The Prime Minister's White Moonlight - Chapter 16
Chapter 16: Miscarriage
After leaving Cuihua Pavilion, Consort Gu said nothing, but only wept. Although Zhao Yan had not particularly favored her before, he naturally comforted her greatly at the loss of their child.
However, after he left, his heart began to uncontrollably suspect Ning Changyi. He knew of her jealousy, but he never thought she would be so audacious as to harm his own child.
“Go to Taiji Palace,” Zhao Yan commanded Ji Yi. He sat in his sedan chair, his heart filled with unspeakable fatigue.
Other than on scheduled days, Zhao Yan rarely visited Taiji Palace. The Empress, hearing the news of Zhao Yan’s arrival, personally came out to greet him, with Ning Changxue naturally by her side.
However, Zhao Yan dismissed everyone, including Ning Changxue, before speaking. “Consort Gu has miscarried.” The Empress’s expression did not change. “This concubine is already aware and will order some high-quality tonics to be sent to her.”
Zhao Yan saw no trace of sadness in her expression, and his suspicion grew stronger. “Is the Empress very pleased right now?” The Empress was slightly surprised, seemingly unaware of why he would say this. She quickly defended herself, “How can this concubine be happy when Your Majesty’s child is gone?”
Zhao Yan threw the sachet at her, and it landed in her lap. They were childhood sweethearts after all. In the past, no matter what, Zhao Yan had always maintained dignity and had never spoken a harsh word to her. But this concerned his child, and he was truly enraged.
“This is what you bestowed upon Consort Gu. The imperial physician said it contained musk. I suspect you ordered the ordinary spices to be replaced with musk.” The Empress wanted to argue, knowing that anything she said at this moment would seem like a cover-up to Zhao Yan. But she bit her lip and couldn’t help but say, “Does Your Majesty think I am such a person? To murder an unborn child?”
“I don’t want to believe it either, but the evidence is right in front of me,” Zhao Yan said sternly. “The Empress manages the Central Palace and must be overly exhausted. You don’t need to be so overworked in the future.” The Empress collapsed onto the ground. After Zhao Yan left, Ning Changxue came in to help her up. “Sister, you are confused! Didn’t I tell you not to harm Consort Gu’s child?”
“It wasn’t me, Axue, it really wasn’t me.” The Empress shook her head. Ning Changxue looked at her, a hint of sorrow flashing in her eyes. “Sister, don’t you understand? Whether it was you or not no longer matters. What matters is that His Majesty has already decided that you did it, and there is evidence. Consort Shu is probably gloating right now.”
In the Chonghua Palace, Consort Shu was resting with her eyes closed. She had naturally heard the news of Consort Gu’s miscarriage, but she didn’t pay any mind to Consort Gu.
“Good news, Niangniang,” Jin Xia rushed in, her face full of joy. Consort Shu opened her eyes and chastised her, “Why are you so flustered? Where are the manners I taught you?” Jin Xia dared not say anything more, meekly listened to the reprimand, and then said, “This servant was simply overjoyed and confused. Please forgive me, Niangniang.”
“What is the matter?” Consort Shu slightly lifted her eyelids, with a hint of annoyance at being disturbed. “His Majesty said that Empress Niangniang is overly exhausted and has asked you to take charge of the affairs of the harem.”
Consort Shu laughed upon hearing this. “That is indeed good news. Ning Changyi always used her management of the palace affairs to suppress me. Now that the power has fallen into my hands, I’d like to see how long she can continue to cause trouble.”
However, she didn’t understand how the Empress was forced to hand over power. Could it be that she had angered His Majesty? Thinking of this, she became even more pleased, thinking that she could finally take revenge for the past. Besides, the position of Empress would have originally been hers if not for Ning Changyi.
“Jin Xia, help me change my clothes.” Consort Shu was no longer drowsy now. She was eager to show her capabilities. She summoned the heads of several departments responsible for palace affairs for questioning, reprimanding each of them and promising some benefits.
As expected, this combination of carrot and stick ensured that the department heads would at least be attentive, if not entirely loyal. After Jin Xia sent off the department heads, she said, “Niangniang, I heard that His Majesty went to Taiji Palace, dismissed everyone, and after speaking privately with the Empress, he withdrew the Empress’s authority when he came out.”
“Oh?” Consort Shu nodded. “But for now, I still need to prove my competence to His Majesty and manage the harem better than that Ning Changyi.”
The news of the Empress’s downfall spread throughout the harem. At that time, Hanbi was in the warm room trimming the dogwood she had brought back from the Double Ninth Festival. Although the dogwood was carefully preserved in clear water, there were still signs of wilting. Hanbi had no choice but to trim the dead branches.
Hua Wu entered the warm room and said, “The outside world is in turmoil, and Zhaoyi is here seeking tranquility.” The news of the Empress’s loss of power had spread throughout the harem, and a little thought was enough to understand the intention of those spreading the rumors.
Hanbi put down the scissors, washed and dried her hands in the clear water in the basin, and then said, “I’m not in a hurry. The one who should be is the Empress.” This was the truth. There were also rumors outside that the Empress had orchestrated Consort Gu’s miscarriage; otherwise, she would not have lost His Majesty’s trust.
“Go tell Ningzhi to have the kitchen make a dish of crab with orange stuffing today,” Hanbi instructed. Hua Wu frowned and advised, “Crab and orange are both cold foods. Zhaoyi should not eat too much.” Hanbi was unconcerned. She was likely to have difficulty conceiving Zhao Yan’s child anyway. This was good; at least it wouldn’t draw too much attention.
“Eating it occasionally shouldn’t be a problem,” Hanbi said casually. “Besides, I’ve been diligently taking the conditioning medicine sent by the Imperial Academy.” Hua Wu had no choice and couldn’t persuade her further, so she had to give in to Hanbi.
It was said that since Consort Shu took charge of the harem, rumors began to spread that the Empress was losing favor and might be deposed. However, within a few days of these rumors, the people who started them were dealt with one by one, and no one dared to speak of it again.
However, Consort Shu was determined to make a show of efficiency. Ning Changyi had only followed the ancestral system, which allowed for precedents and let the lower staff skim off some profit. Consort Shu was different; she was stricter than the Empress. The palace staff couldn’t make a profit, so complaints arose. Consort Shu also reduced expenses to save money, but she was accustomed to extravagance herself. The Chonghua Palace remained the same, creating a noticeable discrepancy, and complaints instantly filled the air.
Listening to the gossip outside, Hanbi felt the time was ripe. Sure enough, when Zhao Yan had dinner with her the next day, his face showed some fatigue, likely because he was bothered by the situation.
Hanbi thought for a moment and then broached the subject. “What is troubling Your Majesty?” As she spoke, she massaged his temples to relieve the tension. Zhao Yan sighed upon hearing this. “It’s Consort Shu. Everyone in the palaces is slacking off now. I went to Consort Xie’s palace a few days ago, and she complained that the palace staff serving her are no longer attentive.” Hanbi knew that Consort Xie rarely complained. If it weren’t serious, she wouldn’t have complained to Zhao Yan.
Hanbi said, “Sister Consort Shu also wants to share Your Majesty’s burdens. However, reducing expenses is a good thing, but it must be balanced. If those redundant positions are eliminated, allowing them to focus on substantive tasks, things would likely improve greatly.” Hanbi then suggested a few methods for managing the harem. “I didn’t expect you to have such capabilities.” Zhao Yan looked at her, seemingly inquisitive.
Hanbi refilled his cup with tea. “Your Majesty, you speak too highly of me. This is merely what I learned at home previously. Governing a great nation is like cooking a small delicacy, but managing general affairs also requires wit.”
“That is true. Tomorrow, I will issue a decree for you to also assist Consort Shu. You must not fail to meet my expectation,” Zhao Yan said. Hanbi sighed inwardly. It was finally time to show her talent. Fortunately, Consort Shu and the Empress were likely already at loggerheads, and this was thanks to Consort Gu’s pregnancy.
The Empress had probably regained her senses by now and was suspecting Consort Shu, as Consort Shu was the first to benefit from the Empress’s misfortune. Hanbi thought for a moment and tentatively asked, “Your Majesty, how is Sister Gu recovering now?”
Mentioning this reminded Zhao Yan of the lost fetus. He had visited Consort Gu a few times over the past few days. Her favor was much better than before, and her health was visibly improving. After a moment of thought, he said, “Much better.”
Seeing his downcast expression, Hanbi comforted him, “Sister Gu is still young. She may still be blessed with fortune in the future.” Zhao Yan was finally placated by her words. He thought to himself, That’s right, I am still young. I will have an heir eventually. The Empress cannot be relied upon, but there is no shortage of new faces in this harem.
“Abi, I still hope we can have a child.” Hearing Zhao Yan’s words, Hanbi sneered inwardly, but she could only put on a sincere appearance. “It is this concubine’s meager fortune that I cannot bear a child for Your Majesty and expand the family line.”
Zhao Yan sighed in his heart. He was initially drawn to Hanbi because of her intelligence. He wanted her to be eager for a child, as proof of her care for him, yet he didn’t like it when she was too focused on it. Men were always contradictory creatures.
However, hearing her words indeed satisfied his vanity. After all, Consort Gu’s incident proved that the problem was not with him. He said, “It’s alright. You are still young. Whether you bear a Prince or a Princess in the future, I will grant them honor and affection.”
Hanbi nestled in his arms upon hearing this. “This concubine also looks forward to that day. Zhaoyue Palace is large, but it remains cold and lonely. It would be much better with a child.”
That evening, Zhao Yan and Hanbi enjoyed a tender moment. The news spread to the other palaces, but no one was in the mood to be jealous. The matter with the Empress made everyone extremely fearful.
The next day, Hanbi straightened Zhao Yan’s court robes and watched him leave for the morning court. Afterward, having nothing else to do, she summoned Hua Wu and Ningzhi to watch over Zhaoyue Palace. She then took Linglong with her to Chonghua Palace.
Since Hanbi was summoned by Consort Shu previously, this was the second time she had visited in a long while. Since Consort Shu was nominally assisting but essentially in full command now, the staff of Chonghua Palace were naturally arrogant, especially Jin Xia.
Seeing Hanbi arrive with Linglong, Jin Xia said very haughtily, “May I ask what matter brings Zhaoyi here? Niangniang is not awake yet. Please wait, Zhaoyi.” Hanbi did not state her purpose but simply stood in the corridor, supported by Linglong.
Hanbi estimated the time and asked Jin Xia, who was waiting outside, “Has Consort Shu Niangniang awakened?” Jin Xia glanced at her and turned to enter Chonghua Palace.
A moment later, Jin Xia came out and said, “Niangniang asks Zhaoyi to enter.” Her tone was still not very pleasant, but Hanbi didn’t mind these things. Supported by Linglong, she entered the main hall of Chonghua Palace.
Consort Shu was lying on a couch, languidly saying, “May I ask what business Consort Cui has?” Her tone was unfriendly, likely still holding a grudge over the previous incident.