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Chapter 42
The Imperial Palace is not exactly small, nor is it truly large; each person occupies a four-square-inch corner of the earth. They open their eyes when it dawns and sleep when it gets dark, carefully counting the hours, guarding a shred of ambiguous favor, and living out their own mundane lives.
Today the weather was poor; when she woke up, half the sky was roiling with dark clouds. Concubine Mao leaned against her "double-happiness" bolster and cast a blurry glance outward. Rumble— faint thunder rolled in the distance, a sound like wheels rolling across the earth, vibrating so that the roof of the hall echoed.
Concubine Mao propped herself up. Ever since she "encountered joy" (became pregnant) in the twelfth lunar month, she no longer had to rise early to pay respects. Having grown accustomed to sleeping fitfully, she could not manage to get up before the hour of Chen (7-9 AM).
It truly was better to be pregnant. She slowly adjusted her twisted collar and rubbed her sleepy eyes. Everything in the palace was good except for one thing: the constant need to distinguish between high and low, noble and base. Originally, when the Empress was still around, they had to pay respects at the Palace of Accumulated Purity every day. Finally, the Empress was deposed, and there were no other masters in the harem besides the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, yet then a Noble Consort was elevated. Putting on airs, she dared to sit in the seat of honor, waiting for them to visit.
Sitting high above, watching a group of colorful, meticulously dressed women bow their heads in submission, that must be a very pleasant thing. No wonder everyone wanted to climb to the high positions. Noble Consort Yu’s advantage lay in her seniority; her only tragedy was failing to raise the First Prince. Otherwise, regardless of whether the Emperor liked her, the Empress Dowager would likely have rewarded her with the Empress's crown by now.
Fortunately, she herself had encountered joy; the good days were ahead.
Concubine Mao let out a soft sigh, reached for "that object," and buckled it onto her belly.
It wasn't easy; she had to make new ones of different sizes as time passed. Now that the weather was getting hotter, having an extra layer wrapped around her waist truly caused heat rashes. Luckily, it wouldn't be much longer; in another three months, the play would be over.
Closing her eyes as she finished binding her belly, the layers of silk curtains before the bed were lifted. Ruyi stood by the footstool, saying "Auspiciousness to the Mistress" in a cheerful tone while helping her out of bed to wash and dress.
Concubine Mao moved her body. "The weather is bad today. Later, send word to the palace office to summon Physician Ying for a pulse check."
After all, there had been a gap in the first three months. Now that the "months" were getting along, she couldn't bluff her way through; she had to have a physician come every few days for a check-up to make the act look convincing.
Ruyi complied. "Once Mistress has finished eating, I will send someone."
Concubine Mao didn't say a word. Sitting at her dressing table, she leaned close to the bronze mirror to inspect her skin, asking, "The one inside, is she eating well today?"
There was no need to be explicit; Ruyi understood immediately and said, "Replying to Mistress, she ate two small buns, a bowl of rice porridge, and a dish of southern side-dishes. I think she ate heartily."
Concubine Mao hummed. "Don't skimp on the food. The better she eats, the sturdier the little thing will be in the future."
While they were talking, a clamor of voices suddenly came from outside. Concubine Mao put down her hairpin, looked toward the front hall, and asked loudly, "What's happening outside?"
Qingshan came in from outside, bowing before Concubine Mao to report: "The Internal Affairs Department sent people early this morning to deliver things to the Yilan Pavilion."
Concubine Mao stood up upon hearing this. "Deliver things? What things?"
Qingshan said, "A wooden tub, some bathing supplies, and two sets of clothes."
Concubine Mao was somewhat displeased. She sat back down with a long face and said, "I thought it would be something valuable... Those things, were they granted by the Emperor?"
Qingshan confirmed, "I inquired; they say it was a personal grace from His Majesty."
"Tch—" Concubine Mao sneered. "Not that I should say, but His Majesty is truly stingy. For a promotion, he only gives the rank of Daying, and now he grants a bathtub—is he treating her like a beggar?" After saying this, her expression turned sorrowful as she lamented to herself, "But when I encountered joy, I only received the routine rewards from the Internal Affairs Department; not a single thing was personally bestowed by His Majesty."
The Emperor treated the harem by "holding the bowl level"—he was equally polite and cold to everyone. Even if you were carrying his child, he would give the rewards he was supposed to give, but there was little personal concern. At most, he would visit once in a while, say a few words, and leave before his seat was even warm.
So, that bathtub—though it sounded hilarious—was enough to make one's eyes red with envy and sorrow. A personal gift from the Emperor, and yesterday he even ordered Huai'en to escort her back. It seemed His Majesty truly felt differently about this "Old Auntie."
Qingshan saw her loneliness and dismissed the servants in the side room. After Ruyi finished styling her hair, Qingshan picked out two kingfisher feather hairpins from the jewelry box and carefully tucked them into the bun.
"Mistress shouldn't think of anything else now. No matter who gains exclusive favor in the harem, it cannot compare to the imperial seed in your belly. What is a bathtub? What are two sets of clothes? Could such things even catch your eye? You lack for nothing now; once the little Prince is born, who in the harem would dare not to look up to you?"
Yes, having a child was the greatest guarantee. A man's favor could fade, but only a child was a reliable pillar for survival in the harem.
However, Concubine Mao felt guilty. She touched her soft belly; there was no child inside. Fortunately, the Emperor's lack of concern had given her the chance to sustain the lie. But she was also afraid, fearing a mistake, for there were still three months left. Originally, the Noble Lady and Yong Changzai had been bullied into submission by her, but now an "Old Auntie" had arrived. She didn't know if this one would stay quietly in her Yilan Pavilion or come out to cause trouble.
But things in this world are often so coincidental. Just as she finished the thought, a servant at the hall door announced that Daying Yi had come to pay her respects to the Consort.
Concubine Mao originally didn't want to deal with her; a mere Daying, no matter how high her seniority, was nothing more. But after the incident of the bathtub from the Internal Affairs Department, Concubine Mao changed her mind. Sitting on her embroidered stool, she turned her head and said, "Let her in."
Low-ranking concubines paying daily respects to the mistress of the palace was a routine duty, just as they paid respects to the Noble Consort, and the Noble Consort to the Empress Dowager.
Concubine Mao stood up and slowly moved to the wooden kang (heated bed-platform) by the south window. Thunder rumbled outside, and the rain finally began to fall. In the dim light, the Old Auntie, followed by her personal maid Han Zhen, rounded the screen, raised her handkerchief, and performed a curtsy. "Auspiciousness to the Consort."
Concubine Mao narrowed her eyes to examine her attire. It was indeed the fine goods sent by the Internal Affairs Department: a white silk robe with blue bamboo-leaf patterns, bordered with "Gold-in-Snow" brocade. It did not exceed her rank, yet it highlighted the young girl’s peach-blossom-like complexion perfectly.
"Daying Yi looks like someone favored by happy events; today you look much more spirited than usual." Concubine Mao said somewhat sourly, lifting her hand. "Rise. This palace cannot bear such filial devotion from you." As she spoke, she signaled a small maid to bring a stool for her to sit.
Yi Xing was naturally very obedient, keeping her eyes downcast. "Ever since I moved into the Chuxiu Palace, I’ve wanted to pay my respects to the Consort for several days, but you always excused me. I didn't know if I had done something improper. Today I thought the weather was bad and you would be resting, but I didn't expect to be allowed in. I must express my heart to the Consort." As she spoke, she glanced at Hanzhen.
Han Zhen took the hint, stepped forward, and presented a tray to Concubine Mao. "Consort, this is a tiger-patterned garment our Mistress spent several nights completing. Every tiger stripe on the gauze was embroidered stitch by stitch by our Mistress. It is intended for the little Prince next Dragon Boat Festival to ward off evil and poison."
When giving gifts to a pregnant woman, one usually aims for the belly; this tiger garment was exactly the right move.
Yi Xing said with a smile, "My rank is low and I haven't saved much. Even if I had, you lack for nothing. To offer worldly goods would only make you laugh. This tiger garment is my heart; please do not mind the coarse stitching and accept it."
Concubine Mao’s gaze shifted lazily. Her aloof eyes glanced at the tray and then immediately turned away. "Thank you for your trouble." She then gave Qingshan a look. "Accept it."
Just like that? Not even bothering to unfold it for a look?
Yi Xing showed no emotion on her face, but in her heart, she realized: Physician Xia was right. This belly of Concubine Mao’s was likely fake; otherwise, it would be impossible to be so indifferent to things for the child. Even if there were old grudges, one should say a few warm words of gratitude for a garment made with such effort, to accumulate blessings for the unborn baby.
But clearly, Concubine Mao was more interested in the movements on the Emperor's side. Leaning against the bamboo bolster, she said, "I heard the Internal Affairs Department delivered things to you today? Honestly, since we live in the same palace, we are one of the same. If you lack anything, just tell me. Why take such a long detour to disturb the Emperor? It makes people say I don't look after you, as if I wouldn't even grant you a small bathtub and soap."
Yi Xing smiled shyly and said the Consort had misunderstood. "Yesterday I was reprimanded by the Emperor. He saw me sweating a lot and asked if a Daying's allotment included a large bathtub. Only then did he grant one through the Internal Affairs Department. I originally had no face before the Emperor, but isn't it because of my seniority back home? The Emperor gives me some face. Since you have spoken, I will have to trouble the two aunties by your side in the future." Then, amidst the slightly contemptuous smiles of Qingshan and Ruyi, she quickly stated her position. "Naturally, I cannot be tactless and purely trouble the aunties. Since I am looked after by the Consort, I should be loyal to you. You are heavy with child now and it's inconvenient to go out; I am unburdened and can scout around. In the future, whatever is said in the waiting rooms of the Hall of Mental Cultivation or whatever the Emperor’s movements are, I will be more loyal than others and report everything truthfully to the Consort."
So, the Old Auntie was willing to join her camp and be her "ear-reporter"? This was truly strange. Had those two trips to the waiting rooms really given her a sense of the world and the right measure of things?
A slight curve appeared on Concubine Mao’s lips. "I wouldn't dare accept that. Haven't you always been on good terms with Noble Consort Yu? How can a mere Consort like me compare to the Noble Consort?"
Hearing her decline, Yi Xing immediately filled in her prepared speech.
"The Consort is joking. Although my rank is low, I know how to judge the situation. Noble Consort Yu currently manages the six palaces, but it’s been two years and she hasn't been promoted to Empress. No one can say what the future holds. You are different; you are currently carrying the imperial seed. Once the little Prince is born, what will you have to worry about? I have a sturdy tree right here; why would I go and attach myself to the Noble Consort? There is no need. Now I only hope you don't find me stupid. It would be my good fortune if you could teach me often in the future."
Listening to these words, Concubine Mao felt very gratified. Even if she didn't take her into her confidence, she felt Yi Xing was much more sensible than the Noble Lady or Yong Changzai.
Suddenly there was a clap of thunder, and lightning flashed across the sky. The sudden intense light made the room momentary bright.
Yi Xing quietly glanced at the end room. The last time she came, the door to that room was tightly closed. Concubine Mao’s bed was in the side room; for the inner room to be closed so tightly was normally not right. Perhaps the crux of the matter was hidden in that room, but unfortunately, she had no reason to ask for the door to be opened. Perhaps she could wait a bit longer—wait for the eunuch Han Zhen had entrusted to bring back news, and then find a way to verify.
However, this wait did indeed produce a small pleasant surprise. At that moment, a small eunuch outside reported through the threshold that Physician Ying from the Imperial Pharmacy had come to perform the routine peace-pulse check for the Mistress.
Yi Xing’s spirits were immediately lifted, and she exchanged a look with Han Zhen. Moving well isn't as good as moving at the right time; she didn't expect the physician from the Imperial Pharmacy to be so diligent as to rush over even in the heavy rain.
This time, the pulse check couldn't be faked. As long as they lingered and refused to leave, if Concubine Mao dared to roll up her sleeve for the physician to check the pulse, it would mean Physician Xia was being overly paranoid.
As for Concubine Mao, she had ordered the physician earlier but had completely forgotten about it. Because of the heavy rain outside, the messages at the palace gates were also delayed. By the time someone came in to report, Physician Ying had already arrived at the porch of the front hall.
Seeing this, Qingshan’s face changed slightly. Since the Old Auntie showed no sign of leaving, she had to speak up and chase her out. So she gave Yi Xing a slight bow and said, "Mistress Yi, our Consort needs to have her peace-pulse checked."
Yi Xing said it was fine. "I can wait. These past two days I’ve been feeling flustered and having cold sweats. After the Consort is finished, I’ll also ask the physician to take a look at me." After saying this, she gave a shameless smile.
This was truly unwelcome. Concubine Mao turned her face away, clearly quite displeased. Ruyi quickly forced a smile and said, "Mistress doesn't know the rules for pulse checks. The pregnancy records are never shown to outsiders, so please excuse yourself for a moment. Later, when the Consort is finished, we will send Physician Ying to your Yilan Pavilion."
Yi Xing looked a bit disappointed and said, "It’s my fault for not knowing the rules. I’ve stayed for so long and the Consort is tired; I shall take my leave now." She rose, curtsied, and withdrew from the side room.
As for how they would arrange things inside, Yi Xing looked back from under the porch but saw nothing.
As they walked west, the physician to the east stood for a bit longer before being invited into the hall. Hanzhen lightly tugged Yi Xing’s sleeve; they understood each other without a word. Reaching the steps, they opened an umbrella and stepped into the torrential downpour.
"It seems this Concubine Mao is truly suspicious." After scurrying into the Yilan Pavilion, Yi Xing stared at the roof of the front hall and said, "She must have hidden someone in the inner room so she could switch them before the physician entered. It’s just a pulse check; what a big deal. Why the need to hide from people? Even using the 'record' to bluff me, does she think I've never seen a pregnancy record before?"
Han Zhen and Yin Zhu laughed. "Exactly. She’s bullying you because you've never had a pregnancy record. Mistress, you should be more ambitious; serve in bed early and see what reason she has to brush you off then."
Mentioning this was embarrassing. Serving in bed was truly not something one could do just because they wanted to.
Yi Xing said, "Why do I feel the Emperor wants me to establish myself first? Before I gain some 'market value,' he won't let me touch him."
Perhaps people who have been promoted think differently! Especially an "Old Auntie" who was often mocked; over time, the mockery had bred a delusion that if a woman doesn't perform a service, she won't get the only man in the harem.
This matter was like a marble in the bottom of a tray, spinning in circles with no end. Without a service, she wouldn't get the Emperor; without the Emperor, promotion would be difficult; without promotion, how could she rescue her family? So the ultimate crux was performing a service.
Perhaps Heaven took pity. After the rain stopped at noon, a small eunuch came to report that someone at the palace gate was looking for Auntie Zhen and asked her to step out.
Han Zhen agreed. Suspecting it was news from Changlu, she hurried to the palace gate.
Looking from a distance, Changlu was chatting and laughing with the guarding eunuchs; it turned out they were all peers who had carried brooms together in the past.
Seeing Han Zhen approach, Changlu smiled and said, "The gold-flecked paper Auntie asked me to look for—I found it. The procurement official also brought in a batch of Huizhou ink. Why don't you come and take a look to see if there are any styles the Mistress likes?"
They were all used to the palace's ways; there were plenty of methods to find dignified excuses.
Han Zhen agreed and followed him out of the Changtai Gate. There were many people coming and going on West Second Long Street, so it wasn't good to talk. It wasn't until they walked out of the Baizi Gate that Changlu lowered his voice and said, "Auntie, my brother has found out everything. That girl from the Shumu-li family is usually quiet, but she has a strong will. Before entering the palace, she was in love with her cousin; the two of them even tried to elope, but were caught and brought back by her father. If it weren't for the banner leader visiting family by family, she had originally planned to scar her own face to avoid entering the palace. Her mother knelt and begged her, fearing such an act would bring disaster to the family. In the end, there was no choice, and she was forced into the palace."
With this, everything matched up.
Hanzhen let out a long breath. "Did you find out who else from the Shumu-li family is on duty in the palace?"
Changlu said, "There is a 'cousin-auntie' working in the Shangyi Ju—Nanny Su, who trains the rough-work maids."
Hanzhen realized and let out a long "oh." "So it's her..."
Nanny Su was involved in the selection in the second lunar month. Indeed, having people in the court makes things easier. To quietly let in someone who had lost her virginity or was even pregnant, if she guessed right, there must have been a connection between Nanny Su and Concubine Mao long ago.
Regardless, with the investigation mostly complete, she had a foundation in her heart; she wouldn't go bumping around blindly and truly offend a royal seed.
Han Zhen cupped her hands to Changlu. "You've been a huge help this time. I’ll keep it in my heart and will surely repay this kindness in the future."
Changlu hurriedly waved his hand. "What are you saying, Auntie? We've known each other for years, and you’ve looked after me before. Don't worry about such a small thing."
Hanzhen nodded and added, "This is a serious matter. I must warn you: do not spread a word of this. Remember?"
Changlu said naturally, "It’s not my first day on duty in the palace. What Auntie entrusts must be important. If I spread it, wouldn't I be making trouble for myself? Rest assured, this matter will rot in my stomach. Even if the Heavenly King came, I wouldn't dare leak a single word."
Hanzhen said "good" and offered a few more kind words before returning to the Chuxiu Palace.
She returned and told Yi Xing everything. The three of them sat together to brainstorm—where should this start...
Yi Xing slapped her forehead and had an idea. "The most direct way is to force her to summon a physician. She could beat Yingtao (Cherry) to death, but she can't beat me to death. If I 'bump into' her belly and she can still cover it up, that will only embolden me. Next time, I won't say a word and just take action."
This was the "Old Auntie's" brilliant plan?
Han Zhen and Yin Zhu both expressed concern. "She is a Concubine, and you are a Daying. Not to mention anything else, she has six maids on duty. If it comes to a fight, we likely aren't their match."
Yi Xing spread her hands. "Then what better plan do you have? She stays in her bedroom all day, looking like she won't step out until the child is born. She’s guarded by those two 'General Hums and Has.' Unless we set the Chuxiu Palace on fire to force her out, no one can do anything to her while she stays put."
"What if we go directly to the Emperor and report her? The Emperor is the greatest master of the Forbidden City. As long as he gives an order and lets Physician Xia check her pulse in person, won't it be settled?" Yin Zhu thought very simply; all these detours were "taking off your pants to fart" (unnecessarily complicated). Reporting it would also be a great service. Once Concubine Mao was toppled, the Old Auntie could naturally be promoted. Then she could be made a Concubine to manage the Chuxiu Palace, and once the Emperor favored her, within two years she’d at least be the head of the four Consorts. With a bit more effort, she could replace the Noble Consort. How wonderful!
But Han Zhen said it wouldn't work. "Life in the palace isn't like the outside. If you can't produce solid evidence, neither the Emperor nor the Empress Dowager will listen to you. Now that the Emperor has few children, this pregnancy is 'three years in the making'; the Empress Dowager has placed so much hope on it. How could she be moved by just a few words? Ordering a pulse check isn't hard, but what’s hard is that the superiors won't believe the Mistress. After all, the mother of a prince must be respected; she can't be falsely accused by someone of Daying rank. Besides, even if the Mistress reports her and Concubine Mao is truly convicted, someone who rises by 'knocking on the pot' from behind will have a bad reputation in the palace. How could she expect subordinates to be convinced and command the six palaces in the future?"
Yin Zhu’s head hurt listening to this. "So we have to 'accidentally' discover it and expose Concubine Mao’s trick by 'stumbling' upon it?" She touched her forehead. "Heavens, this is too troublesome. I think given our Mistress’s recklessness, this matter needs a long-term plan."
So the three continued to sit around the eight-sided table, continuing to struggle with this annoying calculation.
The rain passed but the sky did not clear. There was a touch of cool air in the Yilan Pavilion in the afternoon. While they were bored, a small eunuch came to the door and called out "to report."
Yin Zhu hurried out and saw a small eunuch holding a food box. He said, "This is a gift from the Emperor, specifically for the Mistress to enjoy."
A gift from the Emperor must be thanked. Yi Xing and Han Zhen hurried to the door, knelt at the threshold, and kowtowed respectfully. "Your Majesty’s grace is as vast as the mountains and seas. Thank you for the reward."
The small eunuch handed the food box to Yi Xing, performed a bow, and headed south along the path.
Yi Xing placed the box on the table and opened it. It was full of cherries, each shining with a lush light. The orange-red color was incredibly charming.
"Cherries..." Yi Xing stared at the box and murmured, then suddenly stood up. "The Emperor said these cherries were gifted to me alone? No one else in the Chuxiu Palace has them?"
Han Zhen and Yin Zhu nodded. It had to be said that the Emperor seemed to know many things, more than they imagined.
Yi Xing bit her lip and pondered for a moment before finally saying, "The Emperor is using this to warn me: don't forget the death of Yingtao (Cherry). By giving me a box of cherries (Yingtao), he wants me to use them as a 'knocking brick' to have a good contest with Concubine Mao."
She closed the lid, picked up the food box, and said with her head held high, "I’m going to the front now."
Han Zhen and Yin Zhu didn't have time to advise her to think twice before she had already stepped over the threshold and onto the path to the main hall.
Yin Zhu followed behind her, her heart in her throat. "Does the Emperor really mean that?"
Yi Xing said firmly, "The Emperor is waiting for me to become 'useful.'"
But if the Emperor really knew Concubine Mao was faking her pregnancy, wouldn't he be in a towering rage? Would he have the leisure to watch a game of cat and mouse? Regardless, Yin Zhu was completely baffled. Before she could advise her to think twice again, Yi Xing had already carried the food box and ascended the steps of the front hall.
The servants at the door bowed slightly as she arrived, asking her to wait while they announced her arrival inside.
Yi Xing waited by the screen of the east side-room. Before long, Ruyi came out, performed a curtsy, and said, "Mistress Yi, why have you come at this time? Our Mistress is just about to lie down."
Yi Xing pointed to the food box in her hand and said with a forced smile, "The Emperor sent a box of fruit, saying Concubine Mao must love them since she’s carrying the imperial seed. He ordered me to pick the best ones and bring them to pay respects to the Consort."
This didn't make much sense. Ruyi said, "A small eunuch from the Hall of Mental Cultivation just came; the Consort knows. Since they were for the Consort, why pass them through your hands first?"
Wasn't this a lie invented out of necessity to get Concubine Mao to see her?
Yi Xing thought for a moment and said, "Yesterday His Majesty reprimanded me for not knowing palace rules, and he knows I live in the Chuxiu Palace and might inevitably anger Concubine Mao. If the servants picked the fruit, I fear their hands might not be clean. It was better for me to select them personally..." She couldn't make up any more excuses, so she said, "Auntie knows my heart. Please announce me to the Consort. I’ll just deliver the fruit and leave; I won't disturb her."
Ruyi was originally more easy-going than Qingshan, and she had experienced the Old Auntie’s persistence. If she didn't report it, she might wait forever.
Helpless, Ruyi said, "Then please wait a moment; I will go back and tell the Consort again." She withdrew into the side room.
Yi Xing took a deep breath while holding the box. Although Concubine Mao definitely didn't want to see her, "one doesn't hit a smiling face"; it wasn't good to keep someone at a distance. Besides, the Emperor had rewarded her twice, and she knew it well. If it were a concubine without favor, it wouldn't matter, but toward this Old Auntie whose future seemed limitless, one should always leave a line of human feeling.
Sure enough, Ruyi returned quickly and bowed. "Mistress, our Consort asks you to come in."
Yi Xing answered cheerfully and carried the box around the screen.
Concubine Mao truly was about to take a nap; she had even taken down her hair, letting the long black strands fall loosely over her chest. Her plain white inner garment covered her bulging belly. She had no adornments, only two red-gold "copper coin" patterned fingernail guards on her hands moving through her hair. She glanced at Yi Xing with a touch of helplessness and said slowly, "I lack for nothing here. Your Daying allotment is small; keep it for yourself. Why bother coming here? It’ll just end up being given to the servants."
These were truly unpleasant words. Concubine Mao was accustomed to being arrogant, and now, relying on her pregnancy, she was even more haughty. She never left any face for others.
Yi Xing, however, didn't feel embarrassed. Since she didn't plan on being friends with her anyway, she just said conventional words. "If the Consort rewards the servants, it's because she is considerate of those around her. Me bringing this to you is my heart for you. Look, such fresh fruit..." She turned and let Yin Zhu open the lid, presenting it upward. "Consort, have some cherries (Yingtao)."
This "have some cherries" had a double meaning, startling Concubine Mao.
Actually, these cherries weren't that Yingtao; they shouldn't be connected. But for some reason, hearing those words from the Old Auntie’s mouth was as uncomfortable as a needle prick.
Concubine Mao’s face immediately turned sour. She had known this little Daying had other intentions, and now it was proven true.
It was truly laughable. This woman lived in the Chuxiu Palace, and she, the mistress of the hall, hadn't made things hard for her, yet she was the one who wouldn't let it go. What was the purpose of sending these cherries? To hint that she had beaten her little sister to death? That girl was a traitor who stole her money; having such an end surely served her right. Why was she still being persistent?
"I won't eat them. Take them away!" Concubine Mao leaned back.
But Yi Xing had already approached the footstool. She was someone who could trip over her own feet on flat ground; faking an accident was second nature to her.
"Why doesn't the Consort try one? They are very sweet..." She had a smile on her face, presenting them further forward.
At that moment, the timing was perfect. Yi Xing’s toe tripped on the footstool, the food box flew high into the air, and she lunged forward. Fast and accurate, she lunged directly onto Concubine Mao’s belly.
"Ah—!"
Concubine Mao let out a scream that pierced the clouds. The falling cherries hit her head one after another, but she didn't care; she shoved Yi Xing aside.
No one in the hall expected the Old Auntie to pull such a stunt. After the shock passed, chaos broke out. Accompanied by Concubine Mao’s angry shout—"You bitch! You bitch!"—a swarm of people rushed forward, pulling Yi Xing away with many hands.
Qingshan and Ruyi, their faces pale, came forward to check. They asked tremulously, "Mistress, are you alright? Do you feel any discomfort?"
Concubine Mao was still shaken; her anger had reached its peak. One hand protected her belly while she pointed at the reckless girl, cursing: "I knew you had no good intentions! You wanted to harm me... harm the imperial seed in my belly! Someone... take her away and beat her to death...!"
Upon Concubine Mao’s order, the people around truly began rubbing their hands together, ready to take her. But they were stopped by Yi Xing’s loud shout—"You can't!"—which made them pause.
However, after that powerful shout, the Old Auntie softened again, saying tremulously: "Consort, it’s my fault for being reckless. Don't be so angry, lest you disturb the fetal qi... I have a rank; you can't just beat me to death. Better to summon a physician first—the imperial seed is important...!"
By now, Concubine Mao’s head was buzzing. Of course, the order to beat her to death was just angry words. Given the Old Auntie’s seniority which overshadowed the entire harem, she was different from that helpless little maid. If she died in the Chuxiu Palace just two days after her promotion, the higher-ups wouldn't let her off. But she was also unsure how much that lunged felt. If she realized something was wrong with the belly, what then?
Summoning a physician... how could she? Summoning one would be a confession. But not summoning one would only increase her suspicion. She was now in a position where she could neither advance nor retreat. Concubine Mao was fuming at being placed in this "guillotine" situation. Even as the people around her tried to soothe her, her eyes were red with rage as she glared at this "demon."
As for Yi Xing, she knew she wouldn't call a physician, but she was also anxious. She turned and ordered Yin Zhu: "Why are you just standing by me? Hurry to the palace office and fetch a physician, and report to Head Manager Huai'en at the Hall of Mental Cultivation!"
Yin Zhu snapped out of it at her shout. She agreed and was about to turn and leave, but her path was blocked by Qingshan and several head maids.
"How bold of you! Who allowed you to run off?" Qingshan gave Yin Zhu a push that made her stagger. "If the Consort hasn't spoken, you should kneel and kowtow, begging for mercy—what’s the rush!"
The Concubine above held her belly. Seeing the mistress and servant forced to kneel before her, the fire in her heart roiled for a long time before finally beginning to subside.
What should be done now? The matter had to be resolved; it was better to smooth over the situation first.
"Ruyi, go and fetch Physician Ying for a pulse check..." She ground her teeth while looking at Yi Xing. "If anything happens to the imperial seed, a hundred of your lives wouldn't be enough!"
Earlier in her rage, Concubine Mao was thinking of dealing with her inside the hall; they couldn't fly away, after all. But after scanning them for a while, she suddenly realized a frustrating reality: Han Zhen, the most capable maid of the Yilan Pavilion, was not present.
If they had planned this beforehand, the news might have already reached the Emperor. If she really did something to the Old Auntie, Han Zhen could simply say her mistress went to deliver fruit with good intentions. If it ended in such a disaster, whether the Emperor would be angry was one thing, but he would certainly order an inspection of the imperial seed’s safety—then things would be difficult.
So how should she deal with her now? Letting her go would be unsatisfactory, but dealing with her too harshly was also risky. It was truly infuriating.
Concubine Mao thought it over and ordered coldly: "Summon the Jingqi Nannies to teach Daying Yi some rules. First, give her twenty strikes with the hand-paddle, then confine her to the Yilan Pavilion. She is not allowed to step over the threshold for half a month!"
Hearing she was to be beaten, Yin Zhu said anxiously: "Consort, our Mistress also has a rank; how can she be beaten? It was my fault for not serving her well; let me take the strikes. I beg for mercy!"
Concubine Mao snorted. "Precisely because your mistress committed the fault, she only gets twenty strikes. If it were you, do you think you’d still be alive! I am the mistress of a palace and have the right to discipline her. If you keep talking, I'll give her forty. If you don't believe me, just try."
Now Yin Zhu didn't dare speak. she looked at Yi Xing with a clear expression: "Why did you have to do this?"
But Yi Xing felt she was "crossing the river by feeling the stones" and had already felt a clue. Taking twenty strikes was nothing; once the fifteen days were up, she would dare to do it again.
Since the order was given, Qingshan led several Jingqi Nannies to take Yi Xing back to the Yilan Pavilion.
The Jingqi Nannies were not ones for sentiment. With a long face, one said, "Mistress, excuse us." She raised a foot-wide ruler and—slap—struck her palm.
At first, Yi Xing gritted her teeth and bore it, but then the pain brought tears to her eyes. By the time they reached fifteen or sixteen strikes, she was almost numb, leaving her hands burning.
During this time, Han Zhen didn't say a word. After the nannies finished, she hurried to wrap Yi Xing’s hands with a cold towel. She turned to Qingshan and said, "Our Mistress’s hands are injured and need a physician's treatment. Otherwise, if she goes to the waiting room to serve His Majesty like this, His Majesty will surely ask questions."
Qingshan sneered. "What are you thinking? Since she’s been confined, she obviously won't be going to the waiting room, and her tag will be withdrawn. Mistress Yi, count yourself lucky today that nothing serious happened to the imperial seed. If anything had happened, think about how you would explain it to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor."
Qingshan finished her piece and left with the nannies. Only then did Han Zhen and Yin Zhu come forward to check Yi Xing’s hands. "Mistress, how are you? Does it hurt badly?"
Yi Xing’s mind wasn't on her hands. She was savoring the feeling of that lunge. She said proudly, "That’s a fake belly, I’ll bet my life on it. A belly with a child would never be like that. There’s a person inside, after all; it should be solid. Unlike her—it felt soft when I pressed it, just like it was stuffed with a pillow."
So, twenty strikes in exchange for some confidence—Yi Xing felt it wasn't a bad deal at all.
The news of the Chuxiu Palace naturally reached the Hall of Mental Cultivation quickly.
Huai'en reported everything to the Emperor. Sitting behind his imperial desk, the Emperor frowned.
"She just recklessly went to Concubine Mao’s palace to cause trouble?"
Huai'en lowered his head and said, "The Old Auntie said the cherries you granted were to remind her not to forget Yingtao’s death, to seek revenge."
The Emperor was somewhat surprised. He thought carefully and asked, "Was that my intention? I was reminding her to take it as a warning, never to accidentally follow that little maid’s path, yet she went and did the exact opposite."
With a brain like that, could he really trust her to finish a task? Why didn't she think: if Concubine Mao became desperate and dealt with her, her little life would be over? To put it another way, if Concubine Mao knew she was exposed and took the initiative to claim the imperial seed was lost because of the collision, had she considered how to handle that?
The Emperor held his forehead, feeling a splitting headache. Whether it was for Physician Xia or for himself, she had promised so faithfully, and what was the result? After much thought, she came up with such a reckless method. If it weren't for Concubine Mao fearing a scene, would she still be alive?
Huai'en peeked at the Emperor. Knowing he was exhausted, he said, "In my view, the Old Auntie is purely simple-minded; she’s really not material for schemes and plots. Master, why don't we just let it be? Let her live peacefully in the palace—after all, being alive is better than anything."
He thought the Emperor would be moved and change his mind, but he didn't.
After pondering for a long time, looking up and then down, he finally found an excuse for himself. "I also blame myself for this. I gave her such a thorny case for her first attempt; with her ability, it was indeed asking too much. But her logic was right: forcing Concubine Mao to have a public pulse check with an imperial physician would reveal whether she’s pregnant or not."
Huai'en felt a sense of lament seeing the Emperor racking his brain to find excuses for the Old Auntie.
"The incident happened in the Chuxiu Palace; it was surrounded by Concubine Mao’s people. It’s a pity the Old Auntie chose the wrong place..."
The Emperor glanced at him. "Concubine Mao is now very protective of herself and rarely leaves the Chuxiu Palace. Even the daily respects have been excused. To force a pulse check in front of everyone in the harem is practically impossible. The Old Auntie’s mistake was in hitting her belly; it’s a fake belly, what physical harm could it do to her!"
Huai'en hesitated. "Master means to make Concubine Mao have no way to avoid it and be forced to see a physician?"
The Emperor sighed and murmured despondently, "I never expected that in the end, I would have to be the one to come up with an idea. Am I wearing her down, or am I wearing myself down?"
Huai'en could only comfort him: "The Old Auntie takes big steps, so it’s inevitable she’ll stumble sometimes. After all, Your Majesty’s expectations for her are too high. I told you, Master, the Old Auntie is like a child just learning to walk; someone needs to support her. If you spend some energy now, once she becomes a talent in the future, won't you be relieved when she can walk alone in the harem and be invincible?"
But hearing this, the Emperor wanted to laugh. She, walking alone in the harem and being invincible? He used to have hope for that, but lately, it felt increasingly remote.
Fortunately, the Old Auntie had an ambitious heart. Regardless of whether her actions were reliable, at least she was trying.
As long as she tries, it’s good. The Emperor's requirements had dropped again and again, almost to the point where he forgot his original intention for promoting her.
Standing up slowly, he rubbed his temples. "Have Physician Xia go over and give her some tips. If the energy is used in the right place, there will still be results." As he spoke, he shook his head dejectedly. "Concubine Mao is sensitive about Yingtao, yet she took cherries (Yingtao) over to touch her bad luck, isn't that openly going against Concubine Mao?"
"Yes," Huai'en said, "the Old Auntie’s move was a miscalculation."
The Emperor said no. "She likely has her own considerations. This is called 'seeking life in the midst of death.'"
Anyway, you always have a reason to excuse her, Huai'en thought, shrinking his neck. When a man dotes on a woman, even the crooked becomes straight. He thought the Emperor remembered the childhood grudge and wanted to discipline her arrogance, but he didn't expect it to turn out like this. His Majesty was truly worrying himself to death, weren't the state affairs enough of a burden? Why bother!
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