By late October, the Empress’s illness had finally improved somewhat under meticulous care. Never mind her mood. Her physical illness was, at last, nearly mended.
On the 24th of this month, it was Crown Prince Zhao Qichen’s second birthday.
According to Xia Ruqing’s wishes, it wasn’t to be a grand celebration. The Princess’s birthday hadn’t been celebrated, nor had the Empress’s. Although a Prince’s status was different, his celebration shouldn’t overstep the others; that was the rule.
Nevertheless, the Empress sent word, saying, "The Princess’s celebration was omitted because it was inopportune, and my own due to illness! Now that I am well, and it coincides with the Little Prince’s birthday, it would be unreasonable not to celebrate!"
She also said that she had personally prepared everything on her end.
Xia Ruqing, looking at the gift list in her hands, suppressed the displeasure in her heart and instructed Zi Yue to properly send off the Empress’s envoy.
Once the envoy had left, Xia Ruqing leaned against the large kang bed by the window, suffering from a severe headache. So, it’s come to this, hasn’t it? An unsolicited kindness betokens mischief afoot! She certainly didn’t believe the Empress harbored such false good intentions. To arrange a birthday banquet for someone else’s son while still unwell, and to insist on a truly grand affair no less. This wasn’t normal at all! Yet, however abnormal, resistance was futile, wasn’t it? After all, who was she to oppose the Empress! Alas! In the past, the Noble Consort had shielded her. Now that the Noble Consort was no longer influential, the Empress was targeting her directly! This situation, being manipulated by others at every turn, was truly... vexing!
The more Xia Ruqing thought about it, the more worried she became, until finally, she cast aside the gift list and went to sleep.
"Call me for dinner!"
Zi Yue promptly gathered up the list and smiled helplessly. "My lady!" At such a time, she could actually still sleep.
Xia Ruqing stated calmly, "Why wouldn’t I be able to sleep? Waiting is waiting, regardless, right?" The Emperor, her husband, should protect her. Though relying on someone else for her life and death was highly unreliable... In this situation, if she were to step forward, it would be tantamount to seeking death! To be casually caught by the Empress on some pretext would be a disaster! So, it was better to respond to all changes with constancy!
「Jiaofang Hall」
Yu Lan returned from Qingya Residence and fully informed the Empress of Consort Xian Pin’s actions and reactions.
The Empress was somewhat suspicious. "She really doesn’t suspect a thing?!"
Yu Lan shook her head. "Your Majesty, Consort Xian Pin seemed very happy! She even gratefully mentioned wanting to come and kowtow to you!!" It was a good thing I stopped her.
The Empress sneered, "Enough, enough! I cannot bear such a kowtow from her! If she were truly grateful, she wouldn’t be monopolizing the Emperor all the time! A mere seductress, clinging to the Emperor, preventing him from looking elsewhere—it’s ridiculous!"
The more the Empress spoke, the more agitated she became, and Yu Lan hurriedly stepped forward. "Your Majesty, please calm yourself; the Imperial Physician said you mustn’t get upset!"
Upon hearing this, the Empress took a few deep breaths and refrained from continuing.
「On the 24th of the month」
Qingya Residence bustled with activity from early in the morning. Palace maids and eunuchs from the Ministry of Internal Affairs hurried back and forth, moving items. All manner of fine wines, exquisite dishes, fruits and vegetables, and delicate pastries were carried in, tray by tray. Soon, the tables were laden with a dazzling array.
And Xia Ruqing...had not yet woken up. Zi Yue had called her twice to no avail, with no indication of when she might awaken. This troubled Zi Yue greatly.
"Lately, I don’t know what’s gotten into the mistress; she’s going to bed earlier and rising later!"
Zi Su giggled from the side. "Sister Zi Yue, have you forgotten? It’s getting colder by the day! The mistress often joked that, like small animals, she became exceedingly sleepy when winter approached. She even said she wanted to hibernate. Looking at it now, it seems it’s come true."
Zi Yue thought so too and didn’t say much more, only urging, "Hurry up and wake the mistress. People will be arriving soon! Staying in bed any longer would be inappropriate!"
"Yes!" Zi Su agreed with a smile.
Sleepy! So sleepy!
Xia Ruqing was shaken awake and opened her eyes with difficulty. She climbed out of bed weakly, like a puppet being manipulated by Zi Yue and the others, getting dressed and washed, and then was seated at the vanity.
Zi Yue selected a box of rose rouge, a tribute from the Kingdom of Goryeo, opened it, scooped out a bit with a hairpin, and mixed it with water. Just as she was about to apply it evenly to her mistress, Xia Ruqing suddenly pushed her hand away and dashed out like a gust of wind.
She ran into the courtyard, leaned against a tree, and began to vomit violently.
"RETCH..."
"RETCH!"
"Mistress, what’s wrong with you?" Zi Yue turned pale with fright.
Zi Su, Zi Ning, and the others also gathered around at the noise.
Little Bun, who had just gotten dressed, also ran out with Yellow Bean. "Mother!"
"RETCH!" She almost threw up bile.
Xia Ruqing’s eyes brimmed with tears. Little Bun, usually quite mischievous, also looked anxious. He tiptoed, stretched out his soft little hand, and tried to pat Xia Ruqing’s back. But he was too short to reach. So... he ended up patting her lower back instead. Her lower back, or more accurately, her buttocks! Well...