Chapter 43: Minor Heat (3)

Chapter 43: Minor Heat (3)

The moon in the sky shone brightly, casting a pale blue hue on the pathways. The small, orange lantern, barely the size of a bowl, moved slowly forward, illuminating the unevenly arranged tiles and the stubborn, resilient nape of the person holding it.

Indeed, the emperor could now immediately envision that rebellious face whenever he saw her back. Perhaps due to having seen so much of her nape, if a row of them were lined up for him to choose from, he would surely recognize it at first glance. How peculiar, an exceptionally distinctive nape, yet not particularly special in itself; but on Qi Yingming, it left an especially profound impression.

He rarely encountered such steadfast resistance in court, let alone in the harem – she was one of a kind. Sometimes, his hatred for her would rise to the point of wanting to eliminate her, but he was constrained by political affairs and couldn't do anything to her. This mix of dislike and necessity to tolerate her had, for the first time, stirred in him a resolve to devise a scheme against her. Of course, her frequent defiance often fueled his anger, but he knew he couldn't take it seriously; for if he did, she wouldn't have the chance to continue her antics.

To some extent, she was a tool the emperor had inadvertently created for his own discomfort. Occasionally, amidst his towering dominance over all, encountering setbacks was both novel and amusing. Thus, he didn't genuinely detest her. Compared to the coquettish, fawning women in the harem, she was like a thorn bush, impossible to overlook.

"Qi Yingming," the emperor called out to her. "Who was responsible for the creation of the 'Veneration of All Nations' seal?"

Upon hearing the emperor call her name, Yingming had intended to turn around, but upon hearing the latter part of his sentence, she quickly returned her head to its original position. "Your Majesty, this servant doesn't understand your meaning."

The emperor anticipated her response and remained calm as he walked, saying, "There is no third person present, so there's no need for you to put on an act with me. Forging imperial seals is a capital offense. Don't you know that?"

Yingming pondered for a moment before responding, "This servant didn't forge an imperial seal. If Your Majesty refers to that stamp... it differs significantly from the genuine seal, and I used it for practice. I never expected Your Majesty to take it seriously." She carefully chose her words. "If Your Majesty plans to punish this servant for forging a seal, I won't admit guilt because Your Majesty lacks evidence to prove that the stamp is mine. Hasn't that stamp been in Your Majesty's possession all along? How does it concern this servant?"

Sure enough, she was prepared for this. She bet on the fact that this matter couldn't be openly discussed. The fake seal had originally been in her possession. Had he not sent someone to retrieve it, there wouldn't have been any subsequent embarrassment. It was a case of 'bait taken willingly.'

However, his declaration of "I won't admit to any crime" revealed just how audacious he was. The emperor clenched his teeth in anger and suddenly stopped walking. The blindfolded man walked a few steps forward before realizing the emperor had fallen behind and quickly turned back.

The light from the lanterns illuminated his face from below, casting a dark shadow above his nose, making him look unappealing. She said, "Your Majesty, what's wrong? Do you want to go back alone?"

The emperor nearly choked on his breath. Knowing that she wasn't willing to accompany him back to the Nourishing Heart Palace, he wished she would suggest he return alone! In truth, it wouldn't be a problem for him to go back by himself; after all, it was the place where he had lived for 23 years. However, the more she tried to guide him in that direction, the more he refused to fulfill her wish.

The emperor folded his arms and slowly continued walking. "I'm thinking about how to deal with you."

Her straightforwardness made Yingming feel a bit uneasy. "How dare a lowly servant like me trouble Your Majesty with such thoughts. Let's just let the past be the past; there's no point dwelling on it, don't you think?"

So, this was the one who gained an advantage comforting the one who suffered a hidden loss, telling them to let it go and be more broad-minded. Was that what she meant?

The emperor found her somewhat shameless, but then he realized that being too meticulous would indeed crush this insignificant blade of grass. Her survival depended on the tiny gap between his fingers. If he held on too tightly, she wouldn't be able to survive, and their game would end.

An idea came to the emperor. He said, "My feet hurt."

Yingming glanced back. They could already see the entrance to the Cining Palace, and they had only taken a few steps. How could his feet hurt so soon?

"What should we do, then?" she asked. "Shall I go back and fetch a sedan chair for you, and come back to pick you up?"

The emperor harrumphed. "Do you expect me to stand alone in the corridor?"

"I can leave the lantern for you if you're afraid of the dark," she offered considerately. "I have good eyesight and can manage to find my way back to fetch someone."

But the emperor didn't accept her offer. It was preposterous for the ruler of all under heaven to carry his own lantern. Besides, his foot wasn't really hurting; he just wanted to make things difficult for her. He said, "You were assigned to serve me. How can you just run away?"

Yingming was at a loss now. He wouldn't lower himself to ask her to carry him, would he? With that icy demeanor, standing within three feet could give anyone chills. He wanted her to carry him on her back? Did he really think she was so easily pushed around?

They stood there in deadlock. She pondered, unable to understand why he never left her alone, always trying to manipulate her. He disliked her because she was Na Xin's daughter, and he despised Xue Shangzhang for still wanting his people to occupy the throne. But she hated his arrogant attitude and unreasonable temper. And there was the hatred she held for his entire family for the murder of her loved one. If not for fear of bringing disaster upon the Xue and Qi families, she would have quit long ago.

The emperor enjoyed her discomfort as she stood helplessly. He gazed up at the moon. "It's the fifteenth today..."

Yingming's frustration seeped out from every pore. She disliked both the emperor and the moon. "The moonlight tonight is truly unappealing."

The emperor turned his glare onto her face. "If your eyes are useless, I'll pluck them out myself. They're wasted on you anyway."

This time, Yingming dared not complain. This was the second time he'd threatened to take her eyes. She sighed and looked down at the emperor's shoes. "Your Majesty, why is your foot hurting? Is it the shoes or a corn?"

The emperor's expression froze. "What nonsense are you spouting now?"

Then Yingming fell silent, placing the sheep horn lamp by her feet. She clasped her hands together and lowered her head, standing motionless.

What did this mean? The emperor, seeing her inaction, grew annoyed. Shouldn't she have said, "Your Majesty, this servant is here to carry you"? As a woman, the emperor naturally wouldn't actually ask her to do so, but attitude was crucial. Unfortunately, she lacked the awareness of being a servant.

"I could have had your head on a platter if my anger were any greater," the emperor said in a chilly tone. "Is this how you serve?"

Yingming lifted her eyes, her face blank. "This servant hasn't done anything."

It was precisely because she hadn't done anything that it was infuriating. Looking at her bewildered face, the emperor's eyes sparked with irritation. Suddenly, he found her dazed expression amusing. He chuckled. "Qi Yingming, I bestow upon you a new name, given by the imperial edict. It's Confused Goose. What do you think?"

Naturally, Yingming was furious. This emperor's brain must be no bigger than a walnut, still resorting to childish pranks like giving nicknames. They'd outgrown such antics at seven or eight, yet he was using it to taunt her now!

She blinked. "The Empress Dowager said that this servant would one day become your empress. A Confused Goose Empress, what do you think of that?"

The emperor was taken aback, turning away after a moment and muttering, "Who agreed to make you empress!"

There was nothing they could do about the situation; eventually, they had to accept their fate. Yingming spoke up, "If you didn't agree, then why take this servant to the underground palace to familiarize myself with the place? I've never seen such determination from you. Without anything happening, you're already talking about sharing a grave with this servant."

When it came to sparring with words, the emperor could never hold his own against her. However, after their exchange, both realized that the person they disliked would be bound to them in life and death, a prospect neither found appealing.

The emperor's foot had finally recovered, and he began to walk forward, his figure appearing somewhat forlorn. Yingming hesitated but still hurriedly followed to light his way. Along this path, without the presence of courtiers, the emperor now seemed like an ordinary man unable to exert his power. They approached the Longzhong Gate; the nearby offices belonged to the Office of Military Matters. The eunuchs standing guard outside bowed upon seeing the emperor from afar. Soon, the zhengji (junior officials) emerged, dressed in formal attire, kneeling to welcome the emperor. Yingming turned her head to look; at that moment, the emperor regained his solemnity and regal demeanor, once again becoming the supreme ruler of the nation.

"Serving you until here is enough," he said, his tone cold. "I am to discuss matters in the Office of Military Matters. You may return."

Yingming acknowledged, slightly bowing her waist as she respectfully saw him off into the office.

Only then did she lift her gaze to admire the moon. In truth, the moonlight was beautiful, its beauty enhanced by the emperor's absence, revealing the tranquility of the night.

On her way back, Songge soon appeared, rushing over to take the sheep horn lantern from Yingming's hand. She asked, "Mistress, does your hand still hurt?"

Yingming replied that it didn't, though when she pressed her fingertips together, they felt stiffened and numb.

There was no need to visit the Cining Palace, so they passed through the arcade near the palace gate, directly returning to the Empress's residence. Under the lamp, they observed her nails; the skin appeared taut, with faint fingerprints. Songge still applied ointment, saying as she did, "Miss Chun has accompanied the Honorable Consort back to the Shoukang Palace. I reckon there will be an imperial edict promoting her rank tomorrow."

Yingming hummed in response. "She was burned more severely than me. She might develop blisters later."

Songge paid no heed to the severity of Miss Chun's injury, continuing, "The Empress Dowager still prefers our mistress. She allowed Miss Chun to remain in the palace because of the Chun family and the Honorable Consort. If she were promoted first, it would be for the best."

The elevation of concubines wasn't a significant matter; at most, it involved rewarding their families with gifts, and once their rank was set, their residence was assigned. However, for the empress, the process was far more complicated, involving the stability of the state and numerous rituals. The palace needed ample preparation, which required great effort.

There was no rush, as the Empress Dowager was not only observing if the two could get along for a while, but more importantly, she was watching the developments in the previous court. Na Xin continued to play the role of a mediator as usual, while Xue Shangzhang steadfastly held onto his authority over the Six Banners. Both parties remained at an impasse, thus the imperial edict for the coronation of the empress was temporarily withheld.

It was better this way, Yingming felt more at ease. Sometimes, she even harbored the hope that there might be a day when she could leave the palace...

The following day, an imperial edict was issued from the throne anointing Lady Chunji as a noble concubine, all in accordance with the Empress Dowager's command. She was granted residence in the Chongqian Palace.

When the edict arrived, Songe looked at her mistress with apprehension, "Consort... Empress."

To be bestowed the title of Imperial Noble Consort upon entry is a clear breach of convention, a method of promotion that poses a significant threat to the position of the Empress.

Yingming was still seated by the window, engrossed in her embroidery, entirely oblivious to Songe's concerns. Intrigues in the court had always spilled over into the harem; it was an age-old pattern. Both Chongshan and Na Xin held noble titles, but while Na Xin wavered in his loyalties, Chongshan dedicated himself to relieving the emperor's burdens, working tirelessly on river dykes and coastal defenses for the sake of the state.

Empress Dowager Gu is here in the Cining Palace with her niece to express gratitude. The newly promoted Empress, radiant with joy, outshines even the most splendid attire with the glow of happiness on her face.

Who could have foreseen such a meteoric rise? Normally, advancements follow protocol: the daughters of princes and generals would enter the palace to become imperial consorts, while those of lower-ranking officials were typically bestowed the titles of Consort or Lady. Based on the test from the Grand Empress Dowager yesterday, Noble Consort was utterly disheartened; she had assumed the highest she could hope for was to be made a consort, the position of Empress not even a remote dream. Yet, the Emperor's favor was boundless, elevating her straight to the rank of Noble Consort—a grace so profound that it warranted a most earnest kowtow.

Spring Concubine entered through the door with graceful poise, stepping steadily until she reached the Empress Dowager's throne. She then knelt down, placing her hands together in front of her forehead and bowed deeply. This display of respect must have been rehearsed countless times; not a single strand of her headdress swayed. Not only did it please the Empress Dowager, but even Yingming found it most satisfactory to behold.

Empress Dowager ordered them to rise, and the Honorable Consort then bowed to the Empress. The Empress smiled like a bodhisattva, "Make sure to serve your mistress well from now on."

In the Empress Dowager's eyes, no rank was too high to be considered a concubine; thus, her attention was more focused on Yingming's reaction. She wondered how the girl would handle such a calamity. However, Yingming remained the same as yesterday, even smiling. Her expression seemed to suggest she was enjoying the situation as if she were the one marrying her son.

The Empress Dowager was at a loss. She glanced at the Grand Empress Dowager, who was busy rewarding the new Empress. The Grand Empress Dowager didn't spare a single look in their direction.

Yingming was not in a hurry, but outside the palace, Duke Na's family was like ants on a hot pan.

The Lady asked the manager, "What's the real story here?"

The manager replied, "Eunuch Dong conveyed the message that it is indeed Miss Fourth of the Chongshan family who will become the new Empress. The imperial edict has already been issued. At this moment, the palace rewards have arrived at their door, and the Chun family's threshold is almost being flattened by visitors."

The secondary consort sat in her armchair, unable to speak for a long time.

Duke Na looked at the Lady and then at the secondary consort. He had forgotten his secret rendezvous with his favorite companion and jumped up in the hall, "Are they treating me, Na Xin, as a clown? Our daughter was properly engaged, and they forcefully took her into the palace. I thought it was for her to become an imperial concubine, so I didn't complain. But now, what's going on? The previous empress has already been buried. It's time for an explanation. Hey, our daughter hasn't even been officially titled, yet the daughter of the Chongshan family has been promoted. Who are they trying to provoke? I should go to the palace and ask if they still want our daughter. If not, they'd better return her promptly. Our Qi family would rather raise her as an old maid than give her to the Yuwen family!"

Hearing Duke Na's loud voice, the Lady felt her head was about to explode, "My lord, please lower your voice. If they were willing to let Yingming come back, would they need our hints?"

As the strategist of the family, the Lady, being the daughter of a grand scholar, had a more comprehensive perspective. She fanned herself and said, "Though we're anxious at home, I believe Yingming isn't. She knows worrying won't help now. Everything depends on Father."

Duke Na looked at her intently. His anger subsided quickly as he understood, "On me?"

After all, he had served as a regent for decades; how could Duke Na not understand the palace's intentions? Yingming's entry into the palace was facilitated by the Xue family. Although the palace had followed Xue Shangzhang's wishes, whether or not to proceed further depended on his actions. Duke Na felt his humiliation lay in the fact that they were using his daughter as a pawn in their power struggle. If not for Yingming's quick thinking, she might have been reduced to mere bones by now, let alone becoming an empress! But since she was already in, there was no turning back. Duke Na resolved that if she was to enter the imperial harem, she must become the highest-ranking consort. To be just another concubine would be a waste of his daughter's talents.

"I must pay a visit to the Xue family," Lord Na picked up the fan from the table. "I need to have a thorough discussion with Xue Shangzhang about this matter."

He was about to leave when he was stopped by the Lady Fu. "Discussing what? Tell him to present the Six Banners in his command and send them to Sarigan River to quell the unrest?"

Lord Na was taken aback, halting in his steps, aware that neither side was willing to back down on this matter. Xue Shangzhang's act of sending his goddaughter into the palace was merely a contingency plan, ensuring that should any unforeseen circumstances arise in the future, her position there would serve as an added layer of security. However, it was utterly inconceivable for him to relinquish his current, tangible authority for the sake of such a distant and uncertain safeguard.

"Why did the palace take Ying'er in? It's all because of you, Your Highness! It's more beneficial to win your favor than to curry favor with Xue Shangzhang. Can't you see the logic in that?" Fu Jin stood up and said, "At this crucial point, if we don't protect ourselves, who will? Now that you've been elevated to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort, all eyes in the palace will be on you. They'll be watching to see if you understand the situation, if you still align yourself with Xue Shangzhang or not."

Lord Na had maintained a moderate stance for years, always content with what was left behind by others, prioritizing stability above all. This time, with his aunt in the palace and on the verge of being metaphorically burned at the stake, he felt that he could not remain passive any longer. It was time to show some backbone and, at the very least, ensure that the young lady ascended to the throne as the Empress.