Section 4

In the warm chamber, there was an extreme stillness. The Empress Dowager slowly turned the prayer beads in her hand, producing a faint sound of clinking. After a long silence, she finally spoke: "So, you have made up your mind to take her into your household, have you?"

Cining Palace features a layout of three bright rooms and two dark ones, with the central room designated for receiving worshippers. The west side hall serves as the Empress Dowager's bedroom, while the east room, located under a southern window, has a bed that is quite bright. Jinshu entered the room, and the Crown Prince stood by to serve, with the Empress Dowager seated at the eastern end of the bed

With her head lowered, Jin Shu followed through Yongshou Palace and passed through the Jiazhimen, making her way along the corridor towards the left gate of Huiyin. As she gradually approached Cining Palace, she felt a fluttering unease in her heart. The palace maids quickened their pace, leading her through the palace gates and into the corridor. She felt a tinge of sadness; Cining Palace had once been the residence of her imperial grandmother, and she often came here carried by the palace attendants to pay her respects. Now, the world had changed hands, and this place had become someone else's territory. The former mistress now felt like a guest in her own home. She treaded carefully, not daring to breathe too heavily, as others had taken over her nest, and she had to bow and ask, "Are you comfortable here?" There is perhaps no greater sorrow in the world than this.

Turning back to look at the half-covered window, she did not know if she would return alive from this departure. Litchi and the others had not yet finished their night shift, and she did not have time to explain. In her trunk, there were some broken silver coins and a few pieces of jewelry, which she had saved over the years from sending items to the West Six. If she did not return, they could divide them among themselves. In the palace, when someone passed away, all their belongings, including trunks and bedding, were thrown into the wilderness to be burned. If they did not take them, the eunuchs who burned them would benefit for free.

When the people from Cining Palace came to deliver a message, Jinshu was busy pasting window paper on the kang, her hands covered in paste. The lead palace maid attending to the Empress Dowager looked up at her and said, "Hey, come down quickly, tidy up and come with me to meet the Empress Dowager."

Jin Shu was momentarily taken aback, quickly got off the kang, put on her shoes, washed her hands, and cleansed her face. The attending palace maid urged her impatiently, "Hurry up, don't keep the Empress Dowager waiting."

She knelt down and bowed her head, "I pay my respects to the Empress Dowager and to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Jinshu expressed her gratitude and exited, following Lingzi to the west side of the auxiliary palace. Taking advantage of the absence of others, Lingzi used her toes to kick away some of the accumulated snow at the base of the wall and gestured towards a patch of sunlight. Jinshu smiled gratefully at her; despite the pain from the earlier punishment, she had not thought of crying, but now, due to Lingzi's gesture, her throat felt tight. She sniffed and knelt down, while Lingzi, unable to find the right words, glanced at her with sympathy before turning away. Jinshu looked up to count the patterns on the brick wall, wanting to open her hands, only to find that they were already sticky with blood. With a sigh, she felt that she had at least salvaged half of her life. As long as the Crown Prince did not cause any more trouble, she could recover the remaining half.

The Empress Dowager nodded and said, "That truly is a fortunate coincidence." She addressed the Crown Prince, "What do you think about my keeping her in the Cining Palace?"

The Crown Prince hesitated and stammered for a long time before saying: "The ancestor is truly perceptive. I genuinely wish to transfer her to the Eastern Palace to serve, so that I can take care of her a bit and prevent her from being mistreated by others"

The Empress Dowager half-closed her eyes and remained silent, while the Crown Prince glanced at the side at Grandma Ta. Grandma Ta was brought back from the Southern Garden by the Ancestor and was the most caring person. Even after her retirement, she did not leave the inner chambers, and she could hear everything they said. The Crown Prince was not distant from her; due to the Ancestor's affection, he spent most of his time in the Southern Garden reading and practicing calligraphy, and Grandma Ta took care of him meticulously, just like a biological grandmother. Her husband died in the Battle of Dongchang, and she was left without a son or daughter. The Empress Dowager and the Emperor's Empress appreciated her, allowing him to call her "Mandi," which made Grandma Ta particularly fond of him, and they shared a special closeness. He was not very sure of the Empress Dowager's intentions, so he thought of seeking her advice.

The Empress Dowager looked into her eyes and asked, "How is it now? Do you agree?"

The Empress Dowager closed her eyes and said: "I have lived for sixty-six years, and that is enough. If she wants to harm me, let her do so. As long as my great-grandson is well, I will have the face to meet my ancestors even in death"

A myriad of chaotic thoughts weighed heavily on my mind. The wind swept through the corridor, rendering the thin garments of the palace maid ineffective against the cold, causing her to huddle and shrink her neck. The red velvet flower at her temple was also blown askew, and she complained, "On such a cold day, why am I the only one specifically assigned to this task? Isn't this just a way to freeze someone to death?"

The old lady shifted her gaze to the distance and said coldly: "Let us see what fate has in store for her! If she harbors any ill intentions towards you, then killing her would not be unjustified."

The Crown Prince could only close his mouth. The Empress Dowager said to Lady Ta: "You go to the palace gate and convey the message. I am not feeling well today, so the morning and evening court sessions are canceled. Tell them to rest and not to come in."

The prince in the room appeared dejected, and the Empress Dowager gently poked the gilded incense burner with a copper chopstick, smilingly saying: "Look, she is completely indifferent to your feelings"

The Empress Dowager received the teacup, used the lid to scrape the tea leaves, and slowly said to Jin Shu: "Today, the Crown Prince came to ask me about you, pestering me for the whole morning, worried that you might suffer in the Yeting, wanting to grant you the title of a noble consort. I know this is due to the bond you shared in your childhood, so I specially summoned you here to inquire about your thoughts."

The Empress Dowager sneered, "As expected of a daughter of the Murong family, you have quite the temper! Since you refuse to comply, then go kneel under the corridor. Come back to me whenever you have thought it through."

The Empress Dowager has summoned me, and this time the outcome is likely to be dire. If I cannot handle the situation, I do not know what fate awaits me; it could be either a reward of wine or silk. These two options are somewhat acceptable, as at least I would leave intact. However, if I were to be executed by the staff, as a grown woman, with my trousers pulled down to my knees, being beaten to death would be an exceedingly disgraceful way to die

The rattan strip was two fingers wide and one foot five inches long, and due to frequent use, the handle had become smooth and shiny. The Crown Prince stood anxiously to the side, not daring to plead for mercy; the Empress Dowager had such a temper that the more one pleaded, the harsher the punishment would be. He could only watch helplessly as the matron raised the family discipline. With a whoosh, the rattan strip struck down on the pair of hands that had split open, and she bit her lip to endure it. The servants in the miscellaneous room did all kinds of work, unlike those serving in front of the masters, who could keep their hands well-maintained and smooth. The Crown Prince watched as blood gushed from the split in her palm, feeling a wave of nausea rise in his nose, each strike felt as if it were landing on his own heart.

Jin Shu expressed gratitude and stood up, gathering his thoughts and saying: "Returning to the Old Buddha, I have turned sixteen this New Year."

The Empress Dowager sighed and said, "These years spent in the Yeting have been a hardship for you."

The Dowager Empress was busy signaling, and the Crown Prince, being exceptionally clever, understood the gravity of the situation. This punishment of Jinshu would soon spread throughout the East and West Six Courts. If she were to return to the Inner Court, she would likely find herself without a way to survive. The only option left was to remain and serve the Empress Dowager to ensure her safety.

The Crown Prince knelt down and bowed his head, "Thank you, Empress, for your grace"

The Empress Dowager said: "You extend your hands for clothing and open your mouth for food, how could you possibly know the plight of the short-staffed? Even if there is a shortage of people, there are managers in your palace to handle matters, why would it be necessary for you to personally inquire? It is evident that you are lying!"

The Crown Prince was left speechless and could only say: "Your Majesty is wise."

The brocade letter straightened its spine, "This servant cannot aspire to the Crown Prince, even if the Empress Dowager were to kill this servant, this servant would still say the same thing, I beseech the Empress Dowager for mercy"

Jin Shu was taken aback, and in an instant, she realized that this old lady was testing her with such a tactic. Not to mention that she had no such intention, even if she did, she could not be foolish enough to bow and express gratitude. Who was she? She was the daughter of Emperor Murong Gaogong of Daye. They were wary of her, so how could they possibly place her beside the Crown Prince? If she agreed, it would surely mean that the sun would shine on her grave the next day. She hurriedly bent her legs and knelt down, prostrating herself on the ground, saying: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness. However, my status is humble, and Your Highness is of royal blood; I do not dare to harbor any improper thoughts. I only seek to serve as a menial worker in the Yeting to atone for my sins, and I ask for the old Buddha's understanding." If she agreed, it would surely mean that the sun would shine on her grave the next day. She hurriedly bent her legs and knelt down, prostrating herself on the ground, saying: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness. However, my status is humble, and Your Highness is of royal blood; I do not dare to harbor any improper thoughts. I only seek to serve as a menial worker in the Yeting to atone for my sins, and I ask for the old Buddha's understanding."

Jin Shu curled her fingers and bowed her head, "Thank you, Empress Dowager, for your grace"

The Crown Prince let out a sigh of relief; he knew she would not agree. Although it was within his expectations, hearing her outright refusal still left him feeling unsettled. It was difficult to find the right words, so he turned his head slightly, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

The Crown Prince, in a moment of panic, became utterly flustered, "What should I do? Mother, please think of a solution for me!"

The Crown Prince recalled those eyes, and his face involuntarily flushed. He thought to himself that even if he had such intentions now, he could not express them; otherwise, Jin Shu would truly be in danger. He was aware of the power dynamics within the palace. The Empress Dowager, the Empress, and E Nie, they would go to any lengths to protect him, and killing a mere Jin Shu would be as simple as taking a sip of tea. At this moment, he was indulging his own feelings, but if he turned back, it would likely lead to serious trouble for her. Having come to this realization, he said: "Madam has misunderstood; Dong Li is pitiful for having to work hard as a servant in the Yeting. Out of consideration for our acquaintance, I wanted to find her a lighter job. Coincidentally, I am short of a person on my side, so I thought to transfer her over, with no other intentions."

The old lady smiled and said: "Your Majesty truly has a discerning eye. You often praise the skill of the fire-browed one, but it is actually that girl who does the rolling. It would be most fitting to have her serve the smoke."

The Crown Prince's face turned pale as he watched the Empress Dowager instruct the palace maid to summon someone from the Yeting. He lowered his head, sitting at the table, deep in thought. He meant well; it is important to ensure that good intentions do not lead to bad outcomes. If one were to disregard the palace rules and secretly send the brocade letter to the Eastern Palace, it could be done, but he feared that if the matter were to come to light later, it would be even harder to manage. The Empress Dowager mentioned a trial; a trial for what? What would happen after the trial? He raised his eyes to look at her, "Your Majesty, regarding her arrival at the Eastern Palace..."

The Crown Prince feigned calmness and remained silent, which pleased the Empress Dowager with her docility. She thought to herself that this one was perceptive; if she had come in with a defiant attitude, there would be no need for questions—she would be taken out and drowned in a well. Just look at her figure and features, truly impeccable! In the prime of youth, her skin was so tender that a pinch would yield moisture; it was no wonder the Crown Prince was smitten. The Empress Dowager was an open-minded person; she did not often use appearance as a standard for judgment, and at the very least, she would not hastily conclude that a beautiful woman was a calamity. Her tone was very neutral, "Get up! How old are you this year?"

"Unappreciative." The Empress Dowager snorted, her tone filled with displeasure, "The Crown Prince holds you in high regard, and you waste his sincere feelings like this? Mama Ta, teach her some manners!"

The prince leaned against the wall, murmuring, "She was perfectly fine, how could I have harmed her like this..."

The matriarch agreed, and as she was about to leave, she glanced at the Crown Prince, who understood and rose to follow her out. Noticing that there were no outsiders under the corridor, the Crown Prince anxiously asked, "Mother, what are the ancestors planning?"

He turned his face to look at the Empress Dowager, wanting to speak but hesitating. He understood the Empress Dowager's intention; this was a warning to him that the better he treated Jinshu, the more difficult her days would become. He had no choice but to lower his eyes and avoid looking, counting silently. After counting to twenty, the undergarment on his back was already damp and clinging to his body

The underground of each palace is equipped with coal supplies, and the conditions inside the rooms differ from those outside. The palace maids only need to wear a padded garment, which makes their service more efficient. However, once they step outside, it becomes a matter of life and death; the dark purple padded robes do not resist the wind or cold, and a short walk can leave one with a sore waist. The maids may complain, but once they exit the covered walkway, they walk with calm composure. There are many rules in the palace, and the way of walking is practiced by balancing a water bowl on one's head. While one might not freeze to death immediately while strolling outside, if they lose their composure and are seen by the eunuchs of the Court of Ceremonial, it would truly be a serious matter.

Jin Shu complied and hurriedly tidied up before squatting down to greet her, "I trouble you, Aunt, to convey the message; I am ready, please go ahead, Aunt." The leading palace maid flicked her long, dark braid and turned to leave, with Jin Shu following behind. Initially, she intended to probe for information, but after some thought, she realized she would inevitably be reprimanded with a warning: "No prying around!" So she decided to refrain from further inquiry.

The Empress Dowager glanced at the Tower Matron and said, "According to you, how is that child doing?"

The old lady glanced at him and said: "I share the same thoughts as the Empress Dowager. This matter cannot assist the Crown Prince. I cannot place a knife by your side; you have been raised under the watchful eye of the Empress Dowager. Among so many princes and princesses in the palace, she has a unique affection for you. I have raised you by hand, and just for that, you may call me 'Mamma.' I cannot allow you to be in danger."

Your bringing up this matter will surely displease the Empress Dowager. Do not pursue the question any further; having served the Empress Dowager for many years, I can roughly guess the situation. When the time comes to inquire, it will depend on how clever Jinshu is. She absolutely cannot go to your Eastern Palace; if she knows her place, she might be able to save her life. However, if she harbors even the slightest ambition to rise, I fear she will not be able to remain.

The Empress Dowager snorted, "Don't give her cover. Even if you played together as children, after so many years of not seeing each other, how could you still recognize her? It is evident that she instigated you first."

There are many people in the palace, and the consorts and noble ladies employ various means to vie for favor, with creating a chance encounter being the simplest tactic. It is no wonder that the Empress Dowager would have her suspicions. The Crown Prince hurriedly explained, "Esteemed Ancestor, please see clearly. Yesterday, after the court session, I heard that Noble Consort Zhang of the Jianfu Palace was unwell, so I took a detour to pay my respects to her. I usually do not take that route, and I do not know what happened yesterday; she was at the Guangchu Office to collect items, and I happened to run into her as she was coming out."

Jin Shu understood that to survive, one must be humble, and thus spoke cautiously: "As a servant bearing the weight of my sins, I am fortunate to have received the grace of His Majesty and the Empress Dowager, allowing me to continue living. I am profoundly grateful and would never dare to utter a word of grievance."

The Empress Dowager looked at the Crown Prince and could not bear to stab him in the heart. Moreover, the girl appeared to be quite decent, so she said: "I see she is a well-rounded child, understands reason, knows when to advance and retreat, and does not have any sharp edges. The Empress Dowager has a keen eye for people; what does she mean?" The Empress Dowager thought that she could not let her get close to the Crown Prince, yet she also needed to reassure him. After a moment of contemplation, she said: "Is there a vacancy in the Cining Palace? Lingzi has reached the age to be released; if not, let her fill Lingzi's position!"

The matron said, instructing the eunuch to fetch a rattan stick. Slapping a palace maid's face is a grave taboo; a woman's entire life of wealth and honor is reflected in her face. A slap is a punishment often imposed on eunuchs, while palace maids would rather endure a beating than have their faces touched.

The Crown Prince bowed and said: "Ancestors, do not wrong her. She didn't even raise her eyelids; I recognized her first. She is not much different from when she was a child, except her face has become a bit sharper, but her appearance is still the same, and I recognized her at a glance!"

The Dowager shook her head slightly, "Your Highness, the Empress Dowager has her own plans."

What the Empress Dowager truly cares about is not this; she has heard enough of the official rhetoric. What matters now is whether her intentions are righteous. A palace maid brought over tea, and the Crown Prince presented it with a flattering demeanor, saying, "Your Highness, please enjoy the tea"

The Empress Dowager sighed, "You have always been kind-hearted since childhood, and you are still the same now. How could I not know what you are thinking? In fact, for her, living a stable life in the inner palace may not be a bad path. Yet you insist on bringing her out into the open; how can she navigate her awkward position in the palace? How about this: I will have someone summon her and test her intentions, and then we can make a decision at that time"

The Empress Dowager slammed the teacup onto the kang table, startling everyone, who immediately lowered their heads and held their breath, not daring to move recklessly. Jin Shu lay on the ground, striving to remain calm, yet cold sweat oozed from the tip of his nose. He thought to himself that today, no matter what, he could not escape calamity; struggling further would be futile, and he would simply accept whatever fate had in store.