Chapter 73: Finally Back to Normal

These words from Chu Luoxi made Qiu Xian grow somber, for it struck her that, at some point, everyone had simply followed convention, assuming it to be correct. Yet now, it was clear that this was a grave mistake. Worse still, it was highly misleading—if anyone truly believed it, people could end up losing their lives.

“Are you serious?” Qiu Xian finally grasped the gravity of the issue, growing increasingly troubled the more she thought about it. If it hadn’t come up, perhaps no one would have noticed, but once she took it seriously, it was truly alarming.

“Of course I’m serious. If you don’t believe me, just ask any doctor. Whether traditional or Western, as long as they’re not charlatans, no doctor would dare prescribe ginseng to a patient suffering from severe blood loss,” Chu Luoxi replied with assurance. Having practiced martial arts since childhood, she had picked up some knowledge of traditional medicine. In her previous life, when it came to skincare, she had always trusted her own expertise, and time had proven her right.

Qiu Xian was silent for a moment, then turned and said, “Qi Yue, call the editor and have him come over immediately.” If they were truly going to make this change, the editor would have to intervene. Perhaps they could correct the audience’s longstanding misconceptions and add a small subplot to make the whole process appear more authentic and complete.

In the end, the result was that Consort Xian, played by Yao Xiao, was left clinging to life by a thread. The head palace maid rushed to fetch ginseng to save her, but the loyal matron, wise and experienced from her long years in the palace, knew that ginseng should not be used during heavy bleeding. She stopped the maid and substituted another rare life-saving medicine, and before making any decision, she even considered consulting the imperial physician, unwilling to harm her mistress by taking matters into her own hands.

Thus, two additional scenes were added, giving the actors playing the head maid and the loyal matron two more appearances each.

Chu Luoxi was quite pleased with this outcome; for once, she had managed to turn things around—it had not been easy. In fact, since her arrival, the drama “Rivers and Mountains” had already deviated significantly from the path it had taken in her previous life. A few more changes now posed no pressure at all.

At long last, Huang Zixue finally returned to “normal,” and Chu Luoxi could no longer linger on the sidelines as a mere spectator. It was already late; if they didn’t start filming, it would soon be nightfall. The investiture ceremony could hardly be held in the dark, and filming a daytime scene outdoors at night was hardly worthwhile—the additional costs would be considerable.

So, even as dinnertime arrived, no one suggested breaking for a meal. Everyone was hurrying to finish Chu Luoxi’s remaining scenes before dusk.

“Rou’er, you have finally become my consort.” The emperor gently embraced the beauty, his words tender and full of emotion.

Because Consort Rou had neither powerful connections nor exceptional influence, she had always been suppressed at court. Even as emperor, he could not simply elevate her at will. Now, however, Consort Rou had given birth to a healthy prince, and with this assurance, the emperor could confidently bestow the title upon her.

“Yes, thank you, Your Majesty.” Consort Rou’s eyes glistened like autumn water, shimmering with the dazzling beauty of stars in the night. “If not for Your Majesty’s support, I fear I would never have had this opportunity.”

How many concubines in the palace had their eyes on the sole remaining consort’s position? At this moment, the emperor’s affections had not yet been revealed, and what everyone vied for was status and his favor. Only Consort Rou herself knew that, once she bore a prince, the emperor would have an excuse to go against public opinion and elevate her.

Thus, she had endured in silence, concealed herself from the others, watched their schemes unfold, and carefully protected herself, keeping out of the spotlight until she bore the prince. Then, she knew she had finally succeeded.

With the imperial edict, the last consort’s position was filled, stunning countless women and causing a wave of porcelain to be replaced in palaces throughout the court. Despite all their plotting, the one who prevailed was a woman without power or backing. How could they accept this? It wasn’t as if no one knew that Consort Rou was pregnant, nor had no one noticed this quiet woman; they simply believed that even if she bore a prince, she would never rise. Who could have imagined that she was, in fact, the most deeply hidden rival?

“This is what you deserve. You’ve worked hard.” The emperor savored Consort Rou’s gentle affection, lifting her delicate, boneless hand, his mind drifting with desire.

Fortunately, Huang Zixue could now control himself. Otherwise, another incident would have had Qiu Xian jumping in frustration.

“Not at all. Your Majesty is the one who has worked hard. By insisting on making me a consort, you must have endured much pressure. You have only been on the throne a few years, and power is not yet fully in your grasp. I only hope my promotion will not disrupt your plans or jeopardize important affairs,” Consort Rou replied tenderly. Before the emperor, she was always the soft, considerate woman who thought only of him. Affection from an emperor is won inch by inch; only in this way can it withstand the test of time.

“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.” The emperor’s gaze sharpened with sudden authority. While accepting Consort Rou’s admiration and concern, he secretly weighed matters of state. It was clear that this investiture was about more than granting his beloved a title—it likely concealed deeper calculations.

Seeing the emperor’s thoughtful expression, Consort Rou’s eyes brightened with a flash of knowing wisdom, but she said nothing. She merely did her part, playing the gentle, supportive woman who relied on him, though inwardly, she was perfectly clear on all matters.

“Cut! Excellent, that’s a wrap for this scene. Prepare for the next!” Qiu Xian was in high spirits, beaming as she called out after seeing Chu Luoxi’s expressive performance on the monitor.

The crew, in the midst of preparing to clear the set, froze, their faces turning mournful. The next scene? There’s another one? Isn’t it time to eat? If they delayed any longer, even the boxed meals would be cold. Though it was summer and cold food was bearable, working on an empty stomach made it hard to focus—and mistakes were bound to happen. Any problem in any department would mean retakes, and the director would be held responsible.

Producer Qi Yue, sensing the crew’s discontent, glanced at the script supervisor, then addressed the energetic director, “Director Qiu, Consort Rou’s scenes for today are finished. The rest require a costume change. Should we eat first?”

Qiu Xian finally realized what time it was and looked up to see everyone gazing at her with sharp, expectant eyes. She couldn’t help but chuckle, “Oh, is it that late already? All right, let’s eat.”

A cheer erupted as the crew rushed to collect their meals, as if reborn from hunger.

Huang Zixue, feeling apologetic, personally paid for extra dishes for everyone. After all, his repeated mishaps in the morning had caused such a rush, or else, under normal circumstances, no one would have had to go hungry.