Chapter 370

Chapter 370 "Consort Sun went to the Imperial Study today, removing her hairpins to await punishment, recounting all her sins over the years, and even presenting several volumes of Buddhist scriptures written in blood to show her sincere repentance." "I was originally having tea at Consort Fang's place, and when I came out I heard some palace attendants gossiping, so I hurried over to bring you the news, sister." After Consort Fang was promoted to the rank of Imperial Concubine, the Empress, mindful that she was raising the First Princess, had her moved to a larger courtyard—one that happened to be the closest of all the Six Palaces to the Emperor's Imperial Study. This had even made Hua Zhaorong green with envy for a while. Xie Run was briefly surprised, then gestured for someone to offer tea. "You ran over in such a hurry, still out of breath—have a few sips of tea." "I'm afraid not many people in the palace know about this yet." Otherwise, there would be an uproar. Consort Sun, who had once sparred verbally with everyone across the Six Palaces, had now voluntarily gone to the Imperial Study to confess her crimes. "This move of hers came out of nowhere. Who knows what she's scheming behind the scenes?" Lady Lu laughed. "A leopard can't change its spots. I don't believe for a moment that she's truly repentant." Xie Run smiled. "The Empress had already lifted her house arrest long ago, yet she hasn't taken a single step outside Yongning Palace all this time—that in itself is strange." "Now that she's finally made a move, it's actually a good thing. At least we'll know what she's after." Lady Lu widened her eyes. "What is she after?" Seeing how eager she was for gossip, Xie Run gave a helpless, calm shrug. "That, Ben Gong doesn't know." "When something is out of the ordinary, there's bound to be trouble. Her sudden show of repentance now must be laying the groundwork for something she plans to do later. We'll just have to watch and see." Lady Lu looked a little disappointed at not hearing what she wanted. Xie Run smiled. "You're so well-informed—have you heard that the Emperor plans to promote ranks among the harem this New Year?" A hint of bitterness crept into Lady Lu's smile. "You know my situation, Sister Xie. The Emperor has never taken me seriously. Even if he promotes the entire Six Palaces, I doubt he'd think of me." Her rise to favor had been improper, earning the Emperor's disdain. Since entering the palace, the Emperor had never even laid eyes on her once—he'd completely forgotten she existed. "That may not be the case." Xie Run smiled gently. "Since Ben Gong assists the Empress with the Management of the Six Palaces, I naturally get wind of certain things." Lady Lu was so excited she could barely stay seated, her hands unconsciously clutching at her skirt. "R-really? I'm included?" Xie Run said, "Whether you're included, Ben Gong isn't certain. I only know that the Emperor is preparing to promote harem ranks in anticipation of next year's imperial beauty selection." "When new women enter the palace, it wouldn't do for the old hands from the Prince's residence to remain at the bottom, ranked below the newcomers. If the old ones get bullied by the new ones, it would reflect poorly on both the Emperor and the Empress." For the harem to remain stable, the Emperor and Empress would carefully calibrate the pace of rank promotions. If they were like the Retired Emperor, who recklessly promoted whoever was favored, that would mark the beginning of chaos in the harem. But if rules were established, letting everyone in the Six Palaces slowly climb the ranks according to seniority, with a clear path visible ahead, then everyone would settle down obediently, hoping only that each year would be better than the last. Though Xie Run didn't say it outright, Lady Lu knew she was "on the list" this time—otherwise Sister Xie wouldn't have tipped her off. Her excitement needed no words. Once she'd calmed her emotions, Lady Lu asked softly, "The Emperor has always doted on you, sister. If he's promoting ranks across the Six Palaces, will you be moving up as well?" Moving up further would leave only the position of Noble Consort. With the Empress's position currently secure, the Noble Consort was the highest rank in the harem. It was also the position every woman in the harem aspired to. In Lady Lu's view, with Sister Xie's favor and standing, she was bound to ascend to Noble Consort sooner or later. Though she was currently Consort De, there wasn't much difference between that and Noble Consort. But if she truly became Noble Consort, it would naturally be different from being Consort De. Xie Run only gave a light smile and shook her head. "Ben Gong has neither the merit of bearing an Imperial Heir, nor the ability to stabilize the harem. How could I be promoted to Noble Consort?" Her path to promotion was truly different from the other consorts'. Lady Lu smiled. "With the favor you enjoy, sister, it's only a matter of time—if not now, then eventually." "And the Fifth Prince is doing so well now, growing more beloved by the Emperor by the day. I only hope you conceive another Imperial Heir, sister—then when the Emperor promotes you, it'll be a double blessing!" Xie Run replied with a smile, "Then I'll take your good wishes to heart." In the past, Xie Run had no foundation and feared that too high a rank would attract trouble, like a tree that catches the wind. But she'd now sat in the position of Consort De for quite some time, and had assisted the Empress in managing the Six Palaces for a long while. She had built up a certain power in the palace, and no longer needed to fear resentment from others. On the contrary, the higher her rank, the more respect she commanded, and the more she could avoid unnecessary petty schemes. But she also knew that the position of Noble Consort was difficult to climb. Unless the Xie family rendered great service at court, or she conceived another child. Otherwise, who knew how many years she'd have to wait. After chatting with Lady Lu for a while, Xie Run went to the Lake Pavilion as usual to enjoy the snow. She'd barely sat down when someone from Zhaohua Palace came to deliver a message. "Your Grace, Consort Sun suddenly arrived at our palace, saying she's come to offer a humble apology with brambles on her back." "She knew you were at the Lake Pavilion enjoying the snow, and told this servant not to disturb you, for fear of spoiling your mood." Hearing this, Xie Run's enjoyment vanished in an instant. She looked at the clay stove and small pot that had just been set on the table, unable to help but smile. "If we truly made her wait at the gates of Zhaohua Palace for an hour or two, tomorrow's morning audience would have the entire Six Palaces watching the show." Xie Run rose, supported by Dantao. "Let's go. Since Consort Sun has come to offer a humble apology, it wouldn't do for me to be absent." The snow made the path slippery, so Xie Run returned by palanquin. Along the way, someone came with news to tell her: "My Lady, it seems Consort Sun's visit to our palace to offer a humble apology was done with the Emperor's approval." Xie Run thought to herself that, as long as it didn't disrupt harmony among the Six Palaces, the Emperor had always loved watching a good show. Now that Consort Sun was performing the role of a penitent—a play that benefited her reputation in the harem—the Emperor naturally approved. When they arrived at the gates of Zhaohua Palace, they could see from a distance Consort Sun standing there in plain, elegant attire, without a trace of makeup. Consort Sun had delicate features—not the most outstanding in the harem, but certainly not unpleasant to look at. In the past, with her heavy powder and cosmetics, she had been unremarkable among the other consorts. But now, with her hair ornaments removed and dressed in simple white robes standing in the snow, paired with the scholarly refinement of a noble lady from a prestigious family, she carried a rather distinctive charm. The moment Xie Run's palanquin touched the ground, Consort Sun led her attendants forward and bowed to Xie Run: "This one pays respects to Consort Zhaode." Xie Run could swear with her hand on her heart that in all the time she had known Consort Sun, she had never received such a respectful bow from her. She instinctively looked up at the sky above. Could the heavens truly have changed? Xie Run quickly helped Consort Sun rise. "Consort Sun, what are you doing?" Consort Sun kept her head lowered, her eyes seeming to brim with guilt: "This one has come today to offer a humble apology. I beg Consort Zhaode to forgive my past impertinence." Xie Run frowned slightly. "Consort Sun, what are you saying?" "What's past is past. The Emperor has already punished you—how could I possibly not forgive you?" Consort Sun refused to rise. "Consort Zhaode is kind-hearted, but this one has a narrow mind. When I was placed under house arrest by the Emperor, I privately resented you, my Lady. Now I am filled with regret, and I have come today especially to repent." "I beg Sister Consort Zhaode to grant this one the chance to apologize. Otherwise, I fear I will carry this matter in my heart forever, fretting by day and sleepless by night." "However my sister wishes to scold me, I will accept it willingly. I even hope my sister will scold me more, so that this one's heart may find some ease." Listening to Consort Sun's words, Xie Run felt a strange unease. A person's temperament might change, but usually through the gradual influence of daily life. For someone like Consort Sun to change so suddenly—either she had suffered a tremendous shock, or she was putting on an act. Two major events had recently occurred in the palace. One was the death by decree of Lady-in-waiting Gong, and the other was the visit of family members to the palace. Xie Run didn't think Consort Sun would be so shaken by Lady Gong's death, but she suspected that someone from the Duke of Yingguo's household might have said something to her, prompting this sudden change in disposition. As she was now—half genuine, half feigned—it was hard to read her intentions. Xie Run smiled. "Very well then, I accept your apology." Xie Run took her hand. "The weather is freezing cold, and you're dressed so thinly—your hands are ice cold. For the sake of your health, you should return to your palace and put on warmer clothes." Consort Sun smiled. "To be honest with my sister, I had been stubborn and narrow-minded before, quarreling with many sisters in the palace and committing many verbal sins." "Now that I've resolved to admit my faults, I naturally must apologize to each one in turn, to show my sincerity." This time, Xie Run was genuinely surprised. Consort Sun had always been proud and haughty, with a sharp tongue that had offended consorts across the Six Palaces. Most of those she had insulted were of lower rank, whom she had looked down upon. If she could truly humble herself and apologize to each one in turn—not to mention everyone else—at the very least Xie Run would look at her with new respect and believe she truly felt some remorse. Bending the knee was difficult, but once bent, the second and third time made no difference—and it would only earn her more benefits. If she truly made the rounds apologizing to all the Six Palaces, she would surely become the topic of discussion at tomorrow's morning audience. Hearing this, Xie Run took a pink cloak embroidered with crabapple blossoms from Dantao's hands and personally draped it over Consort Sun's shoulders, gently tying the ribbons. Xie Run said: "It's a good thing that my sister can find her way back from the wrong path. I do care for you." "Consider this cloak a gift from me. First, it lets the Six Palaces see that my sister and I have set aside our differences and reconciled. Second, it shows my affection for you." "I only hope that when the sisters of the Six Palaces see this cloak on you, they too will remember the bond of sisterhood, forget past frictions, and live together harmoniously in the harem." Consort Sun bowed with tears in her eyes: "Thank you for your guidance, sister." "In the past, I was blind and said many improper things. Fortunately, my sister does not despise me and is still willing to teach me." Xie Run smiled and patted her hand. "Once we enter the palace, we are all sisters. There's no talk of despising or not." Consort Sun was moved to tears and spoke many more touching words. After Dantao had seen Consort Sun off, Xiaoshu asked in confusion: "My Lady, why did you help Consort Sun?" "What kind of play is she putting on today? If Your Highness softens toward her, I'm afraid she'll scheme against you." Xie Run countered, "When did I ever help Consort Sun?" The two were taken aback by the question. Xie Run smiled sweetly. "I was only helping myself." She raised a hand and gently touched the jade bracelet on her wrist, displaying great patience. Dantao lifted the curtain and walked in with a cheerful smile. "Now that Consort Sun has received Your Highness's cloak, I'm afraid the entire Six Palaces will know that Your Highness is willing to perform a 'harmonious reconciliation' with her. Even those who harbor resentment toward Consort Sun will have to put on a smiling face and accept her apology." Xiaoshu nodded. "Exactly. Even the Emperor, seeing this situation, will likely change his view of Consort Sun. Then she'll have gotten what she wanted." Xie Run laughed. "Gotten what she wanted? But what exactly does she want?" Xiaoshu and Dantao froze, exchanging a glance. Xiaoshu: "Whatever it is, it's not good!" Xiaoshu had not a shred of goodwill toward Consort Sun. Xie Run: "Then haven't you considered the benefits this cloak brings me?" Xiaoshu's eyes darted around, growing brighter with realization. Xiaoshu: "Consort Sun parades around the Six Palaces wearing Your Highness's cloak, and everyone will know that Your Highness has set aside past grievances and won't hold a grudge against her." "In the Emperor's eyes, it also shows that our mistress is magnanimous, kind-hearted, and willing to endure some grievances for the harmony of the Six Palaces." As she spoke, Xiaoshu began to feel sorry for her mistress. Xie Run raised a hand and gently stroked a peony in a vase on the table. Its petals were bright and delicate—the most striking splash of color in this winter day. Xie Run: "I am the Emperor's consort. If the Emperor wishes to see harmony in the Six Palaces, I naturally must cooperate." "Besides, since the Emperor has already forgiven Consort Sun's past impertinence, how could I fail to read the situation?" "If I stubbornly clung to this petty grievance and made a fuss in the harem, I'd only end up making myself disliked." "Consort Sun wants to turn over a new leaf, and she's already taken her steps this far. This cloak of mine is merely icing on the cake—a casual gesture." Xiaoshu was silent for a moment. "It's still letting Consort Sun off too easily!" She still harbored resentment over Consort Sun's past disrespect toward Xie Run. Xie Run smiled. "Don't be angry. Too much anger will give you wrinkles." Xiaoshu laughed helplessly. "Your Highness is teasing me again!" Xie Run: "I originally thought Consort Sun was trying to find another excuse to scheme against me, so I naturally couldn't let my guard down. But judging by her behavior today, she doesn't seem to be targeting me. Why should I insist on getting involved?" There was one thing Xie Run didn't say. She felt Consort Sun wasn't aiming at her at all—but rather at the Emperor. Everything Consort Sun had done was to humble herself, to satisfy the Emperor's wish for harmony in the Six Palaces, and to curry favor with him. Xie Run had no desire to step into the middle of those two's affairs. Opportunities to watch the Emperor's drama were rare, and Xie Run would let herself enjoy the show. Xiaoshu thought for a long while but still couldn't figure it out. "Does Your Highness think Consort Sun's repentance is genuine or fake?" Xie Run: "Don't you two already have the answer in your hearts?" Anyone who truly believed Consort Sun had sincerely reformed and turned over a new leaf would be a real fool. Dantao mused with some concern, "But she suddenly pulled this move—there must be a reason. Not being able to guess her purpose leaves us uneasy." Xie Run: "If she's truly putting on an act, there will come a day when she can't keep it up. I'll be waiting for her to show her true colors." After a pause, Xie Run added, "Of course, if she can keep up the act for a lifetime, that would truly earn my admiration!" The two had nothing more to say.