Chapter 413

Chapter 413 Xie Run spread her hands helplessly, revealing her protruding belly. "Whether it's a prince or princess, that's likely already decided by now. If it's a princess, no matter how much His Majesty hopes for otherwise, I have no way to help it." Xiaoshu said, "Could Eunuch Shian's meaning be that His Majesty hopes you'll give birth soon so he can bestow a reward upon you?" Xie Run pondered for a moment. "That's not impossible." "Eunuch Shian is someone from the Emperor's presence, after all. The news he receives daily is far more than anyone in the harem." Xiaoshu voiced the question at the heart of it all: "But you are already a Noble Consort, mistress. What more could His Majesty possibly bestow? Especially at the birth of the 'Tenth Prince'?" After saying this, both Xiaoshu and Dantao couldn't help but widen their eyes. Their hearts skipped a beat as they thought of the most unlikely possibility. In the past, Xie Run had been far too easygoing, never showing any ambition for rank, and since she had been continuously promoted, the two maidservants hadn't paid much attention to such matters either. Now, suddenly reminded, they realized something with a jolt. Their mistress was already the highest-ranking consort in the palace—the foremost person beneath the Empress. Now that the Empress was gone, if His Majesty were to bestow another promotion on their mistress... wouldn't that be the position of Empress? Something the two maidservants wouldn't have dared to imagine on ordinary days was suddenly placed before their eyes, leaving them somewhat at a loss. Xie Run interrupted their fantasies. "Don't overthink it. His Majesty won't promote me for the time being!" "Any change in harem ranks would have to wait at least a year after the Empress's passing." The Emperor had been renowned for filial piety during his youth, and now enjoyed a fine reputation in the Yu Dynasty. Upon his ascension, the political transition had been smooth, reducing bloody conflict by ninety percent. Having enjoyed the benefits of a good reputation, given the Emperor's nature, he would never pass up this opportunity. After the Empress's death, if he, as sovereign and husband, were willing to observe a year of mourning, everyone would praise him for being deeply devoted. The common folk would spread tales of his deep conjugal love with the Empress. It would do nothing but good for the Emperor's reputation. Previously it had been mere speculation, but since the Empress's death, the Emperor had never once spent the night in the harem—Xie Run had already discerned his intentions. Under these circumstances, the Emperor would not establish a new Empress for at least one to three years. This period would also be the most peaceful time in the harem. Seeing Xie Run speak with such conviction, Xiaoshu and Dantao naturally dared not contradict her, though they couldn't help feeling a pang of regret. What servant doesn't wish for their mistress to rise higher? After a moment, Dantao asked softly, "If not a promotion, then what might His Majesty bestow upon you?" "Since entering the palace, the gifts you've received have filled the storehouse. What rare treasure haven't you seen? It must be something truly exceptional for Eunuch Shian to mention it!" Xiaoshu nodded in agreement, looking quite curious. Xie Run thought for a moment and had a rough idea. "His Majesty's grace toward me has already been more than sufficient. If further favor is to come... it should extend to my family." As a Noble Consort, it wouldn't do for her parents to remain commoners without rank, lacking even the qualification to enter the palace for an audience. There had always been those in the palace who resented Xie Run's position as Noble Consort, precisely because the Emperor doted on her yet had never elevated her family. During the Retired Emperor's era, any favored consort saw their entire household rise with them. When Noble Consort Chen had been favored, the Retired Emperor personally addressed her father as "Imperial Father-in-Law," granting him a noble title and promoting his official rank... every family member benefited, and even Noble Consort Chen's married half-sister received the title of County Lady. Thus, everyone subconsciously assumed that if the Emperor truly favored someone, he would follow the Retired Emperor's example. But the current Emperor did not favor rewarding family members. The Empress's family was in the Xia Dynasty, so that went without saying. As for Noble Consort Zhao, Consort Jingshu, Noble Lady Xi, Lady of Handsome Fairness Fang, and others—they all benefited personally but never extended that benefit to their families. Xie Run had originally thought the Emperor simply didn't like doing such things, but now she realized he was probably reluctant to hand out titles and rewards indiscriminately, preferring instead to use them as leverage. When Xiaoshu and Dantao heard about benefits extending to family, they were naturally happy for Xie Run. But Xie Run herself felt nothing. She had no emotional connection to her so-called parents, so she couldn't exactly relate. After finishing dinner, Xie Run waddled around the courtyard for a walk. "With His Majesty's words, I don't need to rise as early as before to go to Fengyi Palace." Xie Run liked following the rules, but she didn't mind taking a little liberty within them. "After all, His Majesty has said I'm unwell. If I arrive a bit late or leave a bit early, I imagine everyone will be understanding. They might even praise me—saying that despite being unwell, I still go to Fengyi Palace every day, showing great respect for the Empress..." Dantao was inside ironing Xie Run's clothes, with Zihu and Xiaoshu keeping her company. The two listened to Xie Run muttering praises of herself and couldn't help smiling. Zihu was usually quiet, but she was extremely attentive. She softly reminded, "Mistress, you've been busy going to Fengyi Palace to mourn these past days, and you haven't spent time with the Fifth Prince in a while." "The Fifth Prince misses you." Xie Run: "Ben Gong truly lacks some energy these days, not as thorough as before." In the past, Xie Run would have been very attentive to such matters herself, never needing reminders from those around her. As a prince, Taotao was required to observe mourning for the Empress daily. However, the palace regulations were not too strict on them—they had wet nurses and personal maids attending to them, so they wouldn't suffer. It was just that the days were dull, and children inevitably found it hard to sit still. "Your Highness, today Nanny Xu was praising our Fifth Prince to this servant." "Our Fifth Prince is older now, more sensible by the day. He can listen to reason and even helps look after his younger siblings." "When Nanny Xu explained the principles of mourning to the Fifth Prince, though he usually seems lively and restless, he listened very attentively. He even spoke fondly of the Empress's kindness and obediently stays before her mourning altar every day." "Unlike the Third Princess, who is young and spoiled—she can't be soothed no matter what, and if no one watches her, she'll cry and demand to see Zhaorong Huizhao." "Our Fifth Prince also looks after his younger imperial siblings. The Sixth Prince couldn't bear it at first either, but following our Fifth Prince, he actually managed to calm down without crying or fussing." "The Second Princess especially sticks to our Fifth Prince without leaving his side." As a mother, hearing someone praise her son for being sensible brings comfort, but inevitably a touch of heartache as well. "These past days, Ben Gong has indeed neglected Taotao somewhat." No wonder imperial family bonds run thin. The higher one's position, the busier one becomes, leaving little time to cultivate parent-child relationships. Xie Run was someone who reflected on herself. Hearing Zihu's words, she immediately realized her shortcomings and reflected on her mistakes. Lately, she had to go to Fengyi Palace daily to mourn, and with her belly growing larger, she couldn't manage everything. Each day when she returned, she'd only glance at Taotao a few times before being overcome with exhaustion. Compared to before, the time she spent with Taotao had indeed decreased significantly. Taotao was already three years old. In two more years, he would move to the Princes' Residence. Xie Run didn't have much time to accompany him to begin with, so she should cherish the time they had together now. Xie Run also recalled a controversial topic from her previous life. Does having a second child mean neglecting the first? She had never believed such things before, even confidently asserting that she could treat them fairly. But when it actually happened to her, she realized it wasn't that simple. Sometimes it wasn't unwillingness, but inability. Or perhaps influenced by external or internal factors, she could only attend to one side. Fortunately, she came to her senses early. And she had the confidence and ability to resolve the problem of being unable to manage everything. That night, Xie Run slept a little later than usual. She stayed in Taotao's room for a long time, making many plans for the future, before returning to her own room at ease. The next day, she had Dantao request leave for both her and Taotao. By the end of the Chen hour, daylight was already bright. Xie Run glanced at the breakfast laid out on the table and couldn't help but sigh. A hint of heartache stirred within her. Xie Run: "At this hour in the past, Taotao would have already gotten up, finished his breakfast, and run off everywhere." "This child has so much energy—every day he only thinks about playing and causing mischief. He won't even sleep in. Yet today he hasn't woken up even at this hour. It's clear that observing mourning at Fengyi Palace has truly worn him out." Dantao felt for Xie Run: "Your Highness, please eat first." "The Fifth Prince is tired—let him sleep a while longer. I'll have the small kitchen prepare some of the Fifth Prince's favorite dishes, and he can eat when he wakes." "If you're worried about the Fifth Prince, you should also take care of yourself." Xie Run picked up her chopsticks, casually picked a bit of food and placed it in her bowl, eating absentmindedly. By the time Xie Run finished her breakfast, Taotao finally got up. Children are always cheerful. Even if they're tired, after a good sleep, everything is cast aside. He trotted over to Xie Run: "Mother, your son slept late today and didn't go to Fengyi Palace to pay respects to the Empress..." "It's alright." Xie Run took Taotao's hand. "Mother has already requested leave for you. Today, mother and son will be lazy together." Taotao immediately clapped his hands happily. "Good!" He looked up again. "Then can I go out and play today?" Xie Run: "...I'm afraid not." "The Empress has passed away—we should all be in mourning. Even if we occasionally slack off, we can't go running around, lest everyone know we're being lazy?" "Then your Imperial Father might think you don't respect the Empress." Taotao looked a little disappointed. "Alright." He didn't throw a persistent tantrum like he did when he was younger when his wishes weren't fulfilled. Xie Run felt even more heartache for him. "Have you washed up and changed?" Taotao nodded. "Then hurry and eat your breakfast." Xie Run had already eaten, so she couldn't eat more now. She sat nearby watching over Taotao, occasionally adding food to his bowl. Taotao started eating happily, but after a while, he noticed something was off and kept glancing at Xie Run. Xie Run watched for a moment before speaking slowly: "What's wrong with you today? You can't sit still even during breakfast—why do you keep staring at Mother?" Taotao looked guilty. "Mother isn't going to see the Empress... are you going to stay with your son all day?" "That's right." Xie Run admitted openly. "Mother Consort felt she'd neglected you these past few days and hadn't spent enough time with you, so she specially took a day off today to keep you company." "Ah?!" Taotao's eyes flew wide open, staring at Xie Run in disbelief. Xie Run: "..." After all, he was a son she'd raised herself—Xie Run could tell at a glance what the little rascal was thinking. Taotao was annoyed by her presence, afraid she'd follow him around and supervise him all day. Xie Run couldn't help but reach out and poke Taotao with her slender finger. "You little brat, you've had your freedom these past few days, and now you don't want Mother Consort to manage you anymore?" Taotao stuffed food into his mouth, not daring to speak. But the visible sulkiness on his fair, chubby little face said it all. As if having Xie Run around meant he couldn't enjoy himself as much. The tangled feelings Xie Run had last night instantly dissipated like smoke. It seemed she was still being a bit too sentimental—sometimes what she wanted to give wasn't necessarily what the child wanted. Of course, what she ought to give, she still had to give; whether he wanted it was the child's own business. At noon, the Emperor sent someone to Yongming Palace. Xie Run initially thought the Emperor had sent someone to visit Consort Wen, and was muttering to herself when she suddenly received news. The culprits involved in plotting against the Empress had all been caught, and the Emperor had sent someone to deliver the message to Consort Wen. Concubine Shen had gone to Fengyi Palace today, and the moment she heard the Emperor had sent someone to Yongming Palace, she knew something was up and immediately followed along to gather information. The Emperor had no intention of hiding it—in fact, he wanted to spread the matter through the mouths of the Six Palaces. Concubine Shen got the news and immediately came to tell Xie Run. As she hurried into Zhaohua Palace, she ran into Taotao playing cuju with others. Concubine Shen smiled. "Fifth Prince, are you playing well?" Taotao remembered his mother saying they were slacking off, and that people would gossip if they found out, so he turned and ran to hide behind a rockery. By the time Nanny Xu and the others caught up, they could still hear Taotao muttering: "Can't see me, can't see me!" Nanny Xu and the others burst into laughter. Concubine Shen looked utterly bewildered. Entering Zhaohua Palace, Concubine Shen plopped herself down. "Sister Xie, you don't know—something huge has happened!" Xie Run: "What huge thing?" "It was Consort Wen who killed the Empress!" Concubine Shen said with a shocked expression, adding: "Or rather, it was the Empress's own mother and her biological younger sister who killed her." This was something she'd already guessed, so Xie Run remained calm inside, thinking the Emperor must have uncovered the truth. Concubine Shen stared at Xie Run for a long moment before asking: "I can see Sister Xie knew about this already—how is it you show not a trace of surprise?" "I didn't know." Xie Run said. "But I'd guessed a bit of it." Concubine Shen's gaze at Xie Run slowly changed, growing more and more admiring. Xie Run was about to be flustered by the look, and quickly said: "Tell me the details first." Concubine Shen: "The problem lies with Yunxiang, Consort Wen's personal maid." "The Empress was wary of people from the Xia Dynasty. Back when Consort Wen was first made Fei, the Empress took the opportunity to dismiss everyone around Consort Wen." "Only because Consort Wen cherished old ties did she keep Yunxiang." "Who would have thought Yunxiang had contracted a strange illness and was nearing death. Unwilling to die so easily, and just as the Xia Dynasty spies were plotting against the Empress, they set their sights on Yunxiang and bribed her." Xie Run asked in confusion: "Yunxiang was a dying woman—how could the Xia Dynasty bribe her?" When someone was about to die, how could they be so easily bought? Concubine Shen: "Naturally, because the Xia spies gave Yunxiang what she wanted." Speaking of this, Concubine Shen's expression turned serious and solemn. Concubine Shen: "Back then, even Consort Wen was unwilling to be sent as an envoy to the Yu Dynasty. How could Yunxiang, a lowly palace maid, be willing to live out her days alone and die in a foreign land?" Hearing Concubine Shen's words, Xie Run immediately asked: "How old is Yunxiang?" Concubine Shen wore an expression that said "you guessed it right." "Twenty-four." "Consort Wen married at sixteen, and Yunxiang came as her dowry maid, so she wasn't bound by the rule requiring palace women to wait until twenty-five before being allowed to leave and marry." "As long as Consort Wen nodded her head, Yunxiang could marry at any time. But who would have thought that after Consort Wen became a widow, she was sent to our Yu Dynasty for a peace marriage and became a palace consort of Yu, with Yunxiang following her into the palace." "Yunxiang tested Consort Wen's intentions several times, only to realize that Consort Wen planned to keep her by her side for life, with no intention of letting her go out to marry. That was when she grew anxious. But then she discovered that something was wrong with her own body. She secretly sought out an imperial physician and learned she had contracted a strange illness—she didn't have long to live." "With all these troubles weighing on her, Yunxiang ultimately lost her moral footing. She was bought over by Xia Dynasty spies and leaked quite a bit of information about Fengyi Palace." Xie Run frowned slightly. "Consort Wen failing to consider her personal maid's feelings is certainly a problem, but Yunxiang served Consort Wen closely and should have understood her temperament." "If she had sincerely begged her, Consort Wen surely wouldn't have forcibly kept her by her side?" Concubine Shen said, "I was curious about that too!" "So I quietly spent some time sounding out the palace maids of Yongming Palace, and only then learned that this was actually caused by Consort Wen's selfishness." "Consort Wen couldn't bear to part with Yunxiang and tactfully refused her several times. Combined with Yunxiang learning that she didn't have long to live, she went down the wrong path." No matter how good-natured Consort Wen was, she was ultimately an ordinary person. The Empress had dismissed all the maids around Consort Wen for her own good, but she had overlooked one thing. She hadn't seen this younger sister in years, and the moment she arrived, she sent away all the familiar people around her. A stronger personality might have handled it fine, but Consort Wen happened to have a weak disposition. Suddenly thrust into a new environment with no familiar faces, and not daring to constantly complain to the Empress, Consort Wen placed all her trust in Yunxiang and subconsciously bound Yunxiang to her side. If she let Yunxiang go, Consort Wen wouldn't have a single person from Xia Dynasty around her, and she would feel even more lonely. When Consort Wen pleaded for Yunxiang back then, she also wanted to keep someone to accompany her. Who could have imagined that her selfishness would harm herself—and harm the Empress as well? Xie Run suddenly began to understand why Consort Wen had lost all will to live upon learning that Yunxiang was connected to the Empress's death. Her responsibility for the Empress's death was far greater than anyone had guessed. Concubine Shen said, "Consort Wen was never favored by the Emperor to begin with. Her good days in the harem were entirely thanks to the Empress's protection. Now that the Empress is gone, her days will only grow harder." "As her maidservant, Yunxiang's future was likely uncertain too. Knowing at such a young age that she wouldn't live long, it's only natural that she developed some resentment and greed." Concubine Shen herself came from a maidservant background, so she had considerable sympathy for Yunxiang's plight. Xie Run, however, was more rational and didn't let emotion cloud her judgment. "What did the other side promise Yunxiang that made her willing to risk harming the Empress?" It wasn't as if knowing one wouldn't live long made one brave enough to face death. People of ancient times all held reverence for imperial authority. Even if Yunxiang believed she didn't have long to live, she had been a servant since childhood, with the concept of hierarchy ingrained in her bones. Without great temptation, she wouldn't have dared to do something so deadly. The Empress was exceptionally capable in management. During her grave illness, no one in the entire Six Palaces could extract even a shred of information from her palace. Who could have imagined that the vulnerability would come through someone close to her own younger sister? Concubine Shen said, "Yunxiang didn't want to die alone in the Yu Dynasty, so she hoped the Xia Dynasty spies would take her body back to Xia, allowing her soul to return to her homeland after death." "She had a younger sister in Xia Dynasty, and the Xia spies promised to take care of her." After hearing this, Xie Run was silent for a long time. "Was Yunxiang's illness real? Or did someone poison her and deliberately deceive her with the pretense of illness?" Concubine Shen shook her head. "It should be real. I heard that Physician Xie entered the palace early this morning and went to the Department of Punishments, and only afterward sent someone to Yongming Palace." With that, Concubine Shen cast a curious glance at Xie Run. "Sister Xie, do you and Physician Xie truly have no communication at all?" By all rights, news like this should have reached Xie Run earlier than anyone. Xie Run said with deep meaning, "She is a court official of the previous dynasty, and I am a palace consort of the harem. There should be no contact between us." "The harem must not interfere in governance, and this matter is not determined by whether the official is male or female." Concubine Shen dared not ask further. Seeing that Concubine Shen had fallen silent, Xie Run asked with curiosity, "I'm merely wondering—is it truly the case that no one from the harem had a hand in this?!" Concubine Shen shook her head and asked curiously, "Why does Sister insist that someone from the harem must have been involved?" No matter how hard she racked her brain, Concubine Shen felt this should simply be the work of the Xia Dynasty people, with no connection to the Yu Dynasty harem. Xie Run said slowly, "Because of cognition and habits." "Cognition and habits?" "Xia Dynasty spies lurking about—even if they wanted to harm the Empress, they would use the methods of spies, not this kind of insidious, venomous scheming." "Methods of spies?" Concubine Shen grew more confused the more she heard. Xie Run said, "Over the years, with conflict between the two dynasties, haven't we both seen assassins stirring up trouble? Those assassins—whether through assassination or poisoning—all use methods that ordinary people can predict." "But plotting against the Empress with every conceivable scheme to destroy her heart and mind—that defies all reason." "Of course, one could say this is merely my personal speculation." Xie Run shifted her tone. "But on the other hand, Yunxiang fell ill with a strange disease, and Consort Wen didn't even know about it. How could the Xia Dynasty spy have found out? It's not as if Yunxiang went around spreading the news herself." "There are too many doubts here. I only hope the Emperor can get to the bottom of it, so that the Empress may rest in peace beneath the Nine Springs." Consort Shen's head was spinning slightly, and she could only nod along in a daze. "How is Consort Wen doing?" Consort Shen: "What else could she be doing? Just as you'd expect—half-dead, weeping before the Empress's spirit tablet." Consort Shen instinctively wanted to remark that the Empress had been ill-fated. But then she thought of her own position and smiled bitterly at herself—she wasn't fit to say such things either. After they finished talking, Consort Shen finally asked Xie Run, "Sister Xie, I heard that both you and the Fifth Prince are feeling unwell?" Looking at Xie Run's complexion, Consort Shen didn't quite believe she was actually ill. And having just run into the Fifth Prince playing happily on her way in, she suspected Sister Xie had simply made an excuse to skip her duties. Xie Run said lazily, "Isn't it a bit late to be asking that now?" Consort Shen gave an awkward smile. The next day, Consort Wen fell ill, and Xie Run went to Fengyi Palace as usual to keep vigil. Taotao had played all day yesterday and was feeling a bit restless, unable to sit still before the spirit tablet. He'd barely been there a moment before he started craning his neck and looking around. The Second Princess and the Sixth Prince, both his little followers, imitated Taotao's fidgeting and looked around as well. Xie Run happened to catch a glimpse from the corner of her eye: "...Ahem, ahem." The three children were instantly startled, shrinking their necks at the same time, not daring to make a sound. Xie Run suppressed a smile.