Chapter 175 The concubine committed suicide. Inside Xianfu Palace, Lady Li Jia waited anxiously…
Inside Xianfu Palace, Lady Li Jia waited anxiously. Finally, when Hongxi entered, she quickly stood up and asked, "Hongxi, your cousin...?"
Hongxi's face was gloomy, and he shook his head at her with his eyes closed.
Li Jia sat back down, but quickly raised her head and said through gritted teeth, "Someone must have deliberately framed him. Your cousin has been traveling for many years, how come he was impeached and imprisoned this time?"
Speaking of this, Hongxi felt a surge of displeasure and said in a deep voice, "I have already read the case file, and the evidence against my cousin is indeed conclusive. Father Emperor was furious about this and even took his anger out on me."
Li Jia's lips trembled slightly as she anxiously inquired, "Did the Emperor reprimand you? How could the Emperor listen to only one side?!" A moment later, she became even more distraught, "Your uncle's family only has this one son. What if the Emperor wants to kill him? Hongxi, isn't there any other way?"
Seeing Li Jia's panicked state and inability to grasp the key point, Hongxi clenched his fists. Finally, he gritted his teeth and looked at Li Jia, saying, "Mother, things have come to this point. It's up to you and your maternal grandparents to decide what to do."
"Wh...what?" Li Jia didn't understand what he meant for a moment.
Hongxi took a deep breath and looked at her seriously: "Does Mother want me, her son, or Li Changning, her nephew? Does Uncle think I'm more important, or does he think his son is more important?"
Li Jia was startled to hear such words from Hongxi and looked at him in surprise.
Hongxi lowered his eyes and continued, "Mother, I have already done my best to plead for her."
Li Jia's heart trembled violently at those few words. Understanding Hongxi's meaning, her face filled with disbelief, she murmured softly, "He...he's your cousin. He's...he's always been on your side..."
“But so what?” Hongxi retorted, frowning. “My mother and I have promoted him a lot in the palace, yet he has caused such a mess. If it hadn’t come to light, it would have been fine, but now he has been impeached by the censor, and the evidence is irrefutable.” He sighed deeply. “If Father Emperor suspects that I have secretly colluded with ministers to plot against him because of this… Mother, how should we face ourselves then?”
Li Jia felt a tightness in her chest from his questions: "Should I have a son or a nephew...?"
Finally, she closed her eyes heavily in despair and said listlessly, "Fine... I'll listen to you."
After Hongxi left, Li Jia sat there listlessly, feeling more exhausted than ever before. Hongxi... She was shocked to realize that, out of her sight, Hongxi had grown up, even becoming someone she didn't recognize. How could he be so heartless, watching his brother who protected him die?
Li Jia quickly shook her head, constantly reassuring herself, "It's not like that. Hongxi has already done his best by pleading for him. Now they have to make a tough decision. It's not their fault; they have to blame others. They were forced into this situation by others. Besides, for Hongxi, any sacrifice is worthwhile. As long as Hongxi has a future, everything is worth it."
A few days later, things took an unexpected turn when it was announced that Li Changning had been released from prison. Although he had been flogged, lost his official position, and was forbidden from entering the palace, he had at least saved his life.
Upon hearing the news, Li Jia was overjoyed. She wondered if Hongxi, out of pity, was still pleading for Li Changning. She considered calling Hongxi over to ask, but quickly changed her mind. A deep bitterness welled up inside her. She couldn't help but think that it was all her and the Li family's fault for holding Hongxi back and disgracing him.
Li Jia reached up and touched her forehead, feeling a dull ache in her head and heart. But this pain eventually turned into hatred, and the hatred she felt for the Consort and the Emperor was about to engulf her.
For the next month or so, without Li Changning's informants, Lady Li Jia was unaware of any news from outside. She could only wonder if dealing with Li Changning would bring the matter to a close and if Hongxi could finally rest easy. But this hope was quickly dashed when the palace maid Pearl rushed in, panting, and said, "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened!"
Li Jia looked over abruptly. She saw Pearl kneel down with a thud, then raise her head, her face pale with shock, and trembling as she said, "His Majesty has decreed that the First Prince must leave the palace and establish his own residence!"
These words struck like a thunderbolt.
Li Jia stood up abruptly and shouted at her, "Nonsense! Who told you that? Who dares to speak so recklessly!"
Pearl replied with a look of panic, "The Emperor has already issued an edict ordering the three princes to leave the palace, and the news has spread throughout the palace."
Li Jia clutched her chest and slumped back down, muttering to herself, "Impossible, it doesn't make sense." Then she said sternly, "Go and invite the First Prince over, go now."
Pearl agreed and left, but she returned alone a short while later, cautiously reporting, "The eldest prince... the eldest prince said he was busy at the palace and couldn't come to pay his respects to you for the time being."
Li Jia was shocked to hear such words from her; her vision blurred for a moment, and she only managed to stay upright by bracing herself against the bed. Pearl rushed forward to support her, saying, "My lady, are you alright? This servant will send someone to fetch the imperial physician right away, right now..."
Li Jia's vision was blurry at this moment, but she still grabbed her wrist and said, "No! You mustn't go!" The Emperor had just issued an edict ordering the prince to leave the palace, and she had immediately summoned the imperial physician. Wasn't this a sign that she was dissatisfied with the Emperor's decree? She forced herself to stay awake and said in a low voice, "Help me to the inner room. I'll lie down for a while... lie down for a while... and I'll be fine."
Pearl had no choice but to help her to the bed in the inner room.
Li Jia lay on her back, her eyes hazy as she looked up at the bed curtains. Embroidered on them was her favorite pattern. She recalled that when she gave birth to Hongxi, among the gifts sent by the Imperial Household Department was a bed curtain like this, made of Suzhou tribute satin, embroidered with osmanthus and bats, symbolizing her blessing with a son. She loved it dearly, so afterwards, her bed curtains, sheets, and even pillowcases were all embroidered with this pattern.
May you have a son!
Li Jia smiled bitterly. Over the years, she had never gotten what she wanted, and her only son no longer wanted to see her.
Hongxi...it's your mother's fault...
Li Jia closed her eyes tightly, and a tear fell onto her pillow.
After Hongxi left the palace, the Forbidden City seemed to fall into a deep silence, with Xianfu Palace being the most tranquil, as if the palace itself didn't exist. At this moment, a second-class palace maid from Xianfu Palace returned with her monthly allowance and reported to Zhenzhu. Zhenzhu stepped outside the palace, about to speak, when she heard several eunuchs squatting in a corner, whispering amongst themselves. Listening closely, she realized they were discussing the Emperor's intention to make the Prince of Yangxin Hall the Crown Prince.
Pearl frowned, took two steps in that direction, and scolded with a stern look, "How dare you talk about these things in public? Don't you want your heads?" The eunuchs shrank back and immediately ran over to kowtow and beg for mercy.
Pearl snorted coldly, ordered a second-class palace maid to distribute the monthly allowance, and then returned to the palace to serve Lady Li. Lady Li had been listless ever since Hongxi established his residence, staring blankly outside all day.
Pearl whispered, "Your Majesty, a few days ago the First Prince sent someone to say that he hopes you will take care of your health."
Li Jia hummed in agreement and asked softly, "What was all that commotion outside just now?"
Pearl handed the hand warmer to Li Jia and said, "It's nothing. It was just that the palace maids who were sweeping were being lazy and chatting. I just scolded them a few times."
"Is that so?" Li Jia murmured. "A little noise is good; I've never felt Xianfu Palace so quiet." Usually, even though the Emperor didn't come, Hongxi would, and the First Consort Niohuru would come too. Sometimes Li Changning would send a message to pay her respects, but now they were all gone from the palace; they didn't want to see her anymore. She paused, then continued, "What are they saying?"
Pearl hesitated for a moment, then lowered her head and whispered, "These are all trivial matters, not worth Your Majesty's trouble."
Lady Li smiled slowly, "Is it that they're going to establish a crown prince? Who is it?" She continued, "Is it the Fourth Prince? Or the Fifth Prince? Tell me, what's being said outside?" She stared intently at Pearl.
Pearl bit her lip and after a long while said, "It is rumored outside that the Emperor intends to make the Fifth Prince the Crown Prince."
Fifth Prince...
Li Jia suddenly scoffed, "That's right, the Emperor dotes on his youngest son, and the Fifth Prince was born and raised in the Hall of Mental Cultivation." But Your Majesty, do you still remember your eldest son? When you decided to make your youngest son the heir, did you consider Hongxi's feelings? He was the eldest grandson praised by the late Emperor! Or... are you taking your anger out on Hongxi because of me, because of the Li family?
Li Jia took a deep breath, as if she had made a decision, and said, "Bring me pen and ink."
"Your Majesty?" Pearl asked softly, unsure of what she was about to do.
Li Jia said, "Bring out the auspicious robes as well." She wanted to do one last thing for Hongxi! Something only she could do!
Li Jia's memorial was quickly submitted, and within a few days, someone arrived at the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Li Jia dressed herself in her auspicious robes, constantly examining herself in the mirror. She had rarely worn such clothes in recent years, and slowly said, "Let's go."
Li Jia walked step by step to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, and after entering, she bowed and kowtowed: "This servant greets Your Majesty."
Yinreng sat on the throne, watching the neatly dressed people bowing. Li Jia handed over a memorial requesting an audience with the emperor, saying she had something to report. He originally didn't want to see her, but he was also curious about what she had to say, so he said in a deep voice, "Since you've come to see me, just say what you have to say."
Li Jia straightened up and said calmly, "This servant has come here specifically to beg for forgiveness." After bowing and kowtowing, she straightened up again and said, "This servant's nephew was instructed by this servant to form cliques and engage in private activities, and this servant's family members were also instructed by this servant to embezzle and accept bribes. This servant is guilty, this servant deserves to die."
Yinreng frowned as he looked at her. "You came all this way just to say this?"
Li Jia said, "These things are all my fault, and have nothing to do with Hongxi. Please do not take your anger out on me, Your Majesty."
Yinreng was utterly puzzled by Li Jia's words. Didn't she think her own words were ridiculous? Or did she think that by taking all the blame upon herself, he would recall Hongxi to the palace? "I will decide what is right and wrong," he said, glancing aside. "Guards, escort Consort Ke back."
Jing Shun nodded and immediately came over to ask Li Jia to leave, but Li Jia ignored him completely, kneeling and taking two steps forward, saying, "Your Highness, Hongxi is your own son, he is your eldest son!"
Yinreng was angered by her words: "Consort Ke, don't take advantage of my tolerance to cause trouble. It is precisely because Hongxi is my eldest son that I have gone to such lengths to keep you wicked people away from him."
“A treacherous villain…a treacherous villain…” Li Jia suddenly laughed, then her expression changed in an instant. “Now this servant is standing right before Your Majesty, you may dismiss this servant as you wish. But you cannot treat Hongxi like this. He is a chosen one of Heaven, proud and arrogant, how can he bear such a fall from grace?!”
"Do you think I don't want to depose you?" Yinreng slammed his hand heavily on the table. "You were the one who tried to win over the Dowager Consort, weren't you? And the palace maid Jin, and the rumors about the Noble Consort that weren't spread before! Do you think I didn't know anything about it? If it weren't for the fact that you are Hongxi's birth mother, I would never have been so lenient with you! I only regret not confining you to Xianfu Palace, and I regret letting Hongxi visit you, his mother, more often, which is why Hongxi has drifted further and further away from me."
“You’re right, I did all of this.” Li Jiashi readily admitted to it and said loudly, “This servant was afraid you didn’t know who the culprit was, so I came to see the Emperor today. If you have any questions, you can come at me.”
Seeing her confess without hesitation, Yinreng took a deep breath, his brows furrowed in disbelief: "I never knew you had become like this. When you first entered Xiefang Palace, although you were jealous and resentful, your character was not bad. I never imagined that after all these years, you would become such a vicious woman."
Tears welled in Li Jia's eyes as she spoke of the past, her voice trembling with anguish: "Does Your Majesty still remember what I looked like back then? I've almost forgotten myself. All these years, you've favored the Consort, but have you ever considered anyone else? Do you know what kind of life I've been living? Day after day, I've stayed in this square courtyard, waiting from dawn till dusk, and then from dusk till dawn again. Occasionally, I'd hear news from outside that the Consort is pregnant again, or that she's given birth again. Do you know how I felt?"
Yinreng: "So you hate me to the core, and you hate the Imperial Concubine to the core!"
"Yes!" Li Jia straightened her back and met his gaze. "These should all have been mine, so how could I not hate them? I can't help but hate them! Over the years, this servant has been driven mad by this hatred." If she had always been an unfavored person since entering the palace, that would be one thing. But she had once been favored and knew what it felt like to be loved. So how could she swallow this bitter pill of having gained something only to lose it?
Yinreng looked at her with disgust. Why had he treated her so coldly back then? Was it entirely because of the Imperial Concubine in her eyes? Furthermore, even if it was because of the Imperial Concubine, that wasn't an excuse for her numerous misdeeds. Of all the people in the palace, why was she the only one dissatisfied? In terms of rank and leniency, hadn't he treated her well enough? Yinreng's eyes turned completely cold; he was utterly too lazy to argue with Li Jia.
After a long silence, he said, "For Hongxi's sake, I will not depose the concubine. But from now on, you will stay in Xianfu Palace and reflect on your mistakes." He no longer looked at her and simply turned and left, saying, "I will pretend that Hongxi doesn't have a mother like you."
Hearing these words, Lady Li Jia collapsed to the ground. After a long, long time, Pearl crawled over from behind to help her. Lady Li Jia's hazy gaze fell behind her, thinking that the Emperor must have gone to see the Consort and the Fifth Prince. She gave a bitter smile and staggered to her feet. By the time she returned to Xianfu Palace, it was already evening. After dismissing everyone, Lady Li Jia sat there blankly.
She felt she had never felt so at peace. Then her gaze slowly drifted to the roof beams: in fact, she had already decided on her fate before even going to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Hongxi, you can't have a mother like her.
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Author's Note: I suddenly realized this scene is a huge Rashomon effect, but Rashomon-like situations exist everywhere in the Forbidden City; from different people's perspectives, the interpretation of events is different. Could this be considered a case of everyone having their own grave to cry at? [laughing emoji]
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