Dressed As a Consort in Ancient Times - Chapter 22

Chunxi noticed that the Seventh Princess seemed momentarily stunned. She cautiously summarized the information she had uncovered:  

“Miss Liu is in love with her female tutor, but because both are women, the Liu family has not noticed anything amiss. It wasn’t until a few days ago that the family realized Miss Liu had feelings for someone and refused to become the consort’s concubine. As for Miss Yan, she is willing to take on the role of concubine.”  

The soothing sound of flowing water near the rock garden mingled with Chunxi’s soft voice, leaving Jiang Libai in silence for a long time.  

Miss Liu was in love with… a woman?  

Memories of an old storybook surfaced in Jiang Libai’s mind, one that detailed the love and heartbreak between two women. At the time, she had been utterly shocked, yet her curiosity had led her to finish reading it from cover to cover.  

And now, she had encountered a real-life example of a woman who loved another woman…  

Women already faced countless societal limitations, and for two women to love each other, their path would undoubtedly be even more difficult.  

Jiang Libai pondered for a moment before gesturing Chunxi closer. She whispered instructions into her ear.  

Chunxi’s eyes widened as the princess finished speaking, astonished by the command. “Why does the Princess wish to go to such lengths?”  

Jiang Libai spread her hands in mild exasperation. “If it weren’t for my decision to choose her as a concubine for Gu Yun, she wouldn’t have ended up in this predicament. Consider this a way to make amends and let her fulfill her wishes.”  

Understanding her mistress’s intent, Chunxi left the princess’s residence and proceeded to the Liu family estate. She informed Master Liu and Madam Liu that Miss Liu had been officially selected as the consort’s concubine but requested to meet Miss Liu privately.  

—

A few days later, at dusk, two light pink sedans entered the Seventh Princess’s residence.  

The flickering candlelight illuminated the serene surroundings.  

Jiang Libai examined the two young women who entered with their heads lowered. Both were fair and delicate, each possessing her own charm and grace.  

She lifted her chin slightly. “What are your names?”  

The more timid of the two stepped forward, her demeanor composed. “In reply to the Princess, I am Yan Qiao’er, age seventeen.”  

The other, with a hint of sorrow in her expression, only glanced at Jiang Libai briefly before speaking: “I am Liu Qin, age sixteen.”  

Jiang Libai nodded. “Before entering the residence, you were instructed on the rules. From now on, you must serve the consort diligently and refrain from causing trouble. Do you understand?”  

The two young women answered in unison, “Thank you for the Princess’s guidance. We understand.”  

Jiang Libai, who had been feeling particularly sleepy these days, waved them off after the brief exchange. Chunxi followed the princess’s instructions and quietly left the room.  

—

**Later that night.**  

Under the dim moonlight, Chunxi made her way to Liu Qin’s courtyard. She saw the warm glow of candlelight spilling through the window and gently knocked on the door. “Miss Liu.”  

Inside, Liu Qin calmed her nerves before opening the door. “Sister Chunxi, please come in!”  

Chunxi stepped inside and spoke in a hushed tone, “The Princess has arranged everything for you. Soon, you will follow me to the back gate. There, a carriage will take you out of the city, where you can meet Teacher Qi.”  

Tears streamed down Liu Qin’s face. “Thank you, Princess, for making this possible…”  

Chunxi smiled lightly. “This is all the Princess could do for you. What comes next will depend on you two.”  

She picked up Liu Qin’s small bundle of belongings and led her out into the moonlit night.  

—

It was already the Hour of the Pig (9-11 PM) when Jiang Libai finished her bath and entered her chambers. She noticed Chunxi waiting nearby.  

“Has she been sent off?”  

Chunxi picked up a towel to dry the princess’s long hair. “Yes. By now, Miss Liu should be leaving the city.”  

The Seventh Princess had meticulously planned everything for Liu Qin. First, she had brought her into the residence under the guise of becoming Gu Yun’s concubine. Then, she arranged for Liu Qin and Teacher Qi to quietly leave the capital, setting them up with a safe haven at a villa in the suburbs. From here on, it would be up to them to decide their future.  

“Tomorrow, go to the Liu family and tell them that Concubine Liu refused to serve the consort and ended her life in her own room.” Jiang Libai’s tone was calm, but Chunxi detected a trace of contempt for the Liu family in her voice. “That should put an end to any further trouble.”  

With Liu Qin’s matter settled, Jiang Libai’s thoughts turned to the other concubine.  

Her feelings were conflicted—part of her resisted the idea of Gu Yun having a concubine, while another part felt relieved. If the concubine joined Gu Yun in his manor, perhaps Jiang Libai could finally stop thinking about him so often…  

“Send Yan Qiao’er to the Prince of Jinping’s manor tomorrow.”  

Though Chunxi was reluctant to see the princess provide a concubine for the consort, she could only reluctantly comply.  

—

**At the Prince of Jinping’s manor.**  

Gu Yun, accustomed to waking early, had just completed several laps around her courtyard when she heard the cheerful voice of Steward Liu approaching.  

“Consort! Consort!”  

Gu Yun wiped the sweat from her brow and walked to the gate. “What is it?”  

The steward grinned widely. “The Princess has sent someone over. Where would you like her to be settled?”  

Gu Yun’s tone remained indifferent. “You’re the steward. Handle such trivial matters yourself. There’s no need to consult me.”  

The steward’s eyes twinkled with understanding—perhaps the consort was being cautious out of respect for the princess and intended to let the new concubine wait a few days.  

“Understood. I’ll see to it immediately.”  

After leaving the main courtyard, the steward arranged for Yan Qiao’er to stay in a small courtyard far from Gu Yun’s quarters. Two maids were assigned to serve her, with strict orders to ensure she did not approach the consort prematurely.  

—

Over the next few days, Gu Yun found herself calculating time. The Seventh Princess should be nearly two months pregnant by now. Was she still experiencing morning sickness? Was she feeling unwell?  

Her musings were interrupted when a eunuch arrived from the palace, summoning her to Changchun Palace the following morning.  

Not knowing why, Gu Yun agreed.  

—

**The next day, at Changchun Palace.**  

By the time Gu Yun arrived, the sun was fully up. Upon entering the inner hall, she noticed Jiang Libai seated beside Noble Consort Yuan. The princess wore light makeup and looked radiant.  

After bowing respectfully, Gu Yun greeted the consort. “Greetings to the imperial mother. May you be at peace.”  

“Rise,” Noble Consort Yuan said warmly, gesturing for her to sit.  

Gu Yun took a seat beside Jiang Libai. The faintly familiar scent of the princess reached her, making her momentarily dazed. It had been days since she last saw Jiang Libai.  

Jiang Libai, however, avoided looking at Gu Yun, her expression unreadable.  

Seeing this, Noble Consort Yuan began speaking to Gu Yun with a gentle smile: “How have you been these days? Are your attendants serving you well?”  

Gu Yun nodded. “They were personally selected by the princess. They are well-mannered and attentive.”  

Hearing this, Jiang Libai felt a pang of bitterness. She stole a glance at Gu Yun, noting his glowing complexion. Clearly, the new concubine was meeting his expectations…  

The noble consort’s smile faded slightly but returned as she shifted the conversation. “It seems Jia Ning has put great thought into your care. If you find the household lacking, you may ask her to select more people for you in the future. However…”  

She paused, looking at Jiang Libai, who remained composed and unopposed. Taking this as an opportunity, the noble consort prepared to share the news of Jiang Libai’s pregnancy with Gu Yun. With a concubine already by her side and more responsibilities on the way, Gu Yun might be more inclined to accept the child…