Chapter 54: Encounter in the Plum Blossoms

Chapter 54: Encounter in the Plum Blossoms

Her skin was as white as snow, stunningly beautiful.

Shen Lanying said innocently, "The Crown Prince has been obedient, but he fell ill and hasn't been attending the Imperial Academy these days."

The Empress's eyes flickered, a flash of joy and malice quickly passing through them before returning to her gentle and kind demeanor. She hugged the Princess and said, "The weather has turned cold; perhaps the Crown Prince caught a chill. Lanying, you must listen to your mother, dress warmly, and eat well, alright?"

The Princess nodded, snuggling into the Empress's embrace, and said in a muffled voice, "Lanying will be good and listen to Mother."

Seeing the Princess so obedient, the Empress smiled with relief and hugged her, slightly turning her head to Yu He and asking, "Has the Crown Prince requested leave from the Imperial Academy?"

Yu He nodded and replied, "We received word this noon that the Crown Prince is unwell and cannot attend the Imperial Academy for a few days, so he has requested leave."

The Empress's lips curved into a faint smile as she said indifferently, "Since the Crown Prince is unwell, it is only natural for me, as the Empress, to offer my condolences. When we return to the palace, you personally deliver some nourishing gifts for the child to Noble Consort Wang, as a token of my thoughts."

"Yes."

In the main hall of the Yutang Palace.

On the luxurious carved pearwood bed, Shen Nanzhou slept with his small brows tightly furrowed, clearly uncomfortable. His little hands felt icy cold, yet his forehead was drenched in sweat, which alarmed Noble Consort Wang, filling her with worry.

Imperial Physician An examined his pulse, his brows knitted in concern.

Fearing she might disturb the physician, she stepped back, standing by the screen to observe the situation.

As time passed, Noble Consort Wang grew increasingly anxious, unconsciously clutching her handkerchief.

Her usually proud and stern face now bore the sorrow of a mother, yet she held back her tears, refusing to cry. When the physician stood up, she nervously watched him emerge from behind the screen and hurried forward to ask, "Imperial Physician An, how is my son?"

Imperial Physician An hesitated for a moment before replying, "The Crown Prince is young and had just recovered from an illness, so his body is still weak. Now that winter has arrived and the weather is cold, the sudden changes in temperature have caused him to fall ill."

After a pause, he added, "However—I noticed that the Crown Prince's pulse is somewhat irregular. Besides the symptoms of cold and weakness, there are also signs of excessive heat in the blood, affecting the heart and brain. But the pulse is very faint, and I cannot determine the exact cause."

Imperial Physician An asked, "May I ask, how has the Crown Prince's sleep and appetite been recently?"

Noble Consort Wang, not understanding what this meant, widened her eyes and raised her voice, "My son has always had a small appetite, and his rest has been improving these past few days. I thought it was because he had just recovered from illness and didn't consider other possibilities. Is my son poisoned?"

Imperial Physician An bowed and said, "The Crown Prince's pulse shows no signs of poisoning, but his health is poor and needs careful care. Your Ladyship need not worry too much. I will prescribe a remedy for the Crown Prince, and with proper care, he should recover in time."

"Additionally," Imperial Physician An weighed his words, "though the Crown Prince is young, Your Ladyship should not be overly indulgent. Overeating, avoiding exposure to cold or heat, and lack of physical activity are all detrimental to health and can lead to weakness and illness."

Every point Imperial Physician An made was something Noble Consort Wang had always insisted on for Shen Nanzhou. She thought she was taking care of her child, never realizing she was actually harming him.

She stared blankly at the Crown Prince lying on the bed, her heart filled with increasing guilt.

No one would have expected the usually stern and authoritative Noble Consort Wang to be so helpless, murmuring, "I thought these were the best for Nanzhou, but it turns out I was wrong..."

Zhi Tong comforted her from the side, "Your Ladyship is only so strict because you care deeply for the Crown Prince. Now that Imperial Physician An has spoken, we will adjust our care accordingly. Though the Crown Prince is the eldest son, he is still a boy, and he will face many more trials and tribulations in the future."

Noble Consort Wang decisively turned away, quickly wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes with her handkerchief, suppressing her emotions as she coldly said, "Since Nanzhou is unwell, request more leave from the Imperial Academy. After all, he is still young and only learning the basics. I can teach him in the Yutang Palace just as well."

Zhi Tong softly replied, "Yes, I will send someone immediately."

After Imperial Physician An finished writing the prescription and handed it to the palace maid, Noble Consort Wang said in a deep voice, "Since the Crown Prince is unwell, change the frequency of your pulse checks from once every five days to once every other day, so we can closely monitor Nanzhou's health."

Imperial Physician An acknowledged the order and was about to take his leave when someone hurried in from outside the palace, saying, "Your Ladyship, Yu He from the Empress's side has arrived with some people."

At the mention of the Empress's people, Noble Consort Wang's anger flared, and she raised her voice, "How dare she think she can just waltz into my Yutang Palace?! Tell her to get lost!"

Seeing Noble Consort Wang in a bad mood, Zhi Tong hurried forward and whispered, "My Lady, the incident at the Tai Chi Palace last time already displeased His Majesty. Now that the Crown Prince is unwell, at such a critical moment, you should avoid openly confronting the Empress again. Even if you are angry, please hear what Yu He has to say. At most, you can think of a solution after she leaves."

Noble Consort Wang sneered and raised her eyebrows, saying, "What good could the Empress possibly want for me?"

She stared in the direction of the palace gate for a long time, then coldly uttered, "Allow her to enter."

Noble Consort Wang turned and seated herself on the throne, coldly watching as Yu He walked in with a smile, accompanied by others.

As if completely oblivious to Noble Consort Wang's icy expression, Yu He smiled gracefully, bowed appropriately after entering, and said, "This humble servant greets Noble Consort Wang. May Your Ladyship enjoy peace and prosperity."

Noble Consort Wang's expression did not soften in the slightest. She glanced at her condescendingly and said, "The Empress must truly value me, to send you personally."

Yu He's smile remained unchanged as she politely replied, "Noble Consort Wang is of high status, so the Empress naturally values you. Otherwise, how could she have immediately sent me with tonics upon hearing that the Crown Prince is unwell?"

She waved her hand, and the palace servants behind her stepped forward, standing beside Noble Consort Wang, and said, "These are all top-quality tonics. As the Empress, she naturally cares for the children of the inner palace. Please accept this token of her goodwill."

A cursory glance showed the tray was laden with ginseng, lingzhi, and bird's nest—precious indeed, but all consumable items.

It was common knowledge that the Empress and she were at odds, yet she still sent these things to provoke her!

Noble Consort Wang sneered, her smile not reaching her eyes, and said, "While the Empress's intentions are kind, my Jade Hall Palace has no need for such items. The Empress's treasury is not abundant, so please take them back."

Yu He couldn't miss the blatant sarcasm.

Though displeased, she did not show it, only glanced at Imperial Physician An beside her and smiled gently, saying, "I hadn't realized Imperial Physician An was also present at Jade Hall Palace."

Yu He casually mentioned, "Lately, not only has the weather been poor, but the inner palace has also been rather turbulent. Zhu Baolin's fetus is unwell today, and His Majesty has instructed the Empress to take special care of Zhu Baolin's pregnancy. His Majesty depends on the Empress, hence her special care for the palace children."

Her tone carried a hint of difficulty, "Yet, Zhu Baolin's child is still unborn, and the Imperial Medical Bureau is focusing on the Bamboo Pavilion. Moreover, the personnel assignments in the Imperial Medical Bureau are all managed by the Empress. If Imperial Physician Lin is overwhelmed, Imperial Physician An might need to assist promptly."

"Are you threatening me?"

Yu He's words were smooth, but Noble Consort Wang clearly understood her meaning.

Enraged, she slammed the table and barked, "How dare you!"

Refusing the gifts today, as per the Empress's wish, would bar Imperial Physician An from attending to the Crown Prince in Jade Hall Palace. Such a spiteful woman.

Noble Consort Wang sternly said, "Imperial Physician An has long been tending to the Crown Prince's health. Even His Majesty wouldn't idly watch the Crown Prince fall ill. Is the Empress disregarding the safety of the royal heir?"

Yu He smiled softly and nodded, "This servant would not dare."

Her tone was calm and unhurried as she said, "The Empress is generous and kind, always regarding the Crown Prince as her own. How could she disregard his safety? Noble Consort Wang, you mustn't defame the Empress. If Imperial Physician An is indeed assigned to attend to Zhu Baolin's royal fetus, the Empress will surely assign another physician to you."

With that, she said no more, slightly turning her head to look at the palace servants holding the gifts and said softly, "Put the things down."

Yu He's smile returned as she said, "The Phoenix Palace is busy with affairs, so I shall not linger."

"Go."

She curtsied and led the palace servants from the Phoenix Palace out of Jade Hall Palace with composure.

Now that she was out of favor, even the Empress's maid dared to show her such disrespect!

Noble Consort Wang stared at Yu He's retreating figure, her gaze particularly cold, "Imperial Physician An, come and check if there is anything wrong with these items."

Imperial Physician An, already drenched in cold sweat from the confrontation in the hall, dared not delay upon Noble Consort Wang's summons. He immediately stepped forward with his head bowed and carefully inspected the tonics before daring to say, "Your Ladyship, these tonics are not problematic, but they are not suitable for the Crown Prince. These tonics are potent and of a hot nature, so it is best not to use them."

Regardless of the Empress's offerings, be they beneficial or not, she wouldn't touch a single one.

Noble Consort Wang inhaled deeply and issued a calm directive, "Zhi Tong, put these items away in the storeroom."

Not long after Imperial Physician An left, a palace maid who had been waiting in the hall approached with tea.

Noble Consort Wang did not take it but cast her eyes downward in contemplation, asking indifferently, "How has Min Jieyu been recently? She has been in meditative seclusion for several months, and His Majesty has not mentioned lifting it. It’s called meditative seclusion, but how does it differ from house arrest?"

"I remember Min Jieyu is skilled in needlework. Dispatch someone to instruct her to embroider a night robe for His Majesty."

Having lost her authority to assist in managing the six palaces, her son had also fallen out of favor with His Majesty.

Min Jieyu had been in meditative seclusion for quite some time; it was high time for her release.

Unless the Empress and Noble Consort Mi took the initiative to release her, she couldn’t afford to remain idle.

Though Min Jieyu was known for her fiery temper, her needlework was exceptional, and His Majesty had once praised her for her dexterity. Should her night robe evoke His Majesty’s memories, perhaps it could lift her seclusion.

An extra ally would always be beneficial.

Ever since Zhu Baolin suffered a miscarriage after being startled on the palanquin, the palace had enjoyed a period of relative tranquility.

Winter had arrived, and Chang'an was growing colder.

This year, a light, early snow had dusted the ground, blanketing the eaves and corridors in a crystalline beauty.

Snow adorned the osmanthus trees in Pixiang Hall’s courtyard, appearing silvery white. Under the sun’s rays, the snow transformed into glistening ice, shimmering with fine light under the winter glow.

Yu Ying entered from outside, drawing back the curtain, and neatly arranged a cluster of red plum blossoms in a porcelain vase, which she then placed on the small square table beside Su Jiaojiao.

Amid the wintry landscape, it provided a splash of color.

Her hands, red from the cold, reached for the charcoal brazier as she bent down, rubbing her hands and smiling, "This year, a few red plum trees bloomed early. While accompanying Man Xia to fetch this month’s stipend, I noticed the plum buds at the entrance were in full bloom, so I couldn’t resist plucking a few branches. The hall is warm, so I estimate they will bloom in two or three days."

Su Jiaojiao leaned her nose close to the plum blossoms in the vase. Although they had not yet bloomed, she could still smell the sharp, fresh fragrance. She smiled and said, "It really does smell good."

She propped open the window and looked outside, where the morning sun slanted into the courtyard.

She saw the red walls and tiles, the frost-covered branches, all enveloped in a golden morning light. The scenery was truly beautiful.

Su Jiaojiao was afraid of both heat and cold, so she never let go of the hot water bottle in her bed or the hand warmer in her hands.

Fortunately, as a concubine, she was entitled to use silver charcoal, and the quota was sufficient.

Even wearing only an undergarment in the hall, she did not feel cold.

Now, the scenery before her eyes made her feel happy, and Su Jiaojiao no longer felt cold. She placed the hand warmer on the table and smiled lightly, "There is little snow in the winter month, but this year’s snow scenery came early. The next snowfall will probably be around the New Year, so it’s a pity not to go out for a walk now."

As she spoke, she was about to get up, but Yu Ying hurriedly stopped her, saying, "The snow is melting, and it’s cold and slippery. Last time, Zhu Baolin went out after the rain and had a miscarriage because the palanquin bearers slipped. Please don’t go out today to join the excitement."

Su Jiaojiao’s voice was clear and crisp as she smiled and said, "Then we won’t take the palanquin. With you accompanying me on foot, how could I fall?"

She called out, "Ling Xiao, Ling Yun—come and help me with my makeup and dressing."

Once the master had decided, no one could change her mind. Yu Ying followed her in with a look of helplessness, hoping nothing would go wrong.

Although the snow on the ground had not completely melted, the frequently used palace paths had already been swept clean.

Su Jiaojiao, holding the hand warmer, led the way, feeling unusually refreshed by the cold air.

She turned back and smiled, saying, "Yu Ying, look, isn’t this fine?"

Yu Ying sighed helplessly, saying, "The palace paths are naturally clear, but the plum garden you want to visit hasn't been cleaned."

Su Jiaojiao had a naturally delicate and fragile appearance, often wearing plain-colored palace dresses, rarely in bright colors.

Today, in a good mood, she unusually opted for a rouge-colored palace dress, which made her look radiant and lively.

The silver-threaded peony embroidery on her dress sparkled like stars under the snow, and as she moved gracefully, the hem of her dress swayed like waves, adding a touch of elegance.

The red plum blossoms in the plum garden had indeed budded early this year, and from a distance, a sea of crimson was visible, with silver-white snowflakes and crimson buds falling together, creating a breathtaking scene.

As she ventured deeper, she seemed to hear voices not far off.

Since the plum blossoms hadn't fully bloomed, Su Jiaojiao didn't expect that there would be others besides her who couldn't bear to miss the snowy scenery and came to see the buds.

She gently parted the branches and stepped through the snow, seeing Beauty Zhong standing sideways, holding a plum branch, and slightly looking up.

Beauty Zhong obviously heard someone approaching. She leisurely released the branch and turned her head, her expression calm and composed, as she curtsied and said, "This humble one pays respects to Consort Zhen."

Su Jiaojiao bore no ill will toward Beauty Zhong. Though they weren't close, she held a slight fondness for her.

She still remembered when she first learned that Beauty Zhong and Min Jieyu were cousins, and the words Beauty Zhong used to refute Min Jieyu.

Moreover, she had heard that Beauty Zhong was a renowned talented woman in Chang'an before entering the palace, with a cool demeanor, exceptional talent, and not easily influenced by others. Such individuals were rare in the palace.

Su Jiaojiao smiled gently and said, "Beauty Zhong, please rise."

"Since the red plum blossoms in the plum forest haven't opened, I thought I would be the only one coming, but I met you—what a coincidence."

Beauty Zhong's expression remained unchanged. She just said indifferently, "Consort Zhen and I both cherish flowers."

Facing Su Jiaojiao, she was neither humble nor overbearing, simply stating the facts.

Su Jiaojiao was taken aback, feeling somewhat stifled by her words. She was usually very tactful in front of others, but now, facing the straightforward Beauty Zhong, she was at a loss for words.

While Su Jiaojiao was pondering, Beauty Zhong timely spoke, "If you find me uninteresting, there is another person in the plum garden."

"Another person?"

Su Jiaojiao was even more surprised. She smiled warmly and asked, "Who is it?"

Beauty Zhong slightly lowered her eyes, seemingly unwilling to mention it. "Talented Lady Xiao."

She pursed her lips and said softly, "She came to the plum garden, perhaps with another purpose."

Talented Lady Xiao was arrogant and overbearing, looking down on everyone. Although she often mentioned Beauty Zhong in her words, Beauty Zhong and she were completely different, and she didn't like to talk to her much.

In Beauty Zhong's eyes, meeting Talented Lady Xiao in such a beautiful scenery was a very unlucky thing.

Su Jiaojiao raised her eyes in surprise and said with a smile, "Beauty Zhong seems very unwilling to see Talented Lady Xiao."

"Half a word is too much if the conversation is not congenial."

Beauty Zhong spoke indifferently, curtsied and said, "This humble one is feeling unwell, so I will take my leave first."

Su Jiaojiao smiled lightly and said no more.

After Beauty Zhong left, Su Jiaojiao walked deeper into the plum garden.

Earlier, Beauty Zhong said that Talented Lady Xiao came to the plum garden with another purpose, which was quite meaningful.

The Plum Garden is located directly to the east of the Changle Palace, with the Mirror Lake on the left and the Hot Spring Palace on the right, offering some of the most enchanting scenery.

Yet, in this freezing weather, how could the delicate Talented Lady Xiao willingly brave the cold by coming all the way from the Jiuhua Palace to the Plum Garden?

While Beauty Zhong came to enjoy the scenery, Talented Lady Xiao must have had a compelling reason to willingly suffer this discomfort.

Only Beauty Zhong and Talented Lady Xiao reside in the Jiuhua Palace, both enjoying some favor from the Emperor.

However, for over a month now, the Emperor has not summoned either of them. Beauty Zhong might not be in a hurry, but the proud and ambitious Talented Lady Xiao must be feeling restless.

Could it be that Talented Lady Xiao came to intercept the Emperor?

A sense of intuition arose in Su Jiaojiao. With a smile, she strolled leisurely through the Plum Garden towards the Hot Spring Palace.

Indeed, at the edge of the Plum Garden on the other side, she saw the Emperor sitting in the dragon carriage, emerging from the Hot Spring Palace and stopping in front of Talented Lady Xiao.

She continued walking, plucking a plum blossom from a passing tree and tucking it into her hair. The red plum complemented her beauty, making her even more charming than the flower.

When the Emperor's dragon carriage actually stopped in front of her, Talented Lady Xiao was overjoyed.

She quickly lowered her eyes and curtsied, suppressing her inner joy, and softly said, "This humble one pays respects to Your Majesty."

After speaking, she looked up at the Emperor, with a hint of shyness, and said, "This humble one was admiring the scenery in the Plum Garden but accidentally got lost. Just as I found my way out, I saw you."

Shen Huai had just finished soaking in the hot spring, feeling all his fatigue melt away. He lazily sat in the dragon carriage, looking at Talented Lady Xiao: "The plum blossoms this year have bloomed early. You have quite the refined taste indeed."

He asked, "Do you like plum blossoms?"

Eager not to miss this rare opportunity, Talented Lady Xiao came up with what she thought was the most reasonable answer, her voice softening even more: "This humble one admires the noble character of plum blossoms."

Shen Huai was not surprised by her answer but found it rather dull. He replied nonchalantly, "Indeed, plum blossoms are noble."

Hearing the Emperor's words, Talented Lady Xiao was even more delighted, thinking that the Emperor admired people with the noble character of plum blossoms. She continued, "This humble one often reads poetry collections, and poets frequently praise plum blossoms. Since childhood, I have been inspired by this..."

Before Talented Lady Xiao could finish, Shen Huai had already stopped listening, his gaze instead fell on her attire.

There are many beauties in the palace, and Talented Lady Xiao is among the best, with a unique beauty unmatched in the entire palace.

She is strikingly beautiful, with a heroic air between her brows, looking very dashing, which was something Shen Huai originally admired.

But today, she wore an extremely soft and charming lotus-pink palace dress, exquisite and luxurious, yet it clashed with her temperament, making her and the dress seem mismatched, creating a sense of discord.

Shen Huai's taste has always been particular, and seeing Talented Lady Xiao like this, he lost interest even more. He remarked casually, "Since you like it, I will have someone select two more books from the library and send them to you."

Talented Lady Xiao happily curtsied in gratitude, her heart brimming with joy, believing that the Emperor would surely choose her for the night.

But before she could speak, the sound of footsteps crunching through the snow came from behind.

She turned around and saw Consort Zhen approaching, her eyes alight with soft surprise.

Consort Zhen has a cold and delicate appearance, rarely wearing such bright colors, but the vermilion palace dress she wore today complemented her perfectly, making her skin appear as white as snow, charming and captivating.

Talented Lady Xiao has always been proud of her beauty, but she had to admit that Consort Zhen surpassed her by a margin.

Even she found Consort Zhen captivating, so the Emperor must have felt even more so.

Talented Lady Xiao looked up at the Emperor and indeed saw a flash of admiration in his eyes.

Seeing this, Talented Lady Xiao immediately felt somewhat displeased.

The news that His Majesty would visit the spa today was something she had begged her cousin for, so how did Consort Zhen manage to show up at just the right time?

She had finally gotten the chance to get close to His Majesty, but was she about to be intercepted?

Though Talented Lady Xiao felt a bit of annoyance, she kept her composure in front of His Majesty and greeted Su Jiaojiao with a curtsy. Then, she seized the initiative by asking, "The plum grove is still just buds and hasn’t bloomed yet. Could it be that Consort Zhen also came to admire the plum blossoms?"

To her surprise, Su Jiaojiao didn’t even glance at her. Instead, she simply curtsied to His Majesty with a smile, then plucked the red plum blossom from her hair and eagerly stepped forward to place it in His Majesty’s palm.

Her voice was sweet, and the plum grove behind her seemed to enhance her charm, her words sounding especially sweet to Shen Huai: "Your Majesty, look, isn’t the plum blossom Jiaojiao picked beautiful?"