Chapter 30: You broke your promise. [Two + three updates]

Chapter 30: You Broke Your Word.

A sharp crack shattered the stillness of the long night.

In an instant, everyone present dropped to their knees, bowing and kowtowing: "Your Majesty, please quell your wrath."

The burning building was close by, the acrid smell of char filling everyone's nostrils.

Though they spoke in unison, their voices trembled with fear and dread.

Jing Huayan's throat bobbed. His hand loosened slightly, and several pieces of blood-stained green jade fragments fell to the ground, emitting crisp, clinking sounds in the silent, solemn night.

Jing Huayan suddenly recalled an event from three days prior.

That morning, Ruan Hanzhang had helped him prepare for court, fastening his jade double-carp pendant. She had looked up at him and smiled.

"This pendant has such a lovely meaning—wishing Your Majesty a lifetime of peace, smoothness, and happiness."

At the time, Jing Huayan had casually replied, "Since you like it so much, Beloved Concubine, I’ll have the Imperial Workshops find more fine jade and make an identical one for you."

Ruan Hanzhang had been overjoyed, her eyes and brows alight with happiness. "Then wouldn’t I be Your Majesty's matching pair?"

The pendant had not yet been finished, and the idea of matching had become an empty promise.

The words whispered by the pillow, the promises of favor and reward—all had vanished with the fire, scattered like smoke.

Jing Huayan’s expression suddenly turned severe. "Where are Consort Zhuang Ruan’s palace attendants? Why did no one save her? How did the fire start?"

Zhou Zongqi, bowing low to the ground, used great effort to suppress his trembling.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, just now, Qing Dai reported that Qian Xiaoduo, who was on duty at the Pear Blossom Pavilion today, had requested leave to go out of the palace. At the hour of Ren Ding (around 9-11 PM), Her Ladyship suddenly suffered severe abdominal pain. Peilan, who was attending her, ordered Qing Dai to go to the Imperial Hospital to fetch a physician."

"Additionally…"

He hesitated at this point.

"Based on the remnants of the fire in the chamber, it can be inferred that it was caused by a lit lamp igniting fermented rice wine. At the time of the incident, Her Ladyship and Peilan, who was attending her, were likely already asleep. They were only awakened when the fire grew intense. By then, both had likely inhaled a significant amount of smoke and were too weak to escape. In their stumbling, they fell to the ground together…"

Zhou Zongqi was utterly terrified.

Anyone could see that there was something suspicious about this.

The highly favored Consort Zhuang Ruan was in the prime of her youth, beautiful and radiant. She had only entered the palace two months ago, yet she had suddenly perished in this inexplicable fire.

Was it fate, or was it man-made?

Zhou Zongqi’s heart was filled with dread, but he had to report clearly.

"The fire was too intense. It burned almost all the furniture and fabrics in the bedchamber. Consort Zhuang Ruan and Peilan left almost no... no remains. Only the jewelry they usually wore was found on the ground, all burned beyond recognition."

After finishing, Zhou Zongqi could no longer suppress a shudder.

He was only a Zongqi, following orders. How to judge the cause of this fire was far beyond his authority.

Yet Jing Huayan’s calmness was all the more frightening.

The emperor, feared by all at this moment, did not speak. He continued to look down at the people kneeling on the ground.

It was Jieyu Murong who finally wiped her tears clean with a handkerchief.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, today’s incident was sudden, and the Listening Snow Palace was unprepared. Because Moral Consort Xu suddenly fell seriously ill, involving this subject and Baolin Wei, this subject led Baolin Wei and other duty maids to rush to the Lingxin Palace. The other palace attendants were not on duty tonight, and the Pear Blossom Pavilion is located outside the rear palace walls, so the attendants did not notice."

Her reasoning was clear, her words sharp. In one sentence, she explained everything.

Today, Moral Consort Xu of Lingxin Palace had suddenly fallen ill. Jing Huayan and Noble Consort Yao had also been present and naturally knew the whole story.

Jieyu Murong’s explanation was undoubtedly to exonerate the innocent attendants of the Listening Snow Palace. Otherwise, under the emperor’s wrath, all the attendants of the Listening Snow Palace would likely lose their lives.

As the mistress of the palace, it was her responsibility to protect her subordinates.

Jing Huayan looked down at her, his thoughts racing in an instant.

Everything was too coincidental.

From Moral Consort Xu’s birthday celebration earlier today to the fire at the Pear Blossom Pavilion now, the events of the entire day rapidly cycled through his mind, finally settling on the mottled jade bracelet Zhou Zongqi held.

White jade, flawless and unafraid of fire.

But now, that mutton-fat white jade noble consort bracelet was covered in ashes, filthy and stained.

Jing Huayan never believed in coincidences.

There were no accidents in this world, nor were there coincidences. He only knew that the victor was king, and that schemes were exhaustively calculated.

"Investigate."

"Whether that attendant named Peilan truly burned to death is still unknown. Investigate her strictly."

"Additionally, all involved palace attendants are to be handed over to the Court of Judicial Review. All involved officials are to be imprisoned and strictly interrogated. Trace this to its roots, and be sure to uncover the truth of this matter."

Jing Huayan’s voice was hoarse, lacking its usual gentleness. There was only the anger of an emperor, cold and severe.

"From today onward, the Eternal Trust Palace is under strict lockdown. All palace attendants entering or exiting must move in pairs. Any abnormalities are to be arrested immediately."

After speaking, Jing Huayan turned to Jieyu Murong. "Jieyu Murong, the Listening Snow Palace must be sealed. You and Baolin Wei will temporarily reside in the Eternal Blessings Palace. Order the Palace Matron Bureau to arrange for other attendants to serve you. Do not worry."

Jieyu Murong performed a deep bow but said, "Your Majesty, this subject requests to be interrogated first, along with Baolin Wei."

Jieyu Murong was clever and decisive. The incident had occurred in the Listening Snow Palace. As the mistress of the palace and as sisters who had lived together for over two months, she and Baolin Wei were the most suspicious and the ones who should be investigated first.

The palace attendants were being taken to the Court of Judicial Review. Jing Huayan had shown the two of them courtesy by not sending them directly to prison, but interrogations were inevitable.

Being dragged away for questioning versus volunteering were two entirely different matters.

Jing Huayan did not hesitate. "Very well."

"Once the investigation is clear and your innocence proven, you will still be needed to manage the affairs of the Listening Snow Palace."

Jieyu Murong sighed. "Yes."

From beginning to end, Jing Huayan remained frighteningly calm.

Only now did he say, "All of you, withdraw and attend to your duties. Liang Santai, take that palace maid back to the Qianyuan Palace."

In an instant, everyone withdrew.

Liang Santai approached miserably, reaching out to support Jing Huayan.

Jing Huayan waved his hand dismissively, turned, and strode away with long strides.

"Your Majesty, call for the imperial palanquin."

Jing Huayan continued walking in silence, without responding.

His figure was tall and imposing, his back always grand and majestic, yet at this moment, it seemed strangely isolated and vulnerable.

The long road ahead seemed to stretch on, one he had to walk alone.

"No need, I wish to walk."

Liang Santai murmured an acknowledgment, following three steps behind him with quick, short steps, his eyes briefly catching on the bloodstains on Jing Huayan's hands.

But knowing Jing Huayan's temperament, he dared not say more.

The palace alleyways were deep and seemingly endless. Tonight, the wind was strong, and the cool night wind swept through the narrow, elongated passages, lifting Jing Huayan's wide robes, causing them to billow as if he might be carried off by the wind at any moment.

Jing Huayan walked step by step until he reached the First East Long Street, where he suddenly halted.

Up ahead, only one palace lantern was lit.

The light was dim, as if a slim figure was holding the lantern, as if waiting.

At that moment, dark clouds blotted out the moon, and darkness enveloped the land.

The last lit lantern suddenly trembled and went out in an instant.

The slender figure vanished with the evening breeze.

Jing Huayan stood in the thick darkness and suddenly said, "You went back on your word."

————

In the blink of an eye, the blistering heat of midsummer swept in.

This year, Yujing saw frequent rain, often drizzling, yet the air remained dry and oppressive, sweltering. Even when it rained, it felt like being stuck in a steamer, making it hard to breathe.

Since the fire at the Pear Pavilion in mid-May and the death of Consort Zhuang Ruan, the Changxin Palace had been tense and wary for a full month.

The palace staff were cautious in their words and actions, and no one dared to discuss the matter openly.

However, after a month of intensive investigations, with hundreds of servants jailed and extensive interrogations of consorts and servants, the Empress Dowager Renhui finally personally visited the Qianyuan Palace to console the young emperor who had lost his beloved.

After a long talk, the next day, Jing Huayan ended the lockdown on Changxin Palace.

Palace staff were gradually released from the Court of Judicial Review, though most could not return to their former posts. Many were sent to the imperial estates, cutting the number of serving palace staff by over a hundred.

The Imperial Guard and other security forces also underwent reassignments. Veterans who had served since the previous emperor's time were transferred out, and new recruits began filling Changxin Palace.

Additionally, as the incident involved Moral Consort Xu, Jie Yu Murong, Consort Zhuang Ruan, and Baolin Wei, civil and military officials at court were at each other's throats. Jing Huayan took the opportunity to discipline several senior ministers, and recently, the court had been unusually harmonious.

After the lockdown ended, Jing Huayan issued an edict, decreeing the posthumous promotion of Consort Zhuang Ruan as Jie Yu Ruan. Since the imperial mausoleum was not yet completed, Jie Yu Ruan's memorial coffin was temporarily placed in the Anhua Hall of the western imperial mausoleum, pending further discussion upon the mausoleum's completion.

Furthermore, Jing Huayan showered favors on the Ruan family, promoting Ruan Zhongliang to Right Chief Censor of the Censorate, assisting the Left Chief Censor in overseeing all officials.

In the blink of an eye, three months passed, and it was already August.

At summer's end, cicadas sang, and the wind stilled, the trees motionless.

A group of ten common women stood before the back house of the East Peace Gate, under the blistering sun as they waited for the supervising palace maid.

A stunningly beautiful woman stood at the back of the group, her eyes downcast, silent and still.

Under the blazing sun, a light sweat formed on her forehead, tracing down her fair, smooth jawline before disappearing into her rough linen clothes.

The woman in front of her had bright almond eyes, appearing to be in her twenties, with her hair styled in a married woman’s fashion, suggesting she was married.

She turned to look at the woman behind her and asked with a smile, "What's your name?"

The beautiful woman looked up, revealing a face as enchanting as distant mountains and hibiscus.

"My surname is Jiang," the woman replied with a gentle smile to the almond-eyed woman. "And you, sister?"

Her smile was like a peony in full bloom, breathtakingly radiant.

The almond-eyed woman was momentarily captivated.

After a moment, she sighed, "Sister Jiang, you are truly beautiful."

She quickly added, "My surname is Liu. You can call me Sister Liu."

Jiang Yunran curved her lips into a faint smile. "Pleased to meet you, Sister Liu."

Sister Liu was a local of the capital and quite familiar with Yujing. Seeing Jiang Yunran's nervousness, she said, "Don’t be nervous. If you were selected to be a court embroiderer, your skills must be exceptional. As long as you perform your duties well, you may not achieve great wealth, but you’ll have enough to live on. After three years, once you’ve saved enough silver to leave the palace, with the status of a court embroiderer, every major embroidery house will be eager to hire you. Your future will be a bright future."

Jiang Yunran listened, her face full of yearning.

"How do you know so much about this, sister?"

Sister Liu paused for a moment before replying, "I once worked as an embroiderer in the palace. After three years, I left, but life outside didn’t seem as good as in the palace, so I decided to return."

For their first term, court embroiderers only needed to serve for three years. After that, they could choose to stay or leave. Some who left and found life difficult outside, yet possessed outstanding embroidery skills, could petition the Palace Matron Bureau to return to service.

These embroiderers were not restricted by marital status and had no fixed term of service. Once back in the palace, they could become embroidery instructors, officially becoming court ladies.

Jiang Yunran was well aware of this.

But at this moment, she was a young embroiderer just entering the palace, so she feigned surprise. "Is that really possible?"

Sister Liu smiled faintly.

"As long as your skills are exceptional and your embroidery outstanding, anything is possible."

Then, she glanced once more at Jiang Yunran's celestial, delicate beauty, hesitated, but finally offered a word of advice.

"Little sister, listen to me. Relying on others is false; only your skills and abilities are real."

"With your own capabilities, you can live a good life without depending on anyone else."

These words were sincerely meant.

Though they had just met by chance, Sister Liu’s advice showed her to be a genuinely kind-hearted person.

Jiang Yunran took this kindness to heart.

She looked up at Sister Liu, her bright, expressive phoenix eyes clear and determined.

"Thank you, Sister Liu."

"Your guidance, I will keep in my heart."

After exchanging a few casual words, their throats grew parched as if scorched.

Jiang Yunran took out a handkerchief to wipe her sweat and let out a faint sigh.

The summer in Changxin Palace was unexpectedly scorching.

Gazing up at the blazing sun overhead, Jiang Yunran couldn't help but long for the prized icebox back in Tangli Pavilion.

If only she could use the icebox—it would surely bring such cool relief.

Her mind adrift, a figure in sky-blue robes suddenly appeared ahead.

It turned out to be an old acquaintance.

Aunt Zhen still had the same amiable, round face reminiscent of Maitreya Buddha. Compared to spring, she had grown slightly thinner, but she seemed just as lively.

Yet Jiang Yunran remembered that Aunt Zhen had been transferred to the Palace Matron Bureau—why had she now returned to the Weaving Bureau?

Aunt Zhen walked briskly, soon arriving before the group. With a quick smiling glance, she said, "I am a matron from the Weaving Bureau, surnamed Zhen, responsible for guiding all of you ladies into the palace."

As commoners who didn’t know palace protocol, the group responded in scattered replies.

"Yes."

"Understood."

Aunt Zhen showed no annoyance, her face still wearing a smile. "Follow me, ladies."

During her previous entry into the palace, Jiang Yunran had only moved within the eastern and western Six Palaces and had visited the Palace Matron Bureau just once. She had never been to the Weaving Bureau before.

This time, Aunt Zhen led them along another secluded palace pathway.

She instructed the embroiderers to line up in two rows and walked alongside them, patiently explaining:

"The palace has strict rules. Once inside, you must not wander aimlessly. From the hour of Hai to Mao, a curfew is enforced—all palace gates on the second and third streets of the eastern and western sectors will be locked. If you have official duties, you may move about with an identification waist token. Without duties, you are not permitted to wander the palace grounds."

After finishing, Aunt Zhen’s gaze swept over the group once more.

When she first saw them, she hadn’t looked toward the back of the line, but now her eyes fell upon Jiang Yunran, who was following at the very end.

Though Jiang Yunran kept her head bowed and her eyes downcast, avoiding any ostentatious behavior, her gleaming, delicate features still caught Aunt Zhen’s attention.

That one glance made Aunt Zhen trail off.

Highly sensitive to others’ gazes, Jiang Yunran understood why Aunt Zhen had faltered, yet she continued to follow the group with downcast eyes, showing no trace of surprise.

Aunt Zhen suddenly let out a sharp inhale.

Though she had been smiling and courteous earlier, her voice now turned stern.

"Although you are not palace maids, you must still follow palace regulations. For your safety, it’s best not to wander around the palace after your duties end."

"If anything happens, even Bai, the Director of Clothing from the Weaving Bureau, may not be able to protect you."

Everyone responded, "Yes."

This time, the reply was surprisingly in unison.

Aunt Zhen’s eyes once again settled on Jiang Yunran.

She said, "Once we arrive at the Weaving Bureau, please wait a moment. After the aunties assign tasks, you may rest for today. Starting tomorrow, you will begin your work."

"I understand that most of you have left your hometowns to work in the palace for a living and to build your renown. As long as you perform your duties well, the noblewomen will surely reward you. I hope you remember your original intentions and do not stray from them."

The palace is resplendent with blooming flowers and intricate carvings.

Staying here for too long, it is easy to lose oneself in the rigid, lonely palace confines.

Auntie Zhen was indeed as kind-hearted as Hongxiu had said. Though she might not be able to protect all the palace servants, offering such advice was particularly precious.

On her first day in the palace, Jiang Yunran had already encountered two kind people.

Jiang Yunran thought to herself, "I am truly fortunate."

For the rest of the journey, Auntie Zhen did not continue lecturing the group. Instead, she identified the various palace gates and courtyards, helping them familiarize themselves with the routes, while occasionally explaining the palace rules.

The embroiderers were not entirely forbidden from moving around the palace. Sometimes, when noble ladies summoned them, the embroiderers had to go to their residences to serve, and no palace maid would be assigned specifically to guide them.

With her explanations, the journey did not feel too long.

After about two quarter-hours, the group stopped in front of a row of buildings behind the Palace Matron Bureau on West Second Long Street.

The Palace Matron Bureau and the Weaving Bureau were similar in size and layout. However, half of the Palace Matron Bureau was occupied by the Western Treasury, while the remaining space served as archives and workrooms for the court ladies.

The Weaving Bureau, on the other hand, housed storage for silks and needlework supplies, embroidery ateliers, and the three western compounds where the embroiderers lived.

Once inside the Weaving Bureau, the ten embroiderers were led to meet the court ladies of the bureau.

In addition to Director of Clothing Bai, there were four other matrons in charge: Director of Treasures, Director of Clothing, Director of Adornments, and Director of Ceremonial Regalia. The five of them sat in the spacious main reception hall, creating an atmosphere of solemnity.

After a brief introduction, Auntie Zhen said, "Please step forward and introduce yourselves."

Soon, each of them took turns introducing themselves.

Jiang Yunran noticed that the matrons were very familiar with the particular skills of each embroiderer. The exchange proceeded smoothly and naturally, as if they had known each other for a long time.

They even remembered Lady Liu, who had entered the palace five years earlier.

Lady Liu introduced herself as Liu Shuangniang, twenty-nine years old, separated and returned to her family home.

As soon as she finished, Director of Ceremonial Regalia Zheng, sitting in a lower position, smiled and said, "Lady Liu, you've returned to the palace to work. Your plumed embroidery is exquisite. In the two years since you left, no one in the palace has been able to repair the damaged silk feather embroidery banners. I am truly delighted that you have returned."

Hearing this, the other matrons bantered, "Lady Liu's Shu embroidery (Sichuan-style embroidery) and pearl embroidery are also outstanding. Why must she go to your Regalia Office?"

Liu Shuangniang, feeling slightly embarrassed, replied, "I am humbled by your kindness. Being able to return to the palace and work under your guidance is a blessing."

Her words were gracious, and everyone laughed.

Director of Clothing Bai finally spoke with a smile, "I have reviewed your file. You have decided to return to the palace to work as a senior embroiderer and will not leave the palace again?"

Liu Shuangniang took a deep breath, then bowed deeply and said, "Yes."

Director of Clothing Bai chuckled softly and said, "Good!"

"You previously worked under Director of Ceremonial Regalia Zheng, so you will return to the Regalia Office. Coincidentally, Consort Duan has just had her investiture ceremony, and her ceremonial banners will be assigned to you."

This was an excellent assignment.

Not only would it allow Liu Shuangniang to gain recognition with the newly promoted consort, but it would also help her quickly establish her position in the Weaving Bureau, clearly demonstrating Director of Clothing Bai's esteem for her.

All the embroidery maidens reported their names and backgrounds, and soon it was Jiang Yunran's turn.

She stepped forward half a step, slightly raised her chin, revealing her exceptionally beautiful eyes and brows.

"My surname is Jiang, and my given name is Yunran. I am from Huaishui County, Liyang, unbetrothed and nineteen years old. I am skilled in Shu embroidery, Su embroidery, metallic-thread embroidery, and kesi silk tapestry. I am also skilled at weaving, dyeing, and fabric pleating. I await your orders, matrons."

Jiang Yunran's voice was clear and pleasant, like the song of an oriole. Combined with her unrivaled elegance, she was already quite eye-catching.

But as her words fell, the entire hall fell silent, so quiet one could hear a pin drop.

The newly entered embroiderers did not know the palace's stories, but they understood the principle of staying cautious. They all kept their heads down, not daring to look around curiously or even breathe heavily.

The matrons seated at the head, however, fixed their gazes intently on Jiang Yunran's face.

She resembled her—truly, she did.

Jiang Yunran's eyes, brows, bridge of her nose, and even her delicate chin bore a nearly half resemblance to that person, making it hard to look away at first glance.

Matron Bai, in particular, had spoken with that person face-to-face and discussed matters with her, so the resemblance felt especially vivid now.

There was indeed some similarity.

But Jiang Yunran's features were more refined, and her demeanor was more serene. Standing there gracefully, she looked like a painting of a heavenly fairy descended to the mortal realm.

Though the thought felt somewhat irreverent, Matron Bai couldn't help but think: she was even more beautiful than that person by three parts.

If that person were still here and standing side by side with her, she would undoubtedly be outshone by this beauty before them—even in terms of appearance alone, she would fall short.

This Lady Jiang was like a lotus emerging from water—fresh, elegant, and peerlessly graceful.

For a moment, everyone's minds raced with thoughts, and the atmosphere grew cold.

The other maidens also wondered what mistake this Lady Jiang had made.

Why had the matrons all fallen silent?

Jiang Yunran seemed to sense the unusual atmosphere. She slightly raised her head and looked forward with some nervousness.

The sight of a beauty's anxious expression softened hearts.

Auntie Zhen, however, had already seen Jiang Yunran's appearance earlier and had calmed her thoughts along the way. She stepped forward and brought the matrons back to their senses.

"Matron Bai, Lady Jiang has gained quite a reputation in Huaishui over the past few months. Her embroidery is exquisite, and the local gentry and noblewomen there greatly admire the clothing she makes. Coincidentally, the palace is short of attendants, so upon the recommendation of the Magistrate of Huaishui County, she was invited to serve in the palace."

Auntie Zhen's words snapped everyone back to reality.

No matter how similar, their fates were ultimately different.

One was the emperor's cherished, prematurely departed favorite concubine; the other was merely an ordinary embroiderer who had been brought in to fill vacancies due to the palace's shortage of hands, fortunate to have obtained this position.

Matron Bai cleared her throat lightly and gave Auntie Zhen an approving look. "With the recent busyness in the palace, many embroiderers have completed their duties and left. Given Lady Jiang's exceptional skills, she shall be assigned to the Attire Office to specifically attend to the garments and footwear of the imperial consorts."

Hearing that Jiang Yunran was assigned to her department, the thin and stern Director of Clothing Han finally spoke. "Yes, I accept the order."

She then glanced at Jiang Yunran and said with detachment, "Auntie Zhen, you take her."

With that, she paid no further attention to Jiang Yunran.

Jiang Yunran made a slight bow and stepped back, remaining silent.

She was the last one. Once she was settled, Matron Bai swept her gaze over the group and raised her voice slightly.

"Now that you have entered the Weaving Bureau, you are its subordinates. Regardless of your past lives outside the palace, once inside, you are all servants to the nobility."

"Speak less, hear less, see less, and think less. Be cautious in your conduct and diligent in your duties. This way, you will serve without trouble, leave safely, and avoid misfortune."

"Do you understand?"

Everyone made a slight bow and murmured assent.

Once matters were settled, everyone was about to head to the West Third Compound to arrange their luggage when a court maid suddenly entered from outside.

The maid made a slight bow to Matron Bai with a somewhat arrogant attitude.

"Matron Bai, our lady has instructions to relay."

Barging in so abruptly was truly against protocol.

But Matron Bai remained amiable and asked, "And you are?"

The maid was clearly displeased. She narrowed her slitted eyes. "Our lady is the newly entered Lady Ruan. How could Matron Bai not recognize her?"

Matron Bai raised an eyebrow in understanding. She waved to the others and said, "Ah, Lady Ruan?"

The maid lifted her chin. "Indeed. Since Matron Bai is aware, you must know what status our lady holds now. If you neglect her, it may displease the lady."

Hearing this, Matron Bai couldn't help but glance at Jiang Yunran, who kept her eyes downcast modestly, yet she still smiled blandly.

"It seems the Weaving Bureau has been neglectful," she said casually, making arrangements. "Auntie Fang, please make a trip personally and ensure Lady Ruan is properly seen to."

"We must not let Lady Ruan be dissatisfied."

Jiang Yunran didn't hear the rest of the conversation, as all the newly entered embroidery maidens had already followed Auntie Zhen out of the main hall.

On the way, someone, curious, asked the approachable Auntie Zhen: "Auntie, who is Lady Ruan? Is she a favorite concubine in the palace?"

Auntie Zhen narrowed her eyes and smiled faintly.

"She was."

The previous one was—but this current one...

Who knows?