Chapter 107: Palace Affairs

Chapter 107: Palace Affairs

Yuan Jun fell silent for a moment before he slowly replied, "But I don't want to stay in the palace. I want to go home."

Bai Ying panicked, "Your Highness! What is home? You, like us, have been in the palace since childhood, yearning for our hometowns day after day, year after year. But now that you're at this age, haven't you seen how the other women who returned home lived their lives?"

"Those who return to support their siblings and parents soon find themselves with no money. When their brothers marry, their sisters-in-law start to resent them for being an unmarried woman living off their family. Wouldn't they still be eager to marry just to get out of the house? Those who don't provide financial support are equally despised. Once they pass twenty-five, their beauty fades, and what good family could they marry into?"

"We are women. Our birth families belong to our brothers, and our husbands treat us as outsiders. Even if we have children, they will eventually marry and leave. Where is our true home?"

"Moreover, Your Highness has been favored by the Emperor. How could he let you go? If he did, how would your parents and siblings perceive it? Would they think you offended the Emperor and were sent back? How would others speculate about your family? When the walls fall, everyone will push, and would your family still be well-off?"

"In this world, everyone is superficial. Didn't Your Highness also tell me earlier that although running a restaurant is tiring, it relies on your own skills. If you ever leave the palace, you won't have to depend on your father or brother, thus avoiding having to bow to others? Your Highness must have considered this, otherwise, why would you suddenly think of reliance?"

"Your Highness once told us that one can only truly rely on oneself in this world. But can anyone bear imperial children? Your Highness has rendered great service, and if you were to have another child, that would secure your future. We all know the fate of a beloved concubine without an heir!"

"Your Highness is three years older than the Emperor. If you don't take advantage of his current affection to bear a child, what happens when you enter the palace and become Empress? The concubines will only multiply, and fresh, young ones will continuously enter. There will only be laughter for the new faces. Will the Emperor remember your bravery and sacrifices for him then?"

Yuan Jun realized that Bai Ying's words echoed Princess Yi Yang's... Was life truly so challenging for women?

His silence stretched on for too long, causing Bai Ying to stamp her foot in anxiety. "Your Highness!"

Yuan Jun finally relented. "I'll make the arrangements later." He needed to identify which imperial physicians were skilled in gynecology and pediatrics, as well as those adept at nurturing health. Such a significant matter called for multiple physicians, but he had to consider her wishes first. However, he couldn't neglect her physical condition; what if it wasn't pregnancy but some other ailment that was being overlooked? Perhaps it would be best to find a reliable and discreet senior physician first.

Seeing his solemn expression, Bai Ying felt reassured and softly spoke, "I'm not overstepping my bounds, but Your Highness, you're being too careless. Even if the Emperor hasn't issued an edict, couldn't you at least talk to the princess about it? If the Empress isn't crowned soon, will you really not enter the palace for a day?"

Yuan Jun hadn't expected that his mere delay in issuing the imperial decree would lead to so much misunderstanding. He defended himself weakly, "The palace was previously under the control of Empress Luo. The Emperor worries that Concubine Rong might be held hostage within its walls."

Bai Ying scoffed. "Speaking of danger, wasn't defending the city perilous back then?"

Yuan Jun: "..." Back then, it was indeed him... Of course, he had taken risks using Rong Bi's body. But now that he held great power, how could he bear to see Rong Bi harmed again?

A sudden jolt went through his heart as he became acutely aware of his possessiveness.

Bai Ying continued her chatter, "After living in the Bao Han Palace for so long, what danger could there be? Even the cat has been sent out, along with the Empress's belongings... Hmm, there is a nice pearl necklace, I've heard. It was a gift from His Majesty. When the Empress returns to the palace, she mustn't be foolish enough to choose the Bao Han Palace again. Don't cling to those few vegetables; she needs to select a palace closer to the Emperor."

"His Majesty has just ascended the throne and still holds onto old sentiments. Once he goes there, he'll be reminded of his past imprisonment. How could he have a kind expression towards you then?"

Yuan Jun: "..."

"Yet, Your Highness is the most unattached person I've ever met. Whether it's a cat or not, whether it's a pearl necklace or a gemstone headdress, it doesn't matter. The title of a concubine can be given or not; it's all the same. You say you want to go home, but you know your family worries about you when you're away. Living together for an extended period might change things... You'd still have to find a way to open a small restaurant by yourself. My dear Empress, don't you think about what you truly desire?"

Yuan Jun remained silent.

With no choices available, nothing mattered except for the meal she prepared herself. If there were beans, she cooked them; if there was lettuce, she stewed it. She made every meal with care, as she never knew what the next one would bring, nor could she afford to hope for more.

And he could make her the most esteemed woman in the land. When that time came, with everything at her fingertips, would she be able to tell him what she truly wanted?

======

Rong Bi gazed at the reflection of the prince adorned in the dragon robe in the mirror. The young emperor in the glass silently returned her gaze.

A headache nagged at her. Why had it suddenly changed again?

She wasn't fit to be an emperor.

What should she do now?

She instinctively searched for the blue silk book, spotting it on the bookshelf. However, upon retrieval, she found it empty, save for the last entry. It stopped at the last soul exchange, where he had written: "Reviewed books with Rong Mo today. Though familiar with the classics, his essays lack inspiration. Focus on practicality and sincerity in the upcoming examination. Wishing success in the spring exam and a swift leap to higher ranks."

Her finger traced the sparse, cold script, as if her fingertips grew warm from the contact.

Once upon a time, for the sake of survival and disguise, she had meticulously copied Yuan Jun's handwriting stroke by stroke. Over time, those characters seemed to have been etched into her mind. Yuan Jun's writing was concise yet profound, exuding aloofness while hinting at the intense emotions hidden beneath his composed exterior.

He possessed the fiery temperament and unwavering determination of the former emperor and the princess, but unlike other rulers, he lacked cruelty, ruthlessness, or indifference. Behind his indifferent facade lay gentleness, empathy—qualities not typically associated with those in power.

She closed the booklet and returned it to the bookshelf, suppressing the pang of wistfulness that briefly stirred within her.

Meanwhile, outside, Yan Xin reported, "Your Majesty, Han Suyin, a former figure from the Eastern Palace, requests an audience with you."

Han Suyin?

Rong Bi recalled that after Han Suyin left the Eastern Palace, she retreated to the Bell and Drum Office. This office was in charge of the palace's music, dance, theatrical performances, and variety acts, overseen by eunuchs. Although it also maintained female performers dedicated to music and dance, they were all registered in the entertainment registry, a lowly status only marginally better than those of the Music Bureau. Hence, Han Suyin had been particularly eager to secure a position as the Crown Prince's accountant. And when the Crown Prince was imprisoned, she hastily departed from the Baohan Palace.

She possessed a melodious voice and had managed to fare reasonably well, but the life of a musician in the palace was bustling and far less leisurely than her former position by the Crown Prince's side. Having been dismissed from the Eastern Palace, it was unlikely that the Music Bureau would promote her; instead, she was often assigned tedious tasks with meager rewards, which naturally made her feel uneasy. Now that the Crown Prince had ascended the throne, all the concubines and attendants from his former residence had been elevated in rank, making her situation even more unbearable by comparison.

The other day, Han Suyin had entrusted Aunt Gao to convey a message, hoping that she would consider their past relationship and allow her to serve as a maid by her side.

Aunt Gao chuckled. "The Bell and Drum Office is indeed not a stable position, being part of the music registry. I'm unsure of her past relationship with Her Majesty, so I didn't dare promise her anything. I only agreed to pass on her message. If the Empress finds it appropriate and trusts her, she can keep her close. If she feels it's not suitable to retain an old acquaintance but still wishes to assist, she could agree to help her escape the music registry after the lady enters the palace as a concubine. Then, we could find her another position."

At that time, Rong Bi didn't have any particular feelings towards Han Suyin. After all, one had no control over their destiny within the palace, and it was understandable for her to consider her own future. However, with Rong Bi's own future uncertain, she couldn't make promises to others. She replied, "Aunt Gao makes a valid point. Let's respond as Aunt Gao suggests, telling her that if there's an opportunity in the future, we'll try to find a way to release her from her status as a courtesan."

These words likely sounded dismissive to Han Suyin, suggesting that she was here to plea with the emperor again.

She replied, "I'm occupied at the moment and cannot see you."

Yan Xin hesitated for a moment before saying, "Palace Attendant Han mentioned that there's something regarding Empress Rong that she wishes to report to Your Majesty."

Rong Bi paused, somewhat surprised, but still said, "Send her in."

Han Suyin entered and knelt to pay her respects. Dressed in her imperial attire, she appeared slender, with a light touch of makeup enhancing her delicate features. Her slender phoenix eyes, as always, were accentuated with blush, making them alluring like silk threads. As she entered, she caught a distant glimpse of the emperor seated above in his bright yellow dragon robe, exuding grandeur and authority. She dared not linger on the sight and hastily knelt down, performing her etiquette with meticulous adherence to palace rules.

Without waiting for the emperor to speak, Yan Xin ventured to ask on his behalf, "His Majesty wishes to know what matter regarding Empress Rong you wish to report?"

Han Suyin hastened to say, "I dare not deceive Your Majesty. Back then, I was chosen by Empress Luo alongside Concubine Rong to serve as a comptroller by Your Majesty's side, attending to your needs."

Rong Bi nodded slightly. Han Suyin continued, "At that time, both I and Rong Liangdi were privately summoned by Empress Lao, who assigned us tasks. Empress Lao personally instructed me to captivate His Majesty and distract him from state affairs."

Rong Bi's face showed a hint of surprise, but Han Suyin, mistaking the emperor's subtle change for a sign of being moved, hastily said, "Though I am but a lowly ant, I too have admired Your Majesty's grace. Though I have come to serve by Your Majesty's side, I dare not employ any seductive wiles, only humbly and dutifully attending to my duties. Later, when Your Majesty moved to the Bao Han Palace, I feared that Empress Luo would still harbor ill will towards Your Majesty and command me to act against you. It was out of fear that I requested to leave, and I am by no means a disloyal and unrighteous traitor. Now that Your Majesty has ascended to the throne, I am filled with worry and fear, and can only implore Your Majesty for mercy."

Rong Bi thought to herself that the Crown Prince probably couldn't even recall your surname... Yet, she said, "It's alright. If it's just because of this matter, he won't hold it against you."

Han Suyin, however, ventured to say, "This humble servant dares to request an audience with the Emperor because, in times past, both I and Concubine Rong were chosen by Empress Luo to attend to Your Majesty, not just this servant alone who was bestowed a mission. Witnessing now how Concubine Rong has gained such imperial favor, my heart is filled with growing anxiety for Your Majesty, hence this reminder. Surely, Your Majesty still recalls the occasion at the Listening Rain Pavilion, where this servant and Concubine Rong attended upon you. Concubine Rong was in charge of shaking the fortune sticks, yet she was slapped by the Second Prince. Following that, the Third Prince expressed his desire for Concubine Rong, but she instead proposed a game of guess-the-finger, ultimately leading to her being sent to the Eldest Princess's side."

Rong Bi: "..."

Han Suyin lifted her face slightly, her tears glistening in the light. "On that very night, I asked Rong Liangdi what fortune she had drawn and why the Second Prince was so enraged that he slapped her. Yet, she said nothing, whereas usually, she shares everything with me."

Rong Bi inquired, "What do you mean?" When had she and Han Suyin become so close that they shared everything?

Han Suyin finally heard the Emperor's voice, her excitement mounting. "Your Majesty, my heart has always been devoted to you. On that fateful day, my fear and inadequacy led me to leave your side, for I was terrified that Empress Lao might use me to plot against you. Yet, both of us were chosen by her to be by your side. Rong Liangdi's actions were peculiar, and she too was selected by Empress Lao to become a Liangdi, sent to serve you. I've heard that the imperial edict to elevate her to a concubine has yet to be issued. I assume Your Majesty, with your wisdom, has already sensed something amiss. But I also worry that you may not be aware of past events... After all, Rong Liangdi possesses extraordinary beauty. Thus, I mustered the courage to remind Your Majesty, hoping that you will consider my loyal intentions..."

Suddenly, a burst of laughter echoed, and Princess Yi Yang lifted the beaded curtain and entered with a smile. "What an obedient servant."

Han Suyin hurriedly bowed. "This humble servant pays her respects to Her Highness, Princess."

Princess Yi Yang chuckled. "Take this loyal servant down to the Internal Punishment Bureau and charge her with false accusation."

Rong Bi watched as several eunuchs approached and pulled the ashen-faced Han Suyin away. Han Suyin opened her mouth, clearly in disbelief and about to protest, but a skilled eunuch promptly covered her mouth and dragged her off.

Rong Bi looked at Princess Yi Yang helplessly. The princess smiled and said, "Speaking of which, I've been meaning to ask—what did Second Prince actually draw that day?"

Rong Bi remarked, "In the book of golden friendships, three thousand guests are recorded, but one look back and they vanish like fleeting smoke."

Princess Yi Yang couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Indeed, aren't they all just like fleeting smoke? Ever since he married that Princess Bei Xi, his residence is filled with idle loafers."

Rong Bi replied, "I have made the First Princess laugh."

Princess Yi Yang smiled warmly. "No worries. I've just come from my residence to the palace. Empress Rong is worried about His Majesty and asked me to enter the palace as soon as possible to assist him." She teased, "Over at your princess's residence, there's the legitimate daughter of Duke Cheng'en seeking your company, while here in the palace, an old acquaintance has exposed secrets and made accusations. Empress Rong seems to be the target of much criticism. His Majesty should show her compassion."

Rong Bi: "..."

Outside, Yan Xin's voice was heard again, softly clearing his throat: "Your Majesty, Your Highness the Princess, the Tiandiyuan has sent word that the Former Emperor is refusing food and drink. He requests an audience with Your Majesty."

Princess Yi Yang exchanged a glance with Rong Bi. The princess said with a hint of helplessness, "Let's go see him. But when we're there, don't speak. Leave it to me to respond."

Rong Bi nodded, and as promised, accompanied Princess Yi Yang in her litter on their way to Tiandiyuan.

All the palace attendants now wore feather robes and yellow caps, having changed into Taoist attire. Master Chong Xiao stood by, serving as he always had. Yuan Zixu was dressed in a Taoist robe with a golden crown, his cheekbones prominent, and his eyes clouded. Seeing his son and daughter arrive together, he yelled hoarsely, "No! That red pill was wrong! Was it you, Yuan Jun? Did you stop Chong Xiao from refining my immortal pills? Wasn't it!"

His whole body itched, and he felt unwell all over. Tears continuously streamed down his face. None of the red pills he'd taken these past few days had been right!

Princess Yi Yang smiled gently and said, "Your Majesty, the Red Pill is not to blame. You should ask Daoist Chong Xiao since he prescribed the formula for all the ingredients. The imperial physicians have examined each one thoroughly, ensuring that everything Your Majesty consumes has been carefully screened by the Imperial Pharmacy. The recipe is identical."

Yuan Zixu exclaimed, "No! The effect is different!" He hadn't experienced that ethereal sensation again!

Princess Yi Yang continued, "Then you must ask Daoist Chong Xiao if he added something in the past that can no longer be included now." Daoist Chong Xiao looked distressed but dared not speak. How could he add those substances now? If they couldn't be added, then the pill was just an ordinary, harmless elixir!

Yuan Zixu glared at his silent son who had entered, "Yuan Jun! Did you plot against my immortal fate, letting them steal my immortal pills? After I announced your succession during the Heaven Sacrifice Ceremony, this is how you repay me? Cutting off my path to immortality!"

Rong Bi, under his intense gaze, simply looked back at him, baffled. She recalled how the emperor had once forced the crown prince to consummate their marriage for this so-called immortal fate. He truly believed he could attain immortality?

Princess Yi Yang intervened, "Father, you're wrongly accusing your son. Immortal fate is intangible; who can truly predict it? Otherwise, why would it work sometimes and not others? Perhaps Your Majesty's recent preoccupations have cluttered your mind, hindering your cultivation. You need to cleanse your thoughts and continue your spiritual journey."

Daoist Chong Xiao, noticing Princess Yi Yang's subtle glance, hurriedly stepped forward. "Your Majesty, perhaps the demonic trial is not yet over. The 'Great Law of the Upper Scripture' states: 'The Yang Demon tests those who practice when they are about to embark on the path to transcend life and death. When their thoughts are impure or desires arise, resentment and enmity fill their hearts, causing chaos and turmoil. This is when the Yang Demon presents its challenge.'"

He continued quoting scriptures, "Those who cultivate seek inner purity, maintaining a tranquil heart. They renounce worldly attachments, viewing life and death as one. Your Majesty, your filial duties remain incomplete, and worldly desires linger. Hence, it's difficult to find peace within, which is why the pill is no longer as effective as before."

Yuan Zixu glanced at his son, who met his gaze with an innocent, childlike curiosity, showing no hint of guilt. Despite taking the throne and now seemingly blocking his path to immortality... Could it really not be his doing?

Daoist Chong Xiao persisted in his explanation, "Even if Your Majesty doesn't trust this old Daoist, you should believe in the imperial physicians of the Royal Pharmacy. They have meticulously checked every ingredient used in the pill, and there is no difference from before."

Princess Yi Yang, however, suggested, "Perhaps it's because His Majesty isn't feeling well. Why not invite the royal physician to prescribe some medicine? After His Majesty rests for a few days and regains his strength, he can resume his practice of Daoist meditation."

Lord Chong Xiao echoed her suspicion, "This old monk also has such doubts. In spring and summer, the alternating cold and heat, as well as unpredictable humidity, often give rise to illnesses. It could be that the Emperor's diet has been irregular, affecting his health. This might be another trial from the illness. His Imperial Highness should prioritize his well-being and focus on recuperating first."

Yuan Zixu reluctantly agreed, "If that's the case, send for the royal physician to examine him."

As instructed, Princess Yi Yang arranged for the imperial physician to come and take the Emperor's pulse. She then discreetly instructed the doctor to prescribe remedies to cleanse the body of toxins and alleviate addiction. The physician understood the situation but knew this was a sensitive matter within the palace. He inquired about the addictive medications previously consumed by the Emperor, examined them, and prepared a new prescription accordingly.

After dismissing the physician, Princess Yi Yang smiled at Rong Bi and said, "From now on, please entrust the Emperor's medication and recovery to Elder Physician Lan. His family has served the royal court for generations, and he is both discreet and skilled in his craft. He once treated our late mother. Back then, when Mother's condition wasn't improving, Father intended to hold him accountable, but Mother pleaded on behalf of Physician Lan, saving his life. Therefore, he has always treated us siblings kindly and can be trusted."

Rong Bi found it peculiar that Princess Yi Yang would suddenly share such information with her, but she assumed the princess was concerned about their souls swapping again in the future, hence the explanation. Sure enough, Princess Yi Yang shifted the conversation to discuss the recent promotions in the Palace's Department of Ceremonial Affairs, who was in charge of the emperor's court duties, and how Consort Jiang was soon to leave the palace. Additionally, Second Princess Yuan Yixue had been quietly stripped of her royal title and was preparing to take up residence at the Jade Truth Temple for religious seclusion.

After rambling for a while, Princess Yi Yang continued, "The retired emperor is the one we need to pay attention to. Just let the cunning Chong Xiao deceive him into pursuing immortality. Don't reveal the truth behind the golden elixir; his obsession with Daoist cultivation keeps him from opposing the emperor. After all, he's still his father, so let him be."

"I'll be in the capital for a while longer, but I'll be returning soon. If you have any questions about palace affairs, you can consult Eunuch Tang Xi or Auntie Gao."

Rong Bi found the words strange but nodded vaguely. Suddenly feeling drowsy, she rubbed her eyes, only to realize she was back in her own body. Her eyelids were heavy, and she felt exhausted, a familiar spring fatigue resurfacing.

She reclined comfortably in her armchair, pulling a light blanket over herself. A small sense of relief washed over her. The emperor truly had a demanding role, while she enjoyed a more leisurely existence. Let the heavens fall; for now, she would rest peacefully.