Late spring was settling in, and after several bouts of rain, many flowers in the palace had withered and fallen.
On this day of paying respects, a rare sight unfolded—Concubine Shu actually brought the Eldest Prince along.
Concubine Shu doted on the Eldest Prince as if he were the apple of her eye. It was said that the Eldest Prince had a particularly delicate constitution and was intolerant to eggs. Worried he might also be allergic to pollen like some others, Concubine Shu had been hesitant to let him venture outside for the past few months.
But now the Eldest Prince was able to steady himself against the walls and walk, growing increasingly curious about the world beyond. The confines of Chengqian Palace no longer satisfied his curiosity. Concubine Shu was at a loss and decided that after paying respects today, she would take him out for a stroll.
She also invited Consort An, who brought along the Second Princess.
The eight-month-old child had arms like lotus roots, and those big, wide eyes were full of wonder at everything and everyone. So adorable, anyone who saw him couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy.
Even Consort Ning, usually as calm and unflappable as a still pond, showed a rare smile as she held the Eldest Prince.
The Eldest Prince was not shy either. Sitting on Consort Ning’s lap, he grabbed at a bracelet on her hand, fascinated.
But his favorite playmate was still the Second Princess. The two were close in age and often played together. The Eldest Prince was most familiar with his second elder sister. The Empress had laid a carpet in the center of the hall so the two children could play freely.
Placing the Eldest Prince on the floor, he steadied himself by holding onto the table legs and stood up on his own. One by one, he went to hug the legs of the concubines, with the Second Princess following protectively behind him.
Witnessing this harmonious sibling moment, Concubine Mei, her belly slightly rounded with pregnancy, sighed softly, “When the child in my womb is born, he will be able to play with his older brothers and sisters.”
Concubine Shu glanced at her belly and said, “Concubine Mei, I can’t help but notice your belly looks bigger than a typical three-month pregnancy. Could it be… twins?”
Everyone’s eyes turned to Concubine Mei’s belly, which did seem noticeably larger.
Upon hearing this, a spark of joy lit up Concubine Mei’s eyes. She had never considered the possibility before—could she really be so fortunate as to be carrying twins?
But the Empress quickly interjected, “If it were twins, the imperial physician would have already informed His Majesty and me. Concubine Mei is not expecting twins; it’s likely just that this fetus is larger.” She cared for Concubine Mei and always checked her pulse records. The child was almost four months along now, and if there were twins, the physician would have known by now.
Suddenly, Consort An scoffed, “In my opinion, Concubine Mei has simply been eating too much and gained weight. Look closely—she even has a double chin now.”
Everyone took a second look and realized it was true! Concubine Mei, once slender, now looked fuller, especially around her belly, where a bit of excess flesh could be seen at her lower back, making her belly appear larger.
Concubine Mei’s expression stiffened. She unconsciously touched her face—did she really have a double chin now? Since becoming pregnant, her appetite had indeed increased significantly. The Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Empress had all generously bestowed nourishing tonics upon her. Thinking that eating more supplements would benefit the child in her womb, Concubine Mei drank at least a bowl every day. These tonics were precious and highly nutritious, so it was natural she had gained some weight.
Qin Saizhu sat atop Concubine Mei, a subtle smile curling at the corners of her lips. Concubine Mei had once teased her for being plump and well-nourished, but now Qin Saizhu was no less so, and she felt a quiet satisfaction deep in her heart.
Just then, the Eldest Prince toddled over to her. Qin Saizhu gently tapped his nose, making the child grin and reveal a few baby teeth before he wobbled unsteadily toward Qi Daiyu, who was seated across from Concubine Mei.
Seated one seat away from Concubine Mei, Zhaorong covered her face with a handkerchief as she laughed, saying, “Concubine Mei, I recall hearing from our elders that when a woman eats too much during pregnancy, the fetus grows too large, making childbirth very difficult. Perhaps…” She paused, then added, “It’s better not to say such ominous things.”
Had she stopped there, others might have missed the implication, but having uttered “ominous,” the unsaid words were all too clear.
“You!” Concubine Mei’s expression immediately darkened, but Zhaorong quickly backtracked, insisting she hadn’t cursed the dragon child in her womb. Unable to find fault with her words, Concubine Mei could only slam the table in frustration.
The sudden loud noise startled the Eldest Prince, who had just reached Qi Daiyu’s side. Already unsteady on his feet, he faltered, nearly toppling forward. Qi Daiyu, ever alert, swiftly caught the little one in her arms. The Eldest Prince instinctively clung to her arm, retreating into her embrace, then looked back to see who had caused the commotion, tears welling in his eyes.
Qi Daiyu gently soothed him, stroking his back until he calmed down. The Eldest Prince then gazed at her with curious eyes.
Satisfied that her son was unharmed, Concubine Shu’s expression darkened as she spoke coldly, “Concubine Mei is quite bold these days. Only a few days ago, she slapped a fellow consort in public, and now she’s losing her temper in front of the prince. I wonder when this harem became hers to command, that she dares to disregard everyone else.”
She glanced at Zhaorong, who immediately understood and rose to half-kneel. “Concubine Shu, please forgive me. It was my fault for speaking carelessly and upsetting Concubine Mei. If there is blame, it should fall on me.”
“You were only trying to warn Concubine Mei, so where’s the fault? Haven’t you suffered enough grievances these past days? I had heard you were spoiled and pampered, but it seems you’re just a paper tiger.”
Zhaorong silently lowered her head, tears streaming down her face, looking utterly pitiful.
The Empress quietly sighed to herself. She had already seen through Concubine Shu’s scheme—to stir trouble and defend Zhaorong, forcing the Empress to punish Concubine Mei for the slap incident.
Indeed, Concubine Mei bore greater blame in this matter. The Empress had intended to excuse her, citing the seriousness of her pregnancy, but Concubine Mei’s inability to control her temper today gave Concubine Shu the perfect opportunity to confront her.
In front of all the consorts, if the Empress showed favoritism toward Concubine Mei, she would appear unjust, losing all authority.
“The Eldest Prince hasn’t seen the Eldest Princess in a long time, has he? Zhuyi, take the Eldest Prince and the Second Princess to their elder sister’s chamber to play.”
Even if she needed to discipline them, it couldn’t be done in front of the children.
Neither Concubine Shu nor Consort An objected.
Once the two children had left, the Empress’s expression grew stern and heavy.
With a displeased look, the Empress turned to Concubine Mei. "Concubine Mei, your temper is far too volatile. Even if pregnancy makes you irritable, you should never strike someone in public."
Concubine Mei panicked. "Your Majesty, that day Consort Wei spoke recklessly and provoked me. I couldn't hold back and struck her... She is merely a talent-ranked consort..." She felt deeply wronged. Zhaorong was just a talent consort, yet dared to confront her openly. After all, she was carrying a precious child. In Concubine Mei’s mind, even if she had struck Zhaorong, the Emperor and Empress wouldn’t punish her harshly out of consideration for her pregnancy.
But she had forgotten that if they intended to punish her, there were plenty of ways that wouldn’t harm the child she carried.
The Empress’s tone grew stern as she saw Concubine Mei’s lack of remorse. "Consort Wei was at fault first. Why didn’t you report this to me immediately? You say Zhaorong is just a talent consort, but you yourself are only a concubine. You must abide by palace rules. You have no authority over palace affairs, nor do you outrank Consort Wei. How could you take matters into your own hands and punish her yourself?" Such behavior was disgraceful and malicious.
At last, Concubine Mei realized where she had gone wrong and fell silent.
The Empress sighed inwardly at Concubine Mei’s foolishness. Had she come to Kunning Palace immediately after being confronted by Zhaorong, the Empress might have used the incident to demote Zhaorong’s rank.
Instead, she had handed over a far bigger blunder and now had no choice but to punish her.
"Consort Wei is to be docked three months’ salary for provoking a pregnant consort. Concubine Mei, for your arrogance and unauthorized use of corporal punishment, you are to be confined for one month without leaving your quarters and docked three months’ salary, considering your current pregnancy and the precious child you carry."
A month of confinement would at least keep her from causing further trouble.
Concubine Shu was the first to rise. "The Empress is just. I, your servant, accept the judgment."
The other consorts followed suit. "The Empress is just. We, your servants, accept the judgment."
Zhaorong bowed in gratitude, though her expression showed no joy. Although Concubine Mei had been punished, that slap was a real blow, and no doubt many were mocking her behind her back.
Concubine Mei’s chest heaved with anger, but she could only put on a show of willing acceptance.
After the audience dispersed, Qi Daiyu remained behind.
She briefly reported to the Empress on the progress of the "Furong Face" project. The Empress nodded and instructed Mei Yi to present several copies of the contract. "Four copies in all. One for me, one for the Emperor, one for you, and one to be kept on file with the Capital Prefect’s office. Sign and seal it."
Qi Daiyu examined the contract. The terms were exactly as previously agreed. The official seals of the prefecture, along with the private seals of the Empress and Emperor, were all in place. Now, all that was left was her own signature and seal. As a Zhaoyi, she had no private seal and could only sign.
After signing all four copies, Qi Daiyu tucked away her own.
The copy for the prefecture would be sent out by the Empress’s orders.
"The shop is secured. It should open in a few days. I’ve also arranged for a shopkeeper and assistants for you. On the twentieth of each month, the shopkeeper will bring the accounts to the palace. You only need this waist token to collect the funds directly, bypassing the Ministry of Internal Affairs."
Mei Yi then presented a blue waist token.
Shiliu took the blue waist token from Qi Daiyu. This token, issued by the Palace of Kunning, allowed favored concubines and their close attendants to move freely within the palace, and with prior notice, even to leave the palace on official errands. Such a token was exceedingly rare—only high-ranking or favored concubines possessed one.
Within the harem, Qi Daiyu was only the fifth to receive this token.
“Your beauty tonic has worked wonders for me. I haven’t had a single pimple in days, and my skin is noticeably fairer. In a few days, when the Marchioness of Xuan enters the palace, I’ll recommend it to her just as you suggested. What did you call it again?”
Qi Daiyu smiled, “A product endorsement.”
If the Empress herself endorses a product, who could possibly top that?
“Yes, an endorsement. Though the term may be common, it’s straightforward and easy to understand.”
Just then, Zhuyi returned. “Have the Eldest Prince and the Second Princess left?”
“Yes,” Zhuyi replied. “I saw Concubine Shu and Consort An taking the Eldest Prince and Second Princess to the Imperial Garden.” She lowered her eyes and didn’t mention that the Eldest Princess had wanted to join them but was stopped by Zhuyi.
The Empress, of course, was not unaware. Though the Eldest Princess’s condition had improved significantly, the Empress still dared not take any chances.
“Huizhaoyi, what do you think of Nie Zhiyu?” the Empress suddenly asked.
Qi Daiyu was momentarily taken aback, not answering immediately but pondering the Empress’s intent.
Considering Nie Zhiyu’s recent rise in favor and the trouble Concubine Mei had stirred up, Qi Daiyu suspected the Empress intended to win over Nie Zhiyu.
Though Concubine Mei was pregnant, everyone knew she was restless and troublesome—loyal only to the Empress, but otherwise a constant headache.
As for Qi Daiyu herself, she was somewhat like a lost cause; the Empress seemed unwilling to trouble herself with her and let her live her life as she pleased.
With no reliable people close to the Empress, her attention naturally turned to newcomers.
Nie Zhiyu was a promising choice.
Though her background was somewhat complicated, she was steady and composed, and it seemed the Emperor favored her as well.
Qi Daiyu suddenly thought of someone else—Ye Qiong. She felt that Ye Qiong was also quite commendable: kind and gentle, and from what she had heard, the Emperor treated her with a certain warmth.
But ultimately, it was the Empress’s decision to make, so Qi Daiyu said no more. “I haven’t had much contact with Nie Zhiyu, but in the few times I have, she struck me as a person of integrity.”
The Empress agreed.
She had heard of Nie Zhiyu before and had even sent people to inquire about her in the capital. Nie Zhiyu was known for her dignified temperament. Despite the upheaval in her family background, she bore no resentment. After returning to the Nie household, she severed ties with the Xiang Prince’s residence. Within the Nie family, she respected her elders and cared for her sisters. When her arranged marriage with the Ning family fell through, she decisively entered the palace selection. Her character and disposition were truly exceptional.
The Empress held her in high regard.
Just as she was about to speak, Ju Yi hurried in, breathless. “Your Majesty, there’s been an incident at Jingren Palace.”
Jingren Palace—the residence of Concubine Mei—was thrown into chaos. When the Empress arrived, she saw palace maids rushing in and out in disarray, utterly unorganized. Her fury ignited instantly.
Suppressing her anger, the Empress called out to Concubine Mei’s chief palace maid, Luhui. “Did you send for the imperial physician?”
Luhui’s eyes were red as she nodded, “As soon as something happened, I immediately sent someone to fetch the imperial physician.”
Relieved that she wasn’t completely incompetent, the Empress let out a breath. Just then, Beauty Cao came out from the inner chamber, her face full of panic.
“Why are you here?”
Beauty Cao hurriedly bowed, “Your Majesty, I heard the commotion and rushed over. Concubine Mei...” Before she could finish, the agonized screams of Concubine Mei echoed from inside the room.
Having given birth herself, the Empress immediately sensed something was wrong upon hearing Concubine Mei’s cries. She hurried inside and saw Concubine Mei lying on the bed, her face pale as death, and a large pool of blood beneath her.
Seeing the Empress, Concubine Mei, drenched in sweat from pain, stretched out her hand like a drowning person begging for help. “Empress, please save me. Save my child!”
She cried out again, “Your Majesty, the Emperor, please save me!”
“The Emperor has already been notified,” the Empress said calmly, “but today is the day of the palace examination; His Majesty won’t be able to arrive in time.”
The Empress took Concubine Mei’s hand, even as the latter’s nails dug painfully into her flesh from the intensity of her agony. “Concubine Mei, the imperial physician is on the way. You must hold on.” Worried she might not endure, she quickly added, “Didn’t I send ginseng earlier? Have her slice a piece and hold it in her mouth immediately!”
Since Concubine Mei’s own maids were useless, Mei Yi took over, efficiently instructing the servants to fetch the ginseng and boil water.
Finally, the imperial physician and his female assistant arrived. The Empress stepped aside to allow the physician to approach.
Concubine Mei had already fainted from the pain.
Seeing the physician’s grave expression, the Empress’s heart sank. She had a bad feeling ever since she saw the blood under Concubine Mei.
When the physician looked troubled, the Empress signaled for everyone to leave the room.
Once in the main hall, the Empress asked, “How is Concubine Mei’s condition?”
The physician bowed deeply, sweat beading his forehead. “Concubine Mei’s pregnancy... I’m afraid it cannot be saved.” It wasn’t just the unborn child in danger, but the mother herself. The physician spoke rapidly, “Your Majesty, the most urgent matter now is to save Concubine Mei’s life...”
The Empress nodded with a heavy heart, her expression filled with sorrow. “Do whatever is necessary. Mei Yi, you go in with the physician. If he needs anything, deliver it immediately.”
As soon as the physician went back in, the Empress’s gaze hardened. Li Lu immediately forced Luhui to her knees.
The Empress’s voice was cold. “Tell me exactly what happened. Concubine Mei was fine when she paid respects, so how did she fall ill after returning to Jingren Palace?”
Luhui trembled all over. “Your Majesty, I truly don’t know. Concubine Mei suddenly said her stomach hurt, then I saw the blood. I really don’t understand what happened…”
She was so terrified that she kept repeating herself, offering no useful information.
The Empress remained patient. “Tell me what Concubine Mei did after she returned. Did she eat anything unusual?”
Luhui shook her head. "Concubine Mei returned together with Lady Cao. The two of them talked for a while. Later, Lady Cao left, and after some time, Concubine Mei suddenly complained of stomach pain." She widened her eyes and looked at Lady Cao. "Lady Cao, could it be that you..."
Lady Cao immediately dropped to her knees. "Your Majesty the Empress, your insight is sharp! I did indeed speak with Concubine Mei, but I would never harm her. Luhui, I live with Concubine Mei in Jingren Palace, and since we live close by, she often calls me over to talk. You have witnessed this yourself. When have I ever harbored any intention to harm Concubine Mei?"
At this moment, Concubine Shu and Consort Ning, having heard the news, also hurried over. Consort An, however, had taken the Eldest Prince and the Second Princess back to Chengqian Palace and did not come along.
Seeing Lady Cao kneeling on the ground, Concubine Shu and Consort Ning looked surprised but wisely chose to remain silent.
The Empress gestured for them to sit and continued questioning Lady Cao, "What did you and Concubine Mei talk about?"
Lady Cao trembled slightly, glancing uneasily at Concubine Shu.
Concubine Shu raised an eyebrow. "It seems it has something to do with me. Lady Cao, the situation is urgent now. Just speak freely. I am not so petty."
Lady Cao lowered her head. "Mostly, Concubine Mei was venting... She was upset during the greeting ceremony, and when she returned, she said some... unpleasant things." Her eyes reddened. "I often listen to her because I know her temperament. Once she vents her frustrations, she feels better, so I did not stop her. After she finished, I went back to my room. But less than half an hour later, I heard the commotion here."
"Your Majesty, could it be that Concubine Mei’s anger caused her to overexert herself and harm the baby?" Lady Cao tried to defend herself.
"Your Majesty, I would never harm Concubine Mei. We live together in Jingren Palace and are close. If anything happened to her, I would be the prime suspect. Why would I do such a thing? Besides, Concubine Mei and I have no grievances or grudges. What benefit would harming her bring me?"
Lady Cao looked at Luhui. "Luhui, be honest with your conscience. How have I treated Concubine Mei in daily life?"
Luhui was ashamed and dared not look at her. Instead, she kowtowed to the Empress. "Lady Cao has always shown great respect to her mistress." As for the mistress herself, she often said, "Lady Cao is a silent, boring person who doesn’t know how to talk. No wonder the Emperor doesn’t favor her." But these words were never spoken in Lady Cao’s presence, so Lady Cao naturally did not know, nor did she hold any grudge against her mistress.
"Ah, I just remembered," Luhui continued, "After Lady Cao left, the mistress said she was hungry and asked for another bowl of donkey-hide gelatin and angelica soup. While drinking it, Concubine Mei suddenly recalled Consort An’s words during the greeting ceremony—that she had gained weight—and got so angry that she smashed the bowl. Immediately after, she started having stomach pain. Could it be that there was something wrong with the soup?"
The Empress frowned and ordered Zhuyi to investigate the soup, “It’s not just the soup—check everything Concubine Mei has eaten and used recently. Also, interrogate everyone around her.”
She then asked Luhui, “Does Concubine Mei drink that soup every day? A month ago, I specifically instructed that although donkey-hide gelatin and angelica are nourishing for blood and qi, excessive consumption can cause the body to reject the supplements, which isn’t good for the fetus. Did Concubine Mei follow the imperial physician’s advice to moderate her intake?”
Luhui almost buried her head in the ground, “Concubine Mei said that donkey-hide gelatin is a top-grade tonic for blood. She often has cold hands and feet, so eating it warms her body. She hasn’t stopped taking it… but she also said that starting next month, she would stop.”
The Empress was so angry she nearly fell backward.
She hadn’t expected Concubine Mei to pay lip service while secretly disobeying. Mei’s temperament was fiery and impatient, her blood and qi were already vigorous—there was no need for more supplements. The imperial physician’s advice to focus on calmness and careful nurturing was already a subtle warning. The Empress had reviewed the medical records several times and repeatedly cautioned her to cut back on tonics. More isn’t always better for the baby, yet Concubine Mei refused to listen.
With her already abundant vitality, daily heavy tonics only made her more irritable and quick-tempered, leading to frequent bouts of anger.
The Empress closed her eyes. Concubine Mei’s miscarriage was already an established fact. If it were caused by someone else, she could find the culprit and seek justice for Mei. But if Mei had brought it on herself, that was truly frustrating beyond words.
At that moment, a young palace maid stepped forward and knelt, “Your Majesty, Concubine Mei has always been healthy. Even with that nourishing soup, it shouldn’t have caused a miscarriage. If no one interfered, I just don’t believe it.”
“Who are you? Do you have any proof for these claims?” The Empress didn’t recognize every person in the palace. The maid serving Concubine Mei was somewhat familiar, but the Empress couldn’t quite place her.
“I am Zhi Zi, serving in Concubine Mei’s chambers.” Not as close as Luhui, the senior attendant, but more intimate than the sweeping maids outside. Serving daily in the rooms, she knew more than most.
“I have no proof, but I think if someone resented Concubine Mei, it must be someone who often clashed with her or envied her pregnancy.”
Consort Cao immediately asked, “Who do you mean?”
Zhi Zi bowed her head, “I can only think of two people. One, a bit further back, is Imperial Concubine Huizhao. Recently… and the other is Consort Wei. Before Concubine Mei was pregnant, she had conflicts with Huizhao. The two have a history. Mei once said that she and Huizhao entered the Eastern Palace together, but she was favored more. Huizhao must be jealous. Later, Huizhao was injured and had difficulty bearing children, while Mei is now pregnant. It’s only natural for Huizhao to harbor resentment.”
“As for Consort Wei, that’s a more recent matter. Concubine Mei once slapped Consort Wei. It’s possible Wei is seeking revenge.”
Zhi Zi kowtowed, “Your Majesty, please stand up for Concubine Mei!”
Though her voice trembled, Zhi Zi spoke clearly and logically, naming the two suspects in just a few words.
Although the Empress believed this matter was unlikely connected to Qi Daiyu, now that Concubine Mei’s maid had implicated Qi Daiyu and Zhaorong, she could no longer show blind favoritism. It was necessary to summon them for questioning.
“Go and bring Hui Zhaoyi and Consort Wei here at once.”
