Five, Hundred Plans to Avoid the Enemy

  Back at the Yingxin Hall, it was already nightfall. Ruan Qi and others saw that I had not returned for a long time and were anxious like ants on a hot pot. Seeing me return, they all let out a sigh of relief, saying that the Empress Dowager had issued an edict, from tomorrow evening onwards, new palace ladies would start serving in the imperial bedchamber, specifically instructing me to prepare well. After hearing this, I was even more worried and frustrated. At dinner, I didn't have much appetite, only drank a few mouthfuls of soup before walking alone to the courtyard in front of the hall to clear my mind.

  The osmanthus in the courtyard is exceptionally luxuriant, like scattered gold under the bright moonlight, with a strong and lingering fragrance. I have no heart to appreciate the flowers, gazing at the overlapping eaves of the palace buildings outside the gate, my mind preoccupied with worries.

  The Empress's attitude towards me and Mei Zhuang has always been ambiguous, seemingly wanting to win us over as her allies while maintaining a certain distance. So, she publicly humiliates me in the Shao Yang Palace, but also severely punishes Liang Cairen in the Upper Forest Garden for my sake. However, she is so cunning that Liang Cairen was clearly speaking out of concern for Ling Rong, yet the Empress twisted it to say that Liang's punishment was because she offended me. One thing is certain: I have already made many enemies. From Liang Cairen's attitude alone, one can sense the jealousy and discontent among the people. It's just that Liang is arrogant, which is why she dared to speak out of turn and take action. But such open hostility can at least be countered with equal force. If I were to be chosen to serve the Emperor tomorrow and receive his favor, leading to frequent assassination attempts from behind my back, that would truly be a disaster beyond prevention. My fate might even be more miserable than Liang's!

  Just thinking about it still makes me feel uneasy. Although the Empress's attitude is ambiguous, for now she seems to be observing and won't do anything to me. But what if my imperial favor endangers her position, wouldn't I become a thorn in her side, someone she'd want to get rid of? Then I would be surrounded by enemies in this palace, the situation would be very unfavorable. My parents told me to protect myself, if I were to be punished, even the entire Zhen family would be implicated!

  I gazed at the scattered golden osmanthus on the ground and secretly made a plan in my heart.

  The night wind blew over my body, and I couldn't help but feel a layer of chill. Suddenly, I felt warmth on my body, and there was an additional silk outer garment on me. Turning back, I saw Fen Bi standing behind me with concern, saying: "Last night the wind was strong, Miss be careful not to catch a cold." I smiled tiredly: "I feel that my body is not quite right, tell Xiao Yuanshu to invite Imperial Physician Wen Shi Chu to come and take a look. Remember, only if it's Imperial Physician Wen Shi Chu." Fen Bi hastily called Liu Zhu to help me in, and ordered Xiao Yuanshu to go and invite Imperial Physician Wen Shi Chu without mentioning anything else.

  Wen Shi Chu arrived very quickly. Only Li Zhu and Bi were left to serve me, while everyone else waited outside. Wen Shi Chu felt my pulse again, looked at my complexion, and a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes as he asked: "I don't know where the young master's illness came from?"

  I said faintly: "I had a fright the other day and caught a chill in the evening."

  I glanced at him, and he immediately lowered his eyelids, not daring to look at me. I slowly said: "On that day in the Snowy Hall, you once said that you would treat Zhen Huan well for a lifetime, I wonder if this statement is still valid today?"

  Wen Shi's facial muscles twitched, clearly not expecting me to ask such a question. He immediately knelt down and said: "Young Master, your words are too much for this humble servant to bear. But Young Master knows that I have always kept my promises, and besides..." His voice dropped low, but was extremely firm and sincere: "No matter where Young Master is, this servant's heart towards you will never change."

  My heart suddenly felt relieved, and Wen Shi was indeed a sentimental person, I didn't misjudge him. I raised my hand to signal him to come over: "The palace can't accommodate any ulterior motives, as long as you're loyal and willing to keep your promise." My voice was gentle: "Now I have a favor to ask, would Lord Wen be willing to help?"

  "He said: 'The young master just needs to give orders.'"

  I stared at the flickering candle flame with a blank expression and said in a low voice: "I don't want to attend your bed."

  He was startled for a moment, and then his expression returned to normal. He said, "Young master, rest well, I'll have the imperial pharmacy send over the medicine after I've written out the prescription."

  I ordered Liu Zhu: "Send the adults." And let Huan Bi take out a gold ingot to give to Wen Shi Chu, he was about to decline, I whispered: "It's just my little heart, besides, going out empty-handed doesn't look good either." He then accepted.

  The maid helped me lie down to rest. The medicine that Wen Shi Chu had prescribed arrived soon, and Xiao Yin Zi brewed a dose for me to sleep on. The next day when I got up, the illness had worsened. Wen Shi Chu reported to the superior: Guiren's heart is racing due to shock, contracted wind and cold, inducing chronic illness, needs quiet nursing. The Empress Dowager sent Liu Anren from her side to pay a visit, repeatedly lamenting that my illness was not at the right time. I struggled to get up to thank her but couldn't muster the strength, so Liu Anren hastily got up to report back.

  The empress ordered Wen Shi to take my place in treating the illness, and also ordered Chun Chang and Shi Mei Ren to move out of Tong Li Palace so that I could rest well. I sent Gan Tai personally to Feng Yi Palace to thank her for her kindness, and began living alone in Tong Li Palace.

  As soon as the news spread, everyone in the palace was secretly laughing at me behind my back. They all thought that although I looked beautiful like a flower, I was timid and useless, just a decorative pillow. The fear of Empress Hua had increased by another level.

  At first, the days were fine, and the consorts below Huafei still came to visit me in person. Huafei also sent palace maids to take care of me, and it was quite lively. A month later, my illness showed no signs of improvement, and I was still bedridden. Wen Shichu's medical skills had always been praised by the consorts in the palace, and he treated me with great diligence. However, my condition continued to fluctuate between good and bad. Wen Shichu could only report to the emperor that I was weak and frail, and dared not use strong medicine, needing slow nursing instead. This nursing had no time limit. Once the news spread, the number of people visiting me gradually decreased, and in the end, except for Chun who occasionally came over, the only ones who regularly visited were Mei Zhuang and Wen Shichu. It was truly a desolate courtyard, with few visitors. Everyone knew that a consort who had been ill for a long time would not be able to see the emperor's face, even if she looked like an immortal fairy, let alone receive his favor! Fortunately, I had already expected this outcome, and although I lamented the fact that people in the palace were opportunistic, I was happy to be carefree, spending my days reading books and doing embroidery in the palace, slowly "nursing" my body back to health.

  Although I live in the deep palace, things outside are still not hidden from me, and they were passed on through Mei Zhuang and Ling Rong. They were afraid of disturbing my rest, so they only said a word or two. But based on these few words, I also understood the general situation. After the Liang Cairen incident and my illness, Empress Hua's arrogance has reached its peak, and among the newly promoted palace consorts, Mei Zhuang is the most favored, being promoted to consort after serving in bed for half a month and granted the title "Hui". Next are Liu Lingyin, the gentle and virtuous concubine, and Du Peiyun, the kind and noble lady-in-waiting, but they have not yet reached their prime. Among the old consorts, Xin Guibin, Li Guibin, and Qin Fangyi still enjoy favor. Mei Zhuang has only been in the palace for a month, so it's not enough to rival Empress Hua, so she yields and compromises, and everything is peaceful. However, the struggles between the consorts are endless, and people gradually forget about me, the sickly noblewoman, in their struggles.

  The days passed quietly for more than a month, but I felt something was amiss. Kang Luhai and his apprentice Xiao Yinzhi became increasingly restless and no longer took me seriously. When I ordered them to do something, they would respond with their mouths but not move their feet. All the errands and chores fell on the shoulders of Xia Neijian, a young eunuch, and another rough eunuch. Kang Luhai and Xiao Yinzhi led by example, and some of the palace maids also became restless, taking advantage of my weakness during illness to stir up trouble, gradually picking quarrels with Flowing Vermilion and Washing Jade.

  One morning, I was sitting under the window in the western warm pavilion, eating peanut butter made by Qiu Sai. Kang Luhai and Xiao Yinzhi came in to pay their respects, "thud" knelt down on the couch, crying and saying: "I can no longer serve my young master!"

  I was startled and immediately ordered them to speak up. Kang Luohai and Xiao Yinzhi stood before me, their voices trembling as they said that Li Guifei had summoned them to serve her. I glanced at him, and he immediately lowered his head, using his sleeve to wipe away tears from the corner of his eye. My eyes were sharp, and with one glance, I saw that there was no trace of tears on the sleeve he used to wipe his eyes, and I knew he was faking it. Not wanting to expose him, I calmly said: "Alright, this is a good opportunity for you both, and also your good fortune. Pack up your things after lunch and head over. Serve Mistress Li with diligence." In my heart, I felt disgusted, and after speaking, I didn't look at them again, slowly sipping on the peanut milk. After finishing one bowl of milk, I thought for a moment, then called all the servants in the house to come in, and they knelt down, filling the entire room.

  I said with a smile: "I've been ill for over two months now. These days, my spirit is still not good, and I'm afraid this illness will drag on. There are so many slaves in my palace, but I really don't need that many people to serve me. To be honest, having so many people turning around in front of me is also annoying. So, I asked you all to come in today because I have something to ask you: I want to send a few slaves away and let them serve other consorts instead of wasting their time here. Who among you wants to leave? Come to me and receive a silver ingot, and you can go."

  Several little palace maids had eager expressions on their faces, but none of them dared to move, just looking at each other.

  I said again: "Today, Li Guifei has already named Kang Gonggong and Yin Gonggong to serve her. They should pack their things and leave. Don't you congratulate them?"

  Everyone said a few words of "congratulations" in a sparse and scattered manner, but Liuzhu couldn't bear it, gritting her teeth and saying: "Kang Gonggong, the young master has always treated you well, and whatever rewards there are, you should be the first to get them. How can you say goodbye so easily now that you've climbed up high?"

  Xiao Yinzhi saw her so angry and involuntarily took two steps back. Kang Luhai, on the other hand, remained calm and said: "Liuzhu Miss has misunderstood, I am also helpless. My heart is set on serving Guizhen, but who knew that Lizhu had already chosen me, and I couldn't refuse."

  Liu Zhu sneered, "Good for you, having no control over your own body! I didn't know that in this world there's a principle where an ox is forced to drink water with its head held down! Since you're determined to serve the noble, I'll give you a chance to show your loyalty. Go and resign from serving Mistress Li, tell her you're a loyal servant who won't serve two masters at once. Mistress Li will naturally not blame you, but instead praise your loyalty!" Kang Luohai and Xiao Yinzhi's faces turned red and white in embarrassment as they were scolded by Liu Zhu.

  I pretended to be angry and said: "Flowing Vermilion, I naturally know about Gonggong's 'loyalty', give him the silver!"

  Bianbi walked forward, putting the silver into Kang Luhai's hands, smiling and saying: "Kang Gonggong can take it steadily. This silver is what Guigui Ren rewarded you with, you must recognize it as true. Take good care of it, don't mix it up with the rewards from Li Guibao in the future, to show your loyalty while being in Cao's camp but having a heart for Han." She also gave some to Xiaoyinzi: "Yin Gonggong, you take it too. In the future, learn from your master's loyalty, and your prospects will be bright." Kang Luhai was clearly very embarrassed, but he didn't dare to lose his temper in front of me, and with a gloomy face, he made a rough bow and pulled Xiaoyinzi out of Tongli Palace.

  I turned around and looked at the remaining people, my tone icy: "If you want to leave today, then leave together. I still have silver to divide among you. In the future, if you can't bear the hardships of following me and want to leave again, there's only one way out - being sent to the Ministry of Punishment to do hard labor. You all think carefully about it."

  The sunlight gradually moved eastward, shining brightly on the ground, leaving a snowy mark. The west was quiet like a dead water. Finally, a soft female voice said: "I'm stupid and afraid I didn't serve the young master well." I glanced at her without looking at her, and she threw the silver to the ground with a "clang" sound, rolling far away. That person carefully picked it up again, and two people took the silver out together.

  For a long time, there was silence. I turned around and saw only Xun Qi, Pin Er, Pei Er, Jing Qing, and the two little eunuchs, Xiao Yuanzi and Xiao Lianzi, kneeling on the ground. One by one, I looked at them, seeing that they were prostrating themselves on the ground, not even daring to breathe loudly. Then, in a low voice, I asked: "Is there anyone who still wants to leave?"

  The maid stood up straight and said briefly: "I swear to die for my loyalty to the noble lady!"

  Pin'er, Pei'er and Jingqing also said loudly: "We slaves swear to be loyal to our young master with our lives, and we dare not do those inhuman things."

  Xiao Yuanshu knelt down and moved to my side, grasping the hem of my garment and crying: "I have received great kindness from you, sir, I will never dare betray you."

  I nodded: "Do you know?"

  Xiao Yu's daughter knocked her head and said: "Last month, my brother was ill in the imperial kitchen for several days without anyone caring. Master Zhen still thought of him while he was ill and specially invited Mr. Wen to treat his illness. I have received such great kindness from Master Zhen, and I can only repay it by serving him with all my heart and soul. Even if I die and become a tortoise, I will carry Master Zhen on my back to attain Buddhahood."

  I burst out laughing: "This is really Zhang Huan's oily mouth!"

  Xiao Yuanzi "thudded" and knocked her head several times, saying: "These are the true words of a slave, I dare not deceive my master!"

  I gestured for him to get up: "If you keep kowtowing like that, you'll end up cracking your head open. Then we'd have to call Lord Wen over again." Everyone burst out laughing.

  I asked Xiao Lianzi again, "What about you?" Xiao Lianzi said seriously, "The young master's kindness to us servants is seen and remembered in our hearts, we are not ungrateful people."

  A surge of warmth welled up in my heart, and it wasn't as if everyone in the palace was devoid of feelings! I thought for a moment and said: "Now that the night has turned cold, it's not suitable for Xiaoyuanzi and Xiao Lianzi to keep watch on the corridor. Give them a thick quilt and let them stay in the side hall, don't make them stay on the corridor." The two of them hastily thanked me. I stood up and helped each of the kneeling people to their feet, speaking softly: "You've followed me for a day without even getting a chance to enjoy any good fortune. I'm just a noble who's been ill and lost power, you treat me like this, and I also can't treat you generously. As long as I'm here, I absolutely won't let you suffer in this palace!" Everyone looked serious and thanked me with a straight face. I said to Liuzhu and Huanbi: "You two go and prepare a table of wine and dishes, tonight the people of Tongli Palace will put aside their differences in status and sit down together for a meal!" As soon as my words fell, I saw that everyone's eyes were already brimming with hot tears, and I couldn't help but feel deeply moved.

  Tongli Palace was already a desolate place, the weather getting colder by the day, with strong winds at night. Chun often stayed in He Mei Zhuang and Ling Rong rarely came over at night. After locking up the palace gate at night, it became a place where no one asked about anything.

  After dinner, everyone was drunk. It's probably the first time in history that the palace has been so undifferentiated between masters and servants. My illness recurred, and people like Qi Yu didn't dare let me drink too much, but I insisted on having fun, drank a few more cups, and fell asleep randomly.

  The next day I woke up to find that the sun was already high in the sky, and my head was still a bit dizzy. Sister-in-law cut two round pieces of red medicinal plaster and stuck them on my temples. She also brought me some green salt to rub on my teeth, helped me rinse my mouth with tea water, and when I heard the strong wind outside the window, I lay back in bed and didn't feel like getting up.

  From a distance, I heard someone laughing: "You must be frozen to death! Noble people sleep well!" Xiǎo Suí held a pillow for me to lean on, and saw Jing Qing leading in two people wearing large red feathered cloaks. They removed their wind hats, and it turned out to be Mei Zhuang and Ling Rong. Mei Zhuang came forward to touch my face: "Do you feel better now?"

  I smiled slightly: "Same as usual." Ling Rong said while untying her cloak, "Sister's band-aid is even more lovely like this, and your complexion looks rosier too."

  Meizhuang laughed: "What's so cute? Relying on no one to manage her, she's becoming more and more like a madwoman! Don't praise her, or she'll become even more complacent!"

  I looked at Mei Zhuang, who was dressed in a new outfit and smiled: "Is this the fabric and jewelry that the Emperor has newly rewarded?" She blushed slightly and just smiled. I pursed my lips and smiled as I examined the pair of bright green jade hairpins on her head, saying: "This hairpin is quite elegant, and the color of the jade is good too."

  Ling Rong smiled and said: "Indeed, heroes think alike. I just said the same thing earlier. Mei sister's imperial favor is quite thick now."

  Meizhuang's face turned even redder, and she said: "I just had a few baskets of silver charcoal delivered to you. Your palace is cold and secluded, with many trees surrounding it. I'm afraid that in a few days it will be even colder, which won't be good for your illness."

  I smiled: "Where is it so delicate? The carbon copy has already been sent."

  Ling Rong said: "It's not just a matter of putting it in the corridor! That is black charcoal, with a lot of ash, and cannot be used indoors. Mei sister should go and inform the Empress Dowager that those slaves are so slow to respond to your summons!"

  I hastily intercepted: "The slaves are all like this. Moreover, because you are favored, they do not dare to be too slow with me, and the share is still not a bit less. Besides, one more thing is not as good as one less thing, didn't you bring it to me? Sending charcoal in snowy weather, this intention is most precious, compared to 100 baskets of silver charcoal, it makes me even happier."

  Mei Zhuang Qi said: "Just now when I came in, why did I feel that your palace suddenly became much colder, even the charcoal was received by Xiao Yanzu, where are Kang Luhai and Xiao Yinzhi?"

  Ling Rong interrupted and said: "What about the ring on the tea tray and the two maidservants who swept the floor?"

  I smiled faintly: "Kang Luhai and Xiao Yinz were summoned by Li Guifei, they only came to tell me after being taken away. The others have all been sent away by me."

  Meizhuang was shocked: "Kang Luohai and Xiao Yinz are under your name, how can Li Guifei take them away without even saying hello? How could those two beasts Kang Luohai and Xiao Yinz be willing to go?!". And then asked: "What about those maids, why did you send them away again?"

  "My heart is no longer here, I'd rather spread my wings and fly high. But I'm afraid I've confined them. People like this will eventually become a disaster if they stay by your side. It's better to get rid of them early."

  Mei Zhuang murmured: "Your meaning is..."

  "I said in a firm tone, 'It's not about the number of slaves, but their quality. Rather than having them stay here without dedication, it's better to let them leave early. Firstly, this way we can keep the truly loyal and good slaves; secondly, with so many people coming and going, those disloyal slaves might be bought off by others and used against us, making it impossible for us to guard against.'"

  Mei Zhuang nodded: "Still you're careful! I didn't expect this, it seems that when I go back, I'll have to be more careful with those servants of mine, Ling Rong is also."

  Ling Rong said in a low voice, "Yes." He looked at me carefully and sighed slightly: "Sister is still so worried when she's ill, no wonder this illness has been lingering for so long. Who knows if it's not because of worrying too much?"

  Meizhuang also had a worried look on his face: "Logically speaking, Doctor Wen's medical skills are very good, why is this illness not getting much better?"

  I comforted her: "Illness comes like a mountain collapse, and illness goes like pulling out silk threads. Recently the cold weather makes it even harder to get better. However, it's already much better than those previous days."

  I asked again: "Empress Hua didn't treat you badly, did she?"

  Meizhuang took a glance at Ling Rong and said: "It's just like this, still passable on the surface."

  I said softly: "I know you are thick and cautious, and also very careful. It's just that what shouldn't be tolerated still needs to be spoken out, or else she'll become too arrogant."

  Meizhuang smiled and asked me: "How was the ginseng that the person brought last time?"

  I smiled and said, "Thanks for your hard work, great."

  After sitting for a while, looking at the sky which was no longer early, Mei Zhuang smiled and stood up to bid farewell: "You must be tired after talking for half a day. We won't disturb your rest, we'll leave first."

  I smiled and saw them off. Bixi brought in the medicine and hesitated for a moment, saying: "Miss, can you still take this medicine?"

  "I said: 'Eat. Why don't you eat?'"

  Her face showed concern: "A good person taking this medicine won't harm their body?"

  I smiled: "It's nothing. The medicine just made me look a bit pale and feel weak, that's all. And I only take it occasionally, so it won't do much harm." I glanced at her: "Besides you and Liu Zhu, no one else has noticed, right?"

  Feng Qing nodded and said: "Mr. Wen's medicine is indeed brilliant, no one has discovered it. But why did the young lady have to deceive even Huisheng Concubine and An Xuan Shi?"

  I said in a low voice, "It's precisely because I'm as close to them as sisters that I didn't tell them. Anything can happen, and if it gets out, it won't implicate them. Besides, the more people who know, the easier it is for rumors to spread, which doesn't benefit anyone."

  The liquid medicine in the bowl was dark black and emitted a sour and sweet smell. I tilted my head and drank it all up.

  Note: (1) Yu Que Chai: "Yu Ya Chai". Resembles a magpie's wing.