080 Who Is the Most Suspect

Jiang Xuan was already neatly dressed when we mounted our horses and descended the mountain. Evening had fallen, and the night brought an even sharper chill. On our return to the palace, we hired a carriage for the last stretch. As we reached the palace gates, I addressed Jiang Xuan inside the carriage, “Your Highness, we’ve arrived at the palace gate.”

There was no sound from within, as if Jiang Xuan had dozed off. I lifted the curtain to check and saw him already bent over, preparing to step out. Upon seeing me, he said lazily, “I know.”

“Be careful, Your Highness.” I steadied him as he alighted, and his warm palm rested over my hand. I grew a little nervous again.

We walked together toward Cuiwei Palace, Jiang Xuan still holding the small crystal figurine in his hands.

“Don’t mention today’s events to my mother,” he said to me on the way.

“Yes, I will remember, Your Highness.”

Since I needed to change, I followed Jiang Xuan back to his quarters. Once I had changed, I intended to inform him before returning to Cuiwei Palace. Unexpectedly, just as I was about to seek him out, Jiang Xuan was coming out, still holding the crystal figurine. We collided, and with a sharp crack, the crystal statue shattered at our feet.

Startled, I bent hastily to pick up the pieces, but in my carelessness, a shard cut my hand.

“Xiao Xiao!” Jiang Xuan called, his voice somewhat cold.

“I deserve to die, Your Highness.” I immediately knelt.

“Stay still. Why are you always so clumsy?” Jiang Xuan shot me a glare, then crouched to gather the fragments himself.

I felt deeply guilty, at a loss for what to do. “Your Highness, I was reckless and have committed a grave error. Please punish me.”

Jiang Xuan had nearly finished picking up the shards. He glanced at my bloodied finger, piled the fragments on the table, then tore a strip of white cloth and came over, taking my hand and carefully binding the wound.

“Your servant—”

“Silence.” Without looking at me, he continued wrapping my hand with great care. When he finished, he released me and said, “You’ve gone against my will more than once, for what purpose?”

Though his words sounded accusatory, there was no true anger in his tone. I could only lower my head and reply, “I am truly at fault. But what of the figurine? Was it not meant as a gift for the lady you hold dear?”

“A lady I hold dear?” Jiang Xuan’s brows arched, and his tone turned almost mocking.

“Was I mistaken—”

“Enough, return to Cuiwei Palace.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

When I returned, I found Xiao Yunzi dozing against the wall. Lanyan emerged from the house and roused him, “How dare you slack off while serving Her Ladyship? See if I don’t report you!”

Xiao Yunzi’s sleep vanished instantly. “Please, Sister, spare me! I know I was wrong. I’ve worked all day and was truly exhausted. It won’t happen again.”

I stepped in to help, feeling guilty for my absence all day. “Sister Lanyan, I’d only just seen Xiao Yunzi nodding off as you came out. He barely closed his eyes! You are kindhearted; surely you wouldn’t trouble Her Ladyship over such a small matter.”

“You and your silver tongue. Where have you been all day? Her Ladyship was looking for you this afternoon.”

“Has Her Ladyship retired? I will go and beg her pardon.”

“Not yet. She’s chatting with Aunt Yunqing. I was just going to fetch her some longan and red date soup.”

“Thank you for your trouble, Sister Lanyan. I will go at once.”

Lanyan headed toward the kitchen, and at the door I called softly, “Your Ladyship, your servant begs forgiveness.”

“Come in,” came Zhang Bitong’s languid voice.

“Yes, Your Ladyship.” I entered to find her reclining on a soft couch, with Yunqing standing beside her.

I knelt and said, “I left today without informing you. Please punish your servant.”

“You grow bolder because I favor you. I haven’t seen you all day.”

“I meant to report to you, but was detained by Princess Xihe and could not get away.”

“You spent the whole day with Princess Xihe?”

“I dare not lie.”

“Very well. There’s nothing important today. You may withdraw.”

“Yes, Your Ladyship.” After I left, I saw Yunqing follow me out.

“Is there something else, Aunt?” I asked.

She drew me aside. “In a few days, it will be Her Ladyship’s birthday. Have you any ideas to cheer her?”

“So it’s nearly Her Ladyship’s birthday. How many days are left?”

“Ninth day of the second month.”

“I will remember. But to make her happy, only two things truly matter: the Emperor’s favor, and the Ninth Prince’s standing in His Majesty’s eyes. Nothing else would please her much, I think.”

Yunqing nodded, a hint of worry on her face. “It’s been years since the Emperor remembered her birthday. As for the Ninth Prince, you know how the Emperor treats him. I just don’t want her to be disappointed again this year. You’re clever, so I wanted your thoughts.”

“I cannot promise anything just yet. Please give me some time, Aunt.”

“Very well, go and rest.”

“Yes, Aunt.”

The next morning, Zhang Bitong had me accompany her to pay respects to the Empress. Shui Yunqiu, with the Emperor’s permission, was absent. But as the ladies chatted, Ming He brought news: Shui Yunqiu had slipped on her way to greet the Empress Dowager, and suffered abdominal pain. The imperial physician declared her unharmed.

“With such an incident, I should pay her a visit,” said the Empress, rising, before covering her mouth with a handkerchief and coughing.

“Take care, Your Majesty,” Ming He urged her to sit again.

Jiang Ziqian said, “Your Majesty’s concern for our sister is well-known. But your health is paramount, and Yunqiu is safe. Better to rest.”

Lin Tanwei added, “Sister Jiang speaks true. The Empress’s wellbeing is most important. If Your Majesty is still worried, I am willing to go in your stead. Lady Zhang could also go, as Cuiwei Palace is near Yunqiu’s Zhongcui Palace.”

Before Zhang Bitong could reply, Jiang Ziqian spoke up, “I suppose Sister Zhang will not refuse. We all serve His Majesty. If she visits Yunqiu, it is as if the Emperor himself has shown concern. Wouldn’t you agree?”

With the Emperor’s wishes cited, Zhang Bitong could not refuse and said, “I am willing to ease both His Majesty’s and Your Majesty’s concerns.”

“Thank you both. The winter chill has lingered, and my health is frail. Take care, both of you.”

“We thank Your Majesty for your concern,” the ladies replied.

When the audience ended, Lin Tanwei and Zhang Bitong set out together for Zhongcui Palace.

“Walk carefully, Sister, lest you fall like Yunqiu,” Lin Tanwei said.

Zhang Bitong shot her a cold glance. “Are you cursing me, Lin Tanwei?”

Lin Tanwei bowed slightly. “I wouldn’t dare. I was only concerned for you. The Empress herself reminded us to be careful. Perhaps you misunderstood me, Sister. You, after all, aren’t carrying a child like Yunqiu and needn’t be so cautious.”

Zhang Bitong sneered. “Though I cannot bear children now, I do have a prince. As for you, is it lack of favor from the Emperor, or inability to conceive? Would you like me to find a wandering doctor to take a look at you?”

At this, Lin Tanwei clutched her stomach dramatically. “Oh, what’s this sudden pain?”

“Mistress, are you alright?” Xiao Jing hurried to her side.

“I don’t know, it hurts terribly. Let’s return to my chambers at once and summon the physician.”

“Yes, let me help you.”

“Sister Zhang, I must trouble you to visit Yunqiu alone. I will explain to the Empress tomorrow.”

“So be it, I’ll go with you.” Zhang Bitong had little desire to visit Shui Yunqiu, and even less to do so in Lin Tanwei’s company. But having promised the Empress, she brought me along to Zhongcui Palace.

“Your servant greets Lady Zhang,” Yan’er said, hurrying over when she saw us approach.

“Is your mistress inside? I’ve come to see her.”

“She is resting in her chamber. Please, come in.”

Inside, Shui Yunqiu lay pale upon her couch. Yet beauty remains beauty—even in distress, she possessed a fragile grace.

“Your servant pays respects, Lady Zhang,” Shui Yunqiu began, trying to rise.

“Enough, lie down and rest,” Zhang Bitong gestured, taking a seat. “I heard you took a fall today and came to see how you fare.”

She made no mention of coming at the Empress’s behest.

Shui Yunqiu looked moved. “Thank you for your concern. I am mostly recovered, but I dare not leave the palace gate again.”

“You worry too much. The winter roads are slippery—it happens. Just be careful next time,” Zhang Bitong replied.

But Shui Yunqiu shook her head. “No. Ever since it was confirmed that I carry the Emperor’s child, I have felt uneasy. I remember your warnings. The harem is full of danger, and I cannot tell who might wish me ill and not want this prince born.”

With interest, Zhang Bitong asked, “Whom do you suspect?”

“I cannot imagine who it might be,” Shui Yunqiu replied.

“That’s simple. Whoever stands to lose the most when your prince is born is the likeliest culprit. For instance, Consort Tan, who is favored but has not conceived, or Lady Jun, who is currently most in favor.”

I thought privately that Zhang Bitong was steering suspicion toward those two. Should Shui Yunqiu’s accident reach the Emperor, and she voice her concerns, he would surely distance himself from them.

“Could it be them? I’ve never had any quarrel with either,” Shui Yunqiu said in confusion.

Zhang Bitong answered, “You are too naïve. In this harem, sharing the Emperor’s favor is quarrel enough. Sisterly affection here is but an illusion.”

“Then you—” Shui Yunqiu began, eyeing Zhang Bitong.

Zhang Bitong smiled awkwardly. “Though we are not particularly close, I already have Prince Xuan. Even if you bear another prince, he would be fifteenth in line, so you pose me little threat.”

“You are right, Sister. I spoke out of turn.”

“No matter. I speak only the truth. From now on, you must be more vigilant—especially around certain people. Danger is ever-present.”

“Yes, I will heed your words. For now, I will guard myself well and not leave Zhongcui Palace for any reason.”