The disappearance of a palace maid from Changchun Palace wouldn’t normally be a big deal, but when it was Chun Tang, Consort Shu’s chief maid, it became something worth pondering over.
Unfortunately, the incident during the Mid-Autumn Banquet had been kept under wraps by Emperor Jingxuan’s orders, and Changchun Palace, guilty of its own secrets, remained tight-lipped. Without any leads, the curious crowd could dig up nothing substantial.
When Yun Wan heard the news after her midday nap, a flicker of surprise crossed her usually calm expression. "Chun Tang is gone?"
Fuling, who was tidying her disheveled hair, nodded. "She was already doomed the moment she drugged you—let alone with forbidden substances."
Knowing Yun Wan was personally involved as the victim, Fuling shared more: "I heard she endured a night of torture in the disciplinary chamber, insisting it was all her own doing, unrelated to her mistress. She died at dawn."
"This morning, I inquired further. Consort Shu hasn’t left Changchun Palace, claiming illness. But her old nanny arranged for Chun Tang’s body to be sent back to her hometown."
Fuling couldn’t help but sigh. The palace was a place that devoured people without spitting out bones. That Chun Tang was granted dignity in death was already rare—most would be avoided like the plague.
Yun Wan was momentarily dazed.
A living person, just like that, gone. Even if Chun Tang wasn’t innocent—even if she brought it upon herself—Yun Wan still felt a chill.
She realized that in this treacherous palace, only by becoming powerful could she stand firm.
Only by reaching a position beyond challenge could she remain safe.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Yun Wan listened as Fuling grumbled, clearly displeased: "My lady, I don’t believe for a second that Consort Shu had nothing to do with your poisoning."
No matter how much influence Chun Tang wielded under Consort Shu’s name, she couldn’t have drugged Yun Wan, knocked Fuling out, and colluded with someone from Zichen Hall all by herself.
Especially since the wine had been poured by Consort Shu herself.
The one who knocked Fuling out was the same eunuch who procured the forbidden drugs for Chun Tang, coerced into compliance under her threats.
Yun Wan’s expression remained serene. "Let’s not dwell on this anymore. Consider it over."
Believing or not believing no longer mattered.
Yun Wan never expected a single incident to topple Consort Shu. The consort had held her high position for years, was the mother of the Third Prince, and had the backing of the Lu family. A word from her, and underlings would scramble to clean up the mess, leaving her unscathed.
In a way, this was for the best. If Consort Shu fell, Yun Wan would inevitably be blamed, and no matter how low-key or innocent she appeared, she’d become a target.
Setting the matter aside, Yun Wan asked about Sui, her frown melting into a smile. "It’s been a while since I’ve seen my sweet boy. Prepare some snacks—I’ll visit him after his classes at Hongwen Institute."
Fuling pinned a pearl hairpin into Yun Wan’s hair and chuckled. "My lady, you might not know—Young Master isn’t at Hongwen Institute right now. He’s with His Majesty."
Yun Wan looked puzzled.
Fuling explained, "Eunuch Jiang sent word while you were napping. His Majesty summoned Grand Scholar Xu for an audience tomorrow and is currently testing Young Master’s studies, likely to gauge his level."
"But don’t worry, with Young Prince Pei around, our Young Master won’t stand out too much."
He wouldn’t attract undue attention.
Fuling mused to herself—this was the Emperor’s love extending to those close to Yun Wan. Cherishing the mother meant kindness to the son.
They say a child’s future can be seen at three. Given Sui’s brilliance and diligence, he was bound for greatness!
Yun Wan nodded, her eyes softening.
Pei Qian was a lively character, mischievous yet endearing, and his presence had drawn more smiles from Sui, loosening the boy’s scholarly stiffness.
Fuling asked, "Shall we go see them, my lady?"
Yun Wan shook her head. "No."
Her presence would only draw eyes.
Sui’s academic performance was consistently outstanding, and he spoke with eloquence and substance. Yun Wan had no doubts about his ability to answer the Emperor’s questions.
She had complete faith in her child!
"In that case, send the snacks to the Hall of Diligent Governance. Let them have something to nibble on," she instructed.
......
Hall of Diligent Governance.
Emperor Jingxuan spent half an hour quizzing the two boys. Sui answered flawlessly.
Pei Qian, on the other hand, shared his "unique" perspective on studies, was promptly rebutted, and in despair, flopped onto the floor and began snoring.
His robe had come loose, revealing a round belly as he sprawled out in his sleep.
After a moment’s hesitation, Sui took out a handkerchief and covered Pei Qian’s exposed navel.
The hall was quiet save for the clack of chess pieces.
The Emperor had a board brought out and invited Sui to a game.
Man and boy sat facing each other.
"Elder Xu wrote a treatise on the classics a few days ago. Take a look when you have time," Emperor Jingxuan remarked lazily, glancing at the boy across from him. "Not that I expect you to understand it, but it’s good to be aware."
If Sui was clever, he’d seek out Grand Scholar Xu for explanations tomorrow. A few exchanges like this, and he’d leave an impression of diligence and humility.
Sui sat cross-legged, posture obedient. He nodded eagerly. "But Your Majesty, where can I find Grand Scholar Xu’s treatise?"
"No rush. Before you leave, I’ll have someone copy it for you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Sui beamed, his fair, soft features uncannily reminiscent of Yun Wan.
Emperor Jingxuan’s lips twitched. He was doing this for her sake.
Still, the boy was undeniably likable—bright-eyed, clear-minded, the picture of a well-behaved child.
Placing a piece, the Emperor asked casually, "What was your father like?"
The question stumped Sui. After a long pause, he shook his head. "I don’t know."
"He passed away before I was born, so I never met him."
Emperor Jingxuan paused.
He’d forgotten—Yun Wan’s first husband had died young.
"Then what do you imagine he was like?"
Sui scratched his cheek. "...Probably a learned, book-loving gentleman. Frail in health, but he cherished Mother. They were an enviable couple."
"Hmph."
The cold snort drew a puzzled look from Sui. "Wasn’t he?"
Emperor Jingxuan pressed his lips together.
Badmouthing a child’s father to his face was beneath him, no matter how much it grated.
But praising the man? Absolutely out of the question.
So he offered a vague, dismissive smile.
"I’ve never seen Father in person, but I’ve seen his portrait. Though my memory’s hazy, Mother says my eyes are exactly like his."
Sui touched his own eyes, his voice sweet and childish.
Emperor Jingxuan side-eyed him. "Then you really didn’t inherit the best traits. Your mother’s eyes are far lovelier."
It was unfortunate the boy took after his father—hence the Emperor’s irritation whenever he looked at him.
Sui tactfully ignored the first half and agreed cheerfully, "Mother’s eyes are like stars in the sky—the most beautiful!"
Seeing the boy’s grin, Emperor Jingxuan was about to tease further when Jiang Fusheng hurried in and dropped to his knees with a thud:
"Your Majesty, this servant deserves death! While tidying the desk, I accidentally stained this handkerchief with ink..."
"I'll go wash it clean at once and then accept my punishment."
He was drenched in sweat, clearly aware of the gravity of his mistake.
Just how much Emperor Jingxuan treasured this handkerchief, Jiang Fusheng knew all too well.
Staring at the handkerchief in his hand, now marred by dark spots, Emperor Jingxuan remained silent for a long while.
After a pause, he waved his hand dismissively. "No need for the trouble. Just throw it away."
There was a time when he relied on the scent of this handkerchief to soothe his headaches.
But now, with his wife by his side—she could recreate the very fragrance infused in this cloth—Emperor Jingxuan's headaches had long ceased to plague him.
He no longer needed this handkerchief of unknown origin.
Jiang Fusheng was stunned but had no choice but to comply. "Ah, yes, Your Majesty. This servant will dispose of it at once."
"No! You can't throw it away!"
Sui suddenly sprang to her feet, snatching the handkerchief from Jiang Fusheng's grasp. Her small face twisted in displeasure as she demanded,
"Why does Your Majesty want to throw away my mother's handkerchief?"
