107: The Trap of Invitation (Part 1)

The next day, the emperor’s edict arrived, bestowing the title of Noble Consort upon Huyan Ya. Because of this, Zhang Bitong urged me even more to leave the palace quickly.

A few days later, Huyan Dun departed from the Great Jin, and on that same day, I changed into common clothes and exited the palace.

In truth, I never believed in that medicinal recipe. If such a formula truly existed, how could there have been so many lonely women in the imperial harem throughout the ages, dying without heirs?

Yet, since this matter concerned pregnancy, it reminded me of Zhang Bitong. Actually, my departure from the palace had another purpose.

After finding a medical clinic, I showed the prescription to the doctor. He said it was an ordinary recipe, helpful only for regulating a woman’s health, but without any great effect to make conception easy.

This was as I expected, but what I wanted to ask the doctor was how to make a woman unable to conceive.

The doctor was startled at first, but upon seeing the silver, he quickly wrote a prescription and warned me, “This medicine must not be used lightly. Causing someone to be infertile is a grievous moral offense.”

I held the prescription in my hand. What did he mean by a moral offense?

I asked, “Does this prescription contain any obvious toxins?”

He replied, “There is only one key ingredient, the guiding herb. Without it, the medicine is just ordinary.”

That was better.

“Tell me which ingredient it is, so I can be cautious.”

The doctor pointed it out.

“Good, give me extra of that one. The rest I do not want.”

He looked at me puzzled but complied upon seeing the silver.

“Please also prepare a prescription for beauty and youth preservation.”

Finally, I left with two sets of prescriptions and preparations.

On the way back, I encountered that young gentleman in white again—Liu Yunhe.

“Little—”

“Master Liu?” I greeted.

Liu Yunhe took me to a teahouse and asked, “Why have you left the palace?”

“I’m running errands for the Empress. What brings you here, Master Liu?”

“I’m preparing a kite for Princess Xi He. I heard the last one I gave her broke.”

Hearing this, I replied, “Master Liu, you are a devoted uncle. Princess Xi He spoke to me about this recently. But it seems you haven’t visited the palace in some time.”

“The matter concerning Lan’er, you surely know about it. Many eyes watch now. If I rashly enter the palace to see her, I fear it would harm her.”

I understood his worries. “The matter has passed some time ago; I think fewer people are watching the Empress now.”

Liu Yunhe looked troubled, forcing a bitter smile. “Actually, Lan’er wrote to me that she no longer wishes to see me. She wants to sever ties completely to stop tormenting each other.”

“What?” I was shocked that the letter held such content.

He said, “I understand. Because of that incident, she is even more certain she can never leave that prison. She does not want to hurt me, which is why she said that. But after so many years of feeling, how can one just let go? I hate myself and yet can think of no solution. I can only watch her suffer.”

“Master Liu, don’t despair. There will be a way.”

“Now Lan’er won’t even meet me. I know her nature and worry she might do something foolish. I dare not see her directly, fearing to provoke her further. I truly have no options.”

I didn’t know what to do either, watching this pair of lovers cruelly torn apart by the palace.

“Xiao Xiaozi,” Liu Yunhe suddenly called me. “You’re from the harem and can visit Lan’er more easily. If she refuses to see me now, that’s fine, but please persuade her not to do anything rash. Also tell her I’m outside the palace not because I don’t want her, but because I want her to take good care of herself.”

His words moved me.

“If, if that is truly what she wants, then I will… I will return to my father’s place and never enter the harem again.”

“Master Liu,”

He smiled and said, “It is a coincidence to meet you today. Could you wait a moment while I buy that kite and bring it back for me?”

I shook my head. “Princess Xi He’s kite isn’t urgent. It would be better if you personally deliver it to the palace another day. After all, Dream Empress is your sister; no need to avoid entering.”

I took the liberty to arrange for them to have another chance to meet. Many things can only be decided face to face.

Back in the palace, I reported truthfully to Zhang Bitong, “I have asked thoroughly. This prescription is just ordinary medicine for regulating health, without great efficacy.”

Zhang Bitong asked, somewhat dissatisfied, “Are you sure you asked clearly?”

“I did. I suppose even those in the palace don’t really know—it’s just hearsay.”

Zhang Bitong looked disappointed, waving her handkerchief. “Enough. I understand. You may leave now.”

“Your Highness, though I did not bring you good news, I have brought two other things.”

Zhang Bitong perked up, asking, “What are they?”

“May I close the door to speak?”

“Yunqing,” Zhang Bitong signaled to Yunqing.

Yunqing left, glanced around, then sent away Lanyan and Xiaoyun to work before closing the door and returning.

I took out the two prescriptions from my bosom. Yunqing handed them to Zhang Bitong.

Zhang Bitong looked them over and asked, “What are these?”

“One is especially for Your Highness, a beauty and youth-preserving formula, so you remain forever enchanting.”

Zhang Bitong’s expression softened somewhat. “You are thoughtful. I did not misjudge you. And the other?”

“The other is another substantial gift for Your Highness. You have surely long wished to remove Noble Consort Tan, yes?”

Zhang Bitong sat up straight, eyes fixed on me. “Xiao Xiaozi, what do you mean?”

“You now have the Ninth Prince, Your Highness. If another prince or princess were born, it would be wonderful. But if not, do not be too troubled. Noble Consort Tan is different—she is young and now favored by the emperor. If she conceives an heir—”

“That wretch! She doesn’t have that fate!” Zhang Bitong ground her teeth at the mention.

“Your Highness, this matter must be guarded against. If Noble Consort Tan carries an heir, it will be like rising to the sun’s zenith. I do not speak falsely. She has long been an enemy of Yours, and I have been mocked by her many times. I do not hide my personal feelings, but removing her would greatly benefit Your Highness.”

Zhang Bitong considered, then looked at Yunqing.

Yunqing said, “Your Highness, indeed Noble Consort Tan opposes you at every turn. Listen to Xiao Xiaozi’s proposal. If it is feasible, perhaps Your Highness should—”

Zhang Bitong nodded and asked me to explain.

I said, “This prescription can thoroughly prevent Noble Consort Tan from conceiving an heir.”

“But wouldn’t she get someone to check it out?”

“That will require Your Highness’s cooperation. Also, one ingredient must be omitted so Noble Consort Tan won’t suspect. Without that ingredient, it’s just an ordinary prescription. Even if she is later investigated, nothing will be traced back to Your Highness.”

Zhang Bitong smiled darkly. “Xiao Xiaozi, you are clever. This plan sounds excellent. But even if it is exposed, I’m not afraid. After all, it was your revenge against Noble Consort Tan that led to this. It’s all on you, isn’t it, Xiao Xiaozi?”

I knelt and said, “Yes, everything is done by Xiao Xiaozi to get back at Noble Consort Tan.”

If the matter is uncovered, so be it. At least the prescription is flawless. If I am discovered, does she think she can escape blame?

If I couldn’t involve Lin Tanwei, I wouldn’t reveal my true intentions to Zhang Bitong. But I have no choice. Without removing Lin Tanwei, my heart’s hatred cannot be resolved.

Now that Zhang Bitong has agreed, it’s time to set the trap.

Lin Tanwei, don’t blame me for being ruthless.

I timed it so that after Lin Tanwei returned from paying respects at Kunning Palace, I purposely passed by her and Xiaojing. I hurried over but didn’t see Xiaojing, so I bumped into her. As I did, a prescription slipped from my sleeve.

I quickly retrieved it and hid it again, apologizing to Lin Tanwei, “Your servant is to blame for bumping into Your Highness.”

“What are you hiding?” Lin Tanwei asked.

“Nothing, Your Highness. I have urgent matters and must return to Cuiwei Palace.”

Just as I was about to leave, Xiaojing blocked my way, glaring. “Bold servant! The Empress asks you a question. How dare you not answer?”

I hurriedly said, “Please calm down, Your Highness. I truly have nothing hidden.”

“Still dare to lie? Xiaojing—”

Xiaojing grabbed me and tried to pull the prescription from my sleeve. I resisted fiercely, not wanting her to get it.

“Xiao Xiaozi, disobeying the Empress’s orders—do you want to be beaten?”

Startled, the prescription fell into Xiaojing’s hands, who handed it directly to Lin Tanwei.

Lin Tanwei glanced at it and said, “From what I see, it’s nothing special. Why hide it so deeply?”

I said nervously, “Your Highness is right; it really is nothing special. Could Your Highness return it?”

“If it’s nothing special, why protect it so fiercely?” Lin Tanwei’s sharp gaze fixed on me.

“Your Highness, I cannot say. If I did, returning to the palace would be like death. Please spare me. Your Highness knows I have walked the edge of life many times. I dare not make another mistake.”

“Looks like you’ve learned to be cautious. But your master won’t forgive you. If you don’t tell me the truth, do you think I will spare you? I could end your life right now, believe it or not?”

“Please spare me! Please!” I begged.

“Then speak.”

“Yes, yes.” I lowered my voice. “Your Highness, I can only tell you. Listen carefully. No one knows where this prescription came from. Your Highness said it could prevent her from conceiving an heir.”

Lin Tanwei laughed. “How old is she? Still dreaming of bearing an heir? Ridiculous! These wandering doctors’ prescriptions—she actually believes them? She must be mad with longing!”

I replied seriously, “I tried to dissuade Your Highness too, but she believes it strongly. She says it’s a secret formula circulated within the palace. Some consorts’ princes and princesses conceived only after using it. Think, Your Highness, aren’t there consorts who had not conceived for years but suddenly did?”

Lin Tanwei’s eyes showed thought, but she said, “Don’t use those stories to fool me. If your master believes them, it’s because she’s old. You should advise her not to take such medicines. All medicine has some poison; she shouldn’t risk her body. Xiaojing, let’s go.”

With that, Lin Tanwei tossed the prescription at my feet and walked away.

A cold smile flickered at my lips. Lin Tanwei, I don’t believe you won’t fall for the trap.