Story of Yanxi Palace, Chapter 50: Investigation

   Hailancha yawned, handed a register to Wei Yingluo, and asked: “Yingluo, what do you want with the duty roster for the tenth day of the first lunar month?”

Wei Yingluo took the register and replied simply: “It’s useful.” With that, she flipped to the page for the tenth day of the first month and examined it carefully:

Tenth day of the first month — Duty guards: Tongjiayu Qing, Suochuoluo Fukang, Hesheli Liguo, Fucha Fuheng, Soulun Duola’er Hailancha, Niohuru Zhaofeng.

Hailancha looked puzzled: “What’s so useful about this?”

Wei Yingluo answered lightly: “Useful is useful.” She was about to turn to the next page when a hand pressed down on the register. Fuheng held it firmly in place and said to Hailancha: “Hailancha, I have something I want to say to Yingluo.”

Hailancha understood immediately. With a knowing smile, he stood up: “Alright, alright, you two talk. I’ll head out first.”

Fuheng’s hand showed no sign of releasing the register. Wei Yingluo raised an eyebrow and asked: “What does Young Master mean by this?”

Fuheng closed the register: “No need to look further. On the tenth day of the first month, the men in the palace were not limited to the Emperor and the guards. That day, the Emperor hosted a banquet for the princes and imperial clansmen in the Qianqing Palace. All princes, Prince of Third Rank, Prince of Fourth Rank, and imperial clansmen of the fourth rank and above attended.”

Wei Yingluo murmured thoughtfully: “Imperial clansmen…”

Fuheng’s expression was filled with worry: “Yingluo, if what you say is true—that A-Man was murdered—then the person who killed her to silence her certainly does not want this matter to spread. If you continue investigating, first, the scope is too broad and hard to narrow down; second, once you’re discovered, you will put yourself in great danger.”

Wei Yingluo lifted her eyes to look at Fuheng and said seriously: “Thank you for the reminder, Young Master. But if it concerns Her Majesty the Empress—if something were to happen to her—what would you do?”

Fuheng was stunned and could not answer.

Wei Yingluo smiled and said, “Put yourself in my shoes. You and Her Highness share a deep bond—how could it be any different between me and my sister? I must pursue the truth. If you want me to give up, it will only happen over my dead body.”

Fuheng was silent for a moment. Put yourself in my shoes—she has a sister, and so does he. He couldn’t stop her, so he could only help her. Having made up his mind, Fuheng asked, “Then—what do you plan to do?”

Wei Yingluo already had a plan. With calm confidence, she replied, “Since the night banquet is being held in Qianqing Palace, anyone who leaves the banquet that evening will surely leave a trace. The eunuchs on duty in Qianqing Palace and those close to the Emperor will likely remember. As long as we patiently investigate, I’m certain we can catch the culprit!”

Fuheng thought for a moment and said, “I’ll help you look into the eunuchs of Qianqing Palace. Promise me you won’t act rashly!”

Wei Yingluo was somewhat surprised. She disapproved, saying, “Young Master, why would you wade into this muddy water?”

Fuheng threatened her firmly, “If you won’t promise, I’ll go tell my sister right now and have her send you out of the palace!”

Wei Yingluo’s gaze gradually softened. She gave Fuheng a slight smile and said, “All right, I promise you.”

Though she had the pretext of carrying out business for the Empress, as a palace maid it was still inappropriate to linger too long in the guard station. Wei Yingluo hurried back to Changchun Palace, where Ming Yu informed her that His Majesty had arrived.

Wei Yingluo didn’t know why, but it seemed the Emperor particularly disliked many of the palace servants in Changchun Palace. She quietly returned to her own room to avoid causing trouble.

In the bedchamber, a eunuch brought in a small table and set out dishes. The Empress said with concern, “Your Majesty has been busy all day—you must be hungry. Please eat something.” With that, she personally handed a small bowl of soup to Hongli.

Influenced by the warm atmosphere, Hongli’s tone softened considerably. “Empress, you should eat with me too.”

The Empress was slightly surprised and reminded him, “Your Majesty, consorts and concubines are not permitted to dine together with the Emperor. This is a rule handed down by our ancestors.”

Hearing the expected reply, Hongli felt a touch of disappointment. He smiled and said, “Empress, you are still the same as ever—strictly observing propriety, never overstepping.”

The Empress replied gravely, “As the model for the six palaces, this concubine dares not transgress.” A gentle breeze stirred the gauze curtains. The Empress turned her head and instructed, “Erqing, close all the windows. The night wind is strong—don’t let His Majesty catch a chill.”

Hongli looked at the Empress and said no more. He lowered his head and drank the soup.

The next morning, as always, the Empress personally helped Hongli dress. Hongli suddenly sighed with feeling, “Sometimes, I really wish I didn’t have to attend court.”

The Empress frowned slightly and admonished him, “Since Your Majesty wishes to be a wise ruler, you must not slack off in the slightest. Otherwise, it would be this concubine’s fault.”

Hongli was mildly displeased. “If I don’t want to attend court, what does that have to do with the Empress?”

The Empress took a step back, solemnly knelt, and kowtowed. “The Empress has the duty to remonstrate. If Your Majesty neglects state affairs, this concubine is naturally at fault.”

Hongli paused. The jade belt and golden crown lay to one side. A wave of weariness suddenly rose in his heart. After a moment, he personally helped the Empress to her feet and said helplessly, “I’ve told you many times—you do this, and even I feel exhausted for you. My Empress is neither jealous nor envious, tolerant and benevolent. I cannot find the slightest flaw in you, and I take pride in having such a virtuous consort.”

Being praised so directly made the Empress slightly uncomfortable. She lowered her head a little and said, “This concubine is not so perfect… In truth, over the past three years, this concubine has had far too many shortcomings.”

Once the court robes were properly adjusted, Hongli set out for court. At the doorway, he seemed to remember something and turned back to instruct, “Noble Lady Yu will soon give birth. I must ask you to take extra care of her.”

The Empress nodded and replied, “Your Majesty may rest assured. This concubine will do everything in her power to look after Noble Lady Yu properly.”

Hongli gazed at his wife’s beautiful face, unable to tell whether he felt more joy or more melancholy. He smiled and said, “I trust you will handle everything perfectly.”

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