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What was all this about? Yi Xing and Yin Zhu were both dumbfounded, having no idea which palace rule they had broken to be seized so suddenly for questioning.
By then, Madam Shangyi Wu had caught wind of the situation and rushed over, standing outside the door. "Old sisters, give me the bottom line here. Why have you come to take someone in the dead of night?"
These Jingqi nannies were all old acquaintances. Whatever had happened, it was better to know the situation beforehand to form a plan. After all, if someone from the Bureau of Ceremonies had blundered, and if the situation grew grave enough to involve others, she wouldn't be able to escape the fallout herself.
But those Jingqi nannies were not easy to deal with. Although they had served alongside Madam Wu in the past, they now served different masters. Theirs was a mere nodding acquaintance, and a superficial politeness was all they were willing to give.
One of the nannies smiled thinly. "Madam Wu, having spent all these years in the palace, surely you know the rules of the various courts. We simply carry out the orders of our mistresses; we wouldn't dare pry into or leak private information. Perhaps it’s nothing serious—just calling her in for a few questions. She might even be sent back in a moment; you never know."
The nannies played a masterly game of Tai Chi, using a few vague words to justify leading the person away.
Yi Xing stepped in front of them. Though she knew it was likely futile, she had no other choice but to plead in a gentle voice. "Nannies, could there be some mistake? Yin Zhu is with me at all times. I can personally guarantee that she has done nothing out of line."
However, the nannies were in no mood for negotiation. Two thick-set, sturdy women stepped forward and hoisted Yin Zhu up like she was a little chick. Two others stood like temple guardians on either side of the door. The leader, a woman who looked quite formidable, shot Yi Xing a sideways glance and let out a sharp, drawn-out "Yo!"
"So, you’re the 'Old Auntie' of the Shang family? I’ve heard you’re a steady one, so don't go stirring up these muddy waters. Step aside. When the Palace of Eternal Harmony (Yonghe Gong) comes for someone, no one dares to block the way. We are just clumsy old hags; if we get careless and offend you, it’s you who will suffer the consequences."
As the two nannies dragged Yin Zhu toward the exit, Yi Xing panicked and grabbed Yin Zhu’s sleeve. "Good nannies, she and I are inseparable. If she’s done something wrong, I must bear half the blame. Please, take me with you. When we see the Noble Consort, I can help explain things for Yin Zhu."
The lead nanny sneered. "I didn't expect to find such a loyal girl in this place. In this harem, I’ve seen plenty of people dodging trouble, but I’ve never seen someone go looking for it. There are only three of you in this room. Since two of you are bundled together, then the other one..." She suddenly remembered something and gave a hollow laugh. "Isn't the other one Madam Wu’s goddaughter? No wonder Madam Wu is so anxious... We’ll wait for the Noble Consort’s instructions; perhaps there will be a time to invite Miss Han Zhen for questioning as well."
Finishing her piece, the lead nanny signaled with a wave of her hand. Two nannies marched Yin Zhu out, while the other two ducked into the room to search.
Yi Xing couldn't worry about anything else. Their pouches were cleaner than their faces anyway, so she wasn't afraid of losing anything. She followed closely behind to keep Yin Zhu’s heart at ease.
Yin Zhu, usually quite a fierce person, was now losing her composure. She stammered, "What did I do... I didn't commit a crime. Auntie, I walk straight and sit upright; I’ve never done anything against my conscience. You know me..."
Yi Xing reassured her, "I know. There must be some misunderstanding. Once we see the Noble Consort and explain everything, it will be fine."
She said the words, but in her heart, she was utterly uncertain. The palace gates were locked at this hour. To bring someone to the Palace of Eternal Harmony, they had to request keys for every single gate. If it weren't something major, it could have waited until tomorrow. Why the rush to escort her tonight? Furthermore, the ones who came were all Jingqi nannies—the type of people who could send you straight to the Department of Punishment. Ordinary palace folk would tremble at the sight of them. Yi Xing didn't say it aloud, but she weighed the situation in her mind: this time, the trouble might be more than they could handle.
The walk from the Right Gate of the Imperial Garden through the gardens to the Deyang Gate wasn't long, but it was enough to break out in a cold sweat. After dark, no lamps were lit in the narrow passages. They relied solely on a "wind-defying" lantern held by the leading nanny. The narrow circle of light shone upward from below, illuminating the nanny's face—a visage of furrowed, fleshy skin that looked like some old crone from the Halls of Yama, exuding a creepy, sinister aura.
Finally, they entered the main gate of the Palace of Eternal Harmony. The interior was brightly lit. Noble Consort Yu sat upon her throne, flanked by Consort Gong, Consort Yi, and the two Noble Ladies, Wanzhen and Qi. The three factions stood together, forming the formidable structure of a "triple-court trial."
The lead nanny bowed with her hands lowered. "Reporting to the High Ladies: Jiao Yin Zhu has been brought." With that, the two women shoved Yin Zhu into the center of the hall and retreated to the side.
Yi Xing dropped to her knees and crawled forward to support her. Yin Zhu was shaking like a candle in the wind, kowtowing against the seams of the gold-brick floor. "Noble Consort, this servant is wronged! I am wronged...!"
Someone above let out a snort, but the voice didn't belong to Noble Consort Yu. It was clearly the habitually provocative Consort Gong. "We haven't even said what this is about, and she’s already shouting 'wronged.' Whether this servant has a ghost in her heart, only the Heavens and the Bodhisattvas know."
Truly, Consort Gong was unreasonable. If a person felt they had done nothing wrong yet was seized for questioning, who in the world wouldn't be confused and cry out their innocence?
The Noble Consort’s features remained calm as she looked down. On the floor, the two "flowers" huddled together, giving off a distinct sense of mutual dependence.
She sighed and shifted her gaze from Yi Xing, speaking only to Yin Zhu. "This Consort asks you: what did you do today? Whom did you see? What did you say? Reflect carefully and give an honest account."
This kind of broad question was like asking how many grains of rice are in a bowl; it left one with no place to start.
Yin Zhu composed herself, forcing her mind to work. But after thinking for a long time, her head was still a mess. She said, "This servant followed Nanny Qin early this morning to the Zhongzheng Hall area to change the bamboo blinds. Halfway there, we encountered the Cobsorts and stood in the alley for a while. Then we entered the Chunhua Gate and worked until late afternoon before returning to the Bureau of Ceremonies with everyone else. After returning, I did needlework until dinner... This servant truly did nothing out of line. I beg the Lady to investigate clearly."
This response, however, drew a sneer from Consort Yi.
Consort Yi sat in a rosewood chair, wearing a gardenia-yellow surcoat with vine patterns over a crimson cloud-shoulder cape with interlocking ruyi designs. The vivid attire framed a face of utter indifference. She seemed to disdain even speaking to a servant and turned to the maid beside her. "Let her die with understanding."
The maid behind her complied with a "yes," stepped forward half a pace, and said, "This servant was ordered by my mistress today to go to the inner chamber of the Baohua Hall to offer incense. Just as I lit the incense, I heard a man and a woman speaking outside. The woman said, 'I hope you’ve been well,' and the man complained, 'You don't miss me.' They sounded like old acquaintances. I thought it was just palace maids and eunuchs chatting, but when I went out to look, I saw Jiao Yin Zhu and a Lama who was in the palace for the Buddhist services. I was shocked and went back to report to my mistress. The palace rules are extremely strict; how can a palace maid be allowed to dally with an outside man? Even though a Lama is a man of the cloth, he is still... not a eunuch. A palace servant should have avoided him, yet this Jiao Yin Zhu went up to meet him. The two of them whispered for quite a while, and finally, the Great Lama gave Jiao Yin Zhu something. I didn't see clearly what the object was."
As soon as she finished, everyone’s expression turned solemn. Consort Gong said to the Noble Consort, "How can this be tolerated? In the previous dynasty, there were cases of palace maids trysting with commoner cooks, but now the stakes have risen—she’s actually hooked up with a Lama. Those Lamas are invited into the palace from the Yonghe Temple; doing this defiles the Buddhist faith. It’s enough for this wretched servant to die a hundred deaths."
Only then did Yi Xing understand the sequence of events. She felt a sudden, chilling shiver. In the palace, if nothing happened, you just kept your head down as a servant; but if something did happen, it was a catastrophe that could wipe out an entire family.
She knew about Yin Zhu’s conversation with the Lama—she had seen it. Although she wasn't sure what they had said before, based on her knowledge of Yin Zhu, the girl was absolutely not someone so reckless.
Yin Zhu was already beyond words. She wailed and collapsed on the floor, sobbing, "Gods and Bodhisattvas, a person is truly being hounded to death!"
No one could help her now. Yi Xing was glad she had come along. Ordinarily, she might be frustrated and avoid confronting others, but when it came to a matter of life and death, she possessed a fierce fighting spirit. She reached into her sleeve, pulled out a piece of agarwood, and offered it upward. "Noble Consort, I know what the Great Lama gave to Yin Zhu. Please, Lady, take a look."
Lusu, the maid beside the Noble Consort, saw this, walked down the steps to take the item, and brought it to her mistress. The Noble Consort squinted at it. "What is this?"
"In response to the Lady, this is sandalwood for Buddhist worship. Yin Zhu requested it from a high monk to give to me." Yi Xing kowtowed and said, "Lady, please see clearly. We have only been in the palace a short time, and those Lamas only enter the palace occasionally for ceremonies. Where would Yin Zhu have had the chance to know him? I believe that not just among commoners, but even in the deep palace, many are believers. In the eyes of us mortals, a Lama is like a Bodhisattva. Isn't it only human nature to seek a few words of blessing or a peace talisman upon meeting one?"
After hearing this, Noble Consort Yu handed the piece of sandalwood to Consort Gong and Consort Yi, saying with a faint smile, "What do you two sisters think?"
After examining it, Consort Yi shifted her narrow eyes toward Yi Xing and sneered, "What a sharp tongue. She entered the palace at sixteen; how do we know she didn't meet him outside? To be honest, in a situation like this, anyone else would have run as far as possible. Yet you, relying on the fact that you’re a bit cleverer than others, have come here to show off your wits."
Once this was said, it was clear she was being targeted intentionally. Yin Zhu raised her head and said, "Consort, it is true I entered the palace at sixteen, but I am a girl from a good family. My family’s discipline was strict. I have only been to the Yonghe Temple once in my life, and I was accompanied by family; I couldn't possibly have dallied with a Lama. The Bureau of Ceremonies sends people to Baohua Hall; it wasn't my choice which nanny selected me. How could this be some pre-arranged play? You are fabricating these disgraceful lies. I refuse to accept this! To judge me guilty based on these few words—I will not accept it even in death!"
Consort Gong, sitting above, slapped the armrest of her chair in a rage. She straightened her back and shouted, "Nonsense! In the middle of the night, the Noble Consort is actually wasting her energy listening to this servant’s sophistry! Who are we? Why would we bother to wrong you? If you were upright, with so many maids from the Bureau of Ceremonies working at Baohua Hall, why were you the only one talking to that Lama?"
Yi Xing knew the answer to this. She looked at the Noble Consort imploringly and said with a sense of grievance, "Noble Consort, it is known to all that Yin Zhu and I are close. Since I entered the palace, I’ve faced too many obstacles and misfortunes. Yin Zhu felt sorry for me and asked for a consecrated piece of sandalwood, hoping the Bodhisattva would protect me. This was her kindness. If things were truly as Consort Yi’s maid described, that Lama wouldn't have been so careless as to just grab a hunk of wood to appease her. A person only has two ears; there are bound to be times they mishear. It’s entirely possible Yin Zhu said 'The Buddha is boundless' and the Great Lama said 'Amitabha'."
Now the Noble Consort was stuck between being annoyed and wanting to laugh. Originally, she had planned to watch the other concubines suppress the "Old Auntie" while she watched from the sidelines, stepping in to smooth things over at the critical moment so as not to fail the Emperor’s trust. In her heart, she felt that having the Old Auntie bullied was more beneficial to her; the aggressive consorts would surely lose favor in the Emperor's eyes, and she wouldn't have to get her own hands dirty. Now it seemed this Old Auntie was no simpleton. Her rebuttals were logical and well-founded, leaving the high ladies in the hall with nothing but wide-eyed stares.
"Alas..." The Noble Consort sighed. "I said this matter shouldn't be handled rashly. If things really blow up, it’s not just a matter of maids and eunuchs forming 'vegetable households' (illegal partnerships); it concerns the dignity of the Buddhist faith. Even the Emperor and the Empress Dowager would be disturbed. Now that the person is here and denies everything, what can we say? To catch a thief, you need the loot; to catch an affair, you need the pair. Even if there were something, if both sides deny it, what can be done?"
Hearing this, Consort Yi grew irritable. "Nothing in the palace is a small matter. Whenever there's a rustle in the grass, I’d rather believe it than let a disaster fester. If we wait for it to blow up before investigating, where would the face of the Imperial Family be?" She turned to the people kneeling below. "Don't be in such a hurry. If you’re afraid of hurting the dignity of the Yonghe Temple, then we shall handle this behind closed doors as a family matter. Since there’s a cause, I say we have the Internal Affairs Department send word to her family and simply expel her from the palace."
This judgment was like a bolt from the blue for Yin Zhu. She let out a terrified "Ah!" "Noble Consort, I won't go out! Please show mercy! I am upright and do not fear shadows; I am wronged...!" She grabbed Yi Xing again, crying, "Auntie, I can't leave, I can't leave!"
For a girl who had entered the palace, to be expelled for an unclear reason was more than just being removed from the records. It was a life-shattering blow to her reputation. Usually, such girls were as good as dead the moment they stepped out of the palace gates. No good family would want her, and her own family would find her a burden. In the end, she would have no choice but to find a quiet place to end her life. After death, she wouldn't even have a "dog-bumping head" (a cheap, crude coffin); she’d just be wrapped in a straw mat and buried anywhere.
Yin Zhu had never imagined she would find herself in such a situation. The mere thought made her entire body shake like a sifter. She trembled, her tears dried up by shock. This deep night felt like a heavy black umbrella shielding her from the sun; she suddenly felt that she would never see the light of day again. Perhaps her life would end here tonight.
Yi Xing, on the other hand, loathed this so-called "expulsion." Hadn't her eldest niece been deposed and "expelled" in the same way?
It wasn't just that she had to stand up for Yin Zhu; she was fighting for a principle. "To destroy a girl’s entire life over a non-existent crime—is this the 'mercy' of the Consorts? Even in a court of law, there must be witnesses and evidence. Since the Consorts have set up a private, unjust court, then I shall go before the Emperor to file an Imperial Complaint and ask His Majesty to decide."
Oh, she wanted to file an Imperial Complaint. If such words came from any other servant, it would be dismissed as sheer ignorance—she’d be given a heavy beating before she ever saw the Emperor. But if it were her, that was a different story. The Emperor still recognized the kinship with the Shang family. If she came forward using her title as the "Old Auntie," not only would the person who provoked this tonight meet a bad end, but even Consort Yi would receive a harsh scolding.
As luck would have it, right at that moment, the two nannies who had remained to search the room entered. They performed their bows and presented the items they had found to the Noble Consort.
As if it were a nail in a coffin, Consort Yi laughed delicately. "I told you, there’s no smoke without fire. Now, I want to see how this servant can still be so evasive."
These mistresses had clearly obtained definitive evidence, but Yin Zhu and Yi Xing were utterly bewildered.
This time, the Noble Consort also frowned. She signaled for the evidence to be shown to them. At a glance, it was the "Pure Water Guanyin" plaque that Yin Zhu had brought back to scent the wardrobe.
"It seems this wasn't the only instance of private exchange." Consort Gong looked back and exchanged a glance with Noble Lady Zhen. "What is there left to say? A half-carved Guanyin plaque—this indicates a heart tied to another, a sentiment that cannot be fulfilled."
Consort Yi sneered. "It couldn't have been picked up from the ground! If you dare to talk nonsense again, I’ll have your mouth beaten to a pulp!"
Now that they had seized the narrative, they had truly cut off Yin Zhu and Yi Xing’s path.
With tears in her eyes, Yin Zhu looked at Yi Xing. "Auntie, you know the truth. This time, even if I jump into the Yellow River, I won't be able to wash myself clean."
Yi Xing also understood now. Because Yin Zhu was close to her, they were determined to tear away this "wing" to leave her isolated. In this deep palace, every step was a trap; it wasn't something you could avoid just because you wanted to.
The Noble Consort adopted a difficult expression. She had already heard that Yin Zhu was a sharp-tongued girl. Getting rid of her would make the Old Auntie even easier to control.
"What's to be done..." the Noble Consort said, lowering her lashes. "A family has its rules, and the palace has its laws..."
Unexpectedly, Yi Xing kowtowed and then straightened her back. "To be honest with the Ladies, I was the one who picked up that plaque. Yin Zhu saw how fragrant it was and took it to scent her clothes. Since the Consorts are convinced it is stolen loot, and since the matter started because of me—if Yin Zhu goes out, I go out too. I beg the Consorts to grant this."
As soon as these words were out, not only the mistresses but even Yin Zhu was stunned.
Yin Zhu’s eyes questioned her: Aren't you going to become the Imperial Noble Consort anymore?
Yi Xing pursed her lips. Actually, not being the Imperial Noble Consort wasn't a big deal.
Sometimes a person’s destiny is predetermined. No matter how high the ambition, it cannot withstand the hammering of reality. When things reach a point of helplessness, don't you just have to turn sideways and squeeze through the cracks?
Two people leaving was better than Yin Zhu being expelled alone. Even if they had to set up a stall to sell sweet potatoes, they’d have company. The Jiao family were Bao Yi (bondservants), and they held their reputation for serving the Imperial family very dearly; if Yin Zhu went home like this, her life would likely be turned upside-down. The Shang family was different—they were already finished in the political arena. Having a female member not become a consort wasn't such a loss of face. Besides, the family still had some savings; starting a small business wouldn't be hard. She would take Yin Zhu with her and take a different path for the sake of these two months of friendship. It wouldn't be in vain.
As for her eldest brother and eldest niece—if she truly couldn't make it in the palace, she could only leave them to their own fates. To be honest, although her spirit was high, climbing to the top was difficult. From a palace maid to a consort—there were several mountains in between. She feared that by the time she achieved something, she wouldn't know what had become of her brother and niece. Furthermore, the longer the time, the smaller the chance of rising. In the end, after her service was finished and she left the palace, those years would be for nothing anyway. It was better to leave with Yin Zhu now and go back home to continue being her "Old Auntie."
Yi Xing had lost heart and saw through the filth of the deep palace. But her stance put Noble Consort Yu in a difficult position.
Consort Yi and Consort Gong were, of course, overjoyed. They wished for this Old Auntie to leave. First, it would remove a thorn in their side, and second, it would make it hard for Noble Consort Yu to explain to the Emperor. But for Noble Consort Yu, keeping the Old Auntie was the bottom line. She would have been happy to get rid of Yin Zhu, but she hadn't expected Yi Xing to be so foolishly loyal as to want to leave together. This wouldn't do. If Yi Xing really followed her out, what would happen when the Emperor asked? Although she, as the Noble Consort, was in charge of the six palaces, she wasn't the Empress, nor the Imperial Noble Consort. There were already two Noble Consorts in the harem; if the Emperor promoted another one, wouldn't the power she had spent two years accumulating be hollowed out overnight?
The Noble Consort clenched her hands beneath her sleeves. "The palace is not a small household where people can be expelled just like that. This matter requires further consideration."
"Consider what?" Consort Gong was relentless. "There are witnesses and evidence. Does the Noble Consort refuse to believe the facts and insist on catching them in bed before acting on this?"
Naturally, no one could mention the fact that the Noble Consort was entrusted by the Emperor to look after the Shang family. Everyone acted as if they didn't know, so as not to openly accuse her of shielding someone.
Consort Yi laughed coldly. "We haven't seen much of the world, but to us, a palace maid consorting with an outside Lama is a massive deal. If the Noble Consort finds it hard to decide, then we’ll report to the Empress Dowager tomorrow and let the Empress Dowager decide."
Consort Gong and Consort Yi had finally caught this opportunity. Even if they didn't usually get along, their positions were surprisingly aligned on this matter: they had to make things difficult for the Noble Consort. Why did she always love to act generous and play the good person? The Emperor relied on her quite a bit, letting her manage the six palaces on his behalf. She just relied on being a bit older and having been in the palace longer. In terms of character or looks, who was willing to defer to her?
So, Consort Gong and Consort Yi refused to back down even an inch. At this point, they had to force the Noble Consort to make a decision.
Noble Consort Yu was truly caught between a rock and a hard place. She frowned at Yin Zhu and said, "You two are close sisters, and this act of taking the blame for each other doesn't work with me. Tell me, where exactly did this plaque come from? Did that Lama give it to you, or did Shang Yi Xing pick it up? Give me an honest account. If you dare tell a single lie, I’ll have you beaten to a pulp immediately!"
The usually gentle Noble Consort Yu had a terrifying aura when she put on a stern face. Yin Zhu panicked, and because she didn't want to involve Yi Xing, she said, "In response to the Lady, the plaque was truly picked up. I found it under an altar table the day before yesterday; it has nothing to do with Yi Xing. If picking up a plaque is a crime, I will accept the punishment alone. But if you say this plaque is evidence of an affair with a Lama, I will never admit to it, even in death."
At this point, Noble Lady Zhen, who had been listening, spoke up sinisterly, "This girl won't shed a tear until she sees the coffin. Does she think she can be so stubborn in front of the Consorts?"
The Shang family’s Old Auntie couldn't be touched for the moment, but wasn't this Jiao Yin Zhu just meat on the chopping block? Prompted by Noble Lady Zhen, Consort Gong immediately understood. She slapped the table and shouted, "Men! Bring the rods! Strip her trousers and give her a full beating. I refuse to believe it—is the rod harder, or her mouth?"
Consort Gong was, after all, one of the three Consorts, second only to the Noble Consort. At her word, several nannies immediately pounced. Two of them dragged Yi Xing to the side, while the rest used brute force to pin Yin Zhu onto a "spring bench" (punishment bench).
Beating a palace maid was different from beating a eunuch. Usually, they weren't slapped, but when a heavy punishment was used, they were stripped for humiliation while being beaten in front of everyone. There was also a rule for palace maids: unlike eunuchs, they weren't allowed to beg for mercy loudly. A cloth was rolled up and stuffed into their mouths; even if they bit until they bled, they weren't permitted to make a sound.
Thwack! As the bamboo rod struck, red welts immediately appeared on Yin Zhu’s buttocks. In her pain, she straightened her legs and braced herself like a drawn bow.
Yi Xing was frantic, pleading desperately from the side, "Ladies, have mercy! She is a pure and innocent girl; she cannot take this beating...!"
But who would listen to her? Noble Consort Yu couldn't speak because of the evidence. Consort Gong and Consort Yi were expressionless, but their eyes were cruel, as if the alternating rods were venting their long-held frustrations—not just against the palace or Noble Consort Yu, but a rebellion against their own stagnant, hopeless lives.
The Jingqi nannies never held back. Every strike landed with full force. Yin Zhu soon fainted. Above, they didn't call for a stop. Yi Xing saw an opening, broke free from her captors, and threw herself over Yin Zhu to block the blows. A nanny couldn't pull back the bamboo rod in time, and it struck Yi Xing squarely on her back. The pain was so intense she gasped, nearly passing out.
Noble Consort Yu finally couldn't stand it anymore. She stood up abruptly and said with a cold face, "Enough! I cannot bear the sight of blood. If Sister Gong is still not satisfied, take the person to your Palace of Earthly Honor. Whether you continue the punishment or kill her then is entirely up to your pleasure."
Since things had reached this point, half of the anger had been vented. Looking at the half-dead Jiao Yin Zhu and the Old Auntie who had taken a hit, Consort Gong was quite satisfied. She stood up and smoothed her hair at her temples. "I only wanted her to tell the truth; beating her was for the sake of the palace rules. She’s only had a few strikes; the matter isn't over. It’s late tonight; take the person to the Department of Punishment first. We’ll continue the interrogation tomorrow."
Noble Consort Yu gnashed her teeth in hatred, having formed a deep grudge with Consort Gong. But now wasn't the time to deal with her, and the matter indeed wasn't finished. She could only exhale a breath of foul air and turn to the nannies beside her. "Do as Lady Gong says—take the person to the Department of Punishment. In my view, the news cannot be suppressed. Once we have requested instructions from the Emperor, we shall make a final decision."
Once the Noble Consort gave the word, the subordinates carried out the orders, taking both Yi Xing and Yin Zhu away.
Consort Gong and Consort Yi felt they were in the right and weren't afraid of any false accusations before the Emperor. Both bowed to the Noble Consort and said, "Tonight, for the sake of these two servants, we have troubled the Noble Consort. Please calm your anger and rest early, Noble Condort." Having said their piece, they led their maids away, swaying elegantly as they headed toward the palace gates.
Noble Consort Yu glared at their retreating figures, trembling with rage. she slapped the tabletop, and her fingernail guard flew off, hitting the gold-inlaid dragon incense burner in the center of the hall with a "clink."
Cui Piao was startled and quickly retrieved the guard. Checking the Noble Consort’s pinky finger, she found that the nail she had been growing for a long time had snapped.
The Noble Consort’s anger was like a mountain. Cuipiao quickly consoled her. "Why must Mistress get angry with those small-minded people? It's not worth hurting your own body."
The Noble Consort ground her teeth. "They did this to oppose me intentionally, to slap my face! The Emperor didn't flip a tag tonight; he’s probably not asleep yet. I’m going to the Imperial Presence right now to report to His Majesty. Consort Gong and Consort Yi are dying to tear Shang Yi Xing apart—I can't protect her anymore!"
The Noble Consort was about to leave but was eventually stopped by Cuipiao and Lusu. They tried their best to persuade her not to be rash. "The palace gates are already locked. If you barge into the Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin Dian) now, His Majesty won't just fail to blame Consort Gong and Consort Yi; he’ll blame you for being unsteady. Please be patient. It won't be too late to see the Emperor at dawn. Tonight, the Old Auntie is in the Department of Punishment; no one dares to do anything to her. If Consort Gong and her lot try something under the cover of night and something happens to the Old Auntie, wouldn't that actually benefit you? You wouldn't even have to lift a finger; with just one word, those two would be dealt with as well."
After repeated entreaties, the urge to storm the Hall of Mental Cultivation was finally dampened.
But the Noble Consort’s heart remained uneasy. she didn't know if the Emperor would doubt her competence.
She walked to the door and looked toward the Hall of Mental Cultivation through the layers of palace walls. A bright moon hung in the sky. She could only see the dark, cavernous palace walls, but she couldn't see the Emperor.
Meanwhile, the Emperor was sitting under a lamp, supporting his forehead and sighing softly.
The "poisonous insect" he was raising had ultimately failed to perform. Although her few lines in the hall were brilliant, a person in a weak position simply couldn't win against those with power.
Huai En said with his sleeves lowered, "Master, tonight the Old Auntie has to spend the night in the Department of Punishment. Should I send someone over to pass a word and make them as comfortable as possible?"
The hand supporting the Emperor's forehead shifted to his chin.
"No matter how 'comfortable' that place is, how comfortable can it truly be? Without the Noble Consort’s order, the people in the Department of Punishment won't dare to use more torture. Nothing will happen tonight. It's just..." He frowned and sighed. "I fear I truly misjudged her. Why did she want to retreat after arguing so logically? Why did she plan to leave the palace with that little maid? Earlier, didn't she think the Forbidden City was great and want to stay and climb up step by step?"
Huai En pondered for a moment, tilting his head. "No matter how lively the Old Auntie is, she’s still a girl. After suffering such trauma, it’s only natural she’d feel timid."
The Emperor gave a cold laugh. "Benevolence of a woman—she cannot handle great responsibilities! I intended to ignore her, but thinking about it, this is just the beginning. I must give her a chance to turn things around."
Huai En agreed. "Your Majesty is wise. The Old Auntie is young, after all, raised as a delicate child at home. Who would have dared to raise their voice to her? Tonight at the 'triple-court trial' in the Palace of Eternal Harmony, with all the scolding and the rods, she could still stand up and speak for Yin Zhu. That proves the Old Auntie has extraordinary courage. Your Majesty’s cultivation of her is like teaching a child to walk, it must be done one step at a time. You can't rush it for now. The Old Auntie also needs to undergo some hardening; one cannot grow up without being beaten. Once she gradually becomes seasoned, she will naturally be able to handle those upheavals."
Hearing this, the Emperor felt these words indeed reflected his thoughts. After all, no one in the world is born able to handle everything alone. During the period of accumulation, someone must support them. Only when she gradually has a foundation can she dominate. He had originally planned not to intervene, letting her struggle so she would know the hardships. Now that her "first mission" had met with misfortune, his timely assistance wouldn't be a betrayal of his previous plan.
"Tomorrow, send someone to thoroughly investigate that Lama. It concerns the Buddhist faith; no loud commotion is allowed."
Huai En said, "Leave the rest to this servant. I guarantee this case will pass without a ripple."
The Emperor nodded, thinking to himself that this was the last time. He wouldn't care for her anymore; she had to become strong on her own.
Actually, her idea to threaten an Imperial Complaint halfway through was good. If things truly reached the Imperial Presence, many problems would be easily solved. Unfortunately, those shrewd concubines would never give her the chance. They only dared to trip her up in the dark and use underhanded tactics. The Old Auntie had a long road ahead of her if she wanted to stand out.
But there was no need to worry. She had the most powerful person in the Forbidden City backing her; things couldn't go too badly.
The next day, Huai En received the Imperial Command and sent someone to the Yonghe Temple to question the head Lama. He learned that the Lama who had stayed in the palace for the Buddhist ceremony was named Jambayang Gyatso, the one with the strongest affinity for Buddhism among the younger generation. It was said his mother gave birth to him by a Mani stone pile. At the time, vultures circled above but none descended to eat him. At six, he became a disciple of a Living Buddha, and this year he had just accompanied the Dalai Lama to the capital. Calculating the time, there was simply no opportunity for him to have a secret affair with Yin Zhu.
Huai En took this news straight to the Noble Consort’s Palace of Eternal Harmony. At that time, the Noble Consort had finished her toilette and was about to go to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to see the Emperor. Just as she stepped over the threshold, she saw Huai En entering with a young eunuch.
The Noble Consort stopped and said with a smile, "I was just about to head to the front. What a coincidence that you’re here... I suppose His Majesty has heard some news and specifically sent the Chief Manager to give instructions?"
Huai En held his horsetail whisk as he approached, first performing a bow. He said, "I pay my respects to the Noble Consort. The Department of Punishment reported the events of last night. His Majesty says that since it concerns the Buddhist faith, it must be investigated strictly. You see, Lady, there is a Buddhist ceremony at Baohua Hall today; it’s not suitable to make a scene at this moment. His Majesty sent this servant to investigate secretly. After a thorough search, Jiao Yin Zhu and Lama Jambayang Gyatso are clearly two people who have nothing to do with each other. Lama Jambayang just arrived in the capital from Tibet in March, and Jiao Yin Zhu had already been selected for the palace in February. Where would they have found an opportunity for a secret affair?" He smiled and added unhurriedly, "The Master’s meaning is that if the Consorts of the harem are truly so bored, they should spend more time playing mahjong with the Empress Dowager. To mobilize such a crowd in the dead of night and even use heavy torture, it’s truly a loss of dignity."
The Noble Consort’s face turned pale instantly. These words were clearly a reprimand. The Emperor was blaming her for not being able to keep the harem in line, allowing those concubines to cause so much trouble.
Thinking back, it was her own desire to watch from the sidelines that had let the situation develop this way. She had no choice but to lower her stance and explain to Huai En. "Last night, Consort Yi rushed to me in a panic to discuss the matter. I thought it was a grave concern and couldn't just leave it be, so I had Jiao Yin Zhu brought to the Palace of Eternal Harmony for questioning. At the time, as I listened to their defense, I also felt the matter wasn't as Consort Yi thought. However, Consort Yi and Consort Gong were adamant that Jiao Yin Zhu had broken palace rules and even produced that Guanyin plaque as evidence. The Manager knows me; I’m usually a soft person. Even if I wanted to protect the Shang family’s girl, I couldn't withstand the combined pressure of those two." She sighed as she spoke. "Alas, what's to be done? I’ve troubled the Master, and even you had to run around for this so early in the morning."
Huai En gave a dry laugh. "Noble Consort, don't say that. Last night’s events were sudden and involved the Yonghe Temple; it’s understandable that the Lady found it hard to handle. Now that the truth has come to light, the Master’s meaning is that the wronged should be released, and those who provoked and spread rumors should be strictly punished. There are many people in the palace; the most important thing is the stability of people’s hearts. If such baseless rumors are allowed to stir up panic, and in the future, if anyone finds another person disagreeable, they can just make up a few lies and fabricate a crime, what kind of chaos would the palace fall into? Lady, think about it: isn't this the logic?"
Huai En was the head of the Imperial Presence eunuchs. At his level, he was essentially the Emperor’s voice. Even a Noble Consort had to give him face.
The Noble Consort was given a lecture on "great principles" by a servant, and her hatred for Consort Yi and Consort Gong grew even deeper. She irritably dismissed Huai En, only saying, "The Manager is right. This Consort will handle this matter thoroughly. Fine, you go back and report to His Majesty that I will deal with it strictly."
However, the Emperor, who usually ignored harem matters, had actually broken his rule because the Shang family’s Old Auntie was involved. Did those childhood memories truly leave such a deep impression? It was truly strange.
In any case, the Noble Consort felt that getting the people out of the Department of Punishment was the priority. It wasn't suitable for her to go personally, so she sent Cuipiao, Lusu, and several nannies to collect them.
When Cui Piao and the others entered the Department of Punishment cell, they saw the miserable state of the Old Auntie and Yin Zhu. Their hair was a mess, and their clothes were filthy. Yin Zhu had been beaten so badly she couldn't move, her buttocks swollen high. They had to use a door plank to carry her back to the quarters.
Once Yin Zhu was settled, Cui Piao said kindly to Yi Xing, "Miss, don't hold a grudge against the Noble Consort. It’s only because Consort Yi and Consort Gong were watching so closely that the Noble Consort had no choice. You girls suffered an injustice last night. As soon as things were cleared up this morning, the Lady immediately sent us over. She said for you both to put your hearts at ease; she will surely give you justice later."
Yin Zhu lay there, unable to get up. She tapped the bedboard with her index finger to show her gratitude for the Noble Consort’s grace.
Yi Xing turned to look at her, her brows furrowed in worry. "A perfectly healthy person has been beaten into this mess. She was in so much pain last night she didn't close her eyes once. What if she’s left with a lasting ailment?"
Cuipiao quickly said, "Miss, don't worry. The Noble Consort has said she will send a duty physician from the Imperial Academy of Medicine to treat Miss Yin Zhu. Or, if you know of a physician you trust, you can specifically name them to come and see her."
Hearing this, Yi Xing saw an opportunity. "I know of a good physician on duty. He’s not arrogant and has excellent medical skills. Nanny, can I go to the Imperial Pharmacy myself to ask him to come and treat the injury?"
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