If the Emperor did not punish such behavior, how will he establish his authority in the future?
Thinking of this, the Empress had nothing more to say. She closed the memorial and presented it with both hands, gritting her teeth as she spoke.
"Your Majesty, my brother has committed a terrible offense. I beseech you... to punish him according to the law!"
Zhao Junyao stared at the Empress for a while, the corners of his lips curling up, feeling very satisfied.
"The Empress is just and wise. Although it cannot be said to be righteousness above family loyalty, it shows the virtues of the ancient sages. Zhen is greatly comforted!" he said.
After speaking, he personally helped the Empress up.
The Empress raised her eyes and immediately saw the admiration in the Emperor’s gaze. I’m even more certain my choice was correct, she thought.
That night, Zhao Junyao still rested in Jiaofang Hall.
For no apparent reason, the Empress suddenly found herself basking in the Emperor’s immense favor. The entire Harem was astonished. Word travels fast, especially in the Harem, and it didn’t take two days for Noble Concubine Shih to get wind of it.
’Second Young Master Fan caused a death and is to be executed after the autumn harvest!’
Noble Concubine Shih laughed upon hearing this. So that’s the reason! The Emperor, my cousin, is appeasing the Empress! she thought, a sour and acrid feeling rising within her. When my own brother was notorious, the Emperor never once came to see me, let alone offer solace, she recalled bitterly.
Ying Yue came forward to console her.
"Your Highness, that’s execution after the autumn harvest!"
"The Emperor still remembers his old affection for our Shih Family; otherwise..." Otherwise, when the Shih family’s son acted so outrageously, the Emperor didn’t punish him. Wasn’t he just turning a blind eye? she thought, continuing her unspoken argument.
Noble Concubine Shih gave a bitter smile. What does execution after the autumn harvest matter? As long as my cousin still wants to appease her, it means her position as Empress is still as stable as Mount Tai. Otherwise, the Emperor would have simply dismissed her and used that as a reason to depose her, and no one could have said anything, she mused.
Ying Yue wanted to persuade further, but Noble Concubine Shih suddenly gestured with her hand.
"No need to say more; I am well aware!" she said, getting to her feet.
"How is the tonic from the Imperial Kitchen coming along? Come, let’s take it over to Sister Shih!"
Ying Yue replied, "It’s almost ready; this servant will go prepare it right away!"
After saying this, Ying Yue soon returned with a soup tureen.
"Is everything ready?"
Noble Concubine Shih smiled, stepping out the door with Ying Yue.
「At Honored Lady Shih’s residence」
Noble Concubine Shih sat by the bed, looking at Honored Lady Shih.
"Sister, I have brought you some tonic..." she said as she brought forward the soup tureen.
"Come... allow me to feed you myself!"
Startled, Honored Lady Shih was dumbfounded.
"No... no need..." she stammered. "Noble Consort, I am but a mere Honored Lady; how dare I trouble you..."
Seeing her react this way, Noble Concubine Shih didn’t insist. Setting the soup tureen down, she said, "Don’t be a stranger. After all, we are sisters of the same clan; I would not harm you!" Saying this, she scooped up a few sips of the soup to taste it herself.
Realizing that Noble Consort had misunderstood, Honored Lady Shih hastily said, "Your Highness, your care for this servant is deeply appreciated! It’s just that... I’ve already had my midday meal and, really..." I’m really not hungry at all, she thought. Being three months pregnant, her appetite was not at its best.
Noble Concubine Shih merely smiled and even smoothed Honored Lady Shih’s hair. "Not to worry. If you cannot drink it now, leave it aside. This soup contains many nourishing ingredients; have someone warm it up for you later. Just don’t disregard my goodwill!" she said, then stood up.
As Honored Lady Shih moved to see her out, Noble Concubine Shih quickly pressed her down. "Don’t move. Resting in bed is most crucial during pregnancy. You mustn’t overexert yourself. Lie back down... I will come visit you again when I’m free!"
Honored Lady Shih indeed did not dare to move. But once Noble Consort had left, she found it hard to lie still.
"I... I feel so uncomfortable lying down! I can’t digest anything and just want to vomit!" she exclaimed, getting up and starting to pace back and forth in the room.
Zhaoer looked at Noble Concubine Shih’s retreating figure, then glanced at Honored Lady Shih, feeling quite puzzled.
"My lady, why do I always feel like Noble Consort doesn’t want us to go out... In fact... she doesn’t even seem to want us to leave the room!"
Honored Lady Shih thought for a moment. Maybe it’s because... Noble Consort lost a child before, so she doesn’t trust anyone...
Zhaoer, considering this, thought it made sense and fell silent.
「Qingya Residence」
After the midday meal, Xia Ruqing decided to take a nap as the sky outside seemed to be clouding over. She ordered her servants not to forget to bring in all the cups, bowls, and tea saucers from the courtyard before she lay down to sleep.
In the courtyard, Zi Ning remarked, "It looks like it’s going to rain soon!"
Zi Su, while collecting teacups, replied, "Indeed! The vegetables Xiao Zhu Zi planted in the backyard are in need of watering! This might save us quite a bit of trouble!"
Zi Ning nodded. Just then, Zi Yue approached from nearby.
"It’s time to collect our lady’s allowance. You two, come with me!"
Zi Ning agreed and went to wash her hands. Zi Su, however, frowned.
"Sister Zi Yue, what’s going on? Isn’t there usually someone who delivers it?"
Zi Yue gave a faint smile. "What does it matter whether it’s delivered or not? We have hands and feet. Let’s go fetch it ourselves while our lady is asleep!" Saying this, she prepared a basket and led Zi Su and Zi Ning away.
On the way, they encountered many people, but none of them looked pleased to see them. Some who had been cloyingly calling them ’sister’ just the day before now seemed to wish they could hide. Others blatantly started to gossip and point fingers.
Zi Yue’s expression remained calm, but Zi Su and Zi Ning’s faces darkened. However, they didn’t dare to say much and held their frustrations in the entire way.