The Prime Minister's White Moonlight - Chapter 4
Chapter 4: Calculation
The Empress’s Alliance
Hanbi (Consort Cui) still wore a smile. Ning Changyi (The Empress) felt that perhaps Hanbi had been chastised by Consort Shu and showed no signs of arrogance due to the Emperor’s favor. However, Ning Changyi did not know that Hanbi was consistently this composed.
“I have something I’m unclear about. Are we summoning the noble ladies (official wives) into the palace for this year’s Ullambana Festival?” Hanbi asked. This was not what Ning Changyi had expected. If Hanbi had questioned her about Consort Shu’s actions, Ning Changyi could have suppressed her with the authority of the Empress.
“No need. We have numerous affairs this year, and besides, His Majesty now advocates frugality. Arranging banquets for the noble ladies’ entrance would be expensive, so we will forgo it this year,” Ning Changyi raised her tone slightly, as she couldn’t allow her inherent majesty as Empress to be diminished.
“Yes,” Hanbi lowered her head, very deferentially. “In that case, I shall take my leave and return tomorrow to pay my respects to Your Ladyship.” Her voice was soft, making her sound pitiful and endearing.
Once Hanbi had walked away, Taozhi stepped forward and asked, “Your Ladyship, what does Consort Cui mean by this?” Ning Changyi sat upon the phoenix throne and chuckled. “She has come to show goodwill. After being made things difficult for by Consort Shu, she needs an ally, and I have always been at odds with Consort Shu.”
Sipping the tea in her cup, Ning Changyi looked at the peach-red nail polish on her hand and remembered another matter. “Speaking of which, why hasn’t Changxue been to the palace these past few days?” Relying on her status as the Empress’s sister, Ning Changxue often came to the Hall of Supreme Zenith to accompany the Empress.
Taozhi hesitated for a moment before replying, “The Second Miss has returned to her maternal home.” Ning Changyi was slightly surprised. She knew Ning Changxue was doing quite well at her husband’s home, so why would she suddenly return to the Ning family?
Seeing Ning Changyi frown slightly, Taozhi had to continue, “The Second Miss’s husband fell ill suddenly and passed away. The Second Miss did not wish to remain a widow in her husband’s home, so she returned to the Ning family.” The expression on Ning Changyi’s face shifted for a moment. “Why didn’t the Grand Commandant mention this when you went to the residence a few days ago?”
Ning Changxue was naturally likable, and such a misfortune would evoke sympathy. Yet, Ning Changyi was surprised that she was completely unaware of the event.
Taozhi explained, “It was the Second Miss who said not to let Your Ladyship know, as you are already tired enough managing the inner palace.”
Hearing this, Ning Changyi’s expression softened slightly. She was afraid of things beyond her control. Her sister’s marriage was chosen with great care, and yet this had happened.
Thinking of this, Ning Changyi said, “Invite my sister to the palace in a few days. After such an event, she must be feeling down. Keep her in the palace for a few days to distract her.”
Ning Changyi gave the order, and Taozhi naturally obeyed. “Your Ladyship is truly kind to the Second Miss.” Ning Changyi smiled lightly, “Changxue is my full sister; it is only natural for me to be kind to her.”
With this thought, Ning Changyi decided that the matters concerning Consort Shu and Consort Cui could be put aside for now. Consoling her sister was the most important thing.
Coincidentally, there was an imperial hunt in the palace in a few days. Taking Ning Changxue to the hunting grounds for a change of scenery seemed perfectly acceptable.
Consort Shu’s Plea
In the Palace of Glorious Light, the lamps were brightly lit.
Because Zhao Yan had sent word that he would dine with Consort Shu that day, all the servants in the Palace of Glorious Light were careful, daring not to make any mistakes. When the dinner was ready, Zhao Yan arrived late.
Since Consort Cui came to the palace, Zhao Yan had not visited the Palace of Glorious Light for many days, so Consort Shu had naturally dressed elaborately today. She was already beautiful, and with this adornment, she was even more radiant and captivating.
However, Zhao Yan did not look pleased. Consort Shu became slightly cautious, personally serving Zhao Yan food. Seeing her act this way, Zhao Yan said nothing, yet he did not stop her from serving him.
After the meal, and after rinsing his mouth, Zhao Yan wiped the moisture from his lips and said, “Ayun, you were clearly the kindest person before. I liked you because of that. Now, why have you started tormenting people?”
Yun Tinglu was Consort Shu’s given name, known only to Zhao Yan. It was common knowledge that Consort Shu treated her servants very well, which was why everyone praised her. Compared to the austere Empress, Consort Shu, who was gentle and liked to give rewards, was naturally preferred.
“What is Your Majesty referring to?” Consort Shu decided to feign ignorance. In fact, there were many newcomers in the palace besides Consort Cui, such as Concubine Chen and Lady Xie. However, word of their affairs never reached Zhao Yan, simply because their favor was too short-lived and they wouldn’t dare offend Consort Shu out of temporary spite.
Zhao Yan then said, “You ordered Consort Cui to transcribe Buddhist scriptures. She did not utter a word of complaint, but the task was somewhat too heavy.” Zhao Yan had intended to scold Yun Tinglu a little and then drop the matter. He mused that this matter should have been the Empress’s responsibility, but considering Ning Changyi’s disposition, it was already good enough if she didn’t cause trouble.
Consort Shu raised an eyebrow slightly. “Your Majesty, although I instructed Consort Cui to transcribe Buddhist scriptures, it was for the palace’s blessings. I even asked the Consort at the time if she was unwilling, and she could have refused.”
This statement seemed indeed flawless, but Zhao Yan was not someone who could be swayed by a few words. “Is it truly out of sincere desire for her to pray for the palace, or is there some other motive? That remains unknown.”
Consort Shu bit her lip. She hadn’t expected this move from Cui Hanbi. But this action had completely alienated Hanbi; did she intend to be her enemy?
Moreover, why would His Majesty shield her so much? Before acting, she had specifically investigated Hanbi: a lonely woman, an orphan with no family or relatives meaning no backing in the former court. Furthermore, she was formerly the late Emperor’s concubine, making her identity somewhat sensitive.
Tears welled up in Consort Shu’s eyes when she heard the Emperor’s words. “Your Majesty can reprimand your subject, but you cannot doubt your subject! Your Majesty allowed me to assist the Empress in managing the six palaces, so I thought this small matter could be handled by Consort Cui, nothing more.”
Zhao Yan looked at those misty eyes and finally just sighed, “Both you and Hanbi are beloved by me. I wasn’t deliberately neglecting you a few days ago; I was merely busy with state affairs.”
It was heard that the Emperor stayed the night with Consort Shu. Hanbi heard the news while sitting in the Palace of Shining Moon. She merely put down her pen, stretched her sore wrist, and said to Huawu, “I’m afraid Consort Shu won’t cause trouble for a few months.”
Zhao Yan’s action was merely to placate Consort Shu. After all, the Yun family still held some use in the former court. By standing up for Hanbi and then comforting Consort Shu, the Emperor had achieved a truly favorable outcome for both sides.
Huawu asked curiously, “Is Your Ladyship not angry?” Hanbi smiled again, looking at the candlelight. “Why should I be angry?” Huawu hesitated before saying, “Consort Shu acted like that, but His Majesty only administered a small warning and still allowed her to receive his favor.”
Hanbi sighed. “Favor is the most deceptive thing. I am only forced to need this favor now. If my only thought was how to compete for favor, I would not have entered the palace.”
Huawu listened, half understanding. “Your Ladyship is right.” But she quietly wondered in her heart if Hanbi’s calmness was because she fundamentally did not love the Emperor. Many people in the palace did not love the Emperor, but she was the first one so highly favored.
Concubine Chen’s Scheme
While Hanbi was composed, Concubine Chen from the Palace of Bright Mist was not. Knowing the Emperor stayed the night with Consort Shu, Concubine Chen clenched her fists, her sharp nails nearly piercing her skin.
Cui Que, who came to deliver the news, called out to her, “Concubine Chen?” Concubine Chen regained her senses, but she ground her teeth slightly. “That b1tch Consort Shu! She’s favored again! And this Consort Cui is useless; she couldn’t even keep the Emperor’s heart.”
Concubine Chen had also suffered some harassment from Consort Shu when she first entered the palace. As the legitimate daughter of a prominent aristocratic family, she was not as timid as Lady Xie, the daughter of a minor official. But due to status constraints, dealing with Consort Shu was too difficult. However, as long as Consort Shu was having a bad time, Concubine Chen would feel better.
Cui Que saw Concubine Chen was enraged and begged for forgiveness, “Please calm down, Your Ladyship.” Concubine Chen’s eyes darted. “Right, send a letter to my family tomorrow.” The Emperor currently had no children. Even the highly favored Consort Shu had not become pregnant. Therefore, this was the only thing Concubine Chen could rely on.
The Chen family acted quickly, sending a medicinal prescription within a few days. However, Concubine Chen looked at the prescription without urgency. She leisurely told Cui Que, “Transcribe an identical copy of this prescription.”
Cui Que naturally complied. Concubine Chen blew on the ink of the transcribed prescription and smiled faintly. She was already captivating, and this smile made her even more stunningly beautiful.
The Entrapment
The following day’s morning greetings at the Hall of Supreme Zenith were as lively as usual. There were four Consorts in the palace: Consort Shu was the leader, followed by Virtuous Consort and Worthy Consort. The Consort of Virtue was often bedridden, so the Empress excused her from the morning greetings.
Below them sat Concubine Chen, who was seated with Hanbi, and further away were Lady Xie, Lady Lin, and several Cairen (Talented Ladies).
Hanbi glanced at Concubine Chen next to her. She seemed somewhat radiant today, with a subtle smile playing on her lips.
Lady Xie looked a bit timid. Her family background was not prominent; she became a Baolin (Lady) merely because she entered the palace early. She was conscious of her lower status and knew she couldn’t compare to Concubine Chen in family status, so she usually sat on the side as a mere ornament.
Afterward, the Empress spoke a few polite words about everyone bearing children for Zhao Yan. Consort Shu usually paid little attention. The Virtuous Consort was closer to the Empress, while the Worthy Consort was relatively neutral.
After the gathering dispersed from the Hall of Supreme Zenith, Concubine Chen did not rush back but took Lady Xie with her to the Imperial Garden, ostensibly to admire the flowers.
The two found a secluded spot. The summer morning was still cool. Out of curiosity, Hanbi hid behind a rock formation and listened quietly.
“Sister, we entered the palace together, but there are some things I don’t know if I should say,” Concubine Chen placed her fair hand on Lady Xie’s, looking very close.
Lady Xie replied softly, “Please speak freely, Elder Sister.” Having some shared history, Lady Xie naturally would not refuse Concubine Chen.
Concubine Chen first sighed and said, “To be honest with you, we are old-timers in the palace, yet we have not given birth to a child for His Majesty. I am naturally very worried and sought out a prescription. But I thought of you. If you don’t mind, I will give you a copy of this prescription as well.”
Lady Xie hesitated at the news. Hanbi knew that good things never fell from the sky for free, but Lady Xie ultimately accepted the prescription handed to her by Concubine Chen.
“Thank you so much, Elder Sister,” Lady Xie curtsied, seemingly already imagining that if she could bear a child, she might be promoted in rank.
After both women had walked away, Hanbi emerged from the rock formation. Huawu patted the dust off her clothes. “Consort, when did this Concubine Chen become so kind-hearted?”
Huawu had naturally heard of the Concubine, but mostly rumors of her being overbearing and arrogant.
Hanbi chuckled faintly. “Lady Xie is merely making wedding clothes for others.” Huawu was curious. Hanbi then explained, “If Concubine Chen were to become pregnant, being the only one would be too conspicuous. With Lady Xie involved, it’s different. Furthermore, Lady Xie’s family status is lower than hers, so if someone were to scheme, they would start with Lady Xie. If anything happens to Lady Xie, she will naturally be very vigilant.”
After saying this, Hanbi shook her head. Zhao Yan’s harem did not have many concubines, but they had many schemes. However, she had no intention of getting involved in this matter. She was more concerned with how to meet Shen Zhuo.