Main story/9

## Chapter 9: Promotion

Rewards no. 11
Spring Sword
Spring Cap
Rewards no. 22
Spring Shoes
Spring Robe
Rewards no. 33
 Recruit Paper 8

## 9-1 Trouble

Suddenly Weiyang begged for your pardon, which made everyone shocked. You asked her to get up and tell you what happened.

Weiyang
This morning Bihen lied about her whereabouts. She said she went to the Royal Hospital to get medicine. But she actually went to meet the emperor. She said she wants the emperor to come to see you.
Player
No wonder Jinzhi came to mock me. The empress must be there, too.
Weiyang
Yes, she was having breakfast with the emperor at that time. And I heard that the empress got angry right away.
Yaner
Bihen was trying to help, right?
You knew she was trying to catch the emperor's attention rather than help you. But you couldn't expose the truth now. So you diverted the topic.

Player
I pissed the empress off long ago. It doesn't matter. Weiyang, you don't have to blame yourself for it.
Weiyang
(Sighs) I wouldn't be so worried if we only made the empress angry. I am afraid that the emperor is unhappy about it as well.
Player
What do you mean?
Weiyang
There was a concubine who abused the emperor's love. She often pretended to be ill and asked him to see her. Gradually, the emperor got tired of her and her tricks. Since then, the emperor has begun to doubt those concubines who say they are ill. The emperor was in the empress' bedroom then. If he thought you are not ill...
Yaner
But our lady is really ill!
Huang Yuanqing
If you need, I can go to see the emperor and tell him that you are really unwell.
Choose an option
Ask Lady Liu for help
Ask Wang Quan for help
### Option A (9-1)

*Innocent +5*

Player
My father sent me some exotic head accessories a few days ago. Xiao Shunzi, you send them to Lady Liu and tell her to intercede for me.
Lady Liu
The weather is very beautiful lately. I heard that Lady Player falls ill. You should go to check on her, your majesty.
Emperor
(Laughs) Shu, why do you always push me away? You asked me to see her last time, and I did. But this time I don't want to.
Concubine Liu pleaded for you, but the emperor still didn't show up. The empress stopped royal doctors from treating you. So you missed the best time for treatment, and your body languished. Soon enough, you died.

Dead
World wisdom is not easy to acquire and needs to be studied for.
### Option B (9-1)

Player
It's too late for that. Doctor Huang, you should stay out of this. The emperor... The empress dowager gave me a red jade fan pendant. Weiyang, you send it to Wang Quan and ask him to help me. And Bihen... Though she is my dowry maid, I have to punish her for her imprudent act. Weiyang, you are the matron, so I will leave her to you.
Weiyang
Yes, my lady. I'll go now.
After giving all the assignments, you took a deep breath and felt exhausted. And you seemingly had more significant symptoms. When Huang Yuanqing saw you frowning, some sympathy appeared in his eyes.

Huang Yuanqing
You'd better have a rest. Your health doesn't allow you to worry too much now.
Though Huang Yuanqing told you over and over again, you couldn't help yourself. The next day, you got worse. You even had a fever at night. Days later at the Imperial Garden.

Emperor
When we are having breakfast this morning, I mentioned Lady Chen in front of my empress. She was quite calm.
Wang Quan
Maybe her highness doesn't know about that...
Emperor
All the evidence shows that it's her maid Jinzhi who did that. How dare a maid murder a pregnant concubine without her order? The reason why I stop to dig deeper is that I don't want to ruin the royal family's reputation.
Wang Quan
You have told Lady Chen and relevant people to keep her two-month pregnancy a secret. How did the empress know about it?
Emperor
Though the big palace is mine, it is the empress who controls it.
Wang Quan
You like the empress and give her supreme power. If you are unhappy with it, you can take it back.
Emperor
Huh, she has a good father like Prime Minister Wang. What can I do? Shu's family is strong enough to stand against hers, but she doesn't care about such worldly things. I don't want to force her.
Wang Quan
But you love her difference, right? Speaking of which, you promoted Lady Player a few days ago, so I thought you expect more from her.
Emperor
I thought she was bold and different from others. But she sent a maid to Qingning Palace to tell me she was ill. How stupid she is.
Wang Quan
It was imprudent. But maybe it's because her maids were too worried, so she came to you on her own. I sent someone to check it. They told me she has been ill and lying on the bed these days.
Emperor
(Raised his eyebrows) Really?

## 9-4 Mark

You were in a coma for several days. As the emperor didn't come to see you during the time, Lady Jia gloated. Now you woke up, she couldn't wait to show off in front of you.

Lady Jia
Well, well, well, look at you! I'm sure that you have recovered, right?
Player
Thanks for your concern. I do feel better now.
Lady Jia
(Chuckles) Perhaps you would like to be unwell for a little longer, so that the emperor might feel sorry and come to see you.
Lady Jia always tried to seize every chance to mock you. Only a few words from her mouth could give you a headache. You didn't waste any time on her.

Player
I am not feeling well today. I can't entertain you. If you have no business, why don't you go back to have a rest?
Lady Jia
You said you felt better, didn't you? Why do you want me to leave? You didn't bow to me. Now you disrespect me. Where's your manners?
Yaner
(Angrily) My lady is unwell. How can she get up to bow to you?
Lady Jia
How dare you! Who gives you the right to speak when we are talking? Fangfei, slap her face.
With Lady Jia's order, Fangfei gave Yaner a smack. Yaner's cheek instantly reddened. Seeing this, you frowned.

Lady Jia
I'm afraid they should be blamed for your misbehaviors. They think you can ignore the rules as the emperor adores you! Now, I'll help you lecture them!
Choose an option
Apologize
Stop her
### Option A (9-4)

Lady Jia owned Lingqi Palace and had right to lecture all the maids here. You were exhausted now, so you struggled to get up and knelt down in front of her.

Player
It's my fault. Please don't be angry. I am begging you.
Lady Jia
(Laughs) So the etiquette nanny failed to do her job! Look at you! You can't even kneel down properly. (Kicks your leg) Concubines should follow the rules and must kneel down straightly!
### Option B (9-4)

Though you were tired physically and mentally, you wouldn't allow anyone to hurt your maids.

Player
I'd like to lecture my maids by myself. I don't want you to overstep my authority.
Lady Jia
How dare you retort me! Drag her out and make sure she kneels down for two hours!
### Conclusion

You were so weak that you couldn't stand such torture from her. Seeing that you were about to faint, Weiyang knelt down to beg for forgiveness.

Weiyang
Please forgive us, Lady Jia! She is ill. Could you please teach her the rules after she recovers?
Lady Jia
And who are you?!
Lady Jia was in a good moon, and she didn't allow anyone to spoil it. So she raised her hand to slap Weiyang. At that moment, you managed to stand up and stop her.

Player
That's enough! Are you gonna slap all the maids in my chamber?

## 9-6 Visit

Lady Jia was more furious when you held her hand tightly. Her face that wore makeup became hideous.

Lady Jia
Player, who do you think you are? How dare you stop me! I can lecture not only your maids, but also you!
Hearing that, both Yaner and Weiyang were scared. They, at once, separated you and her and tried to protect you by keeping you behind.

Weiyang
Lady Jia, please think it over! She is sick now. I'm afraid that it wouldn't do you any good if the emperor knows you slapped her when she is ill.
Lady Jia
The emperor? Has he come to see you even once during that time? Don't be arrogant just because you have become Grade IX Concubine in a short time! You all have to listen to me in Lingqi Palace!
Emperor
(A stern voice enters) I don't know who put you in charge here!
The emperor's voice suddenly came from her back. Right away, Lady Jia's face became pale. She turned around and saw the emperor in this room. She couldn't feel her legs and knelt down. The emperor, ignoring her, went straight to you.

Emperor
I didn't know that you were so sick. I thought you ...
He touched your hair gently in an apologetic tone.

Emperor
Don't worry, I'll get your justice.
Then he looked at Lady Jia on the floor angrily.

Emperor
I always thought you were just jealous, and you were still a good person. Unexpectedly, I saw such a nasty side of you! Incredible! How dare you humiliate the lady I promoted?!
Lady Jia
(Trembles) Your...Your majesty, please forgive me. I am just being outspoken. I never meant it!
Emperor
Outspoken? How can you be so outspoken to bully a sick person like this? You are evil! You always try to bully her with your title, right? Wang Quan, issue my order that Lady Jia, whose virtue isn't worthy of this position, now is demoted to Grade IX Concubine.

## 9-9 Promotion

She was panic when hearing the emperor's words. After years of dutiful service, she finally got this position. Now everything she had would be in vain. How could she stay calm?

Lady Jia
Your majesty, please forgive me this time. I won't do it again! Lady Player, I'm sorry, please help me beg for his mercy!
Lady Jia had bullied you for a long time. Of course, you hated her. But the punishment was too heavy, and you'd better say something to show your generosity.

Player
Your majesty, she might not have a clear head today. Actually, she does take care of me usually, so could you forgive her this time?
Emperor
Take care of you? (Points at Yaner) Answer me, does she really take good care of your lady?
Yaner
I dare not answer it.
Emperor
Why not? No one dares to threathen you in front of me. Tell me the truth.
Yaner
Since we moved into Lingqi Palace, Lady Jia has given us a hard time. She sent an etiquette nanny to torture her. My lady was tired and had a backache due to long-time training every day. But she dare not complain.
Lady Jia
Your majesty, I tried to help. She just entered the palace, so I'm afraid that she may break the rules.
Emperor
What rules allow you to slap and scold maids? No more pleading. You are not Grade IX Concubine anymore.
Lady Jia
Your majesty, I've served you for a long time. How can you be so partial? I am the owner of Lingqi Palace, why am I not allowed to teach her rules?
Emperor
How dare you! I think you are the one who doesn't know the rules! So... I decide to grant Player Grade V Consort. Now let her teach you the rules. What do you say?
The emperor actually switched your positions. Lady Jia was too shocked to speak.

Choose an option
Decline politely
Accept with thanks
### Option A (9-9)

*Innocent +5*
Player
Your majesty, I have been promoted several times within such a short time. It's more than I deserve. Please take back the order.
Emperor
I won't take back my order. You just take it. You can move into the main room after you recover. And Lady Jia, you move into this room and reflect on yourself.
### Option B (9-9)

Player
Thank you, your majesty. I have been promoted several times within such a short time. It's more than I deserve.
Emperor
I give you, and you just take it. You can move into the main room after you recover. And Lady Jia, you move into this room and reflect on yourself.
### Conclusion

You knew that this shouldn't go too far, as you two share the palace. Therefore, you gently persuaded the emperor.

Player
I have gotten used to this room, and it's good for my recovery. Besides, since she has been demoted, it's inappropriate to ask her to move out.
Emperor
Good girl. OK, as you wish. Lady Jia, you should learn more from her.
Kneeling down on the floor, Lady Jia stared at you with resentment in her eyes.

## 9-12 Purpose

Lady Jia, in a trance, was sent off, and other maids also withdrew. Now only you and the emperor remained in the room. The emperor was standing in front of your bed against the light, so that you couldn't see his face.

Player
Do you enjoy this show, your majesty?
Emperor
(Raised his brows) Smart girl, you know I did that for show.
Player
I know well how little you care about me. And I am not important enough to make you punish others.
Emperor
It doesn't matter. Now they believe you are my favorite concubine.
His vocie was so calm that he seemed to tell you a simple truth. His long bony fingers knocked on your bed as if everything was in his control.

Player
So you want to throw me into the limelight. In fact, I was wondering what you wanted. Now I have the answer.
Emperor
Really? Try me!
Player
You are the ruler of the country. It's not your affection that makes you adore or demote a concubine. You know exactly to whom Lady Jia answer. So you are trying to use me to suppress the empress, right?
Emperor
Lady Liu said you were intelligent. She is right. So, are you afraid?
I'm not afraid
*Cool +5*
Player
Your majesty, that's what I want.
You looked into his eyes and were not afraid of exposing your ambition. You knew that he would definitely appreciate ambitious people as long as they had equal capabilities. He was impressed by your frankness, and a warm smile climbed on his solemn face. There was even appreciation in his eyes.

Emperor
(Smiles) Well, let me help you take decoction.

## 9-15 Feed

You thought he was unable to take care of others. Unexpectedly, he was quite skillful. He took the bowl from Yaner, picked up the spoon and scooped the soup, and even cooled it down before feeding you.

Player
I didn't expect that you knew how to take care of others.
Emperor
(Saddened) Yo uhave to learn to do everything here when you have no one to count on... Why do you talk about this? How long do you want me to hold this spoon?
In fact, you didn't like decoctions. And Yaner had to spend a lot of time coaxing you to take it every time. But now you were facing the emperor.

Choose an option
Deny it
Admit it
### Option A (9-15)

You didn't want to quail in front of him. So you puffed up your peachy cheeks and looked at him confidently.

Player
Are you kidding? I am not afraid of a bowl of decoction!
Emperor
Really? Then take one more.
### Option B (9-15)

*Swellish +5*
You didn't want him to see you scared, but you were also afraid of bitterness. So you had to admit it.

Player
(Puffs up your cheeks) I don't like bitter decoctions. Is there anything wrong with it? It's common that girls are afraid of bitterness!
Emperor
Nothing. The problem is that you are proud of it. I do think you need to work on it.
### Conclusion

In a low voice, he made eye contact with Wang Quan. Then Wang Quan brought another bowl of decoction.

Player
What are you doing? We should follow the doctor's advice to take it! Your majesty, are you trying to kill me?
Seeing your scared face, he couldn't help to laugh out. Then his eyes were curved like a crescent, and there were shallow dimples on his face. No wonder he smiled more than laughed even when something good happened. He was like a degage boy when he laughed. His ministers wouldn't fear him if they saw this look.

Player
Your majesty, you are kind to other concubines. But why do you like to make fun of me? It's not fair!
He stopped and rubbed his nose. It seemed that he wondered why he suddenly became so childish.

Emperor
(Clears throat) Well, if you don't want it, I will put it away. I am very reasonable.

## 9-17 Waves

He had some business to take care of, so he went back to Zichen Palace after helping you take the decoction. He also asked Wang Quan to send you a lot of restoratives and gifts.

Player
Thank you very much, Manager Wang. Without your help, I wouldn't know how to deal with it.
Wang Quan
My pleasure. I did nothing but tell the truth. His majesty still cares about you. Otherwise, I would not be able to convince him.
Wang Quan brushed his sleeves and said some humble words. His words and behaviors demonstrated modesty and decency. As the emperor's body eunuch, he must be very important.

Player
You are too modest. Anyway, I owe you.
Seeing your sincere face, he smiled.

Wang Quan
My lady, it's good for you to get promoted, and I Shouldn't say anything about that. But the wind will destroy the tree top. And you are the only one who rises to Grade V Consort within such a shrot time.
Player
Is this ... what his majesty wants you to tell me?
Wang Quan
(Shook his head) This is what I want to tell you. It's not easy to make his majesty laugh, so I hope you can stay by his side. Then his majesty can laugh more.
With that, he bowed to you before he left. You asked Weiyang to walk him out, and you went to bed. You were overwhelmed by various thoughts and finally fell asleep out of exhaustion.

In the main room.

Maid
My lady, calm down. Don't hurt yourself.
Lady Jia
Calm down? That bitch is playing me. How can I calm down?
Maid
My lady, it's very weird. Why did the emperor come at that moment? She must have pretended to be ill and try to frame you.
Lady Jia
(Smashes teacup) How dare she frame me? I won't let her get away with it!
Maid
My lady, you want to...?
Layd Jia
Mm, we still have plenty of time. I will send her to hell one day!