Chapter 310

Chapter 310 "That Wu woman's schemes are shallower than the wine in this cup, and she dares to try and scheme against me!" When Talented Lady Ye said this, her tone was full of disdain. "She wanted to frame me, so naturally I couldn't let her get away with it—that's why I dragged her into the water with me." "If I weren't afraid of causing a huge disaster and being blamed for it, I would have kicked that child right out of her belly!" The reason Talented Lady Ye was so pleased right now was that during the fall into the water, relying on her excellent swimming skills, she had shoved Talented Lady Wu's head underwater several times to vent her anger. If she weren't so constrained by caution, she truly would have liked to drown Talented Lady Wu right there in Wenchang Lake. Talented Lady Ye said: "That Wu woman is shallow-minded—the moment she got pregnant, she couldn't hide her tail." "Back in the prince's residence, I clearly saw her first go to Bright and Pure Consort's courtyard to announce her pregnancy, then come knocking on my door right after, using me as a stepping stone to expose her pregnancy to everyone, treating everyone else like fools to be played with." "I suspect Bright and Pure Consort was annoyed with her too." "With such petty little schemes, she'd have been dead long ago in my father's household—and she still dares to come scheme against me." At the time, Talented Lady Wu had planned to prick herself lightly with a pair of scissors and pretend it hurt. It was Talented Lady Ye who, while watching the show, gave her a helping hand—making Talented Lady Wu's cut a deep gash instead. To this day, Talented Lady Wu still doesn't know the truth. Zhenzhen smiled and said: "You are clever and sharp-eyed, mistress, with formidable skill as well." Speaking of it, Talented Lady Ye had truly suffered from that one incident of losing composure while drinking—otherwise, she would certainly have been more favored than Talented Lady Wu, and far more likely to have conceived the emperor's child. "Her family background is mediocre, and she probably didn't bother to gather any information before entering the residence." "Who in the Emperor's harem is easy to mess with? Today she dares to harm others relying on the child in her belly—tomorrow she'll likely be the one getting harmed!" "A fool who thinks herself clever!" That was Talented Lady Ye's verdict on Talented Lady Wu. After saying all this, the wine warming on the stove was just ready. Talented Lady Ye poured herself a small cup and took a sip. After drinking nearly half a cup, her body finally warmed up, and she regained her spirits. She instructed Zhenzhen: "Find a way to send a message back to my father, telling him to select a beautiful, gentle woman and send her into the palace. I'm afraid I won't make it." "If there's an opportunity, I'll definitely help her gain favor." Since the Emperor could even favor Talented Lady Wu for several nights, Talented Lady Ye felt that winning the Emperor's affection wasn't all that difficult. Zhenzhen: "This servant will go at once." On the surface, the palace was calm, but conflict lurked everywhere. First there was the Empress Dowager and the Empress battling each other, and then there were Talented Lady Wu and Talented Lady Ye scheming against one another. Xie Run hid away in Zhaohua Palace seeking peace and quiet. Just as the evening meal was set out, Xie Run heard Dantao say: "Your Ladyship, today the Emperor is dining at the Empress's palace." Xie Run was just about to drink her soup when she paused at the words, unable to help but smile. The Emperor was indeed standing on the Empress's side. The Empress Dowager had slapped the Empress's face, and the Emperor immediately went to dine at the Empress's palace—truly mother and son. After eating only halfway through, Xie Run had the meal cleared away and took Taotao out to the courtyard to play. The flowers and plants in Zhaohua Palace had all been replaced with new ones, and it was perfectly safe now. The front courtyard was extremely spacious—spacious enough to set up a stage and put on an opera. Nanny Xu was still laughing: "The Fifth Prince walks more steadily with each passing day." Xie Run watched from the side with a faint smile. Just then, Dantao leaned in close: "Your Ladyship, the Emperor heard about today's events at the Empress's palace and has ordered Talented Lady Wu to be placed under house arrest for two months, with an additional month's stipend deducted as a fine." Xie Run glanced at Dantao, not a trace of surprise in her eyes, and only said: "One more month of house arrest than expected?" Dantao nodded. "I hear Talented Lady Wu is crying in Yulan Pavilion right now." Xie Run withdrew her gaze: "The Empress Dowager is probably furious." She suddenly furrowed her brows. Dantao asked worriedly: "Your Ladyship, what's wrong?" "I'm thinking about tomorrow's morning audience." "Morning audience?" "I wonder whether, after paying respects to the Empress tomorrow, I'll still need to go pay respects to the Empress Dowager." If it were only paying respects to the Empress, that would be fine—but if she also had to go to the Empress Dowager... there was bound to be a good show. Dantao: "Today at Cining Palace, didn't the Emperor say he couldn't go pay respects to the Empress Dowager every day?" Dantao was also a careful person—she had long since seen through the verbal sparring between the Empress Dowager and the Emperor today. Xie Run said with a smile: "You know it was the Emperor who said that—but the Empress hasn't said anything yet." "After all, the Empress is the daughter-in-law." "Now that the Emperor has just ascended the throne and is known throughout the realm for filial piety, the Empress will have to play the role of a dutiful daughter-in-law for a while." Even knowing full well that the Empress Dowager would stir up trouble, the Empress still had to endure some hardship and bear it patiently. The next morning, Xie Run brought Taotao to pay respects as usual. Xiaoshu felt sorry for Taotao: "Your Ladyship, the Fifth Young Master is still young—surely he doesn't need to attend the morning audience every day?" The child had been brought along in full yesterday only because it was his first formal audience, and it had to be done with proper solemnity. Xie Run: "I respect the Empress, but respect is never just empty words—it's shown through actions." She glanced at Taotao, who was still drowsy with sleep, reached out to pat his head, and instructed Nanny Xu: "Put a thick hat on him, and drape a small cloak over him as well." Nanny Xu nodded in acknowledgment. Xie Run also felt for her son. "The Empress is reasonable and understanding. She'll probably let him stop going after a day or two." Dantao said softly, "Luckily, Your Ladyship didn't enter the palace in winter, or the Fifth Prince would have suffered." Xie Run touched the pearls on her head, confirming her makeup was flawless, before saying, "Isn't that so?" "But going to pay respects to the Empress in the morning is something all the consorts and children of the Six Palaces should do." After chatting for a while, Xie Run took a sedan chair to Fengyi Palace. Many in the palace knew how to behave, and today several princesses and princes had come. Being newcomers, everyone was still reserved, and with the Empress's position secure. The morning greetings were just casual conversation. The first topic was the quarrel between Talented Lady Wu and Talented Lady Ye the day before. Lady Hua wore a worried expression and said, "After all, Talented Lady Wu is carrying the Emperor's child. The two have now become enemies. Empress, perhaps you should have them live separately, so they don't clash every day." The Empress lifted her eyelids and gave Lady Hua a faint glance. "Then Lady Hua, who do you think should move?" Lady Hua fell silent immediately. Consort Jing couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. Lady Hua's face flushed red, and she shot Consort Jing a resentful look. Since Consort Jing's face had been scarred, she had become less dignified and clever than before, and her words and actions had grown somewhat audacious. Unfortunately, there weren't many in the harem with higher rank than her, so no matter how dissatisfied she was, she had to endure it. Ritualist Hui suddenly asked, "I heard that after we left Cining Palace yesterday, the Empress Dowager specifically kept Noble Lady Xian behind to talk. I wonder what was said?" Noble Lady Xian was startled, not expecting Ritualist Hui to suddenly bring her up. After hesitating for a moment, she said, "Just casual conversation about household matters." Ritualist Hui smiled faintly. "We've all only recently entered the palace, unlike Sister Noble Lady Xian, who has spent more time here and knows better than us how to please the Empress Dowager." Noble Lady Xian smiled gently, pretending not to hear the mockery in her words. After chatting for a while, the Empress led the group to Cining Palace to pay respects. As Xie Run had guessed, the Emperor was renowned for his filial piety, so the Empress now had to play the role of a dutiful daughter-in-law and let the Empress Dowager cause trouble for a while. On the way, Lady Lu sidled up to Noble Lady Xian and took the chance to whisper a few words: "When Ritualist Hui was pregnant with the Third Princess, the household was unstable. It was the Empress who sheltered her and ensured she safely gave birth to the Third Princess." The implication was that Ritualist Hui had just been speaking on the Empress's behalf. Noble Lady Xian wasn't foolish. The moment she heard Lady Lu's words, she quickly pieced things together. Her closeness to the Empress Dowager had displeased the Empress. The Empress couldn't openly rebuke her, so Ritualist Hui had spoken up for her instead. Noble Lady Xian said in a low voice, "Thank you, Sister, for telling me." Lady Lu gave a shy smile. "It's nothing." Some noticed the two whispering on the side, but few bothered to listen. After all, everyone knew Lady Lu's temperament and assumed she was just gossiping with Noble Lady Xian. Fang Yuan'er, however, cast a meaningful glance at Xie Run. Lady Lu was Xie Run's person, yet she was now rushing to curry favor with Noble Lady Xian. Could it be that Xie Run was wary of Noble Lady Xian and had sent Lady Lu as a spy? Everyone walked to Cining Palace with their own thoughts, only to encounter another tightly shut door. The Empress said without changing expression, "Tinghe, go knock." Tinghe bowed and stepped forward. She had just knocked twice when someone came to open the door. It was an unfamiliar young palace maid. The maid gave a proper bow before saying, "Empress, the Empress Dowager fell ill last night and is now resting in bed. Please, everyone, return." "Mother is ill?" The Empress first asked with concern, but in the next moment her tone turned several degrees colder. "Why didn't you send someone to report this at once!" "Since Mother is ill, as her daughter-in-law, Ben Gong must personally attend to her until she recovers!" The young maid probably hadn't anticipated the Empress's response and immediately said, "This servant will go report to the Empress Dowager at once." After a moment, the young maid came back cautiously to relay the message: "Empress, the Empress Dowager says that with all the affairs of the Six Palaces to manage, she won't trouble you to care for her." "Noble Lady Xian is gentle and virtuous—why not have her stay to look after the Empress Dowager?" The Empress glanced at Noble Lady Xian, who also looked bewildered and wanted to refuse, but with the Empress Dowager absent, she couldn't very well tell a young maid that she was unwilling. This time, the Empress was insistent: "That would hardly be appropriate!" "The Emperor is a filial son, but with state affairs keeping him busy, he cannot personally attend to Mother. As the Emperor's wife, Ben Gong naturally must fulfill that filial duty on his behalf." "Noble Lady Xian is young. She may suit Mother's temperament, but she has no experience in caring for the sick." The young maid went back to report again. This time, for some reason, the Empress Dowager actually agreed. Xie Run and the others were sent back to their own palaces. Just as they neared the entrance of Zhaohua Palace, Lady Lu appeared from somewhere, still out of breath. "Sister Xie!" Xie Run said softly, "Come in first and have some tea. Speak slowly." Judging by Lady Lu's excitement, she must have gotten some new gossip? Lady Lu waved her hand, unable to wait. "No tea." "The Empress is going to attend to the Empress Dowager's illness. Do you think the Empress Dowager will..." Lady Lu wanted to say "torment," but since they were outside, she didn't quite dare to say those two words. Xie Run smiled. "You underestimate the Empress's capabilities." "Before, the Empress Dowager was the one taking the initiative, and the Empress remained silent. But now that the Empress herself has volunteered to care for the Empress Dowager..." Xie Run's smile was quite meaningful. "She should be able to take good care of the Empress Dowager." To be honest, if the Empress Dowager wanted to contend with the Empress... she wouldn't even be a match for a single finger. Lady Lu nodded after hearing this, then said, "By the way, Sister Xie, I managed to pry some information out of Noble Lady Xian." "What is it?" "She let something slip while chatting with me today—she said she has a younger sister at home who is also being prepared to be sent into the palace." Xie Run: "Is that anything major? Recently, Consort Sun has also been corresponding frequently with the Duke of Ying's residence. She's probably planning to have the Duke of Ying's residence send new people in as well." These newcomers were usually selected from among the direct-line sisters, and if none could be found there, they would look to collateral branches. In any case, they would definitely send someone good. Lady Lu shook her head. "I think Noble Lady Xian's demeanor was a bit off." "As Sister Xie said, it's common for families to send people in, but Noble Lady Xian suddenly clamped her mouth shut when mentioning this matter, as if there was something hidden she couldn't speak of." "She also quickly changed the subject and kept sizing me up several times, afraid I might catch on to something." Xie Run raised an eyebrow. "Judging by that, her younger sister is indeed somewhat suspicious." Lady Lu grew a bit excited. "Let me investigate a while longer—I should be able to uncover some clues!" "Alright." Xie Run saw she was drenched in sweat. "I won't keep you here for tea. Hurry back and change your clothes." "Even though summer is approaching, if you catch a breeze while sweating, you'll catch a chill. Do be careful." "Got it!" After watching Lady Lu's figure disappear, Xie Run said to Dantao, "Wrap up some tea leaves later and send them to Luoyue Pavilion." Dantao: "Yes." Since she couldn't stay for tea, she might as well send her some tea leaves. As soon as she entered Zhaohua Palace, she saw the Emperor seated on the couch. A smile rose on Xie Run's face. "When did Your Majesty arrive?" Taotao perked up at this moment too, his eyes dazzled by the Emperor's bright yellow robes, and he called out, "Imperial Father!" The Emperor wore a smile on his face. "I came after the morning court." With that, he beckoned to Taotao. "Come here, let Father see if you've gotten heavier." Once Taotao was in the Emperor's arms, he said, "So heavy." Seeing that the boy was quite self-aware, the Emperor couldn't help but laugh. The Emperor actually weighed him. "You really have gained quite a bit." The Emperor coming at this time meant he was certainly here for breakfast. While father and son played together, Xie Run went aside to instruct the servants to bring the meal and had the small kitchen prepare some signature dishes. The Emperor played with Taotao for a while, then set him aside and asked Xie Run, "Did you go to Cining Palace to pay your respects today?" "I did, but I didn't get to." Xie Run told the truth. "The Empress Dowager is ill, and the Empress is extremely anxious, so she personally went to attend to the Empress Dowager." The Emperor let out a light chuckle. "After we finish the meal, I'll also go pay a visit to Mother." Xie Run generally wouldn't let the conversation go cold, so she found a topic to chat about. "Your Majesty, yesterday I had the courtyard renovated and planted some new flowers. Did you happen to see them?" The Emperor looked at her meaningfully. "The entire palace knows that the Bright and Pure Consort dug up Zhaohua Palace three feet deep. How could I not know?" Xie Run gave a soft, playful scold. "Your Majesty!" She had destroyed everything she dug up herself, never bringing trouble to the Emperor's doorstep, and had even resolved many hidden dangers for him. Shouldn't the Emperor be rewarding her instead? The Emperor pulled her into his embrace. "You always handle things properly—like a gentle breeze and fine rain, nourishing things silently." Xie Run smiled. "Your Majesty, I accept this praise."