “You may call me ‘Mother.’ It’s rare to find someone who shares my interests. You should come more often to chat.”

“Yes, Mother, as long as you don’t find me a nuisance,” Shen Yunxuan replied, having successfully passed her third challenge in the palace and gained the favor of her “mother-in-law.” This was crucial. While the Emperor held supreme authority, he was deeply filial to the Empress Dowager, and no one dared offend her. With the Empress Dowager’s goodwill, Shen Yunxuan knew she could count on fair treatment if trouble ever arose.

In her past life, Shen Yunxuan’s ability to establish herself in the Shao family was largely due to winning the favor of Madam Shao. Feeling some guilt toward Shen Yunxuan, Madam Shao became deeply reliant on her, especially after falling ill. Shen Yunxuan’s dedicated care during that time ensured her dominance in the household, even when Shao Kun returned with his lover. She maintained control over the Shao family.

It was also Madam Shao’s unwavering support that allowed Shen Yunxuan to succeed in her scheme to feign pregnancy and claim Shao Kun’s illegitimate child. Later, Shen Yunxuan devoted herself to raising the child, keeping the birth mother at bay with Madam Shao’s help, which restrained Shao Kun.

In ancient times, no matter how rebellious or indifferent a man might be, filial piety was a societal cornerstone. A single “filial” word could hold great sway. Shen Yunxuan was well aware of this dynamic and had prepared herself for palace life by planning how to gain the Empress Dowager’s favor. Now that the Empress Dowager had allowed her to address her as “Mother,” Shen Yunxuan knew her efforts had not been in vain.

The Empress Dowager, usually reclusive, was unexpectedly animated about the discovery of fan shi (tomatoes). Naturally, the Imperial Physicians and the Imperial Kitchen busied themselves with testing and preparing it.

No one had heard of fan shi before, but thanks to Shen Yunxuan’s guidance and the chefs’ expertise, they quickly prepared the dishes Shen Yunxuan had mentioned. Testing confirmed that fan shi was not only non-toxic but also delicious and versatile in various dishes.

Although the Imperial Chefs could envision countless ways to turn fan shi into culinary delights, they focused solely on the four dishes Shen Yunxuan had described since the Empress Dowager was intrigued by her suggestions. Thus, during the meal, the table featured fan shi slices, fan shi with sugar, stir-fried fan shi and eggs, braised beef with fan shi, and fan shi egg-drop soup.

As Shen Yunxuan looked at these dishes, she felt a mix of familiarity and novelty. While she had never personally seen or tasted them, they were staples in her “books of memory.” This was her first time validating the books’ information with real-world evidence.

After the Empress Dowager took a bite, Shen Yunxuan nervously tried a slice of raw fan shi. The texture was delightful. She then sampled the other dishes, finding them just as flavorful as she had imagined—exactly as described in the books.

Her excitement was immeasurable. This validation proved that the knowledge in her “books of memory” could be realized, affirming that she had indeed gained an extraordinary advantage in this new life. It felt as though she had lived multiple lifetimes, granting her unparalleled confidence.

The Empress Dowager, who usually had a modest appetite, found the fan shi dishes exceptionally pleasing. She ate several bites, delighted to see Shen Yunxuan’s happiness. Feeling a sense of camaraderie, the Empress Dowager generously praised her, “Consort Shen has discovered a new food for our Great Zhou Dynasty, and it’s both delicious and versatile. You deserve a great reward!”

Shen Yunxuan quickly replied, “Your Majesty, I merely learned of this from books. I dare not claim the credit…”

The Empress Dowager waved her hand dismissively. “There are countless things in the world unknown to us. Without someone to report or promote them, they cannot benefit the people or the nation. Take me, for example—though I loved this plant, I didn’t know it was edible, wasting its potential. Only by having someone like you realize its value and bring it to the Emperor’s attention can it truly serve the nation. You deserve the reward! I look forward to seeing what other marvels you uncover.”

Shen Yunxuan, thrilled by the praise and acknowledgment, gracefully accepted the reward with a bow.

The meal was an enjoyable success, with most of the fan shi dishes consumed. Ping Mama even joked that the Empress Dowager had eaten half a bowl more rice than usual and suggested finding ways to cultivate more fan shi.

The discovery naturally had to be shared with the Emperor. After the meal, the Empress Dowager ordered another serving of the “four dishes and one soup” to be sent to the Emperor, along with a personal report from Ping Mama.

Feeling a bit tired, the Empress Dowager dismissed Shen Yunxuan, who returned to Anhe Palace with several borrowed travelogues.

Zhuang Mama had been anxious all morning but relaxed upon seeing Shen Yunxuan return with a bright smile. Shortly after, a large delivery of gifts arrived from the Empress Dowager’s palace, including rare medicinal herbs, fine fabrics, jewelry, and ornaments—a clear sign of her satisfaction with Shen Yunxuan.

The most significant part of the reward was two pots of fan shi and two pots of pomegranate plants. Until now, fan shi had been unknown, making it a unique tribute item. The pomegranates, symbolizing fertility, were an auspicious gift, signaling the Empress Dowager’s hope for Shen Yunxuan’s joyful news and her fondness for this new “daughter-in-law.”

Zhuang Mama and Qinglan sorted the items with great care, grinning from ear to ear.

Meanwhile, after court, the Emperor focused on state affairs. He had inherited a difficult situation from the late Emperor, with corruption in the court and unrest on the borders. Although three years had passed since his ascension, power struggles persisted, and consolidating authority required his full attention.

When the Empress Dowager’s dishes arrived, the Emperor took a short break and learned about Shen Yunxuan’s discovery of the fan shi plant as an edible food.

The Emperor chuckled. “Is this true? Consort Shen said the fan shi is delicious?”

Ping Mama smiled and replied, “Yes, Your Majesty. Following her suggestion, the Imperial Physicians confirmed its edibility, and the Imperial Kitchen prepared dishes accordingly. The Empress Dowager and Consort Shen tasted them first, found them excellent, and sent them to you. The Empress Dowager said Consort Shen deserves recognition for discovering a new food and has already rewarded her generously.”

The Emperor, recalling Shen Yunxuan’s delight at the imperial meals the previous night, her dream of rice fields and fish that morning, and now her discovery of a new edible plant during her visit to the Empress Dowager, couldn’t help but find it amusing. Was she naturally drawn to food? Perhaps she spent her days studying it.

Initially annoyed by the court memorials, he now found himself in a better mood, chuckling at the thought. Curious about the fan shi dishes, he tasted them and found the flavors refreshing and appetizing. He ended up eating more than usual, enjoying the novelty.

Even Li Defu, the chief eunuch, was quietly astonished. This Consort Shen is truly blessed, he thought. She’s just entered the palace and already gained the favor of both the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, improving the Emperor’s mood twice in a row. And she hasn’t even tried to ingratiate herself—what luck! If she doesn’t become a favored consort, then this palace might never have one.

After finishing his meal, the Emperor summoned his ministers to the palace, assigning them the task of cultivating fan shi on a large scale. If the common folk could grow it affordably, it would be a significant benefit to the people.

Pleased with the day’s events, the Emperor turned to Li Defu. “Increase Consort Shen’s reward by thirty percent, and inform her that I’ll join her tonight for the full fish banquet.”

Li Defu, though surprised, accepted the command and carried it out promptly. This is highly unusual, he thought. The Emperor has never visited the harem two nights in a row, let alone shown such attention to one consort. Moreover, he remembered Consort Shen’s mention of fish during their morning conversation. The fact that the Emperor remembered and followed through was telling of her growing influence.

Li Defu decided to personally deliver the rewards and establish rapport with this rising star.

The Empress Dowager and the Emperor’s generosity set the tone for the palace. Following their lead, the Empress and other consorts increased their gifts to Shen Yunxuan by thirty percent. Upon learning that her discovery of the fan shi plant had impressed both the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, they grew even more cautious about her rising favor.

The Empress, however, deeply regretted leaving the Empress Dowager’s residence earlier. If only I had stayed, I might have shared in the Emperor’s appreciation and gained favor myself, she thought.

That evening, when the Emperor specifically ordered the imperial kitchen to prepare the full fish banquet at Anhe Palace, the other consorts could no longer remain indifferent.

The Empress, incredulous, asked, “The Emperor went to Anhe Palace? Are you certain?”

Li Mama, her attendant, hurriedly consoled her. “Your Majesty, there’s no need to worry. Consort Shen’s discovery of a new food is indeed a meritorious act. Gaining the Empress Dowager’s favor and some recognition from the Emperor is only natural.”

The Empress frowned and shook her head. “No, something feels off. If this was only about the Empress Dowager, the Emperor wouldn’t have gone so far as to order a full fish banquet. Could it be that he genuinely favors her?”

Li Mama advised, “Even if that’s true, Consort Shen is merely a newly appointed consort. She poses no threat to Your Majesty’s position. Focus on recovering your health and bearing the Crown Prince. That is what truly matters.”

Taking a deep breath, the Empress gripped Li Mama’s hand. “You’re right. She’s irrelevant. What’s important is ensuring the birth of the Emperor’s eldest son. Bring me my medicine.”

The Empress had been taking medicinal tonics daily, hoping to conceive and secure her position by giving birth to the Emperor’s legitimate firstborn. Her ambitions were far above the petty rivalries of the harem.

Meanwhile, Shen Yunxuan hadn’t expected the Emperor to visit again, especially since he had mentioned coming another day. She was caught off guard when his arrival was announced, and she quickly moved to greet him.

As she knelt in salute, the Emperor helped her up and held her hand as they sat together. “No need for such formalities, my dear consort. Are you feeling more comfortable today?”

Shen Yunxuan hesitated briefly before responding, her face turning red. “Yes, Your Majesty, I’ve recovered completely.”

Raising an eyebrow in surprise, the Emperor remarked, “It seems you’re quite resilient. I was worried for nothing.”

Shen Yunxuan’s face turned even redder. The way he said it made it sound as if she were flaunting her recovery, but that wasn’t her intention!

Seeing her embarrassment, the Emperor chuckled but refrained from teasing further. His attention was drawn to two paintings on the wall. One depicted a peaceful countryside village, smoke curling from chimneys, exuding a lively and serene atmosphere. The other showcased a landscape of verdant mountains and tranquil rivers, imbued with a sense of ethereal elegance.

Both paintings were exquisitely done, each evoking a distinct mood. Noticing the signatures, the Emperor asked in surprise, “Did you paint these?”

Smiling, Shen Yunxuan replied, “The landscape is my work. The village scene was painted by my elder brother, inspired by his years living there.”

“Interesting. Where is this landscape you’ve painted?” the Emperor asked as he guided her to the paintings for a closer look. He examined the details and couldn’t help but praise, “Your skill rivals that of a master.”

Shen Yunxuan modestly demurred. “Your Majesty flatters me. It’s not my skill, but rather the imagined beauty of the scene. I’ve never been there myself—it’s based on stories my brother shared about his experiences.”

The Emperor continued to study the paintings. “Does your brother truly live in such an idyllic place?”

Shen Yunxuan hesitated for a moment before replying in a soft voice, “That’s my hope. I pray he has lived well all these years.”

The underlying meaning was clear: real life was far from the idyllic picture depicted in the painting.

It was the second time the Emperor heard Shen Yunxuan mention her elder brother. Glancing at her thoughtfully, he said, “Is your brother adjusting well to life in the capital? Perhaps I should arrange a position for him as an imperial guard.”

Shen Yunxuan immediately smiled. “I thank Your Majesty for such a generous offer on behalf of my brother.”

Li Defu’s heart skipped a beat. Agreeing so readily could be problematic. To seek benefits for her family on just her second day in the palace could easily provoke the Emperor’s displeasure.

But Shen Yunxuan quickly added, “However, there’s no need for Your Majesty to specially arrange anything for my brother. You might not know, but although my brother was sent back to our ancestral home, he had a fortunate encounter and became the disciple of a renowned master. He is now accomplished in both literature and martial arts, having passed the scholar exam years ago. He delayed further advancement due to mourning for our grandparents but plans to take the provincial exam this autumn.”

Her words, laced with pride and admiration, made the Emperor smile. “You seem very confident in your brother, Consort Shen. I’m curious to see if Shen Jun is as accomplished as you say. Do you believe he will certainly pass the exam?”

Shen Yunxuan nodded firmly. “Without a doubt, Your Majesty. Rest assured, it won’t be long before you meet him at the imperial examination. My brother has honed his skills over the years and eagerly awaits the chance to serve Your Majesty with genuine merit.”

She paused before adding in a more serious tone, “However, my brother’s apprenticeship is a closely guarded secret. No one in the Shen family knows about it, nor does anyone outside the family. I confide this only in Your Majesty, and I hope you will keep it a secret.”

The Emperor couldn’t help but feel pleased. Being entrusted with such a secret made him feel included, as if Shen Yunxuan considered him one of her own. He instinctively glanced at the attending palace servants.

Shen Yunxuan smiled and reassured him, “Qinglan and the others are my people and will not leak a word. If I couldn’t manage those closest to me, I wouldn’t have made it this far or stood before Your Majesty.”

“Nonsense!” The Emperor clasped her hand reassuringly. “With me by your side, you’ll always remain safe and sound.”

He ordered the evening meal to be served and dropped the topic. However, he had already gained insight into the struggles Shen Yunxuan and her brother had endured. Having grown up cautiously himself, he understood the challenges of being unprotected and overlooked. The fact that Shen Jun thrived in obscurity and Shen Yunxuan maintained her composure and grace under her stepmother’s watchful eye earned his admiration.

This unspoken kinship only deepened his interest. That night, though they shared an intimate connection once again, the Emperor was notably gentle with Shen Yunxuan. Her experiences in the other two worlds had broadened her understanding, teaching her that such intimacy could be a source of joy rather than just duty. She abandoned rigid traditional norms, matching the Emperor’s passion and earning his favor even further.

On their second evening together, they began to understand one another better, drawing closer emotionally and physically. As they lay entwined, Shen Yunxuan realized the comfort of sharing her bed with someone. Before falling asleep, she mused, If I’d known how comforting it feels to have someone by my side, I should have secretly taken a lover after Shao Kun died. What a waste of those years!

She resolved that she wouldn’t let this Emperor neglect his harem. Not only did she want someone to hold her at night, but she also wanted to bear her own children. Why not strive for favor? If I can become his beloved consort, I’ll have everything I want!

Smiling at the thought, she drifted into a peaceful sleep. The Emperor, equally relaxed and content, soon fell asleep beside her.

With the Emperor spending two consecutive nights at Anhe Palace, the rest of the harem was in turmoil. Consort Shu, in particular, remained seated on her chaise longue, refusing to rest. She had skipped dinner out of anger upon hearing about the Emperor’s fish banquet with Shen Yunxuan and was now anxiously awaiting news from her spies.

When the messenger finally returned, their report was only four words: “No information obtained.”

Consort Shu slammed the table in frustration. “How is that possible? Shen Yunxuan has been in the palace for only two days—has her Anhe Palace already become an impenetrable fortress?”

The trembling servant knelt in fear and stammered, “Your Ladyship, forgive me. Anhe Palace does seem quite formidable. It appears Consort Shen isn’t as gentle as she seems and has already taken full control of the palace. However… the lights at Anhe Palace only just went out.”

Consort Shu’s expression darkened. She knew full well that palace lights were only extinguished after the Emperor had retired. In other words, the Emperor had just finished his time with Shen Yunxuan.

Seething with rage, Consort Shu grabbed the nearest teacup and hurled it across the room. “Useless! Get out!”

She had once dismissed the Shen family’s efforts to place a daughter in the palace, scoffing at their audacity. Even as the Prime Minister’s daughter, she had entered the palace through the formal selection process because the Emperor demanded strict adherence to the rules. How could Shen Yunxuan bypass these protocols?

Determined to expose Shen Yunxuan’s weaknesses, Consort Shu vowed to strike her down with a single blow. She would not allow Shen Yunxuan to establish herself in the palace.

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