Chapter 109: Passing Water

Chapter 109: Passing Water

"Mistress, His Majesty has sent Eunuch Sheng An to deliver agarwood to Luocairen in Jinlan Garden."

The night was deep, and both the young prince and Princess Huayang were sound asleep in the eastern annex. Jiang Hui, not yet sleepy, sat under the light copying Wang Xizhi's 'Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion'.

Copying this piece required a rounded brushstroke technique to grasp its true essence. Jiang Hui breathed lightly, and after finishing the last phrase "Mountains of Zhang's Prefecture", she placed the brush on a rosewood holder and had Wan Song assist her in washing her hands before replying softly, "I see."

This seemingly insignificant piece of agarwood casually bestowed by the Emperor would become a seed. One day, when he received a detailed report from Luo Yunlai about the investigation of the Internal Affairs Department, it would take root and grow, nourished by the Emperor's inherent suspicion.

The Emperor having Luo Yunlai investigate the deceased indicated his determination to leave no stone unturned. And how could Luo Yunlai not check the gift registry transported from the imperial city to Mount Wutai in April?

Since the Emperor had always suspected something unusual about the Empress Dowager's death and had found nothing, he would inevitably turn his attention to anything that seemed coincidental.

Why didn’t the Empress Dowager escape the sudden wildfire? The secret report on the Emperor’s desk likely mentioned the deep, undisturbed sleep in the quiet of the night, preventing timely discovery.

Why didn’t she escape immediately? It’s normal for her to have been asleep deeply, using the agarwood headrest to aid her sleep, and be slow to awaken when called by her attendants.

Jiang Hui took the soft silk handkerchief passed by Wan Song, carefully wiping the water droplets from her hands, revealing a faint smile.

If there were coincidences pointing both towards the Empress and her own mother, how would the Emperor choose? What role would he think Jiang Hui played in it?

Since the birth of Princess Huayang, the Empress has become increasingly secure in her position. The schemes she is brewing in the dark must not disappoint.

Yet, it’s not advisable to make any further moves. Overdoing it could attract the Emperor's attention, a risk not worth taking.

"Settle it then."

Jiang Hui got up and walked to the inner chamber, removed her heavy dress, and changed into a soft nightgown. As she lay under the warm silk quilt, she suddenly asked Autumn Kui, who was preparing to extinguish the candle, "Why would the Empress think of sending an agarwood pillow to the Empress Dowager?"

Autumn Kui was slightly startled, not understanding why her mistress would ask this, but she still replied in a low voice, "Perhaps because the Empress Dowager was having trouble sleeping? I heard that there are many cicadas in the summer at Mount Wutai, making it hard to sleep at night."

Jiang Hui nodded and said with a smile, "Sleep now."

Time passed like flowing water. Jiang Hui recuperated in Yaohua Palace, while Empress Wang continued her role as the virtuous and amiable Empress. Meanwhile, in the harem, the previously overshadowed concubines each employed their tactics, making the remaining days of Jianzhao's second year and the entire third year lively.

By the time Imperial Physician Liu declared Jiang Hui's health significantly improved, it wasn't long before the fourth year of Jianzhao.

Over such a long period, Luo Yunlai should have thoroughly investigated the palace servants who died in the fire, but the Emperor had yet to take action. It seemed that after continuous investigations, he finally believed the Empress Dowager died in a natural disaster.

Jiang Hui also truly acted as if unaware of this matter, continuing her role as the physically weak Consort Zhao in seclusion.

One day, she took a ride in her seldom-used consort's carriage from Yaohua Palace to Fengyi Palace to pay respects.

As the eunuch announced her arrival and the little palace maids lifted the curtains, the consorts and concubines inside greeted her with deference.

"Your humble servant greets Consort Zhao, wishing you great prosperity and longevity."

Besides Feng Pingping, who had regained her position as a cai-ren, there were many new faces among them, likely concubines who had risen in rank over the year.

"Rise," she said briefly, scanning the room before taking her long-vacant seat.

The seating arrangement in the Mingluan Hall had changed quite a bit. Besides Jiang Hui, Consort De, and Consort He at the front, several others, including Luo Rou, had risen to the rank of guiren and moved from embroidered stools to armchairs.

The Empress entered the hall from the warm pavilion only after everyone was seated, smilingly inquiring about Jiang Hui, whom she hadn't seen in a while, and discussing recent major events.

She said, "Recently, there have been continuous heavy snowfalls, and many people have suffered. We in the harem should also help alleviate His Majesty's concerns."

Seeing no response from the others, the Empress sipped her tea and continued, "I've ordered the Palace Servitude Bureau to reduce expenses. For the rest of the year, each palace's allowance will be reduced by twenty percent, and the saved money will be used for disaster relief outside the palace. Does anyone have any objections?"

With the Empress speaking to this extent, the consorts naturally dared not object. Consort Sun smiled, "Her Majesty the Empress is compassionate and considerate, a blessing to our Great Zhou."

Those who were eligible to visit Fengyi Palace were at least cai-ren in rank; a twenty percent reduction in allowance was manageable for them. It was the lower-ranked concubines who weren’t present who would have a harder time, but since it was for a good cause, most wouldn’t speak out for them.

Jiang Hui set down her porcelain cup and said to the Empress, "Your Majesty's words are wise, but if every palace cuts twenty percent, some sisters might not have enough coal for the winter. Perhaps the cai-ren rank and below could be exempted, and any shortfall can be made up by Yaohua Palace."

The hall fell into a sudden silence, with the lower-ranked consorts and concubines bowing their heads, thinking to themselves: Consort Zhao has just arrived at Fengyi Palace and already clashed with the Empress. Now this act of charity will surely be attributed to Consort Zhao. They wondered how the Empress would react.

The Empress, however, was not angered. She appeared thoughtful and then nodded with a smile, saying, "I was inconsiderate. Thankfully, Consort Zhao reminded me. As the mother of the nation, I cannot let Consort Zhao bear the cost. The twenty percent for those below the cai-ren rank will be covered by Fengyi Palace."

Hearing this, Jiang Hui did not insist. She smiled slightly and said, "Your Majesty is benevolent."

The potential conflict fizzled out before it could ignite, much to the disappointment of the onlookers.

After the visit, Jiang Hui, escorted by the other consorts, boarded her jade carriage. Leaning lazily against the curtain with her hand supporting her cheek, she reflected on the Empress's actions.

She seemed more composed than before.

Back at Yaohua Palace, as Autumn Kui removed her cloak and hood, she whispered, "Mistress, I noticed that Consort Luo seemed somewhat impatient with the scent in the hall."

The cold weather necessitated enough charcoal basins in Mingluan Hall, and the Empress's favorite calming incense was burned. The scent wasn't unpleasant, but it could be stifling over time.

Autumn Kui's mention of this was no coincidence. Jiang Hui nodded slightly and said softly, "Leave her be for now."

Consort Luo was ambitious, and she had cooperated well with Jiang Hui's schemes. However, Jiang Hui also saw through some of her secrets.

Jiang Hui was not heartless towards those who served her well. As long as Consort Luo passed her tests, she could remain secure.

But if Consort Luo harbored other intentions, Jiang Hui wouldn’t keep her around for long.

——

Attached is the list of surviving consorts and concubines still in the narrative as of the winter of Jianzhao's third year (listed as a reference for the upcoming selection).