Chapter 85

Chapter 85

Deposing the empress is not merely a matter of issuing a single decree.

This era rightfully belongs to Emperor Kangxi's reign, a time when the power of the Eight Banners is at its peak.

Deposing the empress signifies the decline of a powerful Manchu clan, which could easily cause unrest throughout the Eight Banners.

Even if Zhang Tingyu drafts the edict, it will be kept under wraps and not easily revealed to the public.

Yinzhen fully grasps this principle. He remained calm, instructing the imperial physicians to do everything possible to keep the empress alive, while engaging in a battle of wits with the civil and military officials in court.

Even with the evidence provided by Geng Deqing, his daughter, and Qing Shu, and despite the Imperial Concubine Suo's family admitting to siding with the Crown Prince faction and confessing to many wrongdoings, stripping them of their official ranks is easy—but a formal reckoning is much harder.

The three factions—Gua Jia, Ula Nara, and Anjun Wang—have acted quite meticulously.

As the Duanhe Empress, Gua Jia, supported by the Han military banner and the Shi family, had ancestors from the lineage of the founding emperor, holding significant positions in both the Manchu and Han communities. Many officials were willing to listen to her and support the Crown Prince.

The Ula Nara clan, from the Duke of Wu's mansion, had a father, Feiyanggu, who achieved great military feats and had served as the head of the Imperial Household Department and commander of the infantry, giving them strong connections within the department and the Metropolitan Governor's office.

There is even less need to mention Anjun Wang, Hua Ji, a legitimate great-grandson of the founding emperor.

His father, Yue Le, a grandson of the founding emperor, had military accomplishments that surpassed several Feiyanggus, with a deeply rooted position in the two Blue Banners.

Even the least influential, the Sotoro clan, had an ancestor who was a recognized leader of the Plain White Banner. In the elder generation of Shengjing, there are still relatives within the fifth degree of mourning, capable of many things in the capital.

Guanyinbao, the current clan leader of the Gua Jia clan, completely abandoned the Duanhe Empress when he learned of her plan to assassinate the Retired Empress. To avoid being excluded from the center of power, he did not dare to voice any opinions.

First, they decided to strip the Duanhe Empress of her honors and confine the Crown Prince to the imperial mausoleum.

However, when it came to the Duke of Wu's mansion and the Sotoro mansion, things couldn't proceed quickly.

The clan leaders of Ula Nara and Sotoro, who had rushed from Shengjing, separately approached the Retired Emperor and the imperial clansman Yunqi. Even Lady Guo Luoluo stepped forward to plead for both families.

*

The Retired Emperor, as the banner leader of the Ula Nara clan, and Yunqi, the banner leader of the Plain White Banner and elder brother of Yunxiang, had no choice but to intervene, as this concerned the stability of their banners.

According to Zhang Tingyu, to address the issues at the Duke of Wu's mansion and the Sotoro mansion, evidence had to be presented in court, followed by officials debating the laws, much like a bustling marketplace.

Amidst the debates, the influence of these families in court would be gradually diminished, and the emperor would issue an edict that would not cause unrest among the Eight Banners.

In the blink of an eye, it was November.

Geng Shuning remained devoutly in the chapel, never leaving the Cining Palace despite the turmoil outside.

It had snowed in the middle of the night the previous day, and by morning, large snowflakes were still flying about.

The glazed tiles of the entire Forbidden City had turned white, bringing a bit of tranquility to the previously turbulent court and palace.

*

Qiao He, accompanied by two young eunuchs, hurried into the side hall of the chapel from outside, directing the eunuchs to neatly arrange the Linglong charcoal.

After stomping her feet and rubbing her hands to shake off the cold, she dragged her slightly stiff legs into the inner room.

Inside, Qingfang was replacing the Linglong charcoal and, upon seeing her, nodded her chin toward the main hall.

Qiao He was slightly surprised; her mistress, who no longer needed to attend morning court, generally didn’t wake up too early and would always go to the front to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager first thing in the morning.

Whether or not the Empress Dowager sees her, return to the chapel after lunch and take a nap.

In the late afternoon, go back to the chapel to copy scriptures and pick evodia seeds, until dinner time.

It’s only mid-morning; why is our mistress in the chapel already?

Qiao He lowered her voice and asked, "Is something else going on up front?"

The Great Buddha Hall of Cining Palace was right next to the rear hall, adjoining the relatively spacious West Three Houses, which were even brighter and more spacious than the rear hall.

Therefore, the servants generally didn’t refer to the rear hall but used "the front" to denote the entire Cining Palace.

Because Geng Shuning’s status was unclear, even the title of County Princess Sui Ning was no longer used; she was referred to as either Miss or a lay nun.

The Empress Dowager was indifferent, and the servants in the rear hall were acting out, causing trouble both openly and behind closed doors.

Geng Shuning didn’t bother dealing with these matters and left them to Qiao He and Qingfang to handle, seeking peace in the chapel.

But this time, Qingfang shook her head and said, "Our mistress didn’t go to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager this morning. She got up early, had breakfast, and went to the chapel."

Qiao He was puzzled; her mistress wasn’t someone so devoted to Buddha!

Last night, she had even asked Qiao He to sneak in a Eight Treasure Chicken for a midnight snack.

After thinking for a moment, Qiao He said, "Let’s prepare a milk broth hot pot for lunch, sneak in some fish slices, and add some evodia juice."

A good meal always cheered her mistress up.

With Qingfang keeping an eye on things, Qiao He went to check on her mistress’s new interest in the chapel.

Qiao Jing was standing guard outside the main hall.

After entering, Qiao He saw Geng Shuning wearing an especially simple grey-green robe, kneeling on a bright yellow cushion, hands pressed together, face serene, softly reciting the *Longevity Sutra*.

She looked exceptionally like a proper lay nun, so much so that Qiao He was taken aback.

She quickly knelt behind her mistress and asked in a low voice, "What’s wrong, mistress? If you’re feeling troubled, don’t keep it from me; I’ll go ask the Imperial Physician!"

Geng Shuning, with her eyes closed, spoke in a clear, ethereal voice.

"Please don’t speak nonsense in front of Buddha. I had a dream about Buddha last night; it must be a sign to celebrate the Emperor’s long life."

"I’ve specially copied scriptures and will recite them ninety-nine times in front of Buddha, to present to the Emperor as a birthday gift, and also pray for the peace of the Qing Dynasty’s soldiers and the longevity of our nation..."

Qiao He thought to herself, *Mistress, even if you don’t want to give the Emperor a birthday gift, he can’t punish you for it. Why are you scaring me, a poor servant?*

Suppressing her urge to complain, she flattered her mistress, "It must be because you rediscovered the imperial rice and introduced high-yield rice. Now the Retired Emperor has ordered the imperial estate to cultivate it widely, and your good deeds have moved the heavens, granting you success in your prayers."

Geng Shuning secretly gave Qiao He a like.

When it came to playing along, ten good-for-nothings couldn’t compare to one Qiao He.

Her expression became even more ethereal, and her voice slowed down to emphasize her lofty demeanor.

"This is my connection with Buddha, allowing me to pray for the imperial family and the Empress. It is truly a blessing."

Qiao He’s eyes became more and more numb; as long as it benefited her mistress, she could find a connection with anyone.

She could only criticize inwardly, hoping that the Empress Dowager's longevity wouldn't also be prayed for.

Thinking of this, Qiao He finally asked the question she had long hesitated to voice.

"You have been praying in the large Buddhist chapel for almost two months, and the Emperor has decreed to appoint you as the Imperial Attendant. Zhao Song has also come to request your presence many times. When do you plan to go to the imperial court?"

By neither accepting the role of Imperial Attendant nor mentioning a return to General Feng'en's mansion, this ambiguous status was undoubtedly uncomfortable.

Geng Shuning opened her eyes calmly and slightly lifted her head to gaze at the golden Buddha in the hall with a serene expression.

"Empress Dowager is unlikely to make it through this year. She and the Emperor have been married for nearly twenty years..."

"Whether out of duty or affection for the Emperor, I shouldn't interfere in their affairs, becoming a lasting regret for the Empress Dowager even after her death."

She sighed softly, with a touch of compassion. "Now that the Empress Dowager is managing the palace affairs and there is peace in the imperial court, with Chief Su attending to the court, there are no urgent tasks for the Imperial Attendant."

"I don’t want to get tangled up in the palace’s messy affairs. Instead, I’ll stay peaceful and fulfill my duties by praying for the Empress Dowager and seeing her off one last time, helping the Emperor accumulate good karma. That’s how I will fulfill my role as the Imperial Attendant."

Qiao He was stunned. If she hadn’t seen her master force the Empress Dowager to cry and write a confession that night, she might have believed her master’s words.

At that moment, her master said something that seemed aimed at someone. Was her master saying this for someone’s benefit?

Qiao He subtly glanced around the hall with her peripheral vision. The old nanny who was cleaning was not there.

With the keen eyes of the secret guards, she noticed a pair of embroidered shoes with chrysanthemum patterns peeking out from behind the red curtain behind the Buddha statue. The grey-brown satin indicated it was likely a high-ranking nanny.

She immediately straightened up and smoothly continued to flatter her master. "Since you took your vows, you’ve grown increasingly reluctant to deal with these worldly matters. It’s really a shame for you."

Her voice choked with emotion as she crawled forward and took Geng Shuning’s hand. "This servant shouldn't advise you, but you also know the Emperor's feelings..."

"If you continue to avoid seeing him and cool his heart, and the Empress Dowager, due to previous misunderstandings, also refuses to see you, how will you manage in the future, my lady?"

Geng Shuning smiled bitterly. "The Empress Dowager is kind-hearted and won’t hold any grudges against me."

"As for the Emperor... imperial favor is unpredictable. If the Emperor loses interest, I’ll return to General Feng’en’s mansion, set up a small Buddhist chapel, and live a quiet life."

Seeing that Qiao He wanted to say more, Geng Shuning shook her head. "No need to say more. I’ll keep praying until the Empress Dowager passes. By then, the palace will be in chaos, and I shouldn’t stay to add to it."

Qiao He swallowed the words she wanted to say to defend her master and closed her eyes to recite scriptures along with her master.

After a long while, when the red curtain gently swayed and another cup of tea passed, Geng Shuning reached out to Qiao He.

"Quick, help me up. My legs are numb!"

Qiao He, half amused, helped her master to her feet but didn't rush to say anything.

It was almost lunchtime, so she first helped Geng Shuning back to the side hall, asked Qingfang and Qiao Jing to stand guard outside, and while massaging her master's legs, asked in confusion—

"How did you know someone would visit the large Buddhist chapel?"

Geng Shuning, lounging on the soft daybed and sipping tea, lazily explained to Qiao He. "If someone goes to greet you every day and suddenly doesn't come one day, wouldn't you be curious about what happened?"

Qiao He: "... I'm too foolish to understand."

"If I remember correctly, it should be Nanny Wu Ya. Nanny Zhou doesn't like chrysanthemum patterns on her embroidered shoes; she prefers magpie-on-branch patterns."

But she still didn't understand. "Who are you trying to reach with your words today? What’s your goal?"

Geng Shuning half-lowered her eyes and gave her a sidelong glance. "If your daughter-in-law tried to poison you, would you still be willing to arrange her funeral?"

Qiao He: "..." She understood.

Although Geng Shuning had been emphasizing that she was praying for the imperial family and the Empress, she was also indirectly reminding the Empress Dowager that the Empress didn't have long to live.

If the Empress really died before the new year, the festive atmosphere would have to be suppressed. For someone like the Empress Dowager, who enjoyed receiving noble ladies for audiences, this would certainly be displeasing.

And to plan a funeral for the daughter-in-law who nearly killed her... that would be revolting.

The Empress Dowager would surely delegate the palace duties, and as an Imperial Attendant, her mistress would be the ideal candidate.

Qiao He wasn't stupid. Her eyes brightened as she realized, "If the Empress Dowager knew what you just said, she would definitely praise you for being dutiful. I suppose much of her previous wariness towards you would lessen."

But after a brief pause, Qiao He thought of a new problem. "But what about what the Emperor said about... abolishing the Empress?"

Moreover, even if the Empress wasn't abolished, there was still Consort Qi in the palace.

If the Empress Dowager handed over the palace duties to Consort Qi, wouldn't her mistress be left out?

Geng Shuning smiled faintly and didn't explain, only saying, "I'm hungry. Let's have lunch first."

Having served as a female official in the Chongning Palace for over a year, she had a fair understanding of the Empress Dowager.

An Imperial Attendant holds the third rank, equivalent to Consort Qi.

When it came to offspring, Consort Xi had more confidence than Consort Qi.

If the Empress Dowager wanted to put Consort Qi in charge of the palace, she would need to confer the title of Imperial Noble Consort on Li Shi for it to be legitimate.

Considering the Empress Dowager's nature, she has disliked Consort Qi since the prince's residence days. To ask the Emperor for the title of Imperial Noble Consort for Consort Qi, the Empress Dowager would rather favor Geng Shuning, who is relatively compliant and sensible.

After all, there were no real conflicts. Even now, some of the profitable shops owned by the Uya family included properties contributed by Geng Shuning.

None of the advantages she had given up would go to waste.

More importantly, the Empress Dowager would defy the Emperor for Yun Ti’s sake. Mentioning the Qing Dynasty soldiers was meant to remind the Empress Dowager.

If the Empress Dowager backed her, the Emperor’s new favorite, there would be someone who could advocate for Yun Ti in the future.

Previously, she had thought that as long as she was useful enough and irreplaceable in Yinzhen's eyes, she could obtain everything she desired.

During her time in the Chongning Palace, she wasn't just putting on a show; she was also reflecting on her own naivety. It had been a long time since she had such a sobering realization, akin to being slapped in the face.

The colder Yongshou Palace became, and the more the servants gossiped behind her back, the clearer she became.

That bastard said he would depose the Empress, but after seeing what happened to the current Empress, she wouldn't put all her hopes on a man.

There were some things she had to fight for herself.

*

The creamy white hotpot, infused with the aroma of fish broth and the freshness of soy products, made even plain vegetables, tofu, and fish slices taste especially good with the spicy and sour dipping sauce.

Geng Shuning ate until she was sweating profusely, completely dispelling the fatigue from kneeling for a morning. The faint mist couldn't even conceal her keen interest.

After lunch, Geng Shuning didn’t rush to rest; after freshening up, she called for a sewing basket.

"Just giving the Emperor the Buddhist scriptures seems a bit too casual..." She held a piece of dark blue brocade in front of the scriptures, gesturing. "I'll make a brocade cover for the Emperor's Buddhist scriptures myself!"

Qiao He and the others: "..." You’re not content with driving the Empress to her grave; now you’re planning to drive the Emperor crazy too?

They could never stop the master from her various antics, fearing she might hurt herself while doing needlework. In fact, they often rushed to take over her tasks to prevent any mishaps.

When Qiao He went out to fetch the lingering charcoal, she couldn't help but murmur to Qingfang, "It's a good thing the master isn't seeing the Emperor, so we have more time to prepare the ointments."

She figured that if the Emperor wanted to live... well, a long life, the master’s behind was in danger.

While Qingfang wasn’t as skilled as Qiao He, her thoughts were more nuanced.

She just covered her mouth and smiled, hinting, "Before we light the lamps, I suggest you get those ointments ready."

Qiao He understood and widened her eyes in surprise. "...Are you saying that the Emperor might come tonight?"

Qingfang blinked. "Who knows? But nothing in the Cining Palace escapes the Emperor’s notice."

She had a feeling that the master had started making moves. If they waited for the master to handle things herself, what use would the Emperor be? He certainly wouldn't be able to sit still.

*

As Qingfang expected, not long after the gates of the Cining Palace were locked, the sound of the night watchman's clapper was heard.

A short while later, a faint knock came from the small side door of the chapel near the West Three Houses.

Qiao Jing went to check and saw a maidservant efficiently open the side door.

Chief Su personally held a lantern and welcomed a tall figure dressed in a black cloak inside.

Qiao Jing remained silent and quickly crouched down.

Through the fluttering folds of the cloak, she glimpsed the dark yellow imperial robe—no guessing needed.

Chief Su whispered, "Is Master Sui Ning asleep?"

Sensing the cold scrutiny, Qiao Jing froze, remembering her place.

"She is still..." She quickly corrected herself. "I should go in and report first."

Su Peisheng sneaked a glance at the master's expression and, receiving no response, lightly hummed.

"Go quickly."

Qiao Jing hurried inside, only to be stopped by Qingfang at the door.

Qingfang had also heard the commotion and looked Qiao Jing over.

"Remember what happened to Qing Shu—if it happens again, the Ninth Guard won’t have you around."

Qiao Jing's heart pounded as she silently regretted and lowered her head. "Yes, I'll remember."

Qingfang told Qiao Jing to guard the door and went forward herself, greeting Yinzhen with a composed and respectful demeanor.

"The master said that if the Emperor arrives, you should go straight in."

She lowered her head. "The master also said... that you are familiar with this matter, and since the chapel doesn't have heated floors, it's cold, so she won’t accompany you."

Su Peisheng: "..." Is this ancestor not-so-subtly... no, openly mocking the master’s skill in sneaking visits at night?

He stiffened his face, clicking his tongue inwardly, but didn't dare look at the master's expression, fearing that there might be another fight in the hall soon.

Contrary to what Su Peisheng expected, Yinzhen didn't get angry. Instead, his expression was particularly indifferent. He took off his cloak at the door and threw it to Su Peisheng.

The voice was very gentle. "Send up a pot of hot tea. No need for anyone to serve inside; just stay at a distance."

Qiao He and Su Peisheng exchanged a worried glance when they heard no protest from Geng Shuning inside, causing a chill to run down their spines.

Qiao He also felt that tonight would likely be far from peaceful.

No one dared to speak. They quickly prepared the tea, secured the rear palace of Cining Palace and the West Three Houses, and cleared the area around the side hall of the grand chapel.

Silent as ever, Yinzhen entered the side hall, pushed aside the heavy cotton curtain, and walked into Geng Shuning’s chamber.

Geng Shuning sat demurely on the edge of the kang, a navy blue cloth cover resting on her lap, containing a Buddhist scripture.

She wore a simple lay nun robe and a blue futou hat, greeting Yinzhen calmly with a Buddhist blessing. "Amituofo, you’ve arrived, benefactor."

Yinzhen’s temple pulsed as he approached and sat beside her. "What’s all this about?"

Geng Shuning swiftly stood up, avoiding Yinzhen’s reach, and smiled. "It’s an act to let Buddha judge your heartlessness, unreasonableness, and tantrums!"

Yinzhen didn’t rush to confront her dramatic display and instead pinched the bridge of his nose. "You didn’t even give me a chance to explain before declaring me guilty. Is Buddha aware of your bias?"

Geng Shuning sneered and stepped forward, slapping the Buddhist scripture onto Yinzhen’s chest. "Buddha knows everything, including how you couldn’t bring yourself to betray your first wife back in Yongshou Palace!"

"Despite all her mistakes, you still valued your bond with her, using her errors to caution your future empress against making similar mistakes!"

"Tell me, Your Majesty, do you see me as the next Ulanara, or the next Empress Xiaozhuang?"

Yinzhen’s demeanor chilled instantly, his face darkening with displeasure.