Chapter 8: Intrigue
The empresses who manage to survive and thrive in the palace, each adorned with phoenix crowns and flowing robes, are all individuals who have fought their way through with blood on their hands. Consort Zheng, enjoying unwavering favor for over a decade, rises with every step, buoyed by the spring breeze; her success cannot simply be attributed to luck.
In the face of two opposing armies, it is natural to first arrange troops and establish formations. Sensing the unfavorable situation, individuals from both camps stealthily slipped away to summon reinforcements.
Queen Wang felt a sense of vigilance; she understood that Concubine Zheng was not a mindless person and would never engage in aimless actions. The fact that she brought this ridiculous play to her today was clearly a trap. She needed to be cautious.
One does not lose the formation even in defeat. Empress Zheng suppressed her anger, feeling resolute. Let’s see how this unfolds. Just wait and see how you meet your end.
It is said by some philosopher that wherever there are people, there exists a world of intrigue. Life within the inner palace is both lonely and prolonged, yet tedious. Over time, from the highest-ranking concubines and ladies-in-waiting to the lowest-ranking palace maids and eunuchs, whether vying for favor or harboring jealousy, conflicts arise and grudges are formed, leading to a continuous cycle of strife and contention.
Consort Zheng naturally went to the Qianqing Palace to summon the Emperor. The Empress was not to be outdone; the one in the Cining Palace was no pushover. Empress Wang had maintained her position in the central palace for over a decade due to this very strength. Upon receiving the news, both the Emperor and the Empress Dowager were greatly shaken. They were unsure of what drama was unfolding and had no choice but to abandon their current affairs and rush over to extinguish the fire.
However, compared to the current situation, those matters are nothing significant
One is the rightful matriarch of the nation, and the other is the favored consort with immense power. Although these two formidable figures have often been at odds, the Empress has managed to endure the overbearing nature of Consort Zheng. On the surface, both the Empress and the Consort have maintained a semblance of civility, each refraining from crossing the other's final boundary. Over the past decade or so, their rivalry has largely been covert, and today's open confrontation marks an unprecedented occurrence in this dynasty.
Sympathy cannot be eaten as food, nor can it be transformed into strength to help Queen Wang knock out Concubine Zheng. Anyone with a bit of sense can foresee that the conflict between these two ladies will inevitably result in a situation where both suffer losses.
The wind knife and frost sword speak like snow, this is the true art of conversation
In no time, the news spread rapidly throughout the various palaces, stirring up a flurry of gossip among the women. Of course, this activity was confined to the underground; only those who were tired of the status quo dared to speak out loud. Overall, aside from a very few supporters of Consort Zheng, the majority of the palace attendants expressed their sympathy for the Empress. After all, Consort Zheng was known for her harsh and domineering nature, which had garnered her much resentment, and there were many who wished her ill.
Whoever refers to themselves as "this palace" in front of the Empress is overstepping their bounds and committing an offense! The reason is simple: even if you are the Imperial Noble Consort, you are still a consort!
The prolonged palace intrigue has made Consort Zheng's temperament increasingly sinister and cruel. The slightest disturbance sends her nerves on edge, making her paranoid and suspicious. It is said that women possess a sixth sense; this feeling, though somewhat mystical, is something Consort Zheng chooses to believe in rather than dismiss.
Consort Zheng openly referred to herself as "this palace" in front of Empress Wang, rather than addressing herself as a humble servant. It was not that she was unaware of the rules; in simple terms, she was clearly provoking and demonstrating her disregard for the Empress. The master was insulted, and Hui Chun beside her was so furious that her face turned red. Just as she was about to step forward to question, she was stopped by a glance from Empress Wang.
What is it? In this palace's view, this play is rather ordinary. Presumably, the esteemed Consort Zheng is intelligent and capable of what others cannot. Please quickly explain the subtle intricacies that are difficult to comprehend, so that I may ponder them further.
Once again, the favored concubine Zheng was pricked by a remark, yet this time she did not lose her temper. "Your Highness, you are too kind. If we speak of wisdom, who in this palace could surpass you? Everyone, wouldn't you agree..."
In the play, after Xue Pinggui has gained the world, the scene where he bestows Wang Baochuan and Princess Dai Zhan as the two palaces of East and West is the most interesting. One must say that the writer of this play is truly talented; does the Empress perhaps grasp the profound meaning within the script
Rationality told her that today's situation was not simple, and it would be wise to avoid it. However, this incident occurred just as she had become the Imperial Noble Consort. Should she endure it or not? Consort Zheng gritted her teeth, and her hand, hidden in her sleeve, clenched tightly.
It must be a remarkable performance that has made Consort Zheng so anxious and eager to share it with me. Please, do tell; I am all ears.
The concubine Zheng, who was severely beaten by Queen Wang with a hidden weapon and flying daggers, was so furious that she felt like spitting blood! Completely defeated, Zheng was both ashamed and angry, her icy, hateful gaze sweeping across the entire room. Wherever her eyes landed, everyone lowered their heads, sweating and trying to avoid her glare. When great powers clash, it is wise for bystanders to keep their distance, lest they inadvertently become collateral damage.
There was indeed such a master who was indifferent to the heat and cold, and Zhu Changluo, with a wide grin, was laughing joyfully beside him. Remembering how in my previous life I watched palace intrigue dramas on television, where various ladies and young masters took turns to compete against each other, I never expected to experience such a day myself. To actually witness the live performance of two ladies, tsk tsk, it seems that this time travel is not without its benefits
You refer to yourself as "this palace," so I shall simply call you Consort Zheng, and you can forgo the honorific. I must remind you that you are merely a consort. You say I am well-versed in both ancient and modern knowledge, which only indicates your lack of education. In the end, you still display the grace of a queen; don't you have any questions to ask? ... Bring it on ...
A sense of unease enveloped Consort Zheng, making her extremely uncomfortable. There was a moment when she even considered returning home. However, as her gaze swept over Queen Wang's calm yet almost mocking eyes, Consort Zheng's anger flared up! In fact, even if Queen Wang were to close her eyes now, Consort Zheng, troubled in her heart, would still believe that this person was definitely looking for trouble.
Who dares to respond? Naturally, this question from Consort Zheng left the entire room speechless. Gui Zhi opened her mouth several times but could not utter a sound. To be honest, as a trusted confidante of Consort Zheng and a qualified sycophant, she truly wanted to speak up. However, who would have thought that in the blink of an eye, she saw Zhu Changluo holding a teacup, tossing it up and down while staring at her. Gui Zhi instinctively covered her head. She was intimidated! But who would have thought that in the blink of an eye, she saw Zhu Changluo holding a teacup, tossing it up and down while staring at her. Gui Zhi instinctively covered her head. She was intimidated!
Good news seldom leaves the door, while bad news travels far and wide. Within the Yonghe Palace, the situation is fraught with intrigue and hidden currents, and outside the palace, the atmosphere is charged with tension, drawing the attention of thousands. The shocking news of the Empress and the Consort clashing has spread like wildfire.
Indeed, she is not to be underestimated. The words spoken by the Queen left everyone astonished. If we were to liken the recent remarks made by Concubine Zheng to scratching the Queen's face, then the Queen's response was akin to tearing off Concubine Zheng's skin and throwing it on the ground, followed by a couple of kicks.
His radiant smile fell as desired into someone's eyes. The noble Consort Zheng was filled with uncontrollable anger! It was this little brat again, him, him! ... At this moment, Consort Zheng felt as if she were in the midst of a vast grassland, with ten thousand wild horses galloping past her in a furious rush
Although I do not fully understand the purpose of the Empress's recent actions, one thing is certain: based on the Empress's attitude towards Concubine Gong just now, it is clear that she intends to protect Yonghe Palace. Hmph, since you have come to meddle without knowing your place, do not blame me for taking down the rabbit along with the goose. I will not let you witness my methods, truly thinking that I am easy to bully!
Zhu Changluo, struck by the piercing gaze of Consort Zheng, felt extremely uncomfortable, as if he had become prey targeted by a snake. After all, it was still Empress Wang; she leaned to the side, blocking Consort Zheng's seemingly predatory gaze directed at Zhu Changluo.
Why did everyone react so strongly? It must be understood that what Concubine Zheng said has already violated a major taboo in the palace. In the imperial palace, any concubine or consort who holds a position of a palace master can refer to themselves as "this palace." However, the problem arises! ... A concubine meets a consort, a consort meets a noble consort, a noble consort meets the imperial noble consort ... The imperial noble consort meets the empress, and this hierarchy continues to the top, with the empress at the pinnacle of the Golden Tower, being the most esteemed woman in this palace and indeed in the entire realm
The mountains are barren and the waters are exhausted, seemingly without a path; yet amidst the dark willows and bright flowers, there lies another village! With this object in hand, what worries could there be about not being able to bring down the honorable consort? Once the honorable consort is toppled, finding a way to eliminate that wretched offspring is no more difficult than crushing an ant!
Regardless of who wins or loses, this is a groundbreaking upheaval in the history of the imperial harem of the Ming Dynasty
Ultimately, it is the Empress who shows compassion and understands my heart. The other day, I watched an exceptionally good play, but for some reason, there were several parts I did not comprehend. Everyone in the palace says that the Empress is well-versed in ancient and modern knowledge, and I wonder if she could explain it to me
As her hand brushed against an object in her sleeve, the eyes of Consort Zheng suddenly brightened! With this object in her possession, what could she possibly fear!
The words caused the faces of those around to change dramatically, and some of the more timid individuals even broke out in a sweat. The only one who showed no reaction was Zhu Changluo. This was because he was completely unaware of the palace's rules; his ignorance did not mean that others were equally uninformed.
As thorns in each other's eyes and flesh, both sides have fought for half a lifetime, with a keen sense of combat awareness and rapid reactions. Zheng Guifei took the initiative to strike first, while Empress Wang was already prepared for battle.
In this performance, Zheng Guifei surprisingly claims she cannot understand it. Empress Wang appears calm on the surface, but internally, she is already on high alert. As an empress with extensive experience in palace intrigue, she has always adhered to the principle of responding to the enemy's moves with her own, countering each tactic as it arises, and adapting to circumstances. No matter how many clever schemes you have, I have my own established rules.
The play "Da Deng Dian" is quite ordinary, also known as "Suan Liang Deng Dian." Not to mention Empress Wang, everyone present has heard of it. The script tells the story of Xue Pinggui, who escapes to Xiliang to avenge his family, receiving assistance from Princess Dai Zhan, and returns to Chang'an with an army to seize the throne. The play depicts the story of Wang Baochuan, his lawful wife, and Princess Dai Zhan, one being the primary consort and the other a secondary consort. This is a joyous and auspicious comedy, one of the model plays that must be performed in the palace during festivals and celebrations.
The other day, I watched a performance in the palace. While it is true that the singing and acting were both excellent and vividly expressive, I must admit that I found the script to be so intricate that I could not comprehend it. Therefore, I have come to seek your guidance, Your Highness.
Once again disgusted, Consort Zheng looked up at the sky, waved the handkerchief in her hand, and disdainfully covered her nose. Heaven knows how much she wanted to scratch that detestable face! "The name of the play is 'The Grand Ascension to the Throne.' I wonder if Your Highness has heard of this performance?"
Lady Zheng, you are being too modest. What expertise do I possess in the grand scheme of things? I am merely a woman of the inner palace who has read a few more books and understands a little more than you. When it comes to experience, I cannot compare to you, Lady Zheng, who has long accompanied His Majesty and seen much of the world. However, since you have inquired, I am also curious, so please do share, Lady Zheng.