Chapter 130: Old Matters

Chapter 130: Old Matters

That day, after the Emperor left, Jiang Hui had breakfast as usual with Nian'er and Huayang in the warm pavilion.

With Wang's demise, the morning greetings ceased. The Emperor had considered issuing an edict for the palace women to greet Jiang Hui in Yaohua Palace, but she refused. Aside from the impropriety of it, Jiang Hui herself found it tedious to deal with a group of scheming women early in the morning.

Qingfeng entered from outside into the main hall, waiting beyond the screen until Jiang Hui and the children finished rinsing their mouths, then approached respectfully, "Madam, there's news from the Marquis' residence."

Jiang Hui nodded, gesturing for Shiliu and Hongying to take Nian'er and Huayang away before inquiring, "What have they found?"

Since the unexpected visit of Master Shen from Puluo Mountain to the Emperor, Jiang Hui had grown suspicious.

"Shen Zhan, merely an Imperial Reader of the Hanlin Academy, mostly engages in scholarly writing. Even if favored by the Emperor, he wouldn't be in charge of crucial state affairs. So his sudden visit on a rest day, when the Emperor was out with Consort Jiang, seems odd. For real political matters, he should first report to the Hanlin Academy's head, who would then relay to the Emperor, not rush over himself."

"Since that day was dedicated to offering eternal lights for the Empress Dowager and Princess Chengping, and with Consort Jiang present, it was a special occasion. As a nobleman from a prestigious family, Shen Zhan wouldn't act so inappropriately."

"It must have been something the Emperor instructed him to do, likely a private matter. However, for private affairs, the Emperor would usually rely on the Jinwu Guards. Involving Shen Zhan suggests that the matter concerns the Shen family."

"The Shen family, a prominent Jiangnan clan known for integrity, has long been respected in scholarly circles. Even though fewer family members have held official positions in recent years, they still enjoy considerable esteem."

"A private matter involving the Shen family likely means something has happened in the Jiangnan region. Hence, Jiang Hui sent Qingfeng to the Marquis' residence to discreetly inquire about the Shen family ancestral home in Huai'an."

"While these matters may be inconsequential to her or Ningyuan Marquis' residence, knowing is better than not."

Qingfeng shook his head, detailing, "This time, Jiang's steward's son disguised himself for the visit. Jiangnan seems normal. Although some villages suffered flooding in June, local authorities swiftly managed it with few refugees. As for the Shen family..."

Qingfeng slowed down, "Recently, a major event occurred: Shen family's Eighth Miss's betrothed unexpectedly drowned at a poetry gathering after the provincial exams. The elders planned to send her away, considering a new betrothal after a few years. However, she insisted on becoming a Taoist nun, creating quite a stir in Huai'an, with various rumors about her loyalty and secret affairs."

Jiang Hui frowned slightly, "Is that all?"

"Yes," Qingfeng bowed, hesitating, "Madam, should we investigate further?"

"No need," Jiang Hui shook her head slightly, "If it involves the Emperor and we can't find anything, better not to probe further."

"Yes," Qingfeng complied.

Jiang Hui then inquired about another matter, "Did the Crown Princess say anything?"

Qingfeng's voice became quieter, cautiously saying, "The Crown Princess mentioned she had secretly checked the princess's belongings over the years and found nothing amiss. But some items are unreachable, located at..."

"At father's place," Jiang Hui finished calmly.

"Yes," Qingfeng's voice was barely audible.

Jiang Hui, unfazed, dismissed Qingfeng and sat by the window to ponder. She then called for Hongying, instructing, "I'm granting you a five-day leave. Use the palace exit pass to visit your family and inquire about some old matters."

The staff from the Princess's mansion were either reassigned to the Imperial Household Department or the Marquis' residence, and some regained civilian status. Hongying's mother was among those who were released and, with the help of the Marquis' connections, opened a small clinic in Shangjing, specializing in women's health.

"Understood," Hongying, increasingly composed over the years, quietly acknowledged, clearly grasping her mistress's intent.

Seeing her understanding, Jiang Hui nodded slightly, adding, "In a few days, the Marquis' residence will send some literate girls to your mother's clinic for training. When your time comes, if you wish to leave the palace and marry, just let me know."

Hongying immediately knelt, asserting, "Madam, my service here is to repay your kindness. I have no intention of leaving you or the young masters!"

Jiang Hui gestured to Qiukui to help her up, smiling warmly, "Alright, I never test my staff. What I said was sincere. When you come of age, it's better to leave the palace."

Tears in her eyes, Hongying firmly stated, "Madam, I will not leave."

Accepting her resolve, Jiang Hui instructed her to prepare for the leave, then turned to Qiukui and Wanmeng, "The same applies to you."

Wanmeng solemnly said, "Madam, you must be joking. Qiukui and I will always be by your side. Leaving the palace would mean potential entanglements with others, compromising our loyalty to you. We won't allow such possibilities in the future."

Qiukui, handing warm water to Jiang Hui, remained silent, but her stance was clearly aligned with Wanmeng's.

The next day, both styled their hair in a way that signified their commitment, prompting the palace staff to address them as 'aunties.'

Jiang Hui was moved by their deepening bond of loyalty.

After five days, Hongying returned on schedule, entering the warm pavilion to report back to Jiang Hui.

She began with the matter of the girls at the Marquis' residence: "...My mother has chosen two younger girls to learn medicine. They assist in the clinic while learning. Eventually, they should be able to treat common illnesses."

"Good, that's very good," Jiang Hui nodded slightly in approval.

"Regarding the Great Princess's past," Hongying began, lifting her eyes briefly to meet Jiang Hui's before continuing, "My mother joined the Princess's household in the thirteenth year of the Qianning era, shortly after you were born, Madam."

"How was my mother's health at that time?" inquired Jiang Hui.

"Not well," Hongying shook her head, speaking softly. "My mother said the Great Princess often suffered from coughing. The late Emperor repeatedly sent physicians and medical women to the Princess's mansion for diagnosis, and my mother was among those who entered the mansion during that period."

Jiang Hui's expression grew tense. Her mother's illness had started when she was born?

Seeing Jiang Hui's reaction, Hongying added, "My mother mentioned that she was a medical woman in the Imperial Medical Bureau. Due to her exceptional talents, she was noticed by the head of the bureau and, after reporting to the late Emperor, was promoted to a female physician. She vaguely recalls that the Great Princess had a severe illness before becoming pregnant with you."

Jiang Hui asked with concern, "Did your mother notice anything when she diagnosed my mother later on?"

Hongying replied solemnly, "My mother only mentioned that the Great Princess suffered from weakness in the lung meridian, which affected her lifespan."