Two

The Empress Dowager summoned her in the Western Warm Pavilion, where a row of large windows on the south side was adorned with glass, and a layer of gauzy curtains was arranged in a staggered manner. She cast a hurried glance but could not see clearly. Soon, someone approached to pay their respects, saying, "The Empress Dowager has been eagerly awaiting you, Miss. Please go in quickly." While signaling for someone to take away the accompanying Songge, they lifted the bamboo curtain and guided her into the main hall.

Upon hearing this, I was drenched in cold sweat. I felt my hands and feet go numb, yet I had to endure and maintain my composure, saying with a bow: "What merit or ability do I possess that would cause Her Majesty to worry about my medical expenses? Doctor Zhou is here to treat the esteemed ones; I, being of lowly status and meager fortune, dare not impose."

Xue Fujin stood up, dressed in white mourning attire, her complexion very haggard, likely due to having cried excessively, her eyes still swollen. The sudden loss of her beloved daughter had dealt her an unprecedented blow. She gently comforted her, supporting her slightly, and forced a smile, saying: "The Empress Dowager and the Empress, as well as the Imperial Concubines, are all very amiable, you need not be afraid." After saying this, she guided her to bow to each person present, saying, "This is Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, this is Imperial Concubine Min, and this is Imperial Concubine Rong..." She forced a smile again, saying: "The Empress Dowager and the Empress, as well as the Imperial Concubines, are all very amiable, you need not be afraid." After saying this, she guided her to bow to each person present, saying, "This is Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, this is Imperial Concubine Min, and this is Imperial Concubine Rong..."

The people present exchanged glances upon hearing the news. The Empress Dowager has summoned her, which is an astonishing matter. At this juncture, which young lady could enter the inner palace to meet the sovereigns? Whether it is the Empress Dowager or the Empress, even if it is a noble consort, it is significantly related to one's future. So why her?

"When it warms up, there will be spring thunder." The eunuch chuckled, "In the first phase, the peach blossoms begin to bloom; in the second phase, the cuckoo sings; in the third phase, the eagle transforms into a dove. Just look, what a wonderful season it is"

However, the more severe the situation, the more composed she must be. The Empress Dowager sat on the southern kang, the hem of her plain attire neatly draped over the footrest. With a gentle hum, she placed her hands on her forehead and respectfully bowed, saying, "I, E Qili, humbly wish the Empress Dowager eternal blessings and peace."

Yingming walked to the warm pavilion, feeling somewhat apprehensive. Taking advantage of the moment while waiting for the imperial decree, she steadied herself and heard a palace maid inside responding that the young lady from the Duke's family had arrived. Only then did the Empress Dowager say, "Please come in," and she stepped over the threshold.

The late Empress Dowager did not possess a particularly imposing appearance; generally, older individuals tend to have softer facial features compared to their younger years. However, it cannot be said that she had a kind and benevolent demeanor. As someone who nurtured and educated two generations of emperors, the psychological pressure she exerted on you was intangible and omnipresent

The Empress Dowager nodded, her expression also one of deep sorrow, and she sighed, saying: "The incident occurred suddenly. Just a few days ago, the various palaces requested a peace pulse check, and I even specifically inquired about the Empress's pulse condition. They all said there was nothing to worry about; we had endured the entire winter, and with the arrival of spring and the warming weather, all ailments would surely dissipate. But who would have known..." After a long sigh, she still offered gentle words of comfort, "You must take it easy; the life and death of a person are predetermined. The Buddha attained enlightenment only after his nirvana, let alone you and me." As she spoke, she turned her gaze to Ying Ming, smiled slightly, and said, "You need not be so constrained; come, sit down and talk."

Yingming understood the gravity of the matter and knew that he must respond with caution, so he bowed his head and said: "Thank you, Empress Dowager, for your inquiry. In response to the Empress Dowager, I had an incident of falling into the water when I was ten years old, which later led to my developing asthma. My father and mother sought medical help for me everywhere. Last year, by chance, we encountered a wandering doctor who prescribed ten doses of medicine, which managed to control my condition. However, the root of the illness remains, and every year when the coldest days arrive, I am prone to relapses. If I keep warm and avoid cold winds, it is manageable, but if I am exposed to cold winds, it becomes serious; I cannot even lie down and must sleep sitting up at night."

In the quiet room, her crisp voice rang out, calm and composed, showing no signs of timidity. The Empress Dowager nodded with emotion, saying, "This voice is so bright and clear, like that of a lark... Come here." She instructed the palace maid beside her, "Quickly help her up."

As she approached without glancing sideways, the warm chamber was not only occupied by the Empress Dowager, but also by several others whose identities were unknown. Regardless of who they were, at this moment, everyone was scrutinizing her, and the gazes of these noble individuals were sharper than needles.

Yingming said, "Who am I to be worthy of being summoned by the Empress Dowager?"

The Empress has just passed away, yet the eunuchs in the palace can still utter "What a wonderful season". The more I hear this, the more sorrowful I feel for the deeply knowledgeable. However, it is not appropriate to say much, so I lowered my head and followed him towards the Cining Palace. Halfway there, I suddenly remembered to ask: "Andar, is our lady also in front of the Old Buddha?"

The eunuch turned around and glanced, "Are you referring to the noble lord's consort? At this moment, the mourning in the Zhongcui Palace has not yet concluded, so it is not appropriate to go to the Cining Palace for now." The young lady in the boudoir, unexpectedly encountering such a prominent figure alone, could not help but feel frightened, and thus gently inquired, "Miss, have you ever met the Empress Dowager before?"

Upon hearing this, the people in the warm pavilion could not help but wipe their tears, but only Xue Fujin cried sincerely, lamenting: "The noble Empress Dowager speaks truly. These two children are two years apart, and Qing Xiao'er is just fine, often living together in both households, like a pair of sister flowers. My family has decent offspring, but unfortunately, the girl’s fortune is not strong. My husband and I have managed to have one child from the Empress, and we hoped for the two children to keep each other company, so we simply recognized Ying'er as our goddaughter, fulfilling their sisterly bond. When the Empress entered the palace, Ying'er was still too young, and their separation was truly heartbreaking. My husband and I have managed to have one child from the Empress, and we hoped for the two children to keep each other company, so we simply recognized Ying'er as our goddaughter, fulfilling their sisterly bond. When the Empress entered the palace, Ying'er was still too young, and their separation was truly heartbreaking. Therefore, the Empress often summoned her, also thinking of her, unwilling to sever the bond of sisterhood."

The young lady performed her greeting with grace, her actions and demeanor beyond reproach. The esteemed Empress Dowager Min set down her teacup and sighed with a hint of melancholy: "Seeing this child is like seeing the late Empress. Their figures are quite similar, both equally poised, and both exhibit a measured sense of propriety in their movements." After speaking, she took out a handkerchief to dab at her tears, "What a pity for the Empress, in such a prime of life, fate is not everlasting..."

If it is neither a bad thing, then it must be a good thing; however, the good things at present all carry an ominous undertone, and thus, good things cannot truly be called good things

Initially, Lord Na deliberately reported an illness to the Imperial Clan Court to prevent her from participating in the triennial selection. If this matter could be glossed over, it would not be a significant issue, as there are many officials who exploit loopholes, and Na Xin is not the only one. However, if the palace decides to investigate, the situation would become serious, with demotion and reprimands being the lighter consequences.

The Empress Dowager exchanged a smile with the Empress, and said softly: "You are blessed with great fortune; take good care of your health, and there will be many good days ahead."

Xue Fujin, recalling the past, could hardly contain her sorrow and was on the verge of weeping loudly. However, mindful of the current circumstances, she managed to calm her emotions slightly under the gentle coaxing. She then said, "As the esteemed Empress Dowager mentioned, upon seeing this child, I am reminded of the late Empress, and my heart feels as if it is being torn apart. Yet, a person cannot be brought back to life. Since this has happened, I ask His Majesty, the Old Buddha, and the Empress Dowager to grieve in moderation. Fortunately, Heaven has not been unkind to me; although the Empress has passed away, I still have this daughter. Looking at her can somewhat alleviate the pain of losing my daughter." A person cannot be brought back to life. Since this has happened, I ask His Majesty, the Old Buddha, and the Empress Dowager to grieve in moderation. Fortunately, Heaven has not been unkind to me; although the Empress has passed away, I still have this daughter. Looking at her can somewhat alleviate the pain of losing my daughter.

The Empress Dowager nodded, "There is a court physician from the imperial pharmacy in the palace, named Zhou Xingzu, who has been highly favored by the Emperor. He is always the one summoned to the Yangxin Hall for pulse diagnosis every month. His medical skills are exceptional, and he has successfully treated numerous difficult and complicated ailments. I will send him to your residence to take a look; it is essential to address the root of the illness before it can be cured."

Yingming smiled and said, "Indeed, today is the Awakening of Insects, a time when all things revive, and the weather is about to warm up."

How could a eunuch speak freely? The shrimp waist chuckled and said, "Miss, please do not make things difficult for this servant. This servant merely follows orders and does not dare to presume your intentions. You may just follow along; after all, it cannot be a bad thing."

The eunuch spoke nothing but empty words, and Yingming could not be bothered to respond to him. However, she smiled and lifted her robe as she stepped through the Cining Gate

This is a reminder to the Empress Dowager not to follow the old path, sending one away while welcoming another in.

The eunuch, skilled in discerning people's worth, chuckled and said: "Look at what the young lady is saying. You are the daughter of the esteemed Lord Naxinna, and your father has made significant contributions to the kingdom in the past. If you are not worthy, then no one in the world is. Previously, the Empress Dowager was unwell, and for the past two years, she has not summoned noble young ladies to the palace for conversation. Now that the Empress is in mourning, the Empress Dowager feels distressed and sees the young lady as a way to alleviate her feelings... The Empress Dowager has always favored the Empress above all."

As for the two sides seated below, there must be the Empress Dowager and the Imperial Concubine, but due to the large number of people, it is impossible to distinguish who is who. Originally, they brought her here, looking at her as if she were a monkey, which did not make her feel too anxious. However, among this group of people, there was another familiar face mixed in; she glanced over and her heart trembled— that was her mother, the esteemed Lady Guo Yong.

Yingming squatted down beside Xue Fujin, feeling anxious in her heart. Xue Fujin addressed her as "daughter" repeatedly, which was not a good sign for either her or the Qi family

The Empress Dowager listened and let out a long sigh, "The date for the grand selection in the palace is the 10th of February, which is just over a month away. Later, I heard that your health was not good; are you feeling much better now?"

Song Ge, feeling anxious, led her out of the pavilion. The two of them walked along the narrow path, where a brief glimpse of daylight broke through the clouds, casting a beam of light at their feet. The eunuch delivering the message had a certain authority, unlike those who handled minor tasks with caution. He remarked, "It has been half a month since we last saw the master. Today, it is fortunate that he happens to be in our area. What a great stroke of luck!"

As she stirred awake, she could vaguely discern the people present. It was not a matter of looking around with a steady gaze; rather, she could only lower her eyes slightly and catch glimpses with her peripheral vision. Due to the recent passing of the Empress, all the concubines in the palace were required to wear mourning attire. In the dimly lit warm chamber, four or five elders from the Cining Palace and Shoukang Palace were seated in order, creating a sense of oppressive gloom.

Rising to speak, she said, "In response to the Empress Dowager, I was born in April, and in two months I will turn nineteen."

The palace is a place with a very strict hierarchy. In the Cining Palace, there are six officials, and below them, there are about twenty eunuchs and palace maids attending to their duties. From the moment one enters the palace gates, there are people standing guard at every entrance. These individuals stand straight, observing with their eyes fixed on their noses and their noses on their hearts, without moving a muscle or raising their eyes. Over time, one might even begin to doubt whether they are truly alive.

Yingming did not enjoy this honor, squatting in a safe place: "Andai, I wonder what the Empress Dowager has instructed me regarding this matter?"

Indeed, the Empress Dowager focused her attention on her, "Naxin is a learned person, her voice is like a gentle call, seeking the sound of friendship... this name is truly heartfelt. In a lifetime, some live for wealth, some for power, and some for love. I surmise that anyone with such a name must be a child who values affection and righteousness. Yingming, you are eighteen this year, aren't you"

As for how she eventually left the Cining Palace, Yingming could no longer recall. She only remembered feeling light-headed, as if her soul had departed, and upon seeing the Fujin, her first words were "E Nie, what should we do?" which startled the Fujin greatly

Inside and outside the Cining Palace, felt is laid out, with brown used outside the hall and red used in the front hall according to regulations. The warm pavilion is much looser, using the pile carpets from Xinjiang as tribute, woven with the pattern of a lion rolling a ball, soft and fluffy underfoot, as if stepping on clouds