Assassination

Originally, I thought that everything would remain peaceful until Jiang Ye and Du Ruoqing were wed. Yet, on the eve of their marriage, something shocking occurred in the harem.

When the news reached Cuiwei Palace, Lanyan and I were sitting by the brazier, warming ourselves. Zhang Bitong was leaning against the soft couch, hugging a small hand warmer, while Yunqing was busy with some needlework.

Zhang Bitong let out a sigh and said, “His Majesty hasn’t visited in quite some time. This palace truly feels cold and deserted. I wonder which palace His Majesty will spend the night in tonight? Yunqing, do you think I’ve grown old and lost my luster, and His Majesty no longer favors me?”

Yunqing paused in her needlework to comfort her, “Your Grace, you worry too much. His Majesty and you share a deep bond as husband and wife—how could he not care for you? It’s just that, as an emperor, he must show favor to all, bestowing his grace equally. If His Majesty were to favor you alone night after night, I’m afraid the court officials wouldn’t stand for it, nor would the Empress or the Empress Dowager. The harem would not be at peace.”

“I understand the reasoning,” Zhang Bitong replied. “But it’s been days since His Majesty came here. If he’s distributing his favor, shouldn’t it include me too? Recently, when I went to greet His Majesty, those little hussies laughed at me—especially that wretched Lin Tanwei. She doesn’t boast of her own favor, but uses Meng Pingjun and Shui Yunqiu to provoke me. It’s truly infuriating.”

“Your Grace, there is still much time ahead. You have served His Majesty for so many years, while Consort Tan has only just entered the palace. To serve His Majesty for over a decade, remaining ever in his good graces—that is true skill.”

I had to admit, I truly admired Yunqing’s talent for consolation. Though Zhang Bitong was somewhat disheartened, after Yunqing’s gentle persuasion, she felt much better.

Abruptly, Zhang Bitong sat up with renewed interest. “Did you hear any gossip in the Empress’s palace today? It’s said that since Gong Wu’e married into the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince hasn’t touched her. Though the Crown Prince and his wife aren’t exactly devoted, they at least treat each other with respect. Thinking of this makes me happy—this time, the Empress’s plans have failed. She schemed in every way to send Gong Wu’e to the palace, yet the Crown Prince doesn’t care for her. She’s no Crown Princess and is left as a living widow. Isn’t that fitting retribution?”

Yunqing nodded slightly. “You are right, Your Grace.”

“What has Xuan’er been up to lately?”

“I ran into the Ninth Prince yesterday. He said he was accompanying the Crown Prince for horse riding.”

“That child spends all his time with the Crown Prince—who knows if he’ll turn out well? I’m growing old, and naturally, His Majesty won’t favor me as before. The glory of my later years rests entirely on Xuan’er. He must make me proud!”

“Your Grace, rest assured. The Ninth Prince is gifted and will surely achieve greatness in the future.”

“Yunqing, tell me—several princes are of age now. Even including the Crown Prince, His Majesty hasn’t permitted them to participate in state affairs, nor spoken of granting them titles. What do you think His Majesty intends? When he was their age, he was already gaining experience in the Ministry of Rites.”

“I dare not presume to guess His Majesty’s intentions. Your Grace, these matters are surely well considered by His Majesty. No matter how curious you are, you must never question him directly.”

Zhang Bitong replied impatiently, “I know. His Majesty most detests interference from the harem in state matters—even the Empress Dowager is cautious. I’m only discussing this with you. Since His Majesty hasn’t acted, how can Xuan’er have any opportunity to prove himself? If he’s not suited for civil or military roles, perhaps he’ll excel as an official. Don’t you agree?”

“You are quite right, Your Grace!”

“Enough, enough. No point in talking to you about this. I’m tired now, Yunqing, help me rest.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” Yunqing turned to Lanyan and me. “Lanyan, you may go rest. Xiao Xiaozi, wait outside.”

Zhang Bitong interjected, “When you have a moment, go to the Steward’s Office and look for Qiu Ronghai. He’s not attending to my affairs at all. How can the palace get by with so few attendants? Xiao Xiaozi will be worked to death!”

“Eunuch Qiu has surely been busy with the Fourth Prince’s wedding these days, which is why things have been delayed. I’ll go ask about it tomorrow.”

“The Fourth Prince’s wedding is important, but isn’t my need for attendants important too? They’re all disregarding me!”

“Please calm yourself, Your Grace. Anger will affect your sleep. Allow me to help you rest.”

As Yunqing was supporting Zhang Bitong out, commotion erupted outside—the sound of hurried and chaotic footsteps.

Zhang Bitong stopped and asked, “What’s happening out there?”

Yunqing replied, “Perhaps some careless servants are being noisy.”

But Zhang Bitong was certain. “No, something must have happened. Xiao Xiaozi, go out and find out immediately.”

“At once!” I opened the door and hurried to the palace gates. Not only did I see anxious maids and eunuchs running, but I also noticed Imperial Physician Gu trailing behind, struggling to keep up.

I stopped a eunuch and asked, “Sir, what has happened?”

He slapped his thigh, exclaiming, “Something major! His Majesty has been attacked!”

I was shocked. “What happened? Who would dare to attempt to assassinate His Majesty?”

“It was the young mistress of Jiyue Palace! Ah, she must have a death wish! I can’t talk now, I have to go to Jiyue Palace!” With these words, the eunuch rushed off.

Jiyue Palace? Lin Lanzhi?

Could it be that Lin Lanzhi attempted assassination because of Liu Yunhe? No, no, she wouldn’t be so reckless. This is a capital crime—punishment to the ninth degree.

I hurried back to report to Zhang Bitong. “Your Grace, I’ve found out—Consort Lan of Jiyue Palace attempted to assassinate His Majesty.”

Zhang Bitong was startled. “What? Are you certain? Has Consort Lan lost her mind to dare such a thing?”

I nodded. “I saw Imperial Physician Gu myself. Everyone seems to be headed to Jiyue Palace.”

“Lin Lanzhi usually appears so frail and gentle. Who would have thought she’d dare attack His Majesty? Has she gone mad?”

Yunqing reminded her, “Your Grace, you should be concerned for His Majesty’s well-being.”

With Yunqing’s reminder, Zhang Bitong came to her senses. “You’re right. I should be concerned about His Majesty’s health. Yunqing, come, let’s go see him at once.”

I stepped forward. “Your Grace, you should remove your hair ornaments and set aside the hand warmer. Arrive at Jiyue Palace in visible haste and anxiety.”

Zhang Bitong was momentarily taken aback, then praised me. “Xiao Xiaozi, you are indeed clever. If I go like this, His Majesty will surely see how deeply I care. Yunqing, help me take these off. And Yunqing, you need not come with me—let Xiao Xiaozi accompany me instead. He can adapt to the situation.”

Yunqing glanced at me and quickly assented. “Yes, Your Grace.”

Supporting Zhang Bitong, I hurried to Jiyue Palace. She gave her all, not even pausing to put on her fox-fur cloak, so that by the time we arrived, she was shivering with cold and panting from exhaustion.

“Your Majesty!” As soon as we entered Jiyue Palace, Zhang Bitong called out in a tearful voice.

“Oh, it’s Lady Tong! Your humble servant greets Your Grace.” Qiu Ronghai stepped forward, saluting with his horsetail whisk.

“Eunuch Qiu, where is His Majesty?”

“His Majesty is inside.”

“How is he? As soon as I heard… I rushed here. Please, let me see His Majesty!”

Qiu Ronghai took in her appearance and seemed to understand. “Lady Tong, His Majesty will surely appreciate your concern. But rest assured, His Majesty is well, chatting inside with Consort Lan.”

“Chatting? Wasn’t it said that His Majesty was attacked?”

Qiu Ronghai shook his head. “It was just wild rumors among the servants. In truth, Consort Lan accidentally broke a teacup. When His Majesty picked it up, he cut his hand. It’s already bandaged and he’s fine. The imperial physicians have left. Please, don’t worry.”

“He was only cut?” Zhang Bitong was half skeptical.

“Only a cut, truly. Would I lie to you, Your Grace? Your heartfelt concern—I will be sure to tell His Majesty all about it. For now, you should return before you catch cold.”

“Very well. But I’d feel better if I could see His Majesty myself.”

Qiu Ronghai blocked her path. “Your Grace, His Majesty is spending the night with Consort Lan. If you go in now, aren’t you afraid of incurring his displeasure?”

“Fine. But you must tell His Majesty I came to see him—describe everything in detail, do you hear me?”

Qiu Ronghai bowed low. “Rest assured, Your Grace—I’ll report everything thoroughly. Can you not trust me?”

“I do. Xiao Xiaozi, let’s return.”

“As you wish!”

As I turned, I couldn’t help glancing back. Surely things weren’t so simple. Would so many people be rushing about for a mere cut?

Just outside Jiyue Palace, I saw the other consorts hastening over, including Lin Tanwei.

As they reached the palace gates, Zhang Bitong stopped them. “Enough, enough, you should all go back. His Majesty is perfectly fine. If you wait until you arrive, he’ll already be—”

“Is His Majesty truly unharmed? But wasn’t it said—” Several consorts spoke up in concern.

“I’ve told you, there’s nothing wrong. Go back, all of you. His Majesty is staying in Jiyue Palace tonight—for the first time, no less. Don’t spoil his mood.”

As the consorts reluctantly turned to leave, Lin Tanwei laughed. “Sister Tong, you arrived so promptly! It seems you rushed over just as you were about to retire. You really do care for His Majesty!”

Zhang Bitong replied with pride, “Naturally. I’ve shared over a decade of marriage with His Majesty—my feelings run deeper than yours.”

Lin Tanwei responded, “By seniority, we can’t compare to you, Sister. Yet, after hurrying all the way here, I suppose you didn’t even get to see His Majesty? You arrived frantic, but without so much as a glance—doesn’t your heart feel cold? No matter how cold it is outside, it surely can’t compare to that.”

“Lin Tanwei, what are you implying? I’m at ease knowing His Majesty is well. Unlike you and the other ladies, I don’t compete for favor over such matters. Some people will do anything to win attention—remember, she once danced at the palace banquet, having started as a mere laundry maid. How did she get that opportunity?”

Even Lin Tanwei didn’t expect Zhang Bitong to bring up something so baseless. Not even His Majesty had cared about that incident, but Zhang Bitong mentioned it anyway, leaving Lin Tanwei momentarily speechless.

Zhang Bitong could be reckless, but this time, she struck Lin Tanwei quite effectively.

The other consorts glanced at her, each with their own thoughts.

“I won’t argue with you about this. With so much time on your hands, you meddle in matters even His Majesty ignores. You should worry about your complexion instead—women who meddle age quickly. Xiao Jing, let’s go.”

With that, Lin Tanwei turned and left with her maid.

“Lin Tanwei, who are you calling old?” Zhang Bitong stamped her foot in anger.

The other consorts dared not say more and quickly took their leave.

“Ah-choo!” Zhang Bitong sneezed. I hurried forward. “Your Grace, let’s return to the palace. It’s too cold out here—you’ll catch a chill.”

“Yes, this was all for nothing—I’m freezing.” She had taken only a few steps before something occurred to her. “So long and yet the Empress hasn’t come. Isn’t that odd? I don’t believe what happened in Jiyue Palace is as simple as they say. Xiao Xiaozi, I’ll return alone. You be clever and hide nearby—find out what’s really going on for me.”

“At once!”