Seeing that the Tyrant Emperor did not intend to travel with her, Fu Xinghe instructed, “Hurry to the Fu residence.”
If they were any later, they would miss mealtime.
Upon arriving at the Fu residence, Fu Xinghe washed her hands, grabbed two pieces of pastry, and before she could even eat lunch, went straight to see Fu Han.
Mi Dinglan felt helpless watching her eat with increasingly little decorum.
Imperial Physician Jiang had already administered acupuncture and prescribed medicine before leaving. He instructed Madam Fu to care for Fu Han carefully, saying that Fu Han might be mentally muddled for the next two days and that once the remaining poison cleared, he would need proper recuperation.
Fu Han’s complexion was dark and sallow. His sleep was restless, the lines between his brows resembling the cracked bark of an ancient tree.
Fu Xinghe said, “His Majesty has agreed to spare Uncle Ji’s life and exile him to Huangzhou. Huangzhou borders Jiangzhou. When Father resigns and returns home in the future, they will still be able to meet and have tea together.”
Thinking of the past Meng Dongting had mentioned, Fu Xinghe could not help reflecting that the Late Emperor had been outstanding in every way except for one thing: he had fathered too many children, leading to fraternal strife. The imperial family really did seem incapable of not having too many heirs.
Fu Han seemed to have heard her words. His expression eased slightly.
Only after her daughter stepped outside did Mi Dinglan ask in disbelief, “His Majesty agreed?”
Did her daughter really have that kind of ability?
“Mhm.” Fu Xinghe swept the table clean, eating so fast that Ming Xu could barely keep up with serving her.
It had been a long time since she had eaten home-style dishes from the Fu household. Her appetite was wide open.
As she moved, her cloak loosened, and Mi Dinglan’s sharp eyes caught sight of bloodstains on Fu Xinghe’s shoulder.
“What happened to your shoulder?” Mi Dinglan’s heart jolted. She had gone to the imperial prison to interrogate Ji Qinggou. How had her daughter ended up injured instead? Had His Majesty beaten Xinghe to vent his anger?
Fu Xinghe covered the wound. “It’s nothing. I’ll apply some medicine later.”
“How did you get hurt? Are there injuries elsewhere?” Mi Dinglan was heartbroken. If Fu Xinghe had not gained some weight in the palace, she would truly have suspected abuse.
Fu Xinghe set down her chopsticks, let out a satisfied burp, and said seriously, “I eat and sleep well in the palace. I’m doing fine. Father is bedridden and everything at home falls on you. Mother should focus on planning for the Fu family and my brothers’ futures. You don’t need to worry about me.”
As long as she did not commit a crime, the worst a consort could face was confinement. Her current life was not much different from the Cold Palace anyway.
Mi Dinglan said, “Your eldest brother is escorting one of your father’s close friends to take up an external post. Your second brother has gone to Jiangzhou to set up businesses. Your father lies ill in bed. If you hadn’t come back today, I…”
She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief and said guiltily, “Mother shouldn’t have insisted on keeping you for two more years just because you were mischievous. If I hadn’t misjudged the Wang family back then, you wouldn’t have ended up like this.”
Fu Han risking his life to plead only reinforced Mi Dinglan’s view of Meng Dongting as a ruthless beast.
Fu Xinghe cut her off. “Things are neither good nor bad right now. It’s not certain others would have fared any better.”
Mi Dinglan hugged her tightly. “I know. It’s just that with your abilities now, no matter whom you married, you could manage the inner household perfectly and live harmoniously. And yet you’re stuck in the palace.”
Fu Xinghe was helpless. Supporting a husband and raising children had never been her aspiration. Arguing with the ruler of a nation was far more stimulating.
She asked Ming Xu, “Did Mother receive some kind of shock?”
Ming Xu whispered, “Madam’s nephew from her natal family came yesterday to deliver Mid-Autumn gifts and mentioned you.”
That nephew was handsome and well-mannered. He had once sought Fu Xinghe’s hand in marriage. Before Mi Dinglan could even admire this potential son-in-law, the original Fu Xinghe had caused a scene and frightened him off.
Mi Dinglan regretted not agreeing more quickly back then. If the marriage had been settled, no one could have taken her away.
After Fu Xinghe entered the palace, not a single message came out. It was as if her daughter had vanished from the world. Mi Dinglan naturally lived with daily regret.
Fu Xinghe understood but could not promise another outing from the palace. She could only offer comfort in other ways, such as suggesting her brothers marry soon, and she would find a way to attend.
After waiting all afternoon, Fu Han still did not wake. Fu Xinghe had no choice but to return to the palace.
Reluctantly, Ming Xu asked, “Your Highness, can this servant follow you into the palace?”
Fu Xinghe shook her head. “When there’s a chance, I’ll mention it to His Majesty. Stay here and take good care of my mother for me.”
There was also Ming Feng. According to the messages she had sent back, the business in Jiangnan was proceeding unbelievably smoothly. A fleet had already been formed. Once the autumn harvests were in, they could begin operations.
Fu Xinghe did not dare let the Tyrant Emperor know she had assets outside. Mi Dinglan, once the daughter of a noble household, had brought a generous dowry into her marriage. Earlier, her mother had secretly stuffed a thick stack of banknotes into her hands. Fu Xinghe declined a few times, then happily accepted them all and passed them to Ming Feng.
She arrived at the palace gates just in time. One foot still rested on the carriage step when she suddenly remembered something.
She had forgotten to ask Ming Xu about her menstrual cycle. It seemed like it had been a long time.
This was private. She had to ask personally to avoid suspicion and trouble.
Not knowing when she could next leave the palace, Fu Xinghe hesitated. “I’ve forgotten something. Can I go back home again?”
“As long as you haven’t stepped through the palace gates yet, it’s allowed,” she muttered to herself, pulling both feet back into the carriage. “Let’s go.”
Xia Mian reminded her, “It’s already the second quarter of your hour. This servant can retrieve it for you.”
Fu Xinghe said shamelessly, “My relationship with His Majesty grows more intimate by the day. I want to ask my mother how to consummate the marriage. Can you ask that for me?”
Xia Mian: “…”
I don’t believe a word of that.
After a moment, Fu Xinghe felt that Xia Mian, as the Tyrant Emperor’s top informant, did have the authority to knock on the palace gates.
She raised her brows. “Xia Mian?”
Xia Mian said, “His Majesty ” What?!
Fu Xinghe immediately looked around, afraid Meng Dongting had gone mad enough to ambush her.
Xia Mian continued helplessly, “His Majesty probably won’t agree.”
If she was so afraid of His Majesty hearing, why had she dared speak so brazenly?
Fu Xinghe coughed lightly. “Then compromise. Go bring Ming Xu here. I need to ask her something. I’ll wait here. Is that acceptable?”
Everyone took a step back.
Xia Mian reluctantly agreed. With a light tap of her foot, she sped toward the Fu residence.
Watching her back, Fu Xinghe fell into a brief daze. Why did Xia Mian’s lightness skill look exactly like Ming Feng’s?
She suspected it was simply her lack of experience. Perhaps lightness skills in this world all looked the same.
Her gaze swept over Wu Qi. Suddenly she said, “The square outside the palace gates is so open. I happen to be bored. Might I have the honor of witnessing Lord Wu Qi’s lightness skill?”
Wu Qi, a man of few words, bowed and leapt along the palace walls. His movements were swift and fluid.
Fu Xinghe watched without blinking, searching for differences between him and Xia Mian.
Men and women were hard to compare, but the takeoff and landing felt similar.
She clapped lightly. “Speed conquers all martial arts. When I return, I’ll reward you with extra food. Wu Qi, see how many of the guards here know lightness skills and let me broaden my horizons.”
Wu Qi paused briefly, seemingly considering whether the request was acceptable. He swept his gaze across the Imperial Guards and named several. “You. Go. Fly the city wall.”
Fu Xinghe had only been testing Wu Qi’s boundaries. What surprised her was that the guards actually obeyed his orders.
It seemed Wu Qi and Xia Mian truly held significant status under the Tyrant Emperor.
Figures rose and fell before her eyes. Fu Xinghe felt certain. Ming Feng, Xia Mian, and Wu Qi shared the same lineage of techniques. The Imperial Guards each differed.
Ming Feng likely had ties to the palace. What Fu Xinghe could not determine was whether Ming Feng had been expelled for wrongdoing or had disappeared after a failed mission.
If it was the former, she needed to shield Ming Feng’s identity. If the latter…
Fu Xinghe’s heart sank. If Ming Feng ever recovered her memories, would the matter of the thatched hut not be exposed?
She clenched her fingers. What she had planned so carefully had suddenly become a ticking time bomb.
Do no wrong and fear no ghosts. In two lifetimes, she had only committed this one wrongdoing. Her psychological defenses here were weak.
She would wait for Ming Feng to return to the capital, find a way to meet, and ask her directly.
A guard leapt down from the wall. A thin object slipped from his sleeve.
The oil paper was blown open by the wind, revealing a piece of caramel-colored candy.
Fu Xinghe’s sharp eyes immediately recognized it. It was osmanthus sugar she had made herself, something that could be kept long as a snack.
The guard awkwardly picked it up, bowed in her direction, and quickly returned to formation.
“Wu Qi!”
Fu Xinghe called out.
Wu Qi turned. “What does Your Highness command?”
“I’m tired from sitting. Massage my shoulders.”
“Yes.”
Seeing that Wu Qi did not focus on the guard, Fu Xinghe let out a quiet breath.
She had only made osmanthus sugar once. The people of Wenhua Hall and the various consorts had each received some. For it to appear among the guards now, it must have been a gift from someone else.
Candy as a gift was likely from an admirer. Judging by the guard’s expression, it had probably not crossed the line.
Fu Xinghe did not know whether it was a consort or a palace maid.
Young people falling in love was not a heinous crime, but the consequences of the Tyrant Emperor being cuckolded could be unpredictable.
She said, “There should still be some osmanthus sugar left in Wenhua Hall. These men worked hard today. Wu Qi, bring some over later and distribute it. Tell them not to eat it inside the palace. If they’re caught neglecting duty, it will implicate me.”
Wu Qi replied, “Your Highness may rest assured.”
A happy Noble Consort rewarding sweets was nothing unusual.
Xia Mian finally returned with Ming Xu. The former walked at leisure, the latter panting.
“Your Highness, this servant delayed you,” Ming Xu said.
“It’s fine. I need to ask you something.”
Fu Xinghe stepped down, leaned closer, and whispered, “I forgot. When was my last cycle?”
Ming Xu thought for a moment. “Thirty-nine days ago.”
Fu Xinghe frowned. “That long?”
Ming Xu said, “Miss used to restrict her diet. It used to come only once every two months.”
“The physician said that as long as you eat and drink well, it will gradually normalize.” She looked at Fu Xinghe’s current balanced, tall figure and smiled with relief. “Perhaps it will come next time.”
Fu Xinghe nodded. “Don’t mention how thin I used to be to outsiders.”
She had Xia Mian escort Ming Xu back, then slowly walked toward Wenhua Hall.
Seeing Imperial Physician Jiang today reminded her of her own condition.
The original body’s irregular diet just needed time to recover. Fu Xinghe abandoned the idea of summoning a physician. With the Empress Dowager controlling the harem, it was better to avoid attention.
She wanted to lie low, but matters concerning her never seemed able to stay quiet.
The next day, news spread throughout the palace that the Noble Consort had watched acrobatics at the palace gate.
The imperial palace was heavily guarded. The Son of Heaven’s troops had turned into a street performance troupe!
The truth was not so severe. Wu Qi had merely ordered five guards to vault the wall as part of routine training. But with embellishment, it became akin to King You of Zhou lighting beacon fires for amusement.
At the small scale, it was said the Noble Consort toyed with the gate guards. On a larger scale, people wondered if she would one day toy with the soldiers guarding the nation.
Fu Xinghe developed a headache just hearing it.
She had acted rashly while verifying Ming Feng’s background. If the rumors continued, she might survive, but Wu Qi would certainly be implicated.
The only solution was to proactively confess to the Tyrant Emperor and prevent the matter from passing through the Empress Dowager’s hands.
At the very least, the Tyrant Emperor’s punishments for women were rather crude. He only knew confinement.
It was not that Fu Xinghe looked down on him. It was simply a pattern she had observed recently.
Before she could order Wu Qi to deliver her written self-reflection, an old acquaintance arrived at Wenhua Hall. Li Xiaojing.
Li Xiaojing thrived in the harem. As the Empress Dowager’s mouthpiece, those trusted by the Empress Dowager controlled the palace.
“The Empress Dowager has heard some rumors,” Li Xiaojing said. “They claim that the Noble Consort relies on His Majesty’s favor and lacks consideration for the soldiers. Some exploit this to accuse His Majesty of neglecting the military. With tens of thousands of soldiers guarding the borders, His Majesty worries day and night. How could such rumors be allowed to spread?”
“I know Your Highness is wronged,” Li Xiaojing continued. “But the matter has reached the ears of court officials. To prevent escalation, the Empress Dowager asks that Your Highness set an example to quell the rumors.”
Fu Xinghe asked, “What does the Empress Dowager want me to do?”
“Mid-Autumn Festival and the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet are approaching. The palace lacks hands for laundry. Your Highness is to wash the Imperial Guards’ armor for three days to display virtue and serve as a warning.”
Fu Xinghe clicked her tongue. There it was. A successful Noble Consort could not escape the laundry bureau.
An emperor’s woman washes the guards’ armor during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Which genius proposed this?
It sounded absurd, but with Ji Qinggou, Fu Han’s student, just exiled to a desolate land, it was no surprise that the Grand Preceptor’s daughter would be implicated.
Everyone believed the Fu family deserved this. That they would eventually be trampled into the mud.
Wu Qi knelt. “This was my fault. I will confess to His Majesty.”
Fu Xinghe waved him off. “No need. I’ll wash.”
The Empress Dowager’s reasoning was airtight. Wu Qi stepping forward would only earn further punishment. Though the Tyrant Emperor held absolute authority in the harem, once rumors reached court, he had to consider more.
She could not escape it.
Fu Xinghe bit her lip. Who had she offended? Who had deliberately pushed the rumors toward the court?
The next day, the Laundry Bureau.
Facing heaps of armor, Fu Xinghe froze. Each piece weighed several jin. This was hard labor.
The well water was icy. After scrubbing twice, her hands turned red.
She stared at her palms, lost in thought. Possessing the body of the Grand Preceptor’s daughter was both fortune and misfortune.
The misfortune was inheriting the original sins. The fortune was that she was not a peasant girl, washing clothes in cold autumn water year after year.
Most people in ancient times lived like this. Even quietly washing clothes for three meals a day was a blessing.
With that thought, Fu Xinghe no longer fussed. She treated it as a good deed, helping the Laundry Bureau girls lighten their load. From a modern perspective, she and these maids were of the same class. The Empress Dowager and the Tyrant Emperor were the truly untouchable ones.
Li Xiaojing had learned her lesson and left Xia Mian no chance to warn anyone. Mainly because Meng Dongting had gone to the military camp the previous night.
Early in the morning, Li Xiaojing supervised the trio from Wenhua Hall to the Laundry Bureau.
Xia Mian and Wu Qi boiled water. No one had said hot water was forbidden.
She carried over a bucket and saw the Noble Consort already scrubbing diligently. Her heart ached. “Your Highness, let this servant do it!”
“You rest,” Fu Xinghe said.
As she scrubbed, she thought that her mother had already sent her second brother to Jiangzhou to set up businesses. That meant Fu Han’s resignation was not far off.
Once Fu Han resigned, her situation would become even more difficult.
What use was this system anyway? Could it help her escape the palace?
She needed to find a way to earn points and see what they were actually for.
Gaining points was not hard. Based on her current method, she only needed to leak a hint to the Tyrant Emperor and then patch it up to gain five points.
Fu Xinghe froze. This method was too risky. Fail to patch it up and she would die.
Meng Dongting returned to the palace at midnight. With night deep and dew heavy, no one dared bother him with trivial matters.
In the morning, Fu Gonggong helped him dress and casually mentioned, “Yesterday, when the Noble Consort returned, she stopped briefly at the palace gate. Wu Qi had several guards perform lightness skills for her.”
“Oh,” Meng Dongting replied.
Fu Gonggong knew that would be the response and continued, “They say the Noble Consort is now washing armor in the Laundry Bureau. She seems quite cheerful.”
The Empress Dowager was the emperor’s mother. Fu Gonggong could not comment directly, so he framed it as idle talk.
Half-awake, Meng Dongting said reflexively, “Add some dragon robes for her.”
Fu Gonggong: “…”
Meng Dongting paused, remembering that the Empress Dowager was now present. Unlike before, if he had not ordered it, whatever Fu Xinghe did was considered her own whim.
Realizing his misstep, Fu Gonggong asked, “How many should be added?”
Meng Dongting fully woke up. “Whose clothes did you say she’s washing?”
“The Imperial Guards’,” Fu Gonggong replied.
Meng Dongting frowned. Didn’t they have wives?
Fu Gonggong chuckled. “The guards are all young and vigorous. Most haven’t married yet.”
Meng Dongting’s frown deepened.
“Are the guards treated that poorly? They can’t even afford wives? Why does a Noble Consort need to wash for them? Is this mocking me for mistreating them?” he said. “Later, ask them. Those who want to marry should do so quickly. Those short on money can take it from their commander.”
Fu Gonggong asked, “And the Noble Consort?”
“I will punish her separately. The Empress Dowager need not interfere.”
Fu Gonggong smiled. His Majesty truly knew how to play this. The Empress Dowager used ‘mistreating the guards’ to make the Noble Consort wash armor. His Majesty used the same reason to stop it.