In thе рalaсе, thеrе is а Winter-Dispelling Сhаrt for the wintеr seasоn. Тhе раlаce сoncubines pass their timе bу pаinting it strokе bу strоkе, and whеn thеу finish аftеr eightу-one daуs, sрring arrivеs. Wanwan had tо wait a mоnth. She pаintеd рlum blоssоms оn hеr desk, with branсhеs stretсhing оut аnd six flоwers оn thе tips, hanging it оn thе wall tо color in dаy by daу. Whеn thе blossоms were fully раintеd, Liangshi shоuld hаvе аrrivеd.
Аfter rеsting in thе mansiоn for twо days, shе was асtuаlly quitе ехhаusted and didn’t feеl like moving. Howevеr, the Emprеss Dowagеr must havе knоwn she hаd returned to the capital. Delaying her visit to the palace to pay respects might cause resentment in the Empress Dowager’s heart. After all, she had once been raised under her name, and regardless of how things were, they had shared a mother-daughter bond. If she never showed her face, people would say she lacked propriety, and she would end up being criticized.
She set down her brush and walked out of the room. Xiao You was just bringing pigeon soup, chattering about how beautiful the pigeon’s feathers were, with a purple ring around its neck, walking with a bouncing, twisting gait. Wanwan frowned as she listened. "You describe it in such detail, how can anyone still eat it?" She truly had no appetite and told her to take it away, then ordered Yu Xixia to prepare a sedan chair, planning to enter the palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.
Though it was called her mansion, coming and going was not free. To step outside the main gate, she had to pass through the Silk-clad Guard. As soon as she stepped down the stairs, the Thousand Household Commander approached, cupping his hands in salute and saying, "We are ordered to protect Your Highness’s safety. Wherever Your Highness wishes to go, I will immediately gather men to clear the way."
Under the umbrella, her face was cold and aloof, slender yet dignified and imposing. She didn’t even glance at him. "Are you ordered to protect my safety, or to monitor my movements?"
The Thousand Household Commander paused slightly, lowering his posture further. "I dare not. The capital has been unsettled lately, with frequent disturbances by unidentified individuals. The Eastern Factory and the Silk-clad Guard are already intensifying efforts to capture them, but the residences of the imperial relatives in the capital still require guarding. My duty is to protect Your Highness. If there are any shortcomings that displease Your Highness, you may report them to His Majesty. I am willing to accept punishment."
This minor Thousand Household Commander had quite a temper. With just a few words, he had shut down her remarks. She observed him—knife-like eyebrows, hawk-like eyes, with the composure to remain unflinching even if Mount Tai collapsed before him. Perhaps from often standing guard under the sun, his skin was dark, but beneath the Flying Fish Uniform lay a kind of pent-up, ready-to-strike force, like a leopard that could leap out at any moment, piercing your flesh with sharp teeth.
"What is your name?"
He did not raise his eyes, still respectfully fixed on his own shoes. "I am Jinshi, at Your Highness’s command."
She shifted her gaze and sighed softly. "I wish to enter the palace. Make the preparations for me."
She sat in the sedan chair, and with a clear shout from the palace attendant, the green-canopied sedan moved steadily and slowly out of the main gate. Lifting the curtain to look outside, she saw signs of autumn in the capital. Though the days were still hot, the occasional birdcall carried a desolate chill of autumn. She withdrew her hand, placing it on her knee, vaguely recalling the time she went to Tanzhe Temple, riding in a carriage with Yin Lou. Now she was still here, but she didn’t know whether Yin Lou was alive or not. In just half a year, things had changed, and people were gone. In this fleeting life, there was always a sense of desolate anxiety—something she couldn’t let go of yet couldn’t hold onto.
The sedan chair swayed. Eastern Commander’s Mansion Lane was not far from Donghua Gate. It stopped before Tube River, where a small sedan chair from the palace came to meet her. Tong Huan helped her down, and she lifted her eyes to see a bright, smiling face. Cao Chun’ang called out, "Your Highness," and said, "This servant welcomes Your Highness back to the palace."Cao Chun'ang was Xiao Duo's adopted son, following behind him all day long with constant chatter of "godfather this" and "godfather that," so he frequently came and went from the Cultivating Virtue Palace and was quite familiar with her. Having been away from the palace for half a year, seeing a familiar face suddenly brought her great joy. Wanwan smiled and said, "Little Chunzi, you've grown taller again."
Cao Chun'ang beamed with delight, "This servant's energy has all gone into growing taller! If you had returned a few months later, I could have grown another chopstick's length!" As he spoke, he stepped forward to support her, asking quietly, "Your Highness, were you well in the Southern Garden? You've been away for your marriage for so long, this servant has missed you dearly."
Eunuchs certainly had a way with sweet words. Wanwan said she was fine, asked about his well-being, and then inquired about his godfather's recent situation—whether there was any news from him.
"Those people on the eastern seas are fighting like dogs, their brains splattered everywhere. Don't underestimate Tan Jin just because he's a landlubber; he's quite skilled in warfare. The imperial court often receives reports, but there's no news about my godfather. Originally, it was agreed that I would follow and serve him, but the old master wouldn't allow it." He made a pained expression. "In war, guns and cannons have no eyes. My godfather is such a fussy person—if he gets even a speck of blood on him, he'll curse for half the day. Could it be that those stinky soldiers picked him up and threw him into the sea?"
Wanwan couldn't help but laugh. "If you keep slandering him like this, be careful he'll come back and beat you."
Cao Chun'ang stuck out his tongue. "I wouldn't say this to outsiders. In front of Your Highness, there's nothing to hide—I trust you completely."
Walking and chatting like this, they soon arrived in front of the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility. The steward at the palace gate exclaimed at the sight of her and quickly sent someone inside to announce her arrival. Wanwan walked around the screen wall and saw the Empress Dowager standing by the south window, gazing out through the glass. Her heart ached, and she hurried into the main hall, standing still to perform a formal salute with her hands raised to her forehead, only to be pulled up by the Empress Dowager.
"Don't! You're with child—what if you harm my grandchild?"
After all, she had spent over ten years by her side, so there was still some affection between them. Both mother and daughter had tears in their eyes. Wanwan looked at the Empress Dowager: originally, she had a head of jet-black hair, but now there were faint traces of silver at her temples, as if she had aged ten years in an instant.
The Empress Dowager, however, didn't notice. She said happily, "Were things well in the Southern Garden? Did the Imperial Concubine treat you well? And the Prince of Nanyuan? He has concubines and children in his household—is he of one heart with you?"
Wanwan said everything had been smooth. "My mother-in-law dotes on me, and my husband is exceedingly considerate. I just often miss you, Mother. The other day, when I reached the Western Sea, I originally intended to enter the palace, but my condition wouldn't allow it. The boat to Tongzhou and then the carriage to the capital shook me until my bones felt scattered. I truly couldn't endure it, so I couldn't come to see you."
The Empress Dowager said she understood. "The first few months of pregnancy are the hardest for women. Some children are well-behaved and don't cause trouble; others love to stir things up, like your eldest brother—he kept me awake all night back then." She then gazed at her fondly. "My dear child, it must have been difficult for you, traveling thousands of miles back here. Your brother, the Emperor, acts on whims—nowadays, no one can control him."
Later, the Empress Dowager spoke of her conflict with the Emperor. The Emperor, in his desire to make Tongyun his empress, had nearly turned against her in enmity.“What sort of thing is Tongyun? A lowly servant, the lowest of the low—how could someone of that character be fit to be Empress? Since the founding of Great Ye, through sixteen dynasties, which Empress did not come from a noble family? Even the late Empress, at least, was the daughter of a Grand Tutor. But Tongyun’s father was a barrel-maker, a mere carpenter. Well, the Emperor wants to honor this mud-footed peddler as his father-in-law—truly unafraid of becoming a laughingstock!” The Empress Dowager spoke with such urgency that it seemed to stir hatred from the depths of her heart. “Moreover, Tongyun is Xiao Duo’s Companionate Pairing. While Xiao Duo is away on campaign, the Emperor has taken a fancy to his woman. Once this matter becomes known, the whole world will be in an uproar, hearts will grow cold—how can Great Ye remain stable? I refused to let him have his way, and now he resents me. For two months, he hasn’t come to pay his respects or even acknowledged me. I, the Empress Dowager, have become a thorn in his side. If not for fear of the world pointing fingers at him, he would have long since removed me.”
After speaking, she wiped her tears and lowered her voice to speak of Prince Rong. “Yannian was perfectly fine—how could he suddenly die? Don’t think I don’t know—it was none other than him who ordered it done! With the line of the Late Emperor cut off, the throne fell to him. He murdered his own nephew—heaven will not spare him!”
In the past, such words would never have been heard from the Empress Dowager. Her son was dead, her grandson gone—all she had left was an empty title, still dependent on the current Emperor for support. She dared not confront him; making a scene would bring her no benefit. But now, even the superficial mother-son relationship seemed difficult to maintain, and so she thought of the Late Emperor who had died of illness and her unjustly slain grandson. If they were still here, how could she have fallen to such a state!
Wanwan wiped her tears and urged her to calm down. “Your words are spoken in anger, Mother. It would not be good if they reached the Emperor’s ears. I am aware of the matter regarding Tongyun. Do not worry, Mother. If there is an opportunity, I will advise the Emperor again. Please calm your anger and take care of your health.”
Having vented her feelings, the Empress Dowager felt somewhat better, but remembering that she and the Emperor were siblings from the same womb, she could not help but feel a lingering fear.
“You two… after all, came from the same mother…”
Wanwan smiled. “Do not worry. We were only chatting about everyday matters just now—nothing else was said. Please take good care of yourself. The Emperor’s affairs are entirely his own to decide. Why stir up trouble?”
The Empress Dowager wished to keep her for a meal, but Wanwan politely declined. Staying too long in the palace made her feel oppressed; she no longer had the ability to live there.
After leaving the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility, just past Jingyun Gate, she saw someone standing outside the back wall of the southern quarters—hair tied in a bun, wearing a pea-green kesi jacket, with a face as round and smooth as pearls and jade. It took her a long moment to recognize her.
Tong Huan whispered that it was Tongyun. Wanwan slowed her steps and saw her quickly approach to offer a Squatting Salute. As she stood up, tears welled in her eyes, and she said softly, “Seeing Your Highness is like seeing my own master.”
In the past, the three of them often played together. On the day Tongyun married, she and Yin Lou had escorted her to the bridal sedan. Thinking back now, it felt like a lifetime ago. Wanwan sighed softly. “Tongyun, it has been a long time.”
Tongyun repeatedly agreed. “This servant heard that Your Highness entered the palace today and hurried over to pay respects. When Your Highness married, this servant was not in the capital and could not bid farewell. I have been thinking of you ever since. Now seeing you… you have grown thinner than before. Is it because you are with child? It is often like this at the beginning. Once you pass the stage of morning sickness, you will feel better.”Wanwan was somewhat surprised by the remark, which sounded as if she had given birth before.
Perhaps realizing her slip, the other woman quickly changed the subject and invited her to sit in the pavilion, saying she had something to discuss. Wanwan also wished to speak with her about The Emperor, so she agreed.
The warm breeze wove through the air, and the pavilion, open on all sides, felt delightfully cool. After exchanging a few casual words, Tongyun began to hesitate and stammer. Knowing she was wary of having others nearby, Wanwan dismissed Tong Huan.
"Thank you, Your Highness." Tongyun stood up and bowed solemnly. "I know The Emperor wrote to you, expressing his feelings in the letter. After reading it, you must despise me, thinking I seduced The Emperor with ulterior motives."
"Indeed, when I first saw that letter, I was so furious my mind went blank. But after calming down, I realized you must have your reasons." Wanwan did not lose her temper, only gazed at her quietly. "Go ahead, I want to hear your difficulties."
Tongyun lowered her head, seeming to struggle with her words. The bright satin complemented her delicate beauty, lending her an air of infinite charm.
Biting her lip, she hesitated for a long while before speaking. "Your Highness knows about my mistress and Seal-holding Xiao. I married him not because he liked me, but out of necessity. Ultimately, the cause traces back to The Emperor. Back then, The Emperor sent the Western Factory to bring my mistress back. Not long after her return, he summoned her for the night. But the one who attended him that night wasn't my mistress—it was me..."
Wanwan was stunned. No wonder Yin Lou had acted so strangely back then, always looking at Tongyun as if she had something to say but couldn't. Now, connecting the dots, it all made perfect sense.
Tongyun glanced at her with bitterness. "Later, the Imperial Physician examined my pulse and declared I was with child. Old Consort Zhao made a scene and took the matter to the Empress Dowager. When it seemed the secret could no longer be kept, Seal-holding Xiao seized the opportunity and entered into Pair Dining with me, just to get me out of the palace. I truly was pregnant. Shortly after leaving the palace, I was sent to a manor. After giving birth, my child was taken away by Seal-holding Xiao's people. He feared I might have improper ambitions, so he kept the child to control me." As she spoke, her voice choked with sobs. "Your Highness, you too are about to become a mother. Can you understand the pain of being separated from your own flesh and blood? To this day, I don't know where my child is, and I dare not tell The Emperor. But after all, The Emperor is my man. If I don't follow him, who else can I follow?"
Indeed, everyone in this world faces their own hardships. Her words shifted Wanwan's perspective of her. As Tongyun said, separation had brought her enough suffering. Returning from Jinling had already left her in agony; if she had been forced to give up her child, she likely wouldn't have survived.
So what more could be said? Should she demand that Tongyun sever all ties with The Emperor? The woman was already pitiable enough. Being too harsh would be something Wanwan herself could not bear."I understand your hardship. Before, I resented your lack of awareness, but hearing you speak like this, I realize it hasn't been easy for you. For you and the Emperor to reunite is a fulfillment, at least making up for some regrets. But you must know that your current status is awkward. The Emperor cannot even consider enfeoffing you as Empress; taking you into the harem would invite criticism." She paused thoughtfully, then said, "My meaning is, you should advise the Emperor to wait for now, and make a decision only after Seal-holding Xiao returns. Having been in the palace these years, you understand what is most crucial for an emperor. My heart is the same as yours—we both wish him well. So I ask you to restrain yourself for now. If the Emperor acts hastily, you must counsel him. It is best to deliberate everything carefully."
Tongyun, tears welling up, both agreed and performed a Squatting Salute. After comforting her with a few words, she left through the Donghua Gate. Tong Huan asked how it went, and she sighed helplessly, "There is deep history; earning a position is only fitting." Glancing at the sky, she noticed the sunlight had faded, and clouds were gathering in the west—it seemed rain was coming.
She hurried back. As soon as she entered her sedan chair, thunder began to rumble loudly not far off. Summer rainstorms are astonishing; bean-sized raindrops pelted the sedan's curtains. She could hear people rushing through the streets, but her sedan remained steady. Lifting the curtain, she saw the Silk-clad Guards standing like tree trunks, unwavering even in the fiercest wind and rain, their backs straight and unyielding.
Poor Tong Huan, drenched to the point her hair had come loose. Upon returning home, she did not let her serve further, telling her to go rest. The Imperial Physician sent by Yu Xixia had already been waiting at the residence for half a day. After taking her pulse, he said the child was perfectly healthy, advising her to rest more and avoid overexertion. The morning sickness symptoms would ease after the first three months. Wanwan had found her own way to relieve it, often sucking on salted plums until her teeth ached, but it worked wonders against nausea.
Xiao You teased her, saying she was like a goat, always chewing on something. This maid was often irreverent, but she was used to it. One day, while reading, Yu Xixia entered from outside, his expression grim. He cupped his hands and addressed her as Your Highness, "There is news of a victory. Tan Jin led the troops to a great defeat against Ryukyu, driving those pirates on the sea back to their homeland. But Seal-holding Xiao fell into the water during the fierce battle. He has not been found yet, and the situation looks grim."
The book in her hand fell to the floor with a thud. For a long while, she said nothing. This seemed to have been within her expectations, but now that it had come true, she couldn't help but feel a wrenching sorrow.
"Fell into the water... Is the news accurate?"
Yu Xixia confirmed, "Tan Jin saw it with his own eyes."
She slumped back in her chair, murmuring that it was just as well. "Whether alive or dead, he will be with Yin Lou. They are luckier than we are..."
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