An epidemic raged outside the palace, and Qi Daiyu couldn't help but worry about her family. Returning to the Changchun Palace with a heavy heart, she was surprised to learn that Qi Caishang had already sent a letter ahead of her. Delivered along with the letter were several packages of medicinal herbs.
The letter's contents were simple. The gist was that Qi Caishang had noticed something amiss in the capital's outskirts some time ago and had already instructed Mrs. Wan to prepare ample medicinal supplies. There was also no need to worry about food, as the assorted grains she had sent over previously could sustain the entire family for years. The medicine sent along was prescribed by Doctor Wang from the capital, the same formula being administered to patients in the outskirts. Fearing the epidemic might breach the palace walls and that medical supplies might run short, Qi Caishang had immediately arranged for these to be sent in.
Almost as soon as the items were delivered into the palace, the Emperor issued an order to seal the gates.
Only after reading the letter did Qi Daiyu realize that Qi Caishang, as a Vice Minister of the Waterworks Bureau, frequently inspected the river embankments in the capital's outskirts and would naturally be aware of the epidemic news much sooner than she, confined within the inner palace.
With her family safe, a large part of Qi Daiyu's worry subsided.
Within Changchun Palace, only one young eunuch showed signs of a cough and had to be taken to a specially isolated palace building. Qi Daiyu instructed Shiliu to prepare some silver pieces for the eunuch and had the small kitchen prepare some durable dry rations for him to take along. This was also her way of signaling that he was not being abandoned.
The others showed no symptoms for now, so they could only wait and see.
For a time, the scent of burning mugwort wafted from every palace, Changchun Palace included. A large pot of isatis root broth simmered ceaselessly in the small kitchen. Qi Daiyu secretly poured some disinfectant into the water used to boil the mugwort. Fortunately, the smell of mugwort was strong enough, and the palace servants noticed nothing amiss.
The entire spring passed under this sealed confinement. It wasn't until the epidemic in the capital was brought under control with no new cases that the gates of the various palaces were opened once more.
Seeing the gates of Changchun Palace open, Si Yu couldn't resist wanting to go out and play. She was at that age of boundless curiosity about the world.
Qi Daiyu planned to take her for a stroll in the Imperial Garden. Unexpectedly, Quan Fuhai, the Emperor's attendant, suddenly arrived. "Concubine Hui, His Majesty requests your presence, along with the Third Princess, at the Mingwu Terrace in the Western Garden to watch a cuju match."
Cuju?
Quan Fuhai explained, "Her Highness the Empress Dowager's birthday is approaching. The Yanqing Princess suggested holding a cuju match, with teams of royal princes and noble ladies competing to add to the festive atmosphere. His Majesty has sent this servant to invite all the mistresses. In fact, I must head to the Xianfu Palace next!"
Hearing this, Qi Daiyu did not detain him. "I understand. After we freshen up a bit, the Third Princess and I will proceed."
Since they were going to watch cuju, they needed to change into more practical attire. Qi Daiyu changed both her own and Si Yu's clothes into something easier to move in and traveled to the Western Garden by sedan chair.
By the time they reached Mingwu Terrace, it was already bustling with activity.
"Concubine Hui!"
"Greetings to Concubine Hui."
"This must be the Third Princess? How adorable!"
Those greeting her included princesses, members of the imperial clan, and some of the newer concubines. Qi Daiyu returned their greetings one by one before proceeding to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager and the Empress.
Si Yu imitated her actions.
"This old one hasn't seen Si Yu in so long. Children change every day; I almost didn't recognize her!" The Empress Dowager laughed, opening her arms. Si Yu immediately threw herself into the Empress Dowager's embrace. "Imperial Grandmother!"
The Empress Dowager settled Si Yu on her lap, patiently answering the child's innocent questions.
Many glances were cast in their direction, and the looks directed at Qi Daiyu were filled with envy.
Wasn't the difference between having a child and not having one in the palace perfectly clear at a moment like this?
Qi Daiyu ignored these looks. She was observing the Empress. After several months apart, the Empress's complexion looked much rosier, and the worry between her brows had lessened. She seemed to be in much better health.
Qi Daiyu couldn't help but grin.
The Empress was puzzled. "Why such a radiant smile?"
Qi Daiyu replied, "This concubine sees Your Majesty in such good spirits and feels happy. Naturally, the smile is radiant."
"What's so happy?" A commanding voice sounded from behind. The Emperor had arrived.
Everyone except the Empress Dowager knelt in greeting. "We pay our respects to Your Majesty."
"Rise, all of you. Today, all present are family. No need for such formality. Speak freely and be at ease." Jiang Yuan went forward to speak with the Empress Dowager.
Only then did Qi Daiyu notice that Nie Zhiyu and Ji Yuanning had arrived with the Emperor. Ji Yuanning was even draped in the Emperor's cloak. The gazes of the concubines were practically boring holes through that cloak.
Qi Daiyu raised an eyebrow, asking Nie Zhiyu with a look what was going on.
Nie Zhiyu's seat was next to Qi Daiyu's, making it convenient for them to talk.
"His Majesty summoned me to the Qianqing Palace this morning to serve ink. Seeing the time was about right to head to the Western Garden, we took the path through the Imperial Garden," Nie Zhiyu whispered. Nie Zhiyu had excellent penmanship and was often summoned by the Emperor to serve ink.
"While passing the Imperial Garden, Lady Ji was feeding the fish by the Koi Pond. It's said she used pastries she made herself, which greatly attracted the fish. One koi even jumped ashore in its eagerness, splashing Lady Ji's dress. His Majesty, not wishing for her to be delayed in coming to the Western Garden, gave her his own cloak."
Qi Daiyu: "..."
"Why that expression?" Nie Zhiyu showed no anger at Ji Yuanning stealing the Emperor's attention. "These new ladies entered the palace only to be met with an epidemic, not seeing His Majesty for months. It's somewhat inevitable that one or two might grow impatient."
Qi Daiyu: "I just... don't quite understand her line of thinking." She glanced back at the smug-looking Ji Yuanning. "And, I mourn for her."
Mourn? Nie Zhiyu pondered for a moment, roughly understanding the meaning of the word, and sighed. "This Lady Ji probably doesn't yet understand His Majesty's temperament."
Was giving her the cloak an act of pity?
Not at all. It was to avoid spoiling the Empress Dowager's good mood.
Ji Yuanning's methods were too crude and had crossed a line His Majesty could not tolerate. Once today was over, the imperial favor she sought would not arrive; what would arrive was likely imperial wrath.
"Enough. It has nothing to do with you or me in any case. Shall we watch the match? The one on the fastest horse is the eldest daughter of the Prince of Huai. Truly, 'the fairer sex does not yield to the men.' She's about to score!" As Nie Zhiyu's words fell, the Prince of Huai's eldest daughter indeed struck the ball in!
Immediately, drums and gongs sounded in celebration. The children leaning on the railings clapped enthusiastically.
The joyful atmosphere infected Qi Daiyu. She stopped thinking about Ji Yuanning's affairs and focused on watching the competition.
This cuju match was divided into red and blue teams, each with sixteen players. Riding horses and wielding mallets, the objective within half an hour was to drive the ball into the opposing team's goal more times to win.
Involving tactics, horsemanship, reflexes, and teamwork, cuju matches were often fiercely competitive and highly engaging, very popular among the people of Zhao. Some regions even held annual cuju tournaments.
Qi Daiyu, after watching for just a short while, became completely engrossed. Finding the view from the stands too distant, she even activated her recording function to zoom in for a closer look!
On the other side, the Empress was also watching the match with a smile when she heard the Empress Dowager say, "This old one remembers, your riding skills were exceptional back in the day. You even won first place in the Cuju tournament hosted by Prince Sheng!"
Jiang Yuan also remarked, "The Empress's riding was personally taught by Marshal Jiang. Even I feel I fall short in comparison. It has been many years since I last saw the Empress gallop on horseback."
While his statement about his own skills being inferior to the Empress's was modest, one could hear the genuine admiration for her prowess.
The Empress smiled faintly, "This consort is not as bold as in her youth. Frankly, seeing such tall horses now gives me a bit of a fright. Looking at these young ladies on the field, they seem even more outstanding than I was back then."
Jiang Yuan placed the Empress's hand on his own knee. "It is precisely because of your heroic and spirited bearing that paved the way for these women to ride so freely today. As the mother of the realm, your grace deeply pleases this emperor."
Immediately, approving murmurs of "How deep the affection is between the Emperor and Empress!" rose from those around them.
Noticing the tea before the Empress was finished, Ju Yi refilled it and whispered to Mei Yi, "Sister Mei Yi, I'll go brew some more tea."
Mei Yi replied, "Mm, be quick!"
There was a tea room just behind the Mingwu Terrace, currently quite busy. As Ju Yi entered, Suihe from Concubine Shu's side was just leaving. As they passed each other, Ju Yi slipped a small pouch from her sleeve into Suihe's hand. Suihe received it without a change in expression and calmly walked away.
"Sister Ju Yi." Ju Yi's heart had just settled back into place when someone called her name, causing it to leap into her throat again. She turned to find Lianwu, who served Concubine Hui.
"Oh, it's Lianwu. Are you here to fetch tea too?" Ju Yi forced a flustered smile. "Come over here. We can have a chat."
Lianwu, who had only called out as a courtesy, was somewhat surprised. Ju Yi, who usually acted rather aloof and dismissive, why was she so friendly today?
It wasn't that Lianwu was overly suspicious. Her own mistress was on good terms with the Empress. Among the Empress's four senior palace maids, the other three had pleasant dispositions, especially Zhuyi, who, because of the Eldest Princess, had the most dealings with the Changchun Palace and was the most familiar. Mei Yi and Lan Yi were also kind to them.
Only Ju Yi had truly looked down her nose at everyone before. Later, for some unknown reason, she was punished and toned down her arrogance somewhat, but she had never acted like this before. Suppressing her unease, Lianwu walked over to Ju Yi and said with a smile, "The hairpin you're wearing today is so lovely, Sister Ju Yi!"
Meanwhile, Suihe, having left the tea room, did not return directly to the Mingwu Terrace. Instead, she went to a secluded corner, opened the pouch.
Inside was a prescription. Suihe recognized it at a glance—it was the prescription the Empress used to regulate her health.
A smile appeared on Suihe's face. Consort Ning had promised Ju Yi she would help arrange a good marriage for her. The condition was to provide some information about the Empress, such as her dietary preferences or her state of health.
At first, Ju Yi had been unwilling. But over the past year, under Consort Ning's deliberate shows of concern and offers of benefits, Ju Yi had gradually wavered.
Then, a few months ago, Ju Yi learned that the marriage the Empress had found for her was with a merchant who held a royal warrant. Although his family was immensely wealthy and he had no living elders, he was already twenty-seven, had been married once before, and had a three-year-old daughter. Marrying him would mean becoming a stepwife and a stepmother.
Ju Yi was not very willing. Scholars, farmers, artisans, merchants—she did not want to marry into a merchant family.
Upon learning this, Consort Ning promised to select an official's family for her, where she would be the proper first wife.
This made Ju Yi relent, and today she delivered the Empress's prescription.
A flicker of mockery passed through Suihe's eyes. Ju Yi likely thought that since this prescription was determined by the Chief Imperial Physician, Consort Ning couldn't possibly do anything with it, so this didn't count as betraying the Empress.
But Consort Ning's aims went far beyond just this prescription.
Once Ju Yi took this first step, the second and third would become unavoidable.
Carefully putting away the prescription and tucking the pouch into her sleeve, Suihe returned to the Mingwu Terrace.
Consort Ning seemed to sense something and glanced back. Seeing Suihe with downcast eyes, she turned back as if nothing had happened to watch the cuju match on the field. Only when she took a sip of tea did the rim of her cup hide the smile at the corner of her mouth.
