Consort Ning pressed Wei Zhengde relentlessly, frightening him until cold sweat poured down his back and his eyes darted around.
Song Zhao had been peering at Xiao Jingheng's subtle expressions on his face as he sat in the chief seat.
She saw his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed, just as he was about to speak,
Song Zhao quickly stood up and spoke before he could,
"The celestial phenomenon is not something that should be doubted. If locking this concubine up can protect the safety of Her Majesty the Empress and her son, then I am willing to be confined in Yaohua Palace until Her Majesty the Empress safely gives birth."
Upon hearing this, the formerly silent consorts immediately chimed in.
Consort Ying nodded. "Lady Song is truly generous to offer this."
Consort Yun followed. "It seems this is the best solution."
Consort Shu also said, "My lady Song will be put through some hardship then."
Even the usually taciturn Consort Liu echoed a word or two.
Of course! With Song Zhao confined, it was a good opportunity for them concubines who hadn't enjoyed the Emperor's favor for some time.
Yet in the chorus of agreement, another dissenting voice rang out.
Consort Ning strode over to stand in front of Song Zhao, raising a hand to poke at her forehead, extremely angry. "Song Zhao, did you get your head filled with mush? This whole thing is clearly someone deliberately fabricating things to frame you and me! Put away your inappropriate kindness, we can't let this go just like that!"
She pulled Song Zhao by the wrist, dragging her to stand in the center of the main hall below. Then she held her head high, phoenix eyes flashing as she looked straight at the Emperor.
"Your Majesty! That Zhen Tian Jian is dodgy and vague, do you really think he's blameless? Your servant believes there must be a thorough investigation of him!"
"Enough!"
Xiao Jingheng, silent for a long time, suddenly erupted in anger.
He shouted to put an end to it, then got up swiftly, sweeping his sleeves as he strode over to Song Zhao's side.
His handsome brows were filled with extremely complicated emotions in that moment, inscrutable.
After a brief moment of eye contact with Song Zhao, he rested his hand on her slender shoulder, patting it gently as he said warmly,
"Then I'll have to trouble you."
Having said this, he didn't bother with anyone else in the hall, striding right out.
After he left, Jiang Deshun took some people to "invite" Song Zhao back to Yaohua Palace.
On her way out of Kunning Palace, Song Zhao could still hear Consort Ning scolding the Empress from inside,
But the matter was already set in stone, and no more words could change the fact that she would be confined.
After returning to the west wing pavilion, the palace maids locked the gates.
Jiang Deshun had always been very respectful to Song Zhao. Privately, he told her:
"While you'll be confined, as for food, clothing and other needs, the inner palace will not mistreat you. Yun Shan is your personal servant girl, so this old slave will not drive her away. But other palace maids won't be allowed to serve by your side during this time."
Song Zhao said blankly, "You have my thanks, Steward Jiang..."
Seeing her distressed, Jiang Deshun advised her, "My lady understands the big picture. His Majesty saw everything today, he will certainly not shortchange you. This old slave will speak on your behalf before His Majesty when the time comes."
Song Zhao nodded dumbly, as if her sorrow had reached an extreme, not even hearing Jiang Deshun's words.
Seeing this, Jiang Deshun could not say anything more. He sighed helplessly and left with the others.
Yet almost as soon as he had walked out, the desolate look on Song Zhao's face disappeared entirely.
She even had the mood to pick up a mandarin orange from the table and start peeling and eating it.
Yun Shan walked around the west wing pavilion and returned, saying,
"My lady, all the exits have been locked... Tomorrow is New Year's Eve, and His Majesty bears to confine you over the big festival? Alas... There's clearly still room to maneuver on this matter, why did you voluntarily ask to be confined?"
"Even you can see something fishy about that Chief Astrologer, do you think His Majesty can't?" Song Zhao gave a cold laugh as she put an orange slice in her mouth. "He definitely noticed it even clearer than anyone else."
Yun Shan thought for a moment. "Since His Majesty noticed, he should have investigated the matter. Why confine you instead?"
Song Zhao said coolly, "What else could he do? Protect me, then go confront the Empress? She's pregnant with the heir, the royal child is in her belly, of course everything has to revolve around her. I'm just a lowly concubine, nothing compared to the state and mountains and rivers. Besides, didn't you see His Majesty ignore everyone when he left? He obviously had to give the Empress face."
Yun Shan knew her lady had done this to give Xiao Jingheng a way out too.
Yet she still could not accept it. "You're acting out of consideration for the big picture, but His Majesty should also appreciate your goodness! If you're really confined for half a year until the Empress gives birth, His Majesty might forget you by then!"
Look, even the guileless Yun Shan could see Xiao Jingheng's fickleness. How could Song Zhao expect to get any sense of security from him then?
In any situation, that sense of security had to be fought for by oneself, only then was it reliable.
"I won't let myself stay confined for half a year, I'm confident I'll get out very soon," Song Zhao said confidently and calmly.
Then she casually tossed the orange peel into the brazier to burn.
*
The next day was New Year's Eve.
The palace was filled with the sounds of firecrackers and fireworks, extremely lively.
Only Song Zhao's place was as desolate as if one foot was already in the cold palace.
She naturally could not attend the New Year's Eve feast.
But the little eunuch called Xiaoyinzi sent many delicious delicacies to her, saying:
"His Majesty cares about you. He specially ordered me to bring this food to you."
Faced with the table of fine cuisine, Song Zhao was clearly not interested.
She lightly acknowledged it, then started coughing heavily.
"Cough cough... Cough cough cough..."
When she lowered the handkerchief covering her lips after the bout of coughs, Xiaoyinzi saw clearly that—
On the corners of Song Zhao's lips, the handkerchief she had lowered was stained with scarlet blood!
He panicked and quickly asked, "My lady, what's wrong?"
Song Zhao clenched the bloodied handkerchief in her hand, shaking her head weakly as she said, "I'm fine, don't tell His Majesty about this. I don't want him bothered over me on New Year's Eve. Please convey my regards to His Majesty. I'm tired, you should report back."
After Xiaoyinzi left, Yun Shan immediately poured her a cup of tea and took out the jade pot, attending to her as she rinsed her mouth.
"This sea buckthorn juice mixed with cinnabar does look a lot like blood, my lady. But cinnabar is poisonous. You should rinse quickly to avoid swallowing it and hurting your body."
The clean, fresh scent of the jasmine tea washed away the rich, sweet and sour flavor in her mouth. Song Zhao spat out the light red tea water in the pot. She unhurriedly took a clean handkerchief to wipe the corners of her mouth.
Yun Shan said: "His Majesty feels indebted to you, Xiaoyinzi likes to fawn and will definitely tell him you were coughing blood. He'll certainly come see you tonight."
Song Zhao smiled slightly and nodded. Then she said she was tired and told Yun Shan to withdraw first.
She definitely knew that Xiao Jingheng would definitely come visit her that night.
At the same time, she was also very clear that the Wei Zhengde who had pinned the calamity label on her would die a pitiful death this night!
The warm, shifting candle flames were reflected on Song Zhao's face, pale and delicate as porcelain. The sinister smile at her lips gradually faded.
Then she lifted her head to look at the roof beams and said coldly:
"You've been lurking up there for so long, were you planning to steal?"
Consort Ning pressed Wei Zhengde relentlessly, frightening him until cold sweat poured down his back and his eyes darted around.
Song Zhao had been peering at Xiao Jingheng's subtle expressions on his face as he sat in the chief seat.
She saw his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed, just as he was about to speak,
Song Zhao quickly stood up and spoke before he could,
"The celestial phenomenon is not something that should be doubted. If locking this concubine up can protect the safety of Her Majesty the Empress and her son, then I am willing to be confined in Yaohua Palace until Her Majesty the Empress safely gives birth."
Upon hearing this, the formerly silent consorts immediately chimed in.
Consort Ying nodded. "Lady Song is truly generous to offer this."
Consort Yun followed. "It seems this is the best solution."
Consort Shu also said, "My lady Song will be put through some hardship then."
Even the usually taciturn Consort Liu echoed a word or two.
Of course! With Song Zhao confined, it was a good opportunity for them concubines who hadn't enjoyed the Emperor's favor for some time.
Yet in the chorus of agreement, another dissenting voice rang out.
Consort Ning strode over to stand in front of Song Zhao, raising a hand to poke at her forehead, extremely angry. "Song Zhao, did you get your head filled with mush? This whole thing is clearly someone deliberately fabricating things to frame you and me! Put away your inappropriate kindness, we can't let this go just like that!"
She pulled Song Zhao by the wrist, dragging her to stand in the center of the main hall below. Then she held her head high, phoenix eyes flashing as she looked straight at the Emperor.
"Your Majesty! That Zhen Tian Jian is dodgy and vague, do you really think he's blameless? Your servant believes there must be a thorough investigation of him!"
"Enough!"
Xiao Jingheng, silent for a long time, suddenly erupted in anger.
He shouted to put an end to it, then got up swiftly, sweeping his sleeves as he strode over to Song Zhao's side.
His handsome brows were filled with extremely complicated emotions in that moment, inscrutable.
After a brief moment of eye contact with Song Zhao, he rested his hand on her slender shoulder, patting it gently as he said warmly,
"Then I'll have to trouble you."
Having said this, he didn't bother with anyone else in the hall, striding right out.
After he left, Jiang Deshun took some people to "invite" Song Zhao back to Yaohua Palace.
On her way out of Kunning Palace, Song Zhao could still hear Consort Ning scolding the Empress from inside,
But the matter was already set in stone, and no more words could change the fact that she would be confined.
After returning to the west wing pavilion, the palace maids locked the gates.
Jiang Deshun had always been very respectful to Song Zhao. Privately, he told her:
"While you'll be confined, as for food, clothing and other needs, the inner palace will not mistreat you. Yun Shan is your personal servant girl, so this old slave will not drive her away. But other palace maids won't be allowed to serve by your side during this time."
Song Zhao said blankly, "You have my thanks, Steward Jiang..."
Seeing her distressed, Jiang Deshun advised her, "My lady understands the big picture. His Majesty saw everything today, he will certainly not shortchange you. This old slave will speak on your behalf before His Majesty when the time comes."
Song Zhao nodded dumbly, as if her sorrow had reached an extreme, not even hearing Jiang Deshun's words.
Seeing this, Jiang Deshun could not say anything more. He sighed helplessly and left with the others.
Yet almost as soon as he had walked out, the desolate look on Song Zhao's face disappeared entirely.
She even had the mood to pick up a mandarin orange from the table and start peeling and eating it.
Yun Shan walked around the west wing pavilion and returned, saying,
"My lady, all the exits have been locked... Tomorrow is New Year's Eve, and His Majesty bears to confine you over the big festival? Alas... There's clearly still room to maneuver on this matter, why did you voluntarily ask to be confined?"
"Even you can see something fishy about that Chief Astrologer, do you think His Majesty can't?" Song Zhao gave a cold laugh as she put an orange slice in her mouth. "He definitely noticed it even clearer than anyone else."
Yun Shan thought for a moment. "Since His Majesty noticed, he should have investigated the matter. Why confine you instead?"
Song Zhao said coolly, "What else could he do? Protect me, then go confront the Empress? She's pregnant with the heir, the royal child is in her belly, of course everything has to revolve around her. I'm just a lowly concubine, nothing compared to the state and mountains and rivers. Besides, didn't you see His Majesty ignore everyone when he left? He obviously had to give the Empress face."
Yun Shan knew her lady had done this to give Xiao Jingheng a way out too.
Yet she still could not accept it. "You're acting out of consideration for the big picture, but His Majesty should also appreciate your goodness! If you're really confined for half a year until the Empress gives birth, His Majesty might forget you by then!"
Look, even the guileless Yun Shan could see Xiao Jingheng's fickleness. How could Song Zhao expect to get any sense of security from him then?
In any situation, that sense of security had to be fought for by oneself, only then was it reliable.
"I won't let myself stay confined for half a year, I'm confident I'll get out very soon," Song Zhao said confidently and calmly.
Then she casually tossed the orange peel into the brazier to burn.
*
The next day was New Year's Eve.
The palace was filled with the sounds of firecrackers and fireworks, extremely lively.
Only Song Zhao's place was as desolate as if one foot was already in the cold palace.
She naturally could not attend the New Year's Eve feast.
But the little eunuch called Xiaoyinzi sent many delicious delicacies to her, saying:
"His Majesty cares about you. He specially ordered me to bring this food to you."
Faced with the table of fine cuisine, Song Zhao was clearly not interested.
She lightly acknowledged it, then started coughing heavily.
"Cough cough... Cough cough cough..."
When she lowered the handkerchief covering her lips after the bout of coughs, Xiaoyinzi saw clearly that—
On the corners of Song Zhao's lips, the handkerchief she had lowered was stained with scarlet blood!
He panicked and quickly asked, "My lady, what's wrong?"
Song Zhao clenched the bloodied handkerchief in her hand, shaking her head weakly as she said, "I'm fine, don't tell His Majesty about this. I don't want him bothered over me on New Year's Eve. Please convey my regards to His Majesty. I'm tired, you should report back."
After Xiaoyinzi left, Yun Shan immediately poured her a cup of tea and took out the jade pot, attending to her as she rinsed her mouth.
"This sea buckthorn juice mixed with cinnabar does look a lot like blood, my lady. But cinnabar is poisonous. You should rinse quickly to avoid swallowing it and hurting your body."
The clean, fresh scent of the jasmine tea washed away the rich, sweet and sour flavor in her mouth. Song Zhao spat out the light red tea water in the pot. She unhurriedly took a clean handkerchief to wipe the corners of her mouth.
Yun Shan said: "His Majesty feels indebted to you, Xiaoyinzi likes to fawn and will definitely tell him you were coughing blood. He'll certainly come see you tonight."
Song Zhao smiled slightly and nodded. Then she said she was tired and told Yun Shan to withdraw first.
She definitely knew that Xiao Jingheng would definitely come visit her that night.
At the same time, she was also very clear that the Wei Zhengde who had pinned the calamity label on her would die a pitiful death this night!
The warm, shifting candle flames were reflected on Song Zhao's face, pale and delicate as porcelain. The sinister smile at her lips gradually faded.
Then she lifted her head to look at the roof beams and said coldly:
"You've been lurking up there for so long, were you planning to steal?"
