Chapter 4, Tonics

Amidst the falling blossoms, only the lone beauty stands out, do you not wish to be a plum blossom in the imperial harem? In the scorching heat and biting cold, when all flowers wither, only the plum blossom blooms proudly, just like in this harem, where no woman does not desire to gather all the affection of the three thousand.

"This servant knows her crime, please punish me, Your Majesty..." With a determined heart, she simply knelt down with a thud.

The black eyes, like morning stars, fixed unwaveringly on her face, missing not a single expression upon it

At this moment, Empress Dowager Niuhulu is smiling in an unseen place, patiently waiting for her to reach a dead end, and then step by step walk into the trap she has set in advance

He chuckled lightly, his indifferent gaze resting on the perfectly blooming wintersweet in his hand, its resilient branches having endured the harshness of wind and snow, still clustered with flowers as splendid as brocade

In a flurry, Jing Ning regained her composure, lowered her body, and bowed, "This humble servant... this humble servant pays her respects to Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty, may you live for ten thousand years!"

Jingning turned her head in a daze, her gaze disordered and complex. What had she seen? ... Could it be that ...

Jingning bowed down respectfully as he welcomed the sedan chair of the noble lady Fu to set off

With a hint of anger, she looked up and, before she had time to think further, was momentarily stunned there.

When all hopes have turned to bubbles, the only remaining hope is to survive

Attending to the noble lady, she gently lay her down, then quietly stepped out of the sleeping chamber and dismissed all the palace servants waiting outside the hall

On that day, they had met once, yet she did not recognize him. It is no wonder, as she had not looked up at the time, merely casting a hurried glance, and did not dare to observe closely. Now, upon a closer look, she realizes that there are indeed such handsome men in this world

Only Jingning knows that, in fact, the intention of the drunken old man is not in the wine

In the winter days, the Yan Hong Hall does not resemble the vibrant and flourishing scenes of spring and summer, with fallen petals scattered everywhere; only a few clusters of red winter jasmine are blooming perfectly, gently exuding an intoxicating fragrance after the auspicious snow. He stands with his hands clasped behind his back, dressed in a bright yellow brocade robe that outlines his tall and upright figure. If it were not for the exquisitely embroidered golden dragon patterns on the robe, he would appear ethereal, handsome, and elegant, as if he were a young scholar who had walked in from the stone paths of Jiangnan.

"What, don't you recognize me?" He pressed his lips together, chuckling lightly as he glanced at her, his eyes filled with mischief

Sitting on the cold stone steps, Jingning rested her head on her knees, lost in thought.

However, she did not mention that this medicine, in addition to nourishing the body, can also tame a man during the moments of intimacy with a woman. Therefore, this substance has an extremely subtle name, "Husband Tamer"

Once one soars to the branches, it signifies a rise to prominence and boundless glory. He is very curious to know how she would react to such temptations.

If I can bring joy to His Majesty, then my death would be of no regret..." She closed her eyes, resolutely choosing to die to express her determination

You and I are both palace maids, Sister Yue, if you have any last wishes, I will do my utmost to fulfill them. She looked at her with a compassionate expression. The health of Lady Ping is deteriorating day by day, and judging by the situation, it is likely only a matter of one or two days. As a close attendant palace maid, she could be summoned to serve in the burial at any moment.

Xuanye cast a sidelong glance, smiling with amusement, "To say one does not dare, to say one does not dare to hope, in my view, are merely words of evasion and refusal. But if I were to give you an opportunity, allowing you to stand on equal footing with the other consorts, what would you do then"

Jing Ning was taken aback, but still obediently clasped his hands in front of his chest, lowering his head. The gaze that should have rested on the collar of his garment was now fixed intently on a pair of black soft boots. It was as if only by doing so could he avoid seeing her face, or perhaps, he would not remember that she was the clumsy palace maid outside the Ruyi Pavilion.

Jing Ning hesitated for a moment, but then smiled and shook her head, "This servant is feeling weak and cold today, so I will not trouble my master. Moreover, if the guards of the Qianqing Palace were to catch a cold as well, this little life of mine would surely be in jeopardy!"

She was somewhat impatient, having clearly given orders that no palace servants were to enter the sleeping quarters before the hour of Wu. Why then did someone still choose to knowingly violate this directive

With a soft sigh, she stood up and brushed the dust off her skirt

"You are so bold, whose courage have you borrowed... or do you think that I truly cannot bear to kill you..." He glanced at her, his dark eyes flickering, and in the depths of his gaze, a barely perceptible glimmer passed by, like a deep pool shrouded in thick mist, profound and clear, revealing no trace of joy or anger

How? Ai Yue had a look of bewilderment, as if she had heard some enormous joke. "Jing Ning, if I were to inform Noble Consort Fu about the matter of the 'cooling medicine', then your fate wouldn't be any better than mine, would it?"

Having entered the palace for five years, she has long grown accustomed to the myriad of colors and forms, bizarre and strange. Although the schemes are difficult to predict, they ultimately lead to the same destination. In this deep palace filled with traps and temptations, secrets are always in abundance. If one has the ability to grasp the secrets of others, it has always been the bargaining chip for survival.

In such a sorrowful and mournful expression, he slightly curled his lips, revealing a meaningful smile, his lips moving gently as he said: "In every palace, there are those filled with ambition who wish to rise, as well as those who merely seek a quiet and mundane existence without grand aspirations. As for you, it seems you are not someone who can play the role of a minor character..."

Even if one were to seek the imperial physician, there is no need for such a commotion. With such a great disturbance, could it be that the noble lord is unwell... A glimmer of unusual brilliance suddenly flashed in Bi Lian's water-like eyes, resembling a smile, yet also hinting at a sense of glee in another's misfortune

Do you know that, based on this statement alone, I can hold you accountable for deceiving the sovereign, and you shall equally face the death penalty for such a crime!" His dark eyes flickered as he looked down at her from a position of authority. He was not angry, yet exuded an air of intimidation

I remember... you said your name is... Dewan, is that correct?" He stood under the lush flowering tree, extending his slender fingers to gently pluck a fragrant plum blossom

Life is precious precisely because it is only lived once; once lost, there is no chance for redemption. When a person's life is threatened, they are capable of doing anything.

Unwilling

Jing Ning accompanied with a smile, increasingly ingratiating, "Esteemed Supervisor, how could you say such a thing? Even if I had the greatest audacity, I would not dare to take matters into my own hands. My master has indeed been unwell recently, and once my master recovers, I will certainly have to trouble you again!"

He seemed to hesitate, yet abruptly stopped, lightly flicking his robe sleeves. With a graceful and gentle smile, he departed quietly, leaving behind only a faint trace of the scent of ambergris.

Draped in a long cloak, with the collar tightly wrapped, Jingning sat in the long corridor in front of the imperial hall

In recent days, the noble lady has been required to take a certain tonic regularly. The medicinal liquid is very bitter, with a slightly sour taste that carries a hint of fishy odor. Each time the medicine is administered, Jingning must prepare a large plate of candied fruits, drizzled with the finest flower honey, for the noble lady to consume after taking the medicine

Originally, Jingning did not understand, but when Ai Yue cried and knelt at her feet, pleading desperately, she finally grasped that principle

She looked at her, tears of laughter glistening in her eyes

After that day, the Emperor never returned to the Yan Hong Palace. However, there were a few occasions in the middle of the month when he summoned Noble Consort Fu to his bedchamber. Each time, it was the Chief Steward of the Imperial Household, Li Dequan, who personally came to attend to the matter.

The regulations in the inner palace are strict; after nightfall, loud noises are strictly prohibited. The Sakan Palace and the Changchun Palace are separated by two palace walls, and such a loud commotion would likely disturb even the Chuxiu Palace.

The nobleman said that this medicine is for nourishing the body

He has been immersed in the palace for many years and is well-versed in its intricacies. How could he not understand the meaning behind Jingning's words? Thus, he smiled and said: "The ladies from the other palaces all wish to have their plaques placed more prominently so that the Emperor may glance at them. Yet your mistress, on the contrary, insists on doing it differently. This is truly the first time I have seen such a thing. Could it be that you, this little maid, are acting on your own accord, deliberately sabotaging your mistress's good fortune?"

The ranks of the concubines in the imperial harem differ, and their attire is distinctly varied; the same applies to the palace maids

The favor of an emperor is, after all, as ephemeral as a mirage or a fleeting dream, uncertain from one morning to the next. He may, in a moment of whim, take her into the harem, but in the countless days that follow, she must endure on her own. Without a family background to rely on, when the favor is no longer there, what will she have to depend on?

However, it was later proven that she was far bolder than he had imagined, daring to speak nonsense right in front of him. Little did she know that she was wearing the flowerpot-bottomed shoes that only the women of the imperial harem would wear, how could he not recognize them? Although the lie was told with composure, it was not clever at all

According to the laws of the Qing Dynasty, all servants of the Eight Banners must follow their masters in death. Yet, I am merely a palace maid; what means do I have to escape this fate? Unless, there is a miracle. She smiled brightly, gazing at Jing Ning, her eyes filled with a desperate madness. Later, when I inadvertently encountered that sunny afternoon, I realized that miracles must be fought for by oneself

There has always been a rule in the palace that whenever a new concubine is appointed, the Empress will send a maid from her side to attend to her. While it appears to be for service, it is, in fact, for surveillance. The Empress oversees the harem and must ensure that her eyes and ears are spread throughout every corner. It can be assumed that these maids who are dispatched are merely a drop in the bucket.

The various concubines in the harem may not openly express their grievances, but privately, they find ways to make the palace maids sent over suffer greatly. As for Noble Lady Fu, although she also feels displeased, she treats Dong Chun with a degree of courtesy and kindness.

The east wind is cruel, the joy is fleeting, the servant humbly requests the Emperor's compassion and mercy

It was indeed a reflection of a fall, having not seen her for several days, I secretly ran to the Yan Hong Palace. That naive girl is completely unaware that the harem is filled with many watchful eyes; even the slightest movement cannot escape the notice of others. As a result, she inevitably has to endure the scolding of the older maids. However, the Empress Dowager is magnanimous, not only has she never punished her, but she frequently bestows favors upon her, which others view with great envy.

It is in my hands... but so what?

The so-called "the servant bullies the master" refers to the fact that on ordinary days, those concubines of slightly lower status would bow and scrape before him, striving to observe all the proper courtesies. Therefore, every time after Lady Fu got into the sedan chair, Jing Ning would always approach Li Dequan, pulling him close and stuffing a heavily filled red envelope into his hand

Ai Yue was taken aback by Jing Ning's words, but in an instant, she smiled, a smile that was very cold

"Jingning, you are not me, you have no right to say such things," she bit her lip, her eyes filled with bloodshot veins. "You entered the palace to serve the newly promoted noble, residing in the most magnificent chambers, receiving the most esteemed rewards, while I... I come from a better background than you, entered the palace earlier than you, and have diligently served for five years. Yet, in the end, I face the fate of being buried alive alongside the deceased..."

"Out of necessity..." Xuanye recited these four characters with a hint of amusement, casually plucking a red-bud wintersweet. With a half-smile, he glanced at her kneeling on the ground, saying, "Isn't it more like a game of desire to entice and then to reject?"

Li Dequan tucked the red envelope into his inner pocket, smiling as he looked at Jingning, "The little girl knows how to speak well. Alright, the old servant has taken note of it! So, aren't you coming along?"

Those highly esteemed matriarchs, though no longer young, still exude an aura of grace, composure, and the dignified essence of royalty. It seems that her greatest wish now is to endure decades of hardship like them, ultimately growing old and fading in beauty, and dying within the palace.

The medicinal soup was sent from the home of the noble family, and for this reason, she specifically went to the Divine Martial Gate, pleading with the soldiers guarding the city with kind words and spending a large amount of silver, just to bring it into the palace. If this matter were to be known by Eunuch Li, she would undoubtedly face punishment with a cane.

If one were to reveal their true name, it would constitute the crime of deceiving the sovereign. However, if one does not speak, since His Majesty is already aware that she is not a maid of the Ruyi Pavilion, how could he not know that she is not someone of "De Wan"

She secretly felt regret, lamenting her own negligence. When it came to matters of life and death, she had not paid enough attention

Since that day, she has not returned to the Chengqian Palace

Jingning walked to the edge of the porch, leaning against the moon gate, quietly gazing outside

At this moment, it was still early before the third watch of the night, and she simply leaned against the doorframe and dozed off

However, Ke Ai Yue's gaze turned cold; she fixed her eyes on her with a penetrating look, smiling in a strange manner

Relying on the family's prestige, Li Dequan was considered a highly favored eunuch in the palace. He entered the palace at a young age and served the emperor closely, attending to him both on horseback and on foot. Not only was he responsible for the logistical support of the inner palace, but he also took care of the emperor's daily meals and rest, holding a significant position within the palace

Regarding matters such as accompanying the king, aside from the summoned consorts, the maidservants brought along are all of average appearance. This way, they neither seduce the ruler nor appear too shabby, thus preserving the dignity of their master. Therefore, the favored lady did not take her along, and she understood this implicitly. Moreover, being able to avoid such places of gossip may not necessarily be a bad thing for her.

At this moment, a faint sound of footsteps suddenly arose at my ear

As she spoke, she simply stood up, her face displaying a determination akin to burning one's boats.

He does not believe it, could it be that she really does not care

The imperial harem has given rise to the brilliance and splendor of many women, yet it has also buried the vibrant youth and lives of countless others. They are palace maids, destined to be mere embellishments, subordinates, or even victims. If she could truly turn the tide, would anyone wish to see her perish? ... Yet, she truly cannot ...

On that day, when Jingning dismissed all the servants and palace maids of the Yanhong Hall, she happened to go to the Sakun Palace while someone was staring blankly at the "cooling medicine" in the sleeping chamber. The small red pills in her hand were familiar to her.

It is truly unbearable; even Her Majesty the Queen has been awakened by the noise

"Knowing one's crime? What crime?" Xuan Ye smiled ambiguously, yet there was a profound meaning in his deep-set eyes

Desire is the only gift a woman can receive in the depths of the palace. In the past, she had hoped to ascend to greatness, but unexpectedly, her master fell ill with tuberculosis, and her life was destined to be intertwined with the cold palace; later, she wished to spend her remaining years in peace, yet sudden tragic news shattered her beautiful dreams once again

This is her first time seeing him, the Supreme of the Great Qing, the young emperor

Such is often the way of the world. When countless eyes are fixed upon you, one wishes to bore a hole in their own belly, yet the person involved remains preoccupied with vying for favor, thinking that a single night of grace could lead to bearing a dragon's heir. For that is a capital sufficient to allow another woman to stand firm in the harem; even if she no longer enjoys favor, if she gives birth to a precious child, she will have a lifelong support.

While serving in bed is certainly a good thing, ever since Lady Fu took that special tonic, her body cannot withstand too much strain; otherwise, it may have the opposite effect and harm her health

"Listen, someone is coming again!" Xia Zhuping held her breath. Suddenly, from a distance, there indeed came another sound of footsteps, but it was from the opposite direction

In a state of confusion, a sudden sound of hurried footsteps came from a distance, growing closer and then fading away, interspersed with a few indistinct conversations, which instantly brought Jingning back to her senses

How can one believe it, how can one? She is only eighteen years old this year, a woman in the prime of her youth, yet she is about to be executed, and for such a ridiculous and cruel reason!

The servant has wronged the sovereign and does not dare to hope for the Emperor's forgiveness. However, on that day, the servant was truly... compelled by circumstances beyond her control, and it was not her intention to deceive..." After speaking, she bowed again before him, hoping to exchange her plea for mercy for a glimmer of hope.

In a harem filled with beautiful women, how many can truly be fortunate enough to enjoy such a fate? Most, however, merely find themselves served a bowl of medicinal soup afterwards, and then quietly lose that blessing.

As the weather turns cool and the dew becomes heavy, the young girl should take care of her health not just for your master, but for herself as well..." Li Dequan smiled as he glanced at Jing Ning, and before leaving, he left behind a remark full of meaning

Within the imperial harem, there are indeed many who attempt to ascend the ranks through beauty and cunning, hoping to rise swiftly and soar high. The day I saw her, she was as she is now, following the rules and being cautious and meticulous. However, accustomed to the monotonous courtiers of the harem, it was the first time I had seen a palace maid wandering in a daze within the Forbidden City. At that moment, I thought to myself, what a bold woman she is

Bilian and Xia Zhu have already been sent to rest by her, while she must wait until after the third watch of the night, when the favored concubine returns from her summons, before she can sleep. The long night stretches on, and she is the one keeping watch.

Today's rejection may perhaps fortuitously bring back a glimmer of hope, but if one were to be grateful for it, the first to not let her off the hook would likely be Empress Dowager Niu Hulu.

Is he saying that she is self-appreciating and unwilling to be mediocre

The favored individual beside His Majesty, in order to avoid suspicion, never easily visits any palace. Now that he has come, he naturally intends to seize the opportunity well

This time, accompanying Dong Fu Xi to the Qianqing Palace was another palace maid from the Yan Hong Hall, Dong Chun, who also came from the Blue Banner's inner court. She had a petite and delicate figure, but her appearance was quite ordinary. She was sent over from the Chuxiu Palace to serve, thanks to the grace of the Empress.

Unfortunately, he is the Emperor

Just like her, wearing flag shoes with flower pot soles, she is dressed in a lake green palace gown. Although the color is dull, the cuffs and collar are embroidered with elegant floral patterns in plain-colored threads. It is simple yet retains a sense of delicacy.

In an instant, her heart suddenly became flustered. How could this be? How could she have seen this?

Heaven is merciful, Jingning, how fortunate you are, for you must know that such a blessing is unattainable even through fervent requests. Ai Yue's smile grew wider, and in her eyes was an insatiable madness. "When one person achieves enlightenment, even the chickens and dogs ascend. Since you have the opportunity to rise to great heights, how can you not lend me a hand..."

"Sister Jing, I beg you—" she clutched her hem tightly, tears streaming down like rain

Gritting her teeth, she still spoke softly.

After taking the medicine, the noble person usually needs to sleep for an hour. If disturbed during this time, they are sure to become very angry. In the past few days, many palace servants have been punished for this reason

Returning to the Yan Hong Hall, she had nothing better to do than to sit idly and daydream

In the cold winter season, with the weather chilly and the dew heavy, one cannot help but shiver if dressed too lightly. Xia Zhu yawned, rubbing her eyes and murmuring: "It seems that the Ping Master from Changchun Palace has fallen ill again and is currently seeking the imperial physician for treatment"

Jing Ning quietly looked at her, but lowered her eyelids, "Sister Yue, have you forgotten, 'Once a servant, always a servant, one cannot aspire, nor defy, only obey,' even in death, one cannot have personal will... Moreover, burial with the deceased is a rule set by our ancestors, which even the Emperor does not dare to violate, let alone I, a mere servant..."

Your Majesty, please see clearly, this servant does not dare..." She urgently and fearfully bowed her head in submission

Today, the one attending to our master in the Qianqing Palace is none other than our esteemed queen, so of course, she cannot sleep! Bi Lian laughed dismissively, as if it were not the favored concubine being attended to, but rather herself.

Speaking recklessly is a capital offense, and she cannot bear the consequences

In her view, it was merely a chance encounter of goodwill, yet she never anticipated that, in the end, she would become her lifeline

Clutching the corner of her garment tightly, Jingning shook her head, then shook her head again, "Unintentionally striving for spring, I do not dare to hope for the jealousy of all the flowers, nor do I wish to end up, falling to the ground and being ground into dust. I am not a plum blossom; I do not wish to be left with only a trace of fragrance in the end."

A wave of panic swept through Jingning's heart, but in an instant, she took a light breath, her gaze turned cold, carrying a hint of indifference and a touch of aloofness

In those years, the Empress bestowed upon Consort Ping both grace and authority, granting her such things. Yet, such medicine has now appeared in your hands. Jing Ning, we both reside in the depths of the palace; without my saying, you should already be well aware of this.

That day ? In the afternoon ... ...

The knees that had knelt for a long time were already tingling, yet it could not compare to the fear and anxiety in her heart. "If this is the Emperor's decree, this servant does not dare to disobey. But if the Emperor shows mercy and compassion, this servant... does not wish to."

Jingning did not know which "Xiaolian" Bilian was referring to. Having entered and exited the Changchun Palace a few times, she had not encountered many palace maids. However, she had some impression of the round-faced Aiyue. She still remembered that last month, she had helped her carry water.

In the vast imperial harem, when remaining inconspicuous and self-sustaining has become a luxury, the only means of securing one's safety and survival lies solely in the two words "being dutiful"

Confusion, astonishment, hesitation, helplessness, countless emotions intertwine; she stands there in a daze, feeling sorrowful, yet deep down, there is an inexplicable sense of being seen through and understood

"As one approaches death, their words become kind. But why do you act this way!" She looked at her in disbelief, unable to comprehend how such enmity could arise from merely a fleeting encounter. Or is it that women born in the palace are inherently so malicious, knowing they are to die, yet still seeking to drag someone down with them

The so-called rules have long been established from the very beginning

Welcome, no need for formalities

"Sister Ning, what is happening outside?" Bi Lian also heard the sound, waking up Xia Zhu. The two of them put on their clothes and came out to take a look

Today, he is still dressed in casual attire; however, the pair of apricot-yellow satin pointed shoes has been replaced with a pair of black soft boots adorned with a golden scale pattern, featuring gold-plated buttons along the seams. The buttons are engraved with auspicious cloud patterns. Though understated, it remains luxurious and noble

Alas, Xiaolian and Aiyue are truly unfortunate," Bilian shook her head and sighed, "If the noble lady were to unfortunately pass away, they would have to follow her in burial!

Xuan Ye was slightly taken aback. Previously, it was out of fear, but now it was out of reluctance

Recently, the noble lady's health has been somewhat weak, and I hope the chief steward will take good care of her... This batch of concubines, led by Li Dequan, has entered the palace, so they are naturally closer to her than others

Jingning stared blankly upwards, watching the figure clad in bright yellow depart.

"You say you are powerless, no, that cannot be true—Jingning, do not think that I know nothing at all," she slowly walked up to her, gently grasping her shoulder, "that afternoon, I saw everything..."

"The servant..." She lowered her head in contemplation, yet did not know how to respond

"Last wishes? No, I do not want to die, I refuse to die! Jingning, you must help me!"

The noble master is still resting inside, I shall go and report this immediately!" She once again bowed and then turned to leave. However, he reached out to stop her, "No need to hurry, I did not come to see her.