Chapter 083: Using the Topic as a Pretext

The next day, I once again accompanied Zhang Bitong to the Palace of Earthly Tranquility to pay our respects to the Empress.

Zhang Bitong wished to show off the jade bracelet she had received from Luning, so she deliberately arrived late. By then, the concubines from all the palaces had already gathered to pay their respects. Her late arrival ensured that everyone’s eyes would be on her, and she would naturally draw envy and admiration when they saw the jade bracelet gifted by Luning.

Unexpectedly, as we approached the entrance to the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, laughter spilled out from within. Whatever had happened inside seemed to have greatly amused them.

"What are they all so happy about?" Zhang Bitong rolled her eyes and sashayed in.

Upon entering, we saw Jiang Ziqian covering her mouth with a handkerchief, laughing. Spotting Zhang Bitong, she quickly called out, "Oh my, speak of the devil and she appears. Look, Tong-sister is here."

Inside, the Empress sat in dignified composure, flanked by Liu Yunmeng, Jiang Ziqian, Meng Pingjun, and Lin Tanwei. Laughter ceased upon Zhang Bitong’s entrance.

The Empress beckoned, "Consort Tong, why are you so late? I thought perhaps you were in ill spirits today and would not come. Of course, I would not blame you."

Zhang Bitong’s voice was sharp in reply, "Naturally, I must pay my respects to Your Majesty, the Empress. Besides, my mood is excellent—there is nothing at all to distress me."

Jiang Ziqian teased, "Consort Tong, you truly have a broad heart. If it were me, I’d have wept into my bedding and wouldn’t have been able to rise today."

Zhang Bitong didn’t immediately catch her meaning, but I could tell Jiang Ziqian's words carried a barb.

Still proud, Zhang Bitong replied, "Why don’t you just say what you mean, instead of beating around the bush? I have nothing to be upset about—unless you wish I were?"

With that, she plopped herself down in a seat.

Jiang Ziqian stood, feigning civility as she addressed Zhang Bitong, "Ah, I almost forgot to offer my congratulations. I wish you may always be as beautiful and enchanting, year after year, on this very day."

Zhang Bitong’s face was already darkening, when Jiang Ziqian suddenly covered her mouth, "Oh dear, I forgot—that was yesterday, wasn’t it? My mind must be as muddled as His Majesty’s, for even he forgot your birthday. I truly owe you an apology."

By now, Zhang Bitong surely understood what Jiang Ziqian was implying, and snapped back irritably, "Who says His Majesty forgot? He was on his way to Cuiwei Palace yesterday, but Lady Yun took ill suddenly, so he went to Zhongcui Palace instead. Lady Yun is carrying the imperial heir, so naturally she must be attended to with utmost care. His Majesty even sent Qiu Ronghai to inform me himself. How could I be upset over such a thing?"

"My, since when has Consort Tong become so understanding and considerate? Perhaps age does bring wisdom after all!"

"You—" Zhang Bitong’s eyes flashed with anger. "At least His Majesty always keeps me in mind. Zhaoyi Qian, as for you, I doubt His Majesty remembers your birthday—or even the anniversary of your lost child!"

"Consort Tong, why must you suddenly mention my child? You—"

"Enough," the Empress’s voice was steady and commanding. "Must you always quarrel upon meeting, as if there is never an end? You are all sisters serving His Majesty—always bickering over trifles, with no thought for how it must appear to the younger consorts. Zhaoyi Qian, sit down. Consort Tong, compose yourself as well."

"Yes." Jiang Ziqian flung her handkerchief in displeasure and sat down.

The Empress turned to Zhang Bitong, "Yesterday was your birthday. Only this morning did I remember. I have been troubled with headaches lately, so I have left palace affairs to Jieyu Meng. Do not blame me. His Majesty, too, is occupied with affairs of state and may neglect such matters. Ming He, bring the gift I prepared for Consort Tong. Let it serve as a token of His Majesty’s regard as well."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

With these words, the Empress deftly shifted responsibility onto Liu Yunmeng, while securing her own reputation as the gracious mother of the realm—yet all the while, she was subtly mocking Zhang Bitong for not having received His Majesty’s favor the previous night.

If Zhang Bitong refused the gift, it would be disrespectful; if she accepted, it would appear as though she needed the Empress’s pity. Either way, she was at a disadvantage.

Zhang Bitong suddenly raised her arm, letting the snowy-white wrist with the jade bracelet come into full view.

"Thank you for Your Majesty’s graciousness." She herself went to receive the gift from Ming He, ensuring that everyone saw the jade bracelet on her wrist.

Meng Pingjun remarked, "The jade bracelet on Sister Tong’s hand is truly exquisite."

Zhang Bitong took the gift without a glance and handed it to me. Then she sat and smiled, "Sister Jun, you have a discerning eye indeed. This was a personal gift from Her Majesty the Dowager, who remembered my birthday."

In truth, it had been sent by Muyan, who never even set foot in Cuiwei Palace. Yet now it was claimed as a personal gift from Luning herself.

Meng Pingjun exclaimed in surprise, "The Dowager Empress truly favors you, Sister Tong—not only remembering your birthday, but sending a present herself. It shows how much she values and cherishes you."

Zhang Bitong, full of pride, replied, "Naturally. I have served in the palace for many years and have been fortunate to win the Dowager Empress’s affection. I wonder if any of you will ever be so fondly remembered by her."

Meng Pingjun was about to speak when Lin Tanwei coughed twice, cutting her off. Lin Tanwei rose, stepped before Zhang Bitong, and examined the jade bracelet closely before praising, "It is indeed fine jade. Even someone like me, who knows little about jade, can see this is a piece of great value. The Dowager Empress is truly thoughtful!"

"Such thoughtfulness is not something everyone receives," Zhang Bitong said, growing even more smug at Lin Tanwei’s remark.

"That is only natural," Lin Tanwei replied. "We who have newly entered the palace cannot compare with you, Sister. I daresay even the Empress herself may not receive such an honor!"

With these words, Lin Tanwei caused a flicker of embarrassment to cross the Empress’s face. Zhang Bitong, failing to grasp Lin Tanwei’s intent, continued boastfully, "Whether the Empress enjoys such honor, you’d have to ask her. I wonder, on your birthday last year, did His Majesty accompany you? Did the Dowager Empress remember?"

At this, the Empress’s face darkened. Her countenance turned cold as she said, "I have managed the six palaces, always upholding diligence and frugality, doing all I can for the prosperity of our great Jin dynasty. His Majesty sees my efforts and supports me fully. The Dowager Empress, venerable in age and virtue, deserves my utmost respect as her junior. But you, Consort Tong, as a concubine, ought to set an example. If the Dowager Empress gifted you something, you could have politely declined, or kept it in your palace for contingencies. Her present was not meant for you to flaunt everywhere. Otherwise, all my teachings of thrift to these sisters are undone by your display!"

With these words, the Empress effectively accused Zhang Bitong of showing off. Each sentence was justified, yet each targeted Zhang Bitong, leaving her with no room for retort.

Zhang Bitong, visibly displeased, muttered, "Is it because you never received a gift from the Dowager Empress that you seek to make things difficult for me under the guise of promoting frugality in the palace?"

"Consort Tong, you are insolent!" The Empress sprang up, her anger blazing.

"Your Majesty, please calm yourself," the other consorts quickly rose, bowing and echoing in unison.

Jiang Ziqian interjected, "Consort Tong, as a member of the harem, you ought to assist Her Majesty in managing the six palaces. If you do not help, you should at least not oppose her. It is fortunate His Majesty did not visit you last night; had he done so, perhaps you would have disregarded even the Empress herself today!"

"You—"

Lin Tanwei chimed in, "The Empress is the mistress of the six palaces. Sister Tong, your behavior is truly excessive. To disregard the Empress is to disrupt the harem, and to disrupt the harem is to disturb His Majesty’s peace of mind. That is no small offense!"

Zhang Bitong realized then that everyone was venting their frustrations on her, and she was so incensed that she could not find words to respond. She had planned only to show off, but found herself mired in trouble instead.

"It seems you have grown accustomed to gifts like this jade bracelet from the Dowager Empress, and you no longer care for what I offer. Ming He, reclaim the present," the Empress ordered.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Without further ado, Ming He strode over and took the gift from my hands. To be presented with a gift only to have it taken back—this was surely a first. Observing the proud, gloating expressions on the other consorts’ faces, Zhang Bitong had lost all dignity today.

"Consort Tong, do you feel remorse for your conduct today?" The Empress, perhaps having waited long for this opportunity, seized upon it to make an example.

Zhang Bitong had no choice but to surrender. "I acknowledge my fault."

"Go back and copy the Avatamsaka Sutra ten times to cultivate patience and virtue. Bring your copies to me when you come to pay respects tomorrow. Will you do so?"

Zhang Bitong protested, "Ten times, I—"

She had not finished when Jiang Ziqian interrupted, "If Consort Tong is unwilling, then she does not know her fault. Your Majesty, this must be reported to His Majesty, for the palace cannot fall into disorder."

Zhang Bitong glared at Jiang Ziqian, then said to the Empress, "I am willing to accept the punishment."

"Very well. If you sincerely repent and copy the sutra diligently, then I will not pursue today’s matter further. Let all you sisters take this as a lesson and strive to ease His Majesty’s burdens."

"We shall heed Your Majesty’s instruction."

"Since it was said yesterday that Lady Yun was unwell, has her condition improved today?"

Ming He replied, "Your Majesty, I went to Zhongcui Palace this morning. Lady Yun’s mood has been unstable these days, which has affected her pregnancy. The imperial physician has prescribed medicine for her and instructed her to rest in bed. There is no serious concern."

The Empress nodded, "She is young and it is her first child; some anxiety is natural. Ming He, as I am unwell, I cannot visit her myself. You must go more often on my behalf. This is His Majesty’s heir—nothing must be left to chance."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will remember."

"Is there anything else you wish to report to me?" The Empress surveyed the assembly.

Before anyone else could speak, Gong Wu’e entered unannounced, rushing up to the Empress and crying out, "Aunt, you must stand up for me! The Crown Prince has bullied me, I—"

Gong Wu’e’s abrupt entrance and mention of the Crown Prince caused an awkward silence.

The Empress immediately scolded her, "Do not make a scene—the other ladies are still here!"

Gong Wu’e glanced around, then clung to the Empress’s lap, repeating, "I don’t care, I don’t care—"

Jiang Ziqian took the lead in rising, "Since Your Majesty has matters to attend to, we shall take our leave and come pay our respects again tomorrow."

The Empress, unable to deal with Gong Wu’e, instructed Ming He, "Ming He, see the ladies out."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Ming He led us out of the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.