Chapter 24: Mistakes must be punished. [One + two updates]

Chapter 24: Mistakes Must Be Punished. (First and Second Watch)

Two quarter-hours later, Hongxiu led Qing Dai to select four defective bolts of Blue Cloud Gauze from the storeroom.

Peilan did not hesitate, immediately ordering Hongxiu to the Palace Matron Bureau to demand an explanation on behalf of Tangli Pavilion.

Hongxiu cast one last glance at Ruan Hanzhang before clutching the fabric and departing.

Qing Dai, uncharacteristically astute this time, entered the chamber and pleaded with Ruan Hanzhang: "Your Ladyship, if Hongxiu leaves like this, she will surely be punished by the matron. Please, for the sake of Hongxiu’s diligent service, spare her this once?"

Ruan Hanzhang hesitated, glancing at Peilan, who merely snorted coldly.

"This was Hongxiu’s own dereliction of duty. Sending her to the Palace Matron Bureau now is merely giving her a chance to redeem herself."

Qing Dai lowered her head, silently weeping.

Peilan’s memory was sharp; she recalled the events of that day clearly: "That day, you escorted Her Ladyship to Qianyuan Palace. Hongxiu was the one who checked and stored this Blue Cloud Gauze. If she failed to verify it properly then, she must rectify the error now."

There was nothing wrong with this statement.

But Peilan had also been in Tangli Pavilion that day. As the head of the palace servants, she should have been responsible for the matter.

Now, she pushed all the blame onto Hongxiu, absolving herself completely.

She was simply counting on Ruan Hanzhang not daring to challenge her.

With matters put this way, Qing Dai could not plead further. She silently kowtowed to Ruan Hanzhang and withdrew in tears.

Ruan Hanzhang felt a pang of unease and softly asked Peilan, "Matron, should I go to the Palace Matron Bureau myself? It wouldn’t be right to let Hongxiu take the punishment."

Peilan gave her a cold look: "You lack resolve. She’s just a palace maid. Why care so much?"

Ruan Hanzhang pressed her lips together, saying nothing more.

Tangli Pavilion fell silent. No one spoke, and the atmosphere inside and out was oppressive.

Peilan remained seated, sipping tea, while Ruan Hanzhang appeared restless, frequently glancing outside.

Peilan curled her lip and snorted, "Compose yourself. What kind of behavior is this?"

The Ruan family truly shared the same cold-hearted nature.

Ruan Hanzhang felt disdain inwardly but showed a hint of grievance on her face. She lowered her head, twisted her handkerchief, and ultimately did not speak again.

One quarter, two quarters.

Time seemed to drag, yet upon reflection, only three sections of the incense stick had burned.

Not even half an hour had passed, so naturally, there could be no result from the Palace Matron Bureau yet.

Through the window lattice, Ruan Hanzhang saw Qian Xiaoduo pacing anxiously in the corridor, his worry evident. She felt somewhat satisfied for once.

These three servants assigned to her, though hastily assembled and previously unacquainted in the palace, were not as cold-hearted and indifferent as Peilan, who cared nothing for others' lives.

Another section of the incense stick burned away, and Ruan Hanzhang could no longer sit still.

"Matron, it’s already been half an hour. Perhaps—"

Before Peilan could respond, Qing Dai’s voice came from outside: "Your Ladyship, Matron Liu from the Palace Matron Bureau is here."

Ruan Hanzhang felt relieved, sensing that the situation might be salvageable.

Peilan, however, was somewhat puzzled. She looked at the approaching Matron Liu, rose leisurely, and said, "Sister, is there something?"

Matron Liu appeared to be in her forties, only a year or two older than Peilan, but Peilan, relying on the Ruan family’s status and Ruan Hanzhang’s favor, acted somewhat arrogantly.

Matron Liu paid no mind to her attitude. Upon entering Tangli Pavilion, she first paid respects to Ruan Hanzhang: "Greetings, Lady Baolin. May Your Ladyship be well."

"Matron Liu, thank you for making the trip. Is Hongxiu safe?"

Ruan Hanzhang looked anxious, seemingly concerned for Hongxiu, but sending Hongxiu alone to the Palace Matron Bureau was itself a cold-hearted act.

Asking now was merely to save face, of no real help.

In any case, it was the Ruan family’s reputation at stake, and Ruan Hanzhang did not care at all.

Peilan, unaware, added, "Sister Liu, have you come about the Blue Cloud Gauze matter?"

Matron Liu sighed: "Lady Baolin, today Hongxiu brought the Blue Cloud Gauze to the Palace Matron Bureau. Palace Matron Mu happened to be there and heard of the matter, so she took it particularly seriously."

The Three Bureaus and Two Directorates in the palace manage almost all affairs.

The Palace Matron Bureau handles the assignments and transfers of palace servants, the Western Storehouse, and the roster of palace maids. It is headed by the Palace Matron, a fifth-rank official.

The other two bureaus are the Weaving Bureau and the Bureau of Goods, headed by the Director of Clothing and the Director of Goods, both fifth-rank court ladies. In principle, the three are of equal rank.

But the Palace Matron Bureau is responsible for assigning and managing palace maids and court ladies. If incidents occur in the other two bureaus, the Palace Matron Bureau mediates, so it implicitly holds higher authority.

When imperial concubines have issues, they always turn to the Palace Matron Bureau for resolution.

Today was no exception.

Especially since this matter might involve Moral Consort Xu, going to the Weaving Bureau would yield no good outcome. So Peilan devised a plan to have Hongxiu take the case directly to the Palace Matron Bureau.

This way, it could also implicate Noble Consort Yao.

It must be said that if Peilan were serving Ruan Hanzhang, Ruan Hanzhang would praise this move as brilliant.

After explaining clearly, Matron Liu said: "However, this matter involves the Weaving Bureau and Moral Consort Xu. Palace Matron Mu does not dare to decide alone, so she has sent me to invite Lady Baolin to come to the Palace Matron Bureau to resolve this matter."

"If any palace servant has erred, we also ask Your Ladyship to reprimand and assign punishment in person."

This sounded excellent.

The words carefully avoided mentioning any fault of Tangli Pavilion, as if Ruan Hanzhang’s presence would resolve everything.

Ruan Hanzhang gave her a meaningful look before asking Peilan: "Matron?"

Peilan thought for a moment and said: "This servant will accompany Your Ladyship."

Although Peilan’s foot had improved, long walks were still difficult. Even the quarter-hour journey from Tangli Pavilion to the Palace Matron Bureau was considered far.

After much hesitation, Ruan Hanzhang asked Matron Liu: "Just me alone?"

Matron Liu did not hide the truth: "Your Ladyship, Palace Matron Mu has ordered us to also inform Noble Consort Yao and Moral Consort Xu. It is uncertain whether Their Ladyships will be available."

Ruan Hanzhang then understood that this matter would not be resolved simply.

"In that case, I will make the trip and see what explanation the Palace Matron Bureau has for me."

Ruan Hanzhang assumed the air of a favored concubine and, after a simple toilette, led Peilan out of Tangli Pavilion.

Upon arriving at the Palace Matron Bureau and taking a seat in the main hall, Ruan Hanzhang realized she was the first to arrive.

Palace Matron Mu was waiting there personally. Seeing Ruan Hanzhang’s displeased expression, she hurriedly said, “Quickly serve tea to Lady Baolin. My apologies for the wait, Your Ladyship.”

Noble Consort Yao and Moral Consort Xu both resided in the Western Six Palaces, which were farther from the Palace Matron Bureau than Tingsue Palace. Even if they were to come, it would likely be about half an hour later.

Ruan Hanzhang lifted her gaze to Palace Matron Mu.

Palace Matron Mu appeared to be in her thirties, with thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a dignified, plump appearance. She resembled Liang Santai, both sharing a joyful and fortunate countenance.

Her overall demeanor was one of harmony and constant smiling.

Her voice was very gentle, soothing to the heart and gradually calming any irritability.

Yet Ruan Hanzhang did not give her a friendly look.

On the way, Peilan had repeatedly reminded her that Tangli Pavilion was the wronged party and must not lose the Ruan family’s face.

“Palace Matron Mu, where is my palace maid?”

Palace Matron Mu smiled warmly and said politely, “Hongxiu is waiting in the side room. This humble servant has already summoned a matron from the Weaving Bureau to inspect the fabric. We must first reach a conclusion before deciding how to proceed.”

Ruan Hanzhang snorted coldly. She raised her head, proud and aloof. “Palace Matron Mu, this matter ultimately reflects poorly on the Weaving Bureau. As for the reason, both you and I understand.”

She extended her hand, her ten fingers slender, glossy, and pearl-like.

The rouge on her nails was a soft pink, matching her exquisite and radiant beauty.

As a noble lady from a scholarly family and an immensely favored concubine, she carried an air of unrivaled confidence.

Palace Matron Mu bowed respectfully. “Lady Baolin speaks rightly, but…”

She smiled faintly. “The palace has its rules. Matters cannot be decided lightly; they must be broken down point by point before a conclusion can be reached.”

Ruan Hanzhang snorted again and said, “It seems to me that you simply dare not offend Moral Consort Xu and can only bully a mere Baolin like me.”

No sooner had these words been spoken than a shrill female voice rang out: “How dare you blame this Consort?”

Ruan Hanzhang turned and saw Noble Consort Yao and Moral Consort Xu arriving together.

Both were simply attired, clearly having come in haste without formal attire.

Ruan Hanzhang reluctantly rose and paid her respects to them.

“Greetings to Noble Consort, greetings to Moral Consort.”

Noble Consort Yao smiled gently, her expression warm and kind. “We are all sisters here. Please, sit and speak.”

She took the main seat, and after Moral Consort Xu sat to her left, she turned to Palace Matron Mu.

“Palace Matron Mu, it was inconvenient to speak on the way. What exactly is the matter?”

Palace Matron Mu bowed to the two consorts and clapped her hands three times. Matron Zhen then led Hongxiu into the main hall, where Hongxiu knelt and bowed.

Matron Zhen reported respectfully, “Replying to Noble Consort and Moral Consort, today Hongxiu, a palace maid from Tangli Pavilion, suddenly reported that among the summer allotment issued by the Weaving Bureau to Lady Baolin Ruan three days ago, four bolts of Blue Cloud Gauze were aged fabric. She brought them to the Palace Matron Bureau for Palace Matron Mu to decide.”

Hongxiu knelt and placed the fabric on the floor, unrolling it.

The two bolts of Blue Cloud Gauze were so deteriorated that their flaws were obvious at a glance, without detailed inspection.

Noble Consort Yao frowned slightly.

She glanced at Moral Consort Xu, then at Ruan Hanzhang’s aggrieved expression, and after a moment of contemplation, said, “Who are the involved palace maids from the Weaving Bureau? Have they been summoned?”

Matron Zhen replied, “They have been called. The third-class palace maids Xinghua and Xiaotao were tasked with delivering the provisions. Shall they be brought in to report?”

Shortly after, two young palace maids entered the hall.

They knelt beside Hongxiu. The maid named Xinghua seemed frightened but still said, “Replying to Noble Consort and Moral Consort, we delivered the Blue Cloud Gauze to Tangli Pavilion together. At that time, Sister Hongxiu inspected it and confirmed it was correct before storing it. Sister Hongxiu was present throughout. If there was an issue with the gauze then, why wasn’t it raised? Why wait three days to report it?”

This statement went straight to the key point.

Ruan Hanzhang glanced at her in surprise. Though young, only fifteen or sixteen, the girl was not stupid.

Hongxiu, however, remained calm and composed.

She bowed and said, “Replying to Your Ladyships, our Lady Baolin is new to the palace and unfamiliar with its affairs. On the day the fabric was delivered, Her Ladyship was serving His Majesty at Qianyuan Palace, and Matron Peilan was ill. This lowly maid was overwhelmed and failed to inspect the fabric. This is indeed my fault.”

“Today, when Her Ladyship wished to use the fabric, she discovered the issue and sent me to the Palace Matron Bureau to seek clarification.”

Hongxiu bowed and kowtowed, her attitude deeply respectful.

“Your Ladyships, respected matrons, it is clear that this fabric has been stored for years in storage, dampened by rainwater, causing it to mold and rot. It was deliberately wrapped in a layer of new cloth to deceive.”

“Our lady is naive and unaware of such tricks, but those who delivered the fabric must have known how to deceive newly entered consorts.”

These words were spoken with bluntness.

Moral Consort Xu’s face darkened immediately. “How dare you!”

————

Moral Consort Xu had never been one to tolerate disrespect.

She came from a distinguished military family, was strong-willed, decisive, and even in the presence of Empress Dowager Renhui, she maintained her dignity, never learned to lower her head or yield.

Her exclamation, “How dare you!” resounded forcefully.

Hongxiu trembled in fear, and all three palace maids knelt prostrate on the ground, not daring to rise.

Moral Consort Xu cast a cold glance at Ruan Hanzhang, took a sip of tea, and then said coldly, “The summer provisions are distributed uniformly by the palace and issued by the Weaving Bureau to the various palaces. Due to the Weaving Bureau’s busy schedule, distribution to all quarters takes two days. Three days ago was the second batch, issued to consorts below the Nine Concubines.”

Moral Consort Xu was skilled with words.

Even while explaining the situation, she managed to belittle Ruan Hanzhang.

She was reminding Ruan Hanzhang that no matter how favored she was, she was still merely a Baolin.

With a sharp clink, Moral Consort Xu set down her teacup.

“The Weaving Bureau handles matters with great care. Fabric taken from storage passes through the hands of storage maids, matrons, and inspection maids. It is absolutely impossible for such negligence to occur.”

Moral Consort Xu stared directly at Ruan Hanzhang. “Baolin Ruan, are you trying to frame and slander this consort?”

Her presence was imposing, enough to intimidate an ordinary consort, but Ruan Hanzhang was not afraid in the least.

She took a deep breath, straightened her back, and met Moral Consort Xu’s gaze.

"Moral Consort Xu, words alone are no proof. I have not personally witnessed the procedures you described; facts are what matter. Noble Consort Yao, Moral Consort Xu, the facts are now clear before us: Tangli Pavilion did indeed receive four bolts of aged fabric."

"Moreover, this Blue Cloud Gauze was definitely delivered from the Weaving Bureau to Tangli Pavilion. The scroll bears the Weaving Bureau's mark, and upon full unrolling and inspection, the innermost layer also carries the Weaving Bureau's steel seal. Therefore, it is impossible for me to have fabricated this."

Ruan Hanzhang also analyzed point by point, explaining the matter clearly.

Her gaze shifted to Noble Consort Yao.

"Noble Consort, I am young and new to the palace, unfamiliar with its rules. If I have inadvertently offended Moral Consort Xu, leading her to dislike me and deliberately make things difficult, that would be understandable."

"But such actions are truly terrifying!"

Ruan Hanzhang spoke rapidly, giving Moral Consort Xu no chance to interject: "Yes, it's only two bolts of cloth being swapped here, not a major issue at first glance. But if we consider deeply: where have the swapped bolts gone? Are there other low-ranking imperial concubines who have had their allocations swapped but dare not speak up? If oppression becomes rampant in the palace, substituting inferior for good, how can we still claim strict palace rules, fairness, and justice?"

"Ruan Hanzhang, how dare you!"

Moral Consort Xu spoke sharply and severely.

"You have such audacity! Are you implying that I embezzled allocations?"

That was exactly what Ruan Hanzhang meant.

No matter what, this matter must be related to the Weaving Bureau. Even if not done by Moral Consort Xu herself, it was certainly carried out by her faction.

With her temperament, it's unlikely others could interfere in the Weaving Bureau.

By stirring up the matter and expanding its scope, it wouldn't be minimized or silenced.

When Tangli Pavilion's incident came to light, Ruan Hanzhang had many enemies, so more people would be investigated.

The more chaos, the better.

Thinking this, Ruan Hanzhang raised her head, becoming even more arrogant.

"I am currently highly favored; His Majesty treats me with utmost affection and respect. I know very well that someone must be jealous and trying to suppress me."

Moral Consort Xu took a deep breath, furious, almost about to rebuke sternly.

Just then, her attendant Meiying gently touched her shoulder and calmly looked at Ruan Hanzhang.

"Lady Baolin, words cannot be spoken recklessly."

"If Lady Baolin accuses Moral Consort Xu without evidence, even if it goes before the Emperor, Moral Consort Xu can reprimand you for slandering a high-ranking concubine and disrupting palace affairs."

Ruan Hanzhang clenched her hand and fell silent.

Peilan grew anxious. Seeing Ruan Hanzhang intimidated, she disliked it even more and spoke up directly for her.

"Meiying, your words are mistaken. This matter concerns Tangli Pavilion as the wronged party."

"These four bolts of aged fabric are what we received at Tangli Pavilion. Now, coming to the Palace Matron Bureau, we only seek justice. How is that slander?"

Peilan smiled, her expression softening: "Now that Noble Consort Yao oversees the Six Palaces affairs, she must be informed of all matters great and small within the palace. Our Lady Baolin speaks this way only to give Noble Consort Yao a direction, lest it implicate Noble Consort Yao in the end and also tarnish Moral Consort Xu's reputation for oppressing palace concubines."

Indeed, Peilan's words were well-put.

However, she always carried herself with the Ruan family's status, her tone not humble. The more she spoke, the darker Moral Consort Xu's expression became.

"What, before the matter is even clarified, must the blame be placed on me?"

Moral Consort Xu seemed unwilling to engage further with Ruan Hanzhang and looked directly at Noble Consort Yao.

"Elder Sister Noble Consort, what do you think?"

During the earlier dispute, Noble Consort Yao had remained silent.

Now drawn into the fray by both sides, Noble Consort Yao smiled faintly: "We are all sisters here; there's no need for urgency."

"I have seen clearly that this matter should be verified. Those two bolts of fabric were personally inspected by Palace Matron Mu and indeed came from the Weaving Bureau."

That is to say, it was impossible for Ruan Hanzhang to have fabricated or framed.

As Moral Consort Xu was about to speak, Noble Consort Yao waved her hand to silence her.

"Let me finish."

She was gentle and amiable, speaking unhurriedly, instantly diffusing the intense tension in the hall.

"Palace affairs have their own ways," Noble Consort Yao said word by word. "First, the Weaving Bureau substituted inferior goods, delivering aged fabric to Tangli Pavilion. They should be punished; all involved will have two months' wages deducted as a warning."

Hearing this, Ruan Hanzhang smiled triumphantly.

Moral Consort Xu, however, caught on and raised an eyebrow at Ruan Hanzhang, her eyes full of provocation.

"Second, the Weaving Bureau maids Xinghua and Xiaotao, upon delivering the fabric to Tangli Pavilion, did not follow the bureau's requirement to unroll and inspect it on the spot. Their offense is more severe; they are to be immediately transferred from the Weaving Bureau to the laundry and cleaning detail temporarily."

The two maids paled but dared not oppose Noble Consort Yao, finally kowtowing with reddened eyes: "We admit our fault; thank you for your mercy, Noble Consort."

Noble Consort Yao nodded contentedly, then looked at Ruan Hanzhang.

"Baolin Ruan, though new to the palace, you studied palace rules for one month in the Storage Elegance Palace. You understand palace affairs well; there's no need for me to instruct you further."

Ruan Hanzhang also wiped the smile from her face.

"Although the Weaving Bureau is at fault, your maid Hongxiu is also to blame. She did not follow the rules to inspect on the spot, leading to the discrepancy being discovered only after three days. This is equally a major offense."

Noble Consort Yao paused, glanced at Palace Matron Mu, and without hesitation said directly: "According to palace rules, she must also be demoted and transferred from Tangli Pavilion."

Noble Consort Yao could directly deal with the Weaving Bureau maids, but for Tangli Pavilion's maid, she needed Ruan Hanzhang's opinion.

Ruan Hanzhang was taken aback.

She looked at Aunt Peilan, who was inwardly delighted but showed nothing, only nodding helplessly.

"Noble Consort, that is indeed the rule."

Ruan Hanzhang's eyes reddened instantly.

"Why didn't you say so earlier!"

She seemed to snap back to reality only then, immediately looking at Hongxiu kneeling on the ground, very reluctant: "Hongxiu..."

Hongxiu, however, was very tactful. She turned on her knees and kowtowed three times to Ruan Hanzhang with a thud.

"My lady, I am unfortunate not to continue serving by your side. Here, I wish you steady advancement and unwavering favor."

These words sounded deeply affectionate between mistress and servant.

But they did not consider the faces of Noble Consort Yao and Moral Consort Xu.

Moral Consort Xu raised an eyebrow and said with some satisfaction, "Lady Ruan, you are still young after all. You should go back and study the palace rules thoroughly before coming to stir up trouble."

"You were the top-ranked palace lady candidate back then. How could you have forgotten everything after living such a comfortable life for so long?"

"Mistakes must be punished."

Ruan Hanzhang suddenly looked up and shot a fierce glare at Moral Consort Xu. "You did this on purpose!"

Moral Consort Xu was inwardly pleased and said with a smile, "What good would this do for me? It’s just the servants' carelessness that caused this misunderstanding."

At this point, Moral Consort Xu glanced at Director Bai of the Weaving Bureau, who was waiting outside the main hall, and her voice turned icy.

"Today’s matter was leniently handled by Her Highness the Noble Consort. If it were up to me, everyone would have received ten strokes of the rod to see if you would dare neglect your duties again."

"From now on, stay on your toes and avoid making any more mistakes."

The palace servants knelt together and chorused their assent.

Moral Consort Xu said smugly, "Since the matter is settled, everyone may disperse."

Ruan Hanzhang nearly clenched her jaw but suddenly spoke up, "Wait."

Moral Consort Xu glanced at her sideways.

"Baolin Ruan, is there something else?"

Ruan Hanzhang took a deep breath, raised her eyes, and looked at Noble Consort Yao.

"Your Highness, I know Hongxiu did make a mistake. She was not careful enough and was framed. I also understand that while one should not harbor ill intentions, one must always be cautious. I was negligent."

"But after all, Hongxiu has served me loyally. She has always been respectful and diligent. I cannot bear to see her sent to the laundry bureau, where she would live in darkness from now on."

Ignoring Peilan’s gaze, Ruan Hanzhang leaned on the armrest and stood up, then bowed properly to Noble Consort Yao.

"I will take responsibility for her mistake. I will pay double the fine, but I beg you to assign her to a better position."

Her concern for Hongxiu touched many of the palace servants in the hall.

Seeing her drop her earlier arrogant attitude and finally learn to humble herself, Moral Consort Xu felt satisfied and saw no need to bully a mere maid.

Noticing Noble Consort Yao looking at her, she nodded and said, "Sister, please sit and speak. There’s no need for such formality."

"Although Hongxiu made a mistake, she knows how to atone for it and is willing to take responsibility. She is a good child. In that case, Palace Matron Mu, please arrange a suitable position for her."

With eyes welling up, Ruan Hanzhang said to Noble Consort Yao, "Thank you, Your Highness. I will forever remember your great generosity."

Noble Consort Yao stood up with the support of a palace servant and said gently, "Today’s matter was a small mishap, just a small mistake. Don’t take it to heart. Only by getting along can we coexist peacefully."

With that, she walked directly outward. "Since that’s settled, I shall return to my palace."

After seeing off Noble Consort Yao, Moral Consort Xu also stood up and raised an eyebrow as she looked at Baolin Ruan.

"Baolin Ruan, let me give you another lesson today."

"Being favored is one thing, but rank is rank."

Moral Consort Xu smiled triumphantly and swept past Ruan Hanzhang. "There are new favorites every year, but there is only one Moral Consort."

With a light laugh, Moral Consort Xu left, only the lingering fragrance of Xihé incense remaining in the hall.

Ruan Hanzhang took a deep breath, stepped forward to personally help Hongxiu up, and then turned to Auntie Zhen, who had remained nearby the whole time.

"Auntie, I leave Hongxiu in your care."

Ruan Hanzhang squeezed Hongxiu’s hand. The mistress and servant exchanged a glance but ultimately said nothing.

Ruan Hanzhang turned to leave. "Let’s go, back to the palace."

Just as she stepped out of the main hall of the Palace Matron Bureau, she heard Hongxiu’s voice from behind.

Hongxiu rushed forward two steps and kowtowed to her. "Your Highness, I cannot continue to serve you. Please take care of yourself for the days to come."

Ruan Hanzhang did not look back.

When the two were walking along the palace path, Peilan finally spoke. "It’s all my fault for forgetting this matter. Our palace is already understaffed, and now we have even fewer people to serve."

Ruan Hanzhang glanced at her and instead comforted her, "It’s alright. You're the most important one to me, Auntie."