Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

The Great Zhou Palace, Qianyang Palace, the rear hall and warm pavilion.

The heated walls of the warm room emitted heat, and the fine red clay charcoal burned bright red in the blue-and-white copper incense burner.

Even so, as soon as Guo Lin uttered those words, the warm and cozy room seemed to instantly lose its heat, leaving everyone feeling chilled to the bone.

Emperor Jia Zhao's face was gloomy, his heart filled with disappointment and contempt. He sighed coldly, "Demons and monsters, the human heart is unpredictable."

He then asked, "Guo Lin, you are the deputy chief eunuch. What should be done with the eunuch from the Imperial Pharmacy and that eunuch from the water room?"

Guo Lin bowed and said, "Your Majesty, these two have violated palace rules, harbored treacherous intentions, and showed no respect for the Emperor. They should be beaten to death!"

Emperor Jia Zhao coldly said, "Proceed accordingly. Immediately order the palace guards to arrest the person, carry out the execution at dawn tomorrow, and send a message to the palace as a warning to others!"

Emperor Jiazhao pondered for a moment, his words deep and profound, and continued, "Very well, detain the eunuch in the water room for one night, and leave him to the Empress to deal with tomorrow."

Let's leave aside the matter of the Prince Zhao's residence, to save face for the Empress. She knows what's going on and hopefully will learn from it and properly educate her son.

Upon hearing this, Guo Lin felt a chill run down his spine. The Emperor was going to imprison the person tonight and then leave them to the Empress to deal with tomorrow.

His Majesty is trying to kill us and destroy our spirit. Tonight, the Phoenix Palace will likely be filled with fear and unease.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Ningrong Street, Earl's Mansion, Jia Cong Courtyard.

Jia Cong entered the courtyard and saw two kitchen managers' wives, each carrying bowls and chopsticks, coming out of the main room, as the maids in the courtyard had just finished eating.

He entered the main room and saw Zhi Shao sitting on a daybed, holding a small embroidery board, embroidering a handkerchief.

Yinglian was sitting next to her watching, and when she felt a little envious, she took the embroidery from Zhishao and embroidered a few stitches herself. The two of them chatted and laughed softly.

Lingguan and Douguan were leaning against a small table, playing dice for fun. Each of them had a plate of roasted chestnuts in front of them. Whoever rolled a lower number would lose a chestnut.

Because Douguan was small, he couldn't even fill a round-backed chair, so he knelt on the chair. When he rolled a high number, he would clap his hands and laugh.

The two of them thoroughly enjoyed this simple game, but Lingguan seemed to be having bad luck, and Douguan's plate was already overflowing with chestnuts.

Seeing their carefree appearance, Jia Cong recalled his earlier laughter and conversation with Daiyu, and how Yingchun and the other sisters quietly stayed in their boudoirs, seemingly detached from worldly affairs.

The thought of the Mongol invasion and the critical situation in the north has caused unease within the capital city.

There are truly two worlds between home and the outside, but no matter how the outside world changes, as long as he can protect his family's safety, he has no other desires.

Having figured this out, his worries lessened considerably. He walked over to Lingguan and, with great interest, helped her roll the dice, winning two rounds in a row.

Not long after, Ping'er and Wu'er returned from the East Mansion, and the main room became even more lively. Then, Qingwen came back with a message.

The group stayed in the main room for half an hour, chatting and playing games, enjoying themselves. As it was getting late, they dispersed.

Ping'er was on night duty tonight, so she went back to the main room with Jia Cong. Just as she was closing the door, she was about to help Jia Cong undress.

Hearing footsteps on the veranda, he heard Yinglian say by the window, "Third Master, news has come from the outer courtyard. A junior official from the Ministry of Works has come to the mansion to deliver a message."

Fearing it might cause delays, the steward asked Third Master if he wanted to go out to meet them.

Jia Cong knew that the six ministries of the imperial court had clerks on duty every night, but it was unprecedented for them to come into the mansion at night to deliver messages.

He had been paying close attention to everything since the military report arrived in Beijing today, and now that this unusual event had occurred, he naturally had to deal with it carefully.

The steward of the outer court is unfamiliar with court politics and official business, so there will inevitably be inaccuracies in his relaying of messages. It is naturally best to speak to him face to face.

He told Ping'er to wash and tidy herself up first, then got up and went out through the second gate of the inner courtyard. The steward of the outer courtyard was already waiting at the gate and led Jia Cong to the side hall of the outer courtyard.

A minor official in blue robes was already waiting in the hall. When Jia Cong entered, he said, "Lord Jia, the palace eunuchs just delivered a message to all the government offices that the morning court session will be canceled tomorrow."

He ordered us to convey the message to the fifth-rank officials in the yamen who were to enter the court, and that each of us should go to the yamen to perform our duties and await further orders. If there was any news, we should report it to the Office of Transmission and forward it to the palace.

Jia Cong asked, "When the message came from the palace, did it mention the reason for the suspension of court?"

The clerk from the Ministry of Works said, "The messenger eunuch did not mention it, but before sunset, several waves of military messengers entered the city, and all the government offices had already heard the news."

A large number of troops from the Five Armies Camp were mobilized to strengthen the defenses of the nine gates of the capital, and the Five City Garrison Commands patrolled the streets more frequently.

Many of his colleagues in the government office suspected that there must be some unusual activity by the remnants of the Mongol tribes in the north, which was why the court had raised its guard so high.

His Majesty will be taking a break from court tomorrow, most likely due to the war situation. The court has not made any explicit announcement, and I dare not speculate further.

Jia Cong found this reasonable; the guess of this minor official from the Ministry of Works was similar to what he had in mind.

If it weren't for the unexpected changes in the military situation in the north, there wouldn't have been any disturbances in the city tonight. Emperor Jia Zhao had to cancel the morning court session because he was too busy to attend to the daily affairs of the Six Ministries.

Tomorrow the emperor will surely summon key officials to deal with the urgent military situation in the north; war is now inevitable.

Jia Cong had mobilized 60,000 troops from various regions, who had already set up camp in the northern suburbs of the city and were gradually establishing two prefectures to the north.

The capital city of Shenjing is garrisoned with 85,000 elite troops, guarding the four sides and nine gates, protecting the capital city, making it virtually impregnable.

The arrival of this minor official in the mansion to deliver a message allowed Jia Cong to see the situation clearly, and the doubts and uncertainties caused by the military report arriving in the city by fast horse were completely dispelled.

When he returned to the inner courtyard, his mind was more determined and calm, and he was just waiting for tomorrow to see what would happen.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

He had just entered his courtyard when he saw that Zhi Shao, Ying Lian, Qing Wen, and the others were still standing on the veranda.

Hearing that the official had come to their door at night to deliver a message, they were all worried and waited for his return before they could feel at ease.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "A message came from the yamen that the morning court session will be canceled tomorrow, so that everyone won't have to crowd the Meridian Gate."

You should all get some rest and sleep soundly; you don't need to get up early tomorrow.

Everyone was relieved to hear that nothing was wrong and went back to their rooms to rest. Jia Cong also pushed open the door and went into the main room.

Inside, the curtains were drawn low, the candlelight was bright, and the charcoal fire in the incense burner glowed red.

Ping'er had already taken off her overcoat and was only wearing a pink embroidered cotton undershirt from Songjiang. Her waist was slender and narrow, almost too thin to bend, and her breasts were full and shapely.

Her long, beautiful hair had been loosened from its bun and was loosely tied back with a ribbon. Her skin was fair and smooth with a rosy glow, and her eyes were as still as autumn water.

When she saw Jia Cong enter the room, she went up to help him take off his outer robe and jacket and change into a soft, light green silk nightgown and trousers.

He asked, "Third Master, why are people from the yamen coming at night? Is there something urgent?"

Jia Cong said, "Another military report has come from the north that most of the Mongols have entered the pass, and the court is about to mobilize troops to fight them."

A messenger from the government office announced that the morning court session would be adjourned tomorrow, as the Emperor would be dispatching troops and war would soon break out.

My second sister reminded my sister-in-law to stockpile more grain at the West Mansion. Has that been done?

Ping'er said, "Third Master, don't worry. Five carts of grain were delivered yesterday and have been properly stored. It's enough for the West Mansion to last until April or May."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Whenever war breaks out, grain prices will inevitably rise and become scarce. We will not hoard grain for speculation, but we must ensure that we have enough for daily use and be prepared for any eventuality."

Ping'er asked, "I heard Second Madam mention this a few days ago in Rongqing Hall.

They also said that war had broken out in the north, and that Third Master would most likely have to go to war. Is it true that he is going?

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Seeing that Ping'er's delicate eyebrows were slightly furrowed and her expression was quite worried, Jia Cong reached out and rubbed her soft cheek a few times.

He said, "The Mongols are fast horses and sharp swords, they come and go like the wind, and their fighting power is formidable. If they were to engage in a fast-paced battle, I don't know how many soldiers would die."

His Majesty values ​​the power of firearms and has been continuously expanding the Divine Machine Battalion in recent years. As the one who first advocated for firearms, it is inevitable that I will lead troops into battle.

Ping'er said softly, "When Third Master went to Liaodong to fight, he was gone for half a year. When he came back, he was dark and thin, which was heartbreaking to see."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "When the country is in turmoil, the family is in turmoil. I am a military meritorious official of the court, enjoying the glory of the state, so naturally I must fight for the country. I can't just enjoy the benefits."

Although Ping'er felt uneasy, she knew that this was the right thing to do. Someone with such a prestigious official rank and fame throughout the world, like the Third Master, was not someone who could be easily obtained.

One must experience more things and suffer more hardships than others, going through both gains and losses, joys and sorrows, in order to achieve accomplishments that others cannot.

How could someone like Third Master stay at home seeking a peaceful life? He's not like Baoyu from the second wife's family, who does nothing, eats rice idly, and relies on others to support him...

Although she knew these principles, she couldn't help but feel uneasy and asked, "Third Master, if we're going to war this time, it will take some time, right? It's not even the fifteenth yet."

Jia Cong sighed, "The war is raging and there is no time to lose. Judging from the situation in the city today, it will probably be over soon, and we probably won't even have to wait until the fifteenth."

Ping'er was deeply moved and couldn't help but snuggle into his arms, wrapping her arms around his waist.

He said, "If we go on this expedition, I don't know how long we'll be gone. When we go into battle, swords and spears have no eyes, so Third Master must be careful."

Jia Cong held the soft, fragrant body in his arms, inhaling the intoxicating scent of his daughter, and laughed, "Don't worry, I never go out without any restrictions."

Ping'er remained silent, her jade-like arms around his waist tightening unconsciously, unwilling to let go easily.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Jia Cong felt two firm, smooth, and elastic breasts against his body, with a lingering, half-curved sensation emanating from the crook of his arm.

Although Ping'er appears slender and thin, only Jia Cong knows her true appearance. He is always candid with her in private, revealing her slim waist and delicate ribs, making her unforgettable.

Even in the sparsely populated areas, there is abundance, with slender branches and large fruits, and snow-covered peach hills, resembling the lingering charm of mountains and rivers, which is difficult to describe in words.

At this moment, her slender and voluptuous figure was fully embraced, and he couldn't help but lift her snow-white and beautiful chin, and capture her flower-like pink lips, tenderly and relentlessly invading them.

In the past, when the two were intimate in the inner room, Ping'er would often laugh and avoid them, unwilling to give in easily, which made Jia Cong have to go to great lengths.

Perhaps it was the topic of going to war that made her feel somewhat heavy-hearted, causing her to feel reluctant to leave and her emotions to surge.

She stroked Jia Cong's cheek with her palm, tilted her head back to meet his gaze, and wholeheartedly agreed with him, letting him do as he pleased.

In a short while, the spring warmth intensified, and Jia Cong undid Ping'er's cotton undergarment from Songjiang. The proud spring mountains, the red flowers and jade dew, were wantonly seized by him.

The candlelight in the room had not yet been extinguished, and the soft, autumn-colored gauze curtains flickered and swayed in the dim light.

Her narrow waist was sunken, her peach-shaped mound was like the moon, and her snow-white curves were long and straight. She gently stepped on the brocade couch, as if it were covered with pear blossoms.

Overturning and turning, whispering dreams, the warbling of orioles gliding beneath the flowers, the murmuring of springs struggling beneath the ice.

After a long while, the candlelight in the room flickered, leaving only the lingering warmth of their love... ————

The Great Zhou Palace, Fengzao Palace
The morning light is bright, the rising sun is rosy, green tiles and red walls are bathed in the dappled sunlight.

Yuan Chun was dressed in the official robes of a female official, wearing a black gauze hat with double feathers, a narrow-sleeved round-necked robe, a leather belt inlaid with jewels around her waist, and black boots with white soles and black surfaces.

With a graceful and charming demeanor, yet also displaying a capable and spirited air, she walked steadily across the vermilion palace wall, followed by Baoqin, dressed in palace attire.

When the two arrived at the entrance of the main hall of Fengzao Palace, they found that the palace maids and eunuchs on duty all had serious expressions and were in a hurry, creating an unusual atmosphere.

Yuan Chun had been in the palace for ten years, a time filled with danger. She had always been cautious and had long since mastered the intricacies of the palace, developing the ability to read people's expressions and demeanor.

She glanced around and knew that something must have happened at Fengzao Palace, but she had just arrived that morning and did not know the details.

Because of the routine affairs of the palace, she reported palace matters to the Empress every day, and handled them either in accordance with palace rules or as instructed by the Empress.

This morning, I entered the main palace of the Empress, but it was the same as usual.

Seeing that the atmosphere in the palace was not right, she became more cautious, gave Baoqin a few instructions, and went into the main hall alone to report.

The Empress looked unusual today; her face was pale, and her brows furrowed with anxiety. Her usual grace, nobility, kindness, and gentleness seemed to have vanished considerably.

Although Yuan Chun knew that the Empress valued her highly during that year, she never took it for granted.

Because she was a clear-headed person, she knew that the Empress's favor was not because of her, but because of her cousin Jia Cong.

The empress's sudden kindness towards him was merely a roundabout way of winning over foreign officials.

Who could blame her for her cousin's dazzling brilliance at only fifteen? The Empress saw his limitless potential, recognizing him as a future pillar of the Eastern Palace...

Yuan Chun knew that she was not the daughter of a meritorious official, and now she was not even in the main branch of the Jia family, so the Empress did not truly value her.

Seeing the Empress's unusual expression, he became even more vigilant, daring not to reveal the slightest hint of his presence, and calmly reported the palace affairs truthfully.

The Empress was also absent-minded. She listened to Yuan Chun's report in a haphazard manner, gave a few casual instructions, and then sent Yuan Chun out of the palace.

Yuan Chun was naturally delighted. Seeing the unfavorable situation in the palace today, she couldn't wait to leave.

In a few months, she will have reached the ten-year mark, and she is already eager to return home and escape from this cage as soon as possible. She has no desire to get involved in any of the palace's troubles.

Yuan Chun had just turned to leave and had not yet reached the front of the hall when she saw the head eunuch of Fengzao Palace hurriedly enter the hall.

He said, "Your Majesty, Chief Eunuch Guo received an imperial edict to bring Qiu Xuanfu back to Fengzao Palace, leaving Your Majesty to deal with him as you see fit."

Yuan Chun was slightly shaken upon hearing this. She recognized Qiu Xuanfu's name; he was a eunuch in the water room of Fengzao Palace, who was in charge of transporting spring water from Beishan Mountain to the Empress.

Why did this person involve the Emperor, who even issued a special edict ordering the Empress to deal with him?

Yuan Chun was puzzled, but then she heard the Empress's voice, cold and trembling with suppressed emotion, say, "According to palace rules, he should be beaten to death..."

Hearing the words "beaten to death," she felt a chill run down her spine. The Empress had an excellent reputation in the palace and was known for her kindness and benevolence. She had never heard of her beating eunuchs or palace maids to death.

What heinous crime did Qiu Xuanfu commit that not only alarmed the Emperor but also prompted the Empress to order him to be beaten to death without hesitation?

.........

Yuan Chun had just left the main hall and had only taken a few steps along the covered corridor when she saw figures shoving each other in the open space in front of the main hall, and a eunuch being tied to a torture bench.

Two palace servants swung round canes, striking Qiu Xuanfu's back repeatedly. Qiu Xuanfu screamed in agony, his voice extremely shrill.

Upon hearing this commotion, Yuan Chun's pretty face turned pale with fright, and she quickened her pace even further.

I could vaguely hear Qiu Xuanfu shouting, "Your Majesty, I have always been loyal and devoted to my duties. Please spare my life..."

When Yuan Chun heard the head eunuch's furious outburst, she shouted, "You short-lived wretch! You're about to die, yet you're still spouting nonsense. First, beat your mouths raw, then have them beaten to death!"

She couldn't help but turn around and see a eunuch holding a bamboo stick, slapping Qiu Xuanfu's cheeks. In just a few blows, his skin was broken and his mouth was full of blood, and he could no longer speak.

Yuan Chun was filled with fear, so she quickened her pace and almost jogged, disregarding her manners, and walked a long distance.

No more screams of Qiu Xuanfu could be heard. He had either fainted from the pain of torture or had been beaten to death. In any case, he could not escape death.

Yuan Chun ran a long way and leaned against a palace wall. She touched her full breasts, took a few deep breaths, and calmed her racing heart.

Baoqin, lifting her skirt, ran out diagonally and asked, "Miss, how did you get here? I've been looking for you everywhere."

Yuan Chun asked, "Have you heard any rumors?"

Baoqin said, "I went to exchange documents with Eunuch Wang, the purchasing eunuch, as you instructed. You are very perceptive, Miss. He is well-informed and quick-witted."

I only mentioned it casually, but why is everyone in the palace so tense today, while he's making such a fuss about everything? I wonder how he's managed to survive until now?

Yuan Chun laughed and scolded, "What nonsense are you talking about, girl? Hurry up and get to the point. What's the matter?"

Baoqin had run away in a hurry, her pretty face flushed. She tidied a stray hair at her temple and said, "Eunuch Wang said that something big happened in the palace last night."

I heard from the north that the Mongol Tartars have occupied Xuanfu Town and killed tens of thousands of civilians.

When Yuan Chun heard that tens of thousands of people had died, her face turned pale. She realized that the situation was so serious that the court would definitely have to go to war with the remnants of the Mongols.

Congdi once led troops in the Nine Garrisons and made outstanding contributions. I wonder if he will be sent on a campaign.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Baoqin said this, then looked around and saw that this section of the palace wall was deserted before whispering in Yuanchun's ear.

"When His Majesty learned of the news, he was so angry that he vomited blood and fainted on the spot. Originally, Qianyang Palace kept it a secret, but it was leaked by a eunuch from the Imperial Pharmacy."

This young eunuch was fearless; he must have received some benefit from someone, because he immediately told Qiu Xuanfu, the eunuch in charge of the water room.

Qiu Xuanfu went out of the palace to fetch water with the team last night, but it is said that someone informed on him that he left the team midway and his whereabouts are unknown.

Some say he had ulterior motives, others say he went to the Prince of Zhao's residence; in any case, he violated a major taboo in the palace.

Deputy Chief Eunuch Guo arrested him last night, but handed him over to the Empress this morning. Perhaps he can escape with his life.

Yuan Chun lowered her eyes and said, "He was beaten to death by the Empress just now in front of the main hall."

Upon hearing this, Baoqin turned pale with fright and was speechless for a moment.

Yuan Chun looked puzzled and asked, "Although I know that Eunuch Wang is talkative and well-informed, and he likes to gossip, it's usually not a big deal."

But the Emperor vomiting blood and fainting is a matter of utmost importance, and only one night has passed. How could he know all this so clearly? This is truly strange.

Baoqin was also taken aback and said, "You are so thoughtful, Miss. I really didn't expect this. Even if such an important matter were to leak out, it shouldn't be known to everyone."

He was just a low-ranking eunuch in charge of purchasing goods, and he was usually just a bit talkative. How did he suddenly become so sharp-witted?

I only mentioned it casually, and he poured out his mind, explaining everything clearly in one go, as if someone had specifically told him this.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Yuan Chun said quietly, "Chief Steward Guo has already apprehended Qiu Xuanfu. His Majesty can decide on his own. Why hand him over to the Empress? This is enough to give us pause for thought."

Such a major palace affair, only one night had passed, and even an eighth-rank purchasing eunuch knew everything. How could there be fewer others who knew?

You were just a lowly palace maid, asking casually, and someone told you the whole story.

This is truly illogical; it's as if someone deliberately spread rumors so that everyone would know.

You said that Qiu Xuanfu left the palace and went to the Prince of Zhao's residence, revealing to the Prince of Zhao overnight that the Emperor had vomited blood and fainted. That shows that he had ulterior motives and deserved to be punished.

For a eunuch to have such audacity, he must have been instructed by someone.

Baoqin had been in the palace for many years and had seen many cunning tricks. She immediately understood and said with a pale face, "Could it be the Emperor..."

Yuan Chun quickly covered her mouth and whispered, "You silly girl, how could you say such a thing?"

Baoqin blushed and said, "Miss is too cautious. Let's go back to Guanxie. It's better to stay away and let this matter pass."

Yuan Chun felt a chill run down her spine when she thought of Qiu Xuanfu, who was beaten to death, and his last words of pleading for mercy.

A deep sense of disgust welled up in my heart; this deep palace was truly not a place for humans to live.

He said, "In a few months, we will leave the palace and go home. We have endured ten years of hardship to wait for this day."

Baoqin, try to stay home as little as possible these next few months. Be careful in your actions and words, and avoid getting involved in trouble. You'll get through this...

……

The Great Zhou Palace, Qianyang Palace, the rear hall and warm pavilion.

The incident involving the eunuch in the water room yesterday, for some unknown reason, has already spread throughout the palace overnight.

After dawn that day, many concubines learned of the news and came to visit Emperor Jia Zhao one after another. The warm pavilion was filled with beautiful figures and fragrant breezes, and people came and went in an endless stream.

When Emperor Jiazhao learned that the Empress had acted decisively and had the eunuch Qiu Xuanfu beaten to death, he felt only a chill in his heart.

He only exchanged a few words with the visiting concubines, and had little interest in further conversation.

The concubines also remained tight-lipped, expressing their concern but secretly harboring a wait-and-see attitude.

Having lived in the inner palace for a long time, they naturally knew what was most taboo within the imperial palace.

Everyone was wondering how the Empress would handle this situation. Perhaps the matter would simply fade away, but given the Emperor's temperament and shrewdness, it was bound to leave a lingering shadow.

Of these women, only Consort Xiao gave birth to the fourth prince; the others either had no children or only gave birth to princesses.

Now I'm actually quite glad that I've had fewer worries and dangers.

The Empress also came to visit once, speaking as if nothing was amiss, but whether she was burning with anxiety in her heart, outsiders could not know.

The concubines dared not say anything more or cause any disturbance, and they all knelt and dispersed, each with their own plans.

Afterwards, many people went to Jingcui Palace, where Consort Xiao and the Fourth Prince lived. Prince Ning's birth mother had died early, and the palace had lost its foundation.

Such is the way of palace intrigue; at the slightest sign of trouble, someone will always be eager to stir, and it will always be a case of one side prevailing over the other… (End of Chapter)