Chapter 63 The Cold-Headed Rooftop (Part 1) "The wind and waves suddenly rose."...
Winters in Jiangnan arrive late, and the frost and snow are not as dry and harsh as in the north. In October, there are even a few days as warm as spring. But the chill of winter has arrived, and the grass and trees wither. Only the plum blossoms bloom in the cold, adding a touch of elegance and purity to the gentle and tender Jiangnan.
This year, the heavy snows did not cause any disasters, giving the people a chance to recover and allowing them to settle down. However, the continuous natural and man-made disasters still caused considerable damage. Fortunately, the new policies that had been implemented were well-received by the people, and the government provided relief to the poor and weak through methods such as distributing porridge, rice, and silver, rekindling hope in the people who were struggling to survive for the next year.
The relief funds were easy to obtain, and the proceeds from the autumn executions were returned to the public treasury, which was then used to benefit the people. In addition, local gentry and wealthy households donated funds, making everyone, from officials to commoners, very happy.
It was at this time that Lin Zhan was promoted to county magistrate.
The original magistrate had just been transferred here this summer, and before he could even settle into his post, he was dismissed for crimes such as holding office without performing his duties and being negligent. Lin Zhan, on the other hand, had always been deeply loved by the people, and this time he was promoted for his merits, finally making his promotion legitimate.
Zhu Yongxing was very pleased with this, and when reporting on state affairs to the Crown Prince, he mentioned Lin Zhan a few more times.
In his view, Lin Zhan was exceptionally talented and, now with this opportunity, was destined for a bright future. Furthermore, he pondered the Crown Prince's intentions and felt that promoting Lin Zhan was somewhat of a nepotism.
The Crown Prince's maternal relatives, the Cui clan of Jinling, have fallen from grace. Not long ago, even Cui Gan, one of their most promising members, was brought down. There are even fewer trustworthy and capable people left in the region.
Zhu Yongxing was experienced and naturally adept at handling affairs. He had a general understanding of the situation in the capital's court, and because of the Suzhou incident, he couldn't help but pay more attention to the young crown prince before him.
The crown prince is, after all, the crown prince, and inevitably inherits the demeanor unique to those in power. But at the same time, Zhu Yongxing also noticed that the crown prince seemed to lack the youthful vigor that one would expect, yet he also lacked the maturity and composure often described. Perhaps it was his temperament that made the crown prince's deep and reserved nature lessen his naiveté in courage and strategy.
Zhu Yongxing saw the Crown Prince's high regard for him, and the sense of propriety within that trust. Having seen it all, he felt no doubt or disappointment. Vigilance is mutual; the emperor and his minister were equally decisive when necessary.
The reforms have yielded significant results, and if stability can be ensured, they can be extended to other regions. On one hand, they benefit the country and its people, bringing happiness to all; on the other hand, they offer opportunities for advancement and rewards based on merit. In short, the future looks bright.
As he left the palace, his attendant told him a rumor: "...A couple of days ago, an official presented several respectable women to His Highness the Crown Prince, but before they could even see him, Eunuch Liang stopped them. The women were immediately sent back, and the official was reprimanded."
Zhu Yongxing was not surprised. Then he couldn't help but think that although the Crown Prince was of a detached nature, he was at the age of vigor and vitality, and it was truly rare for him to be able to abstain from sex to such an extent.
Inside Chunhe Palace, Yan Chao received a message from the Eastern Palace in the capital. The details of some events were not as publicly available as official news, requiring careful and time-consuming investigation. Since she was not in the capital, she could only arrange for people to keep a close watch and expedite deliveries to keep up with the situation as quickly as possible.
The spies in the capital investigated and found out about Consort Ming's background. Duan Shou reported back in detail and was surprised: "Princess Yongjia was able to scheme for Zhaoyang Palace to such an extent. With Consort Ming in the Emperor's presence, I'm afraid she will sow discord between His Majesty and you."
Yan Chao sat at the desk with a sullen face and her brows furrowed. She had finally witnessed the methods of the Sun family, and the part involving Xiao Song was something she had never expected.
She first noticed Xiao Song because of Liang Lu's suggestion. Xiao Song was originally the head eunuch of Wan'an Palace, but was dismissed by Consort Li for his poor performance and was subsequently transferred to the Imperial Pharmacy. In addition to intentionally or unintentionally contacting people from the Eastern Palace Pharmacy, he also exchanged information with people outside the palace.
Later, Xiao Song committed suicide out of fear of punishment in the Juehui Temple case, and the Dali Temple found nothing unusual, so she thought that was the end of it. Only now does she realize that there was someone else behind Xiao Song.
It is true that Xiao Song and the Li family exchanged information, but Sun Shi was involved in killing Cao Fu and framing Consort Li. It is difficult to distinguish between the truth and the falsehood.
Then, through Xiao Song's introduction, Lady Xin was implicated. The fact that Yan Chao had used Lady Xin to kill Master Yuanhe amidst the chaos could not be kept secret from Lady Sun. However, this matter was inherently complex; if the case were thoroughly investigated, both the Eastern Palace and Zhaoyang Palace would be implicated. Lady Sun was likely unwilling to accept this, which is why she secretly brought Lady Xin's younger sister, Consort Ming, into the palace.
Yan Chao gently closed her eyes, her grip on the pen tightening slightly. She asked in a hushed tone, "Has this controversy surrounding the selection of an empress alarmed Her Highness in Yongning Palace?"
Duan Shou replied, "As Your Highness instructed, very few people in the court mention Consort Ning; the criticism is directed only at the Wan'an and Yongchun Palaces."
Yan Chao nodded: "That's good. We have people in Yongchun Palace, right? Tell them to do something."
He paused, then added, "The whole matter need not be revealed to Yongning Palace for now. Just send someone to comfort the Empress and put her mind at ease."
"yes."
.
Unexpected events can happen at any time.
On the third day after the Crown Prince's journey north, a sudden earthquake struck Nanjing. The unexpected turn of events made Yan Chao realize that returning to the capital would not be easy, and he decisively returned to Nanjing.
The earthquake was not very strong and did not cause any substantial damage; however, the initial slight tremors caused a period of panic among the public.
The Nanjing Observatory had not observed any unusual signs beforehand. The Imperial Astronomical Bureau submitted a report explaining the situation, mentioning that it was a celestial warning. What exactly this warning meant was left for officials and the public to ponder and understand.
Although the problem may not necessarily lie with the Crown Prince, all the officials, especially the officials from the Eastern Palace who accompanied the emperor on his southern journey, felt it was their duty to offer advice and subtly persuaded the Crown Prince to reflect on his actions.
Yan Chao felt heavy-hearted and helpless.
Since the earthquakes had not recurred since she returned to the palace, everyone was watching her more closely, whether intentionally or unintentionally. She didn't want to be associated with "divine intervention" at this juncture, firstly because it might affect the implementation of the new policies, and secondly because her return to the capital would be a major problem. But right now, she had no choice but to consider these things.
Zuo Chunfang's Left Tutor Zhou Shaoyun advised, "Your Highness need not worry. Nanjing earthquakes are not uncommon; they occasionally occur in other parts of the country. We should prioritize the well-being of the people; it is fortunate that no one has been killed or injured. Now, the new policies in Southern Zhili are being implemented and are supported by all sides. The Imperial Observatory is spreading unfounded rumors to disturb the people's hearts, which is harmful to both the emperor and the people. Your Highness is upright and virtuous, and has rendered meritorious service. At this moment, you should also make a decision."
Yan Chao felt a sudden chill run down her spine. After a moment of silence, she said, "I am aware of all this, but I fear Your Majesty's doubts may run even deeper."
As soon as she spoke, she realized her indecisiveness, so she looked away from Zhou Shaoyun and her thoughts involuntarily flashed back to more than ten years ago.
The concept of celestial phenomena and fortune seemed to be inextricably linked to her. From birth to leaving the palace to the loss of her mother, nothing escaped its influence; the word "ominous" hung like a dark cloud, lingering for a long time. She had also carefully used these illusory words to plan for herself, but once unexpected changes occurred, the disadvantage always leaned in her favor.
Zhou Shaoyun hadn't considered this aspect, but he was extremely firm: "His Majesty is far away in the capital, so whether or not he will be blamed is another matter. In the current situation, Your Highness must plan and make decisions for yourself, and must not sit idly by and wait for death!"
In Southern Zhili, officials and commoners alike were questioning whether the new policies were appropriate. Zhu Yongxing, as the person in charge of the new policies, immediately stepped forward to express his determination, and local authorities, led by Changshu County in Suzhou Prefecture, responded actively one after another.
As the crown prince, Yan Chao was, without exception, a staunch supporter of the new policies. However, the Imperial Astronomical Bureau's words had already spread, and an explanation needed to be given to the people.
After consulting with his officials, the Crown Prince issued an edict ordering Nanjing officials to investigate and record cases of injustice and local governments to appease the people. He also summoned the Imperial Observatory to closely monitor the situation at the observatory.
The memorial to be presented to the emperor has been drafted and is being sent to the capital with utmost urgency. The memorial requests an imperial decree to offer sacrifices at the Xiaoling Mausoleum to comfort the spirits of the ancestors.
Subsequently, the emperor issued several edicts in succession, and the situation quickly stabilized. Among them, the imperial edict specifically addressed to the crown prince was particularly solemn. It did not punish her, but merely admonished her to always be introspective and diligently study the art of governance.
The matter of returning to Beijing was only said to be postponed temporarily.
.
A sudden snowstorm swept through the capital overnight, and the next day it was freezing cold. Inside the palace, the underfloor heating and charcoal fires had been lit early in the morning, so no matter how biting cold it was outside, the palace was always warm and cozy.
Several concubines stood on the long street of the Western Six Palaces. They had just come out of Wan'an Palace and still had respectful smiles on their faces.
Only Consort Ming left the others behind and hurried along alone, frowning and complaining in a low voice: "She's not the Empress after all, but she's already putting on airs. Paying respects is one thing, but her reprimands are veiled and she keeps picking on me."
The palace maid comforted her, saying, "Consort Xian has served His Majesty the longest, but she also outlived two empresses before finally getting the chance to sit on the throne. She's been very pleased with herself these days. Your Highness is young and beautiful, and is the most favored in the harem. She's just jealous of you."
With no one around, Consort Ming's expression seemed even more impatient: "Who cares about the Emperor's favor? It's fleeting and uncertain; you never know when you might lose it. Status and the imperial heir are the most important things. It's just a pity that the Empress's position can't be mine; it's just a lucky break for her."
She stopped in her tracks. Looking back, the palace gates, one after another, were deep and desolate, burying all her innocence and hope, just like the bitterness and hatred that grew within her, with no end in sight.
Everyone in the palace knew that Consort Ming had enjoyed unwavering favor since entering the palace, which caused some to be jealous and others to try to curry favor with her. However, everyone also noticed that Consort Ming was spoiled and naive, and although she had no other faults, she was always unsociable.
She herself never seemed to have any intention of befriending anyone, doing as she pleased all day long, focusing on devising new ways to please the emperor in Yongchun Palace, and always being lively and willful when accompanying him. Coincidentally, the emperor liked her very much.
The virtuous and dignified Consort Xian was the first to find it unacceptable.
These days, Consort Xian has been fawned over by everyone, which has inevitably made her feel a little smug and her temper has become more volatile. She can't stand anyone showing off in front of her. However, out of respect for the Emperor and her own dignity, she has always refrained from openly lashing out.
Until something even absurd reached her ears.
"She only bears a slight resemblance to Empress Wenshu, yet she actually thinks she's the Empress? Doesn't she take a look in the mirror at her arrogant face? Does she have even half of Empress Wenshu's virtue? She wants to give birth to a son who can rival Crown Prince Zhaohuai. Who does she think she is? Does she think she can compete with me for the Empress's position?"
"What did you agree to?"
"Consort Ming seemed to be joking, saying she wanted to be like Empress Wenshu, sharing life and death with His Majesty. His Majesty agreed, even saying he wanted both her and Empress Wenshu to stay by his side. The palace servants are whispering among themselves, wondering if this means something like that..."
He dared not utter the words "emperor and empress buried together," but Consort Xian instantly understood that there was no precedent in this dynasty for an emperor and his concubines to be buried together. It was too inauspicious to mention this now, and Consort Ming did not say it outright, but her words revealed a presumptuous probing.
How dare she!
A ferocious glint flashed across Consort Xian's face. She raised her hand and knocked over a nearby celadon plum vase. Shattered porcelain fragments flew everywhere, and the palace was in complete chaos.
The palace maid beside her pleaded hoarsely, "Your Majesty, please calm down! This was just His Majesty's drunken remark, merely a private jest with Consort Ming, and it doesn't count! Besides, the idea of having a child was brought up by the young prince of Zhaoyang Palace. The child is young and ignorant, and had no other intentions!"
The palace maid glared resentfully at the eunuch who had delivered the message. How could this man be so good at stirring up trouble!
The Empress's anger aggravated her eye condition, causing her eyes to ache and turn black in an instant. Yet she still gritted her teeth and said, "I'm afraid that one day her wishful thinking will come true."
.
The year was drawing to a close, but the Crown Prince and his entourage were still on their way north.
The emperor finally relented and ordered the crown prince to return to the capital. However, it was nearly the twelfth lunar month, and traveling in the dead of winter was already difficult. Coupled with the tight schedule, Yan Chao had to do everything he could to speed things up, from driving a carriage to even riding a horse himself. The further north they went, the colder it became.
They encountered a snowfall along the way, which finally allowed the group to stop and rest.
Yan Chao silently hugged the hand warmer, the chill on her body slowly melting away. She was most afraid of the cold, and these past few days she had often been shivering like a shiver. Feng Jingmo said that if this continued, she might not be able to hold on before even reaching the capital. So they had no choice but to slow down.
Liang Lu served her the ginger soup and, seeing her somewhat dazed expression, felt a pang of heartache. He wanted to say something, but fearing he might utter a word of complaint that would give others cause for gossip, he remained silent.
News from the palace arrived at this time, saying that Consort Ming had suddenly passed away, and the emperor posthumously conferred upon her the title of Consort Shu. Her funeral was held in a very grand manner.
Liang Lu glanced at Yan Chao and asked the scout, "Explain clearly, what exactly happened?"
"Your Highness, Consort Ming was sitting on an ice sled in Taiye Pond when the eunuch pulling her lost his grip. Some parts of the ice weren't firm enough, and they all fell in. Consort Ming was tied to the ice sled and couldn't break free. By the time she was pulled out, she was already dead." The scout paused to catch his breath, then added, "Her Majesty, the Consort Xian, who oversees the affairs of the six palaces, was deeply saddened upon hearing of this. She wept bitterly and petitioned His Majesty to severely punish all the palace servants who served Consort Ming, the craftsman who made the ice sled, and everyone present at Taiye Pond at the time. Dozens of them were sentenced to death."
"Has Miyagi Shiji investigated this?"
"They checked and said it was an accident."
Yan Chao and Liang Lu exchanged a glance, and they immediately understood each other: Consort Xian had indeed made her move.
Since it has been done, there will inevitably be clues that reveal itself. Yan Chao was not in a hurry. He waved for the spy to leave before saying to Liang Lu, "The Virtuous Consort has gone to great lengths. I wonder how much His Majesty cares for Consort Ming, and how he will react if he knows that it was the Virtuous Consort who did it."
Liang Lu said, "Consort Ming has only been in the palace for a little over half a year. I'm afraid she can't compare to Consort Xian's seniority. Besides, His Majesty made her Empress because of old feelings."
A chill ran through Yan Chao's eyes as he clicked his tongue lightly: "Old feelings, huh?"
When the Crown Prince's entourage entered the capital, it was already the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month. The entire capital was bustling with activity and joyfully awaiting the New Year. People were coming and going, and the fresh snow on the roadside had not yet melted. Everything looked familiar.
The one who came out to greet the crane-drawn carriage was the majestic and spirited Prince Xin, followed by the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Lan Huaien was standing quite close to the front, and Yan Chao, seeing him from afar, suddenly felt that his demeanor was comparable to that of Prince Xin.
As everyone bowed and paid their respects, Yan Chao glanced around and saw that everyone was in the same posture, indistinguishable in rank. It was as if her gaze met Lan Huai'en's as everyone rose. It was only for a fleeting moment.
After exchanging pleasantries with Prince Xin as usual, the Crown Prince and his entourage entered the city and went to the palace in a grand procession. The Emperor was not in a hurry to summon him, so Yan Chao first returned to the East Palace to change his clothes and rest for a while before heading to the Qianqing Palace.
Just past noon, the emperor ordered a meal to be prepared, saying it was to welcome her back and wash away the dust of her journey.
Yan Chao was somewhat flattered. Looking around at the people present, besides the Emperor, herself, and Prince Xin, there was also Prince Chang Le. She secretly breathed a sigh of relief: with Yan Fei present, the Emperor would most likely not bring up politics.
After a peaceful lunch, Yan Fei begged the emperor to reminisce about his relationship with Yan Chao, and the emperor readily agreed. He immediately sent Yan Chao back, saying, "You've been in Jiangnan for half a year. You can tell Fei about any interesting things that happened to you. He often talks about you."
"Yes." Yan Chao had no choice but to take his leave.
Yan Fei chattered on and on: "...Sixth Uncle doesn't know, but Grandfather has been extremely busy these past six months and hasn't had time to see me for a long time. A few days ago, Consort He passed away in the harem, and Grandfather was heartbroken, unable to sleep for several nights in a row. Look, Grandfather has become so haggard..."
Yan Chao was speechless.
She recalled the first moment she saw the emperor upon entering the palace. It had been half a year since she last saw him, and the emperor seemed to have gained some weight, but his face showed signs of weakness, probably due to his recent emotional distress.
Shuying and Yan Fei have met several times in the past six months, all arranged by Xiao Jiu. With the Crown Prince returning to the palace, it's likely they won't see each other often anymore.
After she bowed, she inexplicably interjected, "The young prince is still young and frail. It's windy outside, so please make sure he stays warm."
These words were rather abrupt, and the atmosphere froze for a moment. Yan Fei immediately tugged at Yan Chao's sleeve, shaking his head vigorously: "I'm not cold, I'm not cold! Mother put thick clothes on me!"
Yan Chao looked down at his bright, clear eyes and nodded, saying, "I will take good care of Fei'er. You should also go back early, there's no need to wait here."
Shu Ying stood there, at a loss, but Xiao Jiu bowed to her side and came to her rescue: "It is Consort Xu. Your Highness, this servant will escort Consort Xu back."
Yan Chao's expression hardened slightly, but he didn't ask any further questions and let him go.
.
The twenty-first year of Xuan Ning's reign was completely over. The beginning of the twenty-second year seemed quite peaceful on the surface, but this peace only lasted for a little over half a month. Finally, in the latter half of the first month, the truth could no longer be concealed and was revealed.
The Lantern Festival had passed, and it was time for people to return to their normal lives. The palace remained as solemn and orderly as ever. Since the death of Consort He, the emperor's most favored concubine, the harem had become quiet and deserted, except for Wan'an Palace, which was becoming more and more prosperous every day.
Lady Li of Wan'an Palace was promoted to Imperial Noble Consort during the New Year celebrations. Everyone understood that this was preparation for her becoming Empress. The coronation ceremony was scheduled for February, and all matters were being arranged intensively.
Consort Ning was clearly growing increasingly anxious, and every time she summoned Yan Chao, she couldn't help but ask her what her plans were. Yan Chao refused to elaborate, only saying that there was no need to worry.
The closer an Imperial Noble Consort gets to the position of Empress, the stronger her hopes, aspirations, and even ambitions become.
For more than a month, the emperor frequently visited Kunning Palace, but refused to step into Yongchun Palace again. He did everything in Kunning Palace: eating, resting, playing chess, painting, and even ordered the eunuchs to bring in some of the memorials, deeply and sorrowfully remembering his empress.
His poems were filled with sorrow. When he occasionally mentioned Consort He, she was only mentioned as a shadow of Empress Wenshu. But sometimes, in deep thought, the emperor felt that this shouldn't be the case.
The beauty he saw in Lady He was not something that existed between him and Empress Wenshu. From the moment he eagerly lifted his wife's veil on their wedding night, the image of Lady Cao that he loved had already vanished. Fortunately, he later tolerated everything about her, willingly indulging her little quirks; he never intended to change her back to her former self.
Empress Wenshu has been gone for many years, and has long since transformed into another lingering light in my heart. It was the appearance of Lady He that ignited it, and then extinguished it.
He thought his feelings for Lady He were merely indulgence, keeping her by his side with impure motives. He liked her spoiled and willful nature, and was captivated by her charm and liveliness. Even after Lady He's death, he mourned her by paying tribute to Empress Wen Shu.
The emperor found it ridiculous. At his advanced age, he was indulging in sentimentality for the first time in a long while.
The poems glowed with gold in the candlelight, the ashes rising and swirling lightly before dissipating with the wisps of smoke. The emperor listened to Lan Huai'en's report, his gaze deep and weary.
"Are there any survivors among those who were present at the time?"
"Not for now. Let me think about it some more."
"yes."
Lan Huaien's heart sank. The emperor's refusal was so decisive that he clearly believed the emperor to some extent, yet he wouldn't allow further investigation.
When the news reached Yan Chao's ears, she was taken aback for a moment, but quickly regained her composure: "It doesn't matter. Whether Your Majesty believes it or not, the facts are there. The court officials will not agree to forcibly make a guilty concubine empress."
Unaware of the situation, the Imperial Noble Consort was chatting and laughing with the other concubines in Wan'an Palace. She accepted their praise with grace and poise, her every word and action befitting an empress.
She also took care of the children in the harem. Among all the princes and princesses, the seventh princess under Consort Lin's care was the youngest and was currently the most favored by the Imperial Noble Consort.
The Imperial Noble Consort would occasionally see the Seventh Princess and would always hug her affectionately. Sometimes she would even take off the hair ornament from her hair to tease the child. Seeing the princess's eyes follow the ornament and her hands follow it, her smiling face was especially adorable.
Consort Lin was timid by nature. Although she did not want to see the Imperial Noble Consort, she dared not disobey her and had no choice but to hand her daughter over to someone else.
Consort Ning had a vague feeling of unease, but she had no reason to stop the Imperial Noble Consort from seeing Consort Lin and her daughter. She only told her to be careful in everything.
The truth will out.
Even though the emperor tried his best to cover up the cause of He's death, the news still spread like wildfire, and for a time, all sorts of speculations and discussions arose both inside and outside the palace.
Finally, some officials from the previous dynasty explicitly stated that if the soon-to-be-appointed empress had committed the grave crime of harming concubines, she would not be worthy of being the mother of the nation.
Lin Jieyu's seventh daughter died suddenly.
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