———
~ Please support this site by disabling your ad-blocker...
______
Hello, lovely readers! ^^
Sorry for the interruption, but we'd like you to help with a tiny request. It'd mean a lot to us if you're willing to spare 3 minutes to help with this poll on Ko-fi telling us what series brings you/which you read mostly on this site. Here's the link - https://ko-fi.com/polls/What-series-do-you-enjoy-the-most-on-our-site-Or-A0A71UA533 Thanks in advance! Bless you all. đź’—
Chapter 40
Upon hearing the words "Grand Tutor's wife," Gu Han's expression suddenly changed.
The Marquis's wife didn't understand why, but seeing her daughter like this, her heart also sank: "Is something amiss?"
Incense and charcoal fire burned in the hall. For a moment, the hall was so quiet only the sound of sparks from the charcoal basin remained. Jiu Si hadn't yet reacted, but Jiu Nian and Xiao Fangzi exchanged glances, both sensing something was wrong.
Rongcui Hall and Changchun Pavilion weren't close. Logically speaking, if only going to the palace gates to meet someone, the two parties couldn't possibly encounter each other.
Breakfast was nearly cold, but not a single person in the hall cared. Gu Han didn't conceal the furrow in her delicate brows. She asked in a deep voice: "Mother, did you have any physical contact with the Grand Tutor's wife?"
The Marquis's wife's heart sank to the bottom. She knew she had probably caused trouble for her daughter. She said in a low voice:
"Upon arrival, I happened to see the Grand Tutor's wife fall in front of me. The old lady is of such high virtue and respect, having seen it, I naturally couldn't stand by and do nothing."
Gu Han's eyes grew even more serious, but now wasn't the time to think about these things. She first needed to know what exactly Rongcui Hall was trying to do?!
Gu Han's gaze fell on the maidservant Mother had brought in:
"Qiaocui, check if there's anything wrong with Mother."
Qiaocui was a maidservant from the Marquis's household. Two years ago when Mother's health wasn't good, Qiaocui had followed Aunt Song to learn some medical skills. She studied more seriously than Jiu'er and could be put to use.
Mother's daily food, clothing, and living were all managed by Qiaocui. She probably understood what was on Mother better than Mother herself. Qiaocui also knew the gravity of the situation. She immediately examined all items on Madam's person.
As Gu Han watched Qiaocui examine, she didn't forget to ask Jiu Si: "Who from Rongcui Hall went to meet the old lady?"
Jiu Si shook her head:
"This servant doesn't recognize her, but she's definitely not Xia Qiao who attends Miao Měirén."
Xiao Fangzi at the side said: "This servant should know who she is. Miao Měirén recently promoted a new palace maid to attend her, called Fangle. If this servant hasn't guessed wrong, the one who went to meet the old lady should be her."
Gu Han concealed that trace of coldness in her eyes. She was extremely vexed. What should have been a good day reuniting with Mother had been completely ruined.
She naturally couldn't blame Mother. The old lady held a first-rank appointment. Given the scenario Mother described, even if she herself had been present and witnessed the old lady fall with her own eyes, she couldn't possibly have stood by and done nothing.
Involving Miao Měirén, Gu Han could only think of one thing, someone wanted to harm the imperial heir in Miao Měirén's womb again.
Gu Han even somewhat blamed Miao Měirén. Couldn't she have a bit of sense?!
Gu Han irritably pressed her temples. Qiaocui had finally finished examining. She untied the sachet fastened on Madam and sniffed it at her nose. Soon, she frowned:
"The sachet this servant prepared for Madam today contained plum blossom petals dried just yesterday. But now this sachet doesn't only have the scent of plum blossoms."
Gu Han raised her hand to take it. She had always been rather sensitive to scents. On the sachet was a very faint sweet, fresh fragrance. Her brows and eyes grew completely cold: "It's safflower."
Qiaocui nodded gravely.
The hall fell silent for a moment. The Marquis's wife's face turned iron blue. She never imagined that just entering the palace once would actually cause trouble for her daughter:
"It's Mother who wasn't careful. What should we do now?"
Gu Han stared at the sachet, nearly laughing in anger. Safflower had always had abortifacient properties. Unless Miao Meiren had gone mad, she absolutely wouldn't harm herself.
Regarding who was behind this, Gu Han had her suspicions.
In this harem, who had the means to plant people in Rongcui Hall yet acted so clumsily, how many could there be?
Gu Han turned to look at Xiao Fangzi, her gaze urgent:
"Check whether Fangle has had contact with Xianleng Palace recently. How long will you need?"
Deducing the culprit from evidence was difficult, but deducing evidence from the culprit was much easier.
Meeting his mistress's gaze, Xiao Fangzi knew she was truly angry. He bowed respectfully: "Just checking this one point, half an hour is sufficient."
Gu Han had him investigate, then instructed Jiu Nian and Jiu Si:
"Go summon His Majesty and the imperial physician!"
Hearing this, the Marquis's wife frowned almost imperceptibly but said nothing. Only after Jiu Si and Jiu Nian withdrew did she lower her voice: "Regarding Miao Měirén's pregnancy, what are your thoughts?"
News of Miao Měirén's pregnancy had long been known outside the palace. The Marquis of Rongyang's household was naturally no exception.
After a pause, the Marquis's wife said:
"If you have the ability to clear suspicion, why not wait—"
Gu Han guessed what Mother wanted to say and looked up to interrupt her. She scanned the hall to ensure there were no outsiders before shaking her head at Mother:
"I know Mother's meaning. But for me, preserving this pregnancy is far more... useful than…"
Gu Han paused, not saying those two words.
Moreover, she probably wasn't the only one in the palace who thought this way. For Miao Měirén to peacefully nurture her pregnancy in the hall for four months, when even those attending her might be from other palaces, yet no accidents occurred, how could it be Miao Měirén's achievement alone?
Many people wanted Miao Měirén to give birth to this child, and most were people with foundations in the palace.
The Marquis's wife wasn't stupid. She simply didn't know the palace situation. Seeing Gu Han say this, she said no more, lest she add to her daughter's troubles. Thinking of her two daughters, she couldn't help sighing quietly:
"You've suffered."
The elder daughter had died of illness, but the younger daughter was implicated by the elder daughter's arranged marriage and had no choice but to enter the palace.
Before entering the palace, the Marquis's wife had always heard that her younger daughter was quite favored, even the servants at the palace gates treated her very well. She had felt somewhat reassured. But who knew that barely half an hour after entering the palace, what happened was like a blow to the head, immediately jolting her awake.
Even that bit of space in the Marquis's household, the rear courtyard couldn't stay peaceful. How much more so in these deep palace red walls?
Days of worry surfaced. The Marquis's wife couldn't help her eyes growing moist. She patted the back of Gu Han's hand:
"The household doesn't need you to strive for wealth and honor. As long as you're safe and sound, that's better than anything."
Gu Han leaned against her shoulder, also feeling her nose tingle with sourness. She recalled these half-year since entering the palace. It seemed a smooth journey, but speaking in detail, when had she suffered injuries at home?
During Mid-Autumn, she had injured her bone and truly lay in bed for three months. When first injured, she couldn't even turn over. Just raising her hand made her entire body tremble with pain. Others envied her promotion, but only Mother and the others would feel distressed about her injuries.
On the other side, Jiu Nian and Jiu Si headed separately toward Yangxin Hall and the Imperial Medical Bureau.
Before Yangxin Hall, Liu An was holding butter tea, having just taken a sip. Seeing Jiu Nian from afar, he clicked his tongue in wonder. Changchun Pavilion never visited the Three Treasures Hall without cause. He quickly set down his cup, taking his whisk and going forward to greet her:
"Oh, why has Miss Jiu Nian come personally?"
Jiu Nian's face was grave and difficult: "Trouble Gonggong to report, our mistress requests His Majesty make a trip."
Liu An noticed her expression was wrong. Without delay, he turned and pushed open the hall door. Outside, Jiu Nian's heart kept repeating: hurry.
Lu Yu was handling government affairs. When Liu An relayed Jiu Nian's words, Lu Yu only raised his eyes slightly:
"She just saw the Marquis's wife. She can still think of me?"
Liu An pretended not to hear the unreliability in the Emperor's words, saying respectfully: "This servant observed that Miss Jiu Nian seemed extremely anxious."
Lu Yu still valued Gu Han. Hearing this, he didn't have Jiu Nian enter the hall but directly set down his brush and rose:
"Go see."
When he saw Jiu Nian with his own eyes, Lu Yu realized things seemed different from what he'd thought. His eyes darkened. Not letting Jiu Nian waste time explaining, he directly boarded the sedan chair.
When Lu Yu arrived at Changchun Pavilion, he was immediately met with the woman's eyes nearly red with anger. The Marquis's wife was still present. Lu Yu only habitually stepped forward to support her, but Gu Han grasped his sleeve and knelt on the ground.
Lu Yu realized the matter wasn't simple, but in this freezing cold, the woman had only recently recovered from injury. Lu Yu couldn't possibly let her kneel outside the hall like this.
The Marquis's wife also knelt behind. Lu Yu frowned, bending to help the woman up:
"Rise first."
Gu Han shook her head. Her eyes were red with anger, her lips tightly bitten: "I beg Your Majesty to give your concubine justice!"
Seeing her like this, Lu Yu wanted to scold her as usual, but with the Marquis's wife present, he had to restrain himself somewhat, saying in a deep voice:
"Get up. Go inside to talk."
Knowing the woman was particularly stubborn at certain times, Lu Yu's gaze passed over her, directly falling on the Marquis's wife: "Madam should also rise."
Gu Han seemed only then to remember Mother was also there. She bit her lip and barely rose. But upon entering the hall, she knelt down again. Lu Yu watched with an aching forehead, only able to ask her:
"What exactly happened to make you so angry?"
Even when someone had poisoned the hall, she had only quietly waited for him to handle it. Lu Yu couldn't think what matter could make her angry like this.
Lu Yu inconspicuously scanned the hand gripping his sleeve, it trembled somewhat with anger. Lu Yu truly feared she'd anger herself into harm.
Gu Han's eyes reddened before she even raised her head. She lowered her head to wipe away tears before speaking:
"Your concubine has already sent the imperial physician to Rongcui Hall. I also request Your Majesty send someone."
Mentioning Rongcui Hall, the emotion in Lu Yu's eyes immediately became unfathomably dark. He gave the woman another look before turning to nod at Liu An, indicating he should make the trip.
Lu Yu sat down, continuing to listen to Gu Han speak:
"Today your concubine sent someone to the palace gates to meet Mother. But it took too long on the way. After returning, your concubine heard Mother encountered the old lady from the Grand Tutor's household."
Speaking to this point, Gu Han paused. She looked up at Lu Yu before continuing: "Miao Měirén is carrying an imperial heir. Involving Miao Měirén, your concubine must be cautious in all matters. Moreover, Rongcui Hall and Changchun Pavilion aren't on the same route. How could Mother encounter the old lady?"
Lu Yu knew why she paused. As she said, Miao Měirén was carrying an imperial heir, precious, but also representing trouble.
No wonder she was so careful.
"Your concubine became suspicious. Fortunately, Mother's maidservant has studied medicine for two years. This examination shocked your concubine!"
She gripped her handkerchief tightly. The usually extremely gentle person, just mentioning this matter, her expression showed unconcealed fury. Gu Han presented the sachet. Lu Yu took it, indicating she should continue.
Gu Han bit her lip, saying hoarsely:
"This sachet was originally Mother's personal item. But now it's been tainted with safflower!"
The Marquis's wife said at the right time: "I hope Your Majesty will investigate clearly. No matter how bold this subject's wife might be, she couldn't possibly be so audacious as to plot against an imperial heir."
Lu Yu held that sachet, his expression sinking coldly. Now he finally knew why Gu Han was so angry. With great difficulty obtaining his favor to see family, before even speaking, this kind of thing happened.
If others harmed her, that would be one thing. But implicating this matter with her mother, as a filial child, she absolutely couldn't endure it.
Gu Han lowered her eyelids slightly. Tears silently fell to the ground. She hid herself, not letting anyone discover her loss of composure, but anyone could hear that suppressed sobbing tone:
"As children, unable to attend at Mother's knee, this is already unfilial. Now because of your concubine, Mother is implicated in this disaster. If we hadn't discovered the sachet's abnormality in time, your concubine dares not imagine what would have happened!"
Lu Yu moved to help her up, but she kowtowed first:
"I beg Your Majesty to give your concubine and Mother justice."
"Safflower has always had abortifacient properties. Whether that person wanted to frame Mother or frame your concubine, just the point of wanting to harm the imperial heir shows their vicious intentions. Moreover, if it were merely harem rivalry, that would be one thing. But now involving court officials' womenfolk, if word spreads—"
Gu Han bit her lip into silence. She turned her face to wipe away tears, swallowing the latter half of her words.
But even so, Lu Yu heard her unfinished meaning. Involving imperial family reputation, even Lu Yu had to care. He glanced at the woman's tear-reddened eyes. She never liked to cry. Precisely because of this, Lu Yu increasingly understood the resentment in her heart.
He gave Gu Han no chance to refuse, directly pulling her up. Lu Yu looked toward the Marquis's wife:
"I've made Madam witness something embarrassing. Please sit quietly in this palace for a few hours."
The Marquis's wife naturally couldn't refuse.
The imperial carriage was positioned at Changchun Pavilion. Lu Yu left with Gu Han.
The Marquis's wife watched the two walk away, her gaze falling on their clasped hands. After a long while, she sighed with an unsettled heart, yet didn't know what she was sighing about. If Han'er had married into an ordinary family, seeing this scene, she would naturally be full of joy.
But Han'er had entered the deep palace courtyards. The Marquis's wife's heart held only worry.
******
In Rongcui Hall.
When Miao Měirén learned it was Grandmother coming, beyond surprise, only joy remained. She was the legitimate eldest daughter of the family, receiving instruction at Grandmother's side for many years. Their grandmother-granddaughter affection was deep. Grandmother had long stopped managing household affairs. To personally come to the palace now, she probably also worried about her.
The old lady was advanced in years but still quite hale. As soon as Miao Měirén saw her, tears fell without warning.
The old lady was startled, first distressed, then paused. She frowned, scanning the hall. When Miao Měirén first entered the palace, she was the highest-ranked new consort. This Rongcui Hall was naturally very good, refined everywhere. After becoming pregnant, people in the palace dared not neglect her even more.
With just one glance, the old lady knew her granddaughter lived well in the palace. The granddaughter's eyes reddened, she only assumed it was timidity near home. After entering the hall, when other palace servants had all been dismissed and Miao Měirén still threw herself into her arms weeping bitterly, only then did the old lady feel something was wrong:
"What's the matter with Měirén? Have you been wronged in the palace?"
With no outsiders in the palace, Miao Měirén spoke in bits and pieces about her grievances. Finally, her voice lowered:
"...Did this child come too early?"
The old lady's expression changed drastically. She glanced around, her voice stern: "Měirén, watch your words! Such confused talk, don't say it again in the future!"
Miao Měirén was startled, but soon came to her senses. She turned her face away, her eyes reddening as she bit back words.
It was at this moment that Jiu Si arrived at Rongcui Hall leading the physician.
Hearing the announcement, Miao Měirén finally regained reason. Knowing Jiu Si's purpose, she felt somewhat offended. Her emotions cooled:
"When has Rongcui Hall needed her to summon a physician?"
The old lady frowned imperceptibly. With a woman from their household in the palace, the Grand Tutor's household naturally paid attention to palace matters and knew who Gu Pin was. She couldn't help recalling encountering the Marquis's wife on the way. She stopped Miao Měirén, shaking her head:
"Let her enter."
Miao Měirén didn't understand but knew Grandmother wouldn't harm her. Though unwilling, she still had Jiu Si bring in the physician.
Jiu Si stopped very far from Miao Měirén, respectfully performing a bow. Before Miao Měirén could inquire, she first stated her purpose:
"Mistress instructed this servant to summon a physician for Miao Měirén."
Miao Meiren listened in complete confusion, frowning: "What does Gu Pin mean by this?"
As she spoke, she didn't notice that Fangle beside her had suddenly changed expression upon seeing Jiu Si. Though she concealed it quickly, Jiu Si, who had been watching her, immediately noticed. She said quickly:
"Miao Měirén had best distance herself from this palace servant beside her, and from the old lady as well."
Miao Měirén's heart had always held some hidden reservations about Gu Han. Hearing Jiu Si's somewhat discourteous words, she immediately became somewhat angry. Perhaps from emotional agitation, she only felt her lower abdomen cramping with pain:
"How dare you!"
Jiu Si noticed something was wrong with her and immediately moved to have the physician step forward, but how could Miao Měirén dare use someone she brought?
Miao Meiren looked at the physician warily. Jiu Si cursed her in her heart for not recognizing good intentions, but was somewhat helpless about this situation. Fortunately, at this moment, Liu An finally arrived. Seeing the scene, his expression changed drastically:
"What are you all standing there for? Physician, quickly examine Měirén!"
Liu An sometimes represented the Emperor himself. No matter how slow, Miao Měirén knew something she didn't know about must have happened. With Liu An here, though she still felt uneasy, she finally allowed the physician to approach.
Seeing her granddaughter's face pale with pain, cold sweat dripping, the old lady instinctively wanted to step forward. But before she could move, that statement Jiu Si had made earlier surfaced in her mind. She forcibly stopped herself, turned her head, and asked Jiu Si gravely:
"You brought people here. You must know something. You told this old body not to approach Měirén, is there something wrong with this old body?"
Jiu Si was at her wit's end. How would she know?
She could only speak truthfully: "Today Madam entered the palace to visit Mistress. But after encountering the old lady on the way, her sachet gained the scent of safflower. As a precaution, Mistress immediately sent this servant to summon a physician."
Having said this, Jiu Si looked toward the inner hall. Recalling the Mid-Autumn incident, she couldn't help curling her lip:
"But who knew some people wouldn't recognize good intentions!"
Hearing this, Xia Qiao glared at her in embarrassed anger. Jiu Si wasn't intimidated by her. She rolled her eyes, saying in a "small voice" everyone could hear:
"If my mistress wanted to harm her, she wouldn't have saved her at the Mid-Autumn banquet."
The old lady, at her advanced age, felt somewhat embarrassed by these words. Setting aside today's matter, previously they did indeed owe Changchun Pavilion a debt of gratitude.
Liu An clicked his tongue. Gu Pin was favored, Miao Měirén pregnant, caught in the middle, he felt this was especially difficult to deal with. Helping either side was wrong. He could only pretend not to hear.
Rongcui Hall was in chaos. Jiu Si didn't forget to keep close watch on Fangle. She told Liu An:
"Liu Gonggong, quickly apprehend this servant! She's the one who caused this!"
The accused Fangle looked completely confused. Before she could cry out her innocence, Liu An had already had people restrain her. As for whether she was wronged? They'd discuss it when the Emperor arrived.
The commotion at Rongcui Hall wasn't small. People in the harem received news and quickly rushed toward Rongcui Hall.
Changchun Pavilion was far away. By the time Gu Han and the Emperor arrived, they happened to encounter Rong BÇŽolĂn who had rushed over. Rong BÇŽolĂn was startled and hurriedly bowed, but neither of them had the mind to acknowledge her.
Rong Baolin's eyelashes trembled imperceptibly. She silently rose and followed.
As soon as Gu Han stepped into Rongcui Hall, she heard moans of pain from the inner hall. Gu Han's expression changed. She had specifically sent someone to summon a physician first, was she still too late?
Lu Yu's expression also darkened.
Gu Han didn't know how much tenderness he held for Miao Měirén, but one thing was certain, the Emperor must value the imperial heir.
After entering the hall, Gu Han first looked at Jiu Si, her delicate brows tightly furrowed:
"What happened?"
Jiu Si looked aggrieved: "This servant followed Mistress's instructions, not daring to delay a moment, bringing the physician to Rongcui Hall. But Miao Měirén wouldn't listen to this servant at all. She even suspected this servant had ulterior motives. Even when physically unwell, she still refused to use the physician this servant brought."
Her good intentions unappreciated, how could she not feel wronged?
Hearing this, Gu Han could only fall silent. She could understand Miao Měirén's caution, but it didn't prevent her from thinking Miao Meiren's pregnancy had made her stupid. If she wanted to harm her, how could she do it so openly?
She seemed to instinctively look toward the Emperor, then paused. She lowered her eyelids slightly, pulling her lips into a soft voice:
"Miao Měirén being cautious is appropriate. Your concubine's consideration was incomplete, nearly backfiring."
Lu Yu interrupted her: "It's not your fault. That you could immediately send someone to summon a physician was already very good."
Compared to everyone else, even knowing what would happen at Rongcui Hall, they would probably only watch coldly. Who would ungratefully summon a physician for Rongcui Hall like she did?
As for Miao Měirén, when she first entered the palace, Lu Yu had also thought her proper. But since becoming pregnant, the several things she had done all left Lu Yu quite speechless. When she should be cautious, she didn't know caution. When she shouldn't be cautious, she was more cautious than anyone.
The Empress arrived late. She drew her cloak, scanned the hall, and approached the Emperor:
"What happened?”
Lu Yu's face was cold. The Empress paused, naturally letting her gaze fall on Gu Han. Gu Han only shook her head. But what surprised the Empress was that the corners of Gu Pin's eyes were somewhat red, as if she had just cried.
The Empress concealed the fleeting thoughtfulness in her eyes.
Just then, Consort Chen and Consort Shu entered together. Lu Yu looked up, his gaze directly fixed on Consort Chen. Consort Chen had just entered and looked toward the inner hall. But Consort Shu always only cared about the Emperor, not paying attention to others. Therefore, she immediately noticed this point and inconspicuously distanced herself from Consort Chen.
When Consort Chen came to her senses, she unexpectedly met the Emperor's gaze. She was startled. Not having seen the Emperor in so long, but at this time, she felt no joy. She pulled at the corner of her mouth:
"Why is Your Majesty looking at your concubine like this?"
As she spoke, she raised her hand to touch her cheek.
Being in the midst of this, Gu Han couldn't help finding it strange. Although she also suspected today's matter was Consort Chen's doing, the Emperor's appearance seemed he was also suspecting Consort Chen?
Gu Han gripped the handkerchief in her sleeve tightly. She looked toward Xiao Fangzi, who had appeared at the hall entrance at some unknown time. Xiao Fangzi nodded at her almost imperceptibly.
Gu Han lowered her eyelids slightly. She kept repeating the two characters "Consort Chen" in her heart, as if containing bone-chilling coldness
~ Please support this site by disabling your ad-blocker...
______
Hello, lovely readers! ^^
Sorry for the interruption, but we'd like you to help with a tiny request. It'd mean a lot to us if you're willing to spare 3 minutes to help with this poll on Ko-fi telling us what series brings you/which you read mostly on this site. Here's the link - https://ko-fi.com/polls/What-series-do-you-enjoy-the-most-on-our-site-Or-A0A71UA533 Thanks in advance! Bless you all. đź’—
Chapter 40
Upon hearing the words "Grand Tutor's wife," Gu Han's expression suddenly changed.
The Marquis's wife didn't understand why, but seeing her daughter like this, her heart also sank: "Is something amiss?"
Incense and charcoal fire burned in the hall. For a moment, the hall was so quiet only the sound of sparks from the charcoal basin remained. Jiu Si hadn't yet reacted, but Jiu Nian and Xiao Fangzi exchanged glances, both sensing something was wrong.
Rongcui Hall and Changchun Pavilion weren't close. Logically speaking, if only going to the palace gates to meet someone, the two parties couldn't possibly encounter each other.
Breakfast was nearly cold, but not a single person in the hall cared. Gu Han didn't conceal the furrow in her delicate brows. She asked in a deep voice: "Mother, did you have any physical contact with the Grand Tutor's wife?"
The Marquis's wife's heart sank to the bottom. She knew she had probably caused trouble for her daughter. She said in a low voice:
"Upon arrival, I happened to see the Grand Tutor's wife fall in front of me. The old lady is of such high virtue and respect, having seen it, I naturally couldn't stand by and do nothing."
Gu Han's eyes grew even more serious, but now wasn't the time to think about these things. She first needed to know what exactly Rongcui Hall was trying to do?!
Gu Han's gaze fell on the maidservant Mother had brought in:
"Qiaocui, check if there's anything wrong with Mother."
Qiaocui was a maidservant from the Marquis's household. Two years ago when Mother's health wasn't good, Qiaocui had followed Aunt Song to learn some medical skills. She studied more seriously than Jiu'er and could be put to use.
Mother's daily food, clothing, and living were all managed by Qiaocui. She probably understood what was on Mother better than Mother herself. Qiaocui also knew the gravity of the situation. She immediately examined all items on Madam's person.
As Gu Han watched Qiaocui examine, she didn't forget to ask Jiu Si: "Who from Rongcui Hall went to meet the old lady?"
Jiu Si shook her head:
"This servant doesn't recognize her, but she's definitely not Xia Qiao who attends Miao Měirén."
Xiao Fangzi at the side said: "This servant should know who she is. Miao Měirén recently promoted a new palace maid to attend her, called Fangle. If this servant hasn't guessed wrong, the one who went to meet the old lady should be her."
Gu Han concealed that trace of coldness in her eyes. She was extremely vexed. What should have been a good day reuniting with Mother had been completely ruined.
She naturally couldn't blame Mother. The old lady held a first-rank appointment. Given the scenario Mother described, even if she herself had been present and witnessed the old lady fall with her own eyes, she couldn't possibly have stood by and done nothing.
Involving Miao Měirén, Gu Han could only think of one thing, someone wanted to harm the imperial heir in Miao Měirén's womb again.
Gu Han even somewhat blamed Miao Měirén. Couldn't she have a bit of sense?!
Gu Han irritably pressed her temples. Qiaocui had finally finished examining. She untied the sachet fastened on Madam and sniffed it at her nose. Soon, she frowned:
"The sachet this servant prepared for Madam today contained plum blossom petals dried just yesterday. But now this sachet doesn't only have the scent of plum blossoms."
Gu Han raised her hand to take it. She had always been rather sensitive to scents. On the sachet was a very faint sweet, fresh fragrance. Her brows and eyes grew completely cold: "It's safflower."
Qiaocui nodded gravely.
The hall fell silent for a moment. The Marquis's wife's face turned iron blue. She never imagined that just entering the palace once would actually cause trouble for her daughter:
"It's Mother who wasn't careful. What should we do now?"
Gu Han stared at the sachet, nearly laughing in anger. Safflower had always had abortifacient properties. Unless Miao Meiren had gone mad, she absolutely wouldn't harm herself.
Regarding who was behind this, Gu Han had her suspicions.
In this harem, who had the means to plant people in Rongcui Hall yet acted so clumsily, how many could there be?
Gu Han turned to look at Xiao Fangzi, her gaze urgent:
"Check whether Fangle has had contact with Xianleng Palace recently. How long will you need?"
Deducing the culprit from evidence was difficult, but deducing evidence from the culprit was much easier.
Meeting his mistress's gaze, Xiao Fangzi knew she was truly angry. He bowed respectfully: "Just checking this one point, half an hour is sufficient."
Gu Han had him investigate, then instructed Jiu Nian and Jiu Si:
"Go summon His Majesty and the imperial physician!"
Hearing this, the Marquis's wife frowned almost imperceptibly but said nothing. Only after Jiu Si and Jiu Nian withdrew did she lower her voice: "Regarding Miao Měirén's pregnancy, what are your thoughts?"
News of Miao Měirén's pregnancy had long been known outside the palace. The Marquis of Rongyang's household was naturally no exception.
After a pause, the Marquis's wife said:
"If you have the ability to clear suspicion, why not wait—"
Gu Han guessed what Mother wanted to say and looked up to interrupt her. She scanned the hall to ensure there were no outsiders before shaking her head at Mother:
"I know Mother's meaning. But for me, preserving this pregnancy is far more... useful than…"
Gu Han paused, not saying those two words.
Moreover, she probably wasn't the only one in the palace who thought this way. For Miao Měirén to peacefully nurture her pregnancy in the hall for four months, when even those attending her might be from other palaces, yet no accidents occurred, how could it be Miao Měirén's achievement alone?
Many people wanted Miao Měirén to give birth to this child, and most were people with foundations in the palace.
The Marquis's wife wasn't stupid. She simply didn't know the palace situation. Seeing Gu Han say this, she said no more, lest she add to her daughter's troubles. Thinking of her two daughters, she couldn't help sighing quietly:
"You've suffered."
The elder daughter had died of illness, but the younger daughter was implicated by the elder daughter's arranged marriage and had no choice but to enter the palace.
Before entering the palace, the Marquis's wife had always heard that her younger daughter was quite favored, even the servants at the palace gates treated her very well. She had felt somewhat reassured. But who knew that barely half an hour after entering the palace, what happened was like a blow to the head, immediately jolting her awake.
Even that bit of space in the Marquis's household, the rear courtyard couldn't stay peaceful. How much more so in these deep palace red walls?
Days of worry surfaced. The Marquis's wife couldn't help her eyes growing moist. She patted the back of Gu Han's hand:
"The household doesn't need you to strive for wealth and honor. As long as you're safe and sound, that's better than anything."
Gu Han leaned against her shoulder, also feeling her nose tingle with sourness. She recalled these half-year since entering the palace. It seemed a smooth journey, but speaking in detail, when had she suffered injuries at home?
During Mid-Autumn, she had injured her bone and truly lay in bed for three months. When first injured, she couldn't even turn over. Just raising her hand made her entire body tremble with pain. Others envied her promotion, but only Mother and the others would feel distressed about her injuries.
On the other side, Jiu Nian and Jiu Si headed separately toward Yangxin Hall and the Imperial Medical Bureau.
Before Yangxin Hall, Liu An was holding butter tea, having just taken a sip. Seeing Jiu Nian from afar, he clicked his tongue in wonder. Changchun Pavilion never visited the Three Treasures Hall without cause. He quickly set down his cup, taking his whisk and going forward to greet her:
"Oh, why has Miss Jiu Nian come personally?"
Jiu Nian's face was grave and difficult: "Trouble Gonggong to report, our mistress requests His Majesty make a trip."
Liu An noticed her expression was wrong. Without delay, he turned and pushed open the hall door. Outside, Jiu Nian's heart kept repeating: hurry.
Lu Yu was handling government affairs. When Liu An relayed Jiu Nian's words, Lu Yu only raised his eyes slightly:
"She just saw the Marquis's wife. She can still think of me?"
Liu An pretended not to hear the unreliability in the Emperor's words, saying respectfully: "This servant observed that Miss Jiu Nian seemed extremely anxious."
Lu Yu still valued Gu Han. Hearing this, he didn't have Jiu Nian enter the hall but directly set down his brush and rose:
"Go see."
When he saw Jiu Nian with his own eyes, Lu Yu realized things seemed different from what he'd thought. His eyes darkened. Not letting Jiu Nian waste time explaining, he directly boarded the sedan chair.
When Lu Yu arrived at Changchun Pavilion, he was immediately met with the woman's eyes nearly red with anger. The Marquis's wife was still present. Lu Yu only habitually stepped forward to support her, but Gu Han grasped his sleeve and knelt on the ground.
Lu Yu realized the matter wasn't simple, but in this freezing cold, the woman had only recently recovered from injury. Lu Yu couldn't possibly let her kneel outside the hall like this.
The Marquis's wife also knelt behind. Lu Yu frowned, bending to help the woman up:
"Rise first."
Gu Han shook her head. Her eyes were red with anger, her lips tightly bitten: "I beg Your Majesty to give your concubine justice!"
Seeing her like this, Lu Yu wanted to scold her as usual, but with the Marquis's wife present, he had to restrain himself somewhat, saying in a deep voice:
"Get up. Go inside to talk."
Knowing the woman was particularly stubborn at certain times, Lu Yu's gaze passed over her, directly falling on the Marquis's wife: "Madam should also rise."
Gu Han seemed only then to remember Mother was also there. She bit her lip and barely rose. But upon entering the hall, she knelt down again. Lu Yu watched with an aching forehead, only able to ask her:
"What exactly happened to make you so angry?"
Even when someone had poisoned the hall, she had only quietly waited for him to handle it. Lu Yu couldn't think what matter could make her angry like this.
Lu Yu inconspicuously scanned the hand gripping his sleeve, it trembled somewhat with anger. Lu Yu truly feared she'd anger herself into harm.
Gu Han's eyes reddened before she even raised her head. She lowered her head to wipe away tears before speaking:
"Your concubine has already sent the imperial physician to Rongcui Hall. I also request Your Majesty send someone."
Mentioning Rongcui Hall, the emotion in Lu Yu's eyes immediately became unfathomably dark. He gave the woman another look before turning to nod at Liu An, indicating he should make the trip.
Lu Yu sat down, continuing to listen to Gu Han speak:
"Today your concubine sent someone to the palace gates to meet Mother. But it took too long on the way. After returning, your concubine heard Mother encountered the old lady from the Grand Tutor's household."
Speaking to this point, Gu Han paused. She looked up at Lu Yu before continuing: "Miao Měirén is carrying an imperial heir. Involving Miao Měirén, your concubine must be cautious in all matters. Moreover, Rongcui Hall and Changchun Pavilion aren't on the same route. How could Mother encounter the old lady?"
Lu Yu knew why she paused. As she said, Miao Měirén was carrying an imperial heir, precious, but also representing trouble.
No wonder she was so careful.
"Your concubine became suspicious. Fortunately, Mother's maidservant has studied medicine for two years. This examination shocked your concubine!"
She gripped her handkerchief tightly. The usually extremely gentle person, just mentioning this matter, her expression showed unconcealed fury. Gu Han presented the sachet. Lu Yu took it, indicating she should continue.
Gu Han bit her lip, saying hoarsely:
"This sachet was originally Mother's personal item. But now it's been tainted with safflower!"
The Marquis's wife said at the right time: "I hope Your Majesty will investigate clearly. No matter how bold this subject's wife might be, she couldn't possibly be so audacious as to plot against an imperial heir."
Lu Yu held that sachet, his expression sinking coldly. Now he finally knew why Gu Han was so angry. With great difficulty obtaining his favor to see family, before even speaking, this kind of thing happened.
If others harmed her, that would be one thing. But implicating this matter with her mother, as a filial child, she absolutely couldn't endure it.
Gu Han lowered her eyelids slightly. Tears silently fell to the ground. She hid herself, not letting anyone discover her loss of composure, but anyone could hear that suppressed sobbing tone:
"As children, unable to attend at Mother's knee, this is already unfilial. Now because of your concubine, Mother is implicated in this disaster. If we hadn't discovered the sachet's abnormality in time, your concubine dares not imagine what would have happened!"
Lu Yu moved to help her up, but she kowtowed first:
"I beg Your Majesty to give your concubine and Mother justice."
"Safflower has always had abortifacient properties. Whether that person wanted to frame Mother or frame your concubine, just the point of wanting to harm the imperial heir shows their vicious intentions. Moreover, if it were merely harem rivalry, that would be one thing. But now involving court officials' womenfolk, if word spreads—"
Gu Han bit her lip into silence. She turned her face to wipe away tears, swallowing the latter half of her words.
But even so, Lu Yu heard her unfinished meaning. Involving imperial family reputation, even Lu Yu had to care. He glanced at the woman's tear-reddened eyes. She never liked to cry. Precisely because of this, Lu Yu increasingly understood the resentment in her heart.
He gave Gu Han no chance to refuse, directly pulling her up. Lu Yu looked toward the Marquis's wife:
"I've made Madam witness something embarrassing. Please sit quietly in this palace for a few hours."
The Marquis's wife naturally couldn't refuse.
The imperial carriage was positioned at Changchun Pavilion. Lu Yu left with Gu Han.
The Marquis's wife watched the two walk away, her gaze falling on their clasped hands. After a long while, she sighed with an unsettled heart, yet didn't know what she was sighing about. If Han'er had married into an ordinary family, seeing this scene, she would naturally be full of joy.
But Han'er had entered the deep palace courtyards. The Marquis's wife's heart held only worry.
******
In Rongcui Hall.
When Miao Měirén learned it was Grandmother coming, beyond surprise, only joy remained. She was the legitimate eldest daughter of the family, receiving instruction at Grandmother's side for many years. Their grandmother-granddaughter affection was deep. Grandmother had long stopped managing household affairs. To personally come to the palace now, she probably also worried about her.
The old lady was advanced in years but still quite hale. As soon as Miao Měirén saw her, tears fell without warning.
The old lady was startled, first distressed, then paused. She frowned, scanning the hall. When Miao Měirén first entered the palace, she was the highest-ranked new consort. This Rongcui Hall was naturally very good, refined everywhere. After becoming pregnant, people in the palace dared not neglect her even more.
With just one glance, the old lady knew her granddaughter lived well in the palace. The granddaughter's eyes reddened, she only assumed it was timidity near home. After entering the hall, when other palace servants had all been dismissed and Miao Měirén still threw herself into her arms weeping bitterly, only then did the old lady feel something was wrong:
"What's the matter with Měirén? Have you been wronged in the palace?"
With no outsiders in the palace, Miao Měirén spoke in bits and pieces about her grievances. Finally, her voice lowered:
"...Did this child come too early?"
The old lady's expression changed drastically. She glanced around, her voice stern: "Měirén, watch your words! Such confused talk, don't say it again in the future!"
Miao Měirén was startled, but soon came to her senses. She turned her face away, her eyes reddening as she bit back words.
It was at this moment that Jiu Si arrived at Rongcui Hall leading the physician.
Hearing the announcement, Miao Měirén finally regained reason. Knowing Jiu Si's purpose, she felt somewhat offended. Her emotions cooled:
"When has Rongcui Hall needed her to summon a physician?"
The old lady frowned imperceptibly. With a woman from their household in the palace, the Grand Tutor's household naturally paid attention to palace matters and knew who Gu Pin was. She couldn't help recalling encountering the Marquis's wife on the way. She stopped Miao Měirén, shaking her head:
"Let her enter."
Miao Měirén didn't understand but knew Grandmother wouldn't harm her. Though unwilling, she still had Jiu Si bring in the physician.
Jiu Si stopped very far from Miao Měirén, respectfully performing a bow. Before Miao Měirén could inquire, she first stated her purpose:
"Mistress instructed this servant to summon a physician for Miao Měirén."
Miao Meiren listened in complete confusion, frowning: "What does Gu Pin mean by this?"
As she spoke, she didn't notice that Fangle beside her had suddenly changed expression upon seeing Jiu Si. Though she concealed it quickly, Jiu Si, who had been watching her, immediately noticed. She said quickly:
"Miao Měirén had best distance herself from this palace servant beside her, and from the old lady as well."
Miao Měirén's heart had always held some hidden reservations about Gu Han. Hearing Jiu Si's somewhat discourteous words, she immediately became somewhat angry. Perhaps from emotional agitation, she only felt her lower abdomen cramping with pain:
"How dare you!"
Jiu Si noticed something was wrong with her and immediately moved to have the physician step forward, but how could Miao Měirén dare use someone she brought?
Miao Meiren looked at the physician warily. Jiu Si cursed her in her heart for not recognizing good intentions, but was somewhat helpless about this situation. Fortunately, at this moment, Liu An finally arrived. Seeing the scene, his expression changed drastically:
"What are you all standing there for? Physician, quickly examine Měirén!"
Liu An sometimes represented the Emperor himself. No matter how slow, Miao Měirén knew something she didn't know about must have happened. With Liu An here, though she still felt uneasy, she finally allowed the physician to approach.
Seeing her granddaughter's face pale with pain, cold sweat dripping, the old lady instinctively wanted to step forward. But before she could move, that statement Jiu Si had made earlier surfaced in her mind. She forcibly stopped herself, turned her head, and asked Jiu Si gravely:
"You brought people here. You must know something. You told this old body not to approach Měirén, is there something wrong with this old body?"
Jiu Si was at her wit's end. How would she know?
She could only speak truthfully: "Today Madam entered the palace to visit Mistress. But after encountering the old lady on the way, her sachet gained the scent of safflower. As a precaution, Mistress immediately sent this servant to summon a physician."
Having said this, Jiu Si looked toward the inner hall. Recalling the Mid-Autumn incident, she couldn't help curling her lip:
"But who knew some people wouldn't recognize good intentions!"
Hearing this, Xia Qiao glared at her in embarrassed anger. Jiu Si wasn't intimidated by her. She rolled her eyes, saying in a "small voice" everyone could hear:
"If my mistress wanted to harm her, she wouldn't have saved her at the Mid-Autumn banquet."
The old lady, at her advanced age, felt somewhat embarrassed by these words. Setting aside today's matter, previously they did indeed owe Changchun Pavilion a debt of gratitude.
Liu An clicked his tongue. Gu Pin was favored, Miao Měirén pregnant, caught in the middle, he felt this was especially difficult to deal with. Helping either side was wrong. He could only pretend not to hear.
Rongcui Hall was in chaos. Jiu Si didn't forget to keep close watch on Fangle. She told Liu An:
"Liu Gonggong, quickly apprehend this servant! She's the one who caused this!"
The accused Fangle looked completely confused. Before she could cry out her innocence, Liu An had already had people restrain her. As for whether she was wronged? They'd discuss it when the Emperor arrived.
The commotion at Rongcui Hall wasn't small. People in the harem received news and quickly rushed toward Rongcui Hall.
Changchun Pavilion was far away. By the time Gu Han and the Emperor arrived, they happened to encounter Rong BÇŽolĂn who had rushed over. Rong BÇŽolĂn was startled and hurriedly bowed, but neither of them had the mind to acknowledge her.
Rong Baolin's eyelashes trembled imperceptibly. She silently rose and followed.
As soon as Gu Han stepped into Rongcui Hall, she heard moans of pain from the inner hall. Gu Han's expression changed. She had specifically sent someone to summon a physician first, was she still too late?
Lu Yu's expression also darkened.
Gu Han didn't know how much tenderness he held for Miao Měirén, but one thing was certain, the Emperor must value the imperial heir.
After entering the hall, Gu Han first looked at Jiu Si, her delicate brows tightly furrowed:
"What happened?"
Jiu Si looked aggrieved: "This servant followed Mistress's instructions, not daring to delay a moment, bringing the physician to Rongcui Hall. But Miao Měirén wouldn't listen to this servant at all. She even suspected this servant had ulterior motives. Even when physically unwell, she still refused to use the physician this servant brought."
Her good intentions unappreciated, how could she not feel wronged?
Hearing this, Gu Han could only fall silent. She could understand Miao Měirén's caution, but it didn't prevent her from thinking Miao Meiren's pregnancy had made her stupid. If she wanted to harm her, how could she do it so openly?
She seemed to instinctively look toward the Emperor, then paused. She lowered her eyelids slightly, pulling her lips into a soft voice:
"Miao Měirén being cautious is appropriate. Your concubine's consideration was incomplete, nearly backfiring."
Lu Yu interrupted her: "It's not your fault. That you could immediately send someone to summon a physician was already very good."
Compared to everyone else, even knowing what would happen at Rongcui Hall, they would probably only watch coldly. Who would ungratefully summon a physician for Rongcui Hall like she did?
As for Miao Měirén, when she first entered the palace, Lu Yu had also thought her proper. But since becoming pregnant, the several things she had done all left Lu Yu quite speechless. When she should be cautious, she didn't know caution. When she shouldn't be cautious, she was more cautious than anyone.
The Empress arrived late. She drew her cloak, scanned the hall, and approached the Emperor:
"What happened?”
Lu Yu's face was cold. The Empress paused, naturally letting her gaze fall on Gu Han. Gu Han only shook her head. But what surprised the Empress was that the corners of Gu Pin's eyes were somewhat red, as if she had just cried.
The Empress concealed the fleeting thoughtfulness in her eyes.
Just then, Consort Chen and Consort Shu entered together. Lu Yu looked up, his gaze directly fixed on Consort Chen. Consort Chen had just entered and looked toward the inner hall. But Consort Shu always only cared about the Emperor, not paying attention to others. Therefore, she immediately noticed this point and inconspicuously distanced herself from Consort Chen.
When Consort Chen came to her senses, she unexpectedly met the Emperor's gaze. She was startled. Not having seen the Emperor in so long, but at this time, she felt no joy. She pulled at the corner of her mouth:
"Why is Your Majesty looking at your concubine like this?"
As she spoke, she raised her hand to touch her cheek.
Being in the midst of this, Gu Han couldn't help finding it strange. Although she also suspected today's matter was Consort Chen's doing, the Emperor's appearance seemed he was also suspecting Consort Chen?
Gu Han gripped the handkerchief in her sleeve tightly. She looked toward Xiao Fangzi, who had appeared at the hall entrance at some unknown time. Xiao Fangzi nodded at her almost imperceptibly.
Gu Han lowered her eyelids slightly. She kept repeating the two characters "Consort Chen" in her heart, as if containing bone-chilling coldness
Read only on https://royaltywrites.com.ng/
———–—————————————
Vote and leave a review for this series' translation here!
Appreciate the translator's hard work by Supporting us!
———–—————————————
Happy Valentine’s Day, dear readers đź’—
We know you have been waiting. Some of you have been checking for updates, hoping to see new chapters drop, and waiting patiently for almost 24 hours. We truly see you, and we appreciate you more than you know.
Thank you for staying with us even when updates are slow sometimes. Thank you for trusting us with your time, your excitement, and your love for these stories. It really means a lot to us.
Today is about love, and that includes the love you show us by reading, supporting, and sticking around. So we are posting mass chapters today, specially for you. We hope it makes your day a little brighter and gives you something sweet to escape into.
If our translations make you smile or help you relax even a little, your support helps us keep going and keep bringing you free content. Every donation, share, and kind word reminds us that what we do matters.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments
What's on your mind...