047 Such a Peculiar Betrayal

The next morning, when Zhang Bitong rose from bed, her face was pale and weary, the result of yesterday’s imperial deliberations that had left her heartsick and exhausted.

“Your Highness, you don’t look well. Shall I fetch the imperial physician to examine you?” her maid suggested.

“No need. I am fine. I must still go to Kunning Palace to pay my respects to His Majesty.”

Yunqing ventured, “Your Highness, yesterday’s events must have spread throughout the inner palace. Perhaps you should—”

Zhang Bitong shot Yunqing a fierce look. “Do you think I don’t know that everyone is aware of what happened? Those women are all waiting to see me make a fool of myself!”

“I spoke out of turn.”

“But I insist on going. If I don’t, wouldn’t that mean I’m admitting fault? Wouldn’t it mean I’ve lost favor and am hiding in my chambers, afraid to show my face because of the Emperor’s words? No, I’ll go and let those concubines see for themselves—not only am I well, I’ll remain as splendid as ever.”

“Yes, Your Highness is wise. I was foolish for a moment.”

“Come, fix my hair. I want to look my best.”

“As you command.”

Once she was dressed, Yunqing draped a fox fur cloak over Zhang Bitong’s shoulders, naturally intending to accompany her to Kunning Palace. But Zhang Bitong slowly gathered her sleeves, holding a warming stove in her hand, and said leisurely, “Yunqing, you need not accompany me to Kunning Palace today. I have another task for you.”

“Please instruct me, Your Highness.”

“I recall Miss Feiyue was brought to Cining Palace, and you cared for her for several years. You must share some old bond. I want you to persuade Han Feiyue.”

“Your Highness—” Yunqing knelt in haste, distressed. “You promised me I would never have to set foot in Cining Palace of my own accord.”

“I’m not asking you to enter Cining Palace. Can you not find a way to meet Han Feiyue outside its gates? I’ve treated you well all these years; can’t you do this for me now?”

Yunqing was silent for a moment, then raised her head. “Yes, Your Highness, I understand.”

“Little Xiaozi, you will accompany me to Kunning Palace.”

“Yes!”

We had walked only a few steps when Xiaoluzi appeared, bowing low. “Your Highness, let me assist you—the ground is slippery.”

“Xiaoluzi? Now you remember who serves whom?”

“I was dull and clumsy, unable to speak well, which angered Your Highness. I’ve reflected deeply and will speak less and do more. If Your Highness tells me to go east, I won’t go west. If Your Highness says to be silent, I won’t utter a word.”

Zhang Bitong nodded, her face brightening. “Hmm, you’re finally seeing sense. Only your mistress can grant you a good life; you’d better keep your eyes open.”

“Yes, Your Highness is right. Shall I attend you to Kunning Palace?”

“No, Little Xiaozi will go with me. You stay and be diligent; see where help is needed.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Safe journey.”

I supported Zhang Bitong as we walked toward Kunning Palace. On the way, she said, “Do you know why I don’t let Xiaoluzi accompany me?”

“I am dull, Your Highness; I do not know.”

“It is because I know you are smarter than Xiaoluzi. I intend to cultivate you. Xiaoluzi entered the palace before you—likely he’s already one of Qiu Ronghai’s men. Qiu Ronghai is always double-faced and quick to change sides. So Xiaoluzi may be my man now, but he’ll soon be the Empress’s. No matter how obedient, I don’t trust him.”

“Your Highness is wise.”

“Still, keeping him behind allows him to supervise you and keep you on your toes. Little Xiaozi, do you understand my intention?”

“I do.” I hadn’t expected Zhang Bitong to be so direct with her purpose, but such frankness had all the more impact on me. Yet she would never know that I had never aspired to such things. Xiaoluzi’s presence mattered little to me. I only hoped he would not prove to be a hidden danger for Zhang Bitong.

“To be a concubine in this inner palace is exhausting. Enough—next I must face the Empress. I cannot afford to lose.”

“Your Highness, please walk slowly.”

When we arrived at Kunning Palace, the concubines were already assembled.

Jiang Ziqian, spotting Zhang Bitong, laughed. “I thought you wouldn’t come today, Sister Tong. Yet here you are, though you don’t look well.”

Zhang Bitong curtseyed to the Empress, then sat. “I didn’t sleep well last night, so I look pale. Unlike you, Sister Qian—untroubled, alone, always at the Empress’s side. Leisure is a blessing; it gives you time for idle chatter.”

Jiang Ziqian retorted, “I could never compare to you, Sister Tong. You were reprimanded by the Emperor, so naturally you’re troubled. Sleepless nights are expected. Did you cry all night? How pitiful. Pity the Emperor won’t see it.”

Zhang Bitong was losing her composure. “Which eye of yours saw me cry? Or have you planted spies in my palace? How lively! I didn’t expect you to be so devious, Sister Qian.”

Jiang Ziqian snapped, “Don’t slander me! When did I plant any spies? I have no such intention.”

“Is that so? Yet you’re so attentive, knowing everything. Yesterday a mouse died in my courtyard—did you know?”

“You—”

“Enough,” the Empress finally spoke. “If you two want to quarrel, do it elsewhere. Don’t disturb my peace so early. You’ve been in the palace for over a decade—aren’t you afraid the new sisters will laugh at you?”

“Yes!” Zhang Bitong and Jiang Ziqian stood, curtseyed, and sat again, ending their spat.

“Well, you’ve paid your respects. You may all return.”

As the Empress spoke, the concubines began to rise, but Liu Yunmeng stood resolutely and announced, “Your Highness, I have something to say.”

Everyone turned to her; I too looked on, curious.

“What is it? Speak,” the Empress said.

Liu Yunmeng replied calmly, “It concerns the Crown Princess. I have something to say.”

“This matter was discussed between you and me. Speak freely.”

Liu Yunmeng said, “After much thought, I realized someone has been overlooked. This lady’s family background and personal qualities make her fully eligible to be Crown Princess.”

Zhang Bitong sensed drama and settled back in her seat.

With all the concubines present, the Empress could not simply silence Liu Yunmeng—it would be too obvious she was protecting Gong Wue’s position.

“Who? All candidates were carefully chosen by us. Who have we forgotten?”

“Han Feiyue, daughter of General Han.”

At this, even the Empress’s lips trembled slightly.

Zhang Bitong quickly chimed in, “How could the Empress forget Miss Feiyue? Perhaps because she hasn’t been in the palace lately, so the Empress didn’t think of her?”

The Empress took the cue. “Yes, I was careless. With Miss Feiyue absent, I did not recall her.”

Zhang Bitong pressed, “So the Empress believes Miss Feiyue is qualified to be Crown Princess?”

“She certainly is. The Han family has served Jin with distinction; her father and brothers died honorably in battle. Miss Feiyue has inherited General Han’s spirit and is much loved by the Emperor and Empress Dowager. How could I think her unworthy? However, you all saw yesterday—His Highness seems dissatisfied, and Miss Feiyue herself may not wish it. If neither agrees, I cannot force them.”

Zhang Bitong covered her smile. “Yesterday the Empress said the matter was not up to the Crown Prince. Today, it seems it is. I am confused—please clarify.”

“Tong Consort, do not be disrespectful to the Empress,” Jiang Ziqian scolded.

“I spoke the truth, did I not, Your Highness?” Zhang Bitong ignored Jiang Ziqian and looked calmly at the Empress.

The Empress, seated on her soft chair, replied, “Tong Consort is not wrong. Earlier, with Miss Feiyue absent, I hadn’t considered her. Now, she is back, and a suitable candidate. But Miss Feiyue is beloved by the Empress Dowager, as you all know. If the Crown Prince or Miss Feiyue objects, it would be unfair to her, and the Empress Dowager would never allow it. For others, I could avoid trouble, but for Miss Feiyue…”

Jiang Ziqian hastily added, “Your Highness is thoughtful. Who doesn’t know Miss Feiyue is more esteemed than the princesses? If she declines, the Empress Dowager will refuse first. Sisters Tong and Meng, if you wish her to be Crown Princess, perhaps you should consult the Empress Dowager first.”

Zhang Bitong was silenced, trying to bring up Luning, but she had already sounded out Luning and Han Feiyue yesterday. If they agreed, she wouldn’t need to speak.

Having nothing more to say, Zhang Bitong heard Liu Yunmeng speak up, “According to ancestral law, regardless of the Crown Prince’s or Miss Feiyue’s wishes, suitable candidates should be entered for consideration, and the Emperor will decide. The matter of the Crown Princess is not trivial, concerning the fate of the dynasty, and cannot be left to personal preference.”

I was amazed—Liu Yunmeng invoked ancestral law, leaving the Empress speechless. If the Empress continued to evade, she would violate tradition and lose her dignity as Empress.

“Sister Meng is right. Let us proceed as she says. The candidates will be decided by the Emperor and Empress Dowager.”

“Your Highness is wise.”

The concubines departed, each with their own thoughts. I wasn’t surprised by the sudden turn, but wondered why Liu Yunmeng chose to push forward Han Feiyue, risking the Empress’s displeasure and gaining nothing.

It was indeed strange.

Outside the palace gates, I pretended to have a stomach ache, urgently needing the latrine. Zhang Bitong, somewhat disgusted, let me go and returned to Cuiwei Palace alone.

I slipped away to the Hall of Nurtured Hearts and summoned Ping’er.

Ping’er still seemed upset with me over Xiao Ruo, so I smiled, “Good sister, have I offended you? Don’t be angry.”

“How could I dare? You, Little Xiaozi, are a heartthrob among the palace girls, and a favorite with Your Highness.”

“You’re teasing me? Haven’t you seen enough of palace intrigue?”

Ping’er, chastened, softened her expression. “I know the ways of the palace, which is why I value meeting you. Don’t trust others lightly. I fear someone may harm you. I can’t bear to see someone I care for hurt again.”

I was moved. “No need to worry, Sister. Little Xiaozi is clever; nothing will happen.”

“You are too clever—that’s why I worry!”

“No need, Sister. Take care of yourself too.”

“I will. Did you come for something today?”

“Sister, you’re sharp. I do have a question.”

“What is it?”

“Whose token did the Emperor select last night?”

Ping’er shook her head. “Last night, the Emperor did not choose anyone’s token.”

“Is that so?” Had the Emperor stayed in the Hall of Nurtured Hearts all night? Was my guess wrong?

“But—” Ping’er suddenly continued.

“But what?”

“But last night, in the middle of the night, the Emperor left the Hall, taking only a servant, and went somewhere.”

“Where?”

“Dream Concubine’s Purple Dream Hall.”

“He stayed there last night?”

“No. He was there for about an hour, then returned to the Hall of Nurtured Hearts.”