Chapter 10, Decoctions

"This palace has no such fortune; it is merely a matter of being attentive," she said somewhat petulantly, though her gaze betrayed a hint of evasion

At seven months pregnant, she had a belly as large as a tub, completely losing her previous slender figure. Although her face was somewhat swollen, it could not conceal the joy of becoming a mother for the first time. Dressed in exquisite jewels and fine silks, it seemed that the Emperor cherished her greatly. "This servant has come at the Empress's command to pay a visit and convey her regards," I said with a smile while kneeling on the mat.

I still maintained a concerned tone: "Does the Empress not wish to drink? However, this medicine is indeed somewhat sour and bitter; it would be better to have Hongyu fetch some honey to mix in." Hongyu was about to rise, but the favored concubine ordered, "Sit down." Startled, Hongyu hurriedly bowed deeply. I couldn't help but smirk inwardly; it seemed that life in front of the favored concubine was not easy. The prenatal medicine personally bestowed by the Empress, if the favored concubine refused to drink it, would imply a slight against the Empress, which was indeed a grave offense. In truth, she was more worried that this would completely ruin the obedient facade she had put on before the Empress Dowager in order to preserve her life. Originally, she had intended to secretly take some for herself, but unexpectedly, I returned it to her, leaving her in a dilemma. She pondered and found no way to escape, tears welling up in her eyes, gritting her teeth, she raised the medicine bowl and swallowed it in large gulps, the medicinal liquid trickling down her pale face and into her collar, yet she paid it no mind. Like me, she chose to preserve her life, sacrificing the child in exchange for her own life—a rather profitable transaction.

I have long admired Your Highness's esteemed name, but I fear that my humble status may cause Your Highness to be looked down upon as well. If it were not for Her Majesty the Empress sending me to see you, I would not dare to step through the gates of Yuhua Palace. I humbly said. "How could that be? This palace is not one that can be easily invited to; who would dare to look down upon it? How is Her Majesty the Empress's health? I know that she does not enjoy crowds, so I do not wish to disturb her too often." "Her Majesty the Empress is in good health, but it is somewhat of a joke; the Empress Dowager is worried about any mishaps and has the imperial physicians watch over her daily. From meals to medication, everything is carefully monitored, fearing that anything might harm the royal heir in her womb," I implied. Madam Chen paused, her hand still poised to serve tea, her eyes lowered, thick eyelashes casting a dark shadow. Slowly, she smiled and said, "That is only natural; the Empress must be cautious in bearing the royal heir, taking every precaution." I smiled without replying. Having achieved my purpose and exchanged a few pleasantries, I stood to take my leave. Madam Chen remained lost in thought and did not see me off.

Hong Yu took the bowl and knelt before Wang Meiren's couch. I coldly watched as her charming face turned from red to pale, the rosy hue of her lips instantly drained of color. "Your Highness, please take this; it will lose its efficacy if it cools down. I specially brought it in an insulated food container, so please do not let the Empress's good intentions go to waste," I advised with a faint smile. Wang Meiren's hands trembled as she slowly accepted the bowl, her phoenix eyes fixed on it, caught in a dilemma.

The Yuhua Palace is located in the northwest corner, near the Shanglin Garden, where the evergreen trees thrive year-round and flowers bloom without fail. In the past, when Madam Chen was favored, it was a desirable place to visit. Before I could call for someone to announce my arrival at the palace gate, I had to pay my respects in the usual manner due to the lack of any gifts to present. After a round of formal bows, Madam Chen, with a beaming smile, helped me to my feet. "Miss Qingyi, you are too courteous. You and I are quite fated. I have wanted to draw closer to you several times, but I feared that people would say I intended to cling to the Empress, which has instead made me distant from you." I nodded in agreement, raising my gaze to meet her eyes, where I saw no hint of evasion. Although there was a semblance of insincerity, there was no sign of timidity or fear.

The medicine bowl fell, and she cried out loudly, leaning over on the couch, waiting for the arrival of pain. A fragrant moment passed, seemingly without any movement, and she slightly lifted her head buried in the brocade quilt, gazing directly at me

The New Year has just passed, and there remains a lingering atmosphere of joy; Yan'er seems to continue to maintain her happiness

Yan'er was immediately infuriated, snatching the silk and exclaiming: "Where is the narcissus? Sister Qingyi doesn't recognize the painting at all; it's clearly a painting of the wax plum, how can one see any narcissus in it?" I feigned surprise and took the silk back: "Is that so? Let me take a closer look, too." Yan'er was unwilling and came over to snatch it back. In the tussle, we were both panting, and in the end, she simply let go. I lost my balance and fell to the ground, and Yan'er burst into laughter. I could no longer maintain my facade and joined her in laughter. I successfully diverted the topic. Yan'er doesn't need to know much; I will handle the open and hidden conflicts. It is not solely to please the Empress Dowager, but also because Yan'er has become someone I genuinely want to cherish from the bottom of my heart. Ever since Jin Mo's departure, I have been unable to let go, yet in Yan'er's laughter, I found my heart for Jin Mo again. This feeling is both like that of sisters and like that of mother and daughter, filled with deep affection. Only in this way does it seem I can make up for my past mistakes, as I owe too much to Jin Mo and can only transfer my feelings to Yan'er for solace. Since Jin Mo's departure, I have been unable to let go, yet in Yan'er's laughter, I found my heart for Jin Mo again. This feeling is both like that of sisters and like that of mother and daughter, filled with deep affection. Only in this way does it seem I can make up for my past mistakes, as I owe too much to Jin Mo and can only transfer my feelings to Yan'er for solace. This time, the turmoil has settled, and I have not forgotten to instruct someone to deliver medicine to Wang Meiren. Sometimes I feel a sense of pride, after all, I have avoided a bloody storm, which is a great good deed.

"It is indeed good, Your Majesty, thank you for your concern." She slightly curtseyed in a perfunctory manner. "Your Majesty has endured much in nurturing the royal heir, and your complexion appears somewhat pitiable. Have you taken any nourishing tonics to restore your health?" I inquired with concern.

Extend the tip of the tongue to lick the medicine, it is sour with a hint of bitterness. The imperial physician fears that Yan'er might dislike the bitterness, so every time the medicine is administered, it is mixed with cherries and honey to mask the taste, ensuring there should be no sour or bitter flavor. Suppressing my suspicions, I placed the medicine in a spot where it would not be seen by others. Yan'er remained engrossed in her painting, unaware of any abnormalities. I took a leave from her and turned to step outside. I called over Bi Lian: "Who delivered the medicine today?" Bi Lian pondered for a moment: "It was delivered by Duke Du from the Imperial Pharmacy. He is the one who usually brings it." I contemplated for a moment; this matter is of great importance. If I report it to the Empress Dowager, it would surely lead to another bloodbath. The last tragedy is still fresh in my memory, and I have no intention of stirring up trouble again. Who could it be? Madam Chen? Beauty Wang? It seems they are the ones most directly involved. I kept my expression neutral, placed the medicine bowl into a food box, and instructed two young eunuchs to prepare a small sedan chair for me. I am going to Yu Hua Palace.

Indeed young, merely at the age of sixteen or seventeen, lacking the worldly wisdom of Madam Chen. I do not point out her presumptuousness in self-addressing. Generally, only those conferred the title of a first-rank lady can attain the position of a palace master, referring to themselves as "this palace." It is already an exception for Lady Wang, favored by the emperor, to be assigned to the Changqiu Palace's Guangfu Hall, and she should not further transgress the established norms in her titles. "The Empress said that you have labored greatly in bearing the imperial heir, thus she commanded this servant to present you with her own pregnancy-preserving medicine. Furthermore, the Empress also mentioned that from now on, your supplements will be sent from the Weiyang Palace." I turned around to take the supplements from the food box and stood up to hand them to Hongyu.

Yan'er widened her eyes and eagerly tugged at my sleeve, saying, "Is that so? Or is it Sister Qingyi who knows how to paint?" She proudly raised her hands and shook her head. "Sister Qingyi, I painted the wintersweet for you." She maintained her proud expression. I smiled slightly and said, "Isn't it a daffodil? Is it wintersweet? Let me take a closer look." I held the painting up to examine it carefully.