084 Unintentional Involvement

Zhang Bitong's face was full of displeasure, feeling as though everyone had witnessed her embarrassment, so she quickened her pace and walked ahead. Yet behind her, she could still hear Jiang Ziqian and Lin Tanwei whispering, “Ah, some people, honestly. They endure grievances but insist on pretending nothing happened, only to end up worse off—bursting under the strain. Is that not amusing?”

“Tanwei, you truly have a way with words. Some people just don’t know their place. No matter how great they think they are, how great can they really be? The harem is managed by Her Majesty the Empress. If they can’t grasp that, I doubt they intend to stay peacefully in the palace.”

I saw Zhang Bitong was furious beyond measure, so I quietly tried to calm her, “Your Grace, please don’t let their words trouble you.”

But how could my words soothe Zhang Bitong? She spun around and pointed at Lin Tanwei and Jiang Ziqian, “Even if I made a mistake before the Empress, I will not tolerate commentary from a mere Consort and a Lady-in-Waiting. The Empress may discipline me, but do you not know that I can discipline you as well?”

Lin Tanwei instantly looked alarmed, “Ah, having just been reprimanded by the Empress, you must be dissatisfied. Now Consort Tong, you want to bully and punish me and Sister Qian just to vent your frustration against the Empress?”

“You…” Zhang Bitong was left speechless by Lin Tanwei’s retort.

Jiang Ziqian chimed in, “Tanwei, don’t offend Consort Tong. Otherwise, we’ll suffer for it. She can openly defy the Empress and then turn around to bully those of lower rank. What can we say?”

Zhang Bitong was first angered, then sneered coldly, “It seems the sun has risen in the west today. The two of you are actually colluding.”

“When one follows the right path, one gains many supporters; those who stray are isolated. I merely try to be reasonable in all things. No need for you to…”

“I won’t waste my words with you,” Zhang Bitong snapped, turning away in a huff. After a few steps, she halted and called me, “Xiao Xiaozi, come here!”

“Your servant is here!”

“Keep your wits about you. Go and find out what happened with Gong Wue, I hear it involves the Crown Prince.”

“Yes, Your Grace!”

“Remember, be clever. I’ve just been punished today; if you get caught, I won’t escape blame.”

“Rest assured, Your Grace.”

Zhang Bitong returned alone to Cuiwei Palace. I pretended to head elsewhere, taking a longer route, and waited until Jiang Ziqian and Lin Tanwei were out of sight before making my way directly toward the Eastern Palace of the Crown Prince.

Just as I reached the entrance, I was spotted by Xiao Dezi, who came out and called to me, “Xiao Xiaozi, why are you here?”

I quickly replied, “I accompanied Her Grace to Kunning Palace earlier and happened to encounter the Crown Prince’s secondary consort. I learned there was some conflict with His Highness. On returning to the palace, I ran into the Ninth Prince. He and the Crown Prince are close; upon hearing the news, he wished to visit His Highness. But Her Grace seemed to want to speak with the Ninth Prince, so I came in his stead. If nothing serious has happened, there’s no need to trouble the Ninth Prince. What do you think, Sir?”

Xiao Dezi nodded, “Everyone knows the Ninth Prince and His Highness are close. But there’s really nothing serious—no need to trouble him.”

“But matters of the Crown Prince are not for us servants to decide lightly. Could you tell me more, so I can report back properly?”

“Come here,” Xiao Dezi said, pulling me aside. “This morning, a maid from the Crown Princess’s quarters spilled some water, which splashed onto the secondary consort’s shoes, sparking an argument. The Crown Prince had spent last night in the Princess’s rooms; seeing the commotion, he scolded the secondary consort. She ran off crying to the Empress.”

“And now?”

“The Princess went to pay her respects to the Dowager Empress, and His Highness has gone to the hunting grounds to practice riding and archery. The grand riding and archery ceremony is approaching, so he’s preparing.”

“If this matter reached the Empress, shouldn’t His Highness try to appease her?”

Xiao Dezi frowned and shook his head, “That secondary consort is hard to serve. She quarrels with His Highness over nothing, though he’s always gentle. She constantly goes to the Empress to argue, which greatly annoys His Highness. As a result, he’s become closer to the Crown Princess. I’m happy to see it—hopefully she’ll soon bear him a child.”

“I hope so, too. That would be a joyous occasion! Since nothing’s amiss, I’ll report to the Ninth Prince.”

“Shouldn’t the Ninth Prince also be practicing for the riding and archery ceremony? He’s sure to participate.”

“I’m sure he has his reasons; I dare not ask. In any case, I won’t trouble you further. I’ll return to Cuiwei Palace.”

“Very well.”

As I turned to leave, I saw the Empress’s sedan approaching. It was too late to hide. If I ran now, the Empress would surely catch and punish me. She’d already punished Zhang Bitong, and would be all the more eager to add another servant from Cuiwei Palace.

“Your servant greets Her Majesty,” Xiao Dezi and I knelt before the Empress.

Soon the Empress arrived, supported by Ming He as she stepped from the carriage.

“Xiao Xiaozi, why are you here? You were just in my palace, and now you’re at the Eastern Palace. Did you sense something that brought you here?”

The Empress’s words held meaning; I lowered my head and dared not speak, not wishing to involve Jiang Xuan, especially since Zhang Bitong had instructed me.

Before I could reply, Xiao Dezi spoke frankly, “Your Majesty, Xiao Xiaozi came because the Ninth Prince was concerned about His Highness.”

I felt helpless; I stayed silent, but Xiao Dezi told all. I wondered if this would make the Empress suspicious, and if my loose tongue would bring trouble to Jiang Xuan.

“Oh? Xiao Xiaozi, is that so?” The Empress questioned me.

I nodded, “Yes, the Ninth Prince is worried about His Highness.”

“The Ninth Prince and the Crown Prince truly share a deep brotherhood. But I hope there are no ulterior motives.”

I broke into a cold sweat, fearing the Empress’s suspicions.

She asked again, “And now?”

“There’s nothing serious. I’m about to report to the Ninth Prince.”

“So, Xiao Dezi, you’ve already told Xiao Xiaozi everything about the Eastern Palace.”

Xiao Dezi froze and nodded, trembling, “Yes.”

The Empress lightly adjusted the ornament in her hair, silent. Ming He stepped forward and slapped Xiao Dezi hard across the face.

After the blow, Xiao Dezi pressed his face to the ground, begging, “Your servant deserves death, your servant deserves death.”

“Do you know your mistake?” the Empress asked slowly.

“I should not have commented on my masters’ affairs.”

“Good, as long as you understand. Xiao Xiaozi, today I’ll give the Ninth Prince some face, considering his brotherly bond with the Crown Prince, so I won’t hold this against you. But remember: a master is a master, and you are a servant. Do not pry into your masters’ affairs. When the top beam is crooked, the bottom follows. Go accompany your master in copying the Flower Garland Sutra.”

“Yes!”

“Aunt, don’t waste more time on these two eunuchs. Come with me to find the Crown Prince. Aren’t you here to support me?”

“Wue, you’re married now. When will you learn to be steady?”

Gong Wue replied, “Isn’t that what I have you for? But I’ll learn from you, Aunt. You’re a model for all women in the realm—a true example for me!”

“You’re always so sweet. Enough, I’ll go in and take a look.”

Xiao Dezi looked up, as if to mention that Jiang Yun wasn’t in the palace, but Ming He’s glance made him lower his head and remain silent.

“I’m sorry for implicating you today,” I said to Xiao Dezi as the Empress and her party entered the Eastern Palace.

“Don’t worry about it. I’d better hurry back in case the Empress asks for me.” With that, Xiao Dezi hurried inside.

The hierarchy within the palace is strict; I imagine Xiao Dezi is used to such things, but still, my involvement brought him trouble, and I felt guilty.

On my way back, I wondered—has Han Feiyue already accepted Jiang Yun, and have they consummated their marriage? That doesn’t seem like Han Feiyue’s temperament. Yet seeing Jiang Yun leave Han Feiyue’s rooms, it’s no wonder Gong Wue was so upset and went to the Empress today.

Lost in thought, I saw Long Zhan patrolling with several attendants, among them Di Xiao, whom I had met a few times.

At that moment, Long Zhan was speaking with Di Xiao, but when he saw me, he spoke quietly with Di Xiao, who glanced at me with a look full of meaning before leading his group away.

“Your servant greets Master Long,” I said, bowing as Long Zhan approached.

“Why haven’t I seen you these past few days?” His broad figure blocked my view as he drew near.

I answered honestly, “There’s been nothing to attend to lately, so I stayed in Cuiwei Palace.”

“Have you been well? Any trouble?”

His gentle question, like that of a family member, warmed my heart.

“Thank you, Master Long, for your concern. All has been well.”

“In a few days, the grand riding and archery ceremony will take place. Would you like to attend?”

Curious, I replied, “It must be lively indeed. I’d like to see it. But Master Long, as commander of the Imperial Guards and masterful in martial arts, will you participate?”

Long Zhan’s lips curled slightly, “Do you want to see me compete?”

I was startled, “I’m merely curious. If you were to participate, surely you’d take first place.”

Long Zhan said, “It’s not a matter of whether I can, but whether I may.”

I paused, understanding his meaning. Indeed, the riding and archery ceremony is attended by numerous princes, and even the Emperor himself may take part. No matter how skilled, one cannot overshadow the royal family—the first prize is always reserved for them.

Long Zhan smiled indifferently, “Besides, my abilities need not be proven in such a setting.”

I nodded, “I was merely thinking aloud. Master Long rose to command the Imperial Guards at a young age, which is proof enough of your abilities and the Emperor’s esteem. Everyone already knows your prowess.”

Long Zhan frowned, “Xiao Xiaozi, why are you flattering me today?”

“Huh?” I pouted in dissatisfaction, “I’m telling the truth; how is that flattery?”

Long Zhan laughed lightly, “The truth? Then I’ll accept your praise as genuine. If you wish to attend the riding and archery ceremony, would you like to learn the skills?”

“I’d rather not. Those horses look fierce; my body couldn’t withstand a few falls.”

“With me here, how could you be hurt?”

I was stunned, unsure how to respond.

“Well, if you want to learn, I’ll pick a fine horse and teach you.”

Thinking of the recent lessons my masters had given me, I realized I must fulfill my duties as a servant—only then can I protect myself and avoid implicating others. A key part of this is keeping my distance.

With that in mind, I said to Long Zhan, “I don’t wish to learn. Master Long, you’re busy enough safeguarding the palace; you shouldn’t waste time on me.”

“Xiao Xiaozi…” Long Zhan looked at me, as if I was suddenly a stranger, and a flicker of disappointment passed through his eyes.

“I’m grateful for your kindness, Master Long, but I am just a servant. Please don’t let…”

“Are you afraid to implicate me?” Before I could finish, he guessed my meaning.

I pressed my lips together, answering him silently.

“I understand. But remember, I promised to keep you safe, and my word is gold. Your concerns are valid, but let’s just be careful. No need to worry too much, or you’ll exhaust yourself.”

I hadn’t expected Long Zhan to say such things, as if he possessed an unwavering courage, making me feel overly cautious and timid.

“Your might, Master Long, is far beyond mine.”

“Is that genuine praise again?”

I couldn’t help but smile.