Chapter 321

Chapter 321 She glanced at the attendants serving around her, feeling somewhat embarrassed, silently regretting that she hadn't cultivated a thicker skin. Unfortunately, the act had already reached this point, so she could only continue. The Emperor teased Xie Run while instructing Eunuch Shian beside him: "Go investigate what's going on." Eunuch Shian flicked his horsetail whisk and immediately went out to arrange for people to investigate. After sitting in Zhaohua Palace for a while, Xie Run finally realized the preferential treatment the Emperor had given her. She hadn't even been able to produce any evidence—it was all based on a vague suspicion from Consort Jing's single remark—yet the Emperor had actually believed her and sent people to investigate. For a moment, Xie Run felt a complex mix of emotions. The Emperor didn't press Xie Run on where she had gotten her information, only offering her a few words of reassurance. "I have few children, and each one is raised with great care." "The Empress Dowager is frail and prone to illness, unable to bear the strain—she's not suited to raising children. How could I commit such an act of filial impiety?" With these words, the Emperor had almost certainly expressed his stance. He had few living children, and each was precious—there was no way he would hand one over for the Empress Dowager to torment. Rather, it was Xie Run's question that had suddenly given the Empress Dowager a new ailment of "frailty and sickness." Before long, the people Eunuch Shian had sent out returned with news. "Your Majesty, a new Martial Arts Matron has recently joined the Empress Dowager's side and has gained considerable favor. A few days ago, she offered some counsel, and suddenly received many rewards from the Empress Dowager." "It was also from that day onward that the Empress Dowager suddenly ordered the side hall of Cining Palace to be cleaned out, and had many bolts of fabric sent to the embroidery workshop to have clothes made." Eunuch Shian lowered his head as he spoke: "I heard those clothes were made for a child around one year old." The Emperor listened, his expression darkening bit by bit. Earlier he'd had the mind to comfort Xie Run, but now it seemed he might be the one needing comfort from her instead. "Your Majesty... perhaps the Empress Dowager doesn't necessarily intend to raise Taotao. Perhaps this concubine is overthinking things?" The Emperor's voice was deep and heavy: "She had clothes prepared for a child of about one year old. If she doesn't intend to raise Taotao, then which of my children does she intend to raise?" In certain ways, the Emperor was very much like the Retired Emperor. Love them and they live; hate them and they die. His displeasure with the Empress Dowager extended to everything she did, and he even interpreted her actions with the worst possible intentions. The Emperor's brows furrowed darkly: "The Empress Dowager suddenly wanting to raise Taotao—I suspect she's been instigated by that Martial Arts Matron." "Shian!" The Emperor called out softly, and Eunuch Shian immediately stepped forward: "Your Majesty, this servant is here." The Emperor: "At this hour, the Empress Dowager is likely resting. Take your men to Cining Palace and deal with that Martial Arts Matron. Don't let the Empress Dowager be disturbed by a servant." Eunuch Shian promptly acknowledged: "This servant obeys." Xie Run lowered her eyes, concealing the emotions within, though her expression was hardly one of joy. The Emperor assumed she was afraid the Empress Dowager wanted to raise Taotao, so he drew her into his arms and said in a low voice: "Don't worry, I will protect you." Xie Run leaned into the Emperor's embrace: "Your Majesty, this concubine understands." She had simply suddenly realized that the Emperor had changed. He had gone from being a prince to becoming Emperor, and with it, his temperament and manner of handling matters had completely transformed. In the past, when matters involved servants below, Prince Jing never made hasty decisions, nor would he casually utter the word "deal with." He would at least give those people a chance to defend themselves, allowing them some room to struggle. But now that Prince Jing had become Emperor, sitting in a different position, his way of handling matters had become far more decisive and ruthless. The Martial Arts Matron was merely under suspicion, yet with a single sentence from the Emperor, her fate was sealed. Xie Run wasn't pitying the Martial Arts Matron—she was worried about herself, worried about the future. Now that the Emperor had become the sovereign of the realm, his temperament would only grow more unfathomable with time. She could enjoy his favor now, but she feared that one day she might fall out of favor and be disposed of with a casual word from the Emperor, just like that. Call it preparing for the worst or crying wolf—Xie Run couldn't help but dwell on such thoughts. And because of these thoughts, she slept poorly that night. That evening, the Emperor stayed at Zhaohua Palace. In the middle of the night, seeing Xie Run sleeping restlessly, a hint of contemplation appeared in his eyes. After a moment, he reached out and drew her into his arms, his large palm settling on her waist as he gently coaxed her. Xie Run, trapped in her nightmare, gradually calmed upon hearing his soothing voice. When she woke the next morning, the Emperor had already gone to court. Xie Run sat on the bed, staring blankly into space for a long while. Dantao lifted the bed curtain and asked softly: "Did Your Ladyship not sleep well? Today is the fifteenth—I'm afraid we'll need to go pay respects to the Empress Dowager." Xie Run gave a light yawn. "It's not that I didn't sleep well—I just had a nightmare, but I can't remember what it was about." "It's better that you can't remember." Xiaoshu entered the inner chamber carrying a basin of washing water, her voice crisp: "If it were a nightmare, remembering it would only scare you all over again—that wouldn't be a good thing." "Forgetting it is for the best—just pretend it never happened." Xie Run rose from bed, supported by Dantao: "I need to go pay respects to the Empress Dowager today. Don't dress me too plainly..." She paused for a moment. "But not too ostentatious either." She was afraid that if the Empress Dowager failed to take Taotao, she might find fault with her attire instead. Women in the harem usually targeted each other through such means. Dantao and Xiaoshu exchanged a tense glance, then worked together to style Xie Run's hair in a perfectly conventional manner. As usual, Xie Run first went to Fengyi Palace. Still no sign of Noble Lady Xian, and she had to endure a few snide remarks from Consort Jing. Xie Run, who had always kept her head down and played the role of the quiet one, suddenly spoke up: "Consort Jing, ever since your face was injured, your temper has grown sharper and sharper. You take a jab at everyone you meet." After Consort Jing's face was disfigured, she loved to complain about it herself but hated it when others brought it up. Once, when she overheard a palace maid gossiping about it, she had the maid slapped. The women of the harem were all clever, and most held lower ranks than Consort Jing, so they generally didn't dare provoke her. Today, Xie Run suddenly brought it up and even said her temper had grown more acerbic since her disfigurement—that struck Consort Jing right in the heart. She was indeed aware that her mentality had become unbalanced since her face was ruined, and she lost her temper more easily than before. But she couldn't stand someone calling her out to her face and pointing out her faults. Consort Jing immediately shot back: "Bright and Pure Consort has the leisure to criticize me? You'd do better to worry about yourself, lest you end up crying from being mocked later." Xie Run asked curiously, "Consort Jing, what do you mean by that?" "You tell me to worry about myself and say I'll be reduced to tears by someone's mockery later? Do you know something?" She pretended to look frightened: "From what Consort Jing says, it sounds like you know someone plans to bully me?" Consort Jing sneered sarcastically: "How could that be? Sister Consort Shu is favored by the Emperor—who would dare bully you?" "I just spoke too hastily earlier, without thinking." Xie Run furrowed her brows slightly, putting on a worried expression: "Consort Jing's face is injured, and now her mind isn't working so well either. What will she do in the future?" Consort Jing was so furious her mouth nearly twisted out of shape, her nails almost digging into her flesh. "Bright and Pure Consort, don't go too far!" Xie Run blinked, looking at her with an innocent expression. Consort Jing was so enraged that she let out a cold laugh instead. Why was she getting anxious? Soon enough, Xie Run would be the one crying! Ritualist Hui, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up: "Sister Consort Jing, the Emperor dotes on Bright and Pure Consort these days. Everyone has to yield to her." "You've only been scolded a little and suffered a minor grievance. Why get so angry? If you speak rudely and it reaches the Emperor's ears, you might well be reprimanded yourself." Consort Jing shot Ritualist Hui a sidelong glance and sneered: "I really thought Ritualist Hui was someone who didn't compete, but it turns out that aloof, desireless act of yours is just a pretense." "By Ritualist Hui's logic, whoever the Emperor favors can bully others with impunity, without following any palace rules?!" "If Ritualist Hui wants to fawn on the powerful and trample the weak, that's her business—but don't drag me into it!" She snorted coldly and turned away, looking at both Xie Run and Ritualist Hui with disdain. Consort Jing wasn't stupid. She could tell that Ritualist Hui was ostensibly mediating but was actually pouring fuel on the fire, hoping they'd quarrel. In her foul mood, Consort Jing chose to attack indiscriminately: "Even though Bright and Pure Consort stole Ritualist Hui's chance to serve the Emperor last night, Ritualist Hui needn't debase herself so much that she can't even shed a tear without having to soothe Bright and Pure Consort's feelings?" Consort Jing first pointed out that Ritualist Hui was stirring up trouble because Xie Run had taken her turn with the Emperor last night, then took the opportunity to imply that Ritualist Hui came from a lowly background. Ritualist Hui was not good at arguing. Furious and humiliated, her face turned extremely ugly. Xie Run lowered her gaze, playing with the jade tassel on her waist, and said unhurriedly: "Empress, this concubine doesn't understand palace rules well, but what Consort Jing said is truly unpleasant to hear. I wonder if this counts as a subordinate offending a superior?" "Speaking so recklessly and with such sarcasm is hardly befitting a palace consort." Consort Jing's face changed with shock. In the harem, when concubines quarreled, the capable ones gained the upper hand and the incapable ones admitted defeat. Who had ever seen someone as shameless as Xie Run—when she couldn't win an argument, she went to the Empress to arbitrate and use her rank to crush others? Not just Consort Jing—everyone who had come to pay their respects was astonished. Only Xie Run remained calm, staring at the Empress with clear, innocent eyes full of apparent curiosity. The Empress swept a casual glance over everyone, taking in all their little schemes at once. Meeting Xie Run's feigned ignorance, the Empress said in a flat tone: "Consort Jing, your temper has grown increasingly rash lately, and your words increasingly careless." "We are all sisters in the same palace, so you should speak more politely, and show more respect to your superiors." "Since this is your first offense, I'll punish you by copying the scriptures three times to temper your disposition. Bring it when you pay respects tomorrow. If there's a next time, it won't be as simple as copying scriptures." Consort Jing's eyes reddened with rage. What kind of superior was Xie Run? She'd only squeezed into the Four Consorts as Consort Shu by relying on bearing a child and serving the Emperor for years. Consort Jing, on the other hand, had no children and was a newcomer, yet she'd entered the palace directly at the second-rank Fei position. If she rose in the future, it would only take one step to reach the Four Consorts—she would never be inferior to Xie Run. Although there is a gap between the first-rank Four Fei and the second-rank Fei, they are all still Fei, with only slight differences in treatment. Consort Jing has never admitted that she ranks lower than Xie Run. Now being scolded in front of everyone by the Empress, Consort Jing was full of embarrassment and dissatisfaction, yet she dared not vent it. No matter how angry she was, she did not dare to truly offend the Empress and Xie Run. Xie Run was one thing, but the Empress managed the Six Palaces and had plenty of ways to make her life difficult. With the rules pressing down on her from above, she had no choice but to accept it. She could only secretly resent that the two of them were melons from the same vine, joining forces to bully her. The more she thought this way, the more Consort Jing looked forward to seeing Xie Run make a fool of herself. The bickering at Fengyi Palace came to an end once the Empress spoke up. After the group finished paying their respects, they all went together to Cining Palace. On the way, Consort Jing could not help but gloat, suddenly asking, "Why didn't Bright and Pure Consort bring the Fifth Prince today to pay respects to the Empress Dowager?" "The Empress Dowager has been ill for many days; perhaps she misses her imperial grandsons." Xie Run calmly glanced at her. "So Consort Jing also knows the Empress Dowager has been ill for many days?" "Children are naughty and rowdy. The Empress Dowager has finally recovered her health. If he were to disturb her, that would truly be a great offense." "Consort Jing speaks of caring for the Empress Dowager, but your consideration is truly lacking." Consort Jing was waiting to see Xie Run make a spectacle of herself, so she sneered twice and said nothing more. When they arrived at Cining Palace, Xie Run had just followed the others in performing the greetings and taking her seat when the Empress Dowager fixed her gaze on her. Having been in the harem for many years, the Empress Dowager still had not cultivated the ability to conceal her emotions. Her face fell, and her brows and eyes were filled with displeasure as she looked at Xie Run. "Bright and Pure Consort, why is it that I don't see you bringing the Fifth Prince here today?" Before Xie Run could even open her mouth to reply, the Empress Dowager had already begun to complain: "I have been ill in bed for a long time, and now that I have finally recovered, I simply wish to see my imperial grandson. But you insist on keeping him hidden away, as if you're afraid I might see him." "Having children and grandchildren around one's knees is a sign of a flourishing family. I am the Emperor's mother, yet I cannot even see my own grandson. Anyone who didn't know better would think my descendants were unfilial." Xie Run quickly rose and admitted her fault: "It is all this concubine's fault. This concubine thought that since the Empress Dowager had just recovered from illness, she most needed quiet rest. Children can be endlessly noisy when they start up, and they are hard to control. I feared they would disturb the Empress Dowager, so I did not dare bring him." "If the Empress Dowager so wishes, this concubine will certainly bring Taotao next time to wait upon you." The Empress Dowager made no attempt to hide her displeasure: "Why wait until next time? Have someone bring him here now." "I wish to see my grandson, yet you make every excuse to refuse. Could it be that you rely on the Emperor's favor to look down on everyone else?!" Consort Jing suddenly spoke up at this moment: "Just now at Fengyi Palace, this concubine inadvertently mentioned how yesterday Bright and Pure Consort sister snatched away Ritualist Hui's opportunity to serve the Emperor at night. Who would have thought this would anger Bright and Pure Consort sister, who said I was disrespecting my superiors." "Heaven have mercy, how would this concubine dare to be disrespectful to Bright and Pure Consort sister? Even Ritualist Hui, whose opportunity was snatched away, did not dare say a word. Among the women of this harem, who would dare to be disrespectful to Bright and Pure Consort?" As she spoke, Consort Jing even glanced fearfully at the Empress's expression: "It's a pity that the Empress favors Bright and Pure Consort... This concubine is ultimately at fault and deserves to be punished." The mouths of women in the palace were most skilled at twisting black into white and confusing right with wrong. Consort Jing's words recounted everything that had just happened, but she had completely reversed the cause and effect, instantly painting Xie Run as an arrogant, lawless favored consort who bullied others through her influence. Having received Consort Jing's words, the Empress Dowager had even more reason to take Xie Run to task. She lifted her chin, full of arrogance and dissatisfaction. "From what you say, Bright and Pure Consort is no different from Noble Consort Chen of the past—so rampant and reckless. What does she take this harem for?"