Story of Yanxi Palace, Chapter 68: Blood for Blood

Inside Shou’an Palace, a coffin had been placed. The mourning hall was arranged very simply—there wasn’t even a spirit tablet, only a single sheet of paper with the character “Sacrifice” fluttering in the cold wind.

With all her strength, Wei Yingluo gritted her teeth and dragged Hongzhou little by little into the coffin. The jolting woke him. He looked around in panic and realized he had been placed inside the coffin—right on top of a female corpse. His face drained of color. He struggled desperately to speak, but his voice came out weak and faint: “You… what are you going to do? Where… where exactly is this place?!”

Wei Yingluo laughed, almost maniacally, as she asked: “Prince He, doesn’t the scent of mandala powder smell wonderful? This is Shou’an Palace—the residence of Dowager Consort Guo. Even during the previous emperor’s lifetime, she never enjoyed favor. After the previous emperor passed, she could only support herself by selling embroidery. All the savings of her lifetime amount to nothing more than this thin coffin! Just like scum like you, who were born a prince, while countless kind people must face the yellow earth and toil their entire lives. It really is unfair, don’t you think?”

With that, Wei Yingluo calmly took out a small wine jar, pulled out the stopper, and slowly poured the wine from the jar over Hongzhou’s face. Hongzhou choked, unable to speak, in extreme agony.

Wei Yingluo said with delight: “Didn’t you love lying in a coffin, basking in the pleasure of everyone weeping over you? Tomorrow, the whole world will know that Prince He got drunk, crawled into the old consort’s coffin, and—by a moment of carelessness—suffocated to death inside!”

Hongzhou’s eyes widened in terror. He shook his head desperately, pleading: “Let me go… I was wrong… please… I really know now… I was wrong… please… don’t kill me… don’t kill me!” As he spoke, tears streamed uncontrollably down his face.

Wei Yingluo let out a soft chuckle, leaned close to the coffin, and asked in a gentle yet low voice: “Prince He, right now—are you very afraid? Very desperate? Very regretful?”

Hongzhou nodded frantically with what little strength he had left, whispering hoarsely: “Please! I beg you!”

But Wei Yingluo’s expression suddenly darkened. She cursed furiously: “My sister must have been just as terrified back then—but who ever let her go? I just want you to taste it for yourself—the despair and pain as death closes in step by step!”

Hongzhou’s teeth chattered uncontrollably.

Wei Yingluo raised a finger to her lips. “Shh! What’s there to be afraid of? Aren’t you a noble of the imperial clan, a favored son of Heaven? Look at you—snot and tears everywhere. How unsightly!”

She then drew out the handkerchief that had been clutched in the old consort’s hand inside the coffin and gently wiped away his tears bit by bit, saying with satisfaction: “Starting tomorrow, you will be known as a criminal who, in a drunken stupor, defiled the corpse of his late father’s consort. No matter how much the Emperor favors you, he won’t be able to silence the mouths of the world. Your reputation will be a hundred times, a thousand times worse than my sister’s. I want Aisin Gioro Hongzhou to be reviled and stink for ten thousand years!”

Hongzhou stared in horror as Yingluo slowly pushed the coffin lid closed. In desperation, he struggled to pull the hairpin from the old consort’s hair and stabbed it hard into his own arm. The sharp pain jolted him awake. With all his remaining strength, he braced himself against the lid of the coffin, gripped the hairpin, and thrust it toward Wei Yingluo!

The hairpin struck her shoulder. Wei Yingluo instinctively stepped back. Using his very last ounce of energy, Hongzhou scrambled out of the coffin and fled in a panic.

Wei Yingluo pressed a hand to her wounded shoulder and quickly gave chase.

The Imperial Garden was brightly lit with lanterns. In the cool pavilion, Hongli was painting a moonlit garden scene when he suddenly seemed to hear someone crying for help. Frowning, he asked: “What’s that sound?”

Li Yu was about to send the young eunuchs to investigate when Hongli had already stepped out of the pavilion.

Hongzhou saw countless people approaching with lanterns and broke into a relieved smile. But Wei Yingluo was right behind him. Acting decisively, she tore her sleeve open with force, exposing the wound on her shoulder where the hairpin had pierced her. She strode past Hongzhou and cried out loudly: “Help! Someone, come quickly! Help me!”

Hongzhou stared in disbelief as Yingluo overtook him. In the instant she brushed past, she turned her head and gave him a strange, eerie smile.

Before Hongzhou could react, Wei Yingluo had already rushed forward.

Hongli walked at the front of the group. Yingluo, running too fast, stumbled and fell straight into his arms. She clutched desperately at Hongli’s sleeve and gasped: “Your Majesty, save this servant!”

Hongli saw the tears glistening in Wei Yingluo’s eyes and froze for a moment.

Hongzhou arrived panting for breath and pointed at Yingluo in fury: “Imperial Brother, this woman tried to kill me!”

Wei Yingluo, as though overwhelmed with fright, immediately hid behind Hongli and cried in a voice on the verge of breaking: “Your Majesty, Prince He has gone mad! He just crawled into Dowager Consort Guo’s coffin and tried to undress her! When I discovered him and tried to stop him, he tried to silence me by killing me!”

Hongzhou was dumbfounded. He stammered in defense: “Imperial Brother, don’t listen to her nonsense! She deliberately lured me there—she wanted to kill me! She drugged me, sealed me inside the coffin, and tried to suffocate me alive!”

Hongli turned to look at Wei Yingluo. She clung tightly to his sleeve, her voice trembling: “Your Majesty, Prince He reeks of alcohol and is holding a weapon. The wound on this servant is proof that he tried to kill me to silence me! If you don’t believe me, go and look at Dowager Consort Guo’s coffin—see whether her clothes are disheveled and her hairpins scattered—”

Hongzhou threw the blood-stained hairpin in his hand to the ground and declared, “That was me who crushed her!”

The crowd erupted in an uproar.

Realizing he had spoken carelessly, Hongzhou said in furious agitation, “That’s not what I meant! She deliberately locked me inside the coffin, that’s why the Imperial Noble Consort’s body got crushed!”

Wei Yingluo clung tightly to Hongli and refused to let go. With red eyes she said, “The palace gates have already been locked for the night. You, a dignified prince, are lingering in the palace dressed in eunuch clothing—this is clearly treacherous intent. After I discovered you, you even fabricated such a lie. How could a weak woman like me possibly scheme to lock a prince inside a coffin? It’s simply absurd!”

Hongzhou roared in rage: “You lowly wretch!”

Seeing Hongzhou in eunuch attire with disheveled clothes, Hongli was instantly furious. He slapped him hard across the face: “Beast! Look at the disaster you’ve caused!”

Hongzhou staggered back half a step in disbelief and stammered, “Imperial Brother, how can you believe her? I’m your own flesh-and-blood brother! What is this woman even worth? She—”

Hongli closed his eyes as if he could no longer bear it: “Gag his mouth. Send people to investigate the scene at Shoukang Palace.”

Not long after, the guards who went to investigate returned. Shoukang Palace reeked of alcohol; the floor was covered with shards of wine jars, and the Imperial Noble Consort’s coffin was in complete disarray. With both witnesses and physical evidence, Hongzhou was temporarily detained in his residence, while Wei Yingluo was taken back by the Empress.

A few days later, while Wei Yingluo was pruning branches in Changchun Palace, Erqing walked over with a troubled expression and said, “Yingluo, Dowager Consort Yu wishes to see you…”

Wei Yingluo suddenly raised her head. Their eyes met, and then Dowager Consort Yu knelt down.

Wei Yingluo knew this elderly consort was Hongzhou’s birth mother. She hurried forward to help her up: “Dowager Consort, what is the meaning of this?”

Yet Dowager Consort Yu refused to rise: “Yingluo, I have just come from Prince He’s residence. I now know the whole sequence of events. It was all Hongzhou’s fault. As his mother, I apologize to you on his behalf!”

Wei Yingluo replied calmly, “One person should bear the consequences of their own actions. What does this have to do with you Dowager Consort?”

Dowager Consort Yu’s face was full of pleading: “Hongzhou is my own flesh and blood son. If he committed wrongdoing, it is because I failed to discipline him properly! Now he has fallen into convulsions and coma; his condition is grave. The imperial physicians say he will lose at least ten years of life! I know ten years cannot repay A-Man’s life, nor can it dissipate the hatred in your heart! That is why I beg you—come at me instead, and spare Hongzhou!”

Wei Yingluo asked quietly, “Dowager Consort Yu, did you come today to ask me to tell everyone that Prince He had only gone to pay respects to Dowager Consort Guo, that I myself misjudged the situation for a moment and nearly caused a misunderstanding—is that it?”

Dowager Consort Yu’s eyes lit up: “As long as you are willing to forgive Hongzhou, no matter what condition you propose, I will agree!”

Wei Yingluo shook her head: “The Empress once strongly defended me in front of His Majesty. If I were to go back on my word now, what position would that put Her Majesty in?”

The palace maid Bailing beside Dowager Consort Yu angrily said, “Wei Yingluo, you are merely a little palace maid. The Dowager Consort is of such high status and has knelt to beg you—don’t go too far!”

Dowager Consort Yu raised her hand to stop her. She gave Wei Yingluo a long, deep look and said, “Don’t blame her. I came today to do what a person can do, and leave the rest to fate. That Hongzhou has ended up like this is no one else’s fault. Yingluo, I have troubled you.”

Wei Yingluo watched Dowager Consort Yu walk away, her expression thoughtful. Erqing came over, patted her hand and said, “The Empress has been greedy for coolness again and drank watermelon juice. Go inside, serve her and try to persuade her.” Wei Yingluo came back to herself and answered, “Yes.”

Inside the main hall of Changchun Palace, the Empress looked displeased: “Yingluo, you’ve become truly audacious—now you’re even controlling me!”

Wei Yingluo was massaging the Empress’s shoulders and spoke softly: “Your Majesty, watermelon juice may taste good, but it is very cooling in nature. You must not drink a second cup.”

The Empress said helplessly, “I order you—pour another cup!”

Wei Yingluo pressed her lips together: “Whatever Physician Ye says, that is what this servant will do. As long as it is good for Your Majesty, this servant is willing to accept any punishment!”

The Empress was simply helpless against her.

Outside the hall, a man’s voice suddenly rang out: “Why is it so lively? What is the Empress doing?” It was none other than His Majesty the Emperor, who had arrived in person. Everyone was startled and hurriedly paid respects to the Emperor.

The Empress immediately rose and curtsied: “This subject-wife respectfully greets Your Majesty and wishes you well.”

The Emperor took the Empress’s hand and said gently, “The weather is too hot. I remember you’ve always feared the summer heat, so I specially ordered them to send more ice blocks over. Does it feel better now?”

The Empress smiled and replied, “This subject-wife thanks Your Majesty for your concern. This year, Wei Yingluo came up with a new idea, and it’s actually very effective at relieving the heat.”

The Emperor subtly furrowed his brow, then gave a cool, indifferent “Oh,” before his gaze fell on the wooden box nearby. He asked, “Is this the thing? What’s so special about it?”

Wei Yingluo lowered her head, opened the box, and the Emperor stepped forward to look inside. He saw that the interior of the wooden box was lined with a layer of lead foil; wooden partitions divided it into sections, with one layer of ice blocks, then a layer of fruit, covered with a cotton quilt for insulation.

The Emperor finally showed some interest and asked, “What is this lead foil for?”

Wei Yingluo, still keeping her head lowered, answered, “In reply to Your Majesty, it can block out external heat and maintain the low temperature inside the box.”

The Empress looked at Wei Yingluo with appreciation and said happily, “With this, whenever we want to eat iced fruit or drink something cold, it’s very convenient!”

The Emperor thought for a moment and said, “Li Yu, have the Imperial Household Department make two more and send them to Yangxin Hall. Also send one to the Empress Dowager!” Then, as if casually, he added, “Empress, there is one more thing I must tell you. After consultation by two imperial physicians, it has been confirmed that Prince He’s condition is grave and he needs quiet rest and recovery. I can only wait until he is fully healed before considering anything else.”

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly froze. After a moment, the Empress sighed and said, “Your Majesty’s decision carries the full weight of pressure from the imperial clan and must suppress all the various criticisms directed at Prince He. You treat him with such generosity and leniency; I only hope he will recognize his mistakes, reform, and cherish Your Majesty’s grace!”

While speaking to the Empress, the Emperor’s eyes remained fixed on Wei Yingluo. With deliberate meaning, he said, “Hongzhou is my own younger brother. No matter what mistakes he has made, it is for me alone to deal with him. I will absolutely not allow anyone to overstep their bounds and interfere.”

Wei Yingluo stood respectfully to the side, remaining completely silent, though inside her sleeve her fist was clenched in anger.

STORY OF YANXI PALACE CHAPTERS HOME

  

   Story of Yanxi Palace, Chapter 67: Revenge

   Hongzhou thought the matter of the “female ghost” was finally over, but someone always seemed to bring it up again. Irritated, he turned around and snapped, “Hailancha, I finally managed to get away from Imperial Brother and have a moment of peace. Why do you keep following me around for no reason!”

Hailancha looked curious. “Fifth Master, about that female ghost the other day—”

Hongzhou waved his fan casually, looking completely at ease. “Taken care of!”

Hailancha asked in surprise, “You caught the female ghost?”

Hongzhou gave a meaningful smile. “Not only was she not a ghost—she turned out to be a lovely, refined beauty!” As he spoke, he suddenly spotted Wei Yingluo walking over from the other side. He immediately went up with a cheerful grin and called out, “Little sister-in-law!”

Wei Yingluo was startled. She stopped, curtsied, and said, “Prince He, please don’t tease this servant.”

Hongzhou made a “tch” sound and said seriously, “How is this teasing? You really are this prince’s little sister-in-law!”

Wei Yingluo raised an eyebrow. “So you’re truly acknowledging this connection, Your Highness?”

Hongzhou stared at Wei Yingluo intently, clearly moved by her appearance. Grinning mischievously, he said, “Of course I acknowledge it! How could I not? These days the Emperor keeps me under strict supervision to make me behave, so now we can see each other every day!”

Wei Yingluo lowered her head, stepped to the side, and walked away.

Hongzhou chased after her for a couple of steps and called out, “Hey, I wasn’t finished talking—why are you leaving already?”

Wei Yingluo stopped, turned her head, and gave him a light smile. “Doesn’t Your Highness enter the palace every day? If you want to talk, there will be plenty of opportunities later.” With that, she quickened her pace and left.

Hongzhou’s soul seemed to be snatched away by that smile; he stood there dazed for a long moment, unable to snap out of it. Hailancha waved his fingers back and forth in front of his eyes like someone trying to call back a wandering spirit. “Fifth Master! Fifth Master!”

Hongzhou suddenly snapped his fan shut and said with relish, “Beautiful—prettier than her older sister!”

Hailancha frowned and said seriously, “What did you just say? Fifth Master, let me warn you: you absolutely must not touch this girl!”

Hongzhou shrugged it off carelessly. “She’s just a palace maid—what’s untouchable about her? As long as I say the word, His Majesty might very well gift her to me.”

Hailancha replied, “Fifth Master, Fuheng treasures her like the apple of his eye!”

Hongzhou laughed smugly. “That depends on whether she chooses Fuheng or me, Prince He!”

Hailancha grew anxious. “Fifth Master, the way you’re acting is really not honorable!”

Hongzhou burst into loud laughter, patted Hailancha on the shoulder, and said, “Relax. Fuheng and I grew up together—we’re like brothers. How could I possibly have any improper thoughts? I’m just someone who appreciates beauty; I only want to look, that’s all!” With those words, Hongzhou turned back once more, reluctantly gazing at Yingluo’s figure before finally walking away with a smile.

Hailancha felt uneasy. He turned and headed straight for the imperial guards’ station.

Fuheng was reading a book at the guards’ station. From far away, he heard Hailancha’s voice: “Fuheng! Something’s happened! I have to tell you!”

Fuheng didn’t even look up. “What do you want to tell me?”

Hailancha rushed over in a panic. “Fifth Master is trying to steal your wall!”

Fuheng found it amusing. “Steal what wall?”

Hailancha slammed the table in frustration. “The woman! The one you like most—do you understand now!”

Fuheng’s expression changed. “You mean—”

Seeing that Fuheng finally understood, Hailancha sighed. “Exactly what it sounds like. I can tell that kid Hongzhou has gotten some crooked ideas. You’d better keep a close eye on her!”

Fuheng closed the book with a snap and tossed it onto the table.

Recently, there had been a new bereavement in the palace: Dowager Consort Guo had passed away. Changchun Palace naturally had to make some gesture of condolence, so the Empress ordered Wei Yingluo to deliver sacrificial offerings to Shou’an Palace.

Night fell, with a bright moon hanging high. Wei Yingluo carried a small, delicate bamboo basket and walked along the covered passageway. Hongzhou spotted her from a distance and immediately followed behind her. The little eunuch at his side asked in confusion, “Your Highness, where are you going? We have to leave the palace before the gates are locked for the night.”

Hongzhou said impatiently, “Mind your own business!” Then he narrowed his eyes and added, “Take off your clothes and give them to me!”

In just a few quick motions, Hongzhou stripped the little eunuch’s clothes off and put them on himself. He snatched the eunuch’s hat and clapped it onto his own head. “You take my waist token and leave the palace as usual!”

The little eunuch clutched the clothes, hopping anxiously. “You can’t do this, Your Highness!”

Hongzhou placed one hand lightly around the little eunuch’s neck and said softly, “If you dare breathe a word of this, I’ll take your life!”

The little eunuch immediately fell silent.

Wei Yingluo continued walking until she reached a small grove. She looked around carefully and, seeing no one nearby, took out a candle and a fire folder from the bamboo basket. Suddenly a hand seized her wrist. Hongzhou stepped out from behind a tree and said loudly, “Aha! So what exactly are you up to!”

Wei Yingluo looked flustered. “Prince of Harmony, I was simply ordered to deliver the sacrificial offerings for Dowager Consort Guo—”

Hongzhou stepped closer, raising an eyebrow. “Don’t lie to me. Shou’an Palace is outside the grove—why did you come into the woods? Oh, I get it. You’re secretly paying respects to your older sister, aren’t you!”

Wei Yingluo turned her face away awkwardly. “Your Highness, I know the palace forbids private sacrifices, but since you promised to welcome my sister into your household, it’s still a major matter. I had to let her know somehow!”

Hongzhou snarled viciously, “You knew perfectly well that sacrifices aren’t allowed, yet you deliberately broke the rules! Come on, come with me to see the Empress. I’d like to see whether she’ll cover for you!”

Fear appeared in Wei Yingluo’s eyes. She pleaded pitifully, “Your Highness, didn’t you say I could be considered your little sister-in-law? Since we’re family, why must you be so harsh?”

Hongzhou laughed, reached out, and boldly touched Yingluo’s waist, speaking in a roguish, crude tone: “Since we’re family, why don’t you take your sister’s place and ‘serve’ this prince for a while?”

Wei Yingluo immediately dodged away, displeased. “Your Highness, this is no joking matter!”

Hongzhou’s face grimed. He threatened, “I’m not joking with you. If you don’t agree, I’ll spill the whole thing!”

Wei Yingluo froze. After a moment, she spoke hesitantly, “Let me think about it… At the very least, I need to ask my sister first…”

Seeing the delicate beauty soften her tone, Hongzhou generously said, “Fine. I’ll wait right here for you.”

Wei Yingluo lowered her head. She brought the fire stick close to the candle. Covering her mouth and nose with a handkerchief, she spoke in a heartbroken voice as though on the verge of tears: “Sister, Yingluo came here especially today to see you because I have something important to tell you. Prince He has deeply regretted what happened in the past. He has agreed to welcome you into his household and even said he would move your grave.”

As the fire stick flared, white smoke rose. Hongzhou, bored, rummaged through the basket nearby. Suddenly finding it odd, he asked, “Why didn’t you bring any gold ingots or paper money for the offering?” Before he could finish, his vision blurred. Dizzy and unsteady, he muttered, “What… what is this smell—?”

The frail, pitiful look on Wei Yingluo’s face vanished in an instant. She stood up, her voice now utterly calm and cold: “Sister, I know you will never forgive him. Today, please watch with your own eyes how I punish the true culprit on your behalf!” With that, she grabbed the heavy bronze candlestick and smashed it down hard toward the back of Hongzhou’s neck!

Caught completely off guard, Hongzhou fell to the ground. In disbelief, he gasped, “You deliberately lured me here… and that fire stick—you tampered with it!”

Wei Yingluo said nothing. She raised the candlestick again and brought it down toward his face.

Hongzhou grabbed a handful of dirt from the ground and flung it upward. Wei Yingluo dodged backward. Seizing the moment, Hongzhou scrambled with all his strength, rolling and crawling desperately into the depths of the woods. Wei Yingluo immediately gave chase.

Using the cover of night and the dense trees, Hongzhou hid behind a large trunk. Wei Yingluo advanced slowly, candlestick in hand, scanning the surroundings for any trace. Her voice was calm as she spoke: “Hongzhou, do you know why I want to kill you?”

Hongzhou held his breath, trembling slightly from fear.

Wei Yingluo’s voice was filled with hatred: “To you, Wei Yingning was just a palace maid you violated in a drunken moment. But to me, she was the most important person in the world! My mother died in childbirth. My father never cared for me. Only my sister took care of me like a mother!”

Tears shimmered in Wei Yingluo’s eyes. She gripped the candlestick tighter and tighter. “When my sister entered the palace at fifteen, I went to the Shenwu Gate every single day—waiting, hoping, watching with longing. Nine years. I waited nine whole years. My sister was finally about to come home! But because of your momentary debauchery, she died!”

The footsteps drew closer. Hongzhou covered his mouth, terrified of making the slightest sound.

Wei Yingluo’s voice continued: “Even more ridiculous—you, a rapist who should be carved into a thousand pieces, escaped punishment so easily just because you’re of imperial blood. And you even had the audacity to boast about welcoming her into your house. Pah! As if you’re worthy! Forgiving you isn’t hard. All it takes is your life in repayment!”

Yingluo’s gaze swept inch by inch through the woods. But the moonlight was blocked by thick clouds, leaving everything pitch black. After searching for a long time without finding him, she turned and headed in another direction.

Hongzhou finally let out a breath of relief. He stepped out from behind the tree and staggered slowly outward. He had only taken a few steps when a sharp, violent pain exploded at the back of his head. He collapsed with a crash and lost consciousness.

Wei Yingluo had circled around from the other side and struck him from behind with the candlestick.

The clouds parted. Under the moonlight, Wei Yingluo looked down at Hongzhou from above, her gaze extremely cold. She murmured to herself: “Rest assured—this is far from over.”

STORY OF YANXI PALACE CHAPTERS HOME

  

   Story of Yanxi Palace, Chapter 66: Compensation

   Hongzhou’s legs went weak. He stood rooted to the spot, utterly horrified, murmuring to himself, “It’s her… it really is her…”

The dark shadow and fear buried deep in his heart seized him in that moment, reminding him of what he had once done. Hongzhou staggered a couple of steps and collapsed into the muddy water. When he opened his eyes again, the palace maid on the wall had vanished. He had just begun to breathe a sigh of relief when, in the blink of an eye, a pair of dripping embroidered shoes appeared right in front of him. He jerked his head up—only the woman’s snow-white chin and vivid red lips were visible. Around her waist dangled a plum-blossom tassel, swaying gently in the wind.

In a panic, Hongzhou screamed, “It’s you! I’m not afraid of you! Don’t come any closer! Stay back! I’m not afraid of anything!” As he shouted, he grabbed his umbrella and swung it wildly to keep the “female ghost” away.

In the midst of the storm, someone suddenly seized his arm and pulled him to his feet. Fuheng said, “Hongzhou! Hongzhou! Snap out of it!”

Hongzhou, completely pale with terror, shrieked, “A ghost! A ghost! There’s a female ghost!”

Fuheng wiped the rain from his face. “Where?”

Hongzhou, eyes squeezed shut, pointed at the wall. “Right there! On the wall!”

Fuheng strode quickly to the wall. The surface was perfectly smooth, showing nothing unusual. He reached out and ran his hand over the spot. Under the washing rain, all he felt was a faint sticky residue.

Hailancha hurried over and asked, “Well? Did you find anything?”

Fuheng hid his hand behind his back to conceal the sticky substance, replying calmly, “Nothing for now.”

Hongzhou rushed forward and began frantically slapping the wall again and again, as if possessed, repeating obsessively, “It was right here! Just now—right before you arrived—there was a palace maid with disheveled hair covering her face! I saw her with my own eyes! It was her! How could there be nothing? Come out! Come out right now!”

Hailancha asked in astonishment, “Her? Fifth Master, who are you talking about? Do you actually know this ‘female ghost’?”

The next moment, Hongzhou’s voice abruptly cut off.

Fuheng pressed down on Hongzhou’s shoulder and said, “Hongzhou, I already checked just now. It’s only a wall—there’s nothing there.”

Hailancha also chimed in, “Fifth Master, you must have seen wrong.”

Hongzhou, his face full of fury, kicked the wall hard. “It wasn’t just me who was there earlier—so many people saw it with their own eyes!”

Fuheng shouted loudly, “Enough!”

Hailancha asked in surprise, “Fuheng, what’s wrong?”

Fuheng exhaled heavily and said, “Go back first. I still have something to take care of!” With that, without looking back, Fuheng plunged straight into the rain.

The rain stopped.

Fuheng waited outside Changchun Palace until Wei Yingluo returned. His gaze was as dark and deep as the night. He asked, “Where were you?”

Wei Yingluo avoided his eyes and answered, “I felt stifled and went out for a walk.”

Fuheng was silent for a moment before asking, “The person playing tricks with ghosts and apparitions just now—was that you?”

Wei Yingluo replied lightly and breezily, “What are you talking about? I don’t understand.”

Fuheng said, “I found adhesive on the palace wall. The clan members all said they saw a ghost. Clearly, it wasn’t a ghost—someone stuck something reflective on the wall, which created the so-called ghostly shadow. Because it was a stormy night with flickering light, no one could see clearly, so they believed it was real!”

Wei Yingluo suddenly burst out laughing. Finally looking at Fuheng, she said, “Reflective? You mean a bronze mirror? How would a mirror be stuck on a palace wall? Imperial Guard Fucha, your imagination is really running wild, isn’t it?”

Fuheng took out a piece of glazed glass and showed it to Wei Yingluo. “Not a bronze mirror—a piece of glazed glass. I just went to the Imperial Household Department. You requisitioned glazed glass.”

Wei Yingluo laughed in amusement. “Imperial Guard Fucha, you’ve really misunderstood. I requisitioned the glazed glass to replace the broken pieces on the palace lanterns for Her Majesty the Empress. Why would I use it to play ghost and scare people? You should hurry back to Qianqing Gate before people start gossiping.” With that, she quickly walked into Changchun Palace.

Fuheng stood rooted in place, his voice low and suppressed as he pleaded, “Yingluo, don’t act rashly against Hongzhou! He is the Emperor’s closest brother. As long as he doesn’t commit the crime of treason, the Emperor will tolerate him for life!”

Wei Yingluo walked through the door without the slightest hesitation.

Hongzhou was still standing in front of the supposedly haunted palace wall, muttering to himself, “Impossible. There has to be something wrong.”

A hand suddenly clapped down on his shoulder from behind. Hongzhou jumped in fright. Turning around and seeing it was Fuheng, he patted his chest and complained, “Can’t you not sneak up behind me? Haven’t I been scared enough already?!”

Fuheng looked at him with an odd expression and asked, “What are you doing?”

Hongzhou patted the wall. “Last night I also thought it was a ghost at first, but thinking it over carefully, something’s not right. Someone’s playing tricks with ghosts on purpose—trying to dig up old matters! Hmph, when I catch the culprit, I’ll flay her alive and tear her to pieces!”

Fuheng raised an eyebrow and slowly asked, “The ‘old matter’ you’re talking about—is it the night of the tenth day of the first lunar month?”

Hongzhou froze completely, staring at Fuheng in shock and horror.

Fuheng’s expression grew heavy and cold. “That night was supposed to be my shift, but Mother fell ill, so I had to trade with someone. My clothes and court belt were left at the guard station. Because I left in such a hurry, I even forgot to take off my jade pendant. That night you went to the guard station and took my clothes—didn’t you?”

Hongzhou guiltily rubbed his nose. “Fuheng—”

Fuheng cut him off impatiently. “Don’t bother explaining. I don’t want to hear it! Do you want to know who was behind the tricks yesterday?”

Hongzhou immediately said, “Of course!”

Fuheng said calmly, “I can tell you. Come with me.”

The moment Wei Yingluo stepped into the main hall, she knew something was wrong. The Empress was looking at her with worry written all over her face. Hongzhou stood nearby, glaring like a tiger ready to pounce. He took one furious step forward and said indignantly, “So it was you pulling strings behind the scenes all along!”

Wei Yingluo immediately took a step back.

Hongzhou tried to press closer again, but Fuheng raised a hand to block him, frowning as he said:

“Enough!”

Hongzhou said unwillingly:

“Last night she scared me half to death, and I haven’t even done anything yet—you’re already protecting her like this?”

Fuheng said sternly:

“Hongzhou, don’t forget what you promised me!”

Hongzhou gave a tsk and stepped back one pace.

“I remember—settle this peacefully, right? I promised you I wouldn’t make things difficult for her anymore, so I absolutely won’t lift a finger! As for her sister…”

Hongzhou clapped his hands once. A eunuch came forward carrying a tray covered with red silk. Hongzhou pulled back the silk, revealing a dazzling pile of gold that lit up the entire hall.

Wei Yingluo’s gaze swept over the gold; she already had an idea in mind. She asked:

“What does this mean?”

Hongzhou grinned cheekily.

“An apology to you and your sister.”

Wei Yingluo asked coldly:

“With gold?”

Fuheng spoke with difficulty:

“Yingluo, Hongzhou was drunk and lost control that night—he committed a grave mistake in a moment of impulse. Hongzhou!”

Hongzhou helplessly raised both hands.

“Fine, fine, fine—I’m sorry. I was too drunk and muddle-headed; I hurt your sister. Afterward I regretted it very much and even went back looking for her! But to avoid the patrolling guards, I sneaked into the Imperial Garden to admire the night-blooming cereus and specially changed into Fuheng’s clothes. It wouldn’t have been proper to make a big fuss about it! By the time I found her, she had already left the palace!”

The Empress frowned, displeased.

“Hongzhou, do you know that after A-Man was expelled from the palace, she was strangled to death by someone?”

Hongzhou hurriedly said:

“I can swear to Heaven—that wasn’t me! I’m a straightforward person. If I really wanted to kill someone, I wouldn’t need to sneak around, much less disguise it as suicide!”

Wei Yingluo stared at Hongzhou and asked in a cold voice:

“Defiling a palace maid’s chastity—what difference is there from murdering her? My sister died, and she can’t even enter the Wei family ancestral grave—she can only be buried in a random burial ground!”

Hongzhou immediately said:

“I’ll make compensation!”

Wei Yingluo asked furiously:

“This is a human life—how exactly are you going to compensate?”

Hongzhou thought for a moment and said:

“Ms. Wei, I’ll take your sister as my wife and give her a proper status—how about that?”

Wei Yingluo said in disbelief:

“What did you say? Take her as your wife?!”

Hongzhou seemed to have hit upon a brilliant idea. He slapped his fan and said:

“That’s right! If I take her, a side consort has to be recorded in the jade register—the Wei family doesn’t qualify for that, but she can be a concubine! That way, no one will ever say she lost her virginity before marriage or question her virtue!”

Wei Yingluo stared fixedly at Hongzhou. Suddenly she scoffed with icy disdain, turned, and started to leave.

Hongzhou asked in confusion:

“Hey—where are you going?”

Just as Wei Yingluo stepped out the door, she ran straight into Wei Qingtai. She froze and called out blankly:

“Father…”

Wei Qingtai didn’t look at her. He simply saluted:

“This slave pays respects to Her Majesty the Empress and to Prince He.”

The Empress gave Wei Yingluo a surprised glance before saying:

“Rise.”

Wei Yingluo asked:

“Why are you here?”

Wei Qingtai didn’t answer. Hongzhou eagerly boasted:

“Your father has been without a good position all this time, hasn’t he? I personally wrote a letter of recommendation. Starting today, he’ll serve as an inner steward in the Imperial Household Department. As long as he does his job well, there’s no worry about promotions in the future!”

Wei Yingluo looked at Wei Qingtai, her expression complicated. She asked:

“You agreed to this?”

Hongzhou chimed in from the side:

“He’s already taken up the post!”

Wei Yingluo let out a short, sharp laugh and asked:

“Father, how does it feel to trade your own daughter’s life for a better future prospects?”

Wei Qingtai let out a heavy sigh and asked:

“Yingluo! Are you still going to be this stubborn? Do you really want to watch your sister’s soul wander with nowhere to rest?!”

Wei Yingluo’s whole body shuddered. She stood frozen.

Wei Qingtai’s eyes were full of sorrow as he said, “Yingning did not die a peaceful death, and she has been left with a sullied, unclean reputation. She can never be buried in the ancestral grave. Our entire Wei family will never be able to hold our heads high again! But Prince He has promised to welcome Yingning’s spirit tablet into his mansion! With this, no one in the entire Wei clan will dare speak ill of her anymore, and she can finally rest in peace down below!”

Hongzhou chimed in from the side, chattering away: “Exactly! I will definitely find her an excellent feng shui site and bury her properly so she won’t become a lonely wandering ghost. Consider this my sincere apology!”

Fuheng looked at Yingluo with worry and softly called her name: “Yingluo…”

Wei Qingtai turned to his youngest daughter and said, “Yingluo, if you are willing to let this matter go today, I will forgive you for your earlier willful and reckless behavior. But if you remain stubbornly obsessed, I will have no choice but to expel you from the family to prevent you from causing more disasters! Think carefully: is a moment of anger more important, or is your sister’s peace in the afterlife and our father-daughter bond more important?”

Wei Yingluo bit her lip. Ignoring everyone else, she looked toward the Empress—like a small child seeking shelter from a trusted adult: “Your Majesty, you have always taught this servant to be forgiving and tolerant. This time, I would like to ask you: is forgiveness possible?”

The Empress took a deep breath, looked at her with heartache, and said, “Yingluo, I am not you. I cannot forgive someone in your place.”

Wei Yingluo lowered her head and thought for a moment before saying, “This servant understands.” She turned to Hongzhou and said, “For the sake of my sister finding peace in the afterlife, Prince He, I can forgive you. However, you must keep the promise you made today and never forget it!”

Hongzhou grinned so widely his eyes narrowed into slits. “That’s more like it! It’s better to resolve enmity than to keep it alive. From now on, the Wei family can be considered half my in-laws. Lord Wei’s promotion, and your own marriage once you come of age and leave the palace—I’ll take care of everything!”

Wei Yingluo smiled slightly. “Then many thanks to Prince He.” But right after, as though she could no longer bear it, she turned and walked away.

Fuheng quickly called, “Yingluo!”

She paid no attention and hurried off. Fuheng started to follow, but the Empress said sharply, “Stop!”

Fuheng had no choice but to halt. He turned back to his sister, puzzled. “Empress—”

The Empress’s face was full of anger. “Who gave you permission to do this!”

Fuheng knew exactly what she was referring to. He answered calmly, “Sister, you have seen with your own eyes how much the Emperor favors and trusts Hongzhou. If Yingluo insists on taking revenge, what do you think her fate will be? Now that she is willing to let go of her hatred—isn’t that something we should all be happy about?”

The Empress said in disappointment, “Coercion and bribery are not the ways of a gentleman.”

But Fuheng suddenly raised his voice: “I only want her to be safe!”

The Empress was stunned. Erqing’s face showed even greater shock.

Fuheng looked in the direction Yingluo had left and repeated, “Even if she hates me, even if she blames me, I must make sure she lives in peace and safety.”

STORY OF YANXI PALACE CHAPTERS HOME

  

   Story of Yanxi Palace, Chapter 65: Dragon Sons and Dragon Grandsons

Zhenzhu sucked in a sharp breath and stared at Wei Yingluo in disbelief.

Fuheng fixed his gaze on Yingluo and asked gravely, “Yingluo, I don’t believe what others say. You tell me yourself. Do you—want to kill me?”

Wei Yingluo scoffed with icy disdain. She walked quickly to the Empress, picked up the teacup in front of her, and drank it all in one gulp.

Fuheng rushed forward in an instant, seizing her wrist tightly. “What are you doing?!”

Wei Yingluo smiled faintly, pushed his hand away, and turned the empty cup bottom-up for everyone to see. “Proof enough for you now?”

Fuheng’s heart eased at once. The Empress smiled and said, “There was no need for that. I never doubted you.”

Wei Yingluo felt a warmth in her heart. She nodded and said:

“Thank you, Your Majesty. Last night, Noble Consort Hui summoned me to Chuxiu Palace and ordered me to poison you. She told me that my sister A-Man was defiled by Fuheng, and that in order to cover up the crime, you expelled my sister from the palace and sent someone to assassinate her!”

The Empress clenched her fists, her face clouded with anger.

“Yingluo, I have never done such a thing! And I firmly believe that Fuheng is absolutely not that kind of person!”

Wei Yingluo gave the Empress a gentle smile.

“Your Majesty, I am not blind—I can distinguish right from wrong. You have taught me calligraphy and painting with such wholehearted dedication, far beyond the bounds of master and servant. Even if I were completely unable to tell right from wrong, I wouldn’t simply believe whatever anyone tells me.”

Consort Chun sighed of relief and said apologetically:

“It was I who wrongly blamed you.”

The Empress asked with concern:

“Yingluo, why didn’t you tell me about this matter earlier?”

Wei Yingluo was silent for a moment before replying:

“This is a personal vendetta. I didn’t dare disturb Your Majesty.”

The Empress disagreed.

“But I could have helped you investigate—”

Wei Yingluo shook her head firmly.

“Thank you for your kind intentions, Your Majesty, but Yingluo has her own ways of finding the true culprit. I still have duties to attend to—please allow me to take my leave first!”

Fuheng quickly spoke up:

“Your Majesty, I also have matters to attend to. I beg your leave!”

With that, he immediately hurried after Yingluo.

Consort Chun watched as Wei Yingluo and Fuheng left the hall one after the other. Turning back to the Empress, she said gravely:

“Your Majesty… Wei Yingluo acts impulsively and unpredictably. A person like her… it would be best not to keep her close, lest she become a source of endless trouble in the future!”

The Empress tilted her head slightly, clearly unconvinced.

“Consort Chun, it is true that Yingluo’s temperament can be somewhat extreme, but since she has been studying and practicing calligraphy with me, she has gradually become much steadier. I believe her nature is upright and she clearly distinguishes right from wrong. She should be properly guided and cultivated. Moreover, regarding this matter, my conscience is clear—why should I send her away?”

Consort Chun still wanted to persuade her:

“But—”

The Empress waved her hand.

“No need to say more. My mind is made up.”

Wei Yingluo strode quickly into the courtyard. Fuheng caught up, reaching out to take her hand, calling her name in a low, pleading voice:

“Yingluo…”

Wei Yingluo turned around and flung her court sash into his face, furious.

“And now you still dare to say this has nothing to do with you!”

Fuheng caught the sash. His expression shifted several times before he finally asked:

“Yingluo… do you believe I did it?”

Wei Yingluo’s face was cold.

“If I truly believed it was you, would I still be standing here wasting words with you?”

Fuheng’s expression immediately softened, and he said happily:

“Thank you for believing in me.”

Wei Yingluo, however, turned her face away and said:

“Even if it wasn’t you, you’re not entirely innocent. A jade pendant might be lost by accident, but a court sash is something you never part with—how could it just happen to end up in the Imperial Garden unless you were undressing? My guess is that on the tenth day of the first lunar month, someone put on your clothes and entered the Imperial Garden! If it had been an ordinary palace guard, there would have been no need to change clothes. The very purpose of changing clothes was to avoid the patrolling guards! Therefore, that person must have been a member of the imperial clan attending the banquet at Qianqing Palace! As for the little eunuch Noble Consort Hui found—he was too afraid of the imperial bodyguard’s reputation to get close and never actually saw who it was! So she conveniently led me to believe that the owner of the court sash was the murderer!”

Fuheng’s expression grew tense. He immediately grasped Yingluo’s hand and said urgently:

“Enough, Yingluo!”

But Yingluo shook off his hand and stared straight at him, as though trying to peer into the depths of his heart. She asked:

“With your current power and status, you don’t even take Prince Yi seriously—let alone an ordinary member of the imperial clan! I really wonder: who exactly is this person that you would protect him at the cost of your own reputation?”

Fuheng shook his head.

“Yingluo, I’m not protecting him—I’m protecting you.”

Yingluo gave a scornful laugh.

“Protecting me?”

Fuheng’s voice turned hoarse.

“If you keep investigating, it will drag in more grudges and enmities. I don’t want you to encounter any danger.”

Wei Yingluo took a deep breath and said:

“Fucha Fuheng, I’ll ask you just one question: who exactly is this person?”

Fuheng gazed at her steadily, his eyes filled with pain and guilt. He said:

“I’m sorry.”

Wei Yingluo turned and walked away.

It felt as though she were lost in a thick fog. She had once thought there was someone in the mist she could hold hands with and walk together, but in the end, she was alone again. Wei Yingluo wandered forward aimlessly until someone called out to her: “Yingluo, where are you heading in such a hurry?”

She snapped back to reality and saw Desheng and others passing by, carrying stacks of tea trays and other items. She forced a smile and replied, “I’m going to the Imperial Household Department to collect something. And you—why are you rushing around with so many people?”

Desheng smiled and said, “His Majesty suddenly felt like it and decided to hold a tea banquet at Chonghua Palace, inviting the Princes and Prince of Third Rank to join him for tea. This servant is hurrying over to make preparations!”

Wei Yingluo’s heart stirred. She asked, “Princes and Prince of Third Rank?”

Desheng nodded. “Yes! Anyone who can attend a tea gathering at Chonghua Palace is someone of prominent status among the imperial clan! Ah, I can’t chat any longer. Please give my regards to Her Majesty the Empress—tell her this servant will come pay respects another day!”

Yingluo nodded with a smile and watched Desheng leave. She murmured to herself: “Chonghua Palace…”

Inside Chonghua Palace, the hall was filled with the Emperor’s descendants and the sons of phoenixes—yet no matter how noble their blood, they were still human, and humans cannot avoid gossip and chatter.

Yunxi ate a grape and sighed. “Prince Yi has already fallen into misfortune, so how is Hongzhou still doing so well?”

Hongzhan looked baffled. “What do you mean Fifth Brother can’t be doing well?”

Yunxi said mysteriously, “You really haven’t heard? Hongzhou had a coffin made. He had his wives, concubines, and servants wail and mourn for him as though he were already dead—while he himself lounged there with his legs crossed, sitting in the main hall, laughing heartily while listening to everyone sob and cry. Don’t you think he’s gone mad?”

Suddenly a burst of loud laughter came from outside the door. A man’s voice rang out: “There’s no one in the world who lives to a hundred—why should anyone be so superstitious about it!”

Everyone was startled. Hongzhou strolled in, fanning himself elegantly with a folding fan, looking completely at ease.

Hongzhan asked in surprise, “Fifth Brother, did you really have a coffin made for yourself?”

Hongzhou grinned and replied cheerfully, “I just wanted to get a head start on enjoying the honor that comes after death! And while I was at it, I wanted to see who would cry the hardest and who truly cared about me!”

Fupeng slammed his wine cup down on the table, about to scold Hongzhou—when suddenly Hongli’s voice cut in: “Is everyone here?”

The room instantly fell silent. Everyone stood and bowed in unison: “This servant pays respects to Your Majesty.”

Hongli waved his hand with a faint smile. “Today is a family banquet. Everyone here is close kin by blood—there is no need for so much formality. Take your seats.” Then he turned to Hongzhou and asked gently, “Have you caused trouble again?”

Hongzhou put on an innocent smile. “How could I, Imperial Brother? Your little brother has always kept your words in mind—working diligently and behaving properly!”

Everyone else wore expressions of clear disbelief. Hongli noticed but only smiled slightly and said, “Serve the tea.”

The tea trays were brought forward, and each member of the imperial clan was given a cup, accompanied by steamed buns and pastries.

Hongzhou lifted the lid of his teacup, let out a surprised sound, and asked, “What is this?”

Hongli answered, “Snow water steeped with plum blossoms, pine nuts, and finger citron, blended with Longjing tea. It is called Three Purities Tea.”

Everyone raised their cups and tasted it, their faces showing appreciation.

But Hongzhou hesitated and said, “Imperial Brother, I’ve heard that mixing pine nuts with finger citron can easily produce poison!”

Hongli laughed. “And where did you hear such nonsense?”

Hongzhou laughed heartily a couple of times and replied, “Yesterday, while I was lying in the coffin, Lord Yama himself told me!”

Hongli shot him a glare and scolded, “Just drink your tea quietly!”

Hongzhou grinned, grabbed his cup, and downed it in one gulp.

Moments later, his face turned deathly pale. His lips trembled uncontrollably, and his whole body began shaking as though he had caught a violent chill.

Hongzhan was startled. “Fifth Brother, what’s wrong with you?”

Hongzhou’s eyes rolled back, and he collapsed straight backward onto the floor.

Hongzhan rushed forward and forcefully pushed Hongzhou. Hongzhou kept convulsing. Everyone looked on in shock and suspicion. Hongli suddenly stood up.

Hongzhan panicked and cried, “Could it really be that mixing pine nuts and bergamot is poisonous? Quick, spit it out!”

Everyone was terrified. One after another, they frantically tried to gag themselves, desperately attempting to vomit up the tea they had drunk. Fupeng dramatically pounded his own chest. Yunlu pressed hard on the base of his tongue and—with a retching sound—spat out the tea and snacks in a gush. Yunxi went even further, shoving a spoon straight down his throat.

Hongli, on the contrary, remained calm. He didn’t even lift an eyelid, quietly sitting there eating steamed buns.

In the midst of all the chaos, Hongzhou suddenly sat bolt upright, his face full of bewilderment. “What’s wrong with all of you?”

Yunlu raised his head, incredulous. “Weren’t you poisoned to death—?”

Hongzhou flashed a mischievous grin. “The Three Purities tea tasted so good that I lost myself for a moment and nearly had one of my old epileptic fits! What’s the matter with all of you? Did you have fits too?”

Fupeng exploded in fury. “Hongzhou, you were clearly toying with us on purpose! Your Majesty, Hongzhou’s behavior is utterly outrageous—you cannot let this go unchecked!” With that, he charged forward, ready to throw a punch.

Hongli barked sharply, “Everyone, sit down!” The whole group froze.

Forced back to their seats, they all glared at Hongzhou with resentment. Hongzhou fanned himself leisurely, sweeping a smug gaze over them.

After the banquet ended, everyone left Chonghua Palace. That night, a torrential downpour began. Hongzhou walked ahead, while the others trailed behind, muttering angrily under their breath.

Suddenly, the man who had been leading the way—Hongzhou—whirled around with an ominous look. “What nasty little scheme are you all plotting now? Planning to tattle to His Majesty about me, aren’t you!”

Fupeng was just about to speak when his eyes suddenly widened in terror. He shouted loudly, “Look!”

Hongzhou sneered disdainfully. “I’ve played this old trick myself ages ago. Trying to scare me? In your dreams!”

Hongzhan, trembling all over, stammered, “Fifth Brother, no—it’s not that!”

Hongzhou frowned and turned back. Just then, a flash of lightning illuminated the palace wall. The shadowy figure of a palace maid appeared faintly upon it. In the instant Hongzhou’s eyes widened, the maid twisted her head around. Her long, disheveled hair covered her face, making her features indistinct—yet she lifted her lips in a faint, eerie smile directed straight at them.

Hongzhan turned and bolted. The others didn’t even think—they dropped their umbrellas and fled for their lives into the pouring rain.

STORY OF YANXI PALACE CHAPTERS HOME

  

   Story of Yanxi Palace, Chapter 64: Poison

   This time, Chuxiu Palace’s attempt to frame the Empress had failed, and the Empress Dowager had even ordered their theatrical stage dismantled. They had lost both money and men, their former arrogance completely extinguished. Everyone in the palace was secretly laughing at their misfortune.

But the people of Changchun Palace knew better: Noble Consort Hui would never let this go quietly.

That day, as Wei Yingluo left the embroidery workshop, she suddenly ran into Zhilan. The two passed each other without looking sideways, but in the instant their shoulders brushed, Zhilan asked softly:

“Wei Yingluo, do you want to know the true cause of A-Man’s death?”

Wei Yingluo spun around sharply.

Zhilan smiled coyishly and said, “Tonight at the third watch, come alone to Chuxiu Palace. Remember — if word of this gets out, you will never know the truth for the rest of your life.”

The moon was pale, clouds thin; a faint fragrance of flowers drifted on the wind. Chuxiu Palace stood magnificent and radiant in the night. Wei Yingluo followed Zhilan into the main hall and bowed to the two seated figures at the head:

“This servant pays respects to Your Ladyship Noble Consort and Noble Lady Shu.”

Noble Consort Hui covered her lips and laughed lightly. “Wei Yingluo, just now I was making a bet with Noble Lady Shu — whether you would dare to come.”

Wei Yingluo asked calmly, “This servant ventures to ask: did Your Ladyship Noble Consort win the bet, or did Noble Lady Shu win?”

Noble Consort Hui’s face grimed. She said coldly, “I have always detested sharp-tongued people — especially you, who have ruined so many of my plans! Still, for you to come to Chuxiu Palace alone shows considerable courage.”

Wei Yingluo pretended to be afraid and said, “Yingluo is actually quite timid. Before coming to Chuxiu Palace, I left a letter behind. If I do not return within one hour, I will have no choice but to ask Her Majesty the Empress to come fetch me.”

Noble Consort Hui scoffed and waved her hand lazily. “Enough. I asked you here because I want you to see someone.” As soon as her words fell, a young eunuch was pushed forward. He looked only thirteen or fourteen years old and knelt down beside Wei Yingluo.

Wei Yingluo glanced at the little eunuch with little interest and asked, “Who is he?”

The young eunuch answered tremblingly, “This servant is Xiaozhangzi, the sweeping eunuch of the Imperial Garden.”

Naran Chuxue spoke with full malice: “Xiaozhangzi, tell us exactly what you saw on the night of the tenth day of the first lunar month!”

Wei Yingluo’s expression changed abruptly.

The little eunuch stole a fearful glance at Wei Yingluo before replying timidly, “That night the Emperor was entertaining the imperial clansmen in Qianqing Palace. All the managers in the Imperial Garden had slipped away to play cards, leaving only this servant on duty. Later I heard a noise near the rockery, so I quietly went over.”

Wei Yingluo was no longer calm. Urgently she asked, “What did you see?”

The little eunuch answered in a shaking voice, “This servant personally saw… Sister Yingning being dragged into the rockery by someone…”

Wei Yingluo suddenly shouted, “Then why didn’t you save her!”

The little eunuch was terrified and collapsed backward, stammering, “This servant doesn’t dare… that person, that person…”

Wei Yingluo grabbed the little eunuch by the front of his robe and demanded, “Who exactly was that person!”

The little eunuch, choked uncomfortably, cried out loudly, “It was Fucha Fuheng! Fucha Fuheng!”

Wei Yingluo’s face filled with astonishment. Her grip loosened for a moment, and then, unexpectedly, she laughed. She nodded and said, “Not a bad story you’ve made up.”

Naran Chuxue frowned and asked, “Do you think we’re fabricating a tale to deceive you?”

Wei Yingluo regained her composure. “My older sister’s matter, and the reason I entered the palace—only Momo-Zhang knows the full truth! Today I went to the embroidery chamber to see her, but instead I ran into Zhilan, and then Zhilan claimed she knew about my sister. Isn’t that far too coincidental? You must have learned my secret from Momo-Zhang and now want to frame Fucha Fuheng, forcing me to serve the Changchun Palace. Isn’t that right?”

A dead silence fell over the hall. The little eunuch stood frozen with his mouth open, seemingly stunned.

Noble Consort Hui let out a light laugh, breaking the stillness. “Wei Yingluo, do you really think a single jade pendant is the only piece of evidence?”

Wei Yingluo’s heart tightened. “What does Your Ladyship mean by that?”

Naran Chuxue turned to the little eunuch and ordered, “Bring it out.”

The little eunuch tremblingly drew a court belt from his bosom and held it up before Wei Yingluo. “This servant found this court belt by the rockery. The other party must have left in too great a hurry and didn’t notice—”

Wei Yingluo snatched the belt away. Embroidered on it was the same Manchu script as on the jade pendant. She clenched it tightly in an instant.

Noble Consort Hui said smugly, “Fucha Fuheng—one jade pendant might still be called a coincidence, but now even his court belt has turned up. This is an item worn close to the body by a first-rank imperial guard. Are you saying such a thing could simply be lost by accident?”

Wei Yingluo gripped the belt even tighter, her gaze flickering uncertainly.

Naran Chuxue immediately pressed the advantage. “Fucha Fuheng violated A-Man’s chastity. The dignified and virtuous Empress, in order to protect her own younger brother’s reputation, expelled this pitiful palace maid from the palace. And even that wasn’t enough for her peace of mind—if the maid were to go out and speak recklessly, it would surely damage the Fucha family’s good name! To eliminate the root of the problem once and for all, she simply—”

Wei Yingluo cut her off sharply: “Enough!”

Naran Chuxue smiled sweetly. “Look at you—I haven’t even finished speaking and you’re already shaking with rage. I understand you completely. You went through so much hardship to enter the palace, all for the sake of finding your sister’s killer, only to become the sharpest blade in your enemy’s hand! That hypocritical pair of siblings must be laughing behind your back, mocking how foolish you are for mistaking the thief for your master!”

Wei Yingluo stared coldly at Noble Consort Hui. “What exactly does Your Ladyship want me to do?”

Noble Consort Hui spoke in a seductive, coaxing tone. “The Empress excels at putting on an act of virtue, deceiving the entire world with that dignified and virtuous face of hers. Now that you know the truth, this palace hopes you will serve this palace.”

Wei Yingluo asked, “How should I serve?”

Naran Chuxue extended her hand and handed Wei Yingluo a small packet of medicine. “The Empress has toyed with you and deceived you like this—don’t you want revenge? Simply put this packet of powder into the Empress’s daily food or drink, and she can be killed without anyone ever knowing or suspecting.”

Wei Yingluo froze, incredulous. “You want me to poison the Empress?”

Naran Chuxue gave a scornful laugh. “What’s wrong? Are you afraid now? The Empress is Fuheng’s greatest shield. To protect her precious little brother, she was willing to kill the innocent A-Man! Poor A-Man first lost her chastity, then was driven out of the palace, and finally strangled to death—abandoned and despised by her own family. All of this tragedy was caused by that brother-and-sister pair, yet you’re still soft-hearted!”

Wei Yingluo’s fingertips trembled as she accepted the packet of medicine.

The next day, in Changchun Palace, Fuheng came to pay a visit to the Empress. Wei Yingluo was preparing tea in the tea room when Zhenzhu approached from behind and asked, “Yingluo, is the tea ready?”

Wei Yingluo smiled. “It’s ready.” With that, she picked up the tray and walked out of the tea room together with Zhenzhu. Just as they reached the front of the main hall, they encountered Consort-Chun approaching with Yuhu. The two immediately halted and curtsied in greeting: “This servant respectfully greets Consort-Chun Your Ladyship!”

Consort-Chun smiled coyishly. “Rise.”

Zhenzhu asked, “Consort Chun, have you come to pay respects to Her Majesty the Empress? This servant will go in first to announce you!”

Consort Chun glanced toward the main hall and shook her head. “No need. Imperial Guard Fucha is in the main hall. This palace will avoid him for now and come back to visit Her Majesty at noon.”

Zhenzhu and Wei Yingluo acknowledged the order. As they passed by Consort Chun, a gust of wind blew through, lifting Yingluo’s sleeve and carrying a wave of fragrance with it. Wei Yingluo walked on without noticing anything. Consort Chun suddenly turned her head back, a look of astonishment on her face.

The two entered the main hall and set down the tea and snacks. Fuheng’s gaze seemed to linger faintly on Wei Yingluo. The Empress gave a light cough and said, “Didn’t I already tell you? If there’s nothing important, don’t come to Changchun Palace. The Emperor’s grace is not something for you to squander casually.”

Fuheng smiled and replied, “Your Majesty, rest assured. This time it was Mother who sent me. She went to Huguo Temple and obtained a peace blessing charm. She insisted I bring it into the palace for you.”

The Empress sighed helplessly. “Mother really… from Longfu Temple, to Huguo Temple, now Guanghua Temple. How many temples does she plan to visit? How many peace talismans does she intend to collect?”

Fuheng spoke sweetly, “For Elder Sister’s sake, even if Mother wore her legs thin running around, she would do it gladly.”

The Empress laughed, a mix of fondness and gentle reproach in her voice. “Where did you learn to be so smooth-tongued?”

Fuheng lifted his teacup with a smile and said nothing. When he raised his eyes, he saw Wei Yingluo staring steadily at him. He couldn’t help but give her a slight smile in return.

Wei Yingluo returned a smile as well.

Just as Fuheng was about to drink, a sharp shout came from the doorway: “Don’t drink it!”

Consort Chun rushed in like a gust of wind. Without a word, she strode forward and struck the teacup from his hand.

The porcelain cup shattered into pieces on the floor. Fuheng looked at Consort Chun in shock. “Consort Chun! What are you doing?”

The Empress was equally surprised. “Consort Chun, what’s wrong?”

Consort Chun suddenly turned toward Wei Yingluo, pointed at her, and declared, “You should be asking her—what has she done?”

Wei Yingluo remained calm and composed. “Consort Chun, what do you mean by that?”

Consort Chun stepped close to Wei Yingluo, lightly sniffed, and confirmed her suspicion. “To win the Emperor’s favor, Noble Consort Hui sought out the ‘Skin-Penetrating Fragrance Pill.’ She takes it every day. Not only does her whole body exude an intoxicating scent, even the clothes she wears and the rooms she stays in carry the fragrance for a long time. To prevent others from competing for favor, she strictly forbids any palace servant from imitating it. Wei Yingluo—why does your body carry exactly that same scent?”

The Empress glanced at Wei Yingluo and said, “Consort Chun, it’s probably just a coincidence that she picked it up somewhere…”

Consort Chun shook her head, speaking with disappointment and frustration. “Your Majesty, you and I see Noble Consort Hui every single day—have we ever carried even a trace of that fragrance? There is only one possibility: Wei Yingluo went to Chuxiu Palace and stayed there for quite a long time! Because the incense burners in Chuxiu Palace are filled with exactly the same scent, and it lingers for hours. Right now Changchun Palace and Chuxiu Palace are like fire and water—why would Wei Yingluo go to Chuxiu Palace?”

Fuheng pressed his lips tightly together and looked deeply at Wei Yingluo.

Erqing grabbed Wei Yingluo’s arm in panic. “Yingluo, explain yourself!”

Consort Chun’s eyes were full of disappointment. She said bitterly, “She has nothing to say! When I first smelled the scent on her earlier, I wasn’t entirely sure—so I ordered Yuhu to search her room. And look what we found!” With that, Consort Chun extended her hand. In her palm was an empty medicine pouch.

The Empress’s voice trembled slightly. “What is this?”

Consort Chun said, “I had it examined. This is a pouch that once contained poison. It’s now empty.”

STORY OF YANXI PALACE CHAPTERS HOME

  

   Story of Yanxi Palace, Chapter 63: The Fairy Does Not Long for the Mortal World

Noble Consort Hui clenched her teeth and glared at the Empress. In her extreme anger she actually laughed. “Empress, you really have raised quite the fine dog!” With that, she flicked her cloud-like sleeve and turned to leave. Naran Chuxue and Zhilan hurriedly followed after her.

In front of Yanhui Pavilion, only the people from Changchun Palace remained.

Erqing patted her chest, wiped cold sweat from her brow, and asked, “Yingluo, my heart nearly jumped out of my chest just now. What in the world just happened?”

Wei Yingluo glanced at the corpse on the ground and replied:

“These days, costume games have become all the rage in the palace—to the point that everyone is imitating them. Today, while the Empress was accompanying the Empress Dowager on a garden stroll, a fall-from-a-building accident just happened to occur. That’s why Ming Yu stopped Zhilan, and I rushed ahead first. I found the palace maid already dead from the fall. I noticed her makeup was unusually vivid, and I heard the two people upstairs mention the Empress. Zhilan was also suspiciously eager, which inevitably made one suspect that Noble Consort was secretly orchestrating this!”

Erqing suddenly understood:

“So that’s why you hurried to drag Noble Consort into it? But where did the greasepaint on that palace maid’s face come from?”

Wei Yingluo smiled coyishly and pointed to the nearby bushes laden with berries. There were still dried berry juice stains on her palm.

“This isn’t greasepaint at all—it’s just berry juice. Fortunately, when the maid fell, her face was covered in blood. No one would look closely, so it was easy to fool them!”

Ming Yu frowned and asked:

“Wait a moment—how did Noble Consort know in advance that the palace maid would fall, and deliberately bring the Empress Dowager here to witness it?”

Wei Yingluo scoffed with icy disdain.

“There’s no such thing as someone who can foresee the future! Those three were originally sweeping maids of Yanhui Pavilion—they must be very familiar with the building. How could a perfectly fine person just fall from a high place for no reason? After the incident, those two lingered upstairs dawdling, and when they finally came down, they showed no sign of grief at all. Is that normal? So they weren’t just playing around—they had planned this long in advance and directly pushed her off!”

Ming Yu sucked in a sharp breath.

“You mean—Noble Consort Hui used a human life to frame the Empress!”

Wei Yingluo nodded, her expression grave.

“Not just her—Noble Lady Shu was involved too!”

Ming Yu couldn’t help clapping her hands once in admiration.

“Yingluo, you finally did something right! If the Empress had really been successfully framed, our Changchun Palace would have been in serious trouble!”

While the group was still rejoicing, the Empress suddenly spoke, her voice carrying hidden anger:

“The two of you nearly caused a disaster, yet instead of reflecting, you still pin your hopes on luck. I have been far too indulgent with you!”

With that, she didn’t even glance at Yingluo and the others—she simply turned and walked away.

The three of them exchanged bewildered looks and hurriedly followed. Ming Yu lowered her voice and asked:

“What’s wrong with Her Majesty? We clearly got through it smoothly—why is she angry instead?”

Wei Yingluo also looked puzzled and whispered:

“Erqing, did I do something wrong?”

Erqing glanced at Ming Yu, then at Yingluo, and sighed.

“You two are supposed to be clever people, but in reality you’re both complete blockheads!”

The Empress’s sudden anger came out of nowhere and refused to fade. Back at Changchun Palace, she refused to eat, catching everyone off guard.

The night had grown deep. The Empress sat silently on the couch; the food on the table had long gone cold.

Wei Yingluo quietly brought over a small table and placed it in front of the Empress, then set down a prayer cushion. She fetched an incense burner, lit the incense with care, knelt facing the Empress, and began murmuring under her breath.

Unable to resist, the Empress opened her eyes. Seeing Yingluo earnestly chanting, she couldn’t help asking:

“What are you doing?”

Wei Yingluo held the incense reverently and said with utmost seriousness:

“Her Majesty the Empress is like a celestial fairy—beautiful, dignified, and kind-hearted. But today the fairy is angry. Yingluo must offer a prayer and beseech the fairy to guide us mortals and tell us exactly where we went wrong.”

The Empress burst out laughing with a “pfft.”

Wei Yingluo closed her eyes and continued murmuring:

“Even if we truly did something wrong, we beg the fairy to show great mercy and forgive us. From now on, we will certainly be cautious in word and deed and never make the same mistake again!”

The Empress reached out and lightly knocked Wei Yingluo on the forehead.

Wei Yingluo immediately scrambled up and asked cautiously:

“Your Majesty… you’re not angry anymore?”

The Empress furrowed her brow and said:

“I’m not angry at you—I’m angry at myself.”

Wei Yingluo looked utterly confused.

The Empress spoke softly:

“Ming Yu and the others have always been curious why I became so reserved and cautious after marriage. It’s because a woman must bear the heavy responsibilities of bearing and raising children, serving her parents-in-law, and managing the household. If she spends all day lost in singing and dancing, indulging in pleasure, it brings disaster to both husband and family. Throughout history, beauties like Zhao Feiyan and Zhao Hede, or Yang Yuhuan—though they were all nation-toppling beauties—have been endlessly criticized by later generations for their frivolous behavior and lack of virtue.”

Wei Yingluo looked unconvinced and said:

“So without peerless beauties, the empire would last forever? If you ask me, it’s precisely because there were real beauties that we could test who the fake heroes were. Dynasty after dynasty lost their thrones—either they blame treacherous ministers or seductive consorts who ruined the country. Why don’t they ever say: the bed was too soft, the shoes were crooked, I was in a bad mood—so the empire was lost!”

The Empress couldn’t help laughing again and scolded gently, “You and your crooked reasoning, yet you still sound so righteous! I am the Empress. I should maintain dignity and restraint, speak and act with caution, and serve as a model for the six palaces! But for a moment I lost myself, longing for the freedom and joy of my maiden days. I put on the flowing immortal skirt of Goddess Luo and danced an improper dance, causing the entire palace to imitate me and changing the atmosphere all at once — and that led to this great disaster!”

Wei Yingluo grew anxious. “Your Majesty, this is clearly Noble Consort Hui’s fault—”

The Empress shook her head and reached out to press a finger gently against Wei Yingluo’s lips, speaking gravely: “No. I was the one who first stepped wrong and gave the enemy an opening. Let me ask you this: is today merely about one human life? As a woman, I cannot expand the territory or defend the nation. Managing the inner palace well, ensuring the Emperor has no worries from behind — that is the only thing I can do for the country and its people. Fulfilling the duties of an Empress is far more important than winning the Emperor’s favor! So, Yingluo, thank you for everything you’ve done. But I am the Empress of Great Qing — never forget that.”

Wei Yingluo’s eyes suddenly stung with tears. All at once she wanted to cry — for the fairy in her heart, who could no longer wear the fairy’s feathered robes.

   STORY OF YANXI PALACE CHAPTERS HOME

  

   Story of Yanxi Palace, Chapter 62: The Aftermath Lingers

   She had come full of expectation and left in utter dejection.

The world seemed gray and bleak. Every step Naran Chuxue took felt as though she were sinking into a muddy swamp — heavy, dragging, sinking deeper with each movement.

As she passed through the Imperial Garden, she saw several young palace maids singing and dancing inside.

One little maid lifted the hem of her skirt high, twirling in an attempt to look ethereal and immortal — completely unaware that, to onlookers, she looked clumsy and awkward, like a duck flapping about. She turned proudly to her companion and asked, “How do I look? Do you think I resemble Goddess Luo?”

Her friend laughed and teased, “You do! You’re just missing the flowing immortal skirt. One of these days, go beg Yingluo from Changchun Palace to make one for you too!”

Naran Chuxue had originally paid the two girls no mind. But when she returned to Jingren Palace, her personal maid Dongzao came forward to support her back to the sleeping chambers. On the way, Dongzao whispered, “My lady, this servant has found out the truth. It’s said that Her Majesty the Empress dressed up as Goddess Luo and managed to keep the Emperor there — that’s why you waited in vain all night!”

Naran Chuxue’s footsteps halted. She remembered the inch-by-inch despair she had felt beneath the brocade quilt. She remembered the two silly maids preening in the Imperial Garden. Hatred surged and filled her eyes completely. Her chest heaved for a moment before she suddenly lowered her voice and said to Dongzao, “Go to Chuxiu Palace. Deliver a message to Noble Consort Hui for me. Tell her that the day after tomorrow the Empress Dowager will return from Changchun Garden. I have a way to make the Empress completely lose the Empress Dowager’s favor — so that in front of Noble Consort, she will never be able to raise her head again!”

“Yes!” Dongzao left quickly and soon returned with Noble Consort Hui’s reply — just nine short words:

“I will give you one more chance.”

Two days later, in the Imperial Garden, the sun shone brightly and a hundred birds sang.

An old woman, solemn and dignified, her hands wrapped around Buddhist prayer beads, walked at the very front. The Empress supported her arm with deference, while the other consorts and concubines did not even qualify to offer an arm — they could only follow respectfully behind.

This woman was none other than the current Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager patted the Empress’s hand. “While I was at Changchun Garden performing Buddhist rites, it must have been difficult for you to manage both ends. You’ve worked hard these past days.”

The Empress replied softly, “Managing the inner palace and serving the Empress Dowager are this subject-wife’s proper duties. I dare not claim any merit.”

The two chatted casually about family matters, but unexpectedly Noble Consort Hui suddenly curled her lip and interjected:

“Your Majesty may not know, but the Empress is of noble character and pure virtue, with a mind as fragrant as orchid. Every woman in the palace regards her as a model — imitating her every word, every action, every frown and every smile, all hoping to win the Emperor’s favor!”

Wei Yingluo was stunned by the words and couldn’t help staring hard at the other woman. There was something strange and off about the tone—could she be up to mischief again?

Between the dignified wife and the seductive one, the Empress Dowager, like any ordinary mother-in-law, naturally favored the former. She immediately smiled and said, “The Empress has always handled matters justly and with perfect decorum. If every consort and concubine in the palace could learn even three-tenths of her grace, I would be completely satisfied.”

“Empress Dowager, this subject consort does not deserve such praise…” The Empress quickly tried to decline modestly.

“No need for modesty.” The Empress Dowager interrupted her with a cheerful smile. “I know you best of all! His Majesty works tirelessly day and night, attending to every matter personally and inevitably neglecting his own well-being. The affairs of the inner palace are complicated and the numbers vast—yet everything runs smoothly only because of your careful management. Because of you, His Majesty can focus entirely on state affairs, and peace and harmony prevail throughout the palace. In my heart, no one in the world is more dependable than you!”

As if unwilling to let the Empress take all the credit, Noble Consort Hui interjected, “By the way, Empress Dowager, did you like the Buddhist pagoda relic that was presented earlier?”

The Empress Dowager was devout in her faith—otherwise she wouldn’t have even her clothes scented with sandalwood. The relic was something she had sought for many years, and now that her wish was fulfilled, she naturally would not forget the one who provided it. She immediately asked, “Where is the Noble Lady who presented the pagoda relic?”

“Noble Lady Shu.” Noble Consort Hui stepped aside slightly. “Come forward.”

Naran Chuxue hurriedly took a few quick steps and knelt before the Empress Dowager. “This concubine respectfully greets the Empress Dowager and wishes Your Highness peace and health!”

The Empress Dowager looked her up and down. Because Naran Chuxue had an elegant and virtuous appearance, quite similar to the Empress in demeanor, she already pleased the elderly woman greatly on looks alone. Add to that the gift of the Buddhist relic, and the favor increased by another three points. The Empress Dowager nodded approvingly. “To be able to obtain a Buddhist relic shows you have an affinity with the Buddha. I never expected such a refined and beautiful young woman. Come, come closer to me.”

“Yes, Empress Dowager.” Naran Chuxue obeyed readily, supporting the Empress Dowager’s other arm. When they reached a fork in the path, she subtly guided the Empress Dowager toward the right. “Empress Dowager, Yanhui Pavilion is just ahead. The peonies in front of the pavilion are all in bloom. Why don’t we go and admire them?”

Hearing her words and watching her movements, Wei Yingluo felt more and more that something was wrong.

Everything seemed far too deliberate…

“Ah!!”

Suddenly a blood-curdling scream rang out. Wei Yingluo looked up just in time to see a palace maid falling from a high point of Yanhui Pavilion. With a heavy thud, the figure disappeared into the peony bushes.

“Zhilan!” Almost the instant the figure hit the ground, Noble Consort Hui shouted, “Quick, go see!”

“Yes!” Zhilan rushed over at once. Wei Yingluo’s eyes flashed; she too hurried forward.

The two arrived beside the peony bushes almost simultaneously. A palace maid lay limp on the ground. Wei Yingluo reached out to check—there was no breath, no pulse. She immediately stepped back half a pace. Up above, two palace maids leaned out, faces full of panic, whispering words that included “Empress” and “disguise.”

Not far away, Aunt Liu’s scolding voice already rang out: “Hurry! Everyone over there—find out exactly what happened!”

Zhilan shoved aside Ming Yu, who was trying to hold her back, and sneered coldly, “Something this serious has happened—even if you try to stop me, it’s useless!”

Wei Yingluo stared at the palace maid’s body and pressed her lips tightly together.

The large group arrived majestically at the base of Yanhui Pavilion. Naran Chuxue immediately said, “Empress Dowager, it’s right here!” Everyone saw the corpse; a handkerchief still covered the face. The Empress Dowager’s expression changed dramatically as she demanded, “What in the world has happened here?”

Wei Yingluo answered calmly, “Reporting to the Empress Dowager: because she fell from a great height, her face was severely damaged. To avoid frightening the mistresses, a handkerchief was specially placed over it. As for the reason for the fall, this servant has not yet had time to inquire.”

Aunt Liu swept her gaze over the two palace maids and barked sharply, “Are you two from Yanhui Pavilion?”

The two palace maids dropped to their knees with a thud. One of them seemed to summon all her courage before speaking: “The three of us are sweeping maids of Yanhui Pavilion. We were just playing around earlier, and who knew she would misstep and fall from such a height! We were caught off guard and couldn’t grab her in time, so…”

The Empress Dowager’s face was ice-cold. “This is a human life. To dismiss it with the light words ‘just playing around’—is that not far too frivolous!”

Naran Chuxue shot a glance at the two palace maids and said, “The Empress Dowager is right. Since the three of you were on duty, you should have carried out your tasks properly. Why were you fooling around here? Confess everything truthfully at once!”

The palace maid understood and quickly replied, “Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, please forgive us! Lately a costume role-playing game has become very popular in the palace. Everyone loves to imitate the appearances of classical beauties for fun. We servants were just momentarily carried away by the game and ended up committing such a monstrous offense!”

Another palace maid hurriedly chimed in, “Yes, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager! We didn’t mean to! We beg for your forgiveness!”

The Empress’s expression changed slightly. Erqing felt anxious and looked toward the Empress, wanting to speak but hesitating.

The Empress Dowager looked puzzled. “What costume role-playing game?”

The palace maid stealthily glanced at the Empress before answering, “It… it spread from Changchun Palace. Her Majesty the Empress—”

Wei Yingluo suddenly cut in: “Reporting to the Empress Dowager, this servant ventures to guess that the palace maid just now was imitating the drunken state of Noble Consort Yang. She accidentally fell from the top of Yanhui Pavilion. As for why she chose to imitate Noble Consort Yang, it is probably because Noble Consort Hui’s performance of ‘The Drunken Beauty’ was so captivating that the palace maids all wanted to copy her!”

The Empress Dowager’s anger was already rising. “The Drunken Beauty? What—is Noble Consort Hui putting on operas in the palace?”

Noble Consort Hui immediately snapped, “You filthy slave! What nonsense are you spouting? When has this palace ever told the maids to imitate anything?”

Wei Yingluo smiled coyishly, humbly lowered her head and replied, “Of course Noble Consort need not say a word—leading by example is enough. In Chuxiu Palace, the huqin never stops playing every day; Peking operas follow one after another. Today it’s The Palace of Eternal Life, tomorrow it’s Farewell My Concubine… Especially Your Ladyship’s rendition of ‘The Drunken Beauty’—performed with such divine skill and such soft, graceful movements. It is deeply loved by His Majesty! The palace maids admire it in their hearts and wish to imitate Your Ladyship to win the Emperor’s favor. That is only human nature. Ming Yu, would you not agree?”

Ming Yu suddenly snapped back to attention and hurriedly said, “Yes, yes, yes! Empress Dowager, yesterday this servant even saw someone imitating Yu Ji!”

Wei Yingluo sighed and said, “Noble Consort, please do not blame this servant for speaking out of turn. Farewell My Concubine carries the omen of a kingdom’s fall—Your Ladyship would do better to stick with Noble Consort Yang!”

Ming Yu pretended to scold, “I told you to read more books! Who says imitating Noble Consort Yang is good? Noble Consort Yang met her tragic end at Mawei Slope—her fragrant soul and jade body perished—and the great Tang dynasty declined amid the An Lushan Rebellion. That is hardly auspicious either!”

By now the Empress Dowager’s face had turned livid with rage. She stared at Noble Consort Hui without saying a word. Noble Consort Hui felt terror in her heart and trembled slightly.

Naran Chuxue was also furious and said, “The costume trend clearly originated from Changchun Palace—how has it suddenly become Noble Consort’s fault? Wei Yingluo, you must not casually slander a Noble Lady!”

Wei Yingluo put on an innocent, bewildered look and said, “But Her Majesty the Empress does not perform ‘The Drunken Beauty,’ nor has she ever publicly dressed up as Noble Consort Yang. What does this have to do with her? Everyone in Chuxiu Palace can hear the little opera stage performing every single day!”

The Empress Dowager waved her hand impatiently. “Enough! Stop arguing! Empress—this costume fad, where exactly did it start?”

The Empress hesitated, then opened her mouth. “Empress Dowager, this concubine…”

Wei Yingluo smiled faintly and confidently continued, “If the Empress Dowager permits, this servant can prove it to everyone right now!”

Naran Chuxue scoffed with icy disdain. “What proof could you possibly have?”

Wei Yingluo walked over to the corpse, suddenly pulled away the cloth covering it. Everyone looked—and saw that the face of the body was blotchy: patches of red and black, with obvious stage makeup mixed in the blood, making the features look grotesque and terrifying.

Naran Chuxue was greatly shocked. “How… how can this be?!”

Noble Consort Hui suddenly shot a fierce glance at Zhilan. Zhilan lowered her head, not daring to meet Noble Consort Hui’s eyes.

The Empress Dowager swept a cold look over Noble Consort Hui and said in a deep voice, “Return to the palace!”

Immediately everyone gathered around the Empress Dowager and departed in a grand procession.

STORY OF YANXI PALACE CHAPTERS HOME

  

   Story of Yanxi Palace, Chapter 61: The Fairy

The fireworks blazed brilliantly. To celebrate Hongli’s full recovery, the palace servants had been given special leniency—allowed to come out at night to watch the fireworks and share in the joy with the Emperor.

But now the fireworks had already ended—why were they still running around outside?

“What are you doing? What are you doing?” Li Yu stood protectively in front of the imperial palanquin, berating the group of palace maids and eunuchs who had nearly collided with it. “Do any of you still understand the rules? Do you know where you are, running around like this!”

Earlier it had been too dark, and everyone was only carrying one lantern each—like fireflies, they had chased after that tiny point of light in clusters. Only now did they clearly see what—and whom—they had almost crashed into. One by one their faces turned deathly pale and they dropped to their knees, crying out “This humble servant deserves to die!”

“Ask them what happened,” Hongli said lazily from inside the palanquin, one hand propping up his head. “Why are they all running toward Changchun Palace?”

“Speak!” Li Yu screeched. “What exactly is going on?”

The group exchanged glances. Finally one palace maid gathered her courage and answered:

“Chief Steward Li, we heard that when the fireworks bloomed, a star fell onto Changchun Palace. Now everyone in the palace has gone to see the immortal fairy!”

Li Yu burst out laughing. “You would believe such nonsense—utterly muddled! I think it’s not an immortal descending to earth, but rather all of you who are blind and foolish!”

“Li Yu,” Hongli suddenly said. “Change course to Changchun Palace.”

“Ah?” Li Yu was stunned for a moment, then immediately turned and ordered the attending palace servants: “Did you hear? Change course! To Changchun Palace!”

With that command, the imperial palanquin—which had originally been heading toward Yangxin Hall to spend the night with Lady Shu—immediately changed direction and set off toward Changchun Palace.

Lightly tapping his fingers on the armrest, Hongli wasn’t quite sure what this feeling was—whether it was a sudden whim or something that had sunk deep into his heart long ago. But when they spoke the word “fairy,” for some reason the vivid scarlet figure from the celebration banquet appeared in his mind’s eye, and with it came the poem that begins “Suddenly looking back”.

The night was already deep, yet the lamps in Changchun Palace were still brightly lit, illuminating the entire palace as if it were broad daylight.

Faintly, the sound of silk strings and bamboo pipes drifted over.

Unlike the grand and imposing Western orchestra at the banquet, this carried a quiet, secluded charm—as though it were inviting him, and him alone, to come and listen.

“Stop.” Hongli called out. “I will go in alone.”

The imperial palanquin halted. With Li Yu’s assistance, Hongli stepped down. Then, alone, he walked into Changchun Palace. Even the Son of Heaven, the lord of all under Heaven, could not be without attendants in the depths of the inner palace—but since he had spoken, Li Yu and the others could only withdraw to a distance, following quietly from afar.

In the courtyard, white lanterns hung from the trees.

Like tiny pure-white moons suspended on the ever-blooming osmanthus branches.

An immortal maiden was dancing beneath the moonlight.

At first glance, Hongli thought his eyes were playing tricks on him. It was clearly the painting of the Luo River Goddess that the Empress had once presented to him—the goddess in the scroll had stepped out of the painting, her wide sleeves fluttering gracefully, her Wu-style sash dancing in the air.

On closer look, it was no goddess at all—it was the Empress dressed as the Luo River Goddess.

As Empress, Lady Fucha was the model of maternal virtue, flawless in every way. But as a woman, she was perhaps a little lacking in allure. Few men could feel desire for a statue of a Bodhisattva in a temple; between the sheets, they usually preferred beauties like Noble Consort Hui—well-proportioned in flesh and bone, charming and delectable.

Now, clad in the attire of the Luo River Goddess, the Empress seemed to have shed something heavy. All the overly solemn layers were carried away by the wind, leaving behind only graceful charm, free and unrestrained elegance.

“Dancing with the clear moon-shadow—how could it compare to being in the mortal world?”

   She danced and sang. Suddenly a strong gust of wind rose, sending her ribbons swirling. It was as though the immortals in the heavens were also watching this dance, admiring this beauty—and loving her so much that they wished to summon her up to the moon palace to keep company with Chang’e, where one would sing and the other dance forever, her beauty never fading, immortal through the ages.

All at once, a hand reached out from the side and rather forcefully pulled her toward him.

“Your Majesty!” The Empress looked at him in surprise, a faint blush of embarrassment flashing across her face. She made to curtsy. “This subject-wife has behaved improperly—please forgive me, Your Majesty!”

The palace maids who had been playing flutes and accompanying her on instruments hurriedly set down their music and knelt in unison:

“Slaves respectfully greet Your Majesty and wish You peace and health!”

For the moment, Hongli’s eyes held no one else—only the moon-palace immortal before him. His gaze burned as he looked at the Empress and smiled:

“Empress, you need not worry. Tonight your dance will not be spoken of outside these walls.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” The Empress shyly tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “It was this subject-wife’s momentary impulse; I did not think it through properly and nearly made a fool of myself!”

When one likes a person, even her smallest gesture seems adorable. Hongli was in precisely that state right now. He personally reached out to tidy the slightly disheveled hair at her temple and said gently with a smile:

“I have never seen you; Empress dressed like this before. Truly it makes you appear otherworldly, pure and strikingly beautiful—completely different from usual.”

The Empress’s face flushed even deeper. She and Hongli had always conducted themselves with perfect mutual respect, the very model of an imperial couple—more like family than lovers. Such sweet, honeyed words she had only ever heard in dreams; never had he spoken them to her face.

Seeing this rare girlish shyness from her, Hongli felt an even warmer surge in his chest. Taking her hand, he led her toward the bedchamber, laughing softly:

“Come, come—the wind is strong out here. Empress, follow me inside. Dance for me… dance just for me alone…”

What happened afterward was something everyone understood without needing to be told.

Only then did the palace maids left behind in the courtyard rise, still clutching their instruments. From left to right stood Wei Yingluo, Ming Yu, Erqing, Zhenzhu…

“Tonight the Emperor will almost certainly stay in Changchun Palace,” Ming Yu said with a fierce little smile. “That Noble Lady Shu tried to trip us up—so we’ll cut her off at the pass. Let her wait alone in her chamber in Yangxin Hall until daybreak!”

“Sister Yingluo, you predicted everything perfectly,” Zhenzhu said, looking at Wei Yingluo with even greater admiration. “When the Emperor heard the rumor that there was a fairy in Changchun Palace, he really couldn’t resist his curiosity and came to see for himself. Once he saw her, he didn’t leave.”

Wei Yingluo smiled, showing no trace of pride or arrogance. She simply cast a gentle glance in the direction of the sleeping chambers — as if the Empress’s wish fulfilled was also her own wish fulfilled.

“It’s been a long day. Everyone must be tired. Go back and rest,” Wei Yingluo said to the group. “I’ll step out for a moment. Eunuch Li is still waiting outside for news.”

After she left, Zhenzhu kept praising her nonstop.

“Speaking of which, this success owes a lot to the dress Yingluo gave to Her Majesty the Empress,” Zhenzhu said, getting a little too excited and chattering on without pause. “It looked exactly like the Goddess Luo gown in the painting, and when the Empress wore it, it fit her perfectly — not a single inch off, clinging to her body like it was made for her…”

“So that dress must have been started at least half a month ago, maybe even a full month earlier,” Erqing’s voice suddenly cut in. Gazing in the direction Wei Yingluo had gone, she said with a complicated look in her eyes, “Do you think she just came up with the idea on a whim? You’re wrong. She prepared for today long in advance.”

Ming Yu and Zhenzhu were stunned. After a long pause, Ming Yu stammered, “So what you’re saying is… she had already planned to help Her Majesty steal him away?”

Erqing let out a soft laugh. “You silly girl. Yingluo wanted to help Her Majesty keep the Emperor here so she could give birth to a legitimate son as soon as possible! Whether it was cutting off Noble Lady Shu or Noble Consort Hui, it didn’t matter — but Noble Lady Shu was acting far too arrogantly and happened to run straight into her line of fire. That’s why she will end up with tonight’s fruitless all-night wait.”

In the side chamber of Yangxin Hall, the red candles had burned for half the night and finally guttered out.

Naran Chuxue lay wrapped in a red brocade quilt, feeling as though the cotton bedding beneath her was sucking her blood dry. Her blood had run out; her body shivered with wave after wave of cold.

“Noble Lady,” a eunuch’s voice sounded as the door opened. “It’s time. We should return.”

He waited for a long moment, but no sound came from inside. Unable to do anything else, the eunuch repeated what he had just said.

“No.” Finally, a hoarse voice rose from within the room. Naran Chuxue stared at the pitch-black ceiling and murmured, “I’m not going back. I’m going to wait here. The Emperor will come.”

Until dawn broke, the Emperor did not come.

STORY OF YANXI PALACE CHAPTERS HOME

  

   Story of Yanxi Palace, Chapter 60: Where Is the Relic

   This was not the first time Wei Yingluo had encountered a theft.

Just like the peacock thread that disappeared in the embroidery workshop last time, she strongly suspected that such a perfectly timed incident must have a conspiracy behind it.

This was not something she could share with the others — they were already panicked enough. If they realized they had stepped right into a trap, they would likely become even more helpless with fear.

“Zhenzhu, stop crying. Crying won’t solve anything,” Wei Yingluo said calmly and composedly. “Now I ask and you answer. First question: who was the first person to return to the eastern side chamber just now?”

“It… it was me,” Zhenzhu answered. Afraid she would be suspected, she hurriedly explained, “I sneaked out to watch the fireworks. I was scared Ming Yu would find out, so I came back before the display even finished.”

Wei Yingluo nodded. “At that time, was the relic still there?”

Zhenzhu shook her head. Everyone’s faces fell, feeling the clue had come to a dead end.

Wei Yingluo thought for a moment and asked a different question: “Was it really only you in there? No one else at all?”

Zhenzhu racked her brains for a moment, then her eyes suddenly lit up. “Wait, there’s one more person. I vaguely remember seeing someone leaving through the door.”

Ming Yu was overjoyed. “So you saw the thief? What did they look like? Man or woman? Quick, think hard!”

“It was… it was…” Zhenzhu bit her lip and very cautiously spoke a name that no one had expected: “It was Noble Lady Shu.”

The original owner of the Buddhist pagoda relic — Naran Chuxue.

“Ha! The thief crying ‘thief’ — it’s actually her!” Ming Yu gnashed her teeth, turned, and immediately ran outside.

“You think that will work?” Wei Yingluo’s calm voice floated from behind her. “The Buddhist pagoda relic was originally presented to the palace by her. What possible reason would she have to sneak in and steal it back? More importantly, with the corridor lights extinguished for the fireworks display, who would believe the testimony of a single palace maid?”

“But there was a huge firework in the sky at that moment — it lit up everything clearly. I saw it perfectly!” Zhenzhu hurriedly insisted.

“I believe you, but others may not.” Wei Yingluo soothed her, then closed her eyes in deep thought.

The theft had happened in such a short window that the culprit had no time to smuggle the item out of the palace. And since the Buddhist relic was extremely precious, it was most likely still on the thief’s person.

“Body search? Impossible. What justification could there be to search the noble ladies?” Wei Yingluo murmured. “The only way is to make her reveal it herself… but is that even possible?”

It was possible.

“I have a plan to unmask the culprit.” Having already formed an idea, Wei Yingluo opened her eyes and addressed everyone around her. “But I’ll need your help…”

In the main hall, the singing and dancing were nearing their end. Hongli, still recovering from a serious illness, was already struggling to stay awake. He yawned, slumped in his chair, and asked lazily, “Are there any more performances?”

The Empress was about to reply when Ming Yu suddenly stepped close and whispered something in her ear. A flicker of doubt passed over the Empress’s face, but out of trust in Wei Yingluo, she smiled and said, “Your Majesty, in past years the final performance has always been acrobatics. This year, let’s try something different.”

Hongli, too sleepy to even keep his eyes open, simply closed them and muttered, “What kind of different?”

“The palace maids of my palace will present a special tribute to you,” the Empress replied. “Yingluo, you may come forward.”

Hongli’s eyes snapped open.

Perhaps because she normally dressed plainly for court duties, tonight she wore an unusually striking red gown. Red is an intense color that few can carry, yet she wore it perfectly — with her beauty, her smile, and the rippling light in her eyes.

“…The Yuhu turns, fish and dragons dance through the night; moth-eyebrows, snow willows, golden threads; laughter and fragrance drift softly away.” For some reason, these lines drifted into Hongli’s heart like a gentle spring breeze, stirring ripples across a still pond. “Suddenly looking back — that person stands… at the place where the lanterns dim.”

The lamplight fell on Wei Yingluo and on the yellow silk she held in both hands. She gave Hongli a slight smile, then let the silk drop to the floor. The moment the yellow cloth floated down, it suddenly puffed up in one spot. Wei Yingluo bent down and lifted the silk away, revealing a small, exquisitely crafted glazed pagoda.

Amid the crowd’s gasps of astonishment, Noble Consort Hui’s cold laugh stood out sharply. She stroked her tortoiseshell nail guards and sneered, “And here I thought it was something rare. Just a cheap trick — she hid the pagoda inside her robe beforehand, then quietly revealed it while everyone’s attention was on the yellow cloth!”

Consort Chun, however, narrowed her eyes and frowned. “Wait — where is the relic from the pagoda?”

Only then did everyone notice that the most important thing was missing from the glazed pagoda.

This was the treasure the Empress Dowager had searched for years to recover — more valuable than anything else present. How could it simply disappear?

“Ladies, please do not worry,” Wei Yingluo said calmly, smiling at the assembly. “This servant was concerned about transportation risks, so I deliberately removed the relic from the pagoda and transported it separately.”

Naran Chuxue gave an almost imperceptible sneer, then resumed her usual virtuous and composed demeanor identical to the Empress’s. She asked, “Then where is the relic now?”

Wei Yingluo looked straight at her.

“Isn’t it right there — on your person?”

Naran Chuxue’s expression changed abruptly.

“Nonsense.” She quietly pinched herself to force herself to calm down again. “How could the sarira be on me?”

“What I used wasn’t a sleight of hand—it was the art of fetching objects from a distance. The item is naturally on your body.” Wei Yingluo said while stepping closer to her. “If you don’t believe me, I’ll take the sarira out right now.”

Naran Chuxue was already feeling somewhat panicked inside. Now, seeing her striding quickly toward her, she immediately lost her composure. Her right hand instinctively tightened around the cuff of her left sleeve.

Wei Yingluo had been watching her the whole time and would never miss such a small movement. She immediately reached out, grabbed her sleeve, and ignoring her struggles, in just a few motions pulled out a delicate little pouch.

“How dare you!” Naran Chuxue didn’t know whether it was fear or anger, but her face turned pale.

Wei Yingluo opened the pouch and showed the Buddhist sarira inside to everyone, smiling as she said: “See? It’s right here, isn’t it?”

The crowd found it splendid and applauded generously without holding back. Beside the Empress, both Ming Yu and Zhenzhu secretly let out sighs of relief. Zhenzhu in particular went weak in the legs and nearly collapsed to the ground—fortunately Ming Yu beside her was quick-eyed and swift-handed and caught her.

“We’ve endured until this moment with so much difficulty—don’t mess up now,” Ming Yu said in a low voice.

“Okay, okay.” Zhenzhu wiped the sweat from her forehead and looked toward Wei Yingluo in the distance with some admiration. “This time we really owe it all to Elder Sister Yingluo…”

Ming Yu gazed at Wei Yingluo in the center of the hall with complicated eyes. She watched as Yingluo untied the golden scissors at her waist, snip-snip—cutting through the yellow silk. Then with a wave of her hand she tossed the pieces upward. The shredded satin fluttered like snowflakes or willow catkins into the sky, and when they landed, unbelievably, they arranged themselves into four huge characters:

Long Live the Emperor / Ten Thousand Years Without End

It marked the most perfect conclusion to this celebratory banquet.

Amid the thunderous applause filling the hall, Naran Chuxue slunk back to Noble Consort Hui’s side in disgrace. Just as she was about to offer some explanation, Noble Consort Hui spoke coldly first:

“I gave you a chance. You were supposed to handle affairs for this palace, yet you couldn’t even manage such a trivial matter properly. Get out!”

Naran Chuxue withdrew with her head lowered, thinking to herself: I’ve already offended the Empress, and now I’ve angered Noble Consort Hui as well. There is only one chance left… His Majesty liked the gift I presented and summoned me to serve in his bedchamber tonight. No matter what, I must seize this opportunity!

Thinking of this, her earnest, eager gaze fixed on Hongli.

She didn’t realize that while she was looking at Hongli, another pair of eyes was also watching her.

“Yingluo.” Ming Yu and Zhenzhu came forward. After a moment’s hesitation, Ming Yu spoke somewhat awkwardly: “This time… thank you.”

“No need.” Wei Yingluo withdrew her gaze and gave the two of them a half-smile. “As it happens, there is one thing I need your help with…”

STORY OF YANXI PALACE CHAPTERS HOME

  

   Story of Yanxi Palace, Chapter 59: The Gift

   “To celebrate His Majesty’s full recovery, I intend to present him with a gift.” Upon returning from Yangxin Hall, the Empress summoned Wei Yingluo and the other senior palace maids to her side. “Help this palace choose—which of these two paintings do you think is better?”

Spread before them were two paintings. One was a landscape: a lone sail fading into the distant blue sky, with only the endless flow of the Yangtze visible at the horizon. The other was “The Nymph of the Luo River”: treading lightly upon the waves, silk stockings stirring faint dust.

Ming Yu spoke first: “Naturally, the landscape painting is superior. Anything sent by Fucha Guard is bound to be the best…”

Her words offered no real comparison of the paintings’ merits; every line dripped with calculated flattery.

Unfortunately, the person she wished to please was not present. The Empress gave her a faint glance, then turned her gaze to Wei Yingluo. “And you?”

“Reporting to Your Ladyship,” Wei Yingluo considered for a moment before replying, “If it were up to me to choose, I would certainly present the painting of the Luo River Nymph.”

“Why?” the Empress asked.

“Because in the way the nymph glances about, there are three parts that resemble Your Ladyship.” Wei Yingluo smiled. “Whenever His Majesty looks at this painting, he will be reminded of the person who painted it. Isn’t that a good thing?”

Her words were also flattery, but unlike Ming Yu’s, they carried genuine warmth and sincerity—and the person she wished to please was standing right in front of her.

In the end, the Empress decided to present “The Nymph of the Luo River.”

Because of this incident, another rift formed between Ming Yu and Wei Yingluo. But times had changed. Wei Yingluo had now taken her place as the most favored senior palace maid in Changchun Palace. The Empress even personally taught Wei Yingluo to read and write; though they were nominally mistress and servant, in reality they shared something close to a teacher–disciple bond. Their relationship had grown deep and uncommon. It was now very difficult for Ming Yu to trip her up, and she could no longer openly mock her to her face.

As a result, the two selected consorts who came to pay respects to the Empress at Changchun Palace became the ones to suffer.

“Her Ladyship the Empress is resting and has no time to receive visitors,” Ming Yu said coldly to the two young mistresses before her. “Please return.”

If Wei Yingluo had been present, she would have immediately recognized them: these were none other than the two most outstanding candidates from the recent palace selection. One was Naran Chuxue—dignified and virtuous in demeanor, with features that bore a certain resemblance to the Empress. The other was Lu Wanwan—timid and fearful by nature, yet possessing the delicate, sickly beauty of Xi Shi clutching her heart.

Having never been treated with such disdain by a servant before, Naran Chuxue’s expression shifted. She quietly slipped a silver ingot into Ming Yu’s sleeve. “Ming Yu, I specially had someone bring blood swallow nests from Fujian as an offering to Her Ladyship the Empress. Please go in and announce us.”

Ming Yu weighed the silver in her hand, then contemptuously tossed it back into Naran Chuxue’s arms. She cast a scornful glance over them. “Changchun Palace enjoys profound imperial favor—what rare treasure have we not seen? A mere blood swallow nest—who do you think hasn’t encountered such a thing?”

“You…” Even the usually mild-tempered Lu Wanwan began to grow angry.

Naran Chuxue gently took hold of her arm and gave a slight shake of her head. “We understand. Then we shall come another day to pay our respects to Her Ladyship the Empress.”

On the way back, Lu Wanwan could not help but complain, “I clearly heard voices coming from the main hall, yet Ming Yu insisted Her Ladyship was not there. How can she treat us with such contempt and humiliation?”

Naran Chuxue scoffed with icy disdain. “If Changchun Palace won’t receive us, do we have nowhere else to go? Come—let’s go to Chuxiu Palace!”

That night, two figures slipped into Chuxiu Palace. The lamps flickered dimly. On the paper window three silhouettes sat facing one another, deep in conversation. Apart from the candlelight on the table, no one knew what the three of them were discussing.

Ming Yu would never know what kind of disaster she had unwittingly caused once again.

She continued to wallow in self-pity, at one moment hating Wei Yingluo for stealing her favor, at the next resenting the Empress for being fickle and favoring the new over the old. In her heart she was constantly scheming how she might regain that favor and reclaim her position.

She could think of no method and found no opportunity—until several days later, when a grand banquet was held in the main hall of Qianqing Palace. All the consorts and concubines of the harem presented gifts in unison to celebrate His Majesty’s full recovery.

The banquet was extremely lively. The most eye-catching figure, as always, was Noble Consort Hui. This woman seemed born for such occasions; she knew exactly how to draw every gaze to herself. With a light clap of her hands, yellow curtains were drawn back from both sides, revealing a group of eunuchs holding Western musical instruments.

Cello, violin, clarinet, flute, organ, and other foreign instruments began to play all at once in a grand, imposing sound that instantly overshadowed the Empress’s Nymph of the Luo River painting.

Hongli gazed at these instruments and listened to the melody they produced. He fell into a daze, as though he had slipped back into memories of the past and could not escape.

These were the Western musical instruments his father, the Emperor Yongzheng, had collected. When Hongli was still a boy, the two of them had even studied under missionaries for a time. Those crooked, clumsy sounds of the violin and flute remained, to this day, among his most cherished memories.

“Noble Consort has put great thought into this,” Hongli said with a sigh.

Everyone could see that, once again, Noble Consort Hui had likely taken first place at this banquet and won His Majesty’s greatest favor. It was hard for anyone else to compete with her—even if they wanted to. What surprised them all was that this usually domineering woman acted completely out of character: she took the initiative to recommend another lady to Hongli, allowing someone else to share in the glory bestowed upon her.

“Your Majesty, it is not only this consort who has gone to great lengths for your birthday gift—Noble Lady Shu has also spared no effort.” Noble Consort Hui stepped aside to reveal the woman behind her. “Would you care to see her gift?”

“Noble Lady Shu?” There were far too many women in the harem for Hongli to remember every one. Only out of respect for Noble Consort Hui did he give the woman a slight nod.

But when Ming Yu saw her, her heart gave a heavy thud.

She recognized the woman at once—wasn’t this the very selected consort whom she had mocked and ridiculed just days earlier, driving her out of Changchun Palace? How had she ended up under Noble Consort Hui’s protection?

What Nalan Chuxue presented was a glass pagoda. Glass pagodas were not particularly rare, but what made this one extraordinary was the single relic (sarira) enshrined at its top. It was said to be the most precious among the more than seven hundred sarira left after the Song Dynasty monk Xiyuan entered nirvana—the one formed from his heart, and therefore revered by later generations as the “Lotus of the Buddha.”

“Your Majesty,” Noble Consort Hui seized the moment to speak, “hasn’t the Empress Dowager been searching for the Lotus of the Buddha all this time?”

Though the object held little appeal for Hongli himself, it was certain to delight the Empress Dowager.

Seeing someone she had once slighted about to soar to great heights, Ming Yu felt an even greater surge of anxiety and restlessness.

“You have also shown great thoughtfulness,” Hongli nodded, then turned to the Empress. “Empress, in addition to this glass Buddha pagoda, select a few more novel and interesting items from among the other gifts and present them to the Empress Dowager as well.”

“Yes,” the Empress replied humbly, concealing her disappointment deep within her heart.

Compared to the Western orchestra and the pagoda with its sarira, her Nymph of the Luo River painting seemed utterly ordinary and unremarkable. Hongli had given it only a single glance before dismissing it entirely. He never noticed that the figure in the painting bore a faint resemblance to her—three parts likeness—or perhaps he had looked at her for so long that he no longer cared.

“Yingluo,” the Empress said softly, gathering her composure, “take good care of the glass pagoda.”

“Yes, Your Ladyship.” Yingluo gave her a look full of pity, then took the pagoda in her arms. Together with the other palace maids and eunuchs assigned to the task, she left the hall and headed toward the eastern storeroom where the gifts were kept.

Ming Yu’s eyes darted once. Without a sound, she quietly followed after them.

There were so many gifts that the first task for Wei Yingluo was not selection, but to make an inventory register.

“Pair of ‘Ten Thousand Characters and Longevity Medallion Pattern’ palace lanterns on brocade ground.”

Wei Yingluo dipped her brush in ink and wrote the words on the paper.

“Pair of ‘Crane and Deer of Immortal Age’ blue-and-white flower vases.”

She had only written the character for “immortal” when a hand suddenly reached out from beside her and snatched the register away with a sharp motion.

Slightly furrowing her brow, Wei Yingluo turned her head and asked her:

“Ming Yu, what are you planning to do?”

“Registering the inventory and safekeeping the precious items has always been my duty. There’s no need for you to overstep your bounds!” Ming Yu hugged the register tightly; anyone with eyes could see she was determined to seize this task for herself.

Wei Yingluo stared at her. “It was the Empress who ordered me to do the registration.”

Ming Yu had already prepared an excuse on the way here and spoke without hesitation:

“Didn’t you hear what the Emperor instructed? We need to first select two or three items that the Empress Dowager would like. Do you understand the Empress Dowager’s preferences?”

Seeing Wei Yingluo remain silent, Ming Yu felt a wave of relief in her heart and pressed her advantage:

“Since you know nothing about it, don’t stand here getting in the way! Zhenzhu, continue!”

The little palace maid responsible for reading out the names looked helplessly toward Wei Yingluo.

Based on everyone’s understanding of Wei Yingluo, they all thought she would fight to the end—after all, this was a woman bold enough to scold even the Emperor. Yet unexpectedly, she suddenly smiled and said:

“I have only been in the palace for a short time, so naturally I don’t know the Empress Dowager’s preferences. I’ll have to trouble Ming Yu to carefully record everything and select each item properly.”

“Wait!” Ming Yu called out toward her retreating figure. Clearly it was she who had snatched the other’s duty, yet she still put on an air of magnanimity:

“You don’t need to leave. There’s still a lot to handle—you can stay and assist me.”

“No need.” This time Wei Yingluo refused her “generosity” outright. Without looking back, she walked straight out. “Since you’re so eager to show your capability, I naturally wouldn’t dream of stealing your credit. Rest assured, I will report to the Empress that all the merit belongs to you!”

“And I…”

Once outside, Wei Yingluo gazed up at the starry sky, the deep palace all around her, and thought to herself: “This is the perfect opportunity to do something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Palace maids were not allowed to leave the palace without reason, so without the Empress’s explicit permission, she was practically chained to Changchun Palace from morning till night, with almost no chance to visit other mistresses’ palaces—let alone the Qianqing Palace.

“If the night my sister died, someone left Qianqing Palace to go commit the murder in the Imperial Garden, how long would the round trip take? Could they avoid the patrols?”

Standing at the grand hall’s entrance, Wei Yingluo took one step toward the Imperial Garden, silently counting in her heart: “One step, two steps, three steps…”

Step by step she left Qianqing Palace behind, leaving behind the clinking of cups, the flickering lamplight, and the lively banquet. She carried only a single, slender shadow, walking alone into the Imperial Garden.

“Three hundred steps… three hundred and one… three hundred—ah!”

Suddenly a hand grabbed her ankle and yanked her down from the edge where the imperial path met the garden.

The abrupt pull nearly scared the soul out of Wei Yingluo. What was worse, after dragging her down, that hand didn’t behave itself—it wrapped around her from behind, strong arms locking firmly around her waist.

Without thinking, Wei Yingluo stomped down hard with her heel—right onto the other person’s foot.

“Help—!”

She opened her mouth to shout, but a voice as gentle as moonlight murmured softly beside her ear:

“Deep among the stone beams, night hides its game; mist and dew veil the moonlight’s flame. Seizing imperial robes, then hands release; famous flowers fly, fragrance from the sleeve’s crease.”

Wei Yingluo stopped struggling. Leaning back into the embrace, she said in a low voice:

“Young Master, you suddenly grabbed my foot—you really scared me.”

She had only one “Young Master.”

Fuheng held her in his arms inside the tiger cave. Around them rose rugged strange rocks; gray-white stones were covered in climbing vines of vivid green. Tree shadows swayed, casting mottled patterns across their bodies.

“I am, after all, a guard of the Forbidden City,” Fuheng said with a gentle smile. “When I see a little palace maid who doesn’t follow the rules walking along the imperial path at night, naturally I have to pull her down.”

Wei Yingluo gave a humph, clearly dissatisfied with his explanation.

“So you’re saying if any other little palace maid passed by this path, you’d pull her into your arms too?”

“In this entire Forbidden City,” Fuheng sighed, “there is no other palace maid as bold as you.”

Only then did Wei Yingluo curve her lips into a small smile for him.

“Let me guess,” Fuheng said. He understood her better than anyone. “You didn’t sneak out here in the middle of the night just to enjoy the breeze. You must be… trying to retrace the route from Qianqing Palace to the Imperial Garden.”

“You don’t need to go to such lengths,” he continued, sounding somewhat helpless. “Haven’t I already helped you investigate? No one left the banquet that night.”

“There were four hundred people at that banquet—there’s bound to be one or two oversights,” Wei Yingluo insisted stubbornly, refusing to give up her only lead. “Maybe someone slipped away quietly. A round trip wouldn’t take more than half a hour!”

Fuheng shook his head in disagreement: “I’ve walked this path many times. The whole journey can be completed very quickly, but avoiding the patrolling guards is simply impossible.”

Wei Yingluo bit her lip and offered another possibility: “What if the other party comes from a noble background and the guards covered for him?”

Fuheng shook his head again: “The guards are loyal only to the Emperor and take orders from him alone. How could a mere imperial clansman command them?”

Wei Yingluo stared at him for a long moment, then smiled and said: “Not necessarily. Didn’t that Prince Yi listen to Concubine Jia’s instigation and deliberately make things difficult for me?”

And then there was Qingxi… usually such a cautious and careful person, yet he couldn’t resist the temptation of wealth and honor, and so easily betrayed her.

Fuheng was about to say something when suddenly — BOOM — a tremendous sound came from overhead, like the sky was splitting open, like thunder exploding. Wei Yingluo was so startled that she instinctively threw both arms around Fuheng’s waist: “What was that sound?”

She always acted so strong, insisting on handling everything herself, bearing every burden alone. This rare moment of vulnerability, this little girlish gesture, felt both fresh and utterly captivating to Fuheng. He couldn’t help but push many worries aside, simply looking at her, holding her, and smiling: “Look up.”

Wei Yingluo raised her head in confusion.

In that instant, fireworks burst across the sky above the Forbidden City — red, yellow, green, purple — thousands of brilliant colors falling like rain, landing in her eyes, on her face.

“East wind releases flowers on a thousand trees at night,

   blowing down stars like rain.”

   Fuheng was murmuring poetry in her ear again. She didn’t particularly care for this refined, literary stuff, yet she loved the sound of his voice, loved every line, every word, every trace of genuine feeling that came from his lips.

“…The Yuhu’s light turns,

   all night fish and dragons dance,

   moth-eyebrow snow-willow golden threads,

   smiling words and faint fragrance drift away.”

   Fuheng slowly lowered his head. The countless fireworks overhead could not compare to the deep affection in his gaze at this moment. He said to her:

“I searched for her in the crowd a thousand times,

   suddenly turning my head…

   there she was, where the lanterns dimly glow.”

   Wei Yingluo had no idea how she walked back to the eastern side chamber.

She only knew her legs felt weak, as if walking on clouds. Whenever she closed her eyes, it was his voice and the image of his face drawing near with eyes gently closed.

She hurriedly patted her cheeks with both hands, telling herself: “Don’t let anyone notice anything strange. Just say… the wind made my head ache and my face flush red.”

She prepared to muddle through with this clumsy excuse — otherwise she couldn’t explain why her face was so red.

But she soon realized the other party might not even need her explanation.

“You worthless thing!” A sharp slapping sound came from inside the eastern side chamber, followed by Ming Yu’s voice — furious yet tinged with panic. “I told you to watch the eastern side chamber, but you sneaked out to watch fireworks. How are we supposed to explain this to the Emperor and Empress now!”

“I-I didn’t know it would turn out like this!” Zhenzhu’s sobbing voice followed immediately. “Besides, didn’t you go out to watch the fireworks too? Only the officials can set fires, but the common people aren’t allowed to light lamps?”

Ming Yu was furious and raised her hand to slap her again — but Wei Yingluo caught her wrist from behind.

“You came back just in time,” Ming Yu said urgently when she saw her. “Look at what a huge mess she’s caused!”

Wei Yingluo followed her gaze and froze.

The glass pagoda offered by Naran Chuxue stood there — completely empty. The Buddha relic that had been inside had vanished without a trace.

STORY OF YANXI PALACE CHAPTERS HOME