The Empress had been ill for quite some time and only began to recover after the twelfth lunar month began.
Now that the Empress was better, the authority to manage the Six Palaces naturally should be returned to her. On this day, Consort Ning brought the account books from the past few months to the Kunning Palace.
Before even entering the main hall, she saw Ju Yi, one of the Empress's attendants, limping along the corridor.
Meeting Consort Ning, Ju Yi bowed: "This servant pays her respects to Consort Ning."
Consort Ning looked at her curiously: "Isn't this Ju Yi? Your leg... when was it injured?"
Being watched, Ju Yi instinctively drew her leg back, her expression also somewhat uncomfortable.
That day, she had rushed into the hall to tell the Empress about the incident of the Marquis of Cheng'en falling from his horse, causing Her Majesty to become so agitated she spat up blood. When the Emperor found out, he ordered her dragged out and given thirty solid strokes of the cane. The beating was severe; she had been bedridden for months and had only been able to get up and move around a few days prior.
Although she could move now, her leg had been left with a lasting problem, and her gait was now rather unsightly.
Seeing her reluctance to speak, Consort Ning didn't press further, merely expressing regret: "Has Her Majesty the Empress had a physician examine you? Is there any medicine for it?"
Ju Yi pressed her lips together. The Empress had been ill and listless lately, and hadn't the energy to attend to such matters. She had heard about the beating, of course, and had instructed Mei Yi to send some medicinal ointment over, telling Ju Yi to rest well and resume her duties only after recovering.
Ju Yi did wish the Empress would request a physician for her, but having just been punished, she didn't dare be presumptuous again. She could only wait for a future opportunity to beg the Empress.
"This Consort happens to have an excellent ointment. I'll have Yang Xue send it over to you later."
Ju Yi kept her head lowered. "This servant's status is lowly. I do not deserve such kindness from Consort Ning."
"Where do such words come from? You are a senior palace maid serving Her Majesty the Empress. I recall the Empress has always valued you highly. Currently... she has merely been temporarily distracted. Once she has more leisure in the future, she will certainly summon a physician for you. Even setting Her Majesty aside, this Consort herself cannot bear to see you suffer. You are so young; if your leg truly becomes permanently disabled, it will likely be difficult for you to marry after leaving the palace."
Hearing Consort Ning's words, Ju Yi's eyes gradually grew moist. Because of the incident with the Empress spitting blood, everyone in the Kunning Palace had been giving her the cold shoulder these past days. They used to call her "Sister Ju Yi," but now? Even the little eunuch guarding the gate dared to gossip about her behind her back.
And then there was Mei Yi, always playing the good-natured one. In the past, she had been so close, calling her 'sister.' But after Ju Yi was caned, Mei Yi said with a cold face: "Don't blame me for not protecting you. Knowing Her Majesty was ill, how could you just blurt out the news about the Marquis of Cheng'en? It's only because nothing worse happened, and His Majesty considered how Her Majesty usually dotes on you, that your head is still on your shoulders!"
"I've told you many times before, think before you act, avoid impulsiveness. That day, I was right outside. I don't believe you didn't see me. If only you had spoken to me first, we could have discussed and carefully considered how to break the news to Her Majesty. You would never have ended up lying here like this!"
"Spend these days resting in your room and think it over properly!"
During these months of recuperation, Mei Yi visited her very little, and even Lan Yi and Zhu Yi paid her scant attention.
It showed how false their affections were!
Ju Yi harbored resentment in her heart, forgetting that Mei Yi was busy caring for the Empress, Lan Yi was occupied with the Second Prince, and Zhu Yi with the Eldest Princess. Where would they find the energy to fuss over her? After all, she was recuperating within the Kunning Palace, she lacked no medicine, and if she was ever hungry or thirsty, she could always order a junior maid to help.
Ju Yi overlooked all this, feeling only that these so-called sisters were less caring than Consort Ning.
"In my condition, how can I still hope to marry?"
Consort Ning: "Don't say such things. Ah, it truly is a pity. Among the four of you, I've always thought your looks were the finest. If not for this injury, after leaving the palace you could have even become an official's wife..."
The more she spoke like this, the more resentment grew in Ju Yi's heart. She resented her loyal service being repaid with a caning. She resented Mei Yi and the others not pleading for leniency after her single mistake. She resented the Empress, who knew she was injured like this, for not summoning a physician, letting her be left with a permanent ailment.
Seeing Ju Yi's expression, Consort Ning's gaze turned thoughtful. Noticing the main hall door opening and someone coming out, she said no more. "Enough. This Consort's father does have a few protégés. Their backgrounds are humble, but they are talented and handsome men. When the time comes for you to leave service, this Consort would be willing to mention it to the Empress. It would be a good deed."
Ju Yi's eyes lit up. She would be twenty-four next year!
"In your free time, you can also come to the Yikun Palace to chat with Yang Xue and the others." Consort Ning said with a faint smile, walking towards the main hall.
Mei Yi had just come out of the hall and bowed to her.
"Yes, this Consort is here to return the various account books."
"Consort Ning may go right in. Her Majesty the Empress is waiting." Mei Yi waited until Consort Ning entered before seeking out Ju Yi. "What did Consort Ning just say to you?"
Ju Yi had already composed her expression, her mouth quirking slightly. "She just saw my leg and asked a few questions."
Mentioning her leg, Mei Yi showed a smile. "Her Majesty just told me she plans to summon Physician Mao, who specializes in bone injuries, to examine you."
"Ju Yi, after this incident, you should learn to be more steady. We of the Kunning Palace serve Her Majesty the Empress after all. Especially you and Zhu Yi, who have served Her Majesty since the Eastern Palace days. Zhu Yi is meticulous, so Her Majesty assigned her to care for the Eldest Princess. You are quick-witted, but you often act without considering the consequences. How can Her Majesty entrust important matters to you like this?"
Mei Yi was speaking to her with almost brutal frankness, wanting to tell her that Her Majesty had not given up on her and still had high hopes for her. But in Ju Yi's ears, it sounded like: she was not as good as Zhu Yi.
"Ju Yi, you..."
"Sister Mei Yi!" Ju Yi interrupted her, her voice carrying a barely detectable sob and a thread of resentment. "I still need to go to the tea room to give instructions. Let's talk later."
Mei Yi: "Very well. Go quickly and return soon."
Having handed over her responsibilities, Qi Daiyu reverted to being the idler she was.
It happened to be snowing, so there was no need to go for morning greetings. She could sleep until the sun was high in the sky.
Shiliu and the others knew she had been exhausted recently and felt sorry for her, letting her sleep.
Every morning, Yanqing Residence was quiet, only springing to life when there was movement from the main chamber, the servants then beginning to move about with more noise.
On this day, Qi Daiyu was sleeping soundly when Shiliu shook her awake.
"What is it?" she asked blearily, seeing it was still dark outside.
Shiliu: "Consort Zhuang has gone into labor!"
Qi Daiyu jolted, instantly awake, sitting up to look for her shoes. "Wasn't it supposed to be some days later?"
Yanhe half-knelt to help her put on her shoes. "There's no fixed timing for a woman giving birth. Once the time is near, it can happen anytime."
Without putting on makeup, she hastily pinned up her hair, changed her clothes, and headed out. Shiliu fastened the ties of her cloak as they walked.
"Take the hand warmer too!" Putao hurriedly stuffed a hand warmer into Qi Daiyu's arms.
Fortunately, the Changchun Palace and the Qixiang Palace were close by, so Qi Daiyu was the first to arrive. The Qixiang Palace was already bustling with activity.
Qi Daiyu had just arrived when Ye Qiong came right after her, her attire also suggesting a hurried departure.
"Sister Qi!"
For the moment, there was no time to speak with her. Qi Daiyu went straight to the delivery room. Afraid the chill on her clothes might cause a disturbance, she only asked from outside her cloak, "Sister Zhu, are you alright?"
Qin Saizhu's voice sounded quite spirited. "Yu'er, you're here. I'm fine! The delivery room was prepared long ago, and the midwives have been staying here at Qixiang Palace. Everything is under control!" As soon as her water broke, they had immediately moved her into the delivery room.
"The midwife says it will still be a long while before the baby comes. You should go back and get some sleep!"
Hearing she still had the energy to joke, Qi Daiyu felt a wave of relief. "How could I possibly sleep now! The imperial physician should be here soon, and His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress are likely on their way."
Qin Saizhu wasn't in much pain at this moment and could still laugh. "Then you help me receive His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress!"
Qi Daiyu knew nothing about delivering babies and was afraid of being in the way, so she didn't dare stay long.
Once outside, Ye Qiong came up to her. "How is Sister Qin?"
Qi Daiyu stopped her from going in. "She seems well. You shouldn't go in either. The wind is strong outside, and the curtain opening and closing might let in a draft."
Ye Qiong's expression faltered slightly. "Alright! Then I'll stay with you, sister."
Qi Daiyu had Shiliu and the others help tidy up the main hall first. The Emperor and Empress would surely sit there for a while when they arrived. Ye Qiong stayed by her side.
The Emperor had spent the night at Chaorong's place. Upon receiving the news, he rushed over immediately, with Chaorong following. On the way, they met the Empress, and the three of them entered together. As soon as the Empress arrived, she took charge of all matters in Qixiang Palace.
Nie Zhiyu had also sent someone to check, but as she was pregnant herself, the Empress instructed her to rest in her own palace. Notices were sent to the other consorts as well, telling them not to come.
As the sky gradually lightened, there was still no movement from the delivery room.
A midwife came out and said, "Consort Zhuang is having her first child. I'm afraid it will still be quite some time."
The Empress smiled. "It seems this child is of a slow and steady nature."
Jiang Yuan already knew Consort Zhuang was carrying a princess. He thought it wasn't bad for a princess to have a calm temperament; it meant she would be gentle and quiet.
He still had to attend the morning court session, so he entrusted her care to the Empress.
"Your Majesty, rest assured. I will keep watch."
By the time the morning court session ended, Consort Zhuang still hadn't gone into active labor. The Empress Dowager came once, but seeing it was still early, she left again. Other consorts also came and went. Only Consort Ning stayed a little longer.
Ye Qiong merely followed behind Qi Daiyu, not daring to look at her.
Consort Ning turned her head and glanced at Yangxue. Yangxue gave an almost imperceptible nod. Consort Ning then said to the Empress, "Your Majesty, would you like to go back and rest for a while? Let your servant keep watch."
The Empress was indeed feeling somewhat fatigued. Seeing it was still early, she nodded. "I will return in two hours."
Passing by Qi Daiyu, the Empress said, "Noble Lady Hui, you should go rest for a while too."
Qi Daiyu shook her head. "This concubine is fine. I'll stay here. If anything is needed, I can help promptly."
Knowing she was close to Consort Zhuang, the Empress didn't insist.
She only instructed the servants to replenish the charcoal in the hall to ensure no one would catch cold.
Qi Daiyu naturally refused to leave. Although the palace appeared harmonious now, and Qin Saizhu was carrying a princess—theoretically, no one should target her—Qi Daiyu wasn't at ease. She had to keep watch personally to feel secure.
Not only did she keep watch outside, she also sent Yanhe into the delivery room. Yanhe was older and had experience caring for a princess, so there was no taboo against her presence.
At one point, Consort Ning went to freshen up.
"How is it?" Consort Ning asked in a low voice.
Yangxue replied, "Lady Ye likely won't make a move. Noble Lady Hui has sent her maid into the delivery room. It's really not a good opportunity to act..."
Consort Ning showed no urgency. "Then forget it. Don't alert anyone. We'll think of another way later."
Yangxue: "Yes."
The sky gradually darkened, and snow began to fall once more, unnoticed.
Inside the delivery room, after having another bowl of shredded chicken noodles, Qin Saizhu finally began to feel intense pain.
The Qixiang Palace suddenly became noisy and bustling.
