Twenty-Nine, Cold Crow (Part 1)

  In the late afternoon, Xi Lin led people into the palace to change the dinner dishes and personally served me bathing. This was not her job, usually by Jing Qing, Pin Er, Pei Er and others. I knew she must have something to say to me, so I dismissed everyone else and left only her by my side.

  Qing Shui gently wiped my body with rose petals and said softly, "There's news from Fang Ruo's place that Mei Zhuang's young master is getting better. He doesn't cry and make a fuss all day like before, and he's gradually calming down and eating some food."

  I let out a sigh and said, "This way I can also be at ease - only afraid that she might think of something."

  Mei Zhuang's young master has always been a proud and arrogant person, I suppose he wouldn't stoop to this.

  "I didn't know that either." Suddenly remembering something, he stretched out his hand to get dressed and get up, "Will her food and drink be tampered with by someone? What if she was poisoned and it was said that she committed suicide in fear of punishment, then she would really die without any evidence!"

  "Master, you're worrying too much. The servants watching over Master Mei's estate will naturally be careful. If anything happens to Master Mei, they'll be the first ones to run away."

  It makes sense to think about it, and I'm slightly relieved, so I sat down again to bathe. Xi Yu said: "I've been watching you coldly for half a year, and the young master's heart towards Mei Zhuang is more than his own. Originally, Mei Zhuang was pregnant, and the emperor neglected you for several days. The ladies in the palace were all waiting to see your joke with her, but unexpectedly, you treated Mei Zhuang even more intimately, just like she was the one who was pregnant."

  I sighed and said, "I and Mei Zhuang's young master are childhood friends, from the inner chambers to the deep palace, we have always been together, how can others compare? In this palace, except for Ling Rong, it is only me and her, supporting each other through thick and thin. Today she has fallen so low, how can I not feel heartbroken and anxious?"

  It seems that Huaiyin was deeply moved, and said to me: "Young Master treats Browning Young Master like this, Browning Young Master also has the same heart for Young Master. This is what Browning Young Master tried every means to let Fangruo Auntie send out, it must be handed over to Young Master's hands."

  Take good care of yourself and help Ling Rong.

  Just after finishing reading, tears fell from my eyes, and the paper was moistened bit by bit.

  Meizhuang's humble abode had no ink or brush, so this scroll of paper must have been obtained with great difficulty. Without ink or brush, these eight words were written in blood, probably by biting her finger to draw the characters. My heart aches terribly. Meizhuang, you can't even protect yourself, yet you're thinking of helping me and wanting me to assist Rongrong in rising to power.

  I finished reading the paper strip, quickly rolled it into a ball and let the incense burner burn it.

  My heart is filled with anxiety. I have always known that Ling Rong is the only one by my side who can be trusted and relied upon for support. However, it has been almost a year since entering the palace, and Ling Rong seems to still harbor feelings for my brother, not only avoiding meeting with Xuan Ling at all times, but also trying her best not to draw his attention when they do meet. How can I bear to force her to get close to a man she doesn't like?

  After finishing the bath and changing into clean clothes, I looked at the time and it was already late. I took the sedan chair to visit Ling Rong, and let Liu Zhu and Huan Bi bring some fruit, silk, and satin to follow along.

  Ling Rong's residence was located in a quiet courtyard near Yifu Hall. In addition to her personal attendants, Baojuan and Jucing, there were two other palace maids, Cui'er and Xier, who had been assigned to her by Mei Zhuang earlier.

  Before entering the gate, I could already hear the sound of quarreling. It was Cui'er's voice: "If the young master himself is content with being humble, then so be it, but why must he drag us servants down with him? If we can follow Shen Chang and enjoy a good day, it would be even better if we could follow Zhen Yu. Not to mention that Yu is a favorite of the emperor, but also because we lowly servants will benefit from her glory."

  I signaled them to wait and quietly stand at the door and listen.

  Xier also said: "It's no wonder that we slaves want to complain, following Master Xiao, we haven't even seen a glimmer of light for a day, and yet we've suffered a lot of grievances."

  "It was I, your master, who was at fault, and you have been troubled for nothing."

  Chrysanthemum Qing thought it was unbearable and said: "Master, you are too kind-hearted, letting them make a fuss, and they don't take you seriously at all."

  Cui'er sneered: "The young master didn't say anything, you're just like us, what makes you think you can speak out of turn?"

  Xi'er burst out laughing: "The young master originally thought he was the master, didn't know if he had the good fortune to become a noble concubine in this life and be called 'master' by someone!"

  Ling Rong was so embarrassed that she couldn't utter a word, her face turned red as she sat under the corridor. But Ju Qing couldn't bear it and wanted to argue with them.

  I was so angry that I couldn't help but hum a cold tune as I stepped inside.

  Everyone saw me coming in, and they all jumped in surprise. Cui'er and Xi'er quickly covered their mouths, rushed to greet me, and smiled as they came forward to take the things from Zhu's and Bi's hands.

  I stretched out my hand to stop them, saying: "Where can we trouble the two of you to take action, it's not worth offending." As I spoke, I didn't even look at them, but smiled at Juying and said: "Good girl, knowing how to protect her master. Huanbi, get some silver to reward her."

  Chrysanthemum Qing thanked him hastily. Cuier and Xier's faces turned red and white, and they had to shrink their hands and stand aside.

  "I said, 'Didn't you want to be my personal servant? Being a servant by my side isn't easy. Your young master has a good heart and indulges you, but I don't have such a good temper, and I won't tolerate the kind of servants who don't respect their masters.' My face sank, and I coldly said, 'Qianyue, take them to the Ministry of Punishment and tell the person in charge that these two servants are useless. Have someone personally supervise as they are beaten with twenty rods, then send them to the Laundry Bureau to be slaves.' They were so scared that they knelt on the ground and begged for mercy, crying until their faces were covered in tears. I ignored them and only said to Qianyue, 'When we return from visiting the Empress, go to the Imperial Household Department and select two capable servants to attend to Young Master Lingrong.' Then I took Lingrong's hand and went inside."

  I have always been gentle with the palace maids and rarely get angry. Today, I suddenly turned my face and even scared the maid who was serving me, not caring that they were crying and begging for mercy, and quickly drove them away.

  Ling Rong and Yi entered the house together and sat down. Ling Rong's face was filled with a hint of shame as she said, "I'm useless, I've made my sister laugh."

  "I said: 'You're also too good-natured, let them be. Didn't I tell you earlier that if the palace maids and eunuchs have any misbehavior, they should come report to me? Originally, Mei was able to take care of you, now I'm the same.'"

  Ling Rong said in a low voice, "Now is a time of trouble, Mei sister has fallen on hard times, and sister is worried sick. How can Ling Rong be so thoughtless as to bring up these trivial matters again to annoy her?"

  I patted her hand and said, "You and I are like sisters, what can't be said?" Seeing that she was always looking ashamed, my heart couldn't bear it either, so I changed the subject: "Two days ago, I saw you eating lychees that were especially fragrant and sweet. Today, someone brought some again. Try them and see if they're as good as last time." And pointing at the melon in Flowing Vermilion's hand, I said: "This is a new batch of muskmelons from Tibet, specially brought for you."

  Ling Rong's eyes had a hint of tears, "Sister treats me like this, Ling Rong really..."

  I hastily held her hand and pretended to scold: "Are you going to say those things again?"

  He told Liu Zhu to cut up a watermelon and they ate some together.

  The house was a bit small, and the afternoon sun made it feel especially stuffy. Before they could even exchange a few words, their backs were already drenched with sweat.

  What Mei Zhuang told me to say is really hard for me to bring up, I hesitated for half a day and couldn't open my mouth.

  She inadvertently saw a piece of unfinished embroidery on the table, picked it up to take a look, and found that it was embroidered with the pattern of "Butterfly Loves Flowers". The needlework was exquisite, the stitches were dense, and the embroidery was vivid. Ling Rong saw me looking at it with relish, and couldn't help but blush, stretching out her hand to take it back.

  I smiled and said: "Ling Rong's needlework has improved again." After taking a look, I said: "Your craftsmanship is really good, can you also embroider one for me to make a sachet?"

  Ling Rong smiled sweetly: "Of course it's okay. Does sister also want to embroider a 'Butterfly Loves Flowers'?"

  I puckered up and thought for a moment, then suddenly laughed: "I don't want any 'Butterfly Loves Flower'. Does the flower also love the butterfly? That's not good."

  Ling Rong's expression changed slightly as she smiled and said, "That's a good idea. I'll embroider a pair of mandarin ducks and a branch of double joy for my sister, to wish the Emperor and my sister eternal love."

  I smiled slightly and looked at her: "Ling Rong, you only wish me and the Emperor to be in love, but don't you want to be in love with the Emperor?"

  Ling Rong was startled for a moment, then lowered her head and said, "What are you talking about, sister?"

  I dismissed the people around me, straightened up and said: "It's I who want to ask you something." I paused for a moment: "That day in Fuli Temple, what happened to you?"

  Ling Rong deliberately avoided my gaze and whispered: "Nothing."

  I glanced at her, took a deep breath and smiled: "You think I was only dancing that day and didn't hear you. What you sang was indeed good, but it wasn't even half of your usual standard - Ling Rong, was it intentional?"

  Her head hung even lower, looking more and more pitiful, making me unable to bear saying anything to her. It's as clear as day that she's afraid of the emperor's favor, so she intentionally didn't put in her best effort while singing. But what she's unwilling to put in her best effort for, I'm probably clearer about it than anyone else.

  I sighed and said, "Ling Rong, how could I not understand your thoughts?" My gaze lingered on her for a moment. Ling Rong's figure was slender and weak, her skin as white as transparent glass, her eyes like those of a startled deer, gentle as water, shining from behind long eyelashes, making one's heart skip a beat. I couldn't help but sigh, indeed she was a beauty to behold! Though not an absolute stunner, she was enough to evoke sympathy and emotions in people.

  Ling Rong felt uneasy under my gaze and unconsciously touched her cheek with her hand, asking shyly: "Sister, why are you looking at me like that?

  I picked up her embroidery and placed it on the table, smoothing it out carefully. "Do you really want to spend all day relying on embroidery to pass the time? Even those maids dare to come and mock you?"

  Ling Rong's hands were clenched into fists, with a handkerchief wrapped around them, forming a knot that was then untied and retied again after a while. She just kept twisting her fingers, bowing her head in silence. After a long time, she finally squeezed out a sentence: "Ling Rong has little luck."

  "Such days", I raised my head and looked around this small attic, murmuring: "No need to ask how much better I was when I lay ill under the pear tree."

  I stood up, slowly tidying the disheveled golden threads on my hairpin, and held onto Biyan's hand as we walked out. When we reached the gate, I turned back to face Ling Rong and said, "It's late at night and the wind is strong, go inside quickly. There's no need to see us off."

  Ling Rong said: "Sister, be careful on the road."

  I nodded and suddenly remembered something, smiling brightly: "The other day my brother sent a letter from the border, saying that next year's Lantern Festival he can come back for a visit."

  Her eyes sparkled for a moment, like a bright and clear spring water, and her face unconsciously showed a gentle and soft expression of a young lady.

  I knew she still had feelings for her brother, and I let out a sigh of despair. Ling Rong, don't blame me for being heartless. Your attachment to your brother will bring you no good in this life. Steeling my heart, I put on a joyful smile: "Father said that when Brother returns this time, he must arrange his marriage. With an elder daughter-in-law at home, everything will be easier to manage. It's also a happy event for the Zhen family."

  Ling Rong's body swayed slightly as he heard the words, and the light in his eyes dimmed instantly, like a piece of red-hot charcoal being plunged into water, "whoosh" sound rising with wisps of white smoke.

  In the end, I couldn't bear it. This way, she might really forget about her brother. But if not, Ling Rong would always hold onto a glimmer of hope for her brother in her heart, and her thoughts wouldn't be able to move on. As they say, "a brave warrior cuts off his own arm", it's truly unavoidable.

  It was just a moment, and Ling Rong had already stretched out her hand to steady herself against the wall, her expression calm, with a faint smile like pear blossoms scattered by the wind: "This is good news, Young Master Zhen must be marrying a noble lady of great virtue and beauty. I'd like to offer my congratulations to my sister first."

  On a summer day, the sun was high in the sky, and the golden glazed tiles in the distance seemed to be burning with fire. The Yifang Pavilion was hidden among the lush green trees, with dense foliage like flowers, and the cool breeze from the north window, like jade, brought a moment of refreshing coolness, allowing people to catch their breath in the sweltering heat.

  Last night, Xuan Ling spent the night at Yifu Hall. The fatigue of the whole night had not yet dissipated, and in the morning, after paying respects, he accompanied the Empress for a long time, talking about many things. When he returned, he felt extremely tired. Seeing that Shu Wei had brought people to change the ice, he couldn't bear it anymore and fell asleep on Yang Fei's couch without even changing his clothes.

  This sleep was sweet and refreshing. I don't know how long I slept, but in a daze, I heard someone beside me sobbing softly.

  Having slept for a long time, my head was throbbing with pain. I forced myself to open my eyes, only to see Ling Rong sobbing and sniffling, her eyes swollen like peaches, the handkerchief in her hand completely soaked with tears. She looked nothing like her usual self.

  Struggling to get up, he said: "What's going on?" His heart was startled, thinking that something had happened in the secluded mansion of Mei Zhuang.

  The coffin was placed in front of her, and she was overcome with grief, unable to speak, tears streaming down her face.

  I was anxious in my heart, and a servant beside me said: "The father of Young Master Ling Rong has been imprisoned."

  I looked at Ling Rong and said, "What's going on? This is all of a sudden."

  Ling Rong finally stopped crying and recounted the events between sobs. It turned out that Xuan Ling was on a military campaign in the southwest, and Geng Wenqing, the county magistrate of Songyang, had been ordered to transport silver and grain. However, halfway through, they encountered a group of enemy soldiers who stole their military rations, and Geng Wenqing fled with a large amount of silver. Xuan Ling was furious, and Geng Wenqing was sentenced to death. The county lieutenant and registrar of Songyang County were also thrown into prison, their lives hanging in the balance at Xuan Ling's mercy.

  Ling Rong covered her face and said, "Geng Wenqing fled in disarray, it's already a crime deserving of death. But to also implicate Father is really unbearable. What's more, I fear that the Emperor, in his anger, will not only bring about disaster to our family but also put Father's life in danger." Ling Rong cried again, "Father has always been cautious and careful, only seeking to protect himself, and didn't dare to get involved in Geng Wenqing's affairs."

  "I hurriedly comforted her: 'Things have not been settled yet, don't rush into tears. Think of a solution first.'"

  Ling Rong's eyebrows furrowed into a knot as she spoke, her eyes brimming with tears: "Military affairs are important matters, but Father has implicated himself in this matter, and it's likely to end in disaster. I'm just a weak and insignificant person, what can I possibly do?"

  I knew Ling Rong wanted me to plead with Xuan Ling, and for a moment I was at a loss, furrowing my brow: "I understand what you mean. But this is a matter of state, and the imperial consorts are not allowed to interfere in politics, as you know."

  Ling Rong saw me and couldn't help but burst into tears. I thought for a moment, got up and ordered the eunuchs to prepare the sedan chair, and called in Liu Zhu and Huan Bi to help me change my clothes and do my hair. I took Ling Rong's hand and said: "For now, we can only go seek the Empress."

  Ling Rong stopped crying and a hint of expectation appeared on her face. She nodded gratefully.

  At noon it was sweltering hot, and although I walked in the shade of the palace wall, I couldn't help but break out in a big sweat.

  The imperial concubines had to be neat and tidy when visiting the empress, so before entering the Phoenix Palace, they tidied up their clothes, hair, and sleeves, and wiped away their sweat with a handkerchief before asking the palace maid to report. But it was Qiu Jian who came out to respond, bowing slightly to me and Ling Rong with a hint of a smile: "The two young masters have come at an inopportune time, Her Majesty has gone out."

  "I wondered: 'Isn't it usually around this time that Your Ladyship takes a nap?'"

  Qiu Pin smiled and said, "The princess has gone to the Shui Qing Nan Xiang Palace to see the emperor. Young master, what brings you here? The princess also went to see the emperor for the same reason." She then said, "I don't know when the princess will return, so the two young masters can wait in the side hall first. Tea has already been prepared."

  I smiled and said: "The Empress is wise in her judgment, so I'll have to trouble Autumn Girl then."

  Qianqiu led me and Ling Rong to the side hall. I secretly thought that the Empress's news was so quick, and she had calculated that Ling Rong and I would come to beg her, and first went to plead with Xuan Ling. It really is true that she is good at understanding people's intentions, making one look at her in a new light.

  I suddenly understood a little, the queen although did not get the love of Xuan Ling, but can inherit the middle palace, holding the phoenix seal is probably not just because the empress dowager is her aunt and the former queen is her sister. The Huafei has always been arrogant, the queen is humble but also unyielding, stable in the phoenix seat, it seems that it is also related to her being cautious and considerate, one step ahead of others and willing to be kind to people. At first, when eliminating Li Gui Bin and suppressing Huafei, although there was no prior agreement with the queen, she still managed to cooperate tacitly with those who were beneficial to herself in times of urgency, and had already formed a tacit alliance with us. Thinking back to this episode, I couldn't help but feel a few more pangs of admiration and respect for the queen, who usually seemed gentle and weak.

  It was already two hours later. Finally, the Empress Dowager returned, and Ling Rong and I knelt down to pay our respects. She ordered us to rise, then had us sit down, paused for a moment to take a sip of tea before slowly saying: "This matter has been done to the best of my abilities, but it's truly impossible. From the Emperor's tone, it seems he is furious, and I didn't dare persuade him too much, only conveying the most important points to him. The Emperor only said that it concerns state affairs and wouldn't speak of anything else."

  I stared at Ling Rong, and even the Empress had run into this unyielding obstacle. It would be even harder to plead with Xuan Ling now.

  Her heart was filled with sorrow and bitterness, she took out a handkerchief and kept wiping her eyes.

  The queen sighed and rubbed her temples, saying: "Nowadays, the government is busy, and the emperor is also worried. If the harem has any more requests, it will only add to the emperor's troubles. In this situation, one is to see the luck of your father, Anshi, and the other is to wait and see if there is still room for maneuver in the emperor's place."

  Ling Rong couldn't hear half of it, tears streaming down her face like a broken string of pearls. In front of the empress, she couldn't afford to lose her composure, so she struggled to hold back her sobs. With great effort, she knelt down and said: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern and care. I will surely remember your kindness."

  The queen stretched out her hand to help Ling Rong up, and sighed: "Everyone has unexpected misfortunes and difficulties. As the mistress of the harem, I am also a sister who serves the emperor with you, and when I can help you, I will naturally help you, it is also a virtuous thing."

  No matter whether the thing succeeds or not, as an empress, she takes precedence over our worries and pleads for a humble and unloved palace maid, which is already a great face-saving gift to us. Moreover, the empress is so modest and condescending, saying such kind and considerate words, I am also moved, feeling that in this cold and dark palace, there are still fortunate people who care about others, and it feels slightly warmer.

  The imperial concubine was even more favored and surprised, with tears of gratitude that could hardly be spoken.

  The queen looked at me with a pleased expression and said, "Zhen Yuer has always been sensible and able to share the worries of this palace. This matter should be handled carefully to comfort An Xuan Shi. Do you understand?"

  I humbly replied "yes". I paid respects to the Empress and said: "In the past, Shen Chang was lucky to have escaped death thanks to Your Majesty's intercession. This matter my husband and I have not yet properly thanked you for, it is truly our oversight. Today, Your Majesty shows such concern, I feel deeply moved, I don't know how to repay your kindness."

  The queen smiled all over her face: "Zhen Yu is clever and has a good understanding of people's intentions. Now that the harem is in turmoil, I am not feeling well and cannot attend to everything, if Zhen Yu can understand my intentions, she will naturally be able to help me share my worries." As she spoke, she glanced at Qian Autumn beside her.

  Qianchu walked up to the side of the Feng throne, took over the nearby golden crane-shaped incense burner, and Empress lifted the plastic mountain-shaped sharp top and looked at it, shook her head and said: "In such hot weather, how can the dead ash in this incense burner be rekindled?"

  The empress, who didn't like incense, suddenly brought up the matter of the ashes in the brazier, which must have had a deeper meaning. Now, I naturally understand what's been bothering the empress most in the palace. It can't be helped but to sigh that even the calmest person has times when they can't hold back their anger.

  I stood up and said, "Since it's hot outside, this incense ash is really annoying." As I spoke, I lifted the teacup in my hand and slowly poured the remaining tea water into the brazier, then covered it again. I smiled at the empress and said, "We concubines rely on your kindness while living in the harem. It's our duty to help you with your worries and troubles. As the saying goes, 'the wise are troubled by thoughts', but I'm just a humble person, so I can only repay you with my labor."

  The fragrant blue smoke inside the Bogu furnace overflowed from the perforations on the cover, surging out with a loud noise. The queen narrowed her eyes, covering her mouth to watch as two or three strands of faintly visible blue smoke dispersed and finally disappeared, revealing a satisfied smile: "You really didn't disappoint me."

  The bright moon and sparse stars, the black bird flies south, circling the tree three times before finally finding a branch to perch on.

  The gentle face of the queen was shining brightly in the afternoon sun, "Actually, there has only been one tree in the harem all along, it's just that the flowers are about to confuse people's eyes. As long as you can tell which one is the tree and which one is the flower, that's fine."

  I lowered my head in silence, my heart racing with shock. If I had still felt a few pangs of admiration for the queen's kindness and warmth just now, they were all gone by this point. Any so-called favors would not be given to you for free; there must be a price to pay in exchange.

  The weather is really hot, and I can feel the sweat seeping through my back. But now that I'm alone and outnumbered, with strong enemies lurking around, even if I have the favor of Xuan Ling, I'll still need to find a big tree to take shelter under. I straightened my back and maintained a perfectly polite smile, saying calmly: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your guidance. I will remember it."

  Jianling Rong looked at me and the Empress with a bewildered and puzzled expression, silently sighed, and retreated together.

  After seeing off Ling Rong, he whispered to Qi Huan: "The empress will soon know about the matter of going to see the emperor for An Bi Hua's sake?"

  "This moment, there is no one more concerned about Empress than Consort Hua."

  "I said: 'She is clear-eyed and quick in her movements. Guess what Empress Hua is doing now?'"

  "It's inevitable that I would think of asking Your Majesty to severely punish An Bi Hui."

  She smiled and said, "I must thank her for that."

  "Little master, why did you say such a thing?"

  "Thanks for her hard work. This way, I can be more at ease."