Chapter 1: An Unwarranted Disaster Several muffled coughs occasionally came from the second room in the middle section of the Inner Palace. At first, they could still be suppressed, but before long they turned into continuous coughing and wheezing, each bout louder than the last. The palace maids sharing the bed hurriedly pulled their quilts over their heads, trying to block out the irritating noise. Seeing everyone turn away from her as though she were a poisonous snake or scorpion, Jiang Rong hurriedly wrapped herself in her thin quilt, climbed out of bed, and walked lightly toward the door. Before she could close it, Wujuan Zhou on the neighboring bed complained irritably, “What terrible luck, having two such irritating creatures moved in here. One of them keeps silent all day long—not a peep out of her—and the other is so delicate and frail that she coughs and wheezes incessantly at night, keeping everyone from sleeping properly. If Consort Fu weren’t enjoying His Majesty’s favor right now, I would have found a way to drive these two creatures out of Jiaofeng Residence long ago!” A young palace maid nearby was timid by nature and softly urged, “Sister, please don’t say such things. What will happen if someone with ulterior motives hears you?” Wujuan Zhou had a short temper. She simply sat up and deliberately spoke sarcastically toward Jiang Rong by the door. “Working in the palace is hard enough already. If someone keeps us from sleeping every day, aren’t we allowed to complain? Besides, who knows whether she has consumption? If she passes it on to us and we’re unable to report for duty, angering the noble ladies, wouldn’t that make her a scourge?” Jiang Rong was gentle by nature. After being berated so harshly, her eyes immediately reddened. She was just about to offer a few words in her defense when her good friend Yinzhu came in from outside carrying a red-lacquered food box. Yinzhu reached out to support her into the room and settled her on the wooden stool beside the table. The others, who had long since been woken and sat up in bed, saw Jiang Rong return and were displeased. Suspecting that she had deliberately come back to provoke them, they all stared warily at the two beneath the lamplight. The tense atmosphere terrified Jiang Rong. The other five people in the room were all palace servants under Consort Chu. They had the advantage in numbers; if an argument truly broke out, she and her friend would gain nothing and might even incur severe punishment. Thus, she secretly tugged at Yinzhu’s sleeve, signaling for her to help her leave so that they would not get into a dispute. Yinzhu patted the back of Jiang Rong’s hand reassuringly, paying no attention to the tension in the room. First, she walked to the door under everyone’s malicious gazes and shut it firmly. Then she returned to the table, opened the food box, and took out a plain, double-handled earthenware jar. The early-spring nights were cold, and there was no charcoal fire inside the rooms of the Inner Palace. Those living there already shivered constantly from the chill. Now, when everyone saw the hot vapor rising from the jar, split into two streams by the hemp cord around its neck before merging again higher up, surprise appeared on all their faces. Although the palace had kitchens where palace maids could light fires and cook, sparing them from having to make the daily trip to the main kitchen, firewood and kindling were difficult to obtain. After the evening meal, only the residences of His Majesty, the Empress, and the consorts of the Zhaoyi rank still had charcoal fires, allowing them to obtain hot water and soup whenever they wished. The consorts below the Zhaoyi rank and the palace maids in the Inner Palace rarely had any opportunity to eat hot food. Not to mention ginger soup as richly spiced as this, capable of warming the body and driving out the cold. The palace maids, whose stomachs had long been empty and whose bodies were chilled through, watched with envy as Yinzhu poured a bowl of thick, fragrant ginger soup from the jar and handed it to the wide-eyed Jiang Rong. Jiang Rong knew how hard the ginger soup had been to obtain. Tears of gratitude filled her eyes as she asked softly, “Where did you find this in the middle of the night?” Yinzhu rubbed the top of Jiang Rong’s head and gestured for her to drink it while it was hot. “I gave that pearl to Chief Pharmacist Wang. This ginger soup is what he rewarded me with.” Jiang Rong immediately grew anxious and refused to drink the soup. “That pearl was the last thing you had to fall back on, your support after you leave the palace. You’ve just given it away to someone else. What if you need to bribe palace servants in the future, or send money to your family? Won’t you be left with no bargaining chip at all? No, I can’t drink this. Hurry and return it. Get the pearl back!” Yinzhu smiled and pushed the earthenware bowl back toward her. “Don’t be ridiculous. Even if I return the ginger soup, do you think he’ll give me back my pearl? Drink it quickly. Don’t let all my efforts go to waste.” Watching helplessly as the heat gradually faded from the bowl, Wujuan Zhou, who had just been speaking sarcastically to Jiang Rong, muttered regretfully, “If you don’t drink it now, it’ll be completely cold.” Jiang Rong looked around. Everyone was staring enviously at the ginger soup in her hands, and she feared they might pounce on her and snatch it away at any moment. She no longer hesitated, lifting the earthenware bowl and draining the hot ginger soup in one go. Once the bowl of ginger soup entered her stomach, waves of warmth immediately spread through her previously chilled body. Afraid it still was not enough, Yinzhu filled another large bowl for her and watched until she had drunk it. Only after seeing some color return to Jiang Rong’s face did Yinzhu pick up the earthenware bowls stacked on the table—the bowls the palace maids in the room normally used for meals. She evenly poured out five bowls, picked one up with both hands, and carefully walked over to Wujuan Zhou, respectfully offering it to her. “Wujuan Zhou, we’ve only just arrived and haven’t yet introduced ourselves to all of you. My name is Yinzhu. The woman living beside you is Jiang Rong. The two of us come from the same hometown and grew up together. After entering the palace, we’ve relied on each other for survival. A few days ago, it rained while my younger sister was on duty at Jiaofeng Residence. Because she couldn’t change her clothes in time, she caught a chill. With the palace recently reducing the allotted provisions, the Chief Pharmacist of the Central Palace refused to treat her, and her illness gradually worsened. Everyone, please rest assured. A-Rong has always been in good health. In the six years since she entered the palace, she has never fallen ill easily. If she gets a proper rest for these two days, she’ll surely recover soon and won’t disturb any of you sisters’ rest again.” Wujuan Zhou was the oldest and highest-ranking of the five palace maids. Having spent many years in the palace, she knew perfectly well how to keep other palace servants in line. Although Yinzhu had lowered herself as much as possible, Wujuan Zhou still felt it was insufficient and deliberately put on airs. “You and I are both Wujuans serving in the palace. We make our living under the command of the Consort, while you young ladies serve in Consort Fu’s residence and have a bright future ahead of you. I couldn’t possibly accept being called ‘Sister’ by Miss Yinzhu.” Yinzhu’s smile did not change. Her flower-like face looked even more enchanting up close. She placed the earthenware bowl on the edge of the bed, then sat down on Jiang Rong’s bedding and affectionately took Wujuan Zhou’s hand. “Sister Zhou, since we live under the same roof, this is a rare kind of fate. After spending several years in the palace, we palace maids all know that where we serve and which lady we attend has never been up to us. Positions may change, but feelings cannot. The woman who used to live with us, Wujuan Meng, has now been promoted to Liangshi Meng and is able to occupy a room by herself, which is why we sisters moved out. Over the past few days, I’ve seen that you are clever and capable, with a method for handling every matter. You resemble Liangshi Meng very much. I’ve told A-Rong several times in secret that someone as remarkable as you is sure to become a great person among people one day. And with your outstanding looks, becoming a Beauty in the future would certainly be within your reach.” Although Wujuan Zhou knew Yinzhu was deliberately flattering her, the words still made her feel extremely pleased. The corners of her lips lifted slightly. “You’re teasing me. I couldn’t possibly deserve such praise. As for becoming a Beauty, I wouldn’t even dare dream of it.” “Sister, don’t be so modest. Regardless of what achievements you may attain in the future, just look at how the inner palace is constantly changing. Consort Chu has always been deeply favored, and she also has the Prince of Wu to rely on. It isn’t impossible for her to rise swiftly through the ranks. When that happens, the two of us will have to rely on all of you sisters for your protection.” After saying this, Yinzhu saw that the hostility had disappeared from everyone’s eyes as they looked at the two sisters. She picked up the earthenware bowl from the edge of the bed and offered it to Wujuan Zhou once more. “Sister, please.” This time Wujuan Zhou did not refuse. She accepted the bowl and said generously, “Since you’ve shown us such sincere goodwill, we won’t stand on ceremony any longer. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, we will certainly do all we can to help.” “Then I’ll thank you in advance, Sister.” Yinzhu turned and glanced at Jiang Rong. Jiang Rong immediately understood. She rose on her own, picked up the bowls from the table, and handed them to the two palace maids near the door, apologizing repeatedly. “We disturbed all of you sisters’ rest in the middle of the night. Please forgive us.” Having received Yinzhu and Jiang Rong’s kindness, the others naturally could no longer say much. Instead, they took the initiative to express their concern for Jiang Rong. “Jiang Rong has just drunk hot ginger soup. She should lie down and sweat it out.” “That’s right. Don’t overexert yourself any further.” The others even worried that Jiang Rong’s quilt was too thin. One after another, they offered their outer garments and spread them over her thin quilt to help her work up a sweat. After drinking the ginger soup, Jiang Rong indeed sweated quite a lot during the night. The next day, at cockcrow, Yinzhu rose early and waited outside Liangshi Meng’s room. The moment Liangshi Meng saw Yinzhu, she looked rather troubled. “Jiang Rong still hasn’t recovered? I’ve already troubled every Gonghe at Jiaofeng Residence who could take her shift, and everyone has had plenty to say about it. If I make an exception for her again today, I’m afraid people will suspect me of favoritism.” Yinzhu presented her with a newly embroidered handkerchief and pleaded, “I know that Liangshi has only just been promoted and that you have difficulties in handling matters. But A-Rong finally managed to work up a good sweat last night. If she is suddenly exposed to the wind, I’m afraid her illness will worsen and damage her constitution. Please, Liangshi, think of some way to help us. We sisters will be endlessly grateful. If there is ever anything Liangshi needs from us in the future, we will go through fire and water without hesitation.” Liangshi Meng frowned and surveyed the room. At last, her gaze returned to Yinzhu’s face. She grasped Yinzhu’s slightly cool hand. “I remember that you’re scheduled for duty today. Since you’re on leave and have nothing to do, why don’t you take Jiang Rong’s place for a day?” Yinzhu instinctively pulled her hand back and touched her earlobe, shaking her head repeatedly. “I can’t. If I have to serve close at hand, I’ll make mistakes.” Not knowing the reason, Liangshi Meng took Yinzhu and began walking forward. “What’s so difficult about that? You’re quick and capable, and you speak well. You’ll certainly manage.” Yinzhu continued pleading. “Liangshi Meng, you mustn’t! My hearing isn’t good. I can’t serve close at hand.” Liangshi Meng assumed Yinzhu was merely timid and hurried to reassure her. “All right, I’ll arrange a position for you outside the hall. The others on duty can help you then, so you won’t make any mistakes. It’s getting late. Stop dawdling!” Unable to refuse any further, Yinzhu could only go with Liangshi Meng. Fortunately, Consort Fu was in a bad mood that day and remained behind closed doors the entire day, so nothing went wrong. By the time they endured until dusk, when lanterns were lit inside and outside the hall and the palace servants responsible for the night shift were about to arrive and replace them, Yinzhu’s anxious heart finally settled. Just as the shift was about to change, His Majesty suddenly arrived at Jiaofeng Residence. The palace servants knelt throughout the courtyard. It was Yinzhu’s first time seeing the imperial countenance, and she knelt at the very edge, not daring to raise her head. Consort Fu, who had remained behind closed doors, beamed with delight. She hurried down the white-jade steps and fluttered into the arms of the Old Emperor like a butterfly. Twining her fingers through his graying beard, she wheedled, “His Majesty recently obtained several Hu women and hasn’t set foot in Jiaofeng Residence for five days. I thought Your Majesty had forgotten all about me.” The Old Emperor, Lu Jiayan, put his arm around Fu’e’s shoulders and laughed heartily. “No matter how beautiful or alluring they are, they cannot match even a ten-thousandth of your charm. It’s only that the envoys from the foreign states are still here. They have presented countless treasures of gold and silver, as well as oxen, sheep, and horses. I must show them some consideration.” “His Majesty is always so good at coaxing people.” Delighted by His Majesty’s praise, Consort Fu’s smile deepened. She made as though to lead him into the hall. “I’ve just learned a new dance. I’ll perform it for Your Majesty in a moment.” Who could have known that when she tried to pull His Majesty inside, his feet seemed rooted to the ground, and he would not move an inch? Consort Fu turned back in confusion, only to find His Majesty staring intently at a beautiful palace maid kneeling on the ground. The lecherous expression on his face immediately made Consort Fu sigh inwardly that things were not going well. Her instinctive fear made Fu’e quickly throw herself into Lu Jiayan’s arms again, attempting to reclaim his attention. She called coquettishly, “Your Majesty…” Before she could continue, His Majesty asked in an extremely low voice, “What is your name? Why have I never seen you at Jiaofeng Residence before?” With His Majesty and the Zhaoyi present, everyone in the courtyard kept even their breathing as quiet as possible. Overwhelmed by tension, Yinzhu’s heart thundered and her ears rang. Naturally, she did not realize that His Majesty was speaking to her. Ordinarily, if His Majesty asked a question and a palace servant remained silent, she would certainly be punished. Yet His Majesty not only failed to become angry as he usually did, he even took half a step forward and reached out toward Yinzhu, apparently intending to lift her chin and examine her features closely. Consort Fu sensed that His Majesty was determined to have his way. Feeling as though she were facing a great enemy, she hurriedly gave a meaningful glance to the trusted eunuch beside her. Eunuch Zhang acted swiftly. He slapped Yinzhu to the ground, seized her by the hair, and forced her head down against the floor. It struck the cold paving tiles with loud, resounding thumps. He muttered, “You blind, stupid thing. How dare you fail to answer when His Majesty speaks to you? You’re becoming more and more unruly! Do you need to be sent to Yongxiang before you come to your senses?” Because Yinzhu had not heard His Majesty’s question clearly, she suffered this disaster. Zhang, deliberately trying to make trouble for her, had pulled her hair loose. Her long, ink-black hair spilled down around her, completely hiding her extraordinary face. The Old Emperor’s lecherous intentions remained undiminished. He shouted sternly, “Palace maids are often timid and afraid to answer. Why use such harsh words and strike her at every turn? Release her at once!” Eunuch Zhang did not dare disobey. He released the hand restraining the back of Yinzhu’s neck, then nervously retreated two steps before kneeling and bowing respectfully. “Your Majesty, spare my life! This servant knows his crime!” Seeing that His Majesty was determined to proceed, Consort Fu simply clutched her chest and began to sob bitterly. “Your Majesty, my chest hurts terribly!” Consort Fu’s maternal family was powerful. If anything happened to the Fu family’s daughter in the palace, they would inevitably nag him about it for a long time. Although the Old Emperor had guessed that Fu’e was pretending to be ill, he had no choice but to put on an act of concern. “Someone, summon the imperial physicians at once! E’er, I’ll help you inside.” Consort Fu hurriedly pressed her advantage. She took the Old Emperor’s withered hand and placed it against her chest, blinking her seductive, silken eyes as her voice turned sweet as honey. “There’s no need for an imperial physician. As long as Your Majesty rubs it for me, I’ll feel much better.” The Old Emperor was utterly captivated. He threw back his head and laughed. “Hahaha, good! Then I’ll go inside and rub it for the Zhaoyi.” With Consort Fu’s interruption, the Old Emperor temporarily forgot about Yinzhu. Weak and barely able to stand, Yinzhu was forcibly dragged away by several junior eunuchs and locked in a dark room in a side hall. Covering her bleeding lip and swollen cheek, she did not dare rest all night. Only after His Majesty left the following day was she brought before Consort Fu. The weather was bizarre that year. Although it was still early spring, heavy snow began to fall from the sky. In less than half an hour, the courtyard was blanketed in white, and the cold was piercing. Yinzhu knelt in the snow as layer after layer accumulated over her body. From a distance, she looked just like a snowman. Consort Fu sat beneath the eaves. Two braziers burned brightly beside her, and a thick, warm tiger pelt covered her legs. She lazily complained to her trusted eunuch, Eunuch Zhang, who stood nearby. “Was it not enough that Jiaofeng Residence produced a Song Bazi? And now, when choosing people, you’re still so careless. Are you planning to let every palace maid climb over my head and become thorns in my side before you’ll be satisfied?” Eunuch Zhang immediately knelt and bowed repeatedly, begging for mercy. “Please calm your anger, Zhaoyi. After Song Gonghe climbed into His Majesty’s bed and was made a Bazi, this servant thoroughly screened everyone in Jiaofeng Residence from top to bottom. There was absolutely no beautiful woman who could get close to serve either Your Ladyship or His Majesty. Everything has been peaceful these past two years. You know that yourself, Your Ladyship!” Consort Fu’s gaze immediately turned sharp. “Then what is this palace maid’s situation? You’ve served at my side for eight years. Don’t you know my temperament?” Eunuch Zhang instantly broke into a cold sweat and hurriedly reported, “Reporting to the Zhaoyi, this palace maid is named Yinzhu. She is a Wujuan at Jiaofeng Residence and is responsible for sweeping the courtyard. She entered the palace five years ago and has always kept to her duties. This servant also doesn’t know why she acted this way. I beg Your Ladyship to investigate clearly!” Consort Fu saw that Yinzhu had remained silent the entire time and appeared extremely docile. She asked coldly, “Since he doesn’t know, you can explain it yourself.” Yinzhu hurriedly bowed and admitted her fault. “I beg the Zhaoyi to forgive me! This servant did not do it intentionally. The Gonghe sharing my room was seriously ill, and she was afraid of delaying her palace duties, so she wanted to come serve Your Ladyship despite her illness. This servant was afraid she would pass her illness to Your Ladyship and stopped her at once. But the palace maids and eunuchs assigned to daily duty at Jiaofeng Residence are fixed in number. We servants did not dare relax, and we were even more worried that leaving a position vacant would inconvenience Your Ladyship. Therefore, this servant took it upon herself to replace that Gonghe for one day while she was on leave. But this servant swears on her life that she had absolutely no intention of overstepping her station! I beg Your Ladyship to investigate clearly!” Ever since the trusted Song Bazi had betrayed her two years earlier, Fu’e had lived in constant fear, seeing enemies everywhere. She did not believe Yinzhu’s explanation. Instead, she demanded harshly, “Speak! Who conspired with you? Or who sent you here to seduce His Majesty and steal my favor?” “This servant swears that no one conspired with me.” Yinzhu continued bowing her head against the ground. “Ever since entering the palace, this servant has served at Jiaofeng Residence. I have never had contact with outsiders, much less dared to form close relations with palace maids from other residences. Everyone can testify to this.” Consort Fu turned her head toward Eunuch Zhang and Liangshi Meng. Both nodded repeatedly, tacitly acknowledging that Yinzhu’s words were true. “Even so, when His Majesty questioned you, you pretended not to hear him. Who knows whether you were harboring the intention of attracting His Majesty’s attention? Your motives are malicious, and you have overstepped your station and offended superiors. By law, you deserve death.”

Bedchamber Attendant