108. The Trap Tightens (2)

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Simply presenting a prescription alone would not be enough to make Lin Tanwei believe my words. Yet, Lin Tanwei would surely keep this matter in mind. Next, I needed to continue pushing things forward.

A few days later, I accompanied Zhang Bitong to the Kunning Palace.

Once Zhang Bitong sat down, she remarked, “I truly envy Lady Yun; the Emperor visits her daily, and now she can rest in the palace without even needing to come here to the Empress’s quarters.”

Jiang Ziqian replied, “Consort Tong, if you don’t want to come pay respects to Her Majesty, just say so. Why involve Lady Yun in this?”

Zhang Bitong suppressed her anger and said, “Sister Zi, why speak to me that way? I do want to pay respects to Her Majesty; coming here daily and meeting these sisters brings me joy! I only envy Lady Yun because she has the Emperor’s favor. But that’s no longer something we can envy; after serving the Emperor for so many years, it’s only fair to give the newer ladies a chance, isn’t it? Lady Yun is still young and healthy; carrying the Dragon’s heir is a blessing. But Sister Tan, you’ve been in the palace some time now, haven’t you? I recall you entered with Lady Yun, so how come Lady Yun got pregnant so easily while your belly shows no sign at all?”

Lin Tanwei gave a forced smile and said, “Perhaps I’m just not so fortunate. But thank you for your concern, Consort Tong. If the child is disobedient, I’d rather not have one at all.”

There was more in Lin Tanwei’s words, and Zhang Bitong caught on immediately, retorting, “You’re only bitter because you can’t conceive, aren’t you? Normally, before the Emperor’s visit, the imperial physician would examine the body. Could it be that you have some hidden ailment that was missed?”

Lin Tanwei stood abruptly and said, “Consort Tong, are you cursing me?”

Zhang Bitong smiled through her hand and said, “Don’t be angry; I’m only concerned for you.”

Lin Tanwei sat back down and said softly, “No need for your concern, Sister. I know I’m still young and will have my opportunities. But as for you, Sister, you should let go of such thoughts.”

At this, Zhang Bitong instantly turned and glared at me.

I quickly lowered my head.

Lin Tanwei saw this as well.

“Sometimes pregnancy is a matter of fate, it cannot be forced. Consort Tan, you should relax,” the Empress said to Zhang Bitong. “Consort Tong, you need not envy Lady Yun. After all, she is carrying the Emperor’s heir and has done a great service to him.”

“Your Majesty speaks truly!” both Lin Tanwei and Zhang Bitong said together.

“Lady Yun must be quite lonely in the palace. If you have time, go keep her company. We are all sisters and should care for one another.”

“We will heed Her Majesty’s advice,” they all said, rising.

Just as Zhang Bitong sat down again, she suddenly gave a dry heave.

“Your Majesty, is Consort Tong all right?” I hurriedly asked.

Zhang Bitong shook her head and dry heaved again.

The Empress asked, “Consort Tong, are you feeling unwell?”

Zhang Bitong waved her hand, “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I’m fine.”

“If you’re unwell, we can have the imperial physician examine you.”

“It’s nothing serious. It’s been like this for a few days, probably just due to lack of rest. I will recover with some rest.”

Jiang Ziqian said softly, “Consort Tong, at this rate, could it be that you’re pregnant again?”

Everyone was immediately startled.

Zhang Bitong shook her head, “I don’t have that fortune. The Emperor only came once last month.”

“If fate allows, even one visit could lead to pregnancy. Consort Tong, you truly are remarkable!” Jiang Ziqian said with a hint of envy.

“Sister Zi, perhaps I haven’t conceived yet. You’re speaking prematurely.”

“Whether or not you are, have the imperial physician examine you as soon as you return,” the Empress said.

“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.”

After Zhang Bitong spoke, I seized the chance to whisper in her ear, “Your Majesty’s medicine is still brewing. I will go check on it.”

Zhang Bitong nodded, “You may go first. I will stay here a little longer. If you are late returning, have Yunqing come.”

“Yes!”

I quietly withdrew, glancing once more at Lin Tanwei before leaving Kunning Palace.

Shortly after stepping out, I saw Xiao Jing chasing after me.

“Xiao Xiaozi!”

I stopped and turned around, asking, “Sister Xiao Jing, is there something you need? I’m in a hurry to return to Cuiwei Palace, I’m sorry.”

Xiao Jing smiled, “I was just heading back to the palace myself. Let’s go together.”

“That’s fine,” I replied.

After walking a few steps, Xiao Jing asked, “What are you going back for? It seems as if the Empress urgently summoned you.”

“It’s nothing urgent. You’re reading too much into it, Sister Xiao Jing.”

Xiao Jing purposely tugged my arm, “Hey, you already call me sister, so why keep secrets from me? Tell me, and I promise to keep it to myself.”

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“Will Sister Xiao Jing really keep it secret?”

“Of course! Do you not trust me?”

I smiled and said, “How could I not trust Sister Xiao Jing? If I tell you, please keep it under wraps. If the Empress finds out, I’ll be in big trouble.”

“Don’t worry, I definitely won’t tell.”

Lowering my voice, I said, “I went back to see if Her Majesty’s medicine had finished brewing.”

“Medicine?”

“Yes.”

“What kind of medicine?”

“The kind that helps Her Majesty conceive.”

“The same prescription you were hiding the last time I saw you? Is Her Majesty really taking it?”

I nodded, “Consort Tan doesn’t believe it, but our Empress trusts it completely. She takes a dose every day without fail.”

“Oh.” Xiao Jing nodded and asked, “Then tell me, the Empress’s sudden dry heaving this afternoon—is it because she is pregnant?”

“I don’t know,” I said. “The Empress hasn’t called the imperial physician yet. But if she really is pregnant, it’s thanks to this prescription. It must be very effective.”

Xiao Jing listened intently, as if trying to memorize every word.

I lowered my voice again, “Though Consort Tan doesn’t believe it, many other consorts do. Several have come to Cuiwei Palace these days, all asking Her Majesty to share the prescription.”

Xiao Jing hurriedly asked, “Did Her Majesty give it to them?”

“No way. The consorts in the harem are quite selfish, as you know. If this prescription works, giving it to others would only cause competition for the Emperor’s favor.”

Xiao Jing said, “You’re right. If it’s effective, it cannot be given out lightly.”

“Well then, Sister Xiao Jing, I must hurry to check on it. I won’t accompany you.”

“All right, go ahead and be busy.”

I hurried forward, then glanced back to see Xiao Jing heading toward Kunning Palace.

That was no returning to the palace—it was clearly an attempt to pry information from me.

Two or three days passed with no news until one afternoon when Zhang Bitong was resting inside her room. I waited outside. The weather had warmed, and the afternoon brought drowsiness.

Spring slumber knows no dawn.

Just as I was dozing, someone called me.

I saw Xiao Jing standing at the palace gate, waving.

I went over and asked, “Sister Xiao Jing, what do you need?”

“Our mistress has something she wishes to give to Her Majesty. Could you please ask the eunuch to send me?”

“Consort Tan is thoughtful. I will go at once.” I turned to Yunqing, “Auntie, Consort Tan has something to deliver to Her Majesty. I will accompany her.”

“Mm, go ahead.”

“Yes.”

Following Xiao Jing to the Xi Yu Pavilion, we entered Consort Tan’s room. Xiao Jing closed the door behind us and stood guard cautiously by it.

Lin Tanwei reclined on the soft couch, her posture languid.

“Your servant pays respects to Her Majesty.”

“Stand.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Xiao Jing, bring a cup of tea for Xiao Xiaozi.”

I was overwhelmed with privilege and said, “Your Majesty, I cannot accept such honor.”

Lin Tanwei said, “I say you can, so you can.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. May I ask what Your Majesty wishes me to deliver to my mistress?”

“This is not urgent. I summoned you to ask a question.”

“Please speak, Your Majesty.”

Lin Tanwei took a sip from her cup, set it down, and asked, “Is Consort Tong pregnant?”

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I replied, “Your servant does not know.”

“You don’t know? Xiao Xiaozi, are you trying to deceive me?”

I knelt and said, “Your servant dares not deceive Her Majesty. I truly do not know if Consort Tong is with child, as Her Majesty has not yet summoned the imperial physician.”

“But why does it seem to me that she already is?”

I said, “Consort Tong feels the same. She said to wait a few more days until it can be confirmed before summoning the physician. Otherwise, it would be embarrassing if it were false.”

“Consort Tong is cautious.”

I said nothing.

At that moment, Xiao Jing brought me a cup of hot tea.

“Stand and drink.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

I held the cup to one side and heard Lin Tanwei say, “This is this year’s new tea. At this season, such new tea is worth a fortune. I offer it to you.”

“Your servant thanks Your Majesty for this favor.” I took a sip. Whether good or bad, the tea made no difference to me. Lin Tanwei should soon begin her full recovery.

Seeing me drink, Lin Tanwei said, “I heard from Xiao Jing that the Empress has been taking medicine these days.”

I glanced at Xiao Jing and feigned surprise, “Your Majesty, your servant—”

“Enough. I will keep this secret for you. Tell me, is it true?”

I grit my teeth and said, “Your servant dares not deceive Her Majesty. It is true.”

“How long has Consort Tong been taking it?”

“Less than two months.”

“To conceive within two months, this medicine must be effective indeed,” Lin Tanwei murmured to herself.

I said, “They say it works in just one month, but without the Emperor’s favor, it’s all for nothing.”

“That much I know. Xiao Xiaozi, have many consorts been to Cuiwei Palace these days?”

I nodded, “Several consorts, even Lady Jun has been there.”

“Lady Meng Ping?” Lin Tanwei exchanged a glance with Xiao Jing, then said, “Xiao Xiaozi, do you still have the prescription with you?”

“I carry it with me at all times. Only I can fetch this medicine; if anyone else goes, Her Majesty wouldn’t trust it.”

“Can you show it to me?”

I set down the cup, bowed, and said, “Please forgive me, Your Majesty, but I cannot reveal it. If I disclose it, I would lose my head.”

Lin Tanwei’s expression turned stern, “You have shown it to me before, not long ago. If you were to lose your head for it, it would have happened then.”

I knelt and said, “Please forgive me, Your Majesty.”

“I only want to ensure Consort Tong’s safety by examining the prescription. Don’t you trust me?”

“Your servant dares not doubt.”

Xiao Jing stepped forward, “Xiao Xiaozi, Her Majesty knows your loyalty and does not want you to make any mistakes. If this medicine has any flaws, your head would truly be at risk. Let Her Majesty examine it so you can be at ease, isn’t that better?”

I considered it and said, “Her Majesty is right.”

I retrieved the prescription from my bosom and handed it to Xiao Jing.

Lin Tanwei gave Xiao Jing a glance, and Xiao Jing went into the inner room. I guessed she was making a copy of the prescription.

After a moment, Xiao Jing returned the prescription, and Lin Tanwei said, “Rest assured, I only helped to examine it, and I will keep this matter secret.”

“Your servant thanks Your Majesty.”

“Mm, Xiao Jing, bring a box of new tea for Xiao Xiaozi to take back to Consort Tong as a token of my regard. Prepare another box for Xiao Xiaozi himself; he is a loyal servant and should be rewarded.”

“Yes.”

“Your servant thanks Your Majesty.”