Chapter 318

Chapter 318 After making a circuit around Yulan Pavilion, Consort Jing grew suspicious. "When I first entered the prince's household, I had not made enemies with anyone. I fear the one who harmed me did so because I posed a threat to her." Consort Jing picked up the scissors, leaned close to the red candle, and gave the wick a gentle snip. Her delicate features were illuminated by the lamplight, lending her a certain gentle elegance. "Xie Run... or Fang Yuan'er?" With her excellent family background and her entry into the household as a Side Consort, she had likely posed no small threat to those two. It would be only natural for them to want to harm her, to ensure she could never gain favor. To strike so viciously as to ruin her face... truly ruthless beyond measure. Setting down the scissors, Consort Jing suddenly felt a desire to test the waters. She said to the palace maid beside her, "I recall there are several boxes of southern frontier tribute medicine in the storeroom that my maternal grandfather's family sent over. Tomorrow morning, deliver them to Bright and Pure Consort and Xiurong Gong." "Your Ladyship, that medicine is extremely rare. Your grandfather obtained only three boxes after scouring the entire southern frontier during his campaigns there. His Majesty specially bestowed two boxes upon your grandfather, which were later gifted to you..." Consort Jing said calmly, "If I told you to deliver them, then deliver them." "Yes." "After delivering them, have someone investigate and see how they each dispose of them." "Your servant obeys." When Xie Run received the southern frontier tribute medicine from Consort Jing early that morning, she was somewhat puzzled. "How did your mistress come to think of sending this medicine to me?" The palace maid delivering the gift had dimples on her cheeks and smiled very sweetly: "My mistress said that since her beauty is now gone, she fears wasting such fine medicine." "No matter how good the medicine is, it cannot be stored forever. Better to give it to the two ladies, to add a bit more radiance—His Majesty will be pleased to see it as well." Xie Run asked curiously, "Who else did she send it to?" "To Xiurong Gong." The maid was full of flattering words: "My mistress said that both Consort Shu and Xiurong Gong have served His Majesty for many years and are his most favored. Now that she can no longer serve His Majesty, she wishes at least to do her part, so that when His Majesty sees the two ladies, he might think of her and show her some consideration—that would be the best outcome." Xie Run was curious at heart. Was Consort Jing sending gifts to bribe her, hoping she would speak well of her before the Emperor? Xie Run had never done such things, and refused without a second thought. After several rounds of polite refusal, the other party directly invoked Consort Jing's facial injury. "To be honest with Your Ladyship, ever since my mistress injured her face, she cannot bear to look at these balms and powders. Yesterday, while clearing out the storeroom, she saw these and wept for a good while. Today she instructed me to send them all away." With things having come to this point, Xie Run could hardly refuse again. She had the gifts accepted and exchanged a few pleasantries, without offending anyone. After seeing off Consort Jing's people, Xiaoshu said, "Has the sun started rising from the west?" "Your Ladyship and Consort Jing have never had much to do with each other. Never once has her people set foot in our palace. And today she suddenly sends such precious medicine." "A weasel paying respects to the chicken—no good intentions!" Dantao patted her on the shoulder. "What nonsense are you talking!" If Consort Jing were a weasel, what would that make their mistress? Xiaoshu changed tack and leaned in to ask Xie Run, "Your Ladyship, what shall we do with this medicine?" Xie Run paused for a moment. "Put it in the storeroom for now." Her storeroom was piled high with gifts from the Emperor—beauty-enhancing balms enough to last a lifetime. Xie Run said, "Consort Jing suddenly making this move is likely because of what happened with Wu Baolin last night." "She has probably always suspected that her disfigurement was the work of some hidden hand, but has been hard-pressed to find evidence." "Now with Wu Baolin's incident, it further confirms her suspicions, and so she suspects both me and Fang Yuan'er." Many things in the palace are actually not hard to figure out. Xie Run added with a smile, "She'll probably send people to see how we dispose of the medicine she gave us." Xiaoshu and Dantao were both somewhat worried, afraid of inviting undeserved trouble. After all, the resentment and targeting of women in the harem were truly impossible to guard against. Xie Run, however, was broad-minded: "When the soldiers come, we fend them off with shields; when the flood comes, we hold it back with earth." She had done nothing wrong, so there was no need for even a shred of guilt. "In a couple of days, when the Empress is feeling better, we'll need to go pay our respects. Keep an eye on things." "Yes." When Xie Run received the southern frontier tribute medicine from Consort Jing, she simply stored it away in the storeroom. When Fang Yuan'er received the medicine, however, she had it thrown away without a second thought. She had guessed Consort Jing's intentions just as Xie Run had, but she was more decisive and more ruthless in her actions. After throwing away the medicine, she made no attempt to hide it—in fact, she even had Consort Jing's people carry word back. This move of hers quite infuriated Consort Jing. As for what Consort Jing gleaned from sending the medicine, neither Xie Run nor Fang Yuan'er knew. Life in the palace was hard to endure, but with a child to occupy one's time, it passed quickly enough. Two days later, some rumors began circulating in the palace. It was said that the eunuch in charge of the meals for the Fifth Prince and Lady Hua had been recommended by the prefect of Yunzhou. The implication was that Noble Lady Xian had harmed Xie Run and Hua Yu. When Xie Run caught wind of this, she went to ask the Emperor a couple of questions. The Emperor stroked her shoulder and said softly to reassure her, "The man was indeed recommended by the prefect of Yunzhou, but the one who actually made a move was likely someone else." Xie Run leaned against the Emperor's embrace: "Your concubine and Taotao both trust Your Majesty." When the wine was warm and the meal satisfying, Xie Run suddenly grew curious: "Your Majesty, have you heard some of the rumors in the palace?" The Emperor lazily held her, "When have rumors in the palace ever been scarce?" "Suisui, you've never liked speaking to me in such a roundabout way before." Xie Run was startled, immediately changing her strategy. She sat up and pulled the Emperor to sit across from her. Such behavior was actually inappropriate—to put it more seriously, somewhat disrespectful. But the Emperor showed not a trace of anger. Instead, he smiled at Xie Run, affection hidden in his eyes, allowing her to be bold. Xie Run got straight to the point: "Your Majesty, I don't know when rumors suddenly started in the palace saying that Concubine Wan didn't actually die." "She came from a family of medical women and is most skilled in poisons—perhaps even witchcraft. If she truly is still alive, maybe she's the one who harmed Taotao this time?" The Emperor raised his hand and tousled her hair, his tone deep and gentle: "I've heard these rumors too." Xie Run continued: "Your Majesty, it's not just rumors. Xiurong Gong once told me face to face that Concubine Wan is still alive." She glanced at the Emperor and boldly went on: "She also said that Concubine Wan died in Qiangwu because she planned it herself, wanting to use her death to harm her." "She also said Concubine Wan had long wanted to stop living under her original identity, which is why she conceived the idea of a death-escape. Before dying, she wanted to frame Xiurong Gong..." As Xie Run spoke, she suddenly remembered something very important. The Emperor had been on the throne for some time now, yet he had never mentioned posthumously honoring the consorts and concubines from the prince's residence who had passed away early. Wan Linlang had died saving the Emperor during the earthquake. By all rights, she should at least be posthumously granted the rank of Lady of Handsome Fairness. Then there was Concubine An, who bore the Emperor a pair of dragon-phoenix twins, and Concubine Ning, the First Prince's birth mother... No matter how many mistakes these women made in life, the titles they deserved after death should still be given. Even if the Emperor didn't grant them, the ministers below would urge him to. But until today, Xie Run hadn't heard even a whisper of it. Her mind suddenly sharpened. She made a bold guess. Could it be that the Emperor had actually known all along that Wan Linlang truly hadn't died?! The Emperor's tone was very light, and upon hearing such outrageous news, not a trace of surprise showed on his face. "Stay away from Xiurong Gong in the future. Her intentions are impure and her methods are ruthless—not someone you can afford to provoke." Xie Run was truly stunned this time. The Emperor used the four words "impure intentions and ruthless methods" to describe Fang Yuan'er, which meant he truly knew about many things. The reason he didn't deal with her was perhaps because he didn't care, or perhaps because he had his own plans. Xie Run opened her pair of moist, watery fox eyes and said obediently: "Whatever Your Majesty says, I'll listen. I won't have dealings with her in the future." She paused, then added, "Your concubine never had dealings with her before either. We merely happened to run into each other on the road, and she always liked to chatter a few words at me." The Emperor said nothing in response, only squeezed Xie Run's hand. Knowing the Emperor was well aware of things, Xie Run slept more peacefully. The Empress's health gradually improved, and the Six Palaces resumed paying their respects to her. Xie Run still rose early in the morning, having her attendants help her dress and groom. This time she didn't bring Taotao along, only riding in a palanquin all the way there. Arriving at Fengyi Palace, it was again talk of daily trivialities. But as Xie Run looked around, she noticed that Noble Lady Xian was absent. If she noticed this, naturally others did too. Concubine Fang asked softly: "Why is Noble Lady Xian not here?" Ritualist Hui said calmly: "Noble Lady Xian is not a dullard like us. She is quite favored by Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. Today she specially sent word to Her Majesty the Empress, asking that Noble Lady Xian attend to the Empress Dowager at Cining Palace, so she won't come to Fengyi Palace to pay respects." Xie Run's first reaction upon hearing this was that the Empress Dowager was up to her old tricks again. She raised her handkerchief to pretend to wipe her mouth, lowering her head to hide the smile in her eyes: "With Noble Lady Xian attending to the Empress Dowager, we can all rest easy." The Empress said: "Bright and Pure Consort speaks rightly. Mother has been unwell lately, and someone must always be by her side." "I am in poor health and cannot fulfill my filial duty before Mother. For now, we can only trouble Noble Lady Xian." The Empress had always been magnanimous. At this point, she waved her hand, "Someone, go send that jade ruyi I received last year to Noble Lady Xian. Tell her it is my gift for attending to the Empress Dowager." Tinghe bowed and immediately went down to carry out the order. With the Empress Dowager backing her, everyone assumed Noble Lady Xian wouldn't come. But just as the audience was about to end, she suddenly arrived in a hurry with her palace maids. Consort Jing smiled: "Why has Noble Lady Xian come? The Empress Dowager still needs your attendance." Noble Lady Xian humbly performed the ritual before answering Consort Jing: "The Empress Dowager summoned me to attend to her, and I am of course overjoyed. But I cannot neglect paying respects to Her Majesty the Empress because of it." "Even if I came late, it is still a token of my sincerity." The Empress smiled: "You have already fulfilled filial duty to the Empress Dowager on my behalf. Whether you come or not matters little—I know your sincerity." "Please sit down and have a cup of tea first. I imagine you rushed over from Cining Palace without a moment to catch your breath." Noble Lady Xian was surprised by the Empress's tolerance and gentleness. She had been elevated by the Empress Dowager, which was certainly a glorious honor, but she also did not wish to offend the Empress, and could only strive to balance both sides. Yet Noble Lady Xian also knew that trying to please both sides often meant offending both. The Empress Dowager was kind to her now, but she feared that if she failed to show enough respect and offended the Empress, she would invite the targeting of the Six Palaces. But even though the Empress had let her off, the other women of the harem could not bear to see her life go smoothly. No sooner had Noble Lady Xian sat down than she heard Consort Jing speak: "I recently heard a piece of news, and I cannot tell whether it is true or false. My curiosity has been burning, and after holding it in for so long, I still wish to ask Noble Lady Xian one question." Noble Lady Xian said gently, "Please speak, Sister Consort Jing. If I can resolve your doubts, I certainly would not dare to conceal anything." Consort Jing curled a meaningful smile: "When I did not see Lady Hua at today's audience, I remembered that she injured her stomach due to the poisoning incident, and is still recuperating." "Back then, the Fifth Prince was also nearly poisoned. This was a matter that shocked the entire palace, inside and out, and yet to this day, no culprit has been found." Consort Jing deliberately did not ask directly, but instead spoke of other things in a roundabout manner, watching as the smile on Noble Lady Xian's face gradually faded. Finally, unhurriedly, she said, "I heard that the imperial chef who poisoned the Fifth Prince and Lady Hua was originally recommended by Noble Lady Xian's father, the Prefect of Yunzhou." "I am not suggesting that Noble Lady Xian intended to harm the Fifth Prince and Lady Hua, but I am simply curious—is this true or false?" Noble Lady Xian could no longer maintain her smile, and was about to say a few perfunctory words to brush it off. At that moment, Ritualist Hui spoke in a light, indifferent tone: "The Prefect of Yunzhou is Noble Lady Xian's own father. Noble Lady Xian should not say she knows nothing of his deeds." Noble Lady Xian felt only bitterness on her tongue. "These rumors and gossip—I truly know nothing of them." Her autumn-water eyes turned to Xie Run: "I was fortunate enough to enter the palace, and have long since ceased contact with my family. I also do not know of my father's actions." "Therefore, I cannot assert that the imperial chef was not recommended by my father, but neither can I confirm that he was my father's man." "I only hope that Sister Bright and Pure Consort will see clearly—how would I dare to harm a prince and a consort? Even if I were given ten more times the courage, I would never dare, nor would I even dare to think of it." Xie Run, departing from her usual gentle and amiable nature, did not casually brush the matter aside. She only said, "Then I ask Noble Lady Xian to help Ben Gong ask your father—when he originally recommended that imperial chef, did he foresee that such a day would come?" Whenever the Fifth Prince was involved, Xie Run was not as easygoing as one might expect. The women of the palace all had their own means and connections. The matter of the imperial chef having been recommended by the Prefect of Yunzhou had long circulated through the palace, and it had been confirmed to be true. If Noble Lady Xian now wished to gloss over it with a claim of ignorance, Xie Run would not allow it. Since Noble Lady Xian wanted to play ignorant, Xie Run pierced through her facade with a single sentence, telling her to go ask the Prefect of Yunzhou directly. Noble Lady Xian smiled very stiffly: "I will certainly write to ask my father. If he dares to interfere in harem affairs, I am sure the Emperor will not let him off lightly." Xie Run smiled faintly. "That would naturally be for the best." This audience ultimately ended on bad terms. Noble Lady Xian left Fengyi Palace full of grievance, and before she had even returned to her own palace, she suddenly received news. The Prefect of Yunzhou had been impeached for corruption and demoted—he had already been taken into custody and was awaiting trial by the Court of Judicial Review. Noble Lady Xian stood still, suddenly losing her composure, a surge of dread rising in her heart. Could it be... that her father truly had attempted to harm the Fifth Prince and Lady Hua?! Notes: Chapter 319 was skip in the original source.