Chapter 91

Chapter 91

Geng Shuning was carried back to the western side hall by a soft sedan chair. In the late afternoon, she was unable to go to the main hall to serve the Grand Empress Dowager, so she sent Qiao He to report her illness.

The Grand Empress Dowager was particularly surprised. "Can't get up? Did Xuan Ye punish that girl?"

She thought to herself, Fourth Brother is the most stubborn and awkward among all her grandsons. He would even quarrel with his brothers over a dog, let alone a newly favored concubine.

With Xuan Ye's intelligent nature, he shouldn't be so foolish as to openly create discord between father and son.

Nanny Wuyunna was also puzzled. She went to the front to inquire and returned with a complex expression, reporting that Geng Shuning had injured her knee in the main hall.

The Grand Empress Dowager was still confused. Kneeling from morning until now shouldn't have made her unable to get up...

"It wasn't from kneeling," Nanny Wuyunna said, looking at her mistress with a subtle expression, barely holding back a smile.

"Li Dequan said that County Princess Sui Ning wore platform shoes to the front hall today, looking very unfamiliar with them, probably not used to wearing them."

The Grand Empress Dowager: "..." She understood, suddenly feeling a bit of pain in her own knees.

When she first entered the palace, before being crowned empress, her aunt had forced her to go through a similar ordeal to train her posture.

At that time, Emperor Shizu had a particular dislike for Mongolian imperial concubines. He entered fiercely, scaring the young Grand Empress Dowager into trembling as she performed the rites...

She didn't want to recall how she fell, only remembering that the blood from her chin stained Fulin's black boots, making him jump in pain. But because she was bleeding, he had to suppress his anger and endure being scolded by her aunt.

She touched an inconspicuous spot on her chin, her eyes filled with pity. "Poor thing, she must have been scared out of her wits by Xuan Ye."

Nanny Wuyunna inwardly scoffed. Judging by Li Dequan's shocked and complex expression, Geng Shuning's knee injury was probably not from fear.

But this matter had nothing to do with them, so she just listened as her mistress repeatedly instructed—

"I remember the Imperial Hospital has some special salt for knee compresses? Have Imperial Physician Zheng, who serves me, go and take a look."

"Send her a few pairs of deerskin boots and tell her gently that she doesn't need to be too formal in front of me. It tires her out, and it tires me out too."

*

Qiao He and Qingfang were both heartbroken and self-reproachful for their mistress, especially Qingfang.

As she applied the rock salt sent by the Imperial Physician to reduce swelling and bruises, she kept muttering.

"It's all my fault!"

"I should have asked Li Dequan for shorter shoes!"

"I made my mistress lose face in front of the Emperor, I deserve to die!"

Qiao He also comforted Geng Shuning in a low voice, "Mistress, don't be afraid. When His Majesty gets the news and knows you're suffering here, he will surely find a way to take you away from the hot spring palace sooner."

Although Geng Shuning's face was pale, she kept her eyes closed and didn't respond, her expression very serene.

Actually, ignoring the awkward part, it was clearly Kang Shifu who was more uncomfortable.

But in the end, the effect of the harsh words was the same—her life was spared.

Emperor Kangxi took the fate of the Qing Dynasty very seriously. Even if there was a one percent chance that what she said was true, he wouldn't dare to use underhanded means on her lightly.

But the old man would never stand by and watch Yinzhen make a foolish mistake, like making her empress at an inappropriate time, affecting the war with the Dzungars.

With her bruised and swollen knees, she barely managed to maintain a stalemate of equal strength.

Now she only needs to let go of her pride and calmly consider whether to remain as Princess Sui Ning outside the palace or face the inevitable turmoil with Yinzhen as his empress.

She wouldn’t consider becoming a noble consort; otherwise, why would she have gone through all that trouble earlier? By now, she would have been flaunting her power in the harem, likely with two children already.

However, outside the palace, the conflicts of a long-distance relationship with Yinzhen would be hard to resolve. Given Yinzhen's controlling nature, it would be difficult to persuade him.

Inside the palace, once she becomes empress, she would be completely opposed to the old emperor, with no way back.

In addition to the crises she would face in both the court and the harem, if Yinzhen were to personally lead a military campaign, she would be left in the palace as a living target.

Geng Shuning rubbed her face in frustration. Although Emperor Kangxi was harsh, today's guidance once again made her realize that she had thought too simply in the past.

Wait a bit longer; she still has time to think things through carefully.

*

Soon, it was the twelfth lunar month, and the disputes in the court finally came to an end.

Yinzhen issued an edict in the court to depose the empress, and Suo Chuluo, a palace maid, was also demoted. Both were moved to Jingyang Palace, the farthest from the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

In fact, as Yinzhen intended, the crimes committed by the Ula Nara clan were enough to send her to Yanchun Pavilion to accompany the previous disgraced concubines.

However, although the deposed empress Ula Nara was extremely weak and might not live much longer, Zhang Tingyu and Chen Tingjing opposed this.

The decision to depose the empress was already made. In their view, the emperor really did not need to bear the reputation of being ruthless and silencing her. Instead, being more lenient would be more acceptable to the civil and military officials and the people.

Yinzhen didn’t insist. From the moment Ula Nara and Gua Jia joined forces, Yinzhen had already lost all feelings for her. Whether she was in Yanchun Pavilion or Jingyang Palace made no difference.

Ula Nara was kept alive by the Imperial Physician and seemed to be in better condition than when she confronted Yinzhen earlier.

Upon learning that she did not have to go to Yanchun Pavilion, she even found the strength to get up.

She believed the emperor still cherished their marital bond and personally thanked Song Zhu, who came to announce the edict. Holding the box containing the hair she and Yinzhen had tied together during their wedding, she quietly entered the main hall of Jingyang Palace.

Suo Chuluo’s situation was much more troublesome. Qi Chong'an, who had just been promoted to Vice Minister of Rites, was almost scratched by Ning Chuge.

She, with disheveled hair and looking like a madwoman, clung to the Second Princess and refused to let go.

The Second Princess, being young, was terrified, her face flushed, crying so hard she could barely breathe.

For a moment, the servants were frightened, and no one dared to force Ning Chuge to move, resulting in a standoff at the rear hall of Yikun Palace behind Yongshou Palace.

Seeing that she had intimidated everyone, Ning Chuge cried out to see Geng Shuning.

"It was Princess Sui Ning's scheme that allowed me to serve His Majesty!"

Qi Chong'an, who had been watching the scene with calm amusement, immediately turned cold upon hearing what Ning Chuge shouted.

Ning Chuge, afraid that no one would hear, shouted loudly towards the window: "She wanted me to harm His Majesty! I refused, and she, relying on her favor, has been trying to kill me. I had no choice but to seek the empress's support!"

Qi Chong'an glared angrily at Wu Mama beside him: "What are you waiting for! Gag this disgraced concubine and send her to Jingyang Palace!"

In the brief moment Wu Mama hesitated, Ning Chuge, thinking of Consort Xi's promise to her, shouted even louder with a hoarse voice—

"His Majesty wants to punish me, I won't accept it! It's all that bitch Geng Shuning—mmph!"

Wu Mama, seeing Zhao Song appear, hesitated no longer and quickly gagged Ning Chuge.

The leading Wu Mama lowered her head, hiding her panic. The benefits from the Niohuru Duke’s mansion were truly hard to handle.

If His Majesty were to support that princess, for the safety of their families, they might not survive.

Zhao Song first smiled and bowed to Qi Chong'an. After Qi Chong'an half-heartedly returned the gesture, Zhao Song turned to Ning Chuge, his expression turning cold.

Although Zhao Song always appeared simple-minded and clumsy in front of Su Peisheng, as the second-in-command of the Yangxin Hall, his authority in the palace was not much less than Su Peisheng's.

He sneered, his gaze coldly sweeping over everyone, causing all the servants and Wu Mama in Yongshou Palace to shiver involuntarily and lower their heads, no longer daring to exchange glances.

Having subdued the servants, Zhao Song leisurely waved his hand, "A group of clueless servants, not even knowing how to serve their masters. Quickly take the Second Princess to Cining Palace!"

"His Majesty has ordered that the First Princess and the Second Princess be temporarily raised by the Empress Dowager. Once the East Three Palaces are tidied up, the princesses will be invited to move there for their studies."

Xiao Chengzi quickly took the Second Princess from the Su family's maidservant, gently coaxing her as he ran out the door.

After the Second Princess left Yongshou Palace, Zhao Song turned his cold gaze to Ning Chuge.

"Let me make it clear to you, Lady Sotoro... oh, I mean, Sotoro, long before you climbed into bed, His Majesty had already chosen a respectable family for you and informed the Sotoro family. The only thing left was to exchange the birth dates. Don't tell me you didn't know!"

"The silver you used to bribe the young palace maid in the imperial court, how did it get into the palace through the Tong family's connections? Do you think I can't find out?"

Ning Chuge's face momentarily paled. Impossible, her relationship with Tong Siya had always been strained on the surface. After Yue Tong died, the person who delivered the silver to her became a servant from Yongshou Palace.

If His Majesty could uncover what happened to Yue Tong, then her secret dealings with Consort Xi and Mu Ying of the Xitara family to prevent Tong Siya from rising again...

Zhao Song was not surprised by Ning Chuge's pale face, "Don't think for a moment that His Majesty is unaware of your underhanded schemes. You know why he hasn't acted on it before."

Ning Chuge shrank back. She knew His Majesty wanted to deal with the Tong family and wouldn't stand up for Tong Siya. Consort Xi knew it too.

They were initially surprised by how smoothly things went, only to later find out that Geng Shuning had a hand in it.

This was why Consort Xi had always been wary of Geng Shuning, and why Ning Chuge secretly befriended her. They were among the few who knew about Geng Shuning's entanglement with the Emperor.

At this thought, she raised her head in disarray, making muffled sounds, her wide eyes filled with resentment.

If the Emperor found out, he should know that Geng Shuning was no saint either.

She had no future left, and for the sake of the Su family's safety, Geng Shuning shouldn't have it easy either!

Zhao Song sneered, "Don't tell me that County Princess Sui Ning forced you to climb into bed. The same goes for the Tong family and you. To say you repaid kindness with betrayal would be an understatement for County Princess Sui Ning."

"County Princess Sui Ning originally entered some prescriptions that could warm and nourish the body, beneficial for fertility, to ease the Empress Dowager and His Majesty's worries."

"But people just had to throw mud at the County Princess, stealing her credit and even using her dowry as capital to climb into bed."

"Dare you swear on the lives of the entire Sotoro clan that the County Princess forced you?"

Ning Chuge shook her head desperately. It wasn't the dowry, it wasn't the dowry!

Nanny Chen had clearly hinted to her that those prescriptions were meant to serve the Emperor and win his favor!

But when Zhao Song ordered the gag to be removed, Ning Chuge still didn't dare to swear.

Whether it was Tong Siya, Consort Xi, or even herself, they all knew deep down, including the fence-sitter Gualjia Galudai, that they owed Geng Shuning a debt.

Even their ability to serve His Majesty might have been due to Geng Shuning's influence. The more they knew, the more resentful they became.

Why, why did that seductress scorn the future they so desperately craved?

Why were they the ones to bear His Majesty's children, while that seductress could easily sway His Majesty's emotions!

With Geng Shuning around, no one could rise. She had to die; the debt of gratitude would have to wait for the next life!

Ning Chuge took a deep breath, intending to shout while Wu Mama was off guard, "I have evidence that Geng Shuning plotted against the—"

Zhao Song swiftly kicked Ning Chuge in the stomach, knocking her out cold.

"Take her away! Do you want me to send you to the Imperial Punishment Bureau?" Zhao Song glared fiercely around the room.

"Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Keep whatever you heard today to yourselves. If anyone dares to spread rumors, think carefully whether your family’s skin can withstand the consequences!"

No one dared to speak out of turn. Wu Mama supported the unconscious Ning Chuge, pushing her personal maidservant, who had hastily packed a small bundle, out the door.

Qi Chong'an frowned deeply. "Zhao Song, what Lady Suo said today... it won’t stay hidden."

Although Ning Chuge didn’t finish her sentence, the worst fear was that someone might exaggerate the story.

If Geng Shuning’s reputation were tarnished, and rumors harmful to the imperial family were spread, along with the matter of the star of ill omen... even his niece’s life might be in danger.

Zhao Song also regretted letting Ning Chuge add that last sentence, but he showed no sign of it on his face, only smiling as he said—

"Lady Suining is under His Majesty’s protection. I’ve heard the Empress Dowager is especially fond of her and keeps her close every day."

"Even the retired Emperor has spoken highly of Lady Suining. Those who wish to use her as a scapegoat won’t find it so easy."

"The court is likely to face some turbulence soon. His Majesty has instructed this servant to remind you, Lord Qi, to keep your family in check and communicate with the Geng family’s head. Make sure no trouble arises from your own household."

Though Qi Chong'an was somewhat rigid, he understood the intricacies of court politics better than his niece. He immediately grasped the subtext of Zhao Song’s words and thought of Lady Nala, the current head of the Geng family.

Speaking of which, the Geng family still had a legitimate daughter.

If Geng Shuning were gone, it might be her daughter’s opportunity.

But Geng Jia De Jin was not in the capital... Geng Shuning’s eldest brother was unreliable, and the Geng family mansion was currently under Lady Nala’s control.

No, Qi Chong'an couldn’t waste any more time. After his duties, he hurried to the Chen family.

He needed to send a message to Geng Jia De Jin as soon as possible.

*

As Zhao Song had predicted, the day after the empress was deposed, someone in the court used Geng Shuning as a scapegoat to vie for the position of the new empress.

Duke Niu, A Linga, was the first to speak. "Your Majesty, although the deposed empress acted recklessly, her intentions were only for the legacy of the eldest prince!"

"Harming the imperial heirs would not benefit the deposed empress. There must be something suspicious about this matter. I implore Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly!"

The Minister of Rites, Song Zhu, also stepped forward. "I second the motion! There have already been many rumors circulating outside that are harmful to the imperial family, claiming that a star of ill omen has appeared... seducing Your Majesty and causing improper relations with noble ladies..."

"This is truly damaging to the imperial family’s dignity. I beg Your Majesty, for the sake of the imperial family’s honor and the Qing Dynasty’s empire, to deal with the star of ill omen and restore peace to the inner palace!"

The Vice Minister of Works, Wang Zehong, added, "The third prince and the Fourth Prince are still young, and the imperial lineage is sparse. The selection of concubines has been halted for over four years, causing much discussion among the scholars of Jiangnan."

"Your Majesty must not overlook the stability of the empire and the continuation of the imperial lineage. I implore Your Majesty to reconsider and quickly resume the selection of concubines!"

...

While the court was abuzz with discussions, Geng Shuning was calmly accompanying the Empress Dowager... sneaking into the kitchen to eat barbecue.

The main hall and the side hall were both near the hot springs, with heated floors, making them too warm for the delicate braziers to be of use.

The brazier used for roasting meat had been moved from Wu Yunna’s room.

As for the meat... Geng Shuning sniffed the five skewers of pork belly in her hand, her eyes nearly welling up with tears.

A small piece of pork belly, just the size of a palm, was obtained by Qiao He, who braved a heart rate of 180 to climb over the wall and exchange silver with an old farmer who tended the crops.

The old farmer's family wasn’t wealthy either, only able to prepare five skewers.

Looking at the Empress Dowager sitting on the embroidered stool without blinking, it was clear the extra skewer had nothing to do with her.

Ugh~ After nearly a month at the hot spring palace, Geng Shuning could hardly remember what her boyfriend looked like or her own troubles, her mind filled only with thoughts of meat.

The Empress Dowager urged in fluent Manchu, her voice sharp: "Hurry up, is it ready yet?"

"Wuyunna is leading the cleaning of the hall. We have at most an hour to quickly return the stove."

Geng Shuning brushed a layer of salt water and then a layer of honey evodia water on the sizzling meat skewers.

She didn’t dare to sprinkle any cumin, fearing the strong smell would be noticed.

Once the skewers had a charred aroma, Geng Shuning reluctantly handed out two skewers.

"Empress Dowager, you see... the day after tomorrow is the death anniversary of Empress Xiaozhuang..."

The Empress Dowager glared at her, her words slightly faltering: "Stop talking nonsense. My aunt knows I eat grass, my face turning green from hunger, and I’ll beat that unfilial son Xuan Ye to death!"

"As for you..." The Empress Dowager stuffed a bite into her mouth first, squinted her eyes, and sighed, "You’re not filial. Without my aunt, I can deal with you just by talking to Xuan Ye!"

Geng Shuning: "..."

Leaving aside the threat, are you sure Empress Xiaozhuang knows about your high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar, and that you can’t eat rich foods? Would she really attack the old man who accompanies you in eating vegetarian meals?

She resentfully took a few quick bites of meat, then slowly handed out the third skewer of pork belly.

"If I could resist joining you in this, you wouldn’t see a bit of meat before the New Year!" Unable to resist retorting, Geng Shuning puffed her cheeks and looked at the Empress Dowager.

"If you’re willing to let the retired emperor deal with me, see who else can go out to buy meat for you!"

The Empress Dowager devoured three skewers of meat, ignored Geng Shuning, hesitated for a while, but still couldn’t resist... licking her fingers.

Geng Shuning: "..." It’s not necessary, really not necessary.

As for climbing walls, practice makes perfect.

After cleaning up with Qingfang’s help and returning the stove, she finally sighed in relief.

Barely satisfying her craving, Geng Shuning supported the Empress Dowager and leisurely returned to the main hall.

After sitting down, perhaps due to the bond of their shared mischief, the Empress Dowager, who had been cheerfully asking nothing for many days, finally opened her mouth.

"Speak, why are you being confined by Xuan Ye?"

Geng Shuning was stunned, lowered her eyes, and drank honeysuckle tea to relieve the greasiness. "Why are you suddenly asking about this?"

"I find you pleasing and care about you," the Empress Dowager said slowly, stroking Geng Shuning’s head.

She smiled particularly kindly, reminding Geng Shuning of her own grandmother.

Her heart ached, and she suddenly felt the urge to confide.

Just as she was moved, the Empress Dowager racked her brains to organize her words, and at an even slower pace, said word by word—

"If you keep living with me, under constant watch, sneaking meat becomes too much effort—what’s the point of living!"

Geng Shuning: "..."