137 Fate

I entered the inner chamber only to find the bed empty. Touching the sheets, I discovered they were already cold. It seemed Jiang Xuan had been gone for quite some time. At this hour, where could he have gone?

Hearing the watchman outside, I realized it was already late. Soon, the palace eunuchs and maids would be rising. Assuming Jiang Xuan would have others to attend to him, I hurriedly got up and checked the clothes hanging on the screen. Fortunately, they were dry. Taking advantage of Jiang Xuan’s absence, I quickly changed into them.

As I stepped outside, I ran straight into a palace maid who had already risen. She looked startled to see me.

"I am here under the Empress's orders to check on the Ninth Prince," I quickly explained. "There are some matters to convey."

Before the maid could respond, Jiang Xuan suddenly appeared. He was sweating, breathing heavily, as if he had been doing something strenuous. His sudden appearance clearly proved my words to be a lie.

I hurriedly added, "I just saw the Ninth Prince was not here, so I was about to head back!"

Jiang Xuan seemed to grasp the situation. He stepped forward and said, "What are you still standing there for? Go to the small kitchen and prepare breakfast for me."

"Yes."

As the maid turned to leave, Jiang Xuan leaned in to ask me, "What did the Empress tell you to say?"

It seemed he had overheard my earlier excuse, sparing me from breaking into a cold sweat.

I intentionally raised my voice, "Oh, Her Ladyship wanted the Ninth Prince to—"

Before I could finish, I noticed the maid had turned the corner into the side courtyard and was out of sight. I lowered my voice, "The Ninth Prince is quick-witted. I must return to Huayang Palace; the Crown Princess will be expecting breakfast soon."

"Hm!"

I rushed back to Huayang Palace, but in the courtyard, I encountered a woman. I figured she must be Consort Xian, as I had never met her since I began serving Han Feiyue here. Han Feiyue had never mentioned her, and as a servant, I dared not ask.

Just as I was about to offer a bow, the woman turned around. I was struck with shock—not by the sudden movement, but by her face. It was covered in dense, tangled scars, resembling a nest of small snakes, making it impossible to discern a human face beneath.

Though startled, I quickly realized who she was and composed myself. I knelt down, saying, "This servant pays respects to Consort Xian."

"There is no Consort Xian here," the woman replied, "only a recluse named Jing'an."

Despite her terrifying appearance, her voice was surprisingly soothing and tranquil. I felt ashamed of my shallow judgment based on appearance.

I stood up and asked, "Is there anything I can help you with, Recluse Jing'an?"

"No need. I only thought I would water the flowers while everyone was still asleep. I didn't expect to run into you today."

"It is I who disturbed you," I said, bowing my head.

Consort Xian nodded slightly. "You have done no wrong. I know you serve Feiyue; we were bound to meet eventually. Things in this world are inescapable; most are fated."

Her words carried a Buddhist undertone that I, with my shallow wisdom, struggled to comprehend.

"Do not concern yourself with an old woman like me. Go and tend to Feiyue; she should be waking up."

"Yes, I shall take my leave."

As I headed toward Han Feiyue’s room, Consort Xian called out from behind me, "One’s gender is hard to distinguish, and fortunes are hard to predict. Good deeds benefit the masses, while evil deeds bring disaster to the country—all hinges on a single thought. It is truly unpredictable."

Her words were cryptic and unsettling. The mention of gender made me feel guilty; could she have realized I was a woman? I wanted to turn back and ask what she meant, but she had already walked away with an empty bucket.

***

Han Feiyue opened the door as I arrived. "You're awake, Miss Feiyue?"

She nodded, stepped out, and stretched, breathing in the fresh morning air.

"Let me help you wash."

"Wait a moment. I didn't see you when I woke up last night. Were you not in the courtyard?"

"Yes," I replied. "I was delayed by some matters and could not return in time. Did you need assistance, Miss? It is my negligence—"

"I was merely asking; don't be nervous. It was my fault for dragging you here into this drudgery. I shouldn't restrict your freedom. Besides, I'm not used to being waited on hand and foot."

Her frankness put me at ease. She didn't press the matter, which was a relief.

"Serving you is my duty, Miss. Please don't say such things."

"Enough with the formalities. You know my temperament; I dislike such talk. I'm not some delicate lady who needs constant coddling. Your absence last night was no problem. If you ever have business, just tell me; I permit you to go."

"Thank you for your understanding, Miss."

"This place is heavily guarded; you need not worry about my safety."

"Yes, Miss. Let me help you wash."

"Hm."

After breakfast, Han Feiyue sat in the courtyard reading a scroll. Since her pregnancy, she had become much more composed and tranquil. She was reading a Buddhist sutra, likely a gift from Consort Xian.

Feeling tired, she set down her tea and looked at me. "You met the Recluse this morning, didn't you?"

I nodded. "I accidentally ran into her."

"She lives in seclusion, reading scriptures. Seeing you must have been fate."

"I believe so too."

"I used to think this life of oil lamps and ancient Buddha was tedious, that wandering the world would be far more enjoyable. But now, I find this tranquility to be the most precious thing. Isn't that so, Xiao Zi?"

"You are right, Miss." In truth, whether it was tranquility or wandering, I had no choice in the matter, so I could not truly appreciate her sentiment.

"You weren't here last night. Long Zhan came by."

I wasn't surprised; I had seen him in the palace the night before, and his claim of patrolling near Huayang Palace hadn't been a lie.

Han Feiyue continued, "I don't know why, but I woke up and sensed he was outside. I went out, but I only caught a glimpse of his back before he left."

I remained silent, as it was not my place to comment on their affairs.

She smiled. "I was right to ask for you. I can tell you many things I keep buried inside. Xiao Zi, people like you are either deeply loved and trusted by those who cherish you, or hated to the bone by those who don't, to the point where they'd want you eliminated."

I couldn't help but smile at my own supposed complexity. "You flatter me, Miss. I am merely a small eunuch. It is your kindness that allows you to speak to me this way."

"You understand more than anyone, yet sometimes you understand nothing at all."

Her words left me bewildered. At that moment, Jiang Chen and Jiang Yun walked down the corridor. They hadn't noticed us in the courtyard and were deep in conversation.

"Don't be angry, Third Brother. Father only suspended you from court temporarily. Once his anger subsides, he will surely let you return."

"Father is truly furious this time."

"It cannot be just because of the Lian Qi affair. Though the court knows you recommended Lian Fei, you were not close to him, and you knew nothing of his private dealings. I heard that while Lian Fei held a minor post, he never did anything improper in his official capacity. What you saw was enough, from your perspective."

Jiang Yun felt slightly comforted. "At least this incident wasn't without gain; it allowed me to see the true faces of some people."

"Who are you referring to, Third Brother?" Jiang Chen asked.

Before Jiang Yun could answer, he saw us. They hurried over.

"You cannot enter," Han Feiyue said immediately.

Jiang Chen pulled Jiang Yun back. "Third Brother, we truly shouldn't enter this place."

Jiang Yun stopped at the gate. "Feiyue, how have you been these past few days? I came to see you, but you were always inside."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am well."

"That is good. I asked Imperial Physician Gu this morning, and he said you are stable. It seems I shall be a father in a few months." Jiang Yun seemed like a simple, devoted husband and father.

"Xiao Zi, let us go inside. It is getting hot out here."

"As you wish!"

"Feiyue!" Jiang Yun called out anxiously. "If you are willing, I can take you back to the Eastern Palace. I am not at ease with this servant by your side."

Han Feiyue paused and looked at me. "Xiao Zi is excellent. What is there to be uneasy about?"

"He does not serve you wholeheartedly. Was he not absent last night? How can I trust such a servant?"

"I suddenly craved the osmanthus cake made by Aunt Yunqing last night, so I sent Xiao Zi to the Cuiwei Palace. Did you run into him, Your Highness? Did he not explain?"

I added, "The Ninth Prince was there as well; perhaps the Crown Prince misunderstood."

"Your Highness, I requested Xiao Zi from the Emperor myself. I trust that is acceptable? I have already made it clear to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager that I stay here and go nowhere—unless you do not wish for your child to be born safely."

Threatened, Jiang Yun quickly replied, "Fine, fine. Whatever you say, just take care of your health."

Jiang Chen added, "Third Brother, rest assured, I am here as well. I will look after Third Sister-in-law's safety. If you are worried, you can come visit anytime."

"With you here, I have nothing to worry about. Since the Fourth left, you are the only one I can speak to."

"What about the Ninth?" Jiang Chen asked.

"Don't speak of him. I am most disappointed in him. Forget it. Sixth Brother, come play a game of chess with me."

"Very well, Third Brother!"

As they left, I helped Han Feiyue back into the room.

"Thank you for covering for me, Miss."

"You work hard serving me; I must help you in return," she said.

I smiled. "I am still very grateful."