Chapter 27: Consort Shu’s Miscarriage 1

Chapter 27: Consort Shu's Miscarriage 1

Xiaofuzi explained, "It's non-toxic and, when burned with incense powder, can even regulate blood and qi deficiencies."

Spruce wondered, "Non-toxic? Are you saying Yunfei added this to the Morning Dew Fragrance just to improve Mistress's blood and qi? Would she be so kind-hearted?"

Unlike Spruce's surprise, Song Zhao remained composed, "Let him continue."

Xiaofuzi went on, "Although Poluo fragrance is non-toxic, it must not be used with tranquilizing incense. When used separately, they're both beneficial, but together, they harm a woman’s reproductive system, leading to infertility or frequent miscarriages..."

"Despicable!" Spruce clenched her fists in anger, "Chenfei's pearl earrings contain tranquilizing incense, and Yunfei’s Morning Dew Fragrance has Poluo fragrance. They’re colluding to harm Mistress, ensuring she can't bear children even if favored!"

As she spoke, Spruce rummaged through a drawer on the dressing table.

Song Zhao asked softly, "What are you looking for?"

"I’ll find the pearl earrings too, so we can take all these items to the Emperor. He must know someone is trying to harm Mistress!"

"Don't bother," Song Zhao waved her hand, signaling her to stop, "Didn’t you hear Xiaofuzi? Both the Poluo and tranquilizing incenses are beneficial alone. Even if you present this so-called evidence, what can be done? One is from Chenfei, and the other from Yunfei. Who would believe that two high-ranking consorts would conspire against a mere Regular Consort?"

Spruce frowned and shook her head, "But it’s clear they are targeting Mistress!"

"What of it? Even if I were harmed, when the truth comes to light, Chenfei and Yunfei can easily deny their involvement."

Song Zhao had long understood the principle that a tall tree catches the wind. She knew the women in the palace were adept at scheming, but never imagined that for a newly emerged Regular Consort like herself, Chenfei and Yunfei would conspire to give such a 'generous gift'.

Resting her chin on her hand, she gazed through the window at the moon high in the sky, murmuring:

"I really don't understand. Chenfei and Yunfei appear to be at odds, with Yunfei seeming more aligned with the Empress. Could it be that they have been secretly allied all along? Is their apparent hostility just a façade for the Empress?"

This was a conundrum that even Song Zhao couldn’t unravel, let alone Spruce and Xiaofuzi.

She could only think to herself,

"I must be even more vigilant in the future.

A single lapse could lead to a catastrophic downfall without my realizing it."

If Song Zhao were to reveal today’s incident, it would be a direct affront to Chenfei and Yunfei,

Therefore, she had to suppress the matter, feigning ignorance like a fool.

She instructed, “Remove the tranquilizing incense from the pearl earrings and replace it with ordinary fragrance powder. As for Yunfei's Morning Dew Fragrance, we must use it daily in our palace. Xiaofuzi, be mindful to remove the Poluo fragrance mixed into the bottom layer. Remember, only the three of us should know about this. Keep Zhihua and Xiying in the dark for now.”

After settling these matters, it was already late.

The imperial palanquin didn’t come to pick up Song Zhao today, indicating that Xiao Jingheng probably summoned Chenfei.

After a long day, Song Zhao felt exhausted, preparing for an early rest after a brief wash.

Just as she was about to fall asleep, she heard the main gate of the courtyard being loudly knocked.

At this hour, the gates of Yaohua Palace were already locked, and Song Zhao had retired. Such commotion meant something significant had happened in the palace.

The Empress was often ill, suffering frequent bouts of heart disease.

Whenever her condition flared up, the consorts and concubines would take turns attending to her. Perhaps her illness had worsened again?

Song Zhao thought that if the Empress was ill, she too would have to attend to her, to avoid giving others a reason to criticize.

Peering through a gap in the window, Song Zhao saw an unfamiliar young eunuch rushing towards the main hall where Regular Consort Yao resided.

Soon after entering, the dimly lit main hall was brightly illuminated by newly lit candles.

Song Zhao quickly wrapped herself in a coat, intending to investigate the situation.

As she stepped out of the western annex, she saw Regular Consort Yao hastily exiting the main hall.

She quickly asked, “Regular Consort Yao, what’s happened?”

Regular Consort Yao’s face was extremely distressed, and with furrowed brows, she uttered,

“There's trouble in Zhongcui Palace.”

Hearing this, Song Zhao felt a tightness in her chest.

Zhongcui Palace was exclusively inhabited by Consort Shu. If something happened to her, it would be a more serious matter than the Empress’s recurring heart condition!

“What happened to Consort Shu?”

“I’m not exactly sure. Just now, a servant from the Internal Affairs Department reported that Consort Shu felt unwell after her evening meal. Later in the night, she suddenly had an attack, it seems like... she started bleeding.”

“Bleeding?” Song Zhao was shocked, covering her mouth in horror, “Wasn’t the Imperial Medical Bureau always reporting that Consort Shu’s pregnancy was very stable? It’s been seven months, how could she suddenly start bleeding?”

She appeared utterly astonished, but inwardly she felt a sense of relief.

Fortunately, during Consort Shu’s visit today, she hadn’t given her anything to eat or drink,

Otherwise, with such an incident, she couldn’t have completely avoided implication.

Regular Consort Yao replied, “You’re asking me? I’m just as baffled. Right now, Consort Shu’s pregnancy is the most precious in the entire harem. We can only hope nothing serious happens.”

As they were speaking, Lady Li from the eastern annex, hearing the commotion, also came out.

"What's happening in the middle of the night?"

Ever since Xiao Jingheng demoted Lady Li, Regular Consort Yao had been somewhat reluctant to interact with her,

and said to Song Zhao, "Let's go and see what's going on."

Lady Li eagerly followed behind them, keen to join the commotion.

As they hurried to the entrance of Zhongcui Palace, they heard the crisp sound of a bowl shattering from inside,

followed by Consort Shu's hysterical cries:

"My child is already seven months along! How could you let me lose my child at this time? Where's the Emperor? I want to see the Emperor!"

Song Zhao quickened her pace, following closely behind Regular Consort Yao.

Upon entering, they saw Consort Shu’s bed surrounded by three imperial physicians and several palace maids,

Consort Shu was out of sight, but her harrowing cries were unmistakable.

Song Zhao glanced at the shattered porcelain bowl on the floor, its remnants mixed with some medicinal soup,

She immediately recognized the herb in the medicine as Achyranthes bidentata.

And Achyranthes bidentata soup is known for inducing miscarriage.