Chapter 371

Chapter 371 Seeing the hint of worry between their brows, Xie Run said helplessly, "Of course, Ben Gong cannot simply sit and wait for death." "Find a way to get someone into Yongning Palace, and see if you can gather any information." "If I can learn where she's pointing her sword early on, I'll have a strategy to deal with it." Dantao and Xiaoshu immediately broke into smiles. Xiaoshu said eagerly, "This servant will arrange for someone right away!" "Until I find out what Consort Sun's purpose is, I won't be able to sleep soundly at night." "Go on then." While Xie Run was discussing Consort Sun with her people at Zhaohua Palace, the other palaces were not idle either. Consort Sun did exactly as she had said—she went palace by palace, apologizing to the consorts she had once mocked, ridiculed, or bullied. For some, she even prepared gifts. As she made her rounds through the Six Palaces, it immediately sparked heated discussion and drew everyone's attention. Everyone secretly wondered—had Consort Sun truly changed her ways? Others sneered that Consort Sun was putting on an act, saying she couldn't keep up the pretense for more than a few days. But Consort Sun indeed changed her ways from then on. She no longer bullied lower-ranking consorts at will, and instead appeared extremely kind and approachable. During the morning greetings at the Six Palaces, she showed exceptional respect toward the Empress and Xie Run as well. She once again displayed her diplomatic finesse, and truly earned the admiration of many. Even Xie Run was somewhat stunned, finally seeing in Consort Sun a hint of the grace she had possessed when she first entered the Prince's residence. Many people had sent their people to Yongning Palace to gather information. But Consort Sun remained excessively well-behaved from then on. Every day she stayed in her own palace, embroidering and practicing calligraphy, rarely going out. Even the servants of Yongning Palace remarked that after Consort Sun had changed her temperament, she handled matters with exceptional gentleness. Even when servants made mistakes, she was extraordinarily lenient, showing none of her former harshness—which secretly drew wonder from all. With new topics and events to discuss in the harem, time passed especially quickly. On New Year's Eve, all Six Palaces were to stay up through the night. The Emperor had prepared a palace banquet early on, inviting several members of the imperial clan and consorts of the Six Palaces to enjoy song and dance. Due to the heavy snow, the pregnant consorts all remained in their own palaces and did not attend. This banquet was personally managed by the Empress, with Xie Run and Consort Wen assisting at her side. Before the banquet began, Xie Run was in charge of checking attendance when she suddenly noticed that Consort Sun was missing. Her brow arched slightly, and her heart gave a sudden lurch. After enduring for nearly half a month, was she finally revealing her true colors? She first sent her people to look for Consort Sun, then quietly sent word to the Empress. "Your Majesty the Empress, all consorts have arrived except Consort Sun, who remains nowhere to be seen. This concubine worries something unexpected may have happened and has already sent people to look for her." The Empress glanced at Xie Run. Without exchanging a single word, the two could guess the worry in each other's hearts. The Empress said, "It's likely the snow is heavy and the roads are difficult to traverse. Just send a few more people to escort her." Xie Run nodded. "This concubine suspects the same, but I simply cannot rest easy. If Consort Sun still cannot be found, I will go search for her myself." The Empress curved her lips, teasing with a hint of a smile, "It's freezing cold out there. Just send a few servants. If you catch a chill, the Emperor will surely be upset." Xie Run felt somewhat reassured. "Then this concubine will follow Your Majesty's advice and not wander about, lest I cause others to come looking for me." The Empress nodded and said meaningfully, "Don't worry. Consort Sun knows her limits." Within less than half a cup of tea's time, the servant sent to search quietly delivered a message to Xie Run. "Your Ladyship, something has happened. Wu Baolin slipped and fell in her own courtyard and went into early labor. Consort Sun happened to be passing by and brought her people to help, which is why she hasn't returned." Xie Run: "...Is Wu Baolin doing well now?" "Unknown. Midwives and imperial physicians have already been summoned." At this moment, countless speculations raced through Xie Run's mind. Was Wu Baolin's fall leading to early labor connected to Consort Sun? If not, her appearance was far too coincidental, and she had gotten herself covered in suspicion for nothing. If yes, how could she be so bold as to scheme against someone? With Consort Sun's intelligence, she wouldn't devise such an obvious scheme, would she? Either way, with suspicion hanging over her, Consort Sun wouldn't be able to clear herself for some time. They would just have to wait and see the specifics tomorrow. However, without knowing the full details, Xie Run dared not jump to conclusions. She could only hope that Consort Sun truly had the sense of proportion the Empress had mentioned. The news also reached the Emperor and Empress. Both were shrewd and composed, showing nothing on their faces. Xie Run immediately stopped feeling anxious. This matter wasn't her responsibility anyway. The one giving birth was Wu Baolin, and the one under suspicion was Consort Sun—what did she have to worry about? As cups clinked and toasts were exchanged, she vaguely noticed several people coming to deliver messages to the Emperor. Halfway through the banquet, Xie Run was persuaded to drink two cups of fruit wine, and the corners of her eyes turned slightly red. She had a low tolerance for alcohol—even a little would show on her face. The Emperor noticed and said with a suppressed smile, "Has Consort Zhaode gotten drunk?" At his words, the nobles and consorts at the banquet all turned their gazes toward Xie Run. Xie Run smiled faintly, extremely dignified and graceful. "This concubine cannot hold her liquor well. I apologize for disturbing Your Majesty's enjoyment." "You rarely touch alcohol, so having a few cups today is enough to make you tipsy. I'll have someone prepare a hangover soup for you shortly—no more drinking after that." Xie Run: "This concubine thanks the Emperor for his concern." During the banquet, the Emperor spent most of his time chatting and laughing with the princes and nobles, occasionally exchanging a few words with the Empress. The consorts remained collectively silent at this time, appearing docile and well-behaved. The Emperor's special attention to Xie Run also demonstrated her favored status. Xie Run wasn't actually that drunk—just slightly flushed from the wine. Taking advantage of the Emperor's remark, she used it as an excuse to step out for some fresh air to shake off the alcohol. No sooner had she exited the main hall than a wave of cold air hit her face, instantly sobering her up. Yueya'er, peeking from the doorway, could hardly contain her joy upon seeing Xie Run appear. "Niangniang!" Xie Run gently waved her hand, signaling that they should talk once they were outside. Xie Run led her people down the gravel path, where red plum branches grew askew in the snow, with the occasional snowflake drifting by. Once they were out of earshot, Xie Run asked softly, "Has something happened with Wu Baolin?" Yueya'er bowed before replying, "Niangniang, someone from Consort Sun's side sent word. It seems Consort Sun spoke with the Emperor about something, and the Emperor has placed Consort Sun in full charge of overseeing Wu Baolin's childbirth." Xie Run was somewhat surprised. "When I first heard that Wu Baolin had fallen and gone into labor, and that Consort Sun happened to be nearby, I did harbor some suspicion." "But judging by the Emperor's actions, there must be another explanation." Yueya'er quickly added, "Niangniang, Wu Baolin's fall truly has nothing to do with Consort Sun." Because the news had arrived after the palace banquet had already begun. Yueya couldn't go in to deliver the message, so she could only wait outside, anxious. Yueya'er: "Wu Baolin couldn't stay put in her room and insisted on going out for a walk. She ended up slipping and falling just as she left the courtyard." "Consort Sun happened to be heading to the palace banquet and encountered a frantic little maid on the way, so she followed along to take a look." Xie Run: "Whether it's a coincidence depends on how the Emperor sees it." "Since the Emperor has entrusted Wu Baolin to Consort Sun, then it's a coincidence." Xie Run changed the subject and asked, "How is Wu Baolin doing?" "Reporting to Niangniang, although Wu Baolin went into labor due to the fall, she's already at full term, so the delivery is going smoothly. The midwife said that since it's her first child, the labor will be somewhat more difficult." Xie Run thought to herself: "I only hope Wu Baolin and her child are both safe, and that Taotao gains another younger brother." The Emperor didn't have many sons, and Xie Run was somewhat concerned about that. Yueya'er: "I quietly sent someone to inquire—Wu Baolin's situation is being handled in an orderly manner without any chaos. It seems she should be able to deliver normally." Xie Run: "For a woman, childbirth is like stepping one foot through the gates of hell. No one can make hasty judgments until everything is settled." Xie Run only took a brief stroll outside before returning to the palace hall. The banquet was still ongoing, with cups raised and exchanged as time slowly passed. By the time the palace banquet ended, an hour had gone by. As they left the feast, Dantao said softly, "Niangniang, look at the sky!" "There's actually a moon tonight, and the snow has stopped too—it's lighting up the path." Xie Run looked up as well and indeed saw a sliver of crescent moon, casting a shimmering white glow over the snow-covered ground. Xie Run: "Today is a good day—even the moon is pleased." Just then, Consort Wen also emerged from the palace hall. Upon seeing Xie Run, she immediately offered a salute. "Is Consort Zhaode returning to her palace?" Xie Run didn't answer directly, instead asking, "Where is Consort Wen headed? I notice your direction doesn't seem to be the way back to your palace." Consort Wen smiled lightly. "The Empress couldn't hold her liquor and has already returned to Fengyi Palace. She's worried about Sister Wu, so she specially sent me to check on her." Xie Run thought for a moment. "I was just thinking the same thing." "Today is New Year's Eve, and Sister Wu chose such an auspicious day to give birth—I daresay both mother and child are blessed." Consort Wen was taken aback. "Does Consort Zhaode not know that there's more to Wu Baolin's labor than meets the eye?" Xie Run also paused in surprise, then smiled. "I was so captivated by the singing and dancing at the banquet, and I had a few too many cups of wine—I'm afraid I don't know anything at all." Consort Wen sighed. "Sister Wu must have been bored during her pregnancy. She insisted on going out to see the plum blossoms late at night. But before she even made it past the palace gates, she slipped on the snow on the steps and fell, which brought on her labor early." Xie Run seemed to have a sudden realization. "Dantao did vaguely mention this to me, but after a couple of drinks, I don't quite remember." Consort Wen: "The Empress is worried, and since I happen to have nothing to do, I'm going on her behalf to check on Wu Baolin. She's gone into labor early—I only hope everything goes smoothly." "Indeed." Xie Run nodded, then added, "That said, the child in Wu Baolin's womb is already full term, so giving birth now is within the normal range." As the two women conversed, their palanquins came to a stop before Wu Baolin's palace. Wu Baolin was only a Baolin, so she had just four maids and one eunuch attending her, all of whom were now assisting in the delivery room. Just as the two arrived, they saw Consort Sun's people standing guard at the entrance. "Greetings to Consort Zhaode and Consort Wen." Xie Run raised a hand: "Rise. How is Wu Baolin now?" "Reporting to Your Highness, Wu Baolin is still in labor. The midwife and imperial physicians say it will likely be some time before the birth." Xie Run and Consort Wen were ushered inside, where they saw Consort Sun seated in the main hall in resplendent attire. Having shed her former restlessness and stubbornness, her bearing had grown increasingly composed. Consort Sun rose first to greet Xie Run and Consort Wen with proper rites, then seated them in the positions of honor before carefully explaining Wu Baolin's condition. "The imperial physicians say Wu Baolin's early labor was not caused by her fall, but by a fright that hastened the delivery. The fall itself was not serious and will not affect the birth." "Wu Baolin is in good health, and the child in her womb has been well nurtured. It is only because this is her first birth that it is taking longer." Had it been anyone else today, they would surely have made snide remarks about how coincidental it was that Consort Sun happened to appear at Wu Baolin's courtyard gate. But Xie Run and Consort Wen were not the sort to stir up trouble. After asking a few questions about Wu Baolin's condition, they said no more. They could vaguely see maids and eunuchs from the side courtyard coming and going. Consort Sun said, "The weather is freezing cold—why have both elder sisters come here?" "I did not attend the palace banquet, and I wonder if I have incurred the Emperor's or Empress's displeasure." Xie Run pretended not to know that Consort Sun had already sought the Emperor's permission, and said gently, "Wu Baolin is bearing a child for the Emperor. This Ben Gong and Sister Consort Wen discussed it and came to see if there was anything we could help with—that would be for the best." Consort Wen said, "The Emperor specifically tasked Sister Consort Sun with overseeing Wu Baolin's delivery. That is a sign of his complete trust in you—how could he be angry?" Strictly speaking, Consort Wen, having a formal title, outranked Consort Sun by a slight margin. It should have been Consort Sun calling Consort Wen "elder sister." But Consort Wen had always been gentle-natured, and out of deference to Consort Sun being a veteran of the prince's household, she had always addressed her as "elder sister." In the past, Consort Sun had accepted this quite naturally. Now, however, she had changed her address to call Consort Wen "elder sister," her words showing clear humility—a testament to how much her temperament had shifted. Consort Sun said, "The very fact that both elder sisters could come is already an immense honor for Wu Baolin." "But it is still early yet—I fear both elder sisters will have to wait a while longer." Wu Baolin going into labor at this hour—if one wanted to spin it favorably, there were plenty of ways; but if one wanted to find fault, there were also many drawbacks. The timid would worry that the child was arriving at an inopportune time, dampening the Emperor's and Empress's festive spirits. Consort Wen said, "Sister Consort Sun is warm-hearted. It is only a pity you missed the palace banquet and all its excitement—that is rather a shame." "Excitement can be had every year, but Sister Wu's delivery happens only once. Since I happened upon it, how could I stand by and do nothing?" Consort Sun said with a modest smile, carrying a rare note of conviction in her tone. She must have known that being caught up in Wu Baolin's labor meant she was stained with suspicion that would not easily wash clean. Rather than exhaust herself trying to explain, it was better to see Wu Baolin through a smooth delivery. Once the dust settled, there would be ample opportunity to voice any grievances. And so there was not a trace of guilt on Consort Sun's face—on the contrary, she appeared perfectly justified. Xie Run had originally planned only to sit for a while at Wu Baolin's place to show her support. After all, with Wu Baolin going into labor at this hour, the child likely would not arrive until the first day of the new year. She could not possibly stay here through New Year's Eve. But just as she was about to suggest leaving, she heard voices from the neighboring courtyard announcing good news: "The birth! Wu Baolin has given birth!" "It is a prince!" Consort Sun instinctively looked toward Xie Run. Though she had received the Emperor's order to oversee Wu Baolin's delivery, Xie Run held the highest rank here. If she presumptuously made arrangements over Xie Run's head, she feared it would displease her. Xie Run noticed Consort Sun's glance and immediately guessed what she was thinking, feeling rather awkward about it. The old Consort Sun had sparred with the entire Six Palaces—when had she ever been mindful of anyone? Now her every word was filled with caution and respect, which took some getting used to.