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Chapter 43
Before The Marchioness departed, Liu An arrived bearing rewards from His Majesty. Gu Han understood perfectly, this was meant to appease and compensate her mother. Imperial gifts could not be refused, so The Marchioness accepted them with utmost reverence.
Winter was drawing near, and snowflakes had begun drifting down outside. Gu Han escorted The Marchioness to the palace gate, but her mother stopped her:
"Please, Concubine Gu, go no further."
The Marchioness hesitated, words catching in her throat. She had so much she wanted to say, yet in the end, only managed: "I hope Your Ladyship takes care of herself."
All her worries remained unspoken, but Gu Han heard them nonetheless. She lowered her eyelids slightly, concealing her reddened eyes, and said softly:
"It's snowing outside. Please take care on your journey home, Mother."
The Marchioness had arrived slowly, but departed swiftly, an umbrella raised above her head as palace attendants escorted her away.
Snow continued falling in the courtyard. Gu Han stood in the covered corridor, leaning against the railing, lost in thought as she gazed toward the palace gate. When she had first entered the palace, her mother's eyes had been red from crying. Though Gu Han had been sad about their parting, she'd also harbored a trace of anticipation.
But now, after six months in the palace, Gu Han truly understood the meaning of separation.
If she received no promotion next year, earned no imperial favor, who knew when she might see her mother again?
Swirling snow settled on Gu Han's collar. She didn't know how long she'd been standing there, only that when Jiu Nian returned, she cried out in alarm:
"My lady! Why are you still here?"
She rushed over frantically to brush the snowflakes from Gu Han's clothing. Many had already melted into water upon touching the fabric. Gu Han finally came back to herself and asked softly, "Has Mother left the palace?"
Jiu Nian's movements paused. Understanding why her mistress was like this, her voice fell: "Rest assured, my lady. This servant personally escorted the Marchioness out of the palace. There were no incidents along the way."
Gu Han withdrew her gaze and, following Jiu Nian's gentle guidance, turned back toward the palace. Jiu Nian continued her worried chatter: "I know you can't bear to part with the Marchioness, but you mustn't neglect your health like this."
She called out: "Jiu Si, go to the imperial kitchens and fetch some ginger tea!"
Jiu Si peeked out with a worried glance toward the interior, quickly acknowledged the order, and hurried outside.
Through the latticed window, Gu Han caught a glimpse of Jiu Si's retreating figure. Ever since returning from Rongcui Palace, Jiu Si had been avoiding her, too afraid to face her. Gu Han knew what was troubling the girl. She shook her head and said gently to Jiu Nian:
"When she returns, have a word with her."
Jiu Nian and Jiu Si had worked together for years. What the young girl was thinking was written all over her face. Jiu Nian understood clearly and said with a small laugh:
"She's always wanted to help you, my lady. Today, with the Marchioness nearly coming to harm right under her nose, she's probably wracked with guilt."
Jiu Nian spoke matter-of-factly, without any intention of pleading on Jiu Si's behalf. She also knew their mistress wasn't blaming Jiu Si.
Everyone makes mistakes. You can be a thief for a thousand days, but who can guard against thieves for a thousand days? It was just an ordinary errand to receive a guest, who could have anticipated such trouble? The one at fault was Concubine Chen. Jiu Si shouldn't burden herself with all the blame.
Jiu Nian closed the latticed window and helped Gu Han change into clean, comfortable clothes. Thinking about today's events still left her shaken. As she undid Gu Han's hair, she said quietly:
"Today was truly frightening. But this servant doesn't understand His Majesty's decision, demoting Consort Chen to concubine rank, making her exactly equal to you in status, my lady."
By rights, falling from one of the Four Consorts to mere concubine rank in just six months was indeed devastating. Yet somehow this particular rank left Jiu Nian with an odd feeling.
During this time, Jiu Nian had come to understand that compared to Consort Shu, who was favored above all in the harem, this Concubine Chen was truly arrogant and proud. Since entering the palace, Concubine Chen had targeted their mistress repeatedly, yet now found herself at the same rank.
The mistress who once had to bow to her was now her equal. In the future, every time Concubine Chen saw their mistress would be like a knife twisting in her heart.
Facing the bronze mirror, Gu Han stroked her brow thoughtfully:
"Who can truly understand His Majesty's thoughts?"
To Gu Han, Concubine Chen's punishment was absolutely not severe enough. Chen had come for her life. Unlike Chen, she had no imperial heir to make His Majesty hesitate. If it were proven she'd harmed an imperial heir, the consequences would be unthinkable.
Yet Chen had merely been demoted, and only to concubine rank, not high, not low. Thanks to His Majesty's stinginess with titles, most of the harem still had to bow to her.
Perhaps this punishment seemed heavy to Concubine Chen, especially with the First Prince being sent to Zhāoróng Ling to raise. But to Gu Han, it was barely a scratch.
Suddenly, Gu Han thought of something and raised an eyebrow: "She's been demoted to fourth rank concubine, surely she can't continue living in Xianling Palace's main hall?"
She was still living in Changchun Pavilion. She couldn't tolerate the cold in winter and had long envied the underfloor heating in Yihe Palace. But Gu Han knew that unless she accomplished something significant, rising to third rank quickly was impossible.
At the same time, the thought of her would-be murderer living so comfortably made her deeply uncomfortable, as if claws were scratching inside her chest.
Her mistress always held grudges, and Jiu Nian was no exception. She smiled broadly: "Tomorrow this servant will go and find out."
Gu Han and she exchanged knowing smiles, tacitly moving past the topic. Seeing her mistress settled, Jiu Si opened the latticed window a crack and peered into the courtyard, somewhat puzzled:
"Where's Little Fang Zi? Why haven't we seen him?"
Gu Han's movements seemed to hesitate for a moment, but she quickly said matter-of-factly: "I sent him to the Zhongsheng Hall. We're going through charcoal too quickly, I asked him to fetch more."
Knowing it was the mistress's arrangement, Jiu Nian thought no more of it.
After Jiu Si returned and watched their mistress drink two bowls of ginger tea, she finally relaxed. It was then that Little Fang Zi finally returned, belatedly carrying charcoal. He said quietly: "My lady, this slave has returned."
Jiu Nian tactfully pulled Jiu Si aside: "Come with me, I need to speak with you."
Jiu Si followed in confusion. Once they'd moved away from the inner palace, Jiu Si said sullenly:
"Why did you pull me away?"
She might not be clever, but she wasn't stupid. The moment Little Fang Zi returned, she had been pulled away. Were there things she wasn't allowed to hear?
Jiu Nian shot her an exasperated look before saying:
"We came into the palace with our mistress, bound to her fate. But mistress is mistress, and servants are servants. If we can't grasp the proper measure, one day it will cause trouble."
Jiu Si didn't quite understand. Jiu Nian gave her an eye roll and tapped her forehead: "You!"
"I know you're loyal, but precisely because you're loyal, some things we needn't know."
People's hearts were unfathomable, who could predict what might happen in the future? Given their mistress's current situation, having someone who knew absolutely everything about her wouldn't be good for her.
Even if those people were herself and Jiu Si.
Each fulfilling their duties, doing their assigned tasks, that was the most beneficial approach for their mistress.
Jiu Nian was perceptive. She naturally guessed that Little Fang Zi had his own network in the palace, and knew today's events bore traces of their mistress's involvement. But guessing was one thing, she didn't need to know the details.
Curiosity killed the cat. Sometimes knowing too much wasn't a good thing.
Jiu Si pursed her lips. Though she only half-understood, she had one virtue: obedience. If both the mistress and Jiu Nian told her not to listen, she wouldn't ask.
Once they were alone in the hall, Little Fang Zi bent down with fire tongs to tend the charcoal, then said quietly:
"Rest assured, my lady. Everything has been handled."
Gu Han had just learned some news about Xie Ang'an from her mother, and her emotions were quite complicated. She looked at Little Fang Zi with unclear feelings:
"Was he implicated?"
Gu Han didn't say who, but Little Fang Zi understood. He shook his head: "The young master had long anticipated this might happen someday. He handed over those contacts to this slave early on. The young master had no direct involvement in today's matter."
Little Fang Zi stole a glance at his mistress.
The young master seemed very wary of having any connection with her. Despite painstakingly arranging everything, he'd handed it all over to him, just to prevent others from linking the mistress to him.
Because they both understood, the young master's identity would bring unfavorable consequences for the mistress.
Gu Han's lashes trembled almost imperceptibly. She said no more about Xie Ang'an, instead ordering:
"Withdraw the people from around the First Prince."
The network Xie Ang'an had cultivated over three years in the palace, rather than saying he had handed it to Little Fang Zi, it was more accurate to say that even Little Fang Zi himself was someone Xie Ang'an had prepared for Gu Han.
This gift was too heavy, too dangerous to handle.
But Gu Han had no choice but to accept it. There was no noble reason, simply because she needed this help.
His Majesty had decreed today that all attendants around the First Prince be replaced. Gu Han understood clearly: imperial heirs were His Majesty's bottom line. Gu Han had no designs on the First Prince and was too lazy to test the consequences.
Little Fang Zi didn't question why, simply responded respectfully.
Only then did Gu Han add: "Concubine Chen must have grown suspicious of people in the palace. Tell that person to lie low for now, self-preservation comes first."
Just from the commotion at Rongcui Palace, Gu Han knew Xie Ang'an had planted someone in Xianling Palace, and someone of no low status, at least with access to the inner chambers.
She didn't ask who it was. Gu Han couldn't guarantee she wouldn't slip up somehow. So at this critical juncture, not knowing that person's identity was for the best.
After a pause, Gu Han added:
"If she can gain Concubine Chen's trust, let her continue serving by Chen's side. If not, when Chen is demoted, her attendants will also be reduced, use that opportunity to transfer her out."
Little Fang Zi smiled bitterly:
"The young master spent three years to place just this one person in Xianling Palace. In contrast, Kunning Palace and Yi'an Palace are like iron fortresses, people we've placed there have difficulty gaining trust and can't even get near the inner chambers."
Though this seemed like a complaint, it was also conveying intelligence to Gu Han.
Gu Han understood. Little Fang Zi was telling her that while they did have some connections in the palace, thanks to Xie Ang'an's position in the Zhongsheng Hall, these contacts had limited capabilities.
Gu Han wasn't disappointed. If Xie Ang'an had useful people in both Kunning Palace and Yi'an Palace, that would actually make her uneasy.
Things going smoothly everywhere would seem unnatural.
Gu Han rubbed her temples, raised her eyes to look at the white snow beyond the latticed window, and said softly:
"In three more days, it will be New Year's Eve and the ancestral rites. I hope this New Year can pass peacefully."
Perhaps Gu Han's words truly reached heaven's ears. In the days before the New Year, the harem was exceptionally quiet. During morning greetings, Concubine Chen's position had already dropped to face Gu Han, though unfortunately she claimed illness and didn't attend, so Gu Han couldn't see her.
Miao Měirén seemed truly frightened. Gu Han only heard that after Miao Měirén awoke that day, she had cried to His Majesty for a long time. No one knew what she had said to him, but Rongcui Palace was reinforced with many additional guards, turning it into a fortress.
Gu Han wasn't surprised by His Majesty's lavish measures. Setting aside the imperial heir, what man in this world could resist when such a cool, aloof beauty suddenly revealed vulnerability?
Gu Han lowered her eyes and sipped her tea, missing how Consort Shu above glanced her way.
After morning greetings dispersed, Muqiu supported the Empress back to the inner chambers. Before she'd even sat down, the Empress suddenly laughed.
Muqiu looked puzzled: "What amuses Your Majesty?"
The Empress settled into her seat with Muqiu's help, waving her hand dismissively. The smile lingered on her face as she recalled the scene during greetings, especially the look in Consort Shu's eyes when she'd glanced at Concubine Gu. Though well-concealed, the Empress had caught that trace of complexity.
The Empress shook her head, her voice tinged with amusement:
"This Palace just suddenly realized that, all things considered, Concubine Gu and Consort Shu are rather similar."
Muqiu was baffled. After thinking for a long while, she still couldn't connect these two people. The Empress gave her a sidelong glance and said unhurriedly:
"They both caught Concubine Chen's attention when they first entered the palace. Only, after His Majesty ascended the throne, Chen wanted a good reputation and deliberately put on an act of gentle understanding. Her methods against Concubine Gu could only be sneaky and underhanded, allowing Gu to escape."
Back at the prince's mansion, when Chen had first entered as a secondary consort, the Chen family held power and she loved flaunting it. Her conduct then was far more brazen than now. How many times Consort Shu had been punished by her, openly and covertly, was beyond counting.
Muqiu was speechless. After a long moment, she said glumly:
"Then Concubine Gu is certainly luckier than Consort Shu."
To this, the Empress merely raised an eyebrow: "Is she?"
The Empress's counter-question left Muqiu stunned. Thoroughly confused, she asked:
"Consort Shu had her hopes of bearing children destroyed by Concubine Chen. Though Concubine Gu suffered several hardships, the ultimate result was no lasting harm, and she even gained some of His Majesty's compassion."
"What woman in this harem hasn't received a measure of His Majesty's compassion?"
The Empress smiled dismissively. Muqiu couldn't grasp her mistress's meaning, but the Empress had no intention of explaining.
Her gaze drifted to the latticed window.
When Consort Shu first gained favor, there were multiple contributing factors. But now, His Majesty no longer felt the urgent pressure of succession struggles. Though he still valued imperial heirs, he no longer needed to painstakingly protect them.
With the First Prince sent to Zhāoróng Ling and Miao Měirén pregnant, they needn't deliberately target the First Prince. Similarly, Concubine Chen had become irrelevant. Before His Majesty's ascension, the Chen family had been an asset, but now they were an obstacle.
So Concubine Chen's current state was with His Majesty's tacit approval, otherwise how would Consort Shu dare say such things at Rongcui Palace?
Everyone said Consort Shu was indulged, but what the world didn't know was that throughout the entire palace, only Consort Shu was truly clever. No wonder she held His Majesty's heart most.
Only, this "heart" wasn't that kind of heart.
His Majesty was the most clear-headed and cold-hearted person in the world. Without the right timing and circumstances, how easy would it be for Concubine Gu to reach Consort Shu's position?
Unless His Majesty truly gave his heart.
But this was His Majesty, how deep would his feelings need to run before he would willingly break the harem's balance for Concubine Gu?
If Concubine Gu harbored such hopes, she might as well pray to become pregnant soon, and pray the harem remained childless. Only when she alone had an imperial heir might His Majesty burn his boats for her.
The Empress turned her head and suddenly laughed softly. So in terms of fortune, how could Concubine Gu compare to Consort Shu?
This laugh carried mockery, yet also self-mockery. Muqiu listened, startled. Looking up, she saw Her Majesty had closed her eyes expressionlessly.
For a long while, so long Muqiu thought Her Majesty had fallen asleep, she heard her mistress ask in a very calm tone:
"Tell me, does His Majesty still remember this Palace as his Empress?"
Muqiu's breath caught. After a moment, she replied respectfully: "Your Majesty will always be Empress. Of course His Majesty hasn't forgotten."
A sneer curved the Empress's lips. She thought of how at Rongcui Palace, when His Majesty was considering the First Prince's placement, he had eliminated her first.
His Majesty guarded against her like a thief. How could he remember they were husband and wife who had bowed together at the wedding ceremony?
The Empress stroked her abdomen. She was different from Consort Shu. Shu's very bones were damaged, preventing pregnancy. The Empress had conceived once, but back then she and His Majesty were both young and unaware, and she'd miscarried before they even realized.
But now, after all these years, the Empress's womb had shown no signs of life. She'd been examined repeatedly, the imperial physicians all said nothing was wrong, and there was nothing unusual in her chambers.
The Empress knew that though His Majesty once feared she might harm the First Prince and had guarded against her, imperial succession valued legitimate sons. So however much he might be wary, he would never prevent her from conceiving.
In fact, just to be certain, she had even had her mother bring palace physicians from outside for examinations. No matter how thorough the checks, no problems were found. His Majesty knew all this. Whatever his inner thoughts, he'd never obstructed her.
The Empress's lips twisted. Perhaps heaven was punishing her past carelessness, refusing to grant her another child.
The Empress wearily released her hand. Thinking of imperial heirs finally reminded her of someone:
"What has Lin Měirén been doing lately?"
Muqiu relaxed and quickly said: " Lin Měirén has been quietly staying in Cuizhu Pavilion these days."
The Empress snorted coldly:
"She's been too quiet! When she entered the palace, His Majesty bestowed the rank of Měirén on three women. Look, who in this harem even remembers her now?"
Beauty Lin was Her Majesty's full blood sister. Though the Empress had complicated feelings about Lin entering the palace, when mentioning her there was still an element of disappointment in her voice. So Muqiu dared not respond.
The Empress closed her eyes, feeling utterly exhausted. Her younger sister had her own small schemes. Pampered by their parents at home, she seemed gentle and virtuous but harbored her own pride.
But such petty calculations were nothing in the harem. After entering the palace and sharing His Majesty's bed a few times without leaving any impression on his heart, she must feel deeply frustrated. Unable to stand out, she had sunk into silence.
Still, she was her full sister. The Empress had no desire to make her suffer. These past days of leaving her alone were meant to temper her character. Though she seemed to ignore her, the Empress hadn't reduced her allowances one bit.
The Empress calculated the time. After these months, Lin should understand the harem wouldn't indulge her whims. The Empress tiredly raised her hand to massage her temples:
"Go tell her, Concubine Zhou is out of favor, Miao Měirén is with child. In this palace now, only Consort Shu and Concubine Gu stand out. If she truly wants to advance, she must seize this opportunity herself!"
Worried Beauty Lin wouldn't understand, the Empress had to spell it out for her.
The New Year's Eve ancestral rites were always grand affairs. Gu Han finally saw His Majesty today.
Lu Yu wore his ceremonial robes, the beaded curtain of his crown half-veiling his face. The Hanyu Dynasty revered black and yellow, his robes were deep black, embroidered in gold thread with five-clawed dragons at the waist, lending him extraordinary nobility. Unlike his usual demeanor in the harem, his expression was distant, keeping others at arm's length.
As a mere fourth-rank concubine, Gu Han wasn't qualified to attend the ancestral rites. She stood at the palace gate with the other concubines, respectfully watching His Majesty and the Empress depart side by side. After a long moment, she rose to return to Changchun Pavilion.
Today was New Year's Eve, there would be a banquet tonight. Nothing could be overlooked.
But just as she reached the Imperial Garden, Gu Han was stopped. She turned to see Concubine Zhou and raised an eyebrow in puzzlement:
"What is it?"
After a month of recovery, the scar on Zhou's cheek had long since healed, otherwise she wouldn't be appearing outside Changning Court. Zhou hurried toward her, complaining softly:
"Why are you walking so fast? I called you several times."
Zhou had chased after Gu Han and was slightly breathless. Gu Han raised an eyebrow almost imperceptibly, waiting for her to continue.
Zhou said somewhat awkwardly: "Changchun Pavilion and Changning Court aren't far apart. Let me walk back with you."
Gu Han was rather speechless.
So Zhou had specifically stopped her just to walk back together?
Gu Han didn't understand why, but said nothing. Since they were escorting His Majesty to the ancestral rites, none of them had taken palanquins. Zhou glanced behind Gu Han and raised an eyebrow in surprise:
"Rong Bǎolín isn't following you around today?"
Walking alongside her, Gu Han knew Zhou disliked Rong Bǎolín and shook her head: "Changchun Pavilion and Wanxi Palace aren't on the same route."
Moreover, Gu Han subtly glanced at Zhou. If she knew that Rong Bǎolín might have been behind her injury that day, this dislike would likely turn to hatred.
Zhou snorted lightly but didn't want to discuss Rong Bǎolín. The two were chatting when they encountered Concubine Chen.
All three froze.
Gu Han's expression cooled. Zhou had heard about the incident at Rongcui Palace, she had her own sources. Seeing Gu Han's cold reaction, she immediately frowned. Zhou had always been forthright in her likes and dislikes, and wasn't intimidated by Chen having the First Prince. She snorted disdainfully:
"First thing in the morning, what rotten luck!"
Gu Han raised an eyebrow in surprise, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh.
Since entering the prince's mansion, Concubine Chen had always been treated with utmost respect. When had she ever suffered such indignity? Her face immediately darkened: "Impudent!"
Zhou couldn't be bothered to indulge her. She rolled her eyes and sneered:
"Concubine Chen seems to have forgotten her position. Still think you're the high and mighty Consort Chen?”
Concubine Chen trembled with rage, biting out: "Even demoted to concubine, this Palace shares your rank. How dare you insult this Palace so?!"
Zhou laughed mockingly:
"You know you're only a concubine now, yet still use 'this Palace'? Wait until I tell the Empress, she'll charge you with flouting palace regulations!"
Chen habitually referred to herself as "this Palace", it wasn't something she could change overnight. Caught on this point by Zhou, she was struck speechless.
Gu Han held Zhou back. Zhou looked at her suspiciously and whispered:
"You're not going to play the saint again, are you?"
Gu Han felt bemused. What kind of person did Zhou think she was?
But this wasn't the time to ask or defend herself. She stopped Zhou only to say coolly to Concubine Chen:
"Today is different from the past. Concubine Chen should remember her position well. Now the three of us are equal in rank. Zhou and I will pretend we didn't hear your slip today, but in future, if you offend your superiors, it won't go well."
Every word was gentle and light, but all revolved around "position," stabbing viciously at Chen's heart. Her face turned dark and livid.
But neither woman present feared her. Having said her piece, Gu Han pulled Zhou along:
"We still need to prepare for tonight's banquet. Are you going to waste more time with her?"
That phrase "waste time" made Concubine Chen's face alternate between red and white, nearly losing control of her emotions. Jiachun kept pulling her back from behind.
But Zhou laughed delightedly, feeling refreshed. She raised her eyebrows at Concubine Chen and called out loudly:
"You're right, we needn't waste our time here."
The two bypassed Concubine Chen and left along the path. Once Chen was out of sight, Zhou studied Gu Han. Gu Han looked up as if puzzled. Zhou awkwardly looked away, huffing softly:
"You seemed quite spirited today. That's how it should be, so people won't climb over your head to bully you.”
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Chapter 43
Before The Marchioness departed, Liu An arrived bearing rewards from His Majesty. Gu Han understood perfectly, this was meant to appease and compensate her mother. Imperial gifts could not be refused, so The Marchioness accepted them with utmost reverence.
Winter was drawing near, and snowflakes had begun drifting down outside. Gu Han escorted The Marchioness to the palace gate, but her mother stopped her:
"Please, Concubine Gu, go no further."
The Marchioness hesitated, words catching in her throat. She had so much she wanted to say, yet in the end, only managed: "I hope Your Ladyship takes care of herself."
All her worries remained unspoken, but Gu Han heard them nonetheless. She lowered her eyelids slightly, concealing her reddened eyes, and said softly:
"It's snowing outside. Please take care on your journey home, Mother."
The Marchioness had arrived slowly, but departed swiftly, an umbrella raised above her head as palace attendants escorted her away.
Snow continued falling in the courtyard. Gu Han stood in the covered corridor, leaning against the railing, lost in thought as she gazed toward the palace gate. When she had first entered the palace, her mother's eyes had been red from crying. Though Gu Han had been sad about their parting, she'd also harbored a trace of anticipation.
But now, after six months in the palace, Gu Han truly understood the meaning of separation.
If she received no promotion next year, earned no imperial favor, who knew when she might see her mother again?
Swirling snow settled on Gu Han's collar. She didn't know how long she'd been standing there, only that when Jiu Nian returned, she cried out in alarm:
"My lady! Why are you still here?"
She rushed over frantically to brush the snowflakes from Gu Han's clothing. Many had already melted into water upon touching the fabric. Gu Han finally came back to herself and asked softly, "Has Mother left the palace?"
Jiu Nian's movements paused. Understanding why her mistress was like this, her voice fell: "Rest assured, my lady. This servant personally escorted the Marchioness out of the palace. There were no incidents along the way."
Gu Han withdrew her gaze and, following Jiu Nian's gentle guidance, turned back toward the palace. Jiu Nian continued her worried chatter: "I know you can't bear to part with the Marchioness, but you mustn't neglect your health like this."
She called out: "Jiu Si, go to the imperial kitchens and fetch some ginger tea!"
Jiu Si peeked out with a worried glance toward the interior, quickly acknowledged the order, and hurried outside.
Through the latticed window, Gu Han caught a glimpse of Jiu Si's retreating figure. Ever since returning from Rongcui Palace, Jiu Si had been avoiding her, too afraid to face her. Gu Han knew what was troubling the girl. She shook her head and said gently to Jiu Nian:
"When she returns, have a word with her."
Jiu Nian and Jiu Si had worked together for years. What the young girl was thinking was written all over her face. Jiu Nian understood clearly and said with a small laugh:
"She's always wanted to help you, my lady. Today, with the Marchioness nearly coming to harm right under her nose, she's probably wracked with guilt."
Jiu Nian spoke matter-of-factly, without any intention of pleading on Jiu Si's behalf. She also knew their mistress wasn't blaming Jiu Si.
Everyone makes mistakes. You can be a thief for a thousand days, but who can guard against thieves for a thousand days? It was just an ordinary errand to receive a guest, who could have anticipated such trouble? The one at fault was Concubine Chen. Jiu Si shouldn't burden herself with all the blame.
Jiu Nian closed the latticed window and helped Gu Han change into clean, comfortable clothes. Thinking about today's events still left her shaken. As she undid Gu Han's hair, she said quietly:
"Today was truly frightening. But this servant doesn't understand His Majesty's decision, demoting Consort Chen to concubine rank, making her exactly equal to you in status, my lady."
By rights, falling from one of the Four Consorts to mere concubine rank in just six months was indeed devastating. Yet somehow this particular rank left Jiu Nian with an odd feeling.
During this time, Jiu Nian had come to understand that compared to Consort Shu, who was favored above all in the harem, this Concubine Chen was truly arrogant and proud. Since entering the palace, Concubine Chen had targeted their mistress repeatedly, yet now found herself at the same rank.
The mistress who once had to bow to her was now her equal. In the future, every time Concubine Chen saw their mistress would be like a knife twisting in her heart.
Facing the bronze mirror, Gu Han stroked her brow thoughtfully:
"Who can truly understand His Majesty's thoughts?"
To Gu Han, Concubine Chen's punishment was absolutely not severe enough. Chen had come for her life. Unlike Chen, she had no imperial heir to make His Majesty hesitate. If it were proven she'd harmed an imperial heir, the consequences would be unthinkable.
Yet Chen had merely been demoted, and only to concubine rank, not high, not low. Thanks to His Majesty's stinginess with titles, most of the harem still had to bow to her.
Perhaps this punishment seemed heavy to Concubine Chen, especially with the First Prince being sent to Zhāoróng Ling to raise. But to Gu Han, it was barely a scratch.
Suddenly, Gu Han thought of something and raised an eyebrow: "She's been demoted to fourth rank concubine, surely she can't continue living in Xianling Palace's main hall?"
She was still living in Changchun Pavilion. She couldn't tolerate the cold in winter and had long envied the underfloor heating in Yihe Palace. But Gu Han knew that unless she accomplished something significant, rising to third rank quickly was impossible.
At the same time, the thought of her would-be murderer living so comfortably made her deeply uncomfortable, as if claws were scratching inside her chest.
Her mistress always held grudges, and Jiu Nian was no exception. She smiled broadly: "Tomorrow this servant will go and find out."
Gu Han and she exchanged knowing smiles, tacitly moving past the topic. Seeing her mistress settled, Jiu Si opened the latticed window a crack and peered into the courtyard, somewhat puzzled:
"Where's Little Fang Zi? Why haven't we seen him?"
Gu Han's movements seemed to hesitate for a moment, but she quickly said matter-of-factly: "I sent him to the Zhongsheng Hall. We're going through charcoal too quickly, I asked him to fetch more."
Knowing it was the mistress's arrangement, Jiu Nian thought no more of it.
After Jiu Si returned and watched their mistress drink two bowls of ginger tea, she finally relaxed. It was then that Little Fang Zi finally returned, belatedly carrying charcoal. He said quietly: "My lady, this slave has returned."
Jiu Nian tactfully pulled Jiu Si aside: "Come with me, I need to speak with you."
Jiu Si followed in confusion. Once they'd moved away from the inner palace, Jiu Si said sullenly:
"Why did you pull me away?"
She might not be clever, but she wasn't stupid. The moment Little Fang Zi returned, she had been pulled away. Were there things she wasn't allowed to hear?
Jiu Nian shot her an exasperated look before saying:
"We came into the palace with our mistress, bound to her fate. But mistress is mistress, and servants are servants. If we can't grasp the proper measure, one day it will cause trouble."
Jiu Si didn't quite understand. Jiu Nian gave her an eye roll and tapped her forehead: "You!"
"I know you're loyal, but precisely because you're loyal, some things we needn't know."
People's hearts were unfathomable, who could predict what might happen in the future? Given their mistress's current situation, having someone who knew absolutely everything about her wouldn't be good for her.
Even if those people were herself and Jiu Si.
Each fulfilling their duties, doing their assigned tasks, that was the most beneficial approach for their mistress.
Jiu Nian was perceptive. She naturally guessed that Little Fang Zi had his own network in the palace, and knew today's events bore traces of their mistress's involvement. But guessing was one thing, she didn't need to know the details.
Curiosity killed the cat. Sometimes knowing too much wasn't a good thing.
Jiu Si pursed her lips. Though she only half-understood, she had one virtue: obedience. If both the mistress and Jiu Nian told her not to listen, she wouldn't ask.
Once they were alone in the hall, Little Fang Zi bent down with fire tongs to tend the charcoal, then said quietly:
"Rest assured, my lady. Everything has been handled."
Gu Han had just learned some news about Xie Ang'an from her mother, and her emotions were quite complicated. She looked at Little Fang Zi with unclear feelings:
"Was he implicated?"
Gu Han didn't say who, but Little Fang Zi understood. He shook his head: "The young master had long anticipated this might happen someday. He handed over those contacts to this slave early on. The young master had no direct involvement in today's matter."
Little Fang Zi stole a glance at his mistress.
The young master seemed very wary of having any connection with her. Despite painstakingly arranging everything, he'd handed it all over to him, just to prevent others from linking the mistress to him.
Because they both understood, the young master's identity would bring unfavorable consequences for the mistress.
Gu Han's lashes trembled almost imperceptibly. She said no more about Xie Ang'an, instead ordering:
"Withdraw the people from around the First Prince."
The network Xie Ang'an had cultivated over three years in the palace, rather than saying he had handed it to Little Fang Zi, it was more accurate to say that even Little Fang Zi himself was someone Xie Ang'an had prepared for Gu Han.
This gift was too heavy, too dangerous to handle.
But Gu Han had no choice but to accept it. There was no noble reason, simply because she needed this help.
His Majesty had decreed today that all attendants around the First Prince be replaced. Gu Han understood clearly: imperial heirs were His Majesty's bottom line. Gu Han had no designs on the First Prince and was too lazy to test the consequences.
Little Fang Zi didn't question why, simply responded respectfully.
Only then did Gu Han add: "Concubine Chen must have grown suspicious of people in the palace. Tell that person to lie low for now, self-preservation comes first."
Just from the commotion at Rongcui Palace, Gu Han knew Xie Ang'an had planted someone in Xianling Palace, and someone of no low status, at least with access to the inner chambers.
She didn't ask who it was. Gu Han couldn't guarantee she wouldn't slip up somehow. So at this critical juncture, not knowing that person's identity was for the best.
After a pause, Gu Han added:
"If she can gain Concubine Chen's trust, let her continue serving by Chen's side. If not, when Chen is demoted, her attendants will also be reduced, use that opportunity to transfer her out."
Little Fang Zi smiled bitterly:
"The young master spent three years to place just this one person in Xianling Palace. In contrast, Kunning Palace and Yi'an Palace are like iron fortresses, people we've placed there have difficulty gaining trust and can't even get near the inner chambers."
Though this seemed like a complaint, it was also conveying intelligence to Gu Han.
Gu Han understood. Little Fang Zi was telling her that while they did have some connections in the palace, thanks to Xie Ang'an's position in the Zhongsheng Hall, these contacts had limited capabilities.
Gu Han wasn't disappointed. If Xie Ang'an had useful people in both Kunning Palace and Yi'an Palace, that would actually make her uneasy.
Things going smoothly everywhere would seem unnatural.
Gu Han rubbed her temples, raised her eyes to look at the white snow beyond the latticed window, and said softly:
"In three more days, it will be New Year's Eve and the ancestral rites. I hope this New Year can pass peacefully."
Perhaps Gu Han's words truly reached heaven's ears. In the days before the New Year, the harem was exceptionally quiet. During morning greetings, Concubine Chen's position had already dropped to face Gu Han, though unfortunately she claimed illness and didn't attend, so Gu Han couldn't see her.
Miao Měirén seemed truly frightened. Gu Han only heard that after Miao Měirén awoke that day, she had cried to His Majesty for a long time. No one knew what she had said to him, but Rongcui Palace was reinforced with many additional guards, turning it into a fortress.
Gu Han wasn't surprised by His Majesty's lavish measures. Setting aside the imperial heir, what man in this world could resist when such a cool, aloof beauty suddenly revealed vulnerability?
Gu Han lowered her eyes and sipped her tea, missing how Consort Shu above glanced her way.
After morning greetings dispersed, Muqiu supported the Empress back to the inner chambers. Before she'd even sat down, the Empress suddenly laughed.
Muqiu looked puzzled: "What amuses Your Majesty?"
The Empress settled into her seat with Muqiu's help, waving her hand dismissively. The smile lingered on her face as she recalled the scene during greetings, especially the look in Consort Shu's eyes when she'd glanced at Concubine Gu. Though well-concealed, the Empress had caught that trace of complexity.
The Empress shook her head, her voice tinged with amusement:
"This Palace just suddenly realized that, all things considered, Concubine Gu and Consort Shu are rather similar."
Muqiu was baffled. After thinking for a long while, she still couldn't connect these two people. The Empress gave her a sidelong glance and said unhurriedly:
"They both caught Concubine Chen's attention when they first entered the palace. Only, after His Majesty ascended the throne, Chen wanted a good reputation and deliberately put on an act of gentle understanding. Her methods against Concubine Gu could only be sneaky and underhanded, allowing Gu to escape."
Back at the prince's mansion, when Chen had first entered as a secondary consort, the Chen family held power and she loved flaunting it. Her conduct then was far more brazen than now. How many times Consort Shu had been punished by her, openly and covertly, was beyond counting.
Muqiu was speechless. After a long moment, she said glumly:
"Then Concubine Gu is certainly luckier than Consort Shu."
To this, the Empress merely raised an eyebrow: "Is she?"
The Empress's counter-question left Muqiu stunned. Thoroughly confused, she asked:
"Consort Shu had her hopes of bearing children destroyed by Concubine Chen. Though Concubine Gu suffered several hardships, the ultimate result was no lasting harm, and she even gained some of His Majesty's compassion."
"What woman in this harem hasn't received a measure of His Majesty's compassion?"
The Empress smiled dismissively. Muqiu couldn't grasp her mistress's meaning, but the Empress had no intention of explaining.
Her gaze drifted to the latticed window.
When Consort Shu first gained favor, there were multiple contributing factors. But now, His Majesty no longer felt the urgent pressure of succession struggles. Though he still valued imperial heirs, he no longer needed to painstakingly protect them.
With the First Prince sent to Zhāoróng Ling and Miao Měirén pregnant, they needn't deliberately target the First Prince. Similarly, Concubine Chen had become irrelevant. Before His Majesty's ascension, the Chen family had been an asset, but now they were an obstacle.
So Concubine Chen's current state was with His Majesty's tacit approval, otherwise how would Consort Shu dare say such things at Rongcui Palace?
Everyone said Consort Shu was indulged, but what the world didn't know was that throughout the entire palace, only Consort Shu was truly clever. No wonder she held His Majesty's heart most.
Only, this "heart" wasn't that kind of heart.
His Majesty was the most clear-headed and cold-hearted person in the world. Without the right timing and circumstances, how easy would it be for Concubine Gu to reach Consort Shu's position?
Unless His Majesty truly gave his heart.
But this was His Majesty, how deep would his feelings need to run before he would willingly break the harem's balance for Concubine Gu?
If Concubine Gu harbored such hopes, she might as well pray to become pregnant soon, and pray the harem remained childless. Only when she alone had an imperial heir might His Majesty burn his boats for her.
The Empress turned her head and suddenly laughed softly. So in terms of fortune, how could Concubine Gu compare to Consort Shu?
This laugh carried mockery, yet also self-mockery. Muqiu listened, startled. Looking up, she saw Her Majesty had closed her eyes expressionlessly.
For a long while, so long Muqiu thought Her Majesty had fallen asleep, she heard her mistress ask in a very calm tone:
"Tell me, does His Majesty still remember this Palace as his Empress?"
Muqiu's breath caught. After a moment, she replied respectfully: "Your Majesty will always be Empress. Of course His Majesty hasn't forgotten."
A sneer curved the Empress's lips. She thought of how at Rongcui Palace, when His Majesty was considering the First Prince's placement, he had eliminated her first.
His Majesty guarded against her like a thief. How could he remember they were husband and wife who had bowed together at the wedding ceremony?
The Empress stroked her abdomen. She was different from Consort Shu. Shu's very bones were damaged, preventing pregnancy. The Empress had conceived once, but back then she and His Majesty were both young and unaware, and she'd miscarried before they even realized.
But now, after all these years, the Empress's womb had shown no signs of life. She'd been examined repeatedly, the imperial physicians all said nothing was wrong, and there was nothing unusual in her chambers.
The Empress knew that though His Majesty once feared she might harm the First Prince and had guarded against her, imperial succession valued legitimate sons. So however much he might be wary, he would never prevent her from conceiving.
In fact, just to be certain, she had even had her mother bring palace physicians from outside for examinations. No matter how thorough the checks, no problems were found. His Majesty knew all this. Whatever his inner thoughts, he'd never obstructed her.
The Empress's lips twisted. Perhaps heaven was punishing her past carelessness, refusing to grant her another child.
The Empress wearily released her hand. Thinking of imperial heirs finally reminded her of someone:
"What has Lin Měirén been doing lately?"
Muqiu relaxed and quickly said: " Lin Měirén has been quietly staying in Cuizhu Pavilion these days."
The Empress snorted coldly:
"She's been too quiet! When she entered the palace, His Majesty bestowed the rank of Měirén on three women. Look, who in this harem even remembers her now?"
Beauty Lin was Her Majesty's full blood sister. Though the Empress had complicated feelings about Lin entering the palace, when mentioning her there was still an element of disappointment in her voice. So Muqiu dared not respond.
The Empress closed her eyes, feeling utterly exhausted. Her younger sister had her own small schemes. Pampered by their parents at home, she seemed gentle and virtuous but harbored her own pride.
But such petty calculations were nothing in the harem. After entering the palace and sharing His Majesty's bed a few times without leaving any impression on his heart, she must feel deeply frustrated. Unable to stand out, she had sunk into silence.
Still, she was her full sister. The Empress had no desire to make her suffer. These past days of leaving her alone were meant to temper her character. Though she seemed to ignore her, the Empress hadn't reduced her allowances one bit.
The Empress calculated the time. After these months, Lin should understand the harem wouldn't indulge her whims. The Empress tiredly raised her hand to massage her temples:
"Go tell her, Concubine Zhou is out of favor, Miao Měirén is with child. In this palace now, only Consort Shu and Concubine Gu stand out. If she truly wants to advance, she must seize this opportunity herself!"
Worried Beauty Lin wouldn't understand, the Empress had to spell it out for her.
The New Year's Eve ancestral rites were always grand affairs. Gu Han finally saw His Majesty today.
Lu Yu wore his ceremonial robes, the beaded curtain of his crown half-veiling his face. The Hanyu Dynasty revered black and yellow, his robes were deep black, embroidered in gold thread with five-clawed dragons at the waist, lending him extraordinary nobility. Unlike his usual demeanor in the harem, his expression was distant, keeping others at arm's length.
As a mere fourth-rank concubine, Gu Han wasn't qualified to attend the ancestral rites. She stood at the palace gate with the other concubines, respectfully watching His Majesty and the Empress depart side by side. After a long moment, she rose to return to Changchun Pavilion.
Today was New Year's Eve, there would be a banquet tonight. Nothing could be overlooked.
But just as she reached the Imperial Garden, Gu Han was stopped. She turned to see Concubine Zhou and raised an eyebrow in puzzlement:
"What is it?"
After a month of recovery, the scar on Zhou's cheek had long since healed, otherwise she wouldn't be appearing outside Changning Court. Zhou hurried toward her, complaining softly:
"Why are you walking so fast? I called you several times."
Zhou had chased after Gu Han and was slightly breathless. Gu Han raised an eyebrow almost imperceptibly, waiting for her to continue.
Zhou said somewhat awkwardly: "Changchun Pavilion and Changning Court aren't far apart. Let me walk back with you."
Gu Han was rather speechless.
So Zhou had specifically stopped her just to walk back together?
Gu Han didn't understand why, but said nothing. Since they were escorting His Majesty to the ancestral rites, none of them had taken palanquins. Zhou glanced behind Gu Han and raised an eyebrow in surprise:
"Rong Bǎolín isn't following you around today?"
Walking alongside her, Gu Han knew Zhou disliked Rong Bǎolín and shook her head: "Changchun Pavilion and Wanxi Palace aren't on the same route."
Moreover, Gu Han subtly glanced at Zhou. If she knew that Rong Bǎolín might have been behind her injury that day, this dislike would likely turn to hatred.
Zhou snorted lightly but didn't want to discuss Rong Bǎolín. The two were chatting when they encountered Concubine Chen.
All three froze.
Gu Han's expression cooled. Zhou had heard about the incident at Rongcui Palace, she had her own sources. Seeing Gu Han's cold reaction, she immediately frowned. Zhou had always been forthright in her likes and dislikes, and wasn't intimidated by Chen having the First Prince. She snorted disdainfully:
"First thing in the morning, what rotten luck!"
Gu Han raised an eyebrow in surprise, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh.
Since entering the prince's mansion, Concubine Chen had always been treated with utmost respect. When had she ever suffered such indignity? Her face immediately darkened: "Impudent!"
Zhou couldn't be bothered to indulge her. She rolled her eyes and sneered:
"Concubine Chen seems to have forgotten her position. Still think you're the high and mighty Consort Chen?”
Concubine Chen trembled with rage, biting out: "Even demoted to concubine, this Palace shares your rank. How dare you insult this Palace so?!"
Zhou laughed mockingly:
"You know you're only a concubine now, yet still use 'this Palace'? Wait until I tell the Empress, she'll charge you with flouting palace regulations!"
Chen habitually referred to herself as "this Palace", it wasn't something she could change overnight. Caught on this point by Zhou, she was struck speechless.
Gu Han held Zhou back. Zhou looked at her suspiciously and whispered:
"You're not going to play the saint again, are you?"
Gu Han felt bemused. What kind of person did Zhou think she was?
But this wasn't the time to ask or defend herself. She stopped Zhou only to say coolly to Concubine Chen:
"Today is different from the past. Concubine Chen should remember her position well. Now the three of us are equal in rank. Zhou and I will pretend we didn't hear your slip today, but in future, if you offend your superiors, it won't go well."
Every word was gentle and light, but all revolved around "position," stabbing viciously at Chen's heart. Her face turned dark and livid.
But neither woman present feared her. Having said her piece, Gu Han pulled Zhou along:
"We still need to prepare for tonight's banquet. Are you going to waste more time with her?"
That phrase "waste time" made Concubine Chen's face alternate between red and white, nearly losing control of her emotions. Jiachun kept pulling her back from behind.
But Zhou laughed delightedly, feeling refreshed. She raised her eyebrows at Concubine Chen and called out loudly:
"You're right, we needn't waste our time here."
The two bypassed Concubine Chen and left along the path. Once Chen was out of sight, Zhou studied Gu Han. Gu Han looked up as if puzzled. Zhou awkwardly looked away, huffing softly:
"You seemed quite spirited today. That's how it should be, so people won't climb over your head to bully you.”
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