Chapter 85: And me, my heart is all for you. [One + two updates]

Chapter 85: And I, My Heart Is All for You. (First + Second Update)

On the way back, Jiang Yunran remained silent.

Qing Dai, having weathered storms before, did not appear overly shocked. She accompanied her all the way back to Tingxue Palace, and only spoke after closing the door.

“Your Highness, that day at Lingxin Palace, besides His Majesty, there were five others.”

Jiang Yunran took off her cloak and sat on the luohan bed. After a moment of contemplation, she said, “No, there were six.”

Qing Dai had been with her that day during the hearing, so she remembered clearly.

She said, “That day, there were Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, Imperial Noble Dowager Consort, Imperial Consort, Virtuous Consort, and… Concubine Hui.”

Jiang Yunran picked up her teacup and took a sip of tea.

“Later, Consort Duan Wu also went to Lingxin Palace with Wang Xunuo.”

Qing Dai’s eyes widened. “Consort Duan Wu kept speaking up for Commoner Wang, how could that be?”

Jiang Yunran let out a sigh.

In the palace, nothing is ever certain.

Qing Dai felt her mind was a tangled mess. She whispered, “It couldn’t have been Virtuous Consort herself who nearly poisoned herself to death.”

At this, she shook her head. “This servant doesn’t know either.”

Jiang Yunran’s eyes darkened. “This matter, His Majesty must already be aware. His decision to confine Wang Xunuo shows he has noticed something amiss. However, Eunuch Wang and Embroidery Maid Wang remain tight-lipped, and no one has confessed yet. We can only continue investigating in secret.”

Qing Dai was somewhat worried.

But she did not appear overly flustered. To her, the fact that their mistress had escaped death and returned to the palace was already beyond ordinary capability.

She herself was courageous, steady, and intelligent, and, more importantly, remarkably fortunate, always managing to turn misfortune into blessing.

This case was the best proof.

Through a twist of fate, it was Virtuous Consort Xu who ended up poisoned.

Qing Dai tried hard to recall but could not picture the scene clearly. She asked softly, “Does Your Highness suspect anyone?”

Jiang Yunran shook her head.

The sudden murderous intent directed at her was something Jiang Yunran could neither anticipate nor comprehend.

Because she did not know where the hostility came from, she could not analyze it correctly.

But she knew that among those listed just now, there must be one or several suspects.

Jiang Yunran sighed and said, “Anyone is possible. We just need to remember these names, proceed with caution, and wait for developments.”

Qing Dai also knew this matter could not be rushed and nodded. “Yes.”

Time flies. In the blink of an eye, it was the day of the investiture ceremony.

Changxin Palace was exceptionally lively that day.

Several consorts, dressed in grand ceremonial robes and wearing floral crowns, went together to the Imperial Ancestral Temple to kneel before the spirit tablets of the ancestors.

Jiang Yunran and Beauty Wei knelt behind the crowd, performing the rituals of kneeling and bowing along with the ceremonial chants.

Today, six consorts were being promoted, so not only did Prince Xiao, the head of the imperial clan, personally preside, but Princess Consort Xiaojin also served as the chief officiant, leading the Inner Court Ladies to observe the ceremony.

The Minister of Rites acted as the principal officiant, accompanying the investiture.

The ceremony was grand and magnificent. Due to the large number of people, the investiture lasted for an entire hour, ending only when the sun was high in the sky.

Virtuous Consort Xu, already seriously ill, barely managed to attend. By the time the investiture ended, she could no longer hold on.

Fortunately, Virtuous Consort Mei and Zhaoyi Murong were quick to react and supported her, preventing Virtuous Consort Xu from collapsing to the ground.

“Your Highness.”

“Virtuous Consort.”

The crowd fell into chaos, everyone rushing forward to help Virtuous Consort Xu.

Princess Consort Xiaojin, however, was decisive and directly ordered, “Someone, bring a soft sedan chair. Please help Virtuous Consort Xu onto it.”

By the time Virtuous Consort Xu was helped onto the sedan chair, she had already slipped into unconsciousness.

Nanny Meiying was so anxious her eyes turned red. There was no time for pleasantries with everyone, so she hurriedly excused herself.

After everyone left, Jiang Yunran and Beauty Wei slowly walked at the very end.

The palace corridors were quiet, the excitement gone, leaving only a solemn atmosphere.

Jiang Yunran and Beauty Wei exchanged a glance before Beauty Wei let out a sigh. “I never imagined Virtuous Consort Xu was so seriously ill.”

She had just uttered this when she suddenly stopped speaking.

The reason for Virtuous Consort Xu’s illness was rumored among the palace staff to be a dispute with Beauty Jiang, and His Majesty’s favoritism toward Beauty Jiang, which humiliated Virtuous Consort Xu. This caused her, already recovering from illness, to suffer a relapse due to anger, completely breaking her health.

After nearly a month of recuperation, her reappearance before everyone showed her gaunt and frail.

Gone was her former high spirits and arrogance.

Even when she saw Jiang Yunran again, she showed no emotion, passed by her calmly.

When Jiang Yunran bowed to her, she even said, “You may rise.”

Inside and outside the Imperial Ancestral Temple, it was crowded and exceptionally lively. No one dared to provoke Virtuous Consort Xu’s displeasure. Everyone maintained a proper smile, showing no surprise.

However, inwardly, they thought that Virtuous Consort Xu had learned her lesson and was no longer as domineering as before.

The Xu family had experienced ups and downs, and now, having finally stabilized, Virtuous Consort Xu was once again promoted to Virtuous Consort, as if nothing had changed.

But everyone knew in their hearts that the Xu mansion would never again become the Earl of Zhongyi residence.

If Virtuous Consort Xu could maintain her position as Virtuous Consort, or if Xu Ruhui could continue to advance fearlessly and bravely in battle, His Majesty would not hesitate to bestow wealth, power, and status.

But the hereditary peerage passed down through a hundred years was no longer possible.

After all, a century had passed in Great Chu, and the glory of the founding era could no longer be reclaimed.

Jiang Yunran sighed and said, “She cares too much about the Xu family.”

Beauty Wei paused, then looked up at Jiang Yunran. Seeing her expression calm and devoid of other emotions, she said, “Who doesn’t?”

“If I didn’t care, I wouldn’t have entered the palace back then,” Beauty Wei said lightly. “My health has always been poor, and I wasn’t exceptional in my studies. I was of no use to my family. The only path that gave my frail body any value was entering the palace.”

When she spoke self-deprecatingly like this, Yin Zhui would usually try to stop her mistress, but today Yin Zhui seemed distracted, as if she hadn’t even heard Beauty Wei’s words.

Jiang Yunran glanced at her before turning her attention back to Beauty Wei.

“Sister Wei, I’ve heard much about your family. I’m sure your parents care deeply for you and would never neglect you.”

Back when Wei Xinzhu was still a Baolin in Tingxue Palace, she was seriously ill and confined to her quarters, receiving no imperial favor. Yet the Wei family sent personal allowances and medicine to the palace every few days, and whenever there was an opportunity, they would visit her in the palace.

Compared to the Ruan family, this was what family should be like.

Beauty Wei smiled faintly, a nostalgic look on her face.

“Yes, my father and mother both disagreed at the time. It was me… I insisted on entering the palace.”

“I know you are a principled person, sister, and would never intentionally harm others. That’s why I’m telling you this.”

Beauty Wei continued, “I was born with a chronic cough, and I’ve always had a weak constitution. When I was young, my parents spent immense effort and money just to keep me alive.”

“To put it bluntly, my life was sustained by silver.”

“The Wei family is a scholarly family, mostly scholars focused on their studies. We didn’t have considerable wealth. My siblings all needed to study, and the whole family had to eat. They couldn’t put their lives on hold just for me.”

“So when the imperial selection came, I insisted on entering,” Beauty Wei said. “You should know that those with serious illnesses are not eligible for the selection. But His Majesty valued my father and siblings’ talents, as well as the loyalty of the Wei family over generations, and specially made an exception, summoning me to the palace.”

“In truth, the palace took care of my expenses and treated my illness, which was also a kind of recognition for my family.”

Jiang Yunran finally understood how Beauty Wei had managed to enter the palace despite her serious illness.

It was a special favor.

Jiang Yunran took her hand and said, “Now everything is getting better.”

She smiled along. “Your health has improved, and the Wei family is becoming more prosperous every day. When your siblings succeed in the spring examinations next year, the Wei family will firmly establish itself in Yujing.”

Beauty Wei smiled faintly.

She had been seriously ill for twenty years and had long been emaciated. It was only recently that her health had slightly improved, allowing her to regain some vitality.

When she smiled, it was like ice cracking and spring water flowing.

She was still beautiful and moving.

“Yes,” Beauty Wei said, clasping her hand in return. “It’s the same for you, sister. The more you care for yourself, the better it is.”

Jiang Yunran had no relatives. Both her parents had passed away, and she was alone in the palace, like rootless duckweed.

“If you have time, come to Wangyue Palace. We can talk together,” Beauty Wei said with a smile. “Is that alright?”

Jiang Yunran nodded, her smile radiant. “Alright.”

On the second day of the investiture ceremony, Changchun Palace held a banquet.

Early in the morning, Jiang Yunran sent Zi Ye to deliver congratulatory gifts. By noon, she led Zi Ye out of Tingxue Palace.

Changchun Palace was located in the East Six Palaces. Jiang Yunran needed to pass through Changming Alley, which would take about half an hour to reach.

She set out early, and by the time she arrived at Changchun Palace, only Talent Lady Han had arrived.

Baolin Su, wearing a new water-red dress, sat accompanying her in the main hall of Changchun Palace’s rear palace, looking youthful and lovely.

Although she had entered the palace earlier, she was now outranked by Concubine Hui Ruan. Yet, her face showed no trace of jealousy, only the joy of the upcoming banquet.

“Congratulations, Beauty Jiang. I haven’t had the chance to congratulate you since your promotion.”

Jiang Yunran exchanged a few pleasantries with them. Before long, the others arrived one after another.

Noble Consort Yao and Virtuous Consort Mei both had prior engagements today and were unable to attend. Moral Consort Xu and Consort Yi Zhou both pleaded illness and naturally could not come.

In the end, only Zhao Yi Murong, Beauty Situ, Consort Ning Cui, Beauty Wei, Baolin Su, Talent Lady Han, and Jiang Yunran arrived.

Those below the rank of Talent Lady, such as Ruan Hanzhen, were not invited.

Including Concubine Hui Ruan, there were exactly eight people, just enough to fill one table.

Concubine Hui Ruan was very happy today. She wore a brand-new Shu embroidery wide-sleeved gown, with an eight-treasure pomegranate hairpin swaying on her head, her face filled with a lively and festive smile.

Even Mrs. Liao, who was usually stern, was beaming now, chatting with the various consorts.

Once the food was served and everyone was seated, Mrs. Liao stood to the side, raised her glass, and said, “Concubine Hui is young and spirited. If she has offended anyone before, I apologize on her behalf. Please do not take it to heart.”

As she spoke, she drained a glass of plum wine in one go.

Everyone said it was nothing.

Mrs. Liao then picked up another glass of wine and turned to Jiang Yunran. “Beauty Jiang, Concubine Hui had her differences with you before. She has reflected on it herself and feels that her temperament is too straightforward. She worries you might misunderstand.”

Her words were exceedingly pleasant.

Jiang Yunran also raised her wine cup and said with a smile, “You’re too polite, Madam. The Consort is overly cautious. It’s all in the past, and there’s no need to dwell on it now.”

Whatever Concubine Hui Ruan’s true feelings were, her smile appeared genuine.

After downing the glass of wine, Jiang Yunran had just placed her teacup down when Yin Zhui, standing beside her, trembled, and the sweet white-glazed teacup suddenly fell to the ground.

It shattered with a sharp crack.

Yin Zhui’s face turned pale. She knelt immediately, her eyes filled with terror.

“This servant admits her fault.”

————

The hall fell silent instantly.

Only Yin Zhui’s panicked breathing could be heard, sharp and clear.

In her fluster, she reached out to pick up the shattered pieces of the teacup but cut her finger on a sharp edge, blood streaming down.

At this moment, Beauty Wei also came back to her senses. Her face full of concern, she leaned on the round table to stand up, about to go help Yin Zhui.

However, two voices spoke at the same time.

Concubine Hui Ruan: “Su Xue.”

Mrs. Liao: “Auntie Xing.”

Mother and daughter locked eyes. Mrs. Liao’s gaze was stern, her tone leaving no room for doubt: “Auntie Xing, help Yin Zhui up and take her to have it bandaged. Su Xue, clean this up.”

Mrs. Liao held her daughter’s hand while giving orders, handling things neatly and efficiently.

Su Xue cautiously glanced at Concubine Hui, and seeing her expressionless face, she hurried forward in small steps to support Consort Wei. “Consort Wei, Nanny Xing can take good care of Yin Zhui, please don’t worry.”

Before Consort Wei could speak, Nanny Xing had already stepped forward and firmly led the stunned Yin Zhui off.

Everything happened so suddenly that before anyone could react, it was already over.

Jiang Yunran noticed that when Nanny Xing took Yin Zhui away, she exchanged a meaningful glance with Mrs. Liao.

“It’s all a minor matter. Please grant me some face, ladies, and do not blame Miss Yin Zhui,” Mrs. Liao said, clapping her hands. “This is bamboo leaf green wine stored in our home for over a decade, specially brought into the palace for the banquet of the Principal Consort.”

“Today, let us not leave till we’re drunk.”

Mrs. Liao, being older, handled the situation with no-nonsense efficiency. With just a few words, she turned the atmosphere around, and the hall became lively again.

Jiang Yunran lifted her glass along with the others and gently squeezed Consort Wei’s hand, silently comforting her.

Consort Wei, whose health was poor and couldn’t handle alcohol, reluctantly sipped some tea instead.

Fortunately, in less than fifteen minutes, Nanny Xing brought Yin Zhui back.

Yin Zhui’s face was still pale, but her expression was much calmer. She returned and curtseyed, then resumed her position beside Consort Wei to serve.

Seeing her return, Consort Wei also breathed a sigh of relief.

The other palace consorts had no intention of deliberately making things difficult for a young maid, so they raised their cups, chatted, and enjoyed the banquet.

Just then, Su Baolin suddenly said, “This year has been full of happy news. Not to mention the great happiness of several sisters being promoted, even Elder Sister Ruan and Elder Sister Wei’s siblings passing the imperial exams are enough to bring joy and envy.”

Speaking of her son, Liao Shuyan’s expression relaxed slightly, a hint of pride in her eyes.

“You’re too kind, Lady Su. If we speak of joy, it should be Consort Wei’s family, with two outstanding talents—truly unmatched.”

“Even His Majesty has praised them highly.”

Su Baolin was also very tactful: “Madam, you have both a son and a daughter, both outstanding, just like Elder Sister Wei—something ordinary folks cannot achieve.”

At this point, Beauty Situ suddenly spoke up: “I heard that Concubine Hui’s youngest brother has just turned seventeen this year. Is he already spoken for? If not, my cousin from my mother’s side of the family is both beautiful and intelligent. I wonder if there might be a match between them.”

Beauty Situ brought up the matter of marriage out of the blue. Mrs. Liao’s smile remained unchanged, but she turned her down gently.

“The child is still young and focused solely on his studies for now. Marriage is not urgent.”

For some reason, Concubine Hui’s face fell slightly, but she still said, “Indeed, one should make something of himself first before starting a family. He must achieve something before discussing marriage.”

She raised her wine cup and toasted Beauty Situ: “Thanks for thinking of him, sister. If when the time comes you do not mind, we can discuss marriage then.”

Her words were much gentler than Mrs. Liao’s direct refusal.

The banquet was enjoyed by both hosts and guests.

The bamboo leaf green, after all, was an aged liquor over a decade old, and its potency was strong. By the end, everyone was feeling a bit buzzed.

Jiang Yunran pretended to be drunk, dozing in her seat.

Mrs. Liao glanced at her and asked with concern, “Is Consort Jiang tired?”

Jiang Yunran hurriedly opened her eyes, looking drowsy. “I cannot hold my liquor well; drinking too much easily makes me sleepy. Please, no offense, Madam.”

“Not at all,” Mrs. Liao said with a kindly expression. “There is something I’m not sure if I should mention.”

Jiang Yunran straightened up slightly, looking earnest. “Please speak freely, Madam.”

Noting that the other ladies were still chatting and seemingly unaware of their conversation, Mrs. Liao said, “As someone who has been through it myself and raised two children, when I was pregnant with Concubine Hui, I often felt drowsy too.”

She lowered her voice deliberately. “If you often feel this way, it would be best to have the imperial physician examine you thoroughly. If it turns out to be the same as my experience, it would be a heavenly blessing.”

At these words, even the breathing in the hall seemed to soften. Jiang Yunran found it amusing.

She noticed that several others were also eavesdropping, so she politely replied, “You worry too much, Madam. I simply cannot hold my liquor well; I am not usually this drowsy.”

But Mrs. Liao persisted.

“Consort Jiang, it is well known throughout the palace that you enjoy His Majesty’s deep favor. It would be only natural for you to have a royal baby soon.”

She seemed determined to make others focus on Jiang Yunran.

Not bothered, Jiang Yunran responded directly, “In terms of favor, I naturally cannot compare to the other ladies. Thinking about it, Concubine Hui will likely have joyful news sooner. I must congratulate you in advance, Madam.”

Ruan Hanzhen had not spent the night with the emperor for over a month. Though she had been promoted to the Nine Concubines and her family had celebrated successive joys, she still received less attention from Jing Huayan.

Currently, Jiang Yunran was the only one in the palace who frequently saw the emperor.

As for good news, there was no such opportunity for now.

Jiang Yunran’s voice was neither too loud nor too soft, but Concubine Hui heard every word clearly.

Concubine Hui clenched her fists, a surge of anger overwhelming her, and she nearly lost her temper.

Fortunately, Su Xue pressed her shoulder and placed a bowl of almond paste beside her. “My lady, have some almond paste.”

Concubine Hui took a deep breath and shot Jiang Yunran a cold look, refraining from retorting.

While tensions were high on one side, the other side was just as tense.

Consort Ning Cui stared at Beauty Situ, the anger in her eyes barely concealed.

“Sister, now that you are tall and strong, you should watch what you eat. With your build, eating too much may lead to gaining weight,” Consort Ning Cui said. “The other day, I finally remembered to order Pixia Gong and had the imperial kitchen prepare it a day in advance. But you, without a word, took it from me.”

The word “took” was aptly used.

Consort Ning Cui had enjoyed a short time in favor before Concubine Hui entered the palace. Later, as Concubine Hui and Consort Jiang gained favor in succession, her life returned to its previous state.

Even with her position among the Nine Concubines, she came from a merchant family background, and her life remained uncomfortable and awkward.

Compared to Beauty Situ, who had a powerful family and enjoyed great favor, even though Consort Ning Cui held a higher rank, the shallow people in the palace never fawned over her more.

Thus, the Pixia Gong she had ordered was snatched just like that by Beauty Situ.

Beauty Situ leisurely ate her sweet and sour fish, a look of smug grin on her handsome face.

“Why must you get so worked up, sister?” Beauty Situ said lazily. “I didn’t know you had ordered it in advance. If I had known, I certainly wouldn’t have left you with nothing.”

“Ah, it’s all the fault of those servants in the imperial kitchen for not mentioning it to Feihong. They are truly slippery and lazy,” Beauty Situ said. “Don’t worry, sister. I will see they’re punished when I return to ensure you are not shortchanged.”

This bold, soldier-like attitude made Consort Ning Cui furious.

“How could your palace staff not know? Pre-ordered dishes always come with slips when served. I think you’re doing this on purpose to humiliate me.”

This remark was somewhat excessive.

Especially since this was not taking place in their respective palaces but at a banquet in Concubine Hui Ruan’s Changchun Palace. If a scene were to break out, no one would come out looking good.

Consort Zhao Yi Murong frowned slightly. “Enough.”

Holding each of them by one arm, she said bluntly, “Whatever grievances you have, settle them in your own palaces. Do not make trouble at the banquet.”

Consort Zhao Yi Murong, also from a military family, was known for her decisiveness and efficiency. Consort Ning Cui glanced at her furrowed brow and ultimately dared not say more.

Jiang Yunran watched from afar, seeing her full of grievance, and thought to herself: You’re all in cahoots.

Her gaze swept around and fell upon Beauty Situ, who was still leisurely eating. No joy could be seen on her face, only a bored calm beneath the surface.

How intriguing.

She suddenly remembered that when the ice cellar incident occurred, neither Concubine Hui Ruan nor Moral Consort Xu, neither the Empress Dowager nor His Majesty, had summoned the most crucial figure involved—

Namely, Beauty Situ.

True, Beauty Situ was not present at the time, but the matter could not be disentangled from her.

She was, in fact, the key link in the transfer of the ice.

Did that incident have anything to do with Beauty Situ?

Jiang Yunran did not know but added Beauty Situ’s name to her mental list.

Suddenly, Beauty Situ’s gaze swept toward her face.

Beauty Situ, trained in martial arts since childhood, was highly perceptive and immediately noticed Jiang Yunran’s curious look.

Jiang Yunran did not avoid her gaze. Instead, she openly allowed Beauty Situ to look and even returned a polite, faint smile.

Beauty Situ raised an eyebrow and smiled back.

After more than an hour of commotion, this “dramatic” banquet finally came to an end.

Mrs. Liao and Concubine Hui Ruan personally saw the consorts out to the palace gate, waiting until each had entered their sedan chairs and left the long alley before returning.

After closing the palace gates and clearing the remnants of the feast, Concubine Hui Ruan strode quickly ahead, with Mrs. Liao closely following behind.

“Nannan, how could you agree to Beauty Situ’s marriage? If Dong’er achieves top honors in the imperial examinations, he will become the youngest scholar in the history of Great Chu, with limitless prospects ahead. How could he marry the daughter of a military official?”

Hearing that her first concern was for Ruan Handong, Concubine Hui Ruan clenched her hands tightly and remained silent.

Mrs. Liao’s expression darkened slightly, but she still managed a smile. “Nannan, what’s wrong? Mother is talking to you.”

Concubine Hui Ruan suddenly stopped in her tracks.

At this moment, the palace staff were all cleaning up after the banquet in the main hall, so no one was serving in the front hall.

Only Aunt Xing followed behind Mrs. Liao, humble and obedient, steady and composed.

Concubine Hui Ruan shot her a cold glance before turning to Mrs. Liao.

“This is Changchun Palace, and I am the mistress of Changchun Palace,” Concubine Hui Ruan said coldly. “Mother, how could you make decisions on my behalf in front of so many imperial concubines?”

The effects of Bo Ruo’s medicine and Su Xue’s slander had taken hold.

Rage simmered in Concubine Hui Ruan’s heart, making her lose control.

She was the one who had clung to her mother, the one who had begged for her mother to enter the palace. Now, looking at this “usurper,” she wished her mother had never come.

“And you.”

Concubine Hui Ruan turned her cold gaze to Aunt Xing.

“You are my attendant, yet lately I’ve noticed you’re constantly hovering around Mother.”

“Tell me, whose orders should you follow?”

Mrs. Liao, seeing her reddened eyes and slightly twisted expression, felt a sinking feeling in her heart.

She stepped forward, about to take Concubine Hui Ruan’s hand.

“My dear child, it’s all for your sake,” Mrs. Liao said earnestly. “Aunt Xing has served you for years and is most loyal to you. You should know that.”

“And I—my heart is entirely for you.”

Concubine Hui Ruan suddenly laughed.

“For me?”

Concubine Hui Ruan recalled what Su Xue had said earlier and suddenly realized that what she had received pales in comparison to Ruan Handong.

Fancy clothes and fine food were just surface-level things.

She would be trapped in this prison of Changchun Palace for the rest of her life, while Ruan Handong could ride on her coattails to soar to great heights.

In the future, he might even be remembered in history, with books written about him.

As for her, she might only get a brief mention in the “Draft History of Great Chu.”

If Su Xue hadn’t spoken up, she might never have known that she was never the most valued one in the family.

Tears flooded her eyes. “Please go.”

“I don’t want to see you anymore.”