The next day, Zhao Junyao rose early for the morning court. It was almost November, so the days were shorter, and it wasn’t quite bright yet. Xia Ruqing slept soundly. As usual, she wasn’t called upon to attend to him. Attended by Palace Attendants, Zhao Junyao dressed in his dragon robe and went straight to Zhaochen Palace.
As his carriage passed through the Imperial Garden, a pair of eyes peered through the dim morning light, gazing fixedly at the departing imperial procession, staring until it was no longer in sight. But then that gaze suddenly shifted, fiercely fixated on Qingya Residence. Malignant, sinister, envious!
「Days passed by just like this, one after another.」
Once November was well underway, within a few days, a light snow began to fall steadily, firmly marking the end of the chilly autumn and ushering in winter. Since the Little Prince’s demise, there had long been little celebration in the harem, so this light snowfall stirred everyone with a bit of excitement.
The Empress was the most spirited of all, saying with a beaming smile during the morning greetings, "The Astronomical Bureau says there will be heavy snow tonight. By tomorrow morning, we will be able to enjoy the snowy view! I will arrange a feast in the plum grove tomorrow; we sisters can have our fun!"
The others, upon hearing this, were quite delighted, and most of them quickly agreed. Even Consort Yun, not daring to say otherwise, joined in thanking her, "Thank you, Empress!"
The Empress was very pleased. After chatting with everyone about household matters for a while, she dismissed them. "I still need to visit the Empress Dowager to pay my respects, so everyone be careful on your way," she added.
"Yes..."
All bowed and exited.
The Empress entered her inner chamber for another round of dressing, then took a warm sedan chair to Ningshou Palace. Since the Little Prince passed away, the Empress Dowager’s health hadn’t been good, and she kept her doors closed to visitors. Despite being turned away time and again, the Empress continued her unwavering, all-weather visits to pay respects, all under the admirable name of "filial piety!"
For a time, both inside and outside the palace, everyone praised her unanimously: ’The Empress indeed sets a motherly example for the entire nation, a role model for women everywhere!’
The Empress’s good name and virtuous reputation were abundant, unmatched in the harem.
But for Noble Concubine Shih, the pain of losing her son, coupled with the defeat of plummeting from her high stature overnight, left her unable to recover. Zhao Junyao had visited her twice. However, each time, her pervasive bitterness made the encounters thoroughly unpleasant. With no other choice, he simply left an instruction, "Take good care of her," and then never visited again.
Even so, Noble Concubine Shih’s life was not difficult. Even if Zhao Junyao did not visit, he wouldn’t let her be mistreated. However, her lack of hardship didn’t mean that others were faring well—take Consort Yun and Consort Zheng Pin, for example.
To the west of the Imperial Garden, Xifu Palace was foremost. Behind it were Consort Yun’s Yaoyue Palace and Consort Zheng Pin’s Xihuai Palace. Further back were the lodgings of various Ladies who were out of favor. As for Noble Concubine Shih, her situation went without saying. Both Consort Yun and Consort Zheng Pin were also out of favor. A heavy gloom shrouded the western side of the Imperial Garden, an oppressive atmosphere that made it hard to breathe.
And what of the east side of the Imperial Garden? Located in The Central Palace, the Empress’s virtuous name was widespread, her position unshakable. Behind her, Consort Ning from Yichun Palace and Consort Hui Pin from Zhaoxiang Pavilion had daughters, and the Emperor visited them occasionally. Continuing further back, Lady Xia from Qingya Residence and Honored Lady Xi from Lijing Pavilion were favored. Even Honored Lady Lan, who resided in Zhaohua Pavilion, saw the Emperor from time to time.
Consort Zheng Pin sat on a soft cushion, idly stirring the pieces of black coal in the brazier. A puff of smoke billowed up, causing her to cough a few times.
"Your Highness!" Hong Yun handed her a cup of tea with concern. "Sip some to moisten your throat..."
Consort Zheng Pin recovered slightly and gently pushed it away, a faint, bitter smile on her lips. "Do you think the feng shui here is bad?"
Once, Noble Concubine Shih was the unrivaled favorite of The Six Palaces, basking in endless glory. Now, look how desolate she has become.
"Even Noble Concubine Shih has fallen to such a state, and my fortune is thin; it’s no wonder..."
Consort Zheng Pin thought long and hard, then finally said, "I need to find a way out... I can’t keep on like this..."
They all can, why can’t I? Consort Ning is so foolish, yet she can raise a princess—I can too!
Hong Yun was somewhat worried. "Your Highness, what can we possibly do?"
Consort Zheng Pin thought for a moment, then said, "Lady Xia!"
Hong Yun felt a bit wronged. Your Highness, you are after all a principal figure, how can you... How can you go suck up to a mere Honored Lady?
Consort Zheng Pin gave a desolate smile. "In this harem, there is nothing that cannot be done... Look at me, never fighting, never grasping for power, what has become of me?"
The pot of charcoal in front of her crackled as it burned. Now and then, strong plumes of black smoke would burst forth, as if to mock and ridicule her!
Enough! Such days, I’ve truly had enough!
「Meanwhile, at Lijing Pavilion.」
Honored Lady Xi was very happy. "The Empress will hold a banquet in the plum grove tomorrow. I wonder if... Noble Concubine Shih will attend..."