After the chieftain released the ants, Song Xizhi turned off the lights and went to sleep.
She slept soundly through the night without any dreams, but in Mrs. Zhao's room next door, chaos suddenly broke out.
When Song Xizhi got up the next day, he found that the once lively courtyard was now quiet.
Not only did Madam Zhao stay quietly in her room, but even her arrogant servants didn't come out to cause trouble for anyone today.
Just then, an old nanny arrived at the door. She was dressed in fine clothes and had a grand entrance, followed by three or four maids.
As soon as she stepped into the courtyard, she saw that Madam Zhao's house was closed and quiet, and she frowned slightly.
"Is the old woman here to see Madam Zhao?"
Song Xizhi happened to be standing in the courtyard when he bumped into her and took the initiative to strike up a conversation.
The old nanny didn't recognize Song Xizhi and was puzzled at the moment, but she nodded politely: "Yes, yesterday Madam Zhao said that she had acquired a rare Buddhist scripture and wanted to bring it to the ladies for their appreciation today."
"All the ladies are waiting inside, what's wrong with her?"
Song Xizhi smiled and said, "It's probably because the Buddhist scriptures are damaged and cannot be sent to Your Highness's room. Otherwise, even if Madam Zhao suddenly had something to do, she should have informed Your Highness."
"If Your Highness has any skilled document restorers, please ask them to take a look at Madam Zhao's work?"
Upon hearing this, the old woman's brows furrowed even more deeply.
This Buddhist scripture was the last one written by Master Yuanhui before he went into seclusion.
He had an epiphany at the age of three, debated Buddhist scriptures at the age of five, traveled alone to the Western Regions at the age of eight, and returned to the capital at the age of eighteen. He translated countless Buddhist scriptures and helped all sentient beings.
He could even predict any changes in the world before the Astronomical Bureau could, and his predictions were always accurate. Therefore, he was revered as the Grand Preceptor of the State and had countless followers.
It was truly the stabilizing force of the imperial court.
He has been in seclusion for over a decade, living in an ancient temple atop Heyan Mountain. Even when His Majesty personally visits Heyan Mountain to hold the Fengshan ceremony, he refuses to see him.
Rumors circulated that Master Yuanhui might have already passed away.
If so, then this Buddhist scripture is extremely precious.
Although Master Yuanhui did not appear at this grand ceremony, if he could present His Majesty with his last copy of Buddhist scriptures, it would demonstrate his sincerity, protect the entire ceremony, and help to calm people's hearts.
The late Empress has died, and the position of Empress in the palace has been vacant for more than a decade. However, His Majesty has no intention of establishing a new Empress, nor has he even appointed a Noble Consort or Imperial Noble Consort.
Consort Li had Prince Su and a prominent family, while Consort Liang had the favor of Prince Yu and His Majesty.
They have been fighting in the palace for more than a decade, and neither of them has ever been at a disadvantage. If they could temporarily take the position of Empress at this Fengshan ceremony and preside over it together with His Majesty...
Their status and position would be completely different.
Thinking of this, the old woman bowed to Song Xizhi, thanked him, and hurriedly walked back.
Song Xizhi watched the old woman's hurried figure and narrowed his eyes slightly.
Presumably it was because Lady Zhao contributed this Buddhist scripture that Consort Liang supported her and prevented Consort Zhen from seeing her.
If that's the case, then she made the right bet.
Sure enough, after only a short while, someone else came to the courtyard.
This time, it was Consort Liang who personally came here, accompanied by Consort Zhen and other ladies, as well as the craftsmen who were repairing the documents.
With a report from a eunuch: "Consort Liang and Consort Zhen have arrived."
Hearing the commotion, Song Xizhi and Madam Xin came out of the house and saw a large crowd in the courtyard.
All the women in front of them were dressed in luxurious clothes, but the woman standing at the very front of the group had a bright and beautiful face, with slightly upturned eyes, and was dignified and elegant.
She clearly gave birth to Prince Yu, and should be nearly forty years old, but because she takes good care of herself, she looks only thirty.
She was dressed in a magnificent palace gown, the fabric exquisite, the stitches fine, the patterns lifelike, and it even shimmered in the sunlight.
Standing behind her was Consort Zhen, dressed in plain clothes, with her eyes slightly lowered, very low-key, and her appearance was not particularly outstanding.
Song Xizhi glanced at it briefly, then bowed and greeted Madam Xin together.
"This humble woman greets Consort Liang and Consort Zhen. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
Consort Liang's mind was not on the two women; she simply waved her hand casually, signaling them to get up.
She took a few steps toward Madam Zhao's door, and seeing that it remained tightly shut and there was no movement inside, her expression changed slightly.
Consort Liang's expression changed slightly, and the nanny beside her immediately understood and stepped forward to knock on Madam Zhao's door.
"What happened?"
"Consort Liang is concerned about Madam Zhao's health and has come to visit her personally. How can Madam Zhao stay indoors?"
As soon as she finished speaking, hurried footsteps sounded inside the house, and then the door slowly opened.
Everyone smelled a strong incense, mixed with a faint stench, and amidst the strange odor, Madam Zhao walked out with her head down.
She was dressed in thick clothes, covering her entire body completely, not even her neck was exposed, and her face was veiled.
"This humble woman greets Consort Liang."
Consort Liang touched her nose with her handkerchief; the smell in the room was simply too strong. She took a step back almost imperceptibly.
What's wrong with you?
Madam Zhao stammered, her voice hoarse, "This humble woman is unwell..."
The old nanny beside Consort Liang also spoke up: "Are you feeling unwell? Have you summoned the imperial physician? What illness do you have?"
"Why didn't you inform Her Majesty, causing her to worry and come to visit you in person?"
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