077 The Darkness Within the Harem

On the third day of Zhang Bitong’s convalescence, she received visitors. The ones who came were Meng Pingjun and Lin Tanwei.

When the two of them entered together, Yun Qing glanced at Zhang Bitong, then at me, likely surprised as well.

“Your servant pays respects to the two Ladies. May I ask what brings you here today?” Yun Qing intercepted them in the corridor, bowing in greeting.

“We heard that Sister Tong has fallen ill, so we came especially to see her. Sister Tong has always treated us younger sisters with great kindness, so of course we should come to visit her today. We actually meant to come earlier, but with the Fourth Prince’s wedding, we were too occupied. Please, would you announce us?” Lin Tanwei replied.

“Our Lady has just taken her medicine and is lying down to rest. The two Ladies have chosen an inconvenient time,” Yun Qing responded, knowing that Zhang Bitong would not wish to see these two, and doubting the sincerity of their visit. It would be better not to let them in.

But Lin Tanwei did not leave. Instead, she said, “So Sister Tong is already resting.” She glanced regretfully at Meng Pingjun and continued, “Sister Jun, what should we do? Why don’t we just take a look at Sister Tong from afar? If she has recovered, we can be at ease.”

Meng Pingjun nodded, “Sister, you’re right. Just a glance, and at least we’ve shown our concern. That way, Sister Tong can’t accuse us of lacking in propriety.”

Lin Tanwei smiled, “Only Sister Jun would think of such things. The word ‘propriety’ suits you well. All right, Yun Qing, please step aside. We won’t disturb Sister Tong’s rest.”

Yun Qing looked troubled. “Ladies, perhaps you should return. Your thoughtful intentions, I will certainly convey to my Lady, and—”

Before Yun Qing could finish, Lin Tanwei interrupted her. “Yun Qing, you keep making excuses. Is there some secret with Sister Tong, or do you look down on us, thinking we’re unfit to visit her? Sister Jun, is propriety now to be found only in Cuiwei Palace?”

Meng Pingjun said nothing.

Yun Qing, finding herself with no retreat, had no choice but to say, “Ladies, you speak too harshly. How could I dare to bar you? Please, this way. Lanyan, serve tea to the Ladies.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Yun Qing led Meng Pingjun and Lin Tanwei inside. I wanted to slip in ahead of them to tidy up, but was already too late. As we entered, Zhang Bitong was sitting on her bed, eating melon seeds. When she saw Lin Tanwei and Meng Pingjun, she paused for a moment, then continued cracking seeds.

“Yun Qing, were you trying to deceive us? Sister Tong has not just taken her medicine and lain down—she’s clearly eating melon seeds. Did the Imperial Physicians prescribe melon seeds as medicine?” Lin Tanwei sat down with a smile.

Zhang Bitong snorted. “I ate some seeds to chase away the bitterness after my medicine. Is that not allowed? Besides, I heard two noisy birds chattering outside for ages. Birds in the dead of winter—how irritating.”

Meng Pingjun hastily offered, “Sister Tong, perhaps I was speaking too loudly just now and disturbed you. Please forgive me.”

But Lin Tanwei laughed. “Sister Jun, Sister Tong is teasing us. Look at all those seed shells on the floor—she hasn’t just started. I’d say she’s been at it all morning.”

I had meant to rush in to clear away the shells, but it was too late.

“So what if I’ve been eating melon seeds all morning? Some people love to show up uninvited. Like a weasel wishing a chicken a Happy New Year—hardly with good intentions!”

Lin Tanwei knew the barb was meant for her, but she simply smiled. “Sister Tong, you’re clearly full of energy—your words ring with vigor. It seems you’re quite recovered, and Sister Jun and I can rest easy.”

“If I were not well, some people would surely be delighted. I won’t give them the satisfaction. Yun Qing, don’t you think so?”

Yun Qing nodded, “Just this morning, His Majesty sent someone to inquire after you. Only after learning you were better did he feel at ease.”

Zhang Bitong smiled with a touch of pride.

Lin Tanwei looked at Meng Pingjun. “Sister Jun, last night His Majesty stayed at your Nanshun Hall, didn’t he?”

“Yes. His Majesty seemed troubled by something and wanted to hear some music, so he stayed with me.”

Lin Tanwei said, “Sister Jun is remarkable—just a tune on the guqin and His Majesty’s worries are gone. At a time like this, I wouldn’t dare fall ill—lest His Majesty’s affections stray.”

With Lin Tanwei’s words, Zhang Bitong’s expression immediately darkened.

“Please have some tea, Ladies,” Lanyan said, approaching with two cups.

“What tea? Lanyan, who told you to pour tea? I’m thirsty myself!” Zhang Bitong snapped.

Lanyan froze, unsure what to do.

Yun Qing stepped in. “Serve the Ladies first—I’ll attend to Her Ladyship.”

“Yes.” Lanyan quickly handed the tea to Meng Pingjun and Lin Tanwei, then retreated outside with the tray.

“Lady, you shouldn’t drink strong tea right now. I’ve prepared some white fungus and lotus seed soup—I’ll bring you a bowl.”

“Very well, go quickly.”

Lin Tanwei sipped her tea, then put down her cup and spoke as if in casual conversation. “Sister Tong, you must be bored after several days indoors. I’ve brought some amusing stories to share. Sister Jun, if you’ve already heard them, just pretend you haven’t.”

Meng Pingjun smiled and nodded.

“The first story is from the Eastern Palace. Yesterday, after the Crown Prince attended the Fourth Prince’s wedding, the Crown Princess and Gong Wue quarreled. One went to the Empress, the other to the Empress Dowager. Everyone expected the Crown Prince to take sides, but he helped neither. In fact, no one saw him all day. He only returned at night by which time Gong Wue was already asleep, and the Crown Princess spent the night in Cining Palace. They say the Crown Prince is blessed, marrying two noble ladies at once, but who would have thought it would turn out like this? Isn’t it amusing?”

I was feeling unwell and had stayed in Cuiwei Palace all day yesterday, so this was the first I’d heard of the quarrel. It seemed the two had finally fallen out. If Gong Wue and Han Feiyue argued, nothing good could come of it. Han Feiyue’s choice to remain in Cining Palace struck me as a desire to avoid the Eastern Palace and Jiang Yun.

Meng Pingjun said, “I heard about it too. His Majesty was likely troubled by this, which is why he came to me last night.”

Lin Tanwei laughed, “Indeed! Why didn’t I think of that? Sister Jun, you are as clever as ever. Sister Tong, what do you think?”

Zhang Bitong snorted, “What of it? Don’t you remember how much Gong Wue wanted to be Crown Princess? Now that someone else has the position, of course she’ll fight with Han Feiyue. Is that so strange?”

Lin Tanwei replied, “Sister Tong, these matters can’t even catch your interest! Then perhaps my second story will be equally dull. Shall I tell it, or would you rather not hear?”

Zhang Bitong said indifferently, “Say what you wish, or don’t—it’s all the same to me. I haven’t the energy to respond.”

Lin Tanwei laughed, “Sister Tong still has quite a temper, doesn’t she, Sister Jun? Sister Tong, you must keep your spirits up, or you’ll fall ill again. As for the second matter, we must congratulate Sister Yun—she is expecting a prince.”

“What?” Zhang Bitong sat up, startled. “After just a few months, it can already be seen that she’s carrying a prince?”

Lin Tanwei replied, “Indeed. Only this morning did we learn of it. Sister Yun, who rarely goes to pay respects to the Empress, went today. Everyone knows now. The Empress has granted her permission not to attend court until the prince is born. Truly enviable!”

Zhang Bitong scoffed, “What’s there to envy? Blame only your womb if you cannot conceive. Even if she regains favor, it’s still useless.”

Lin Tanwei remained composed. “I cannot compare to Sister Tong’s good fortune. But Sister Jun, perhaps your turn is near—His Majesty has summoned you quite often of late, hasn’t he?”

Meng Pingjun blushed and lowered her gaze.

“There’s no need for shyness between us sisters, is there, Sister Tong? Sister Jun, if you become pregnant, I shall prepare a generous gift.”

“Thank you, Sister. I hope I am so fortunate.”

“We are all fortunate, all thanks to Sister Tong. I’m sure we’ll all bear princes!”

As she spoke, Lin Tanwei cast a smug look at Zhang Bitong, who retorted coldly, “Do you think bearing a prince is so easy? First, you must conceive; then, you must carry safely to term; even after birth, there’s no guarantee the child will survive. You are both still young—unaware of the hardships of the harem. Wait until you’ve actually given birth to a prince!”

Lin Tanwei feigned surprise. “Sister Tong, are you hinting at something? Shouldn’t you say the same to Sister Yun? Did you witness or do such things yourself back then?”

Zhang Bitong flared in anger, “Lin Tanwei, what nonsense are you spouting? When have I ever said such things?”

“Don’t be upset, Sister Tong. I was just speaking offhand. Didn’t you just say Sister Jun and I don’t understand the difficulties of the harem? I was simply following your logic. Please, don’t be angry. I was only hoping you’d keep your temper in check.”

“Some things are not to be spoken lightly. I do not wish to hear them again. I am tired. You may leave. There’s no need for you to visit so often—I am not the Empress and do not require your attentions. For instance, Tan Pin, you did not even pay your respects upon entering. Why not do so as you leave, to show your sincerity?”

Zhang Bitong’s final barb was deliberate, but I thought Lin Tanwei was no longer the same as before—such things would not bother her.

Indeed, Lin Tanwei rose and bowed respectfully to Zhang Bitong.

“Then I shall take my leave. The Empress is still waiting for your recovery so you may pay your respects.”

With that, Lin Tanwei departed with Meng Pingjun.