052 The Razor's Edge of Language

For those in servitude, nothing is more terrifying than the master's suspicion. Once doubt arises, each step becomes treacherous, as if treading on thin ice—every action is perceived as scheming. In such circumstances, trouble is inevitable sooner or later.

Yunqing immediately knelt down, her voice earnest, “This servant’s loyalty to Your Grace is unwavering. I harbor no ulterior motives and wish only for Your Grace’s everlasting fortune and the Emperor’s enduring affection. Thus, my own days will be peaceful as well. I beg Your Grace to see this clearly.”

Zhang Bitong offered a faint, enigmatic smile, personally reaching out to help Yunqing up. “I was merely jesting with you. Look at you—why so serious? I know well how much you have done for me. I am not so muddled as to suspect one so loyal. Rise, quickly.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

Standing by, I witnessed even the usually composed Yunqing betray a rare moment of anxiety.

This piqued my curiosity about Yunqing once more. That day, she had sneaked into the Cold Palace at Lingbo Hall for reasons unknown. Clearly, her claim of illness to avoid serving Zhang Bitong was but a ruse; her real intent was to visit that forsaken place. Not only was Zhang Bitong suspicious, but I, too, harbored doubts. With Yunqing’s keen mind, why would she act so? From what I knew of her, she was not one to chase after wealth or power. There must be another purpose. But what could it be?

With only a few days left until New Year’s Eve, the inner palace had become a flurry of activity. According to tradition, a grand banquet would be held that night. The Emperor would dine with his consorts and princely offspring—a rare moment of familial unity. For the consorts, this was also a coveted opportunity to shine, for to astonish the Emperor at the banquet meant a chance to win renewed favor.

Zhang Bitong’s thoughts, too, lingered on this matter. Women of the harem never feel satisfied with the Emperor’s affection, yet they vie for the love of a man whose favor could never be bestowed upon one alone.

At the last palace banquet, Zhang Bitong had captivated all with her water sleeve dance—a performance that stunned the city. If she were to dance again this year, the Emperor might find it stale. Yet, at her age, it was indeed a challenge to devise new ways to please the Emperor.

“Little Xiao, do you have any good ideas?” As I expected, Zhang Bitong turned to me.

With her limitations, I, too, found it hard to think of anything new. Apart from her dancing, Zhang Bitong possessed few remarkable talents. Her question left me at a loss.

I could only reply honestly, “This servant is dull-witted and cannot think of any new ideas at the moment.”

“Useless thing. Can you not use your brain a little more?”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Her face clouded with displeasure as she turned to Yunqing, “Have the garments from the Laundry Bureau been delivered? I wish to bathe today and wear that purple-red robe.”

Yunqing replied, “They have not yet arrived. Perhaps I should go and urge them?”

“Very well, go now.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Just as Yunqing reached the door, Zhang Bitong called her back, “Wait.”

“Is there anything else, Your Grace?”

“I recall that Lin Tanwei is currently serving as a maid at the Laundry Bureau, is she not?”

“Your Grace remembers correctly.”

“In that case, if the garments are ready, have Lin Tanwei deliver them herself. Inform the matron there that it is my command.”

“Yes, Your Grace. I understand.”

I thought to myself, Zhang Bitong is certainly no pushover—she must be seizing this chance to humiliate Lin Tanwei!

In the past, Lin Tanwei had tormented and humiliated both Xiao Ruo and me. If she were to be shamed by Zhang Bitong today, I would feel a certain satisfaction.

“Little Xiao, in the coming days, pay attention and find out what the other consorts are preparing to please the Emperor.” After Yunqing departed, Zhang Bitong spoke to me again.

“Yes, Your Grace, I will remember.”

“Is the sun out now?”

I glanced outside, “It was overcast just now, but the sky has cleared. Does Your Grace wish to go out?”

“Help me to the Imperial Garden for a stroll.”

I supported Zhang Bitong to the Imperial Garden, where we happened upon Shui Yunqiu, who was pregnant, and Lin Lanzhi, whose health had recently improved.

“Greetings, Sister Tong.” Upon seeing Zhang Bitong, Shui Yunqiu and Lin Lanzhi immediately rose to pay their respects.

“What a coincidence! You two came to the Imperial Garden together? Yunqiu, quickly, take a seat—you mustn't tire yourself in your condition. Lanzhi, you sit as well. Your health has only just improved.”

“Thank you, Sister Tong.”

The three sat together, and Shui Yunqiu remarked, “It truly is a coincidence. I thought the weather was pleasant, so I came out for a stroll. The imperial physician advised me not to overexert myself, but also not to remain idle. I hadn’t expected to run into Sister Lan. Though we entered the palace at the same time, this is only our second meeting.”

Lin Lanzhi smiled gently, “It’s my weak health that has kept me from socializing with the other sisters.”

Zhang Bitong said, “Now that you’re out and about, it’s not too late. Lanzhi, is your health much better? If so, you should inform Qiu Ronghai and prepare to attend to the Emperor soon. Look, you entered the palace together, yet Yunqiu is already with child.”

Lin Lanzhi’s expression grew awkward. Covering her lips with a handkerchief, she replied, “There’s no hurry. My health is not fully restored; to serve at night would be unwise. Even if I were ready, there are so many consorts—who knows when the Emperor’s attention will fall on me?”

Zhang Bitong teased, “You almost sound as if you don’t wish to attend the Emperor.”

“Our lady’s health is not yet fully recovered,” Chudie, her maid, interjected.

“Chudie!” Lin Lanzhi scolded. “This is not your place to speak.”

“Yes,” Chudie murmured, stepping back.

“Sister, you jest. Who in the palace does not wish for the Emperor’s favor? I am simply unfortunate—my health fails me.” Lin Lanzhi spoke, then suddenly coughed a few times.

“My lady, perhaps we should return to the palace? Though the sun is out, it’s still cold.”

“Indeed,” Zhang Bitong agreed, “Lanzhi, you should return. If your health does not improve, people might say you are avoiding your duties on purpose.”

Lin Lanzhi’s face stiffened. Rising, she said, “Then I shall take my leave. Yunqiu, Sister Tong, please stay and enjoy yourselves.”

“Very well, return early.”

“Your Grace, please take care,” Chudie said, supporting Lin Lanzhi as they left. I noticed Lin Lanzhi had left her silk handkerchief on the chair—she must have forgotten it.

“Your Grace, Lady Lan left her handkerchief. I’ll return it to her.”

Zhang Bitong glanced at me and said, “Go ahead. I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist meddling.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

I hurried after them, calling, “Lady Lan!”

Lin Lanzhi and Chudie turned. Chudie came towards me.

“What is it?” Chudie asked.

I handed her the handkerchief, “Sister, Lady Lan left this behind. I’m returning it.”

Chudie took it. “Thank you.”

As she turned to leave, I called her back. “Sister, a moment.”

“What else is it?”

I said, “A few days ago, Physician Liu accompanied Imperial Physician Gu to Cuiwei Palace. I brewed some tea for Physician Liu, yet he didn’t touch it. Does he not like the tea at Cuiwei Palace?”

Chudie raised her brows, a hint of pride in her eyes. “Of course. Young Master Liu only drinks kuding tea, and only that which comes from Yunnan.”

“Chudie.” Before she could finish, Lin Lanzhi called to her.

“I’m coming, my lady. Enough chatter—just don’t serve tea to Young Master Liu again; he won’t drink it.”

“Thank you for the advice, sister.”

Chudie hurried off with the handkerchief.

Neither Physician Liu nor Imperial Physician Gu had ever visited Cuiwei Palace. My question was only to confirm a suspicion. That day, when accompanying Zhang Bitong to Jiyue Palace to visit Lin Lanzhi, I’d noticed how naturally Chudie served kuding tea to Physician Liu, as if they were old acquaintances. Today, upon my question, Chudie immediately referred to him as Young Master Liu, not Physician Liu or Lord Liu, which suggested their acquaintance predated Lin Lanzhi’s entry to the palace. Imperial Physician Gu would not bring Physician Liu to other consorts’ quarters, yet at Jiyue Palace, he was always present, sometimes even alone. It seemed as though Physician Liu was Lin Lanzhi’s exclusive physician. Could it be that Lin Lanzhi and Chudie shared a special relationship with this Young Master Liu?

I returned to Zhang Bitong’s side. She was still conversing with Shui Yunqiu.

“Yunqiu, do you know yet if it’s a boy or a girl?”

Shui Yunqiu radiated maternal pride, “I do not, but lately I’ve craved sour foods.”

Zhang Bitong’s eyes twinkled, “They say sour means a prince, spicy a princess. Yunqiu, you are blessed—it must be a little prince!”

Shui Yunqiu blushed with delight. “Thank you, Sister. I hope so. But even if it’s a little princess, I will cherish her all the same.”

“Naturally. What mother does not adore her child? Still, let me caution you: in this palace, there are many consorts pregnant with royal heirs, but just as many who, for various reasons, lose their children suddenly. Look at Lady Qian—her child was born, yet within days, it died. Who can say why?”

“Ah?” Shui Yunqiu’s face turned ashen. “Wasn’t it said Lady Qian’s baby fell ill at birth and—?”

Zhang Bitong covered her lips with a smile. “You are young, Yunqiu, and think too simply. When I was carrying Xuan’er, I nearly lost him, too. After he was born, I cherished him like a treasure—not for fear of want, but out of dread that someone with ill intent might harm him.”

“Ah?” Shui Yunqiu was so startled that her handkerchief fell to the ground. “Would… would someone in the palace…?”

Zhang Bitong patted her hand. “Don’t be afraid—I merely mean you should be careful. Many here compete for favor and envy those who are pregnant. Be cautious, and only when your child is safely born and raised can you consider yourself truly successful.”

Shui Yunqiu’s hands trembled. Yan’er, her maid, bent to retrieve the handkerchief and, seeing her mistress so pale, asked, “Your Grace, are you all right?”

“I—I… Yan’er, let’s return. I feel cold, so cold. I must go out less in the future and protect my child.”

“Yes, Your Grace. Shall I fetch an imperial physician?”

“No, no, I must return now. Sister Tong, I take my leave.”

“Take care of yourself.”

Yan’er supported Shui Yunqiu as she left, so flustered that she nearly twisted her ankle.

When Shui Yunqiu had gone, Zhang Bitong turned to me with a faint question. “Little Xiao, what did you think of what I said?”

“I do not know, Your Grace.”

“Sometimes, a few words are enough to terrify someone. Still, I did not lie to her. If she remains so naive, she will be ruined by someone else sooner or later. I have no wish to harm her, but who can say others won’t? Little Xiao, is the inner palace not a terrifying place?”

“I do not know whether the palace is terrifying, Your Grace—I only hope all will be well with you.”

“Very well, let us return.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

As I escorted Zhang Bitong back to Cuiwei Palace, I saw Lin Tanwei standing in the courtyard.