Chapter 355

Chapter 355 Xie Run nodded helplessly: "Isn't that so? From now on, this Ben Gong will have to watch her tongue." After a few lighthearted remarks, she turned serious: "What business does Noble Lady Xian have with Ben Gong today?" The last time Noble Lady Xian had visited Zhaohua Palace was when she had taken a liking to the child in Wu Baolin's belly and wanted Xie Run to put in a good word for her. Xie Run had naturally refused. After that, Noble Lady Xian never set foot in Zhaohua Palace again, choosing instead to be a quiet, invisible presence in the palace. Her sudden visit today surely meant she had something on her mind. As for what that something was, Xie Run had a vague inkling. She glanced at Xiaoshu: "Watch my cues and act accordingly." Xiaoshu nodded: "This servant understands." Ever since she had been given the Management of the Six Palaces, all sorts of troublesome characters had been coming to Zhaohua Palace in droves. Sometimes, when Xie Run couldn't be bothered to deal with them, she would establish the rule with her attendants of serving tea and showing guests out. Xie Run's reminder now was out of fear that Noble Lady Xian might refuse to leave Zhaohua Palace if her request was denied. Before long, an attendant led Noble Lady Xian inside. After offering her greetings, she spoke in a gentle voice: "It's been a few days, and Consort Zhaode's complexion is looking better and better." Xie Run maintained a smile on her face: "Isn't that so? Now that several more women in the harem are with child, the Emperor no longer needs to worry about heirs. With such peace and harmony, it's only natural that one's complexion would improve." Noble Lady Xian curled her lips into a faint smile: "Indeed, with another pregnant woman in the palace—Lady of Handsome Fairness Xi—the Emperor and Empress are both overjoyed." But after the smile faded, a hint of worry crept onto Noble Lady Xian's delicate face. She tilted her head slightly, twisting the handkerchief in her hands, looking somewhat distressed, as if harboring some unspeakable difficulty. The moment Xie Run saw her like that, she couldn't help but sigh inwardly. She took the initiative to steer the conversation, speaking slowly: "Concubine Yang is also quite fortunate. Though she hasn't served the Emperor much, she became pregnant and happened to win the Emperor's favor, rising to Lady of Handsome Fairness Xi in one stroke." "For now she's Lady of Handsome Fairness Xi, but once she safely delivers her child, the next step up would be the Nine Concubines, and she'd have the right to raise her own child." So from the moment the Emperor promoted her to Lady of Handsome Fairness Xi, everyone knew that the child in her belly, barring any accidents, would be raised by her herself. "Noble Lady Xian, you entered the palace at the same time as Lady of Handsome Fairness Xi. In fact, in the beginning, it was you who stood out the most and won the Emperor's favor, while Lady of Handsome Fairness Xi never had much favor at all." Xie Run thought to herself that if Noble Lady Xian hadn't been foolish enough to get entangled in the power struggle between the Empress Dowager and the Empress, she would never have been completely cast aside by the Emperor. The Emperor had two things he despised: fools, and those with excessive ambition. Whether willingly or unwillingly, Noble Lady Xian had become a pawn in the power struggle between the Empress and the Empress Dowager. If it was unwilling, then she was foolish for letting herself be manipulated. If it was willing, then she was even more detestable—greedy for power and prestige. Her involvement in the struggle between the Empress and the Empress Dowager likely had elements of both—half yielding, half pushing—and in doing so, she had managed to violate both of the Emperor's taboos. It would be strange if she weren't cast aside. Xie Run knew Noble Lady Xian wouldn't enjoy hearing what she had to say, but right now, she intended to say exactly those unpleasant things. Otherwise, if Noble Lady Xian failed to see reality clearly and caused trouble, it would still end up being Xie Run's headache to deal with. Noble Lady Xian gave a bitter smile: "Perhaps this concubine is simply lacking in fortune. I was blessed with the Emperor's affection for a time, but didn't have the luck to bear him a child." Xie Run noticed the growing air of self-pity and resentment about her and suddenly felt her teeth set on edge. She decided to cut straight to the point: "Speaking of which, I still haven't asked—what important matter brings Noble Lady Xian to see Ben Gong today?" Noble Lady Xian lowered her head with a gentle smile: "This concubine envies Lady of Handsome Fairness Xi's good fortune, but I also know that I have disappointed the Emperor. I fear it will be difficult to regain his favor, let alone conceive a child of my own." "Rather than envying others day after day, I thought it better to hope that I might earn the Emperor's pity and raise a child by my side—at least then I'd have someone to rely on in my old age." These words from Noble Lady Xian were quite sincere. She smiled softly, a glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes: "This concubine encountered the Sixth Prince a few days ago and found him utterly adorable. It's just a pity that at such a young age, he's lost his birth mother's love and is only looked after by a few wet nurses. He must have suffered no small amount of hardship." Xie Run sensed something in her words and asked: "Has someone been neglecting their duties in caring for him, and Noble Lady Xian happened to witness it?" Noble Lady Xian sighed inwardly—no wonder the Emperor doted on Consort Zhaode. With a heart as clever and perceptive as hers, it was hard not to be fond of her. Noble Lady Xian pressed her lips together and spoke softly: "Last time, this concubine noticed what appeared to be frostbite on the Sixth Prince's hands. When I tried to get a closer look, the old nurse caring for him dodged away." "Your Ladyship manages the Six Palaces, so you know how insolent those old matrons can be when they have no master to rein them in. If the master they serve can't control them and isn't favored either, they'll torment the child however they please." "The Sixth Prince is still so young. He can't even cry out when he's cold or hot, and if he's bullied, he has nowhere to seek justice. At such a tender age, who knows how much wrong he's already suffered." Xie Run had originally thought Noble Lady Xian had come today to ask her to take sides again, to put in a good word so she could raise the Sixth Prince. She hadn't expected Noble Lady Xian to bring up the matter of the Sixth Prince being mistreated by those beneath him. Xie Run's smile faded, replaced by a look of shock. "The Sixth Prince is the Emperor's own flesh and blood—how dare they be so insolent?" Noble Lady Xian's eyes were full of heartache as she spoke of the Sixth Prince. "Your Grace has always been favored, but you wouldn't know that in the palace, those without favor—even princes—have a hard time of it." Xie Run's expression turned grave. "Noble Lady Xian, your words are a bit much." If spoken to someone more suspicious, they might think Noble Lady Xian was mocking Xie Run. Xie Run said coolly, "If those wretched servants truly dare to neglect the Sixth Prince, never mind this palace—once the Emperor and Empress learn of it, they will not be lenient." "But such claims must be backed by evidence." Xie Run rarely displayed such authority, her face cold as she said, "Enough. Since there's nothing pressing today, I shall go there myself." "In the past, the Sixth Prince was raised in the Princes' Residence, with only Her Majesty the Empress going to look after him, undisturbed by outsiders. These past days, with the Empress unwell, those people likely have no one watching over them, and their skin has started to loosen!" Xie Run believed Noble Lady Xian's words. Such matters—if there were no proof, she would never dare speak recklessly. But Xie Run only had the authority of Management of the Six Palaces, and could not overstep her bounds by reaching into the princes' living quarters. Hence she had never gone to check on the Sixth Prince. The Emperor was busy with affairs of state, and the Empress was unwell, unable to attend to too much. With all these things combined, those serving had likely gained power and begun to forget their place. Xie Run rose to her feet. "No need to change clothes. Let's go directly to the Princes' Residence." Noble Lady Xian was taken aback. "This concubine is to go as well? Would that not be inappropriate?" The Princes' Residence was guarded by imperial guards. She had no children residing there, nor did she hold the authority of Management of the Six Palaces. If she went rashly, she feared being stopped at the door and humiliated. Xie Run's fox-like eyes curved into a smile, tinged with cunning and warmth. "With Noble Lady Xian as witness, I can better convince the Emperor, lest we be fooled by the tongues of some maids and eunuchs." Since Noble Lady Xian had raised the matter of the Sixth Prince being mistreated, Xie Run could not ignore it. But if Xie Run charged in and made a scene now, the Six Palaces would know of it before long. The matter had been raised by Noble Lady Xian—Xie Run had no intention of bearing this burden, nor of being suspected of having designs on the Sixth Prince. Noble Lady Xian, however, was thinking of something else entirely. She had harbored the desire to raise the Sixth Prince. If she stepped forward now, while it would certainly invite gossip, it would also let the Emperor and Empress see her sincerity. At the very least, she was willing to risk everything for the Sixth Prince. Noble Lady Xian bowed respectfully. "This concubine saw it with her own eyes and would not dare speak falsely. Even before the Emperor and Empress, I am willing to bear witness for Your Grace." "If I was mistaken and wronged those serving the Sixth Prince, I willingly accept punishment, and Consort Zhaode has no part in it. If I was not mistaken... those wretched servants deserve punishment indeed!" To have pushed a mild-mannered person to cursing showed that Noble Lady Xian was genuinely indignant on the Sixth Prince's behalf. Xie Run led a large entourage in a grand procession toward the Princes' Residence. Along the way, one who tried to slip away to report ahead was caught by Chunjuan's sharp eyes. "Seeing Her Grace arrive and still daring to run?! What guilty deed have you done that you're in such a hurry to flee?" "Confess quickly now, or you'll be sent to the Department of Punishments!" "Spare me, Eunuch Chun! Spare me, Eunuch Chun!" When Xie Run arrived at the Princes' Residence, she saw two eunuchs sitting at the entrance playing dice. One of them was playing while keeping one eye peeled toward the outside. His peripheral vision caught sight of Xie Run, and his whole body jolted, his soul nearly flying out of him in fright. The one beside him urged him to hurry up and roll. "Hurry up!" "With such a timid nature, you deserve your suffering!" "The Princes' Residence currently houses only the Sixth Prince. The Emperor and Empress are both busy and rarely come even once a month—what do you have to be afraid of..." The man casually followed the other's gaze and caught sight of the entourage behind Xie Run. His scalp went numb with terror. He scrambled to his feet and bowed. "This servant pays respects to Your Grace!" He also yanked at the dazed eunuch beside him to bow. The two had guarded the Princes' Residence for years and didn't recognize Xie Run at all. They could only judge from her luxurious clothing and ornaments that she was someone of extraordinary status, and their hearts nearly leaped from their chests in fright. Xie Run didn't even glance at the two men as she walked straight in. Her embroidered hem swept past their vision like real flowers blooming before their eyes, nearly dazzling them. She had just reached the main hall when she heard a child's heart-wrenching cries. Noble Lady Xian's brow furrowed. "It's the Sixth Prince!" The only one who would be crying in the Princes' Residence at this time was the Sixth Prince. Before Xie Run could speak, Noble Lady Xian could no longer contain herself. Lifting her skirts, she rushed into the bedchamber first. The Princes' Residence was large, but the rooms allotted to each prince were few—only three chambers. One served as the bedchamber, one as the study, and the other for the servants to reside in. Noble Lady Xian barged in, yet not a single servant was seen attending inside—only the Sixth Prince left crying on the couch. When Xie Run lifted the curtain and entered, she saw the Sixth Prince lying at the edge of the couch, crying and trying to climb down. The couch was of some height—if he fell, bruises would be unavoidable. When Taotao played on the couch on ordinary days, she was always attended by two sturdy matrons or eunuchs. Xie Run had not yet spoken when Noble Lady Xian stepped forward to embrace the Sixth Prince, angrily scolding, "These wretched slaves have grown far too insolent!" "With so many people, not a single one was in the room attending to him. If the Sixth Prince had so much as stumbled or scraped himself, not one of their heads would be enough to pay for it." Xie Run glanced at Chunjuan, who led people to search everywhere. They found that everyone had gathered in the last side chamber. Chunjuan had them brought over and was nearly laughing in anger. "Reporting to Your Ladyship, all those who serve the Sixth Prince are here." "I just found them in their sleeping quarters—all gathered together, with several dozen plates of fruits, pastries, and small dishes laid out. They said it was the Sixth Prince's wet nurse's birthday today, and everyone had gathered to celebrate it for her." No sooner had Chunjuan finished speaking than the Sixth Prince's wet nurse fell to her knees in terror before Xie Run: "Please spare me, Your Ladyship! This servant saw that the Sixth Prince was asleep, so I only went next door to sit for a moment. I had said I would sit briefly and return, but I never expected that in that short span, the Sixth Prince would wake up..." The wet nurse, along with the Sixth Prince, was supposed to reside in the Sixth Prince's chambers. Xie Run swept her gaze over those kneeling on the ground. "What a coincidence. Just as you went to sit for a while, the Sixth Prince woke up, and I arrived?" "Isn't it so?" The wet nurse wailed tearfully. "This servant knows she cannot escape blame, but I only beg Your Ladyship to consider that I nursed the Sixth Prince, and to mete out a lighter punishment." Xie Run bent down slightly and lifted the wet nurse's chin. "You've been drinking?" The wet nurse's expression changed, and she immediately tried to defend herself: "This servant hasn't touched a drop of wine—it was the others who drank too much. I only got a bit of the smell on my clothes!" The princes were weaned late. The Sixth Prince was still nursing at this age, yet the wet nurse dared to touch alcohol—this was truly outrageous. Xie Run had known before that servants would mistreat masters who were out of favor, but she had truly never seen anyone show such disregard for a prince. Chunjuan yanked her away and scolded furiously, "With such a strong smell of wine on you, you still dare to spout lies right in front of Her Ladyship? You lot must have your heads stuck up your arses!" "Fifty slaps to the face first!" Xie Run said nothing, only furrowing her delicate brows tightly. After a moment, she spoke: "Handle them all according to palace rules." The moment the words fell, the entire room of palace attendants burst into cries and pleas for mercy. According to palace rules, for the offenses they had committed, the lightest punishment would be caning followed by expulsion from the palace. For the more serious ones, they might lose their heads. In the past, Xie Run had thought that those serving in the palace had it hard enough, and there was no need to make things difficult for them. She always punished lightly, rarely resorting to bloodshed. She would often single out a few ringleaders to discipline, and let the others off with leniency. But not this time. The person being mistreated was the Emperor's own son, and she bore the responsibility of managing the Six Palaces. If she punished lightly again, they might say that because he was not her own flesh and blood, she could afford to play the kind-hearted benefactor. Xie Run kept thinking—if the Empress were here today, how would she handle this? Aloof and elevated, cold and decisive—she would not only punish according to palace rules, but make sure the entire Six Palaces knew of it, so as to deter other attendants who failed to respect rank and bullied their masters. Several of the kneeling ones tried to crawl forward and grab Xie Run's legs to beg for mercy, but were shoved back by those attending to Xie Run. "How dare you! Do you intend to lay hands on Her Ladyship?!" Xie Run, imitating the Empress's manner, looked down coldly at those kneeling, radiating an unassailable authority and icy detachment: "Drag them out. Carry out the punishment in the front courtyard of the Princes' Residence, and let every attendant serving there witness it!" "In the future, more princes will come to reside in the Princes' Residence. If any attendant dares to fawn on the powerful and trample on their own master, the fate of these people shall serve as a warning!"