After the midday meal, Lin Hong led the guests to admire the scenery inside and outside the small courtyard. The Crown Prince was particularly interested in the clear spring within the courtyard, remarking that the water was pure and untainted, cool to the touch, and where it splashed, it sparkled like crystal, indicating excellent quality. Lin Hong then invited him and the other guests into the backyard, where they sat on the floor of his meditation room—a space he used for Zen practice and quiet contemplation—and drank tea brewed with the spring water.
This tea was indeed extraordinary, exceptionally light and soft on the palate. The Crown Prince felt as though he were not drinking water but rather a drifting cloud. He praised it profusely, saying he would send someone up the mountain daily to fetch spring water for brewing tea. Lin Hong replied, "This water has spirit; it is best used fresh, drawn as needed. If left for some time, it loses its clarity, sweetness, and softness."
The Crown Prince smiled and said, "Alas, I am but a worldly man, unable to reside in the mountains like you, sir, and enjoy the blessing of fresh spring water at any time."
"One need not live in the mountains to drink fresh mountain spring water," Lin Hong told him. "You could use sturdy bamboo as pipes to channel the spring water into the Eastern Palace."
"Oh?" The Crown Prince was intrigued. "How would that be done?"
Lin Hong explained in detail: "Cut several large bamboo stalks, hollow out the nodes inside, and tightly bind them together with hemp rope, then seal the joints with lacquer. Carve a large stone trough beneath the rock where the spring seeps out to collect the water, then use the connected bamboo poles to channel it into the Eastern Palace. Cover the bamboo pipes above with thatch and bury them to protect against sun, rain, and damage from collisions or trampling."
The Crown Prince said, "That sounds feasible, but I wonder if such a project would be too costly."
"Not at all," Lin Hong replied. "Using the materials I just mentioned, the cost for every twenty li would be no more than a hundred strings of cash."
Zhenzhen also recalled, "It is indeed feasible. I have seen mountain spring water channeled into a pond in this manner at the residence of the Prince of Yin."
Lin Hong nodded. "This was an idea proposed by Dongpo Jushi for channeling water into Guangzhou City. In later times, some wealthy families also used this method to draw mountain spring water."
The Crown Prince thought for a moment and asked, "But bamboo poles may crack over time. If one section breaks or clogs, it would be difficult to locate the problem, and replacing the entire pipeline might waste resources and burden the people."
"That is not difficult," Lin Hong said calmly. "Drill a small hole the size of a mung bean in each bamboo section and plug it with a small bamboo pin. If the pipeline later breaks or clogs, simply pull out the pins and see which hole does not spray water—that will indicate the problematic section. Only that damaged section needs to be replaced, and the entire water channel can be put back into use."
The Crown Prince then smiled and asked, "Might you, sir, have the time to undertake this project for the Eastern Palace?"
Lin Hong pondered and said, "The Gathering Scenery Garden will be largely completed by next spring. If Your Highness is willing to wait until then, I would be honored to serve you."
"I am certainly willing to wait," the Crown Prince said with a laugh. "For such a project, only someone as talented and meticulous as you, sir, could achieve perfection."
Shi Huaien, who had been listening nearby, interjected, "However, the spring water at Xuan Yilang’s residence is located at a higher elevation, and the mountain path is rugged. Carving channels and laying pipes might prove difficult."
Pu Luxin immediately said, "Your Highness only mentioned channeling mountain spring water; it need not necessarily be this particular spring from Xuan Yilang. On my way up the mountain, I noticed several other water outlets along the path, all of which looked quite good. Your Highness could choose one with flatter terrain, making it easier to channel the water."
Shi Huaien asked skeptically, "Are there? I didn’t see any earlier."
"There are," Pu Luxin said enthusiastically, rising to pull Shi Huaien along. "Come, come, I’ll show you!"The two walked to the door, and Pu Luxin glanced back at the Crown Prince, noticing that he had been watching them depart with a smile. Pu Luxin then said to the Crown Prince, "Why not join us, Your Highness, and see which water source is the best?"
The Crown Prince agreed, immediately rose, and led the way out.
Shi Huaien promptly followed, with Pu Luxin trailing behind. After stepping out, Pu Luxin deliberately or inadvertently closed the door to the meditation room.
Zhenzhen suddenly realized that only she and Lin Hong remained in the meditation room. She felt both joy and unease, still pondering how to reconnect with Lin Hong, but he had already stood up, walked to the cabinet, retrieved a small porcelain jar, and returned to her side.
He slowly knelt before her, then suddenly grasped her left foot, drawing it into his embrace. Ignoring her struggles, he resolutely removed her silk sock.
Zhenzhen's ankle was swollen and red—an injury from her fall from the carriage. She had tried her best to conceal it, walking as normally as possible, yet Lin Hong had still detected her condition.
You always act so composed and indifferent around me, Zhenzhen thought with a mix of annoyance and affection, covering her face. But it turns out you’ve been watching me all along.
Lin Hong held Zhenzhen’s bare left foot with his left hand while using his right to scoop a small amount of ointment from the porcelain jar, applying it gently to the swollen area. The ointment felt cool and emitted a rich, fragrant aroma. Zhenzhen savored the scent and couldn’t help guessing, "This ointment contains borneol, musk, frankincense..."
"And myrrh, pine resin, and dalbergia odorifera. It’s remarkably effective for reducing swelling, relieving pain, and dispersing blood stasis," Lin Hong added with a slight smile, continuing to apply the ointment. "Palace Manager Wu has indeed broadened her knowledge in the palace, learning to distinguish aromatic medicines."
"Of course, my sense of smell and taste have improved greatly over the past two years," Zhenzhen said proudly.
"Only your impulsive and careless temperament remains unchanged," Lin Hong remarked, lowering his head to massage her ankle. "Otherwise, your foot wouldn’t be as swollen as a pig’s trotter."
"Bah!" Zhenzhen lightly kicked him with her foot. "I was framed."
Lin Hong paused, frowning as he looked at her. "Who wants to harm you? What did you do?"
"Nothing much, really. I just cut off the financial gains of the imperial chefs, the Hanlin Office, and the Yiluan Office..." Zhenzhen stole a glance at Lin Hong’s deepening frown and added guiltily, "That’s all."
She then briefly recounted the recent events and the dangers she had faced that day. Lin Hong said, "Even if you find certain things unacceptable, you shouldn’t rush to take the lead. You’re a young woman without a solid foundation, while they are a group operating in the shadows. Openly opposing them like this will only make you a target and put you in great danger."
"Actually, I’m not afraid of them framing me. I even thought that if they managed to drive me out of the palace, it might suit me just fine, so I felt even more fearless..." Zhenzhen sighed. "I just didn’t expect them to be so malicious, even wanting my life."
Lin Hong gazed at her with pity, wanting to comfort her but momentarily at a loss for words. He remained silent, lowering his head to gently stroke her injured ankle.
"Hey, aren’t you afraid the Crown Prince and the others might return and see you holding my foot like this?" Zhenzhen asked.
Lin Hong replied, "I’m not afraid. I’m treating your injury with a clear mind. Even if they see, it’s of no consequence."
"But..." Zhenzhen whispered, her voice soft as a breath, "When you do this, my mind isn’t so clear."
Lin Hong was taken aback and released her left foot.
Zhenzhen leaned closer to him, her bright eyes fixed on his, and asked with a smile, "Have you missed me these past few days?""Well, a little..." Lin Hong replied calmly, looking at her nonchalantly. "After all, we share the bond of broken jade."
Zhenzhen was caught off guard, flushed with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance at his understated remark. She let out a soft "ah," then immediately pounced on him, playfully pounding his chest.
Lin Hong finally broke into a smile, raising his hand to grasp her wrists, gently pressing down her flailing fists.
Zhenzhen leaned against his knees, turning her head to gaze at the patches of afternoon sunlight filtering through the latticed door and scattering on the floor. Her eyes gradually grew distant.
"Teacher Lin, I want to see you all the time," she murmured dreamily, resting her head on his lap.
He gently smoothed the stray hairs at her temples, pondering for a moment before speaking softly, "Wait a little longer. I haven't accomplished anything yet and have no influence before The Emperor. Once the Gathering Scenery Garden is completed, perhaps then... In the meantime, you must be cautious in your words and actions, and protect yourself. Don't do anything that might provoke resentment."
"When you used a dish to advise The Emperor to abolish the salt certificate system, did you ever consider that it might also provoke resentment?" Zhenzhen asked.
Lin Hong was momentarily speechless.
Zhenzhen continued, "These things must be done by someone. If we want to do them, let's do them. Even if trouble arises, we can always find a way to resolve it."
After returning to the palace, Shi Huaien reported the ambush on the road to the Emperor and Consort Li. The Emperor remained silent for the time being, while Consort Li was deeply distressed. Privately, she said to Zhenzhen, "This incident ultimately stems from my investiture ceremony. You exposed the corruption out of a sense of justice, yet it provoked resentment and nearly cost you your life. I will advise The Emperor to thoroughly investigate this matter, find the mastermind, and ensure justice for you, as well as prevent such incidents from happening again."
"Thank you for your kindness, but in my humble opinion, there's no need for a large-scale investigation," Zhenzhen replied. "Although The Emperor and you are well aware that those involved in corruption are not limited to the imperial chefs, the Hanlin Office, and the Yiluan Office, you haven't pursued the matter to the end because you don't want to cause unrest in the court and the public before the investiture ceremony. Now, with insufficient evidence of the ambush—we didn't even catch the horse—it's impossible to determine who was responsible. Investigating further would be futile and likely waste resources without results. It's better to hold off for now and wait until the other side reveals themselves before investigating."
Consort Li sighed, "If we don't investigate, I fear they will continue to plot against you."
Zhenzhen bowed to Consort Li and said, "I have a plan. If you simply say a few words in public, it will intimidate those people and prevent them from acting rashly."
The next day, Consort Li gathered many palace attendants to admire the early-blooming plum blossoms at the Plum Ridge Pavilion in the Rear Garden. After drinking a cup of tea in the pavilion, she summoned Zhang Zhibei, the Chief Palace Attendant, and asked him in front of the assembled attendants, "With the recent heavy rains, have someone inspect Phoenix Mountain thoroughly. Repair and reinforce what needs to be fixed to prevent landslides or large rocks from rolling down and injuring anyone."
Zhang Zhibei bowed and accepted the order.
Consort Li added, "Make sure the horses you ride are properly tethered. Don't be careless and let them run loose to collide with people."
Zhang Zhibei understood the underlying meaning of her words but dared not inquire further, simply bowing in acknowledgment.
Consort Li coldly scanned the surrounding attendants and concluded, "You'd better take to heart what I've mentioned, and even what I haven't. Don't let any accidents harm anyone. If anything else goes wrong, we'll revisit every detail—from the green salt incident to the suicide on Phoenix Mountain—and see where things went awry."Zhenzhen stood among the palace attendants, listening silently. She knew that those who had plotted against her likely had spies hidden among the crowd, and Consort Li’s words would soon reach the mastermind’s ears. The person who had discovered Zhenzhen’s actions, tracked her movements, and devised such a meticulous murder plan was no ordinary eunuch or minor official. This individual was likely connected to many unresolved mysteries within the palace, such as the cases involving Qingyan and Wang Muze. Thus, it was fitting to have Consort Li mention these matters as well, making it clear that any further provocations would be met with a thorough investigation and severe punishment. Now that she was about to formally take charge of the Six Palaces, her status and authority were far greater than before, and the other party would not act without caution.
“You have all heard the Empress’s words clearly.” At that moment, the Emperor suddenly appeared, striding up to the Meigang Pavilion and announcing this statement publicly, affirming Consort Li’s status as Empress even before the formal investiture ceremony had taken place.
He stood firmly in the pavilion, his gaze sweeping across the surroundings, and added with a stern expression, “I have always been preoccupied with state affairs, making it difficult to oversee the inner palace in detail. However, there are matters I have yet to address, but that does not mean I am unaware of them. Now, I have entrusted the authority to handle these matters to the Empress. If anyone still harbors intentions to stir up trouble, they should cease immediately and pray for their own well-being.”
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