Chapter 1, Princess Yuanxiu

Cai Lan immediately fell silent. The mourning attire was hastily made by the Bureau of Ceremonial Garments, the hemp fabric as white as snow, devoid of any embellishments. However, Princess Yuanxiu's complexion was even paler and more austere than her clothing, with her lips devoid of any color. Sitting in front of the bronze mirror, Cai Lu silently styled her hair into the simplest of arrangements, securing it with a single silver hairpin and a white jade bracelet, all as white as snow, which only accentuated her dark brows and eyes like the night.

Through the layers of heavy curtains, I could only see the outline of Princess Yuanxiu quickly turning over, as if she leaned down to glance under the bed. She then let out a sigh of relief: "It is nothing, just knocked over the calming Ruyi by the pillow."

Cai Lu secretly lamented, Princess Yuanxiu ranked ninth among the surviving daughters of Emperor Xianzong, only slightly older than Princess Yunzhou and Princess Liyang. Her title was uniquely granted by Emperor Xianzong, not based on a place name like the other princesses, and her fief was Jin Yang, the ancestral land of the Li royal family, indicating her favored status. Moreover, she shared the same mother as Emperor Fengchun, which further ensured that no one dared to offend her after Emperor Xianzong's reign. Thus, she had always been proud and arrogant in the palace. This time, when Zhao Lihui encountered Princess Yuanxiu, it would certainly not be treated as lightly as the Empress would have done.

Halfway through a bowl of fish porridge, an unexpected guest arrived at the door

Snap

Ah Jia, no!" Cai Lu did not expect that her response would lead to this outcome, and hurriedly advised, "Ah Jia has not yet had her meal!"

Cai Lu and Cai Lan approached the plain screen woven from ice silk, peering inside. In the dimly lit chamber, the luxurious curtains hung low, and faintly, one could discern the silhouette of a person still reclining high. Both let out a sigh of relief. Cai Lu quietly gestured a few signs, and Cai Lan understood, retrieving a small brocade box from the nearby compartment. Upon opening it, a variety of neatly arranged spices were revealed inside.

"What is the Zhao family! How can it be compared to Fifth Brother?" Yuan Xiu scoffed with a smile, "What exactly do you want to say?"

Yuan Xiu thought to herself, after all this fuss, she actually felt a bit hungry: "Is there anything light to eat in the kitchen? Bring some up from the books, I am a bit hungry."

Yuan Xiuwei furrowed her brow. During this period, she had been excessively sorrowful, often neglecting the matters around her. However, the Wanchun Hall is not close to the Fengyang Pavilion where the princesses reside. Cai Lu would not go there without reason. It is evident that Consort Zhao summoned the imperial physician while keeping vigil in the Taiji Hall, which is how Cai Lu came to see it. It has been barely two years since Emperor Xianzong's passing. Although it is said that the emperor only needs to observe a three-month mourning period, Fengchun has newly ascended to the throne. Therefore, suitable young maidens have not yet been selected to enrich the palace. To this day, the people around him are still the one wife and three concubines he had when he was the crown prince, among whom the most favored is this Consort Zhao.

Sister Jiu

The servant will go right away

Yuan Xiu stood by the window, reflecting on how her fifteen years seemed to have passed in the blink of an eye. In her memories, there was the innocence of her arrival by Zhao Xian's side, the fear and helplessness of kneeling outside the Zicheng Hall on that winter night when the late emperor passed away, and Zhao Xian's earnest reminders as she held Yuan Xiu's hand before her death. The interplay of light and shadow made it difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion. On this slightly chilly spring morning, it felt as if she were in a haze, overwhelmed by a desire to cry freely, yet finding herself unable to voice her feelings.

Dressed and ready, Yuan Xiu did not leave the palace but instead walked to the south and raised a hand to push open the window

She was lost in thought, which greatly worried the two palace maids, Cai Lan and Cai Lu. They draped a cloak over her shoulders, and Cai Lan pleaded, "The Empress Dowager has passed away. I know that you are heartbroken, but for the sake of Wulang, please do not grieve excessively. If you lose your kind mother, it will only add to Wulang's worries for you."

I believe you must be unable to sleep and rise early, and indeed it is so. Princess Changyang walked to the table, glanced at the blue and green fabrics, and Yuanxiu signaled for them to step outside: "What is it, Seventh Sister, that is so mysterious?"

Emperor Xianzong thus preserved a lineage for the Yuan family to honor the late Yuan. However, Li Yan, the only brother of Yuan Xiu, lived only three days before following Yuan to the afterlife. At that time, Li Yan was merely twelve years old and had already been designated as the crown prince, residing alone in the Eastern Palace. Meanwhile, Emperor Xianzong was preoccupied with state affairs and entrusted Yuan Xiu to the care of Consort Wang Hui, who had no children of her own. Later, after Emperor Xianzong passed away, Li Yan, grateful for Consort Hui's nurturing of Yuan Xiu, honored her as Empress Dowager and bestowed upon her the title of Zhaoxian. Subsequently, at the end of last year, Empress Dowager Zhaoxian, while enjoying wine on Longchi Lake in remembrance of Emperor Xianzong, unexpectedly encountered a sudden storm. She was rescued but fell silent thereafter.

I have invited Fifth Brother to join us for a meal, is that inappropriate?" Yuan Xiu let out a cold laugh, disregarding the two palace maids, and walked out first.

"Isn't she our eldest sister yet?" Changyang said with a cold smile, "The dignified Princess of Pingjin, who has already been married twice, the affairs of the princess's residence have nothing to do with you and me. However, now that the Empress Dowager's coffin is still resting in the Tai Chi Hall, it is intolerable. Fifth Brother feels pity for her enduring the hardship of guarding the spirit, so he specially allowed her to enter and exit the palace without restriction during this time. Who would have thought that she would sneak a man into the palace, behind the rockery of the Sihai Pond..." Although Changyang was bold, she had not yet been married, and upon reaching this point, her face flushed red, and she quickly changed the subject, saying indignantly, "... It just so happened that someone close to Mother Empress passed by and discovered this matter. Mother Empress was also embarrassed to tell Fifth Brother, so she had to call me over in the middle of the night, asking me to come find you early to think of a solution."

However, now that Empress Dowager Zhao Xian has passed away, Feng Chun has gradually grown up. It is said that siblings born of the same mother are closer than ordinary people, but how can that closeness compare to the soft whispers by the pillow? Moreover, Consort Zhao is the mother of King Han and King Wei. If Consort Zhao were to suffer grievances today and hold a grudge, in the future, slanderous words could sow discord between the siblings. With Xianzong, Wenhua, and Zhao Xian all gone, there would be no elder to mediate between the two.

I cannot sleep," Yuan Xiu said languidly, "Come in and assist me with changing my clothes.

Cailan's words struck home, and Yuan Xiu was taken aback. After a moment of hesitation, he finally said: "https://wwwhetushu.com.com... You are right."

Upon thinking of this, Yuan Xiu felt a surge of anger within her. She knew that Zhao Lihui, relying on Feng Chun's favor and having given birth to Feng Chun's eldest and third sons, could only be lightly reprimanded by Empress Wang. Moreover, she would carefully take advantage of this to complain to Feng Chun about her grievances. After pondering for a moment, Yuan Xiu commanded, "Prepare the carriage, I am going to Wanchun Hall"

In recent days, Wulang has also been extremely fatigued. Last night, it is possible that he simply did not return to the Ganlu Palace due to exhaustion. If A Jia is concerned, she can wait until today when Wulang returns after escorting the Empress Dowager's coffin out of the palace, and then have someone summon Yu Ting to inquire. Yu Ting used to serve the late Empress Dowager Wenhua; would he really conceal anything from A Jia? Cai Lan let out a sigh. The late Empress Dowager Wenhua, also known as the Empress Dowager of Xianzong, was originally posthumously honored as Shunde. After Fengchun ascended the throne, he posthumously honored his biological mother and changed her title to Wenhua. Yu Ting, who is now a trusted eunuch by Fengchun's side, was previously a confidant of the late Empress Dowager Wenhua, and naturally, he is loyal to both Fengchun and Yuanxiu.

Mysterious? Yet, a hint of disdain appeared on Changyang's face as he mocked, "Is it necessary to speak of such disgraceful matters in front of the palace attendants?"

In a moment of inspiration, a flash of insight: "Yesterday, while accompanying A Jia during the wake, I seemed to hear that Zhao Lihui sent someone to summon the imperial physician, and perhaps Wulang is at Wanchun Hall"

Just as Cai Lan was about to put away the brocade box, an unusual sound came from within the sleeping chamber

If A Jia is concerned about her reputation, she must not go to the Wan Chun Hall at all!" Cai Lan quickly said, "Although Wu Lang's stay at the Wan Chun Hall has compromised his integrity, it is likely that not many in the Six Palaces are aware of it yet. The fish oil by Wu Lang's side will surely persuade him to leave as soon as possible, and this matter can be quietly overlooked without causing any controversy! If A Jia's carriage were to go there and happen to encounter Wu Lang, or even if they do not meet, it would still raise suspicions about A Jia's purpose for going. Wouldn't that ultimately harm Wu Lang instead?"

Matters of the harem are under the control of the king and the queen, and Yuan Xiu need not concern herself. To avoid suspicion, she has never involved herself in such affairs. However, Zhao Lihui's actions during the mourning ceremony for Empress Dowager Zhaoxian have raised eyebrows; according to Cai Lu, Feng Chun actually spent the night in Wanchun Palace! This occurred while the body of Empress Dowager Zhaoxian was still unburied, with the coffin still in the palace! If this were to spread, the world would not focus on a mere concubine but would instead accuse Feng Chun of lacking virtue and disrespecting her elders. A ruler of a nation leaving a stain on filial piety is a matter that would earn infamy in history!

Cai Lan! Yuan Xiu closed his eyes and shouted.

The night is like thick ink dripping into a clear pool, silently swirling, gradually transitioning from deep to light, revealing the fine rain under the dusk like needles. The gentle breeze of early spring caresses, and beneath the eaves, a row of heavy iron horses stands silently. Only a few strings of silver bells at the corners of the palace awaken, producing a pleasant light sound that disturbs the palace maids keeping watch in Fengyang Pavilion

The deep blue sky outside is filled with the promise of rain, and the damp atmosphere gently envelops her, stirring her hair. In the distance, the lights are faint, and it is uncertain whether the ethereal cries from the Tai Chi Hall are drifting over, likely the mournful wails of the palace maids designated for burial, lamenting their final night.

Yuan Xiu was somewhat surprised to see her arrive so early. She put down the spoon and stood up, saying, "Why did you come over now, Seventh Sister?"

Yuan Xiu's heart skipped a beat, almost changing her expression, but she quickly realized that Chang Yang did not have the audacity to criticize Feng Chun in front of her. Although Feng Chun treated his sisters slightly better than his brothers, only Yuan Xiu, being his half-sister, received his special attention. Chang Yang had a fiery personality, yet she was not one to overlook subtle cues. Thus, she composed herself and asked, "Seventh Sister, please don't be angry. Let's discuss this calmly. What exactly happened? How did it become embarrassing?"

It was unclear what had fallen to the ground, the sound was muffled, and then a voice, still tinged with fatigue, called out: "Is anyone there?"

This ... ... "Cai Lan hesitated, 'A Jiazi has just fallen asleep, and until now it has only been a mere ... ... '

Cailan whispered, "Does A Jia value the reputation of Wulang more, or does she want to take the opportunity to deal with Zhao Li?"

The person wearing the same silver accessories appears to be two or three years older than Yuan Xiu, yet has a complexion like a peach blossom, unblemished and radiant, with an exceptionally good complexion. This is Princess Changyang, ranked seventh, who, like Yuan Xiu's third brother, Prince Qi, is a child of the late Empress Yang. She was originally scheduled to marry the eldest son of Minister of Revenue Cui Jiancheng, Cui Fengwu, next month, but now that Zhaoxian has passed away, the wedding date will naturally be postponed, so she is still residing in Fengyang Pavilion

"Is A-Jia awake?" Cai Lan asked softly

Hearing the princess unintentionally call her to enter, Cai Lan and Cai Lu lowered their eyes and said: "It is still early in the morning; let me sleep a little longer!"

Emperor Fengchun Li Yan was the maternal cousin of Yuan Xiu, both being offspring of the late Emperor Xianzong and Empress Yuan. When Yuan Xiu was three years old, the family of Empress Yuan was reported for colluding with the military governor of Xichuan to plot treason, resulting in the execution of her father and brothers. At that time, Empress Yuan was pregnant. Originally, Emperor Xianzong had instructed the six palaces not to let her hear of it, but it remains unknown who leaked the information. Consequently, Empress Yuan went into premature labor, struggling in the Hall of Establishing Governance for two days and nights before giving birth to the child, yet she did not even get a chance to see the baby before her spirit departed.

"Where is Fifth Brother at this moment?" Yuan Xiu suddenly asked as he touched the cloak on his body

"If you have something to say, speak quickly. Where is the carriage? Tell the people outside to relay the message!" Yuan Xiu halted her steps and cast a cold glance at her.

With a slight movement of her slender fingers, which were somewhat calloused, a small piece of benzoin was tossed into the intricately carved golden incense burner beside the screen. Instantly, a calming and focused fragrance wafted through the slowly rising blue smoke.

Only Yuan Xiu was resolute in her actions, completely disregarding the persuasion of the two palace maids, while Cai Lan remained composed: "A'Jia, please wait, allow this servant to speak!"

Cai Lan and Cai Lu exchanged a glance; they are princesses, not court maids, how could they possibly know

Today marks the day of Empress Dowager Zhao Xian's burial. Due to the Empress Dowager's death resulting from the capsizing at Longchi, Emperor Fengchun, in a fit of rage, disregarded the objections of his ministers and decreed that, apart from a few elderly palace maids who perished at the time of the Empress Dowager's passing, all those who had served in the Southern Inner Palace's Xinqing Palace for over three years would be buried alongside the Empress Dowager.