Chapter Three: Reaction

Kunning Palace, Main Hall

The Empress sat upright in the seat of honor. Though her features were unremarkable, the authority radiating from her made one forget the plainness of her face.

Kneeling on the floor was a somewhat cowering palace maid, whose delicate beauty and graceful curves set her apart from the others, despite wearing the same attire. Last night, the Emperor had finally deigned to stay the night, only for this little maid to cause a commotion.

“Your Majesty, this servant twisted her ankle by accident while serving tea to the Emperor. His Majesty merely helped me up—there was no intent to seduce, none at all! I have always been loyal to Your Majesty, with never a stray thought. If I speak falsehoods, may I die a miserable death!”

The young maid pleaded desperately, kowtowing as she spoke, her body trembling with terror.

The Empress did not respond. She smiled faintly, seemingly unperturbed, and idly flipped through the accounts in her hands.

Those unfamiliar with court intrigues often said the Empress was dignified, gracious, and possessed all the virtues of a mother of the nation. But only those who served close to her knew what kind of soul lay beneath that serene and gentle countenance.

Seeing the Empress silent, Shoujin, her chief maid, knew it was her turn to speak. Always cold and unyielding, her words showed no mercy. “Listen to yourself—one would think Her Majesty was wronging you! Who do you think you are, to be worth Her Majesty’s trouble? Admit your mistake, and be done with it.”

The little maid shook her head in terror, wishing she could run from this den of wolves and tigers. But such an attempt would only hasten her death.

Instead, she crawled forward and clung to Shoujin’s sleeve. “Aunt Jin, I have no ulterior motives. Please, intercede for me—spare me this once!”

Her pitiful cries grated on the Empress’s nerves, and she frowned, displeased by the noise.

“What kind of commotion is this? If word of such uproar in Kunning Palace spreads, what will others think of me?”

With that, she glanced at Shoujin, her face expressionless. “This girl is pleasing to the eye. I hear that Xia Ming has a fondness for such young beauties—send her to him as a concubine, and say it is a reward from me.”

She looked at the maid again, adding, “I am generous. You’re not yet old enough to be sent out of the palace, but I’ll let you marry out, and won’t hold your fault against you. Remember my kindness.”

At these words, the maid felt as though she had fallen into an abyss. All in the palace knew what a ruthless man Eunuch Xia was.

He oversaw palace purchases, and though a cripple, was notorious for tormenting beautiful maids. He kept a house outside the palace, took wives and concubines, and every year a few girls died at his hands—a man who devoured without spitting out bones.

Shoujin gave her no chance to wail further. “Guards! Bind her and take her away.”

A few young eunuchs stepped forward, muffled her cries, and dragged her out. The hall fell into utter silence.

Only then did the Empress feel somewhat appeased.

“I may not be favored, but I am still the Empress and mother to the Crown Prince. If anyone wishes to rise by humiliating me, let them see if I allow it.”

Her tone was light, lacking any harshness, yet her words sent a chill through all who heard them.

Shoujin, eyes lowered, estimated that her mistress’s anger had subsided and waved the remaining servants out.

From her sleeve, she produced a letter and presented it with a bow. “Madam, this letter just arrived, sent by order of the Empress Dowager.”

The Empress wiped her lacquered nails absentmindedly as she took the letter. “How curious. Our lofty Empress Dowager, thinking of me, her unpopular daughter-in-law.”

She opened the letter as she spoke. Shoujin stood quietly, waiting. The Empress skimmed the contents and let out a derisive laugh.

“The Empress Dowager has quite the scheme—hoping I’ll help her return to the palace.”

---

Shoujin was not surprised. In this palace, nothing was ever truly shocking. She was only curious about the Empress’s response.

“Jin, do you think I should involve myself in this?”

Shoujin had served the Empress since childhood, born into the Wang family of the Marquis of Grace. Had the Empress not saved her from her stepmother’s cruelty, she would likely have died long ago. Thus, whatever the Empress’s true nature, Shoujin would remain loyal, and the Empress trusted her completely.

“That depends on what benefit Your Majesty stands to gain.”

The Empress, though lacking the Emperor’s affection, held her place as mistress of the inner palace thanks to the Crown Prince. But since Concubine Zhao entered the palace, everything had changed. Favored by the Emperor, her son clever and pleasing, Concubine Zhao had gradually usurped half the Empress’s power. If this continued, even the position of Empress might not be safe.

“All know the Empress Dowager loathes Concubine Zhao because of Prince Lian. If the Empress Dowager returns, she’ll make life hard for that wretch. On the surface, there’s no harm in it for me. Yet I can’t shake the feeling something is amiss.”

Ever suspicious, the Empress never trusted easily. Shoujin pondered before replying, “The Empress Dowager cares only for Princess Kangping now. If we can hold sway over the princess, there should be little risk.”

The Empress Dowager was no longer what she had been in years past. Shoujin felt her mistress need not worry too much.

“You’re right. Whichever way I look at it, it’s a good bargain. As the Empress Dowager’s daughter-in-law, I should help her, at least in word. Let’s go see His Majesty now.”

The Empress was always decisive; Shoujin never questioned her orders.

At that moment, the Emperor was in Concubine Zhao’s chambers. Chief Eunuch Zhang Dewang lingered at the main hall doors, listening for sounds within. The Emperor had come with a troubled expression—who knew what harsh words the Empress Dowager had sent?

But the Emperor himself was now calm. He handed the Empress Dowager’s letter to Concubine Zhao, his gaze unreadable.

Though puzzled, Concubine Zhao smiled and took the letter, reading it carefully. The Emperor did not press her, sipping his tea quietly.

After a while, she asked softly, “What would Your Majesty have me say to this?”

Setting his cup down, the Emperor replied with hidden meaning, “Have you no thoughts on this? Surely you must have something to say? The Empress Dowager bears you great enmity. If she returns, there will be no peace. Yet I cannot refuse her return forever.”

Concubine Zhao smiled, unconcerned. “It has been so many years—surely my aunt has come to terms with things. It is time for her return.”

“Princess Kangping must be coming of age soon. I should find her a worthy match, to honor the late Prince Lian.”

Her heart skipped a beat—she recognized the Emperor’s test. But her face remained serene. “Your Majesty is not one to play matchmaker. A young lady’s marriage must be chosen with care—family and character are of utmost importance. Besides, the Crown Prince is older than Kangping; his marriage should be your first concern.”

The Emperor was displeased, rising to pace a few steps before venting his anger: “So you do care about that child. Am I and Qi’er less important to you?”

With a bitter smile, Concubine Zhao approached him, took his hand, and met his eyes. “Your Majesty, everyone knows I am the twin sister of the late Princess Lian. It is only right that I care for her daughter. I only fear that with the Empress Dowager’s return, I will know no peace.”

Though in her thirties, Concubine Zhao’s beauty had not faded, and now, with deliberate vulnerability, she was all the more moving. The Emperor could not resist, clasping her hand.

In the end, his affection prevailed. “Don’t worry—I will not let her trouble you. You are now Concubine Zhao, with a prince and power of your own. If she truly makes things difficult, you needn’t heed her.”

She smiled gently, eyes filled with trust and dependence—the one look the Emperor could never resist.

“Rest assured, I will allow them to return. So long as there are no excesses, you may dote on the child as you please.” This was his greatest concession.

She replied with feigned indifference, “I only wish to fulfill my duty as an aunt. The rest is for the Empress Dowager to concern herself with. I have Your Majesty and Qi’er to look after.”

He was greatly satisfied by her words. “We men need none of your worry. Mind your health and don’t overthink—leave everything to me.”

She nodded, her look that of a cherished wife devoted to her husband. The Emperor, deeply content, lingered until dawn.

---

As soon as the Emperor left, Qi Zhen entered the inner chamber. Concubine Zhao, dressed in her underclothes, was absently combing her hair, seeming lost and forlorn.

“My lady, yesterday the Empress came to see the Emperor, but Zhang Dewang sent her away on his own accord.”

Concubine Zhao returned to herself, smiling softly. “What has that to do with me? I neither summoned nor dismissed her. If she bears a grudge, there’s nothing I can do.”

At this moment, she had no desire to feign; she only wished for a moment’s peace of mind.

Qi Zhen sensed something amiss, but dared not press, only quietly asking, “Would you like to rest for a while?”

She shook her head, her expression a mix of tears and laughter. “The Empress Dowager is bringing Princess Kangping back. The Cining Palace must be properly prepared; the side hall for the princess must be furnished. There is much to be done—I have no time to rest.”

Qi Zhen’s heart ached for her mistress, but she steeled herself. “The Empress will handle all that. We need only assist as needed. The Fourth Prince has taken ill with a cold—you should see to him.”

Startled, Concubine Zhao’s tears fell uncontrollably. She was wracked with pain but forced herself to suppress it.

She rose, affecting nonchalance. “Then choose an outfit for me. I must go pay my respects to the Empress. The Empress Dowager’s return is a major event—we must discuss it together.”

To go now was to invite trouble, but Qi Zhen could say nothing. She could not share her mistress’s sorrow, only remain silently at her side.

As expected, they were stopped outside Kunning Palace by the gatekeepers. Shoujin announced, without expression, that the Empress was not yet risen.

Concubine Zhao was unfazed, smiling as she waited at the door as if nothing had happened.

Qi Zhen hurried forward, slipping a purse into Shoujin’s hand. “Please, Sister Shoujin, put in a good word. My lady wishes to discuss the Empress Dowager’s return with Her Majesty.”

Though usually aloof, Shoujin bore no enmity toward Qi Zhen. Upon learning it concerned the Empress Dowager, she grew curious and did not dare delay, respectfully greeting Concubine Zhao before entering.

Inside, the Empress was already dressed and eating breakfast at a leisurely pace. No matter how favored Concubine Zhao was, as long as the Empress held her title, the concubine would have to pay her respects.

Shoujin quietly relayed Qi Zhen’s words. The Empress was surprised. “Could it be that Concubine Zhao wants to play the dutiful aunt and earn a good name? Otherwise, why would she agree to the Empress Dowager’s return, instead of opposing it at every turn?”

Shoujin shook her head. “Perhaps it is the Emperor’s wish, and Concubine Zhao is powerless to object.”

The Empress thought this likely. After all, the Emperor had always regarded the Empress Dowager as his own mother. Had Prince Lian not died unexpectedly, she would still be bowing and scraping before the Empress Dowager.

“Well, whether it’s the Emperor’s will or not, as long as I achieve my aim, it’s all the same. Invite Concubine Zhao in—I’d like to see if she’s nervous.”

Shoujin nodded. She saw no signs of panic in Concubine Zhao—rather, she seemed eager, which was odd. But knowing the Empress’s decisive nature, she kept her thoughts to herself.

The Empress expected to see Concubine Zhao dispirited, but was disappointed.

“Such filial piety! The Emperor hasn’t even decreed it, yet you’re in such a hurry.”

There was no need for pretense between these sworn enemies.

Concubine Zhao was unbothered, offering a frail, gentle smile. “Your Majesty knows my health is poor. The Empress Dowager’s return requires your management; as wives and concubines of His Majesty, we cannot expect him to handle everything.”

The Empress hated her posturing the most. “I have yet to learn the Emperor’s intentions—I need no reminders from you.”

Unfazed, Concubine Zhao replied, “If Your Majesty will not listen, I have nothing more to add. I take my leave.”

She departed without a backward glance, indifferent to the Empress’s reaction.