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"In your opinion, what could the Emperor want to say to me?" The Noble Lady walked toward the Eastern Warm Pavilion, her heart sinking further with every step. She turned her head to ask Manfu, "You always serve by his side; has there been any troubling news these past two days? In the front court... or regarding my family?"
What a concubine feared most was a blunder from her parental home. The fathers and brothers of the harem consorts almost all served the court. Take the former Empress Shang, for instance—she was deposed and sent to the Outer Eight Temples precisely because she was implicated by her family's affairs.
The Noble Lady was an honest person; and honest people tend to be timid and unremarkable. Once her thoughts turned in that direction, she became increasingly terrified, eventually scaring herself nearly to death.
Seeing her state, Manfu didn't know what to say, offering only: "Don't panic, Mistress. When the Master seeks a chat, it might just be for some small talk. We servants shouldn't speculate on front-court affairs, but I haven't heard any news regarding your family lately." He smiled. "As you know, for an official at court, no news is good news. So just go in. The Master is such a gentle man; summoning you is a mark of honor. Why should you be afraid?"
The Noble Lady thought about it; there was indeed logic in his words, and her heart settled. After entering the front hall, she tidied her appearance and stopped before the door of the Eastern Warm Pavilion. "Your servant, Tujiashi, requests an audience," she called out.
The Emperor’s voice from within was still warm and calm. "Enter," he said, and the maid on duty lifted the door curtain.
The Noble Lady took a breath and stepped into the exquisite side room. She saw the Emperor wearing a moon-white robe with hidden dragon-and-cloud patterns, a jade belt loosely fastened at his waist. He was standing before a desk, looking through memorials in a box. The silk-wrapped lamp on the desk cast a soft glow. The Emperor, standing within that light, turned his head slightly, exuding a sense of domestic warmth.
When it came to the Emperor's character, perhaps not even the many concubines of the harem, nor even Noble Consort Yu who currently managed the Six Palaces, could truly see through him.
To call him stern would be wrong; he was clearly the kindest man in the world, never speaking a harsh word to anyone, as if he shared a history of affection with everyone he met. But to call him easygoing wasn't quite right either; he possessed the majesty of a sovereign—he was a high mountain, a sovereign father, the heaven upon which everyone relied for their very breath.
A man like that always gave off a sense of distance—you wanted to be close, but you couldn't. Yet upon seeing him, one couldn't help but feel a sense of filial devotion. Perhaps because he was so handsome, it was only human nature to be drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
"Your servant, Tujiashi, pays respects to Your Majesty." The Noble Lady gathered her focus and performed a deep curtsy. A tall silhouette was dimly reflected on the golden-brick floor. He responded with a casual "Rise" and even granted her a seat.
Since the Emperor was still standing, the Noble Lady didn't dare sit. She stood to the side, watching his expression. Seeing the Emperor pick up a brush, she said quickly, "Let your servant attend to Master’s ink."
The Emperor gave a noncommittal hum and a faint smile. "No need. There’s a line in an Imperial comment I need to change; no ink-grinding is required." He paused, then added, "Lately, government affairs have been heavy, and I’ve neglected the harem. Flipping your tag today reminded me of Concubine Mao. She is pregnant, and I haven't had time to visit her. How has she been lately? Is she well?"
The Emperor was a warm-hearted sovereign; he didn't show extraordinary favor to any one consort, but he expressed concern from time to time. Because of her pregnancy, Concubine Mao no longer had to wait in the perimeter room, so it wasn't strange for the Emperor to ask the Noble Lady, who lived in the same palace, for news.
The Noble Lady tucked her hands into her sleeves and thought carefully. "Earlier, I paid respects to Concubine Mao every day. Her complexion always looked very good, though she occasionally had morning sickness; using sour plums to suppress it brought relief. However, lately, it’s been different. She says she’s feeling lethargic—likely because her term is getting along and her body is burdened. Though we live in the same palace, unless Concubine Mao summons us, it’s not proper to call on her uninvited."
The Emperor nodded slowly. "Concubine Mao is fine in other respects, but her temper is irritable. Living with her, you must inevitably suffer some grievances."
For an Emperor to speak such considerate words—even if they were empty—it warmed the heart.
The Noble Lady’s lips pressed together slightly; it was clear she often suffered at Concubine Mao’s hands. Yet she didn't rush to complain; instead, she spoke a few words for Respondent Yong.
"At the last Great Feast for Your Majesty’s birthday, Respondent Yong was demoted by the Noble Consort because of Consort He’s cat. We thought that was the worst of it, but unexpectedly, Concubine Mao threw a fit in the Palace of Accumulated Purity. She said Respondent Yong was her subordinate and had embarrassed her, and that she would ask the Noble Consort to send her to another palace. Respondent Yong is young and inexperienced; she was terrified and cried, kowtowing in apology before Concubine Mao until she had a huge bump on her forehead. It was heartbreaking to see. Still, I suppose Concubine Mao had her reasons; Respondent Yong was foolish and needed a lesson, and a scare like that will make her more careful in the future. It’s just... I thought that since Her Ladyship is carrying a dragon seed, such a fierce temper isn't good for the child. Besides, pregnant women should avoid violence. Last time, that little maid named Yingtao was beaten until her flesh was torn just because she accidentally bumped into Concubine Mao—and in the end, she died. Such things are truly not good; it’s a human life, after all. Even if not for herself, she should accumulate merit for the dragon seed in her womb."
As the Noble Lady spoke these words, the expression on her face shifted like light and shadow moving across a window lattice, revealing a myriad of changing emotions.
In truth, she knew she should be more restrained before the Emperor; after all, Concubine Mao was carrying a dragon seed and was currently the most precious person in the harem. But once a crack opened for all those dissatisfactions and bitters, they flowed out endlessly; she couldn't stop them.
She herself was accustomed to being submissive, and it wasn't easy to maintain a foothold in the Palace of Accumulated Purity, let alone for Respondent Yong. That young girl was simple-minded and had endured countless slights from Concubine Mao. When Respondent Yong was first titled a Noble Lady, there were customary rewards; most of those were gifted to Concubine Mao to smooth things over, which did buy a temporary peace. Later, when Respondent Yong lost favor and had no income other than the occasional holiday rewards, she had nothing left to bribe Concubine Mao with. Consequently, she was met with nothing but cold looks and glares; it was only thanks to her optimistic nature that she had made it this far.
The consorts of the harem were all daughters of official families; even if their parental homes weren't illustrious, they were raised like precious phoenixes since childhood. When they came of age and were sent to the palace, only to be bullied like grandchildren by a higher-ranking Concubine—if their families knew, how heartbroken they would be.
But such is the injustice of the world: the wicked have extraordinary luck and actually conceive a dragon seed. Once the child is born, if it’s a Prince, the mother will surely rise in rank. Then, the lives of these low-ranking consorts in the Palace of Accumulated Purity would be even harder to endure... she didn't dare think about it, only taking it one step at a time.
The Emperor listened to her words and remained silent for a long time, slowly pacing before the desk. After a while, he asked, "How often does Concubine Mao have her health checked?"
The Noble Lady thought for a moment. "The Palace of Accumulated Purity doesn't often request pulse-checks. Concubine Mao doesn't believe in them; she says her constitution is good and she doesn't like the smell of medicine. She’s also wary of physicians treating the other palaces—she fears they might bring 'sickly air' and pass it into her quarters."
The Emperor let out a cold laugh. "It’s clear she doesn't care about the child's development."
"That, your servant wouldn't know," the Noble Lady said cautiously. "Concubine Mao’s meaning is that since the dragon fetus is in her womb, it must be born regardless of gender or condition. Since she can eat and sleep well, there’s no need to summon a physician; she’d rather raise the child behind closed doors, saying that being well-rested is better than anything."
The Emperor’s lips quirked. He said melodiously, "It seems I have been too negligent of the harem. Tomorrow, once government affairs are settled, I will go see her personally. Being cooped up in the Palace of Accumulated Purity is no solution; she should move about a bit."
The Noble Lady complied. "I will convey this good news to Concubine Mao when I return."
Just as she finished speaking, a eunuch’s voice called out from behind the curtain, "Reporting an affair." The Emperor looked back, and Huai En entered, stooping low. "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Grand Council has received a report on the Jinchuan war; they request Your Majesty’s presence to view it."
The Emperor gave an "Oh" and prepared to leave. Suddenly remembering something, he stopped, turned back to the Noble Lady’s expectant gaze, and said, "The Jinchuan war is urgent; I must go to the Grand Council and don't know when I’ll return. Don't wait; let them send someone to escort you back." With that, he lifted his robe and stepped out of the Eastern Warm Pavilion.
The Noble Lady stood there in a daze, until her maid entered to support her. Only then did she regain her senses. "Look at that... I talked so much I talked my way out of the night's service... Cuixi, did I say something wrong to make the Emperor unhappy?"
What could Cuixi say? She could only comfort her. "His Majesty was afraid the meeting would take too long and make you wait in vain, so it was better for you to rest early... Mistress, let’s go back."
What else could she do? The Hall of Mental Cultivation would not allow her to stay.
Manfu brought a horn-shaded lamp and bowed. "I shall escort the Mistress back to the Palace of Accumulated Purity. Please, Mistress."
And so, the Noble Lady and her maid followed the guidance of that lantern through the endless alleyways. Looking up, a crescent moon as thin as a lute string hung hazily in the east, much like her own bewildered state of mind.
Later, she didn't know how she made it back to the Palace of Accumulated Purity, but the moment she stepped through the gate, she saw Concubine Mao’s head maid, Ruyi, walking under the veranda. Seeing her return, Ruyi looked surprised and quickly went inside to report.
The Noble Lady sighed, knowing she would have to deal with Concubine Mao. She first thanked Manfu, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch."
Manfu bowed. "Rest early, Mistress. I shall take my leave." He then exited the gate.
To survive in this palace, the weak truly had no day of prominence. The Noble Lady lamented as she and Cuixi walked back. After only two steps, she saw Concubine Mao emerging from the hall, belly protruding. It was late, yet she hadn't removed her makeup; the coral tassels on her headdress swayed as she let out a pinched "Yo!"
"What’s the meaning of this? Weren't you chosen? Why are you back after such a short time?"
The Noble Lady felt dejected but couldn't show it. She forced a smile and said, "An urgent report came to the Grand Council; His Majesty rushed off to handle it. He didn't know how long he’d be busy tonight, and since waiting in the Hall of Mental Cultivation would be in vain, he sent me back first."
Hearing this, Concubine Mao suddenly recalled some past memories; she had experienced something similar. She had intended to taunt the Noble Lady, but now she lost interest, waving her hand. "Forget it; it seems you have no luck. It’s late; go back to your room." She turned to order her maid, "Close the doors."
But the Noble Lady stood still. No luck? Yes, in the whole harem, it was Concubine Mao who had the most luck—getting a dragon son and practically walking sideways with arrogance.
She wanted so much to curse her and vent the frustrations of all these years, but she couldn't. The woman was carrying a "death-exemption gold plaque"; not only could she not be cursed now, but she’d have to keep enduring her for years to come.
Seeing she wasn't moving, Concubine Mao thought she was showing a rebellious streak and said, "What? Are you nailed to the spot?"
The Noble Lady’s blood surged; she took a deep breath to calm herself, then forced another smile. "Just before I left, I heard His Majesty say he would come to see you tomorrow when he’s free. I’m giving you the word so you can prepare, lest you be caught off guard when His Majesty arrives."
Concubine Mao had been about to lose her temper at the Noble Lady’s stiff-necked look, but hearing the Emperor was coming, the joy immediately dispersed the fire in her heart.
"He’s really coming tomorrow? Did you hear correctly?"
The Noble Lady said, "Yes, he even asked about the dragon seed in your womb. His Majesty is very concerned about you and the little Prince."
Only then was Concubine Mao satisfied. Her mood improved and her attitude softened; she touched her belly with a hint of light lament, saying, "He should have come to see me long ago; it’s been delayed this long..." Her eyes swept over the Noble Lady. "Fine. You’ve worked hard tonight; go back and rest."
The joy behind the closed doors after that went without saying.
Ever since the news of her pregnancy was reported, her green-headed tag had been removed from the silver plate; she no longer participated in the sessions at the perimeter room.
She had lost the chance to see the Emperor—a pity—but she had more confidence than others; it was a matter of glory. The Emperor didn't often visit the palaces; that he was coming to see her now made her so happy she couldn't sit or stand still. She hurriedly called her maids to choose clothes and jewelry, staying busy until 10 PM before finally going to sleep.
The next morning, she woke up and began waiting. She sent a young eunuch to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to find out when His Majesty would return from his morning audience. But the Emperor was indeed busy with government affairs; he spent another two hours at the Grand Council in the morning, even taking his small meal there.
"I fear he won't come today," Concubine Mao said dejectedly. Then she turned her hatred back to the Noble Lady. "Most likely she was just babbling to trick me, and I actually believed her. She must be laughing her head off in secret!"
Ruyi supported her as she sat down and said, "Don't you know that Noble Lady’s character? Even if she had two hearts' worth of courage, she wouldn't dare deceive you. Most likely His Majesty is tied up with official business and can't get away yet. Once he finishes, how could he not come to see you?"
Though she heard this, Concubine Mao’s heart remained unsettled.
Later, bored with waiting, she decided to stop. Seeing the time was right, she prepared to go to the inner room for a nap. But just as she was about to turn, a young eunuch at the door reported that His Majesty was coming from the direction of the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
Concubine Mao was startled and immediately reapplied powder and smoothed her hair. She rushed to the veranda to wait before the Emperor arrived. Before long, she saw that figure appearing from behind the screen wall. Concubine Mao immediately beamed like a flower, coming forward to curtsy. "Your servant welcomes the Imperial Presence."
"You are heavily burdened; there is no need for such ceremony." The Emperor did something unprecedented—he reached out to support her. "I have myriad affairs and it’s not convenient to visit often. How have you been lately?"
Concubine Mao said, "Everything is well, though it’s hard to move about now, so I cannot pay respects to Your Majesty often."
"Paying respects is nothing; your health is what matters." The Emperor’s consideration was vastly different from before. He held Concubine Mao’s wrist firmly all the way into the inner room.
Concubine Mao’s heart was fluttering like a trapped fawn. In the year and more she had been in the palace, the Emperor had never been this tender. The Emperor was the sovereign, and they were subjects; most of the time, they maintained a polite distance. It wasn't that they didn't want to be close, but that the Emperor kept people a thousand miles away.
The Emperor—he didn't put on airs; he was polite yet distant to everyone. But that distance was the most hurtful. Even after learning of her pregnancy, he hadn't treated her any differently than the rest of the harem. What was happening today? He seemed like a different person; this warmth was truly overwhelming.
Concubine Mao was both agitated and slightly uneasy. She led the Emperor to the yellow dragon-patterned seat and said softly, "Master, please sit. I have two fresh melons; I’ll have them prepared into a sweet bowl. Please wait a moment, I’ll have them brought out."
The Emperor said, "No need. I don't care for sweets; keep them for yourself. However, melon pulp is hard to digest; be careful it doesn't cause stomach discomfort. It's best to eat less. I am on my way to the Hall of Rectitude (Zhongzheng Dian) and stopped by to see you. Seeing your complexion is good, I am relieved."
Concubine Mao said, "It is all thanks to Your Majesty’s grace. The little Prince is well; the Empress Dowager even sent a new tiger-head hat yesterday..." As she spoke, she had Ruyi bring it for the Emperor to see. "Look, isn't it lifelike? It’s a hundred times better than those outside."
The Emperor glanced at it, gave a casual response, sat for a little longer, and then stood up. "Fine. Take good care of yourself; I’ll visit again when I’m free."
Concubine Mao didn't expect him to come and go like a gust of wind. She stood up in alarm. "Master has just arrived, why not stay a bit longer..." But before she could finish, the Emperor acted as if he hadn't heard; he was already in the front hall.
Concubine Mao had no choice but to see him out, lifting her sleeves and curtsying. "Your servant respectfully sees the Emperor off."
The Emperor put his hands behind his back and walked straight along the middle path. When he reached the screen wall, he looked back—the way Concubine Mao supported her waist really did make her look six months pregnant.
Huai En led the eunuchs with the palanquin, waiting in the alley outside. Seeing the Emperor emerge, he hurried to support him. Once the Emperor was seated, he tapped his hand to signal the move.
The palanquin was hoisted steadily onto their shoulders. Huai En followed below, looking up at the Emperor and saying softly, "Your Majesty, should we order the Imperial Pharmacy to perform a health check for Mistress Mao every seven days?"
The Emperor rested an elbow on the nine-dragon armrest, his expression cold. "No need; Physician Xia has already examined her. I see that this Palace of Accumulated Purity seems to lack a bit of human warmth, and there are empty rooms. Adding one more wouldn't hurt."
Huai En hesitated. "Master’s meaning is..."
The Emperor stretched his limbs on the palanquin. Beneath the canopy, a cool breeze passed over him. He smiled. "That little maid Physician Xia recommended to me—I see she has great potential. Place her in the Palace of Accumulated Purity to keep Concubine Mao company. As long as she’s smart enough, a great deal of merit is waiting for her."
The more he thought about it, the more pleased he was. It was practically a gift of achievement. In the future, when the Old Auntie (GĹ« BĂ ) understood his painstaking efforts, she would surely be moved to tears of gratitude.
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