Chapter 44: Chaos Looms

Chapter 44: Chaos Looms

Incongruity

The next morning.

When Ling Xiao went to the Imperial Medical Office with the prescription accompanied by Xiao Songzi to fetch the medicine, she coincidentally saw Imperial Physician Lin approaching from a distance.

Recognizing Ling Xiao as the maid from Consort Lianpin's side, he was a bit more polite and stepped forward, saying, "Ling Xiao, here to fetch medicine for Consort Lianpin again?"

He called out loudly, "Liu Yun, escort Ling Xiao to fetch the medicine."

After speaking, he suddenly remembered something and asked with some confusion, "The last prescription I wrote for Consort Lianpin should still last two more days. Why are you here today?"

Ling Xiao smiled faintly and said, "Imperial Physician Lin has a good memory. It's quite a coincidence. Yesterday, my lady initially called for Imperial Physician Liu to prescribe some tonic recipes. Suddenly, she had a whim and asked Imperial Physician Liu to take her pulse again. As a renowned physician, you know prescriptions vary. My lady said she hadn’t tried Imperial Physician Liu’s prescription before and thought it wouldn’t hurt to try it, as it’s generally nourishing."

Upon hearing this, Imperial Physician Lin was alarmed and quickly advised, "Prescriptions shouldn’t be changed so casually. Imperial Physician Liu is new, young, and inexperienced, usually only diagnosing and treating the elderly maids. Consort Lianpin’s health is precious; how can she casually take a prescription changed by Imperial Physician Liu? It would be of no benefit to her health."

Ling Xiao feigned helplessness and said, "That’s why I said it’s a coincidence. I gave my lady the same advice, but she said since she hasn’t fully recovered, she’ll try it for a few days. If it doesn’t work, she can switch back to your prescription."

After speaking, Ling Xiao waved her hand behind her and called out, "Xiao Songzi, go ahead, take the prescription and have the medicine prepared. Be very careful."

After instructing Xiao Songzi, Ling Xiao curtsied with a polite smile, "I must return to report after this, so I won’t disturb Imperial Physician Lin any further."

After fetching the medicine, Xiao Songzi carried a string of medicine packets and walked behind Ling Xiao, nodding and saying, "Ling Xiao, everything’s ready."

Ling Xiao gave him a meaningful look and nodded, "Since everything’s ready, let’s take the quickest route back. We mustn’t keep our lady waiting."

She led Xiao Songzi out of the Imperial Medical Office and turned into a palace path. Xiao Songzi handed all the medicine packets to Ling Xiao and said, "Ling Xiao, you go back first. I’ll take the small path and keep watch. Last night, I discreetly asked about Imperial Physician Lin’s trusted eunuchs. No matter who comes out later, I’ll follow them discreetly."

Ling Xiao nodded and whispered, "Be careful and stay unnoticed. Just observe from a distance who they contact or which palace they enter, then come back. Our lady has her plans."

"Yes."

The two parted ways at the entrance of the palace path. Ling Xiao walked, glancing back cautiously, ensuring no one was following, and then returned to Pixiang Palace. She entered the room and said, "My lady, the medicine is here."

Su Jiaojiao was lying in bed reading a book. Hearing Ling Xiao’s voice, she slightly raised her voice and said, "Come in and speak."

Ling Xiao handed the medicine to Yu Ye at the door and then stepped into the inner chamber, saying, "As Xiao Songzi and I entered the Imperial Medical Office, I saw Imperial Physician Lin approaching. I’m not sure if it was a coincidence or not. As soon as I entered, Imperial Physician Lin initiated a conversation. Perhaps Imperial Physician Liu’s visit to Pixiang Palace yesterday raised his suspicions."

Su Jiaojiao lowered her eyes to the book and said, "If he didn’t suspect yesterday, he would today. That’s why I specifically chose this morning to send you and Xiao Songzi, knowing that today is the day of the Imperial Medical Office’s meeting, and Imperial Physician Lin would definitely be there. What else did he say after the conversation?"

Ling Xiao whispered, "I told him that you had a sudden whim and asked Imperial Physician Liu to write a prescription. Imperial Physician Lin reacted strongly and was immediately unwilling, but I managed to brush it off. If he feels guilty, he will surely send out a message later."

"Has Xiao Songzi already gone to follow?"

"Yes."

Su Jiaojiao covered her mouth with a handkerchief and coughed lightly, then said, "That’s good. Later, when the medicine is brewed, bring it in for me. Remember to keep the dregs."

Ling Xiao nodded in acknowledgment and quietly retreated.

Before lunch, Xiao Songzi returned from outside.

He hurriedly followed Yu Ying into the room, paid his respects, and then said, "My lady, I observed all morning and found that two suspicious individuals came out from Imperial Physician Lin’s entourage. One went in the direction of Fengyi Palace, and the other went to Changle Palace. Neither stayed long."

Su Jiaojiao, assisted by Yu Ying, got up from bed and said while stepping down, "Fengyi Palace and Changle Palace? In what order?"

Xiao Songzi lowered his head and said, "First to Fengyi Palace, then Changle Palace."

Su Jiaojiao raised her hand to adjust the jade hairpin in her hair, saying thoughtfully, "That’s a bit odd."

According to Su Jiaojiao’s original plan, she deliberately arranged for Ling Xiao and Xiao Songzi to go to the Imperial Medical Bureau to fetch medicine this morning in order to alert Imperial Physician Lin. If he became suspicious and realized the plan might be exposed, his first reaction would be to notify his master behind the scenes to find a way to deal with it.

Su Jiaojiao took advantage of this normal psychology and arranged for Xiao Songzi to secretly observe.

Unexpectedly, they visited two locations. It’s unclear whether it was a coincidence or deliberate on Imperial Physician Lin’s part. If it was deliberate, then Imperial Physician Lin is indeed more intelligent and alert than Su Jiaojiao imagined.

If it was Fengyi Palace, the Empress must be behind it. But if it was Changle Palace, it could only be Noble Consort Mi.

But Noble Consort Mi is already in favor, and there’s no reason to keep her ill for long. This subtle, "gentle" approach doesn’t seem like Noble Consort Mi’s doing.

Could it be the Empress?

Su Jiaojiao furrowed her brow, lost in thought.

Since entering the palace, she and the Empress have never clashed. Even when she killed Luo Luo and framed Min Jieyu, she and the Empress were in silent agreement.

The Empress has long been aware of Su Jiaojiao’s disguise.

In the harem, Su Jiaojiao’s charm, cunning, and favor made her impossible to ignore.

Though she and the Empress have no enmity, the women in the palace operate on mutual benefit. The Empress is not simple, and just because she hasn’t acted against her before doesn’t mean she won’t in the future.

If Su Jiaojiao ever threatens the balance and makes the Empress fear her, she believes the Empress will not be merciful.

But why would the Empress act against her now, wanting her to be ill for long?

Her illness means she can’t attend to the Emperor. If she can’t serve the Emperor, others will have the opportunity.

Right now, Min Jieyu remains in seclusion, Wen Jieyu, punished by the Emperor, stays secluded, Yu Guipin remains confined, and Noble Consort Mi was recently implicated by Noble Consort Wang over the prayer-for-blessing incident.

Both the main figures and the favored concubines are in a lull—

Su Jiaojiao’s eyes snapped open, as if she’d struck upon something vital.

The Empress aims to shake things up.

With the Emperor troubled by harem matters and lacking a confidante, she will take the opportunity to promote her own people.

Who in the Empress’s circle could handle this?

The palace has thirty to forty concubines, including those in the Yeting, and there are still many newcomers who have not yet emerged. Guessing alone, we’d never figure it out, so it’s better to let it be.

If it is indeed as Su Jiaojiao guessed, we’ll know who it is in a few days.

Su Jiaojiao sipped her silver ear and goji berry soup, asking softly, "You weren’t seen, were you?"

Xiao Songzi shook his head and replied respectfully, "I stayed hidden and wasn’t spotted."

"That’s good." Su Jiaojiao put down the soup bowl and carefully instructed Yu Ying, "In a few days, it will be late autumn. Chang’an is in the north and is very dry and cold. If the materials for this month arrive, get some new clothes for the staff."

Yu Ying curtsied and responded with a smile, "Yes, I’m preparing these days to ensure everyone in our Pixiang Palace will have a warm autumn."

The sun rose in the east and set in the west, and so another half month passed.

Late autumn had arrived.

The icy wind cut deep, chilling to the bone. Large leaves turned yellow and red, blown high by the wind, riding the autumn breeze, crossing the vermilion palace walls, and scattered on the ground.

Over the past half month, the Emperor has rarely visited the harem.

He only went to the Empress's quarters twice and visited Zhu Baolin once. A few days ago, he unexpectedly encountered the long-neglected Miaoyu at Fengyi Palace, and she attended to him that very night. The next day, she served him again and was elevated to the rank of Miaoyu.

Meanwhile, at Pixiang Hall in Guanju Palace, Su Jiaojiao experienced a relatively tranquil time.

Su Jiaojiao followed the prescription given by Imperial Physician Liu for five consecutive days, and her condition improved markedly. However, after recovering, she intentionally consulted Imperial Physician Lin again, claiming that his prescription was more effective. She then had a few more days of medicine prepared, feigning to drink it daily while secretly discarding it into the flowerpot.

Thus, her sick leave dragged on.

Su Jiaojiao sat calmly at her desk reading when she heard that Consort Shu had arrived. She immediately sent someone to invite her in.

Consort Shu hurried in, handing her crimson fox fur cloak to Yu Ying, and called out, "Jiaojiao?"

Su Jiaojiao put down her book and walked out with a smile, "Sister Consort Shu, why do you seem so hurried today? Is something urgent?"

Consort Shu pulled her to sit down and said, "I didn’t see you when I went to pay homage to the Empress today, and only then did I realize you hadn’t informed Her Majesty of your recovery. You’ve been ill for over half a month now, thoroughly relishing this idle time and forgetting about important matters."

Su Jiaojiao gently furrowed her brows and asked softly, "What important matter?"

"Today happens to be the day Consort Yu’s house arrest is lifted. Aren’t you the least bit anxious?"

"So that’s what you’re referring to," Su Jiaojiao smiled faintly, lowering her gaze. "I’ll inform Her Majesty in a few days, but there’s no hurry at the moment. There are still some matters I need to settle."

Yu Ye approached with a tray, placing a cup of Da Hong Pao tea in front of Consort Shu and setting down a plate of pastries, saying, "I prepared these myself. Please try them, my mistresses."

Consort Shu casually picked up a piece and took a bite, then looked at Su Jiaojiao with a puzzled expression on her cool yet refined countenance. "You’ve been staying in Pixiang Hall every day. What matters could you possibly have left unfinished? Speaking of which, today was the first time I saw that Miaoyu. For some reason, I felt she resembled you—not in appearance, but in an intangible presence, somewhat similar to your temperament."

Su Jiaojiao lifted the teacup lid and sipped her tea, the porcelain lid and cup producing a crisp, melodious clink. "I’ve seen Miaoyu before, but I never noticed any resemblance. I remember she was strikingly beautiful, with a fragile appearance yet a captivating and vivacious manner. It’s no wonder the Emperor took a liking to her."

Hearing this, Consort Shu stared intently at Su Jiaojiao and said, "I wouldn’t have noticed the similarity if you hadn’t mentioned it, but now that you’ve said it, I see it. What you just described is exactly how you behave when you’re with the Emperor. She’s just more lively, while you’re more reserved."

Su Jiaojiao was momentarily stunned. "...I never noticed that myself."

Consort Shu calmly took a sip of tea. "When you’re performing so adeptly, it’s no wonder you’ve even deceived yourself. It’s normal not to notice."

She lowered her head and picked up another pastry made by Yu Ye, saying, "Yu Ye’s craftsmanship is indeed excellent. I find it more delectable than the pastries delivered by the Shangshi Bureau."

After finishing the pastry, Consort Shu suddenly seemed to remember something and smiled. "If you ever want to return to the Emperor’s side, you could start with Yu Ye’s pastries. After all, the Empress also brought a food box to the Emperor recently, and he seemed to appreciate it."

Su Jiaojiao smiled faintly. "Your suggestion is good, but the Empress’s recent favor isn’t merely because of that."

"You just mentioned that Consort Yu’s house arrest is about to be lifted. Do you know why I’m not in a hurry to report back these days?"

Consort Shu was taken aback by her question and thought for a while before tentatively saying, "You want to wait and see how things unfold?"

Su Jiaojiao smiled gracefully. "That’s part of it."

"The Emperor has bestowed many gifts on Zhu Baolin these past few days, and she’s riding high on her success. During Consort Yu’s house arrest, she could only watch as the Emperor visited Zhu Baolin without stepping foot in the main palace. How do you think Consort Yu feels? Now that she’s finally out, there’s still drama to be seen in Yong’an Palace. Settling scores will take time, so I’m in no rush."

Consort Shu nodded in understanding. "You’ve thought this through more thoroughly than I have. I heard the Crown Prince’s health has improved greatly, and he even attended the Imperial Academy today."

She suddenly sighed with emotion. "For some reason, it feels like a lot has happened in the palace recently, with ups and downs. Even though winter is approaching, it feels like everything is coming back to life."

Su Jiaojiao held her red tea with both hands to warm them and said indifferently, "After a long period of quiet, some people are starting to get restless."

Yong’an Palace - Huizhu Hall

Zhu Baolin sat leisurely in her room, the warmth inside starkly contrasting with the chilly autumn wind outside.

It was only because Zhu Baolin had softly mentioned feeling a bit cold during the Emperor's last visit that he ordered the Huizhu Pavilion to be supplied with the finest silver charcoal early, matching the standard of a consort's rank in the palace.

Throughout the entire palace, no one else received such preferential treatment.

Zhu Baolin held a Xiangyun hairpin adorned with kingfisher feathers in the sunlight for a while, her eyes filled with satisfaction.

If it hadn't been for Noble Consort Mi's loss of her child, Zhu Baolin might not have received such favorable treatment from the Emperor. She truly owed her good fortune to Noble Consort Mi's misfortune.

Zhu Baolin placed the hairpin on the table, and as if recalling something, the smile in her eyes faded completely.

Unfortunately, Consort Yu's house arrest ended today, and her peaceful days had only lasted a month.

Living in the same Yong'an Palace, Consort Yu had watched her enjoy her freedom every day, and who knows how much resentment she harbored. Now that the confinement was lifted, and she was the primary consort, it was uncertain what obstacles she might place in her path.

Zhu Baolin touched her belly, her expression turning icy.

Even if Consort Yu wanted to stir up trouble, she would have to consider the royal heir in her belly. If she dared to upset her, then she shouldn't blame her for using the child in her womb to retaliate!

Soon, Cui Mei entered quietly and said, "My lady, Lady Ji requests an audience."

Zhu Baolin, seated on the couch drinking tea, glanced up and said leisurely, "Hmm, let her in."

Lady Ji likely came to curry favor and ask her to speak well of her to the Emperor. But even if she didn’t, what could Lady Ji possibly do? She could only envy her spacious and warm Huizhu Pavilion in secret.

As long as she could make Lady Ji jealous of her, Zhu Baolin felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

In no time, Lady Ji cautiously entered, first scanning the Huizhu Pavilion carefully, her eyes immediately showing a hint of envy.

Seeing her expression, Zhu Baolin couldn’t help feeling a surge of pride, though she spoke very politely, "Sister, you're here, please sit."

"Cui Mei, quickly serve the tea."

She gently blew on the tea leaves in her cup and said, "This is the new tea the Emperor just gifted, very precious. Sister, please try it."

Lady Ji took a sip, the rich aroma filling her mouth, and she smiled ingratiatingly, "Truly excellent tea. Younger sister, you are now in favor, and I can’t compare. I had heard that your pavilion was supplied with charcoal early, and indeed, entering here feels like spring."

She looked at Zhu Baolin's current attire, the palace chamber, the silver charcoal brazier, and the imperial tea, feeling increasingly miserable.

She recalled being the first among the palace consorts to serve the Emperor, and the next day she was granted an imperial sedan chair and the Empress's favor. She should have been at the peak of her glory, someone Zhu Baolin could only look up to.

But after being poisoned, she lost the Emperor's favor and never regained it, let alone saw his face again. Even her daily necessities were constantly cut, and she lived in misery!

But she was still young and beautiful, and she couldn’t bear to live like this forever!

Moreover, that wretched Miaoyu in the Liuchun Pavilion had gained the Emperor's favor again and was promoted to the rank of Miaoyu. She was the one who had poisoned her, yet she had regained the Emperor's favor before her. She couldn't accept it!

Thinking of this, she sighed seemingly unintentionally and said, "Younger sister, you don’t know, but now only in your place can I find some peace. Ever since Miaoyu gained favor, she has been splashing water in front of the Zui Que Pavilion every day. But since she is now in favor, I dare not speak out."

Miaoyu was promoted by the Empress, and Zhu Baolin, being under the Empress's wing, naturally knew this. Although she looked down on Miaoyu's low status, she couldn't do anything about it since she was chosen by the Empress.

Lady Ji's words carried hidden meanings, and Zhu Baolin wasn't so foolish as to be used by her. It was quite amusing.

Her eyes flickered, pretending to understand while feigning ignorance, "Miaoyu has been out of favor for a long time, and she is quite beautiful. It's normal for the Emperor to find her fresh. Sister, you are also beautiful; you will surely gain favor in the future."

Seeing Zhu Baolin's attitude, Lady Ji grew anxious and stared at her, asking, "Younger sister, last time I told you..."

Before she could finish, Zhu Baolin smiled and said, "Sister, the Emperor bestowed a box of golden hairpins on me these past two days. Why don't you pick a couple?"

At this point, even if Lady Ji lacked tact, she understood what Zhu Baolin meant. The hope in her eyes gradually faded, and she murmured, "No need..."

Seeing this, Zhu Baolin pretended to sigh and said, "Although His Majesty has been generous with gifts, he rarely visits me. I’m lucky if he visits twice a month. Moreover, as you know, His Majesty rarely visits the inner palace. If I were to mention others, it might displease him. Even if I wanted to bring you up, sister, I have to think about the future, right?"

Lady Ji’s heart sank, and she felt like all her strength had drained away, almost unable to even lift her cup.

In the palace, she had no power or influence, and everyone knew she had once turned to the Empress for support.

Now that the Empress was promoting Miaoyu, in the Empress's heart, she was just a disposable pawn.

Zhu Baolin called her ‘sister’ to her face, but today she saw clearly that Zhu Baolin was just being polite out of old ties, not truly treating her as a sister.

Now that even Zhu Baolin's last glimmer of hope was gone, her chances of turning things around were next to none.

Lady Ji, crestfallen, stood up to bid farewell to Zhu Baolin when suddenly, a voice announced from outside, "His Majesty is here!"

Hearing this, Lady Ji’s eyes lit up instantly, her joy almost overflowing.

Zhu Baolin’s face fell, and she glanced at Lady Ji with displeasure.

Lady Ji had chosen the worst possible time to come, just as His Majesty was about to arrive. What terrible timing!

Zhu Baolin quickly composed herself and gracefully stepped forward to greet His Majesty.

"Your Majesty, I greet you."

Lady Ji’s voice turned soft and alluring, deliberately speaking a moment later, "Miaoyi greets Your Majesty."

Her motives were clear, and the fact that she dared to flirt with His Majesty right in front of Zhu Baolin made her heart sink.

Zhu Baolin’s smile stiffened. She glanced at Lady Ji without expression, only to see her naturally lower her gaze, avoiding eye contact with Zhu Baolin.

Seeing this, Zhu Baolin clenched her teeth in anger.

Shen Huai noticed another person in the room and was slightly surprised for a moment before speaking indifferently, "Rise."

He casually took the main seat and immediately spotted the emerald hairpin Zhu Baolin had placed on the table. He picked it up and toyed with it, his voice calm, "How have you been these days?"

Zhu Baolin gently sat beside His Majesty and said softly, "I’m doing well, thank you for Your Majesty's concern."

Shen Huai nodded and said, "As long as the royal heir is safe, I’m content."

He casually pinned the hairpin on Zhu Baolin's head, then slightly frowned, "The emerald is regal and elegant, but you are more delicate. It doesn't suit you as well as the light pink silk flower on your head, which complements you perfectly."

With that, he glanced at Ji Miaoyi, scanning her up and down, as if he had a faint impression, "Who are you?"

Lady Ji was overjoyed and slightly bowed, revealing a hint of snow-white skin, "Your humble servant is Ji Miaoyi, the Lady of the Drunken Sparrow Pavilion in the Luanming Palace."

Shen Huai didn't recall her but nodded and said casually, "You’re alluring and curvaceous, which suits the emerald better."

Unbeknownst to him, Zhu Baolin, hearing this, clenched her handkerchief in anger.

This was clearly a gift His Majesty gave her, so why should she be the one deemed worthy!

Ji Miaoyi, instead of staying in the shadows, now you dare to steal His Majesty's favor in the Painted Bamboo Pavilion.

Trying to gain favor under my nose, I wonder if you have the ability!

With a forced smile, Zhu Baolin pretended to be kind and said softly, "Indeed, Lady Ji, since the poisoning incident at the Spring Banquet, Your Majesty hasn't seen her. It’s no surprise you, a busy man, might forget."