122 Lingbo Hall (1)

Returning to Cuiwei Palace, I found Lan Yan huddled in a corner, weeping. I approached her and asked, "Sister Lan Yan, what is the matter?"

Lan Yan wiped her eyes with a handkerchief and replied, "It is nothing. I just angered Her Ladyship and received a scolding."

I crouched down and asked, "Is it because of what happened in the Imperial Garden today that Her Ladyship is displeased?"

Lan Yan nodded. "Her Ladyship knows the Empress Dowager was deliberately making things difficult for her; how could she be happy? I had hoped that since her rank was restored, life would be easier from now on. Who would have thought that last night she would be overshadowed by Noble Lady Ruo, and today, she would be slighted by the Empress Dowager like this? When Her Ladyship is unhappy, what good can come to us servants?"

I quickly signaled for her to be quiet. "Lower your voice, Sister. You know Her Ladyship's temperament—sharp tongue, but a soft heart. When our mistress is in a bad mood, we servants can only be more understanding. Go and rest for a while; I will serve here. Your face is all streaked with tears, and that won't do."

Lan Yan broke into a smile despite her tears and glared at me. "At a time like this, how do you still have the heart to banter?"

I replied, "If I didn't banter, how would you smile, Sister Lan Yan? Go and rest. If Her Ladyship wants to scold or punish someone, I shall be the one to bear it!"

Lan Yan looked at me and said, "Little Xiao, you really are reliable. Come to think of it, I didn't think much of you before, but after living together all this time, I've found you to be a truly decent person. Very well, I will go rest. If Her Ladyship has any orders for me, you must come and call me at once."

"Rest assured, Sister Lan Yan."

After she left, I returned to the front of the room and said respectfully, "Your Ladyship, this servant has returned."

Yun Qing, who was inside, looked at me and beckoned for me to enter. Once inside, I saw Zhang Bitong sitting on a daybed, looking thoroughly displeased.

Seeing me, Zhang Bitong asked, "Little Xiao, are you and Princess Xihe very close?"

I bowed. "Thanks to Her Highness Princess Xihe's kindness, she does treat this servant with some familiarity."

Zhang Bitong said, "柳 Yunmeng will certainly go on this pilgrimage to Yunfeng Temple. Since she is going, Princess Xihe will surely follow. Since that is the case, speak with Princess Xihe on my behalf. The Emperor is so fond of her; if she only opens her mouth to him, he will grant me permission to accompany them."

It was typical of Zhang Bitong to come up with such a scheme, but I replied, "Why must Your Ladyship go to Yunfeng Temple? It is a long and arduous journey, and I fear it would be too taxing. It would be better to remain in the palace and enjoy your leisure."

Zhang Bitong rolled her eyes at me. "What do you know? This is a matter of my reputation. The Empress Dowager ordered all the consorts to go, leaving only me behind. I have already become a laughingstock. If I do not find a way to join them, what standing will I have left before them? Look at those low-ranking noble ladies; they are already climbing over my head. How can I endure this?"

"It was this servant who momentarily forgot the grudge between the Empress Dowager and the late Empress Xiaoren, causing trouble for Your Ladyship. I beg for your forgiveness." Yun Qing stepped out and curtsied before Zhang Bitong.

Zhang Bitong waved her hand. "It is not your fault. Who could have known that after all these years, the Empress Dowager would still hold onto those matters? Besides, you were the one who helped restore my rank, which was the greater achievement. I am fair in my rewards and punishments, so I do not blame you entirely."

"This servant thanks Your Ladyship!"

Hearing this, I interjected, "Your Ladyship, there is actually an advantage to not going to Yunfeng Temple."

"What advantage?"

"As Your Ladyship said, most of the consorts have gone to the temple to pray, but the Emperor remains in the palace. At that time, there will be no one to compete for the Emperor's favor. By the time they return, Your Ladyship will have had the Emperor all to yourself for several days. Does Your Ladyship not think that is a significant advantage?"

Zhang Bitong tilted her head in thought and could not help but laugh. "Indeed, Little Xiao, you are right. The Emperor didn't even come to see me last night, and I felt I had no opportunity. But now, isn't this the perfect chance? The other consorts have already promised the Empress Dowager they would go; they cannot back out now. As for the Empress, everyone knows that while she holds the title, the Emperor treats her with mere formal respect, lacking any true marital affection. Very well, I shall not go. Let whoever wants to go, go; I do not care for it anymore."

Yun Qing and I exchanged a look, and then she said, "Your Ladyship, it is getting late. I will prepare your lunch."

"Good, I shall eat heartily today. I am in a very good mood!"

"As you command."

Three days later, the Empress led the consorts in a grand procession toward Mount Yunfeng. That very evening, the Emperor indeed came to Cuiwei Palace.

"Your Majesty, why do you seem a bit troubled?" Zhang Bitong asked with concern upon seeing the Emperor's sullen expression.

"Before coming to you, I visited the Empress, only to run into Gong Wu'e, who was there crying and complaining about her affairs with Jiang Yun. I felt so vexed that I left. I then visited Noble Lady Yun. Her pregnancy is progressing, but she lacks spirit, and her pulse remains unstable despite constant medication. It worries me greatly. After much thought, I realized only here, with you, can I find a moment of peace."

Zhang Bitong leaned her head on the Emperor's shoulder. "If you can think of me, Your Majesty, then I am content. The Empress Dowager and the other sisters have gone to Mount Yunfeng to pray for you and the Great Jin. I did not go, and at first, I was quite dejected. But hearing you say this, I am overjoyed."

The Emperor pulled her close. "I have heard of those matters. Whether it was that night or the Empress Dowager's actions, I feel I have wronged you. But I know you are a sensible woman and would certainly not blame me, would you?"

Zhang Bitong laughed coyly. "How could I dare? Besides, you are here now, aren't you? Your Majesty, let me serve you. That way, Noble Lady Ya will no longer be able to mock me."

"Noble Lady Ya?" The Emperor chuckled. "Her speech and actions are a bit bold; you should not compare yourself to her. However, I know what you mean."

The Emperor suddenly drew Zhang Bitong into his arms and led her into the inner chamber. We all retreated discreetly. After they retired, Little Yunzi stood guard at the door, and I was free to rest. However, I had no desire to sleep. Once outside, I thought of Hong Xiu. The room where she had been strangled remained empty. Zhang Bitong, having just restored her status, had not yet thought to add another maid. The duties of the small kitchen were handled by Lan Yan and Yun Qing.

After wandering the courtyard for a while, I prepared to return to my room. Just as I closed the door, I saw Yun Qing emerging from hers. It was late, and she appeared to be heading out. Where was she going? Seeing her leave, I followed stealthily. I had long felt that Yun Qing’s recent behavior was abnormal; perhaps following her would reveal some clues.

I have never been good with directions, especially at night, and the palace felt like a labyrinth that made my head spin. I followed her until we arrived at the gate of a palace. I didn't remember the path, but I remembered the structure. Yun Qing had been here once before, and I had learned from Long Zhan that this was a cold palace named Lingbo Hall.

I had been in the palace for some time and heard many stories, but I had never heard of anyone living in Lingbo Hall. It had been left to decay since the days of the previous generation, and the current Emperor had not sent a single consort to the cold palaces since his ascension. There should have been no one there. Why, then, would Yun Qing go there?

I dared not get too close, thinking I would investigate after she left. If the place was truly empty, there must be some secret, or she wouldn't be acting so furtively. I had caught her twice now, and I suspected she had been there many more times. I remembered seeing her carrying something during our last encounter, and she seemed to be carrying something tonight as well.

Baffled, I waited at a distance. The night air was freezing, making me shiver. After about half an hour, I was on the verge of sneezing, but I held my breath, afraid of being discovered. Once Yun Qing was far enough away, I stepped out and crept toward the gate. It was old and covered in cobwebs. I pushed it open, the heavy wood groaning with an old, creaky sound.

The palace grounds were pitch black, save for the faint, flickering light of a distant lantern. I stepped inside, feeling a chill like a gust of ghostly wind. What was she doing here?

I had only taken a few steps when I kicked something, which startled me. By the sound, it felt like a bowl or a dish. I continued forward until I reached the main structure. Just as I was about to step onto the stairs, I heard a sound—a low, wailing sob, like the cry of a specter, which chilled me to the bone.

While I was still reeling, a wild cat darted past me, letting out a sharp, mournful cry. Startled, I stumbled backward and fell to the ground. My hand pressed against something sticky, which sent a fresh wave of cold sweat down my back.

Deciding it was best to leave, I scrambled up and hurried toward the gate. I pulled it shut behind me and walked briskly away. As I turned a corner, a figure suddenly stepped out and asked, "What are you doing here?"

I nearly screamed, only to realize it was Yun Qing.