Chapter 4, Old Joys and New Grievances

She gently inhaled, cupped her hands in front of the eunuch, and said, "Then I shall take your good words to heart. If this matter comes to fruition, I will remember your kindness."

She revealed a hint of a smile, "Is the news from Andar reliable?"

Headwind is the most difficult to treat; perhaps once the heat evil is dispelled, it will gradually improve. Last month, the Yeting Bureau sent a new tribute of Dendrobium, and I had someone pack a bag to send to your mother. " After saying this, the Zhaoyi changed the subject, "Cai Gang has probably already informed you that the Emperor intends to appoint a deputy in the Control of Military Affairs Department, and you are the most suitable candidate for this position. Firstly, you have been reviewing the documents of the Control of Military Affairs Department for many years, and you are familiar with the workings of the office. Secondly, you are a favored person close to the Crown Prince, so recommending you is entirely appropriate.

However, now is the time for significant actions; the higher one climbs, the more places one must exert oneself. In the future, it seems that one can no longer afford to muddle through life aimlessly.

The eunuch guaranteed with a thump on his chest, "What I heard with my own ears cannot be wrong. When you meet with Lady Zhao, I am sure she will bring this up with you."

The eunuchs sang in harmony, accompanying the sound of the gongs: "When the trees stand out in the forest, it is indeed strange for people to speak ill behind one's back."

In the palace, it is essential to be perceptive and considerate. The Zhaoyi slightly leaned forward, appearing very appreciative, "The other day, I took a stroll in the garden and must have caught a chill. It flared up at night, causing quite a disturbance for the whole night. Later, the Imperial Medical Bureau prescribed some medicine, and after taking two doses and sweating it out, I am feeling much better today. Please convey my gratitude to His Royal Highness on my behalf, Lord Su."

The Milky Way smiled, "Your Highness, this cat is truly well cared for."

The eunuch, bending at the waist, stood outside the landing cover and reported: "My lord, Master Su has arrived"

Lady Zuo smiled and nodded, addressing the young eunuch: "What did I say? Although Lord Su holds an official position, he is certainly not like those rough individuals who are straightforward and lack subtlety. In the past, I often heard people say that Lord Su is difficult to get along with; I suspect that it was merely the gossip of those servants. Today, seeing it for myself, isn't it quite evident how perceptive he is!"

Lady Zuo has always been courteous to the people of the Eastern Palace, putting down the copper needle to waive the formalities, "Lord Su, you are busy; what brings you to my palace today?"

Xinghe stepped forward, respectfully performing a greeting of good fortune, "I pay my respects to Your Majesty."

Placing trusted confidants beside political rivals to monitor their every move is a currently popular practice. However, she has been deeply embedded; for ten years, she has diligently carried out her duties, and another reason is that her true master seldom utilizes her.

The Control of Military Affairs Office was once a bureau for the emperor to dispatch the imperial guards. Over the course of several dynasties, it gradually evolved into its current scale. With an increasing number of cases being investigated, whether to exonerate or condemn, it all hinges on the discretion of those in charge. Xinghe has been handling the documents of the Control of Military Affairs Office on behalf of the Crown Prince, and after five years of accumulation, has become sufficiently familiar with that bureau. Currently, those in power, apart from the Crown Prince, include the Commander Nan Yushu. It is indeed quite inconvenient for a man to handle cases involving women, and while appointing a deputy would create a division of authority, it is also a trend that cannot be ignored. Moreover, since she is also under the Crown Prince's command, if she were to truly take office, it is unlikely that the Commander would dare to voice any objections.

However, it seems she has forgotten that the Emperor is sentimental, not only towards her but also towards the late Empress. Therefore, after leading the harem for so many years, she ultimately remains merely a "substitute Empress," not even qualifying as a secondary Empress.

The eunuch, after a year, smiled at the Milky Way as he raised his eyes before leaving, taking all the palace maids who stood by with him as he exited

After a brief flurry of conversation, the Lady Zhao finally remembered to invite her to sit down. She raised her hand to signal for tea to be brought, then leaned back against the pillow and instructed the Chief Eunuch Nian, "I will speak with Lord Su for a moment, so there is no need for anyone to attend to us here; you may all withdraw."

However, in front of the Zhaoyi, the conversation would certainly differ from what was said to the Crown Prince. She was deeply concerned for Princess Hualing, stating, "The prince consort passed away within the princess's residence, and the cause of death is recorded in the military archives; it was not due to illness, but rather a covert assassination. If this case is hastily concluded, it will not silence the public's speculation, which would be greatly detrimental to the princess." She tucked her hands and smiled dryly, "If I had been appointed as the Jinyiwei earlier, this case would have been resolved with just a word from me. Unfortunately, the meddling of Nanyu Shu complicates matters; he is quite a thorny character. If we rush to conclude the case, and he submits a memorial to the cabinet, it could lead to further complications. My suggestion is to postpone it; it is unwise to maneuver amidst the current turmoil. Once the fervor subsides, we can discreetly find someone to take the blame and handle it quietly."

The Empress Dowager is unlike other concubines; she does not have a fondness for Buddhist rituals, nor does she carry the scent of incense. Her palace is always filled with the vibrant sounds of birds and the fragrance of flowers, with vermilion lattice windows adorned with gilded jade birdcages, and a large pot of orchids placed on the incense table beside them. In spring, the hall is draped with autumn-scented curtains, and as summer arrives, they are replaced with curtains of golden silk and emerald vines. The meticulous arrangement in every detail makes one feel comfortable and bright upon entering. Not to mention the Emperor, even she experiences a different feeling each time she returns.

She found it difficult to articulate her thoughts clearly and vaguely explained, "There are many people in the government office, and it is uncertain if any issues will arise. Once the matter is settled, it will be as if the wind passed without leaving a trace."

It is merely a matter of removing an eyesore to allow for a proper and open marriage. The father of the prince consort, the esteemed Minister Gao, is like a mute eating bitter herbs, daring to cry but not to speak. Although no one is pursuing the investigation of the case, it is ultimately a homicide, and the emperor does not protect his own in this matter, primarily believing that his eldest daughter would not commit such an act. However, those handling the case are well aware of the truth, and Xinghe seizes this opportunity; in the future, should the Zhaoyi ascend, success may not lie with the princess, but failure could very well be with her, all depending on the needs of the situation.

The eunuch smiled shyly and said, "With your words, I shall serve you as your ears for a lifetime. As you rise in status, it will also be good for you to support me in the future, won't it?" While speaking, he led her into the main hall of the Phoenix Chicks Palace.

She rolled her tongue, and the Zhaoyi found it somewhat reasonable, placing her hand on her forehead and sighing deeply: "This child... truly makes me feel sorrowful"

"To be the Empress?" The eyes of the Zhaoyi sparkled with an unprecedented brightness due to desire, as she released her grip on the 'golden quilt and silver bed,' patting her knee and saying, "You are absolutely right; this is the essence of it all. The master is nostalgic, and I am the only one left from the old days of the Qianlong Pavilion. What I have today is based on the master's fondness for the past. In terms of youth, I am over forty, and my beauty has faded; in terms of looks, which concubine in the palace is not like a flower? I have no need to compare my appearance with others. I rely solely on that affection, and this, more than anything else, is invaluable; the master cannot bear to part with me"

Promotion and wealth are not only favored by men; for ambitious women, they also serve as a powerful tonic.

It is said that filial sons emerge from the tips of chopsticks, and lively treasures arise from the ends of sticks. Princess Xiaoling's marriage was not very smooth; she married a prince consort with whom she had no emotional connection, and every day felt like a gloomy day. Later, rumors began to circulate about her having an affair with the prince consort's brother. At first, no one took it seriously, but before long, the prince consort died suddenly.

The head pokes out, followed by the body; however, the body is simply too fat, to the extent that it rolls and crawls while walking

Wealth and glory are tied to others, while the mark of a concubine is stamped upon her face. The higher she climbs, the more it proves that she is the most adept at flattery among the concubines. Not only is there no true honor, but from the perspective of the stars, there is also a hint of pity.

The Milky Way path is, "This year is unlike previous years; the same lunar month seems to be even colder. Your Majesty must take care of your health, choosing to go out on sunny days, lest the cold wind pierce your bones. You may not feel it yourself, but your body has already been affected by the cold."

Of course, the Left Imperial Concubine knows that this is all just formalities. The Crown Prince, even if he were not busy, would not come to her Phoenix Nest Palace. Why is that? It is simply due to the distinction of rank. Even if there is a generational difference, as long as she does not ascend to the position of Empress, in his eyes, she is merely a concubine. If they happen to meet, they exchange a greeting; if not, he avoids even the topic of conversation.

Speaking of cats, it is naturally a joyful topic. The cat of the lady-in-waiting is entirely yellow, with only its belly being white. In the "Classic of Cat Observation," it has a scientific name called "Golden Fur on a Silver Bed." This type of cat is also depicted in the Song Dynasty's "Illustration of the Raccoon Slave," hence the lady-in-waiting's cat is named Raccoon Slave.

She leaned down even further, "The Crown Prince heard yesterday that Her Highness was unwell and has been quite concerned. He originally intended to come personally to inquire about Her Highness's well-being, but due to the court meeting today, he is unable to spare the time. He specifically sent me to check on Her Highness. How is Your Highness feeling at the moment? Is everything alright?"

If it is said that a woman of a certain age can capture a man's heart, she must possess something unique about her. There are many women in the palace, but only one emperor. Over time, when they rarely see men, what do they rely on for spiritual solace? Some read books and practice calligraphy, while others raise birds and dogs. However, this group shares a common trait: they all believe in Buddhism. With their deep faith in Buddhism, the palace is often filled with smoke and fire, with the sound of wooden fish being struck here and scriptures being chanted there all day long. Even the emperor, who also believes in Buddhism, cannot endure it for long. Even deities are willing to descend to the mortal realm for training, which is why Zuo Zhaoyi has become his only refuge for absorbing yang energy. With their deep faith in Buddhism, the palace is often filled with smoke and fire, with the sound of wooden fish being struck here and scriptures being chanted there all day long. Even the emperor, who also believes in Buddhism, cannot endure it for long. Even deities are willing to descend to the mortal realm for training, which is why Zuo Zhaoyi has become his only refuge for absorbing yang energy.

The Milky Way smiled and said, "The pressing matter at hand is for Her Majesty to ascend to the throne as soon as possible. As long as the seal of the Empress is in hand, everything else is trivial."

Xinghe thanked En Dao: "The body is still strong, but the problem of headaches cannot be cured."

Only when the name is right can the words be smooth; relying on the master to take the lead is not a long-term strategy. Who does not wish to stand tall and proud! As long as one masters the control of the military, it is equivalent to grasping the throats of the princes and ministers. Such a beautiful position is truly something that one cannot help but desire.

The lady gently lifted the raccoon and placed it on her lap, slowly stroking it. She tapped its nose, her tone even gentler than when she spoke of Prince Jianping, "You have no idea, this creature is both lazy and gluttonous, it loves to taste everything. Last time, the medicinal paste from the Imperial Hospital was left uncovered on the table, and it went up to lick it, nearly giving me a fright..." After finishing her words about the animal, she remembered the person and asked, "How has your mother been lately?" Of course, the earlier pretense of politeness had vanished, replaced by a casual and familiar tone.

The hall fell silent, occasionally only the sound of the wind rustling the curtains could be heard. The cold seemed to freeze everything; people were still, and the furnishings appeared lifeless. Suddenly, a small portion of the skirt of the lady-in-waiting was lifted, revealing a little yellow head beneath the skirt. Regardless of how heavy the atmosphere was, with this presence, everything became more relaxed.

The lady-in-waiting smiled gently and said: "I send you to the high branches, you should understand my intentions. The matters arising from the Princess of Xialing's residence, tsk... dragging it out is not appropriate, reputation is of utmost importance"

Xinghe's opinion remains unchanged, as the case can only be considered her card when it is firmly in her grasp. If played too early, her position will be defined, and it may become difficult to maneuver later on.

The consort fell silent for a moment before finally inquiring about the recent activities of the Crown Prince. After Xinghe reported the facts, she furrowed her brows and sighed: "He is a clever man, always accompanying the Emperor in his duties, making it difficult to gain the upper hand over him"

The case of the murder of the prince consort raises the question of who orchestrated this dark deed. It is hardly a matter for contemplation; aside from the overly pampered Princess Xiaoling, who dares to act with such audacity? Princess Xiaoling and Prince Jianping share the same mother. Initially, the Imperial Concubine was determined to compete with Empress Gong in bearing children. The Empress had two children, the Crown Prince and Prince Xin, while the Imperial Concubine seized the rare opportunity to present the Emperor with a daughter, the firstborn. Naturally, she received preferential treatment, leading to the inevitable development of an imperious princess.

The lady-in-waiting wore a deep blue robe adorned with bamboo leaves and plum blossoms, embroidered with gold, and was seated properly beneath the window lattice, using a copper needle to sift through the accumulated charcoal in the hand stove. Outside the window, the sunlight gently filtered through the Korean paper, casting a layer of soft light over her face, which was gradually revealing a sense of charm.

There are no free gifts in this world, and the kindness of the noble consort is not without reason. Looking back ten years, when Xinghe entered the Eastern Palace, it was all arranged by her.