Chapter Thirty: Seeking a Countermeasure
In the days following Wen's visit, Yangzhou was shrouded in a misty spring rain. The continuous drizzle, like smoke and fog, soaked the entire city, making it look like a traditional Chinese ink painting.
The Shen Mansion appears calm on the surface, but undercurrents are surging beneath.
Servants hurried about the mansion, delivering messages back and forth; the candles in the study often burned late into the night, and one could vaguely see Shen Rulan's figure bent over his desk, writing furiously.
On the surface, Shen Rulan treated Master Wen with utmost respect, ordering lavish banquets to be prepared daily and personally accompanying him to visit famous scenic spots in Yangzhou such as Pingshan Hall and Slender West Lake. Under the pretense of discussing matters related to the trip to the capital, she secretly delayed the journey without leaving a trace.
"Master Wen has come from afar, so you should rest for a few more days. Mo Qing has recently caught a cold and is really not fit to travel far. Moreover, painting for the Imperial Concubine requires careful preparation of painting tools and pigments, and a hasty journey may be inconvenient." Shen Rulan raised her glass to toast during the banquet, her words earnest, but her eyes subtly observed the other party's reaction.
Steward Wen squinted at him, took a sip of wine with a forced smile, and said, "Young Master Chen is very considerate, but the Imperial Concubine's birthday is approaching, and we cannot delay. We can only grant you five more days at most, and you must set off after five days." He twirled the wine cup in his hand, his tone resolute and unquestionable.
After seeing off Steward Wen that day, Shen Rulan immediately returned to her study and summoned her steward, Shen Fu: "Go to Jiangning immediately and personally deliver this letter to Governor Zhou. Then go to Yongsheng Escort Agency and find Chief Escort Lin. Tell him that I, Shen, have an important matter to ask of you." She solemnly handed the two secret letters to Shen Fu, her brows furrowed with seriousness.
After Shen Fu left to carry out his orders, Shen Rulan stood alone by the window of the study, gazing at the continuous drizzle outside, her brows furrowed with an unyielding worry.
The raindrops tapped against the windowpane, and also against her heart. She knew all too well the power of the Imperial Household Department, which the Shen family alone could not contend with; she had to devise a multi-pronged plan.
A crabapple tree outside the window swayed in the rain, its petals falling, just like her mood at that moment.
Three days later, Lin Zhennan personally led Lin Xiao and ten elite bodyguards to Shen's residence on horseback.
The group of people were travel-worn, their horses' hooves pounding through the puddles on the street, splashing water everywhere.
As soon as he entered, Lin Zhennan grasped Shen Rulan's hand, his expression grave. "Nephew, I've read the letter. This matter is of great importance. I've instructed Xiao'er to secretly escort Miss Su. I have several old acquaintances in the palace, all senior eunuchs I befriended during my escort missions years ago. Although they've all retired, they still have connections within the palace." He took out a token from his robes. "This is a pass from the Palace Procurement Department; it might come in handy if necessary."
Lin Xiao stepped forward, her brows furrowed with determination: "Young Master Chen, rest assured, I will use the pretext of escorting valuables through the security company, and lead a team to follow her all the way. Once we arrive in the capital, we will stay at the Yuelai Inn, which is not far from the imperial city. We have informants there. If Miss Su needs anything, we will be there to assist her immediately." The sword at her waist gleamed coldly under the lamplight, her expression solemn.
Shen Rulan gratefully grasped Lin Xiao's hand: "Thank you for your help. Mo Qing has a strong personality, and I'm afraid she won't know how to adapt in the palace. I hope you can take good care of her."
The next day, Governor Zhou's reply arrived. It read: "I have contacted three censors from the Censorate in the capital; they are all my protégés. They promised that if the Imperial Household Department dares to make things difficult for Miss Su, they will immediately impeach Wen Shichang for 'abusing his power and coercing folk painters.' However, the power dynamics within the palace are deeply entrenched, so we must proceed with extreme caution." The letter also included a letter of introduction to old acquaintances in the capital.
Just as Shen Rulan felt a little relieved, Steward Wen, accompanied by two attendants, barged into the front hall of the Shen residence with a cold expression: "Young Master Shen, there is no need to delay any longer. The Imperial Concubine has heard of Miss Su's reputation for painting and has issued an imperial decree: you must set off within three days, or she will report the Shen family's 'disobedience' to the Emperor."
He took out a piece of silk from his sleeve, which was stamped with the seal of the Imperial Concubine's palace: "This is an oral edict personally delivered by the chief eunuch of the Imperial Concubine. Young Master Shen, would you like to take a look?" His gaze was as sharp as a hawk's, staring intently at Shen Rulan's reaction.
Shen Rulan's heart skipped a beat, knowing that there was no turning back now. She suppressed her anger and respectfully accepted the silk: "Since it is the Imperial Concubine's decree, I, Shen, shall obey." Her fingertips trembled slightly, but she still maintained her proper demeanor.
On the eve of departure, the moonlight was as clear as water, and the lakeside villa was completely silent.
Su Moqing carefully packed her belongings in the studio, putting away her brushes and paints one by one. She took out a meticulously framed scroll of "Ink Orchid Painting" and walked up to Shen Rulan.
The orchids in the painting are tall and elegant, and their graceful bearing is even more apparent under the moonlight.
“Take this painting with you,” she said softly, tucking the scroll into Chen Rulan’s arms. “Look at it whenever you miss me. The orchid in the painting stands tall against the wind and rain, just like us. No matter what we go through, we must be strong.”
She paused, her eyes shining with tenderness: "I won't be gone for long. After I finish painting 'A Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix,' I'll come back to see the ginkgo trees at Pingshan Hall with you. I heard the ginkgo trees will be especially golden this year, so please take a good look for me." Her voice trembled slightly, but she forced a smile.
Shen Rulan hugged the scroll tightly, pulling Su Moqing into her arms with her other hand. Her voice was choked with barely suppressed sobs: "I've already arranged accommodations for you in the capital. It's a villa belonging to the Shen family, not far from the imperial city. If you feel unwell, have Lin Xiao send word back, and I'll come to pick you up immediately." Her fingertips gently stroked Su Moqing's hair, filled with reluctance.
She took off the jade pendant she had worn for many years from her waist. The pendant was entirely green, carved with delicate cloud patterns, and gleamed with a warm luster in the moonlight. She carefully tied the pendant around Su Moqing's neck: "This pendant was given to me by my grandmother. It can ward off evil and bring good fortune. Wearing it is like having me by your side."
The jade pendant felt warm to the touch, as if it carried her body temperature.
Su Moqing felt the cool warmth of the jade pendant against her chest, tears welling in her eyes, but she forced them back. Leaning against her chest, listening to her strong heartbeat, she whispered, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of myself. Be careful in Yangzhou too. I've heard that Master Wen is a wicked man and probably won't let this go easily." Her fingers gripped Shen Rulan's clothes tightly, as if it were her last refuge.
That night, the two sat embracing until dawn.
The next morning, the Yangzhou wharf was shrouded in a thin mist.
Boats ply the canal, their oars creaking and groaning, breaking the silence of dawn.
Su Moqing wore a moon-white Hangzhou silk narrow-sleeved long robe, with a light blue lake silk vest over it. The edge of the vest was embroidered with a circle of fine intertwined branches in the same color silk thread. Her black hair was simply tied into a bun at the back of her head with a plain silver hairpin, and there was no other decoration on her body.
Although her outfit was simple, it accentuated her elegant temperament, making her look like a lotus emerging from the water.
Manager Wen was already waiting at the dock. When he saw that Su Moqing was only carrying a simple suitcase, he frowned but said nothing. His attendants behind him carried two heavy wooden boxes, which were obviously the luggage that had been prepared in advance.
Lin Xiao, accompanied by four bodyguards disguised as servants, stood not far away. Upon seeing Su Moqing arrive, she stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Miss Su, please hand over your luggage to us." Her eyes were sharp as she subtly scanned her surroundings.
Shen Rulan stood on the stone steps of the dock, watching Su Moqing board the carriage. The morning breeze stirred her clothes, and she turned back to smile slightly at her. That smile seemed particularly fragile in the morning light, as if it might dissipate into the morning mist at any moment.
Shen Rulan gripped the painting "Ink Orchid" so tightly it crumpled. She made a silent vow that no matter the cost, she would bring Su Moqing back as soon as possible. She stared at the carriage, her gaze unwavering.
The carriage slowly started moving, heading north along the official road beside the canal.
The wheels rolled over the bluestone pavement, making a rumbling sound, and gradually disappeared into the distance.
Shen Rulan stood on the dock until the carriage disappeared from sight, remaining there for a long time. The drizzle soaked her clothes, but she was completely unaware.
Egrets skimmed across the canal, leaving ripples that mirrored her current state of mind.
Throughout the journey, Steward Wen was relatively polite to Su Moqing, but the occasional glances he cast at her made her uneasy. Whenever night fell and the caravan rested at the post station, she would take out the jade pendant from her chest and examine it closely by the moonlight, as if she could feel the warmth of her distant friend in that way.
Lin Xiao and his bodyguards followed the caravan on horseback, maintaining a distance that allowed them to provide timely support without drawing attention. At each post station, Lin Xiao would discreetly survey the surroundings to ensure everything was in order.
After more than ten days of bumpy travel, the convoy finally arrived in the capital. The bustling scene of the capital flashed past the carriage window. Before Su Moqing could take a good look, she was led by the eunuchs waiting at the city gate and transferred to a small sedan chair with a blue curtain. She was then quietly carried into the Forbidden City through the Shenwu Gate.
This was the first time in her life that she had stepped into this nine-layered palace.
Towering red walls and rows of palaces stood before us, their golden glazed tiles gleaming coldly in the autumn sun.
A solemn and dignified atmosphere permeated the air, and even the sound of footsteps was swallowed up by the vast space.
She was temporarily housed in a secluded palace near the Western Six Palaces, where an older palace maid came to teach her the etiquette and manners of audience. After three days, a eunuch came to deliver an imperial edict, ordering her to come to Changchun Palace for an audience.
The eunuch leading the way walked silently, and she followed behind with her head bowed. They passed through one palace gate after another, and the endless palaces seemed to stretch on forever. Finally, under the plaque of "Changchun Palace," the eunuch stopped and gestured for her to wait there.
Inside the hall, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood incense, and the floor was paved with gold bricks that shone so brightly they were like mirrors. After about an incense stick's time, the soft tinkling of jade pendants and the rustling of footsteps could be heard.
A noblewoman, dressed in a dark blue satin robe embroidered with colorful clouds and eight dragons, emerged slowly, surrounded by palace attendants. The golden dragons on the robe gleamed in the candlelight. She wore a kingfisher feather headdress, with a lustrous pearl in the center and long strings of pearls held by golden phoenixes on either side, swaying gently. Her beauty was breathtaking; though over thirty, her eyes held a commanding presence, and her overall aura was awe-inspiring—this was none other than the Emperor's most favored concubine.
The Imperial Concubine's gaze swept indifferently over Su Moqing, who was kneeling on the ground. She did not immediately tell her to rise, but instead slowly walked towards the main seat. Her exquisite tortoiseshell fingernails gently tapped the rosewood table, producing a crisp sound.
Su Moqing quickly bowed and said, "This commoner, Su Moqing, greets Your Highness, the Noble Consort."
The Imperial Concubine looked her up and down, her tone calm: "Rise. I've heard your painting skills are extraordinary, and I'd very much like to see them for myself."
Su Moqing replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "This humble woman's skills are rudimentary, but I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's kindness, and I will certainly do my utmost." She raised her head, her gaze clear and unwavering.
Seeing her elegant demeanor and refined speech, the Imperial Concubine's eyes flashed with admiration: "In that case, you shall stay in the side hall of the West Garden. Tao'er," she called to a young palace maid, "take good care of Miss Su."
Tao'er was about fourteen or fifteen years old, with a clever appearance. She respectfully replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."
Although the side hall in the West Garden is not large, it is exquisitely decorated, with a pool of clear water outside the window, creating a tranquil environment.
Tao'er was a lively girl. While helping Su Moqing pack her luggage, she introduced the rules of the palace: "Please settle down here, Miss. The West Garden is the quietest place, and few people come here on weekdays. If you need anything, just let me know."
However, the peaceful days didn't last long. Steward Wen began to visit frequently under the pretext of "urging her to paint." On this day, he came to the side hall again, his gaze lingering on Su Moqing with undisguised greed.
"Miss Su, are you settling in well in the palace?" he asked feigned concern, then lowered his voice, "If you would paint me a 'Beauty's Portrait' and put in a good word for me with the Imperial Concubine, I guarantee you'll have no worries about food and clothing in the palace from now on." His fingers casually brushed across the Xuan paper on the table, his eyes filled with ambiguity.
Su Moqing sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm, continuing to adjust the paint in her hand: "Lord Wen, I have been ordered to enter the palace to paint only for the Imperial Concubine. As for anything else, I cannot comply." Her brush tip sketched a plum blossom on the rice paper, the strokes vigorous and powerful, just like her own character.
When Chief Wen was rebuffed, his face darkened immediately. However, considering the Shen family and the censor behind Su Moqing, he dared not press the matter too much. He could only snort coldly and leave in a huff. As he departed, his robes fluttered in the wind, causing the paintings on the table to rustle.
After he left, Su Moqing put down her paintbrush and sighed softly. She walked to the window, gazing at the koi swimming in the pond, her hand unconsciously tightening around the jade pendant on her chest.
As the sun set, it turned the pond water a golden hue, and her figure by the window appeared particularly lonely.
"Rulan, don't worry, I will be careful." She murmured to herself, her eyes gradually hardening.
Outside the window, dusk deepened, and palace lanterns lit up one after another, enveloping the many palaces in a hazy glow.
Shen Rulan, far away in Yangzhou, was standing in front of Pingshan Hall, gazing at the newly sprouting ginkgo trees, tightly holding the painting "Ink Orchid" in her hand.
A spring breeze swept by, swirling up a few petals that landed on her shoulder. The new ginkgo leaves swayed gently in the wind, as if whispering the secrets of those who had parted.
"Mo Qing, wait for me," she said softly, her eyes shining with determination.
As the last rays of sunset faded and night was about to fall, her gaze grew ever brighter, as if it could pierce through the darkness and reach her beloved in the nine-layered palace.
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