Morning Court had just begun in the Hall of Great Harmony, but the Empress Dowagers morning lessons had already concluded. ng Sangyu and Zhaoyi Li walked on both sides of the Empress Dowager, slowly accompanying her towards Cining Palace. Todays atmosphere was different from usual. It was 6 am,[1]yet the imperial concubines who were waiting in front of the palace refused to leave. Each one knelt at the front door, seemingly unwilling to give up until they were granted an audience with the Empress Dowager.
Let them in. The Empress Dowager faintly ordered as she sat steadily on the main seat.
ng Sangyu considered the motives of these won who ca, feeling sowhat annoyed in her heart. Zhaoyi Li sat below her, wholly concentrating on her task as though she were a ditating monk.
This concubine greets the Empress Dowager. The group of concubines kowtowed respectfully. Zhaoyi Li tilted her body sideways to avoid the bows, but ng Sangyu calmly accepted them. Other than the Empress Dowager, her rank was the highest in the group, so she had no qualms against accepting their greetings.
For what reason did you co here today? the Empress Dowager asked unhurriedly, as she shifted the Buddhist prayer beads in her hand.
Begging the Empress Dowager to show rcy and spare Gracious Consort from death! Worthy Consort walked forward on her knees and knocked her head heavily on the ground. The other concubines followed suit. Even the pallid and grey-faced Imperial Consort no, she was Imperial Concubine now[2] also had a visible glimr in her eyes, a glimr of hatred.
The Embroidered Uniform Guards investigation of Grand Preceptor Shens party yesterday was nearing completion. The concubines who were closely associated with Shen Huiru were demoted to lowly palace maids and sent to work in the Imperial Laundry Service. Even their families were implicated. Certain that the Shen Clan would soon have all nine degrees of kin exterminated, the concubines who hated Shen Huiru to the bone were almost no longer able to sit still.
It was indeed for this matter!ng Sangyu ntally nodded to herself. Seeing that the Empress Dowagers eyelids were indifferently drifting closed, she also stood up to kneel with the crowd. ng Sangyu didnt believe that these won who were treated so cruelly by Shen Huiru, yet were still pleading on her behalf, had purely good intentions. Most likely, their purpose was to let Shen Huiru live a bit longer to live a life worse than death in order to repay the harm and hurt that she had inflicted upon them.
ng Sangyu was also a victim. Even though Shen Huirus vicious plan was unsuccessful, as long as she rembered her fathers close shave with death, she would regret not having the ability to peel off all of Shen Huirus skin and break all of her bones. However, ng Sangyu had her own style of doing things: as long as there was soone else to do the hard work for her and she herself did not need to dirty her hands, then not only would she bestow many precious dicines every day, but she would even chant sutras for Shen Huirus health and longevity.
The ditating Zhaoyi Li opened her eyes. She placed the Buddist prayer beads in her hands on the table, slowly knelt down next to ng Sangyu, and harshly banged her head onto the ground as she kowtowed.[3]She didnt say anything, but the frightening, bottomless hatred contained in her eyes could give others a great fright. If it wasnt for Shen Huiru, her son could have grown up to be such a heroic and peerless man. But now
The Empress Dowager heaved a deep sigh and swept her gaze across the hatred-filled eyes below her, feeling impressed by Gracious Consort. One woman who, with such venomous thods, was able to generate bloody hatred to this degree could also be considered a talent! Towards this type of person, the Empress Dowager personally felt that it would be simpler to just kill her. However, long ago, the Emperor had already expected this request from the concubines and ordered her to agree, so she had no choice but to comply.
You can all rise. Aijia will urge the Emperor to spare Gracious Consorts life. Waving her hand, the Empress Dowager helplessly spoke.
The imperial concubines shed tears of gratitude and repeatedly kowtowed three tis. It was truly quite rare to see such an organized effort [among them].
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Get up, you dont need to greet Aijia tomorrow. Aijia has transferred the managent of palace affairs to Virtuous Consort. If there are any problems, you can go find her. Saying this, the Empress Dowager glanced at ng Sangyu, and cautioned, This is the phoenix seal; take care of it well and do not disappoint Us!
Thank you for your confidence, Your Ladyship. This concubine will definitely do her best! ng Sangyu knelt on the ground and reverently accepted the phoenix seal that Nurse Jin handed to her.
The smiling expressions of the imperial concubines imdiately beca gloomy. Their feigned indifference seed to look incomparably stiff. Right now, all of them were utterly filled with regret. They hated themselves for having not insisted on staying in Cining Palace to accompany the Empress Dowager that day. Virtuous Consort was indeed Virtuous Consort! Her skills were outstanding. She was actually able to coax the Empress Dowager into passing on the phoenix seal! If they had known that they would be able to move the Empress Dowager using filial piety, even if they had to face the risk of becoming a nun, they would have wanted to compete!
All right, you can all withdraw. Aijia is tired. Displeased by the envy emanating from the imperial concubines, the Empress Dowager listlessly waved her hand. Before she left her seat, she patted ng Sangyu on the shoulder and said softly, Good child, if you have any questions co to Cining Palace to find Us. No flower can bloom for a hundred days and no one is good for a thousand days.[4]If any misfortune were to befall you in the future, you can always write a letter to Us. Aijia will send people to co get you.
Thank you, Empress Dowager! ng Sangyu curtsied and lowered her head to hide her red eyes. Since entering the palace three years ago, she never thought that she would be able to feel as relieved as she was at this mont. Having the Empress Dowagers guarantee, what was she scared of? Even if she lost favour, power, and status, if worst cos to worst she could just leave!
Sensing the intention to beco closer from the bottom of her heart, the Empress Dowager faintly smiled and took Zhaoyi Li in the direction of the prayer hall. The remaining servants had long received the Emperors command. They rapidly helped Virtuous Consort pack her luggage and move back to Bixiao Palace.
The underfloor heating system of the main hall of Bixiao Palace had long since been fired up to welco the masters return. Since she had last seen the palace, many bonsai plants had been added to the interior of the hall. Without exception, they were all extrely precious and uncommon varieties.
Where did these bonsai plants co from? ng Sangyu picked up a pot of tree peony Yao Huang[5]and admired it to the point where she couldnt bear to part with it.
Replying to your Ladyship, these were all sent over by His Majesty. Bixiao Palaces head eunuch hastily stepped forward to reply.
He gifted flowers and even a dog. The more you looked at his actions, the more it seed like he was courting her. ng Sangyu felt slightly touched and yet promptly dismissed this preposterous thought to the back of her mind. If he had fallen in love with her, he would have fallen in love earlier. Why wait for three years? He was rely appeasing her due to her fathers ritorious service.
Thinking until here, she shook her head and sneered. Setting down the bonsai, she picked up ErBao, who was by her feet, and took a tour of the palace. ErBao, this is your new ho. Do you see this copper pan full of sand? This is your toilet. This little bowl is for you to drink water from and this one is your food dish. This basket is where youll sleep
She explained while observing ErBaos expression. Seeing ErBaos watery eyes with a confused look on his face, even though he was cute to look at, he sowhat lacked cleverness and was a far cry from ABaos intelligence. Her elegant eyebrows couldnt refrain from slightly furrowing, showing a slightly sorrowful expression.
Your Ladyship, not every dog will be as clever and impressive as ABao. However, in any case, ErBao is ABaos younger brother. Hell improve with more training. Noticing that her masters expression was amiss, Bishui promptly opened her mouth to comfort her.
I know, every dog is different. ErBao also has his own cute points. If I were to always compare him to ABao, it wouldnt be fair to him. Since I decided to raise him, I will muster all of my patience. After saying this, ng Sangyu kissed ErBaos forehead.
ErBao could feel his masters care and whined in a lovable manner, causing ng Sangyu to chuckle. The heavy atmosphere was swept clean. Nurse Feng brought over a small wooden box and entered with a beaming expression.
Your Ladyship, this is the dog tag sent over by the Imperial Household Departnt. Your honoured self should put it on ErBao.
Opening the wooden box, a carved, cloud-shaped red sandalwood naplate made into a jade ornant rested on black flannel. Bixiao Palaces ErBao. [] These five pure gold characters were extrely eye-catching. What was even more eye-catching was the gold imperial seal on the bottom corner of the dog tag.
How could they make it so fast? ng Sangyu picked up the dog tag and traced a finger along the indentation of the gold characters. Her eyebrows raised inquisitively.
Eunuch Changxi instructed the artisans to work around the clock and rush to make it. Nurse Feng gave her a beaming smile. Your Ladyship just recently received the phoenix seal. Among everyone in the palace, who doesnt have to give Bixiao palace so degree of face?
Mm. Yincui, bring over the clothes that ABao used to wear and help him put them on. After fastening the naplate, you can take him out to play later.
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Taking a strip of leather, ng Sangyu threaded it through the natag and then estimated the width of ErBaos neck. Bishui lowered her head to closely inspect the natag and sighed with envy. This dog tag is indeed quite precious. Even if there werent five calligraphic characters personally written by the Emperor, just this fingernail-sized golden seal would be enough for ErBao to roam around freely in the palace. If ABao also had such a natag, he wouldnt have
The tail end of her sentence was drowned out by the sound of Nurse Fengs cough.
ng Sangyus smile was sowhat pained as she grinned. No matter how real the imitation might appear, itll never replace the genuine goods! Disparity will appear. Fate didnt smile upon ABao, and he wasnt given the sa chance.
Bishui and Nurse Feng lowered their heads and remained silent. Yincui brought over a small cotton-padded jacket, and the master and servants cooperated to put it on ErBao. It was at this mont that a eunuch stood outside the palace hall requesting an audience.
Co in, did you find out anything? ng Sangyu beckoned him in and inquired softly.
Replying to Your Ladyship, once again there were many people impeaching His Grace, the Imperial Duke, in the Imperial Court, but they were all restrained by His Majesty. Beheading the prisoners of war was originally incited by the Emperor and had nothing to do with His Grace. The Young Master also didnt make a fuss in court. The eunuch bowed as he gave his report.
Very good, go collect your reward. Commanding the eunuch to withdraw, ng Sangyus expression beca thoughtful.
So beheading the prisoners of war was actually incited by His Majesty. If he wanted to harm the ng family, just by ans of using this tis impeachnt incident, he could have totally forced Father into handing over his military authority as well as making the ng family army bear the mark of sha throughout the ages. Father only received a verbal order, but there isnt any material evidence nor any witness testimony. He would have no choice but to bite his tongue[6]and be driven out from court in such a humiliating manner. However, His Majesty didnt do that at all. On the contrary, he assud full responsibility for the matter. Just what is he up to? Moreover, yesterday, why did he try to sound out my thoughts? Did he see through sothing?
ng Sangyus temples throbbed in pain. She felt like she wouldnt be able to make out that mans thoughts no matter how she tried. In any case, since her father would take the initiative to hand over his military power and hand in his resignation letter to retire from his governnt post, there was no need to be afraid of that mans sches. It was enough for her to just pay attention to any developnts that may occur.
Perceiving the hidden danger within this incident, ng Sangyu clenched her fist. Even though she had just lowered her guard against the man, she increased her vigilance against him once again.
********
In Qianqing Palace, Emperor Zhouwu was still going through a mountain of morials. Changxi was guarding the palace entrance. Noticing a eunuch holding a tray while slowly walking over, he rushed to block the eunuchs way, asking, What are you doing?
Replying to Eunuch Changxi. The Emperor has long healed from his wounds and can select naplates once again. The eunuch replied quietly. The Emperor had not selected a naplate in a long ti and he did not dare bring it up without permission, but after receiving benefits from several concubines and considering that there was no inherent life-threatening danger, he decided to try his luck.
Choosing a naplate? A eunuch from the Respect Room![7]Changxi imdiately reacted and lifted his arm to allow the eunuch entrance.
Her Ladyship Virtuous Consorts body has fully recovered and she ought to be able to serve His Majesty. If they were to wait any longer, the dark circles under His Majestys eyes may remain forever.He inwardly speculated.
This servant greets Your Majesty. The eunuch walked inside the hall and knelt down.
What is it? Emperor Zhouwu asked without lifting his head.
Replying to Your Majesty, this servant ca to deliver the green naplates. May your honoured self please select one. The eunuch walked forward a few steps and presented the tray with the naplates in front of the Emperor.
Green naplates?Emperor Zhouwu raised his gaze and looked towards the tray. Seeing Sangyus naplate mixed with the rest of the imperial concubines resembling an object that any person could select on a whim, he suddenly felt abnormally aggravated. How could his Sangyu be so lowly, to be picked and toyed with by others? Rembering how the Fake Emperor had also once chosen Sangyus naplate and had held unclean thoughts regarding her, Emperor Zhouwus pitch-black eyes turned red in a flash.
Changxi, drag this eunuch out to be punished with fifty strikes! He put down his imperial brush and shouted with killing intent.
Changxi was startled and hastily called over two guards to drag away the shell-shocked eunuch. The tray fell to the ground with a clang, and the green naplates scattered across the ground.
Burn all these naplates! Starting from today, they are not permitted to appear before Zhen! He turned his head away with loathing. After all the naplates were cleaned up, only then did his vicious expression sowhat abate. He asked heavily, Did Virtuous Consort move back yet?
Replying to Your Majesty, she has already moved back. Changxi quickly bowed and replied.
Okay, you may leave. The mans dark expression softened. He picked up his brush and continued to review the morials; however, his speed was much faster than before and the corners of his pursed lips were slightly raised.
Changxi secretly evaluated the Emperors expression and ntally repeated to himself that the Emperors whims are hard to fathom while retreating.
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