Edit content, Chapter 375, regarding Consort De. I had always remembered that Yan Shi, Wu Mei Niang’s cousin, was Consort De, but today when I checked the materials, I suddenly realized that Yan Shi was only promoted to Consort De in the 18th year of Zhenguan, and before that she was Consort Xian. So, at this point, it might have been Yin Shi. As everyone knows, Gui, Shu, De, and Xian, there are ranks among these titles, and although this might be a rather obscure detail and many people might not care, after all, she is Wu Mei Niang’s cousin...Well, actually, I’ve been a bit obsessive-compulsive recently. (I apologize for the inconvenience caused to the readers)
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I had long heard of the prosperity of Li Shimin’s harem, and indeed, seeing is believing.
Ran Yan stood still on the shore, and with a quick glance, she saw that although there were not too many people dressed as concubines, there were beautiful older women in their forties and fifties, charming young women in their twenties and thirties, and even young girls in their teens, offering a complete variety.
Dozens of gazes were all fixed on Ran Yan, and even Wan Lu and Ge Lan behind her felt enormous pressure, but Ran Yan still had her unchangeable, expressionless face.
The lady in the yellow opulent dress who was leading the group looked Ran Yan up and down, then smiled slightly, "I’ve always heard of the greatness of Lady Xianliang, but to think, she would be such a beauty; no wonder Marquess Xiangwu is so fond of her."
The palace eunuch whispered at Ran Yan’s side, bowing, "This is Imperial Consort Gui, Your Grace."
Ran Yan bent down in respect, "Greetings to Your Grace, Imperial Consort Gui."
Imperial Consort Gui, Wei, was two years older than Li Shimin, having once been the wife of Li Min, son of the Great General and Minister of Ministry of Revenue, Li Zixiong, during the Sui Dynasty, and not long after Sui’s downfall, she became one of Li Shimin’s concubines. Now she was older, and though she was still extremely beautiful, she could no longer compare with the delicate fresh flowers, yet due to her experience through the chaos of two dynasties, she had a certain indescribable charm that was more than ordinary women possessed.
"Rise, no need for such formalities," Imperial Consort Wei said, reaching out to lift her up.
Ran Yan lowered her eyes, not yet taking a clear look at the person, when she heard a tender voice from the side, "Let me see, the wife of Xiao Jiu indeed has a pleasing appearance! This presence is also quite admirable."
"This is Imperial Consort Xian, Your Grace," said the palace eunuch.
Ran Yan bent her knee in respect, "Greetings to Your Grace, Imperial Consort Xian."
"No need for such formalities," Imperial Consort Xian said as she helped her up, then turned to Imperial Consort Wei and said, "Sister, let’s not have Lady Xianliang meet everyone individually. The little Princess is probably going to take a nap soon, so why not let her check on the patient first, and then we can talk."
"Indeed, what you’ve said makes sense," Imperial Consort Wei replied with a faint smile on her face, appearing calm and composed without a hint of emotional fluctuation.
It was only then that Ran Yan got a clear look at Imperial Consort Xian. Imperial Consort Yan, a much more petite figure than Imperial Consort Wei, should be over thirty years old according to the age when she entered the palace, but she still looked like a girl, with a sweetly pure complexion reminiscent of gardenia flowers and a well-proportioned figure. To describe her using familiar terms, she had the face of an angel and the body of a devil.
When Ran Yan first came ashore, she quickly noticed among the four consorts, only Imperial Consort Wei and Imperial Consort Yan had come. It was alright if she didn’t pay respect to the rest.
The group of beauties naturally formed a line according to their rank and proceeded towards the palace through the flower pathway. As an Imperial Decree, and specifically invited by the Emperor to treat the little Princess’s illness, Ran Yan followed only a step behind Consort De.
Upon entering the palace, a palace maid hurried up to them, bowed upon seeing Imperial Consort Wei, and said urgently, "Your Grace, Imperial Consort Gui, and Your Grace, Imperial Consort Xian, the little Princess is unwell and has just retired to her couch. I was just on my way to report."
Imperial Consort Wei frowned slightly and turned to Ran Yan, "Lady Xianliang, please follow me to see the Princess."
"Yes," Ran Yan kneeled in response. Imperial Consort Wei had always been very polite to her, but Xiao Song had said, regardless of her amiability, it was crucial to observe proper etiquette and not to overstep boundaries by any means.
As they heard that the Princess of Jinyang was unwell, the lower-ranking concubines could only stay in the palace to avoid disturbing her.
In the grand bedroom, bamboo screens layered in front, creating several sections.
Ran Yan hadn’t yet seen the person but could already hear the laborious breathing mixed intermittently with coughs.
The maids saw Imperial Consorts Wei and Yan approach and all knelt in greeting. After the maids standing at the sides of the bed had paid their respects, they lifted the sheer curtains. Another maid went in, kneeled in front of the bed, and rolled up two sections of the bamboo curtain.
There was yet another sheer layer almost transparent. Ran Yan could clearly see a small figure lying on the bed. The tiny face, not much bigger than a palm, looked somewhat pale, with a sharp chin and delicate, intricate features. Softly furrowed brows over closed eyes, thick and curly eyelashes quivering like butterfly wings, and lips pale as almond blossoms. Just one glance was enough to stir up pity in one’s heart.