Chapter 85
After breakfast, Cui Lanyin went to the front quarters without delay.
She had forgotten to ask when the Emperor intended to arrange a bed for her. Until then, she planned to stay at Grand Empress Dowager Chen’s residence and not budge.
After Qian He told her that Cui Sheng would be entering the palace that day to oversee the renovations at Yan Hua Palace and have a passage opened between Luanju Palace and Xuanwei Palace, she instructed Biyu to keep an eye on developments there.
She had only just sat down in the front hall, without even eating a single pastry, when Biyu came to report that Cui Sheng had already arrived at Yan Hua Palace.
Cui Lanyin was about to take Biyu over to have a look when Grand Empress Dowager Chen caught hold of her.
“I’ve been meaning to meet your parents, but I never had the chance. Since they’re both in the palace now, you should invite them over to sit for a while.”
Grand Empress Dowager Chen then called for Qi An. “Go invite Lord Cui to come and take a rest. At the very least, have him drink a cup of tea before he gets back to work.”
Before long, Qi An led Cui Sheng to Fuan Palace.
Grand Empress Dowager Chen did not even ask him to offer formal greetings. She had Qi An press him down into a seat and said, “You are the Emperor’s maternal cousin, and Yin is staying here with me. We’re practically family, so don’t stand on ceremony. There’s no need for those empty formalities here.”
Cui Sheng was an easygoing man who adapted wherever he went. Seeing how warmly Grand Empress Dowager Chen treated him, he smiled and said, “I’ll do as Your Majesty commands.”
After only a few words, Grand Empress Dowager Chen had already taken a great liking to him, feeling that he was a sincere and guileless man.
Aunt Xia brought in tea with several palace maids. Just as her hand was reaching for a teacup, Grayfeather flew in, circling overhead and crying out repeatedly, “The bed collapsed! The bed collapsed!”
Right behind him, an attendant from Danyue Residence hurried in to report, “The bed in Second Miss’s bedchamber has collapsed.”
Cui Lanyin’s hand trembled. She had underestimated the Emperor’s efficiency. She had never imagined that, amid his countless political affairs, he would put this matter so high on his list of priorities.
The most awkward thing in life was when the very matter one most wished to hide from one’s family was exposed right in front of them.
“How could a perfectly good bed collapse? Thank goodness it happened during the day. If Yin had been sleeping on it at night…” Grand Empress Dowager Chen shuddered at the thought. “This must be investigated properly.”
Cui Sheng rose with a solemn expression. “I’ll go and take a look. I’ll see what the problem was.”
Grand Empress Dowager Chen stood as well. “That’s perfect. You’re the expert in such matters. Let’s go together.”
It was obvious that both of them had begun suspecting some sort of conspiracy.
The various things that had happened with the Emperor on that bed flashed through Cui Lanyin’s mind. There was no way she could calmly let Grand Empress Dowager Chen and Cui Sheng enter her bedchamber, especially together.
She tried to stop them. “There’s been a creaking sound whenever I turned over these past two days, but I didn’t pay it any mind. Something must have come loose. We can simply replace the bed.”
Unfortunately, no one listened to her. Grand Empress Dowager Chen led the way, Cui Sheng followed behind, and Qi An and the others came along as well. A whole group of people proceeded in a grand procession toward Danyue Residence.
As Cui Sheng carefully examined the collapsed bed, Cui Lanyin’s palm grew slick with sweat.
After inspecting it inside and out, Cui Sheng came over and said, “It seems it wasn’t fitted tightly enough to begin with. After being moved around so much, the mortise-and-tenon joints came loose.”
At the words “moved around,” Cui Lanyin summoned every ounce of her strength to suppress the heat that threatened to rush into her face.
Grand Empress Dowager Chen was still not reassured. She instructed Qi An, “Go to the Directorate of Palace Servants and choose a sturdy bed. Then tell Qian He to investigate thoroughly and see whether someone tampered with it.”
Qi An acknowledged the order and left. Not even a quarter of an hour later, he returned with Qian He. Behind them, more than a dozen palace attendants were carrying in a thick, solid canopy bed.
Qian He cast Cui Lanyin a glance before stepping forward to report to Grand Empress Dowager Chen with a smile. “When Grayfeather flew to His Majesty and cried, ‘The bed collapsed,’ His Majesty sent the Imperial Guards over to confirm it. He then ordered me to go to the Directorate of Palace Servants and choose the sturdiest bed available.”
Grand Empress Dowager Chen said with satisfaction, “The Emperor is truly considerate. Even with so many affairs to attend to, he hasn’t neglected his concern for Yin.”
Cui Sheng looked at the newly delivered bed and hesitated. “This bed is carved with phoenix patterns. It may not be suitable for Yin, may it?”
“It’s nothing to worry about.” Qian He waved a hand. “Most of the furnishings in Danyue Residence were sent over at His Majesty’s command. Take those paired red coral ornaments that were presented last year, for instance. Grand Empress Dowager Li wanted them, but the late Emperor refused because matching pieces of that quality were so rare. I couldn’t put them on display right away, either, so they were kept in the private treasury.
“When His Majesty heard that Grand Empress Dowager Chen was arranging Yin’s rooms, he ordered me to select the finest things and send them over. He even specifically reminded me not to forget those paired red coral ornaments.
“Compared with all the fine things in this room, a bed carved with phoenix patterns is hardly worth mentioning. His Majesty isn’t so particular about it, so you can rest easy, Brother.”
Grand Empress Dowager Chen added, “Who would dare come to Funing Palace and raise an objection? It’s of no consequence.”
Although Cui Sheng felt that something was not quite right, Grand Empress Dowager Chen and Qian He clearly did not regard it as an issue. He truly knew little about the palace’s etiquette and regulations, so he let the matter go.
Until then, he had been focused solely on the collapsed bed. Now, after hearing Qian He’s explanation, Cui Sheng began looking carefully at everything in Danyue Residence.
He had thought his daughter was already living an extravagant life in the former imperial residence, but compared with what he saw now, even that seemed lacking.
At home, Lady Jiang was wholeheartedly focused on finding a husband for her second daughter among the new successful candidates in next year’s examinations. Cui Sheng, however, felt that the matter would be difficult. After becoming accustomed to living like a cherished imperial princess, could his second daughter really adapt to life in an ordinary household? Even the most prominent families could not provide such first-rate royal luxury.
Amid the eager anticipation of the scholars, the Emperor finally issued an edict announcing special provincial and metropolitan examinations. The provincial examination would be held in the eighth month of the following year, and the metropolitan examination in the second month of the year after that.
With the provincial and metropolitan examinations being held in succession—and the metropolitan examination taking place again the following February—there would effectively be two examination cycles in a row. If a candidate failed in the spring of the following year, he would only need to wait another year to try again instead of enduring the usual three-year wait.
Even candidates such as Hong Ji and Tan Shao, who were widely expected to succeed in the metropolitan examination the following year, were greatly encouraged by the edict. The pressure on them immediately eased by more than half.
The Yao family came to make a proposal: Cui Jian and Hong Ji, along with Cui Fu and several others from the second branch, could go to the Yao family estate and study together with the Yao family’s younger members in Yingcheng.
Cui Mian was quite tempted, but Hong Ji stepped forward to analyze the situation.
“The Yao family has repeatedly asked His Majesty for permission to marry Yin, and His Majesty has refused every time. Clearly, he does not wish to see the Cui family grow close to the Yao family. Besides, Yin has already established influence of her own. She now has His Majesty’s support behind her and has no need to rely on the Yao family. Under these circumstances, we must not hold Yin back. It would be best to decline the Yao family’s proposal.”
Cui Sheng, who was rarely so forceful, also said, “If Eldest Brother wishes to grow close to the Yao family, then we should separate our branches and act independently.”
Cui Fang continued to stand on Cui Sheng’s side. “Eldest Brother, there’s no way to please both sides. If you wish to befriend the Yao family, then I have no choice but to establish a separate household as well.”
Cui Mian suddenly realized that he had lost all authority within the Cui family. Even his own younger brothers had sided with the first branch. His plan for the second branch to lead the Cui family back to prominence had become nothing more than empty talk.
The Yao family’s efforts to win them over were aimed primarily at the first branch of the Cui family, with the second branch merely included as an afterthought. Cui Mian thus lost interest and tacitly allowed Cui Sheng and Cui Fang to make the decision.
Only when Hong Ji suggested that Cui Yu, Cui Zhong, and Cui Jian—all of whom would be sitting for the county examination the following year—withdraw from the academy and study at home under his instruction did Cui Mian regain his spirits.
He went to discuss the matter with Cui Sheng and Cui Fang, asking whether they should invite a teacher and establish a private family school for the Cui clan.
Hong Ji still felt there was no need to consider establishing a family school until someone from the Cui family actually succeeded in the examinations.
The matter was put on hold for the time being.
Cui Mian was truly envious of Cui Sheng now. With Cui Lanyin standing behind him outside, no one dared look down on him, and with Hong Ji, his eldest son-in-law, keeping watch over everything at home, all Cui Sheng had to do was carry out his duties properly. He need not worry about anything else, and both the household and the outside world were peaceful and harmonious.
Thinking of his eldest son, who had been rendered useless; his second son, whose performance was merely average; his daughter, whose marriage prospects were neither high nor low; and his concubine-born son, whose temperament he could not quite figure out, Cui Mian could only smile bitterly. At the same time, he accepted that from then on, the second branch would have to follow the lead of the Cui family’s main branch.
Before long, the twelfth day of the tenth month arrived. When Cui Lanzhi rose that morning, labor began.
Lady Jiang had already invited a midwife to the house, while Cui Lanyin had informed Imperial Physician Cao well in advance. When the time came, he would personally be there to oversee Cui Lanzhi’s delivery.
Cui Jian hurried to Imperial Physician Cao’s residence and soon returned with him.
Imperial Physician Cao took Cui Lanzhi’s pulse and examined the baby’s position. “The child has entered the pelvis, and the position is correct as well. Just wait calmly for the birth.”
Those words eased the family’s tension somewhat.
Such an important event naturally required everyone in the household to be present. Cui Sheng had Cui Fang request leave from the Ministry of Works on his behalf, while Cui Su sent Ming Shi to inform Luo Hong.
Although Cui Mian felt they were making too much of it, he had now learned not to offer opinions on matters concerning the main branch. He sent Lady Chang and Cui Lanting over to lend a hand, then went to the government office himself.
By the time Cui Lanyin arrived, Lady Jiang and Lady Chang were supporting Cui Lanzhi as she walked in circles around the courtyard.
It was quite remarkable. Imperial Physician Cao had just said that it would take another hour or two for her to enter active labor, but not long after Cui Lanyin stepped through the door, Cui Lanzhi’s contractions changed. They helped her into the birthing room, where the midwife examined her and found that she was already five fingers dilated and should lie down to await the birth.
Not only did the midwife exclaim in amazement, but Imperial Physician Cao also said it was rare. First-time mothers seldom progressed so quickly.
As the midwife went in and out, she cast several curious glances at Cui Lanyin. Imperial Physician Cao knew why. In truth, he had thought the same thing himself: anyone who shared a bed with the emperor every day was bound to have good fortune. Whenever something happened, if she stepped forward, matters were sure to proceed smoothly and successfully.
The day was clear and pleasant, just the most delightful part of early autumn in the southern lands. Imperial Physician Cao was unwilling to go inside, so he had tea and refreshments set out beneath the corridor. The family spread themselves along the corridor, some sitting and some standing, as they waited.
Unexpectedly, Granny Sun, who was guarding the entrance, came to report, “Master, Young Master, Second Miss—the palace has sent an eunuch named Eunuch Xing. He says he’s here to see Imperial Physician Cao…”
Granny Sun had barely finished speaking when Cui Lanyin looked up and saw Xing Kun entering the courtyard, with Director He of the Imperial Medical Academy following behind him.
Unlike the day he had stopped her, Xing Kun seemed exceedingly amiable today.
He came over with a smile, offering his respects before he had even reached them. “Greetings, Second Miss.” He then led Director He forward. “This is Director He. Second Miss may not know this, but Director He comes from a family with a long medical tradition. His ancestors were particularly skilled in treating disorders of the head. After learning that Second Miss’s headaches have been difficult to cure, he searched through all the medical texts passed down in his family and came up with several prescriptions and a set of acupuncture techniques. When Second Miss has time over the next couple of days, you should give them a try. You’ll be able to tell at once who is truly an expert as soon as he begins treatment.”
Director He stepped forward and saluted. “Why don’t I take Second Miss’s pulse now? Then you can see whether I’m able to get to the heart of the matter.”
Xing Kun had actually brought Director He here to curry favor with her. What a rarity.
As the saying went, no one offered kindness without an ulterior motive. Cui Lanyin remained unmoved. “Thank you, Eunuch Xing, but today is inconvenient for my family. We can discuss this after I return to the palace.”
Xing Kun’s smile did not waver. “I came precisely because I knew Imperial Physician Cao was here overseeing your elder sister’s delivery.”
“Second Miss, please don’t misunderstand.” He began explaining from the start. “The Grand Empress Dowager’s breakfast this morning was somewhat difficult to digest. Director He is the finest physician in the Imperial Medical Academy, and he has been treating the Grand Empress Dowager all these years. Naturally, I went to the Imperial Medical Academy to invite him again this time. As it happened, I heard there that Imperial Physician Cao had requested leave and come to your residence to attend to your elder sister’s delivery.
“Nothing can be taken lightly when it comes to childbirth. Prince Ping, Prince Duan, and most of the princes and princesses below them have all been attended by Director He during their births. In this regard, no one can surpass him.
“I thought that the Grand Empress Dowager was suffering only from a minor ailment. She has always been especially loving toward the younger generation, so upon learning of this situation, she would surely have Director He prioritize your family’s needs. That was why I brought him here. I was thinking that he could remain and oversee your elder sister’s delivery, while Imperial Physician Cao accompanied me to the palace.”
Imperial Physician Cao’s face immediately turned deathly pale. He wanted to stay, but he did not dare say so outright. “Second Miss, I…”
He recalled the last time the emperor had asked Imperial Physician Cao to examine Grand Empress Dowager Li. Cao had bluntly said that she was not seriously ill and merely needed to think less and calm her mind. That was practically the same as saying Grand Empress Dowager Li was pretending to be sick.
Imperial Physician Cao had thoroughly offended Grand Empress Dowager Li.
Xing Kun truly had intended to use Grand Empress Dowager Li’s discomfort as an excuse to make things difficult for Imperial Physician Cao. He had probably only brought Director He over at the last minute after learning at the Imperial Medical Academy that Imperial Physician Cao was at the Cui residence, taking the opportunity to win Cui Lanyin over as well.
Imperial Physician Cao had treated her illness for so long. He knew about her private relationship with the emperor, yet he had never once revealed the slightest hint of anything amiss in front of her, preserving her dignity.
Though he had done so out of fear of the emperor’s authority, Cui Lanyin was still grateful to him.
Naturally, she had to protect him now. With a smile, she stepped in front of Imperial Physician Cao. “My uncle knows that I’ve always been peculiar in temperament. When it comes to people and matters, I never ask whether they are the best—I only ask whether they are suitable and whether we are compatible. Imperial Physician Cao has treated me for so long that I’m already accustomed to him. I don’t wish to change physicians. My elder sister has also been under his care for some time, and we absolutely cannot change physicians at this critical moment during her labor. I can only decline Eunuch Xing’s kind offer.”
Xing Kun was not offended in the slightest. He handled the advance and retreat with perfect ease. “Now that Second Miss puts it that way, it seems I was the one who failed to think things through. Then, once Second Miss returns to the palace, Director He and Imperial Physician Cao can discuss your treatment together. Please don’t delay your treatment merely because you are reluctant to see a physician.”
He then gestured to Cui Sheng and Cui Su before leaving with Director He.
Imperial Physician Cao was still shaken. “Second Miss, what should I do from here on?”
“What are you afraid of?” Cui Lanyin reassured him. “If they summon you, simply refuse to go. If they ask, say that you need to administer acupuncture to me. If you still cannot deal with them, send someone to inform me. I’ll stand up for you.”
Imperial Physician Cao bowed deeply. “Second Miss, please command me whenever you have need of me.”
Here I am [kiss]
