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Chapter 43
Since it was decided that Physician Xia should take action, there was no reason to hesitate.
Looking at the sky, it was time for the evening meal, and the mistresses of various palaces were hurrying from the six eastern and western palaces to wait for orders in the waiting rooms. Today the sky was murky; unlike the usual pattern where it clears up after a heavy rain, it remained a dull gray with dark clouds hanging overhead until now. Coincidentally, just after Huai'en finished helping Physician Xia dress, rain began to fall again, pitter-pattering loudly against the roof tiles.
Huai'en glanced outside and whispered, "Master, it’s the perfect time to head over with an umbrella. With the cover, we won't need to pass before the presence of the Noble Lady or Yong Changzai."
Physician Xia hummed. "Keep things steady in the back waiting rooms for now. Don't let them disperse until I return."
This was a perfect opening; everyone was gathered in the waiting rooms, leaving only Concubine Mao in Chuxiu Palace, which wouldn't be hard to handle.
Huai'en agreed. "I’ll have Xu Sa enter later and say that His Majesty is discussing official business with key ministers to stall the mistresses." As he spoke, he summoned Manfu. "I won't escort you there myself; let Manfu deal with those on duty at the Chuxiu Palace gates. If I show my face, it might arouse Concubine Mao's suspicion."
Manfu scurried forward, bowing low as he presented Physician Xia's face mask. He escorted Physician Xia out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, shielding him with a yellow smoketree umbrella all the way north toward West Second Long Street.
Trot, trot, trot—
A night-watch eunuch wearing a coir raincoat moved slowly from the end of Baizi Gate, his desolate voice echoing in the alleyway: "Douse the fires, be careful with the lights—!"
Manfu shifted his body to block the old night-watchman as they brushed past, then bowed to lead the way at Changtai Gate, shielding Physician Xia until they reached the gates of Chuxiu Palace.
The eunuchs standing guard at the gate questioned them, their voices grating: "Stop right there. The gates are locked, yet you're trying to push in..."
Manfu lifted the umbrella slightly and used the arrogant tone of a personal imperial eunuch: "By the Emperor's decree, I am leading the palace physician to check the injuries of Daying Yi."
Anyone serving in the six eastern or western palaces might not recognize their own parents, but they couldn't fail to recognize the faces from the Yangxin hall. Seeing the number two figure from the Hall of Mental Cultivation, they immediately forced smiles and bowed low. "It’s Manager Manfu! Paying respects to you, elder."
Manfu waved them off casually and gestured inward, inviting Physician Xia to enter.
The central path led to the main hall of Chuxiu Palace, but Physician Xia took the familiar west path, heading north along the corridors to the Suifu Hall, and further north to the Yilan Pavilion.
The commotion at the gates had naturally been noticed in Chuxiu Palace. Concubine Mao peered out the south window, feeling a bit of trepidation at first. "It's so late; where did a physician come from?"
Could the news of her being "assaulted" by the Old Auntie have spread, alarming the Emperor and causing him to send a physician for a pulse check?
Qingshan and Ruyi looked at each other. If it really was someone sent by the Emperor, they wouldn't be able to bluff their way through, and everyone's heads would roll. They blamed that "jinx" of an Old Auntie; without her, everything would have been smooth. The Emperor usually concerned himself so little; why did they have to be this terrified!
Qingshan, seeing no other choice, plucked up her courage. "Mistress, don't panic. I’ll go out and handle it. If they’ve truly come for a pulse check, I’ll say Mistress is perfectly fine and has already gone to sleep, and I’ll persuade them to go back."
But just as she was about to go out, she glanced outside and noticed the visitors heading straight north along the west path. Ruyi breathed a sigh of relief. "It seems they are going to the Yilan Pavilion. Daying Yi's hand is still swollen; it can't just be left alone. I suppose Han Zhen was worried and invited one from the palace rotation."
Only then did Concubine Mao’s heart settle. However, once the crisis was averted, her bullying nature returned, and she said irritably, "Ask the guards, who let them in without reporting it first!"
As soon as she spoke, a small eunuch arrived at the hall door to report, speaking through the curtain. He said that people had been sent from the Emperor's presence to check Daying Yi's injury, and Manfu had escorted them personally; the guards didn't dare stop them, so they let them straight into Chuxiu Palace.
Concubine Mao listened, leaning against her silk cushion in a daze for a while. After a long silence, she murmured with a bitter smile, "I was the one assaulted, yet I didn't see anyone from the Emperor's presence come to check on me. The Old Auntie only received twenty strikes to the palm, is it worth sending a physician over in such a frantic rush? What is wrong with the Shang family? They just sent one away, only for another to arrive. Is this wormwood growing on a grave? How is it that the imperial favor is constant..."
Seeing her dejection, Ruyi could only comfort her. "Which mistress in this palace hasn't had a moment of the Emperor's tenderness? Even if the favor fades, you'll have a Prince in the future. What else is there to worry about?"
True... Concubine Mao thought lonelily. Yuwen Xi was the most cold-hearted man in the world; he seemed kind to everyone, but in truth, he had no sincere feelings for anyone. Now that the Old Auntie had been promoted, he had to give her some face. After a long time, once the novelty wore off, she would end up just like them, withering away in her bedroom for a lifetime.
On the other side, Physician Xia walked north along the corridor. The sky had darkened early, and it was pitch black outside the eaves. Chuxiu Palace was silent, save for the rain pouring from the tiles, creating a lively clamor in the ears.
What about the person in the Yilan Pavilion? Now that she was confined, the doors were shut tight, leaving only an orange glow from the window. Occasionally a shadow passed before the window frame, though he couldn't tell if it was her.
Manfu reached the door and was about to knock, but seeing Physician Xia give him a look, he understood immediately. He handed the umbrella to Physician Xia and retreated back into the corridor, braving the rain.
Knock, knock—
A knocking sound came from the door. Yixing was sitting at the table studying the Meicun Collection. Yin Zhu went to open the door, and as soon as she saw the visitor, she let out a low, pleasant cry of surprise: "Physician Xia is here!"
Han Zhen, who was making the bed in the inner room, heard this and came out to perform a curtsy. She quickly cleared the bench at the table and invited him to sit.
Because of their frequent interactions, there was a sense of familiarity between them. Yi xing stood up and smiled at him. "Han Zhen was going to invite you, but the people in front stopped her. Did the news of my beating spread so fast? It’s already reached your ears?"
Physician Xia just looked at her. Those deep eyes, like the clear glow of a green sea, rippled slightly, causing a stir in her heart.
Yi xing suddenly felt a bit embarrassed. It wasn't the same as the guilt after getting into trouble; it wasn't because of a specific mood, but because of this person.
I suppose that’s what it’s like to like someone a little. On one hand, she felt bad for troubling him; on the other, she felt joy at seeing him again. That state of mind was different from before. In the past, she was steady and simple-minded, able to use her high seniority and lack of experience with the world's darkness as an excuse. Now, because she had been beaten for her recklessness, she worried Physician Xia would mock her, think she was stupid, and look down on her.
What should she say? Should she just expose her own weakness and say she had messed up again? Yixing wanted to rub her hands, but as soon as she lifted her wrists, she felt a burst of throbbing pain. She could only awkwardly gesture with her arms. "Physician Xia, please sit."
Physician Xia did not thank her for the seat. His gaze shifted, landing on the open pages of the book under the lamp. He thought to himself that at least she had taken the Emperor's words to heart and knew to cultivate her mind with books during her confinement. He had originally intended to mock her a bit, but seeing her striving for improvement, his anger gradually subsided.
"The news from Chuxiu Palace reached the Hall of Mental Cultivation. His Majesty said that Daying trusts me, so he specifically ordered me to come take a look."
Yixing gave a flat "oh." "Thank you for His Majesty’s great grace. He didn't punish me for assaulting Concubine Mao, and even sent you to see me..."
Physician Xia raised an eyebrow and reached out his hand toward her. "Does it still hurt now?"
Yixing felt quite awkward. Hiding her hands behind her back, she said hesitantly, "It was just twenty strikes with a paddle. I’ve been beaten at the training office before... It’s nothing; it’ll be fine in a couple of days."
However, Physician Xia did not withdraw his hand. Those pale, long fingers with distinct knuckles reached toward her as he repeated, "I am under orders to check Daying's injury. Please do not make things difficult for me."
Yi xing had no choice. She gave Yin Zhu and Han Zhen a sheepish look and slowly lifted her hands, presenting them to Physician Xia. "I said it doesn't matter. See..."
Indeed, besides the redness and swelling, there were no broken areas. Physician Xia looked and nodded. "There is no other way for flesh-wounds but to endure them yourself. As for medicine, it’s nothing but a swelling-reducing agent. Apply the medicine and wait for your hands to dry before going to bed, so you don't stain the mattress."
Yixing murmured her agreement, but in her heart, she was exclaiming loudly: Physician Xia's hands are so strong and so warm.
Originally, seeing those fingers with such distinct knuckles, she thought they should feel cold to the touch. It turned out she was wrong; his palms were very soft. A pair of slender yet soft hands, different from ordinary people. This was the first time Yi xing’s fingertips had touched his. Although her own fingertips were swollen and looked poor by comparison, it did not diminish the "deer" racing in her heart.
She blushed. The usually composed Old Auntie showed her vulnerability before Physician Xia. Shrinking back her hands, she said bashfully, "Thank His Majesty for me... I’m confined for now and can't go to the waiting rooms. Please mention me more often before His Majesty; don't let him forget me."
Even while her heart was fluttering, the Old Auntie still hadn't forgotten to plot for her future. Physician Xia felt an indescribable emotion. This person truly was "the mother of coldness opening the door for coldness"—cold to the core.
A woman's bashfulness before a man was indeed different from affected flattery. He remembered her deliberate attempts to please him at the Hall of Mental Cultivation the night before and compared them to the present. Now she was vivid, agile, flesh-and-blood; her feelings for Physician Xia were clearly different from those for the Emperor.
It’s a sad thing to lose to oneself.
He gave her a bitter glance. "Rest assured, even if I don't mention you, His Majesty is very concerned about you."
Yixing nodded randomly. Since she had already expressed her thanks, she could now set the Emperor aside and talk business. She turned and ordered Hanzhen and Yin Zhu: "Keep an eye on the door; I have something to say to Physician Xia."
She sent them away. Being alone with a man made Physician Xia’s heart skip a beat. Even though he knew she wouldn't cross any lines, he still felt a faint sense of trepidation, wondering what she had up her sleeve and what she would say to him.
The Old Auntie’s clear, beautiful eyes moved toward him, fixing on him cautiously. "Physician Xia, you’ve heard about what happened in Chuxiu Palace today, right? With your understanding of me, you can probably guess the intention behind my actions, can't you?"
Yes, he already understood her very well: reckless, impulsive, simple-minded, any word for "muddled" wouldn't be misplaced on her.
Seeing that he didn't speak, Yixing became a bit anxious, fearing he would misunderstand her. She said quickly, "I’ve kept what you told me last time in my heart. A few days ago, Han Zhen sent someone out to investigate that Lanzhao. It turns out she had a secret affair with her cousin before entering the palace. Perhaps she smuggled the 'private goods' into the palace, just waiting for the child to be born so Concubine Mao could claim credit. Today I bumped into Concubine Mao once and discovered her belly is indeed fake. This confirms my suspicion and shows I was right today."
Physician Xia remained silent after hearing this. He paused for a moment before asking, "So, what does Daying plan to do next? Can this lesson teach Daying to think twice before acting?"
"This time was just a scout; I’ll dare to do it again next time," Yixing said with certainty. "The main problem is I’m short-handed. If I had a few more people, I would just rush into the east end-room of the main hall and take a look. Lanzhao must be hidden in there; otherwise, how could she switch people in time for the physician's peace-pulse check?"
This was the Old Auntie’s brand of enthusiasm: not knowing how to use someone else's strength, only knowing how to use brute force.
Physician Xia’s fingers tapped on the eight-sided table. "Are you sure that by forcing open the door of the east end-room, you would find that palace maid? Furthermore, even if you did find her, Concubine Mao has many people. Would she not turn it around and say you've lost your mind and committed an act of insubordination?"
His string of questions left Yi xing a bit lost. She blinked her large eyes and asked hesitantly, "Then you give me an idea. What on earth should I do?"
Physician Xia sighed. "Daying’s plan to force her to summon a physician is correct, but you must change your approach. Forcefully hitting her belly... if she decides to 'break the pot' and take a desperate risk, I fear you won't be able to bear the consequences. To achieve a goal, you cannot rely solely on brute force; you must use clever force..."
Yi xing saw a trace of craftiness in Physician Xia's eyes and couldn't help but sigh in her heart. Physician Xia’s merit in healing people is boundless, but he is also second to none when it comes to being mischievous.
This time there was likely another clever trick. Yi xing took a nervous breath. "Go on."
Physician Xia glanced at her, took a small porcelain bottle from his robe, and placed it on the table. Then he curved his slender index finger and pushed the bottle toward her.
"What is this?" Yixing asked. In the plotting under the lamp, both were staring intently.
Physician Xia said, "Zeqi (Sun Spurge)."
But what was Zeqi? To Yixing, who knew nothing of medicine, it was hard to implement without an explanation.
Physician Xia lowered his voice another notch. "Adding Zeqi to Yurong cream can cause the skin to become red, swollen, and itchy beyond endurance."
Now Yixing understood completely and immediately felt a surge of respect for Physician Xia. "You really have thought of a counter-strategy for me! If I had known, I should have asked for your advice before acting. With your guidance, why should I worry about failing? I’ll be invincible and victorious in every battle, hahahaha...!"
She actually had the face to laugh. His temples began to throb faintly again. But Physician Xia was a gentle man. He steadied his emotions and said, "It is Daying who is seeking promotion, not me. You cannot rely on me for everything; in the end, you must climb up using your own means. You are from the Shang family, and the Emperor has his difficulties. Even if he wants to promote you, it must be done step-by-step. The former Empress was deposed and your brother was demoted. By all rights, you should stop at nothing to turn those obstacles into the mud beneath your feet—but what did Daying do? The palace is not the Shang residence; there is no one who is purely for you. Everyone is struggling just to live well; Daying should also strengthen herself."
Although he had been as gentle as possible, Yi xing was still ashamed by these words. She lowered her head and said, "You’re right. I truly don't know how to use schemes or tricks... But you said one thing that isn't right; I must refute you."
Physician Xia was surprised. "What does Daying wish to refute? I am listening."
Yixing, though lacking logic, was full of spirit as she puffed out her chest. "That there is no one purely for me, that isn't right. There is clearly you! You are someone purely for me; you’ve forgotten yourself."
Physician Xia was originally feeling stifled by her stubbornness, but after she said this, all his disappointment vanished instantly. There was even a trace of the "old heart feeling comforted." He sighed that the Old Auntie wasn't so foolish that she couldn't be taught; muddled as she was, she still knew who was good to her.
Anyone would soften up after receiving a compliment, and Physician Xia was no different.
He had clearly never received such an unskilled compliment from a girl and found it hard to adapt for a moment. He turned his face away and murmured evasively, "I... I am also doing it for myself. Once Daying reaches a high position, it will be easier for you to pull me up and promote me."
Regarding this, Yixing was always a bit puzzled. "With your medical skills and the Emperor's high regard for you, why doesn't he promote your rank? You are still only an eighth-rank official."
Physician Xia couldn't say it was because he only had this one "quail" rank-patch robe. If he were promoted, he would have to go to the Internal Affairs Department to ask for a new official robe. What kind of place was the Hall of Mental Cultivation? What was the Emperor's status? To constantly ask for those low-level outfits—what would the people at the Internal Affairs Department think?
Thus, his reason was dignified: "Everything must follow the rules. My seniority is shallow, and I am from the Han Martial Banner; promotion is naturally slower than for those of the Five Tone Banners."
Yixing took the opportunity to ask again: "Your seniority is shallow? It doesn't look like it to me..." As she spoke, she grinned. "Then, in which year did you enter service? What is your age now?"
Clearly, she had become interested in Physician Xia himself. He felt a bit uneasy, but he still had to answer her. "I entered service in the third year of Jinghe. This year... I am twenty-eight."
Twenty-eight? Exactly one full cycle older!
As for age, they were indeed not a match, but everything comes down to a matter of affection. As long as one likes a person, this small gap can be overcome.
Yi Xing resolved it in an instant and said happily, "You were also born in the Year of the Goat? We are the same; it truly is fate..."
As she said "fate," her face wore a touch of maidenly bashfulness. It was the spring light of the third month, the new buds on the branch, the delicate stamen trembling in the wind. If Physician Xia’s mind hadn't been so firm, he would have almost drowned in that sea of tenderness.
She was right; when she had previously listed her strengths to him, she said she was "gentle." He had almost laughed then—with the Old Auntie’s brand of headlong rushing, she dared call herself gentle! But now he saw it; gentleness doesn't need to be deliberately expressed. It is everywhere: in a turn of the body, a lowered head, a frown or a smile.
Unfortunately, this affection wasn't directed at the Emperor. Beyond the stirring of his heart, Physician Xia felt quite helpless. He wanted to remind her that her duty as a wife was important, but he had no way to say it. He could only nod randomly. "I am a full cycle older than Daying; no wonder I felt a connection from our first meeting... It turns out we are both of the Year of the Goat."
Look at this—nothing but nonsense. Physician Xia had never been so lacking in decorum in his life.
But Yixing let her imagination run wild. She had wanted to ask if Physician Xia was married, but in the end, she was too embarrassed to ask. She gripped the bottle of Zeqi tightly in her palm, gave him another shy glance, and said, "Don't worry, I will definitely get it done this time. I won't let down your expectations."
The awkwardness between them grew, and even Han Zhen and Yin Zhu standing guard at the door noticed.
The two looked at each other and turned back nervously. They saw the Old Auntie and Physician Xia standing on either side of the candle. The candlelight couldn't show Physician Xia’s face clearly, but it clearly showed the Old Auntie’s flushed cheeks.
Han Zhen knew things were going to go bad. She hurried back to the table to organize, saying with a smile, "Physician Xia has been here for so long; please sit and have some tea."
Wearing a mask made it naturally inconvenient to drink tea; the meaning was to see the guest out.
Physician Xia snapped out of it and said "oh." "No need. I must head back to report to the Emperor."
He put his medicine chest on his back and turned to leave, the candlelight trailing behind him. Yixing put down the medicine bottle to see him off, but fearing surveillance by Concubine Mao’s people, it wasn't good to go outside. She took a couple of quick steps and curtsied to him. "The night is deep and it’s raining. Physician Xia, be careful on the road."
For some reason, each departure seemed more meaningful than the last. He said "good," stepped over the threshold, and looked back again. Standing under the eaves, he said, "Daying's injury is not serious; just take care for a couple of days. If there is any discomfort, send someone to the Imperial Pharmacy." After saying this, he cupped his hands again. "Take care, Daying. I take my leave."
Yixing nodded, her eyes curving into crescents as she watched him head south, his figure vanishing into the thick darkness.
Perhaps it was too obvious; even someone as blunt as Yin Zhu had noticed. When Yi Xing sat back at the table to read, she leaned in cautiously and whispered, "Mistress, have you fallen for Physician Xia? The way you two were making eyes at each other... my heart was drumming just watching."
Yixing was startled. The embarrassment of having her secret exposed made her heart flutter.
"No such thing! What are you talking about!"
But was there really "no such thing"? If not, why blush at him? The two of them were looking at each other affectionately... she had even found out his age. Both being of the Year of the Goat, the Old Auntie thought the fate was wonderful beyond words.
Seeing she wouldn't admit it, Yin Zhu stood up and sighed. "You aren't a palace maid anymore. You've been promoted. No matter how low your rank, you are the Emperor's woman. You can't have such 'crooked' thoughts."
The sound of rain outside was overwhelming, crashing against the ears and unsettling the Old Auntie’s mind.
At first, Yi Xing wouldn't admit it, but then she became dejected. She lay on the table, turning her head and resting it on her arm as she asked Yin Zhu, "You really saw it? Is it that obvious?"
Yin Zhu glanced at Han Zhen and whispered, "Those two words are practically written on your face."
Yi Xing felt very melancholy hearing this. "I... I regret being promoted now."
People always have moments of weariness and selfishness. Originally, Yixing felt that rising in rank to rescue her family was her only goal for the rest of her life, but once her heart was stirred, "double-mindedness" emerged.
Being "Mrs. Xia" would surely be better than being in the harem. She had figured it out, she thought the harem was lively because she didn't care about the Emperor at all. But Physician Xia was different. One look and you could tell he was from a good family. Perhaps his home had small bridges and flowing water, a beautiful courtyard and a medicine study. He would serve his shift in the palace casually every day, then go home at night to sleep amidst the scent of poetry, books, and medicine...
The warmth on Yixing’s cheeks had not yet faded. She turned to Yin Zhu and said, "Look how good Physician Xia is, honest and gentle. He’s nothing like the Emperor."
Han Zhen was about to put away the Zeqi. Hearing this, she couldn't help but look at the porcelain bottle in her hand, thinking that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
Yin Zhu still had to advise her, saying, "Is the Emperor not good? Look, he even sent you a bathtub and clothes! How can you sit here today smelling so fragrant to meet Physician Xia? Isn't it all because the Emperor sent you a large box of scented powder?"
Speaking of scented powder, Yi xing glanced back at the desk. Heavens, she had never seen such a large tub of scented powder in her life. Other people's came in carved silver boxes with a delicate velvet puff inside for dabbing on the neck, armpits, and body. The Internal Affairs Department, however, had sent an enamel jar as thick as a bucket used for drawing water from a well. Placed on the desk, it looked like an urn.
Wasn't this an insult? The implication was that her body smelled—and smelled badly, so it had to be covered with a thick layer of powder, hence the massive amount. The Internal Affairs Department was always stingy; if the Emperor hadn't ordered it, how could they have been willing to send her such a large tub!
She lazily withdrew her gaze, continuing to nestle in her arm in sorrow. She had dug a hole for herself; even the promotion was accomplished through Physician Xia. Who knew she would change her mind so quickly? Women truly are fickle.
While Yi xing was still troubled, Han Zhen's explanation was sharp and to the point: "It’s normal for a young girl to have romantic thoughts. Never mind you and Physician Xia, when we were fifteen or sixteen, we couldn't help but look twice at any eunuch who was handsome. But no matter how good Physician Xia is, he isn't as good as the Emperor. The Emperor is your 'true master'; anything between you two is natural. As for Physician Xia, if he heard you had feelings for him, it would scare him to death."
This was very true. After all, having an affair with a concubine was a crime punishable by skinning and deboning. Who would be willing to risk their life for a beautiful dream?
Yixing let out a long sigh. "I’m just having a romantic thought by myself. You two act as if you didn't see it and let me figure it out on my own."
Han Zhen smiled and said, "It’s fine to think about it, just be careful in front of others. Keep it buried in your heart. You must never tell Physician Xia. Not making someone's head ache over this is the best way to repay him for all the times he’s helped us, alright?"
Han Zhen was best at using kind words to persuade people; she never shouted at anyone. In all her years in the palace, she had dealt with all sorts of people and knew that for a young mistress, you had to guide her gently; you couldn't just give a blanket "no" or "you can't." Besides, the Old Auntie was likely someone who "had the thief's heart but not the thief's courage"; she’d just lament a few words to satisfy a craving. If she were actually told to do something with Physician Xia, she’d hesitate and be unable to take a step.
Yixing hesitated for a moment, but in the end, she had to nod in agreement.
He helped her time after time; she couldn't repay kindness with enmity. Just liking him quietly in her heart... the Emperor had a harem of beautiful women; if she kept such a person in a corner where no one knew, each getting what they needed without interfering with the other—that actually was quite good.
As for Yin Zhu, she was simpler and couldn't consider so much. Looking at the Old Auntie, she said, "He’s twenty-eight, a full cycle older than you. What's so good about that? In the old generations, there were plenty of people who had sons at fourteen or fifteen. A twelve-year difference... to be blunt, he could practically be your father..."
This triggered Yixing’s dissatisfaction, and she jumped up to chase her. Yin Zhu fled all the way into the side room, but she was eventually caught and given a slap on the bottom.
Poor Old Auntie forgot the injury on her hand; the strike made her wince in pain. Yin Zhu begged for mercy, and Hanzhen came to break up the fight. Everyone laughed and joked together for a while, finally lying back on the bed, gasping for air while staring at the fine gauze canopy.
Yixing sighed. "I miss home. I wonder how the Old Lady at home is doing."
Hanzhen turned over and said, "If Daying is afraid the Grand Consort is worried, I’ll go find Changlu again and ask him to help make a trip to the residence. However, a letter cannot be written, lest it catch the eye of someone with intentions and lead to trouble in the future. We’ll just pass a verbal message, saying you are perfectly fine in the palace and the Grand Consort needn't worry. What do you think?"
Yixing was overjoyed. "Can we really pass a verbal message?"
Hanzhen said "of course." "They can find ways to investigate other people's private matters. Passing a message to your residence isn't a life-or-death matter; why shouldn't it be possible?"
Yixing was happy. The torment of her "bitter love" for Physician Xia was thrown to the back of her mind as she focused on what message to send the Old Lady.
Unfortunately, she was currently confined. The mistress couldn't move around, and the servants couldn't leave the Yilan Pavilion for a single step. All the things they wanted to do had to wait.
The next day, the rain finally ended, and the sky was clear again. The Internal Affairs Department delivered the standard supplies early in the morning. Yin Zhu and Hanzhen counted and organized them one by one. Afterward, they had nothing to do. The three spent their time reading, cleaning the rooms, or squatting under the eaves to dig out weeds from the brick gaps. Not having to think about those schemes was a rare relaxation.
Time flowed bit by bit. Yixing sat by the window looking at the scenery in the courtyard. In front of the Fengguang Room opposite, there was a large Malus spectabilis tree; at this time of year, its branches were growing lushly. That room had a good orientation and was on high ground; she wondered if it would be assigned to some mistress in the future. If someone lived there, they would be door-to-door, staring at each other, which would make many things inconvenient.
While she was thinking aimlessly, she saw Yin Zhu, who was squatting by the window, stand up. Facing south with a smile, she said, "Auntie, why have you come?"
Yixing poked her head out curiously to look. It was Liusu, who served the Noble Consort, coming from the southern corridor. As she walked, she said, "It’s truly hot today; the sun feels like fire on the body. Why don't you avoid the heat instead of squatting here weeding?" After saying this, she saw Yi xing and quickly stopped to curtsy. She said loudly, "Mistress Yi, I’ve come to pay my respects to you."
Yi xing gave an "aye." "I appreciate you remembering me." She thought to herself that likely the Noble Consort heard she was confined and sent Liusu over!
Liusu walked all the way from under the eaves, and Yin Zhu led her into the central room. Upon entering, she curtsied again and said with a smile, "Daying has been wronged, being stuck in this room unable to go out. The Noble Consort has heard about what happened yesterday. Currently, she is in Mistress Mao’s palace and asked me to invite Daying over, perhaps to mediate and lift this confinement, and then the matter will be over."
Hearing that the confinement could be lifted, Yixing immediately became energized. She stood up and said, "How can I trouble the Noble Consort like this?"
Liusu smiled. "It’s not the first or second time the Noble Consort has helped you. Why should one more time matter? Mistress, please tidy up and follow me to the front. Mistress Mao was in a fit of rage yesterday; with someone mediating today, perhaps her anger will have subsided."
Such a good thing was naturally most welcome. Han Zhen hurriedly helped Yixing tidy her hair and apply powder. Once everything was ready, they accompanied Yixing to the main hall of the Chuxiu Palace.
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