Chapter 50: Great Heat (5)

Chapter 50: Great Heat (5)

Yingming's heart skipped a beat. In terms of closeness, Ning Fei, who had already become part of the emperor's harem, and the Grand Empress Dowager were undoubtedly closer. If Ning Fei complained to the Grand Empress Dowager about the difficulties she faced due to her night duties, Yingming would inevitably face some reprimand.

She pondered whether or not to reveal the truth. Actually, the emperor could see through her little scheme, and so could the Grand Empress Dowager. It wouldn't be a smart move to find more excuses now; perhaps confessing the truth might earn her a reputation for honesty in front of the Grand Empress Dowager.

Hence, she knelt down respectfully and whispered, "Your Grace, I dare not hide anything from you. When Ning Fei sent a palace maid to deliver money to the Imperial Bedchamber, I paid attention to her actions. Later, when I accidentally knocked over the silver tray and picked Ning Zhi's token to give to my master, it was also to indirectly harm her."

The Grand Empress Dowager was surprised. "Why? You don't seem like a narrow-minded child. From your words and behavior since you entered the palace, I can tell that there must be a reason behind your actions."

Yingming bowed her head and acknowledged, "On the day of the former Empress's funeral procession, the concubines in the harem accompanied the Empress Dowager's carriage into Gonghua City. Princess Ning made derogatory remarks about me behind my back, using an analogy about some relative from her family – describing me as a illegitimate daughter involved with my sister's husband. She portrayed me in an extremely disreputable light. I have no desire to hold grudges, nor do I enjoy making life difficult for others. However, I have my pride and cannot allow such baseless slander to go unchecked. I am from a reputable family and have no understanding of such indecent behavior. As a princess in the palace, Princess Ning should conduct herself with dignity befitting her status. Yet, she spoke so disparagingly in front of the entire court, causing me great embarrassment and making it difficult for me to navigate my future interactions."

The Grand Empress Dowager slowly nodded. "I was wondering where such baseless enmity could have come from. Don't worry, when she came to me complaining, I didn't give her an easy time. She's the daughter of Fu Rong from the Imperial Household Department, relying on her father's influence to behave arrogantly without any bounds. I've also heard about how she deceives both superiors and subordinates while wandering around the palace. This is the difficulty of having no one to properly manage things within the palace walls. If Empress Xiao Hui were still here, she wouldn't have allowed such lawlessness." Saying this, she patted her hand and smiled. "I initially thought you might be afraid of my blame and were trying to protect yourself. After all, it was entirely her fault, and even if you had denied everything, I couldn't have held you accountable. I didn't expect you to tell me the whole truth. At least you don't hide anything from me, which is a good quality. You disciplined her appropriately; it's right for her to learn a lesson. It also serves as a reminder to those who enjoy stirring up trouble that they should maintain proper respect for hierarchy and not blindly follow others."

After hearing the Empress Dowager's words, the heavy stone in Yingming's heart finally settled. She said with a blush, "I used cunning, and I feel regretful in retrospect. I shouldn't have done that."

Empress Dowager, however, said no. "The palace is the place in the world where rules matter most. Merely for her few irrational words, she should have her tablet revoked and be reprimanded. But have you informed the emperor about the underlying reasons behind this?"

Yingming shook her head. "Such vulgar words are not fitting for the master's ears. I would also loathe to add to His Majesty's troubles over a petty personal grudge."

She spoke gracefully, but the Empress Dowager interpreted another layer of meaning: After all, she was destined to be the Empress and naturally wanted to maintain an elegant demeanor before the Emperor. This was a good thing; knowing how to consider the Emperor's feelings showed that their relationship was harmonious. Yingming was a remarkable girl. At eighteen years old, if she had married early, her children might already be running around. Yet, she remained as pure as a blank slate, untouched by any vivid strokes. As long as she didn't wish it, she could remain innocent, and the Empress Dowager had never seen anyone so capable of controlling their own emotions.

Yingming knew how to please the Empress Dowager. She shifted slightly forward and whispered, "So, according to Your Grace, should this servant inform His Majesty about the details? I'm afraid my lady would think me petty and unsuitable for important tasks."

The Empress Dowager chuckled. "Then don't tell him. There's no need for him to know about the inner workings of the harem. With so many concubines in the East and West Palaces, it's not a big deal to let one go. My dear child, I'm truly glad you understand. It's the Buddha who remains detached from desires, but if you're willing to manage the harem, that's the Emperor's fortune. I know you were close with the previous Empress, but even the deepest friendship can't feed you. It's not easy to judge people's worth. Those you consider sincere friends may not be as friendly to others... The previous Empress ignored the harem affairs, which led the concubines to become cunning and mischievous. The Emperor also suffered, constantly having to balance the harem and make decisions on her behalf. After all, he is the ruler of the realm! Now that you're here, things will improve. Once one is disciplined, the rest will fall in line, and the Emperor will have an easier time."

After this lengthy speech, the Empress Dowager merely wanted to convey that she understood she wasn't perceived as a particularly good person!

Yingming grasped this duality too. To her family, she was a mild-mannered and obedient girl, but to the Emperor, she was cunning and money-hungry. In Ning Fei's eyes, she was despicable, deserving of the worst punishment. This was how different people viewed her. However, she couldn't be like the Buddha, impartial; she had her favorites. No matter what others said, their decade-long relationship wouldn't be shaken by mere words.

She smiled warmly and bowed, saying, "This servant will remember Your Grace's teachings. I'm not one to provoke trouble. As long as others don't offend me, I won't provoke them either."

Just then, they heard a voice outside greeting with respect. Looking out the window, Yingming saw that it was the Empress.

She quickly went to the main hall to await the Empress. Bowing at her knees in greeting, the Empress kindly waved her off, saying, "No need for formalities. I just saw the flagpole being raised at the Nourishing Heart Palace. Is it for setting up a canopy?"

Yingming felt awkward and sighed. "His Majesty mentioned there are too many midges. They keep crashing into the lampshades at night..."

The Empress didn't concern herself with trivial matters like setting up a canopy. What interested her was Yingming's night duty with the Emperor—whether anything amusing had happened.

"Was everything smooth last night?" The Empress Dowager led Yingming into the antechamber while bowing to the Grand Empress Dowager. "Did your Highness sleep well?"

The Grand Empress Dowager replied that she did, gazing at Yingming with a warm smile.

Yingming felt embarrassed. "It was my first time on night duty, and I performed poorly. Fortunately, His Majesty is magnanimous. Even when I made a foolish mistake, he didn't blame me."

The Empress Dowager was determined to get to the bottom of things. "What foolish thing did you do? Tell us to make the Grand Empress Dowager laugh."

"Well..." She blushed as she continued, "A flying insect entered my room, and I got so scared that I screamed, which startled His Majesty. Not only did he not blame me, but he even killed the insect for me..."

Ah, no wonder they had set up a canopy! Both the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager were almost moved to tears. The emperor had always been served since he was a child; when had he ever done such a menial task for someone else? Now, he seemed like a true man, willing to do such an undignified act. If he had lost his composure for a concubine, it wouldn't have been a good thing. However, if he did it to encourage his future empress, the two elders found it comforting and worthy of praise.

The Grand Empress Dowager sighed in relief and asked, "What time is it? When will the emperor arrive?"

Mimi checked the time and said it was just past dawn. "His Majesty's court session should be ending soon. He'll be here shortly."

No sooner had she spoken than the sound of a clearing path reached the palace gates. The emperor approached from the central path, and his handsome features looked especially elegant under the bright sun.

Everyone in the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility bowed respectfully. He appeared radiant and confident, addressing his grandmother first before greeting the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager in turn. Catching sight of Yingming, he put on a stern facade and asked, "Why are you here too?"

Yingming, with her sluggish manner, replied, "Your Highness, I've come to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager and the Grand Empress Dowager. Originally, I was going to leave, but seeing that Your Highness has finished the court session, I thought I'd wait and accompany you back to the Nourishing Heart Palace."

What a smooth talker! The emperor knew that the more she spoke sweetly, the less sincere she was. He haughtily averted his gaze, dismissing her attention.

The Grand Empress Dowager smiled and invited the emperor to sit down. Then, she instructed Yingming, "I asked the small kitchen to prepare a bowl of blood-spoonbill porridge for your master. I wonder if it's ready yet. Please check for me."

Yingming acknowledged the request, understanding that the Grand Empress Dowager was intentionally sending her away, probably to have a private conversation with the emperor.

The emperor also had matters to report to the Grand Empress Dowager regarding the state of affairs in the court. After Yingming left, he informed her about the war on the Sarighan River. "Tong Chongjun led the troops from the Three Special Banners, the Four Turgut Banners, and the Six Selengge Banners, successfully driving the Tartars west of the Altai Mountains. Now that the war is gradually easing, only remnants need to be dealt with. Originally, I intended to deploy the Earth Branch Banners, but it seems unnecessary at this point."

This is indeed heartening news. The Sarigan River has been plagued by the Tatar incursions since the time of the previous emperor. Though not a major threat, it has long been a persistent headache for the court. Empress Dowager nods, "Tong Chongjun has done a great service this time. When he returns victorious, he must be rewarded handsomely. Now that the situation in Xining has calmed, the only major concern left is the Jurchen Khan's faction in the east. We must find a way to resolve this issue."

The emperor responds, "Among the four Khalkha Mongol tribes, the southern Suizhong and Chahar, western Saiyin Noyan, and northwestern Tangnu Ulaanhai are all under our control. Today, at the Office of Military Matters, Na Xin submitted a proposal to mobilize his former troops from Tangnu Ulaanhai to the Kerulen River. I have approved it."

Empress Dowager is surprised, "Na Xin seems to have become more proactive now that his daughter is in the palace. In the past, one could not even buy a word from him with money."

Empress Dowager laughs, "Indeed, to gain the support of the regent, such actions are necessary. I suspect Xue Shangzhang might be worried now, wondering if sending Ying into the palace was a good or bad move. Na Xin, eager to establish his merit, will likely go against Xue Shangzhang's plans."

The emperor ponders and says, "Grandson believes that dispatching the Tangnu Ulaanhai troops to the Kerulen River is a logical step. If they can subdue the Jurchen Khan, it would relieve the court of a burden. If not, I shall order Xue Shangzhang to quell the unrest. After governing for so many years, I cannot afford to be hindered any longer. Once he is sent out of the capital, I will deal with him swiftly."

The Empress Dowager was pleased with the Emperor's plan but couldn't help feeling nostalgic. "When you ascended the throne, your uncles held powerful armies and were watching you closely. It was the three regents who worked tirelessly to secure your position as emperor. Now, seventeen years later, they're either retired or involved in scandals. Xue Shangzhang, who should have been a pillar of support, has abused his power and meddled in politics, which is truly disappointing."

One must remember past favors, but governing was not like everyday life; it didn't allow for sentimentality. At crucial moments, decisions had to be made decisively.

The Empress Dowager fell silent for a moment before asking the Emperor, "You've spent some time with Yingming. In your opinion, what kind of person is she?"

The Emperor looked at both the Empress Dowager and the Empress. He was usually articulate during political discussions, but when it came to this topic, he became tongue-tied. He hesitantly murmured, "In my view, she doesn't seem like a good person..."

Both the Empress Dowager and the Empress exchanged surprised glances. "Not a good person? We haven't seen any flaws in her. Your incompatibility with the previous empress was understandable, but this matter requires careful consideration. If you don't like her, there's no need to force it. Since Na Xin is currently in the Office of Military Matters, inform him, and let him take her back. Don't hinder Yingming's future."

The Empress also smiled, her brows drooping slightly. "What a pity, I quite like this child. Since we've kept her in the palace for so long, we should give her a proper explanation. It won't be difficult to win over Na Xin. I'll adopt Yingming as my goddaughter and confer upon her the title of a princess. Later, the Emperor can issue an imperial edict for marriage... Before entering the palace, it seems she had a small engagement with someone. Who was that again?"

The Empress Dowager replied, "It was from the Hai family. They now oversee the Imperial Works Bureau."

"Oh," said the Empress. "That's convenient. Issuing the edict will be effortless then."

Seeing his grandmother and mother working in tandem, the Emperor felt uneasy. "Na Xin has only recently switched allegiances. If we deal with Qi Yingming immediately, he might hold a grudge."

The Empress said, "That's why I plan on acknowledging Yingming. This way, the Qi family will have some satisfaction."

The emperor didn't respond, and the room fell silent, so quiet that even the sound of a needle dropping could be heard.

After a long while, the emperor finally spoke, "If an edict is issued now, would she be allowed to return home first?"

Well, this was his real concern – he feared that once the decree was announced, Yingming would have to leave the Nourishing Heart Palace. The Empress Dowager observed her grandson, noticing how his youthful infatuation seemed to have trapped him in a maze, preventing him from expressing himself openly. It took multiple proddings from them to elicit any sentiment, which surely wouldn't allow the young lady to understand his feelings!

Rubbing her forehead, the Empress Dowager said, "According to tradition, if not promoted from the ranks of concubines, she should be lifted from outside the palace walls. But traditions are rigid, while people are flexible. If you can't bear to let her leave the palace, you could elevate her to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort first, then later raise her to Empress."

However, the emperor found this unsuitable. From the beginning, he had promised her the position of Empress. Suddenly promoting her to Imperial Noble Consort would seem insincere. No matter how exalted the title of Imperial Noble Consort might be, it couldn't compare to being an Empress. Recording such a transition in the imperial genealogy would ultimately lack dignity.

But if he were to promote her immediately, she would have to leave the palace, and he still didn't know what she was thinking. The words he overheard at the First Palace that day still weighed heavily on him, making him hesitant whenever the topic of the edict arose.

"I think it's best not to rush for now," the emperor said awkwardly, "Wait until the Uighurs send troops before issuing the edict. That would be more advantageous for the overall situation." He glanced up and saw Yingming approaching from the side hall. He stopped talking, remaining silent as she drew near.

The Empress Dowager and the Empress exchanged knowing smiles. At least the emperor favored this one. Since they both held affection for each other, there was no harm in taking their time.

Yingming entered with a bowl of red-moss porridge, unaware of their conversation. She smiled and said, "I've tasted it – the porridge is cooked just right. If it were left any longer, the bird's nest would dissolve." As she spoke, she presented the bowl to the emperor. "Your Majesty has had a light breakfast. Please have some more."

The emperor thanked the Empress Dowager and ate without savoring the taste. Glancing at the sky, he realized it was about time to leave. So, he bid farewell to the Cining Palace. Yingming accompanied him, and he stole several glances at her, wanting to say something but swallowing the words back.

The Nourishing Heart Palace had set up a canopy for her, didn't she know that? The emperor was waiting for her to express her gratitude, but after a long wait, she showed no sign of doing so. In the midst of his torment, he suddenly heard her call out "Your Majesty." The emperor instantly turned to look at her, his tone stiff, "If you have something to say, speak."

Yingming stopped in her tracks and smiled, "This servant was on night duty last night. According to custom, it's now time to return to my quarters for rest. I won't be accompanying you back to the Nourishing Heart Palace, Your Majesty." After a slight bow, she took a few steps forward before retreating into the passage within the Cining Gate.

The emperor stood there, frustration burning in his heart, yet with nowhere to direct it. He could only sorrowfully think to himself, This person truly has no conscience, no conscience at all...