Chapter - 52
By Tea Time Translations
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If there are any mistakes in translation, please feel free to comment! Please support us @TeaTime.
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The next day, a message spread from the Eastern Palace: Cao, who had just been appointed as the Crown Prince's concubine, passed away suddenly from a severe illness the previous night. It was said that the Crown Princess was startled awake in the middle of the night, hastily putting on only half of her shoes and leaving her hair untied, as she urgently summoned the royal physicians for treatment. She personally stood guard by Cao's side until dawn. Unfortunately, Cao had suffered from a hidden abdominal ailment since her time in Wuding. Despite various treatments at that time, the root cause was never fully resolved. This time, the illness suddenly flared up with great intensity, and despite all efforts, she could not survive, tragically passing away. The Crown Princess, enduring her grief, sent word to the ancestral home, and by daybreak, the news reached the Cao family. Shocked and devastated, the Cao family members wept inconsolably. Cao's mother was granted permission to enter the palace. When she arrived, her daughter's body had already been placed in the Nirvana Palace, specially prepared for the funerals of deceased palace concubines. Inside, there was a camphorwood coffin, and the hall was adorned with white silk curtains. Palace maids and eunuchs, dressed in mourning attire, knelt sorrowfully around the body, mourning deeply.
The Crown Prince did not make an appearance, but the Crown Princess personally met Cao's mother. Upon seeing her swollen, teary eyes, she began to weep before saying a word. She recounted how, during their time in Wuding, Cao had served the Crown Prince before her with utmost respect and grace. Even before she entered the palace, they had formed a bond of sisterhood, mutually admiring each other. They had hoped to support each other in their roles in the Eastern Palace, but Cao's sudden illness and eventual passing shattered those plans. Despite her efforts to help, the separation between them now seemed insurmountable, leaving her overwhelmed with grief.
She couldn't finish her words, choking on her sobs several times, needing assistance from her attendants as tears continued to flow.
Cao's mother had never heard of her daughter's previous abdominal illness. Shocked and grieving, she couldn't help but feel puzzled. Since her daughter entered the royal household, she had not seen her again, only receiving occasional gifts sent from the palace according to the seasons. With the Emperor's long reign and the Crown Prince's ascension, her daughter's status had risen, and the family had celebrated her marriage to the Crown Prince with joy and pride. Never did she imagine that just a few days later, she would receive the news of her daughter's sudden death in the palace, leaving her unable to even see her daughter one last time.
Even though Cao's mother harbored doubts in her heart, she dared not question a word, only blaming her daughter's misfortune for not being able to enjoy the wealth and glory of the royal family. Tears continued to flow incessantly. Upon hearing the Crown Princess's suggestion to honor Cao's virtues and conduct by granting her a posthumous title, adding to her mourning and glory, she trembled as she knelt before the Crown Princess, who comforted her without mentioning it further.
Emperor Xiao, busy with state affairs, upon receiving news of the funeral from the Eastern Palace, was surprised but didn't dwell much on it. With a stroke of his pen, he granted the Crown Princess's request. Cao was granted a posthumous title and buried in the imperial mausoleum. The four palace maids and eunuchs who had served her willingly chose to be buried alongside her. The funeral was conducted with great pomp, providing solace to the Cao family afterward.
The unexpected death of the concubine in the Eastern Palace was like a stone thrown into a lake, causing hardly a ripple before fading away without a trace. Soon, no one mentioned the woman whose life was as fragile as paper. Instead, the Crown Princess, only a few days into her marriage, faced this taboo, yet she handled it with grace, taking personal charge of every detail. Not only did she manage affairs aptly, but she also displayed kindness and wisdom, enhancing her reputation once more. The prestige of the Zhang family also increased.
After half a month, on the occasion of the Crown Princess's mother's birthday, all female relatives of officials above the fourth rank in the capital came to congratulate her. Even the Empress, Lady Zhou, sent gifts and allowed Lady Zhang Fengtong to return home for the day to visit her family. Lady Zhang's face shone with happiness as she entered the palace to express her gratitude.
After the guests left, Lin Mama entered the hall. Lady Zhou knew she must have come to report on the progress of the investigation into Xiao Lie's whereabouts on the night of the Crown Prince's wedding. She dismissed the palace attendants and eunuchs before speaking with Lin Mama privately.
Lin Mama whispered, "Reporting to Your Majesty, I searched through my people in private, and a couple of days ago, I finally managed to gather some information. It's said that on that night, a group of people left through the North An Ding Gate. One of them was cloaked, covering their face, seated on a horse without touching the ground, so their face couldn't be seen. Several attendants accompanied them. Even the on-duty city guards didn't recognize them, but one person among them showed a palace token to open the gate. From the description, it seems to be a young eunuch from the palace. They left the city heading north, and their whereabouts are unknown. If my assumptions are correct, that person must have been His Highness. On that night, Li Yuan Gui went to congratulate the Pei family, and it was Cui Yinshui who served His Highness. The appearance of the young eunuch matches that of Cui Yinshui."
Madame Zhou furrowed her brows.
"His Highness's trusted guards and attendants are naturally beyond our reach for inquiries. So, I attempted to test Cui Yinshui's response. I mentioned to him that the empress knew of his diligent service to His Highness and intended to reward him. However, that cunning eunuch proved to be very crafty. He claimed to be unworthy and said that serving His Highness was his karma from a past life. He dared not accept rewards directly from me and suggested that his 'godfather' receive them instead. That castrated wretch, slippery as an eel. I realized after a few exchanges that it would be futile to extract information from him. I didn't dare push too hard, fearing he might report to Li Yuan Gui. If His Highness were to find out, it would only bring trouble for me. So, I withdrew. It's all my uselessness. Please, Your Majesty, punish me."
Lin Mama spoke, observing Madame Zhou's increasingly furrowed brows. She quickly prostrated herself, begging for forgiveness. Madame Zhou remained silent for a while, her gaze fixed ahead, seemingly lost in thought. Lin Mama dared not make a sound, holding her breath. After a while, she finally heard the Empress say, "Are you sure His Highness went north that night?" Lin Mama nodded vigorously. "Most likely, that group was indeed them!"
Madame Zhou instructed, "Send more trustworthy individuals to the Cien Temple in the north to discreetly inquire about any special visitors that night and where they went."
As Lin Mama was Madame Zhou's nursemaid from her childhood, accompanying her when she was married to Xiao Lie, she knew some secrets not meant for others. A chill ran down her spine as she remembered something. "Your Majesty, are you saying that His Highness went to that place at the Cien Temple that night?"
Madame Zhou's facial muscles twitched slightly as she gritted her teeth. "In the dead of night, secretly leaving the palace, and heading north... If not there, then where? After all these years, I thought he had let go of it long ago. I never expected that he still couldn't forget. Just a few days after entering the capital, ignoring the living, he went to mourn the dead..."
She abruptly stopped, her lips trembling slightly. Even as her ten sharp nails dug deep into her palms, she felt no pain. After taking a long breath, she stood up and said coldly, "You must investigate immediately. Report to me as soon as you have any news."
Lin Mama quickly responded, getting up from the ground and retreating out of the room.
...
On the day of Madame Zhang's birthday celebration and the return of the Crown Princess to her family home, the front of the Zhang residence was bustling with activity. Lavish carriages and horses were constantly arriving and departing, carrying the noblewomen from various households. With the Crown Princess also expected to attend to celebrate her mother's birthday, the Zhang family took precautions to avoid any congestion. Early in the morning, they had the entire street blocked off. As dusk approached, the entire street was illuminated by a continuous array of bright lanterns, casting a glow as bright as daylight. Noblewomen from different families arrived one after another, their carriages and sedan chairs lining the street, filling it to the brim. Onlookers from afar craned their necks to catch a glimpse, marveling at the opulence and grandeur of the magnificent carriages and horses, a sight too extravagant to describe.
Though there was no personal interaction between Pei You'an and Xiao Yintang, they maintained cordial relations in public. With Xie Lie's arrival in the capital, the Pei, Zhang, and Zhou families had become the most prominent in the city. Interactions among them were frequent, especially on occasions like Madame Zhang's birthday. Early in the day, Madame Zhang had sent invitations to the Pei household, inviting Mrs. Xin, Mrs. Meng, and the newly arrived Mrs. Pei to join them as guests.
As the clock approached dusk, Jiafu had already finished dressing, accompanying Mrs. Xin and Mrs. Meng as they departed. Mrs. Xin rode in her own carriage, while Mrs. Meng and Jiafu shared another. Servants trailed behind, and in a separate carriage followed more attendants and maidservants. They made their way towards the Zhang residence, where upon arrival, they were greeted by the steward's wife at the gate, who ushered them inside. Before they could reach the second gate, Madame Zhang herself emerged, accompanied by her servants, personally welcoming her guests.
Madame Zhang was dressed in a brand new dark crimson embroidered silk robe, adorned with auspicious characters for longevity. She wore a forehead ornament embellished with various colored gemstones, exuding an air of wealth and splendor, with a radiant smile adorning her face. Upon approaching, she warmly took Mrs. Xin's hand, exchanging pleasantries before saying, "I'm just having a lively birthday celebration, nothing too grand. I hadn't intended to trouble you distinguished guests, but the Empress Mother insisted that the Crown Princess, who has been working hard recently, should take a break at home and enjoy the festivities. So, I thought, since Her Majesty emphasized it, why not set up a stage in the garden at home and invite all the noble ladies who are usually friendly with us to come and enjoy the opera together? It would be more meaningful that way. As for your household, with the Young Lord being highly regarded by His Highness, and your mansion receiving distinguished guests daily, I thought Mrs. Xin might not have the time to visit our humble abode today. Yet here you are, gracing us with your presence, truly making our humble home shine brightly."
Jiafu noticed that Mrs. Xin's smile didn't quite reach her eyes, though others couldn't discern it and didn't pay much attention. Madame Zhang then greeted the other ladies before finally casting her gaze upon Jiafu, giving her a brief appraisal. Jiafu respectfully returned the gesture, and Madame Zhang smiled warmly, saying, "You must be the esteemed grandmother bestowed by His Highness. You're as graceful as a jade beauty. I took a liking to you at first sight. Let's not linger here any longer; let's go inside!" With that, she ushered Mrs. Xin and the others inside, chatting and laughing along the way. Passing through several gates, they noticed the absence of any male servants; only maids and attendants were present. Finally, they entered the banquet hall, specially decorated for the occasion. Inside, they found many guests, all adorned in elegant attire, exuding a fragrance of cosmetics and perfumes. The women from various households were lively in conversation, enjoying tea and laughter. When Madame Zhang personally led the guests inside, everyone turned to look.
This was Jiafu's first appearance in the social circles of the noblewomen in the capital after marrying Pei You'an.
Xiao Lie's favoritism towards Pei You'an even surpassed that towards the Duke of Wei in the past. Because of Pei You'an, the Pei family had risen to become one of the foremost noble families in the capital, just as they had when Pei Wenjing took control of the Imperial Palace years ago. Among the women present, everyone recognized Mrs. Xin and Mrs. Meng. Upon the Pei family's arrival, they were greeted with warm smiles from all around.
Today, as a newcomer to this circle, Jiafu's attire naturally wouldn't be overly ostentatious, but she couldn't afford to be neglectful either. Knowing her appearance tended towards youthful, she aimed for a more mature and stable look. After bathing, she lightly applied makeup, with soft eyebrows, a thin layer of powder on her face, a touch of rouge, and her lips tinted red. Her hair was elegantly coiled into a bun, adorned with golden hairpins and jade earrings. Her dress was made of twelve panels of fabric, sewn with golden thread. Each panel was embroidered with different flowers and birds representing the four seasons, combining elegance with magnificence. Walking, she resembled a phoenix tail, graceful and unmatched.
Although Pei You'an's marriage lacked the honor of being bestowed by the emperor and was not as prestigious as the prince's simultaneous wedding, marrying a cousin from a Quanzhou merchant family had attracted considerable attention even before Jiafu's appearance. Now, as she followed behind the other women, though her position was towards the back, she was immediately the focus of many eyes upon entering the hall.
Among the women in the hall, Jiafu recognized some, such as the wife of the Duke of Zhu and the wife of the Marquis of Anyuan, both of whom had visited the Pei family before. However, many others were unfamiliar to her, so introductions and conversations were inevitable. She smiled politely, speaking sparingly but with great tact. Despite any underlying condescension regarding her family background, given Pei You'an's current status, no one dared openly offend her. Those of higher status were exceedingly kind, while those of similar status were careful to flatter, even to the point of showing deference. Such was the nature of being a wife to a prestigious husband.
Among them were Madame Liu Jiushao and Madame Zhang Zhengdao. Madame Zhang owed her current wealth and status entirely to Pei You'an's recommendation. As for Madame Liu Jiushao, she had been captured during the Wu Ding Uprising. Without Pei You'an's intervention, not only would her current status be unimaginable, but her entire family might have become victims of the Prince of Shunan's wrath. Without waiting for introductions, both ladies approached Jiafu and engaged her in conversation, expressing their gratitude profusely.
While conversing with the two ladies, Jiafu suddenly noticed Madame Meng bringing along another woman, who was inching closer to her. Clad in a brand-new oil-purple brocade gown with jewels adorning her hair, her eyes carried a flattering smile. Jiafu immediately recognized her as none other than Madame Song, her elder brother's maternal grandmother.
During the reign of the Prince of Shunan, the Song family enjoyed a period of prosperity. When Xiao Lie took over the capital, it was rumored that among the first officials to secretly pledge allegiance to him was someone from the Song family. Although Xiao Lie ascended the throne without holding the Song family accountable, he seemed to harbor a dislike for them. Their official positions plummeted, with Mr. Song, once a second-rank official, now reduced to the insignificant position of a sixth-rank sub-deacon in the Ministry of Rites. It was thanks to Madame Song's networking and generosity that they secured invitations to such events.
Madame Meng greeted Jiafu with a smile, leading Madame Song to her side. As she turned away, she furrowed her brows and leaned in to whisper to Jiafu, "Ah Fu, this woman has been pestering me the whole time, asking me to bring her over to speak with you. I've grown tired of her, so I had no choice but to bring her along. Just say a few words and send her away."
When Jiāfú was preparing for her marriage, Madame Song shamelessly visited with gifts. Despite bringing back some precious items from her own family, she also added many more things. How could Madame Meng accept her kindness? As soon as she left, she ordered someone to take back all the extra items.
Remembering how her mother had once endured humiliation and compromise for her sake, Jiafu suppressed her disgust and forced a smile, saying, "Godmother has always been well?"
Mrs. Song hurriedly waved her hand and smiled, "How dare I deserve such a title from Grand Madam? What kind of godmother am I? If Grand Madam calls me 'Madam,' I would be honored! I heard Madam is still in the capital? I've been thinking of paying Madam a visit, but I know she's busy, so I'm afraid of disturbing her unexpectedly. Is it convenient these days?" Her words were full of flattery, with none of the arrogance she had shown before.
After hearing that her marriage to Pei You'an had been arranged by the Emperor and the news had reached Quanzhou, Jiafu's older brother, Zhen Yaoting, set out for the capital. Upon meeting, he would accompany their mother, Mrs. Meng, back to Quanzhou. Judging by the dates, it would be in a couple of days.
Jiafu wouldn't intentionally humiliate this opportunistic woman in public just to vent her anger, but she also wouldn't allow her to cling on like a snake to a stick. She said, "My mother is indeed quite busy these days, with continuous visitors leaving her with no time to rest. She's also feeling very tired. If Madam has no urgent matters, I'll gladly accept your kind intentions on her behalf."
Mrs. Song nodded awkwardly, "Yes, yes, if Madam is tired, then she should rest well..."
Jiafu smiled faintly, then turned away, no longer engaging with Mrs. Song.
Suddenly, a eunuch from the palace swiftly entered and announced that the Crown Princess had arrived. Immediately, everyone in the hall stopped what they were doing and followed the order of precedence to greet her, led by Lady Zhang.
Jiafu followed the others to the second gate, where she saw the grand display outside: the full complement of attendants, palace maids fanning and holding handkerchiefs, and a young eunuch bowing to open the curtains of the palanquin. Zhang Fengtong stepped out from the palanquin, and Lady Zhang, accompanied by all the female members of the family, welcomed her in, creating a grand spectacle.
Jiafu and the others stood on both sides of the corridor, watching as Zhang Fengtong was surrounded by people, her face beaming with smiles as she walked towards them. She was dressed in palace attire, exuding elegance and splendor under the brilliant lights, embodying the demeanor of the future Empress of Great Wei. As she approached closer, the lower-ranking wives and their accompanying young ladies bowed to her one after another.
Jiafu, positioned in the forefront, observed as the Crown Princess passed by without needing to kneel in respect. When Zhang Fengtong turned her head, seemingly catching sight of Jiafu, she smiled and halted her steps, walking over to where Jiafu stood.
Jiafu greeted her with the usual courtesy, but Zhang Fengtong waived the formality and even asked those kneeling by the side to rise together. She smiled at everyone and said, "Madam Pei and I have been old acquaintances, though regretfully, our busy schedules have prevented us from deepening our friendship. Tonight presents a wonderful opportunity for us to chat and catch up." With that, she took Jiafu's hand and invited her to accompany her inside. Then she turned to Lady Zhang and added, "Mother, please remember to place Madam Pei's seat close to mine later."
Witnessing the favor shown by the Crown Princess towards Jiafu, the admiration in the eyes of the onlookers grew even stronger.
Jiafu initially declined politely, citing her lower status, but Zhang Fengtong sincerely insisted on her company. Knowing she couldn't easily refuse, Jiafu smiled and expressed her gratitude.
Inside the banquet hall, seating arrangements were made, and indeed Jiafu found herself seated at the table with Zhang Fengtong, the highest-ranking table. Those seated were either high-ranking officials or respected elders. As the youngest present, Jiafu occupied the lowest position, directly opposite Zhang Fengtong.
The feast commenced, and everyone began eating with their chopsticks. Given the occasion, Jiafu had already eaten before coming and wasn't particularly hungry. Therefore, she was modest in her servings, following the lead of Lady Qin, who sat beside her, and only took a small portion from the dishes in front of her.
Zhang Fengtong spoke with a smile, "Today, my mother celebrates her birthday, and I am grateful for the presence of all the esteemed guests. Though I hold the title of Crown Princess, I am still young and dare not assert myself in the presence of my elders. Allow me to propose a toast to everyone."
As she finished speaking, a palace attendant approached with a wine jug and began pouring wine for the guests at the table, starting with the Crown Princess and then moving on in sequence.
The other ladies at the table politely deferred to one another.
Jiafu's gaze swept over the wine jug in the palace attendant's hand, initially without much thought. However, her heart stirred slightly as she took a closer look.
The wine jug had a round belly and a pointed mouth, indistinguishable in shape from ordinary wine jugs. However, its base color was the distinctive imperial bright yellow, and it was adorned with exquisitely painted dragon and phoenix auspicious cloud patterns. The dragons and phoenixes appeared lifelike, indicating its exceptional craftsmanship. It was unmistakably a royal item.
Jiafu couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity with the wine jug, as if she had seen it somewhere before. However, she couldn't recall exactly where. As the palace attendant approached her with the wine jug, she racked her brain trying to remember, and just as the jug was about to be passed to her, she finally recalled where she had seen it before.
In the year following his ascension to the throne in my past life, Xiao Yintang conferred a consort named Liang. The Liang family was then showing signs of rising power and was constantly at odds with the Zhang family. This Liang Consort was renowned for her virtue and talent. Within half a year of entering the palace, she became the second-ranking consort, just after Zhang Fengtong. However, on the Mid-Autumn Festival that year, during a grand palace banquet attended by the harem and court ladies, the Liang Consort got drunk. Not only did she lose control of her speech, but she also went berserk, insulting the empress and even stripping off her clothes, causing chaos at the banquet. The news spread beyond the palace, greatly tarnishing the reputation of the Liang family, and Xiao Yintang grew extremely disgusted with her.
The Liang Consort, however, repeatedly claimed to be framed, saying that she lost her senses after drinking. Xiao Yintang, being a shrewd man, sensed that something was amiss and ordered a thorough investigation. Eventually, it was revealed that it was a consort named Zhu who harbored jealousy towards the Liang Consort. She had bribed palace servants to use a specially crafted wine jug named the "Mandarin Duck Universe Jug." While it appeared no different from an ordinary jug on the outside, it had a hidden mechanism inside. With a concealed button on the handle, it could dispense a different type of alcohol without anyone noticing. The Liang Consort had unwittingly consumed the drugged wine, leading to her public disgrace.
Upon learning the truth, Xiao Yintang ordered the interrogation of Consort Zhu, but she had already taken her own life out of fear of punishment. The wine jug was later given to Jiafu by Xiao Yintang for her entertainment, to help her pass the time.
Suddenly, everything became clear to Jiafu.
Why the invitation specifically insisted on her attendance at the banquet, and why Zhang Fengtong wanted her to sit at the same table.
Jiafu maintained a calm demeanor, wearing the appropriate smile, as she watched the palace attendant pour wine for the Duchess of Qin sitting beside her, just as before, with no difference, as the jug was extended towards the wine cup in front of her.
She watched closely as the palace attendant's thumb, at the moment of pouring the wine, subtly pressed a small button on the handle. The movement was extremely subtle, and if she hadn't been paying close attention, it would have been impossible to detect.
The golden-colored liquor was smoothly poured into her wine cup. At this point, everyone at the table had been served. The palace attendant gently placed the wine jug in front of Zhang Fengtong and then departed.
Jiafu suppressed the intense emotions swirling in her heart and slowly lifted her eyes. She saw Zhang Fengtong stand up, raising her wine cup with a smile in her eyes. She swept her gaze across the whole table before finally landing on Jiafu's face. Zhang Fengtong spoke, "This cup, I first toast to the prosperity and longevity of Great Wei, may it last forever. Please join me in drinking."
Chapter - 52
By Tea Time Translations
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If there are any mistakes in translation, please feel free to comment! Please support us @TeaTime.
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The next day, a message spread from the Eastern Palace: Cao, who had just been appointed as the Crown Prince's concubine, passed away suddenly from a severe illness the previous night. It was said that the Crown Princess was startled awake in the middle of the night, hastily putting on only half of her shoes and leaving her hair untied, as she urgently summoned the royal physicians for treatment. She personally stood guard by Cao's side until dawn. Unfortunately, Cao had suffered from a hidden abdominal ailment since her time in Wuding. Despite various treatments at that time, the root cause was never fully resolved. This time, the illness suddenly flared up with great intensity, and despite all efforts, she could not survive, tragically passing away. The Crown Princess, enduring her grief, sent word to the ancestral home, and by daybreak, the news reached the Cao family. Shocked and devastated, the Cao family members wept inconsolably. Cao's mother was granted permission to enter the palace. When she arrived, her daughter's body had already been placed in the Nirvana Palace, specially prepared for the funerals of deceased palace concubines. Inside, there was a camphorwood coffin, and the hall was adorned with white silk curtains. Palace maids and eunuchs, dressed in mourning attire, knelt sorrowfully around the body, mourning deeply.
The Crown Prince did not make an appearance, but the Crown Princess personally met Cao's mother. Upon seeing her swollen, teary eyes, she began to weep before saying a word. She recounted how, during their time in Wuding, Cao had served the Crown Prince before her with utmost respect and grace. Even before she entered the palace, they had formed a bond of sisterhood, mutually admiring each other. They had hoped to support each other in their roles in the Eastern Palace, but Cao's sudden illness and eventual passing shattered those plans. Despite her efforts to help, the separation between them now seemed insurmountable, leaving her overwhelmed with grief.
She couldn't finish her words, choking on her sobs several times, needing assistance from her attendants as tears continued to flow.
Cao's mother had never heard of her daughter's previous abdominal illness. Shocked and grieving, she couldn't help but feel puzzled. Since her daughter entered the royal household, she had not seen her again, only receiving occasional gifts sent from the palace according to the seasons. With the Emperor's long reign and the Crown Prince's ascension, her daughter's status had risen, and the family had celebrated her marriage to the Crown Prince with joy and pride. Never did she imagine that just a few days later, she would receive the news of her daughter's sudden death in the palace, leaving her unable to even see her daughter one last time.
Even though Cao's mother harbored doubts in her heart, she dared not question a word, only blaming her daughter's misfortune for not being able to enjoy the wealth and glory of the royal family. Tears continued to flow incessantly. Upon hearing the Crown Princess's suggestion to honor Cao's virtues and conduct by granting her a posthumous title, adding to her mourning and glory, she trembled as she knelt before the Crown Princess, who comforted her without mentioning it further.
Emperor Xiao, busy with state affairs, upon receiving news of the funeral from the Eastern Palace, was surprised but didn't dwell much on it. With a stroke of his pen, he granted the Crown Princess's request. Cao was granted a posthumous title and buried in the imperial mausoleum. The four palace maids and eunuchs who had served her willingly chose to be buried alongside her. The funeral was conducted with great pomp, providing solace to the Cao family afterward.
The unexpected death of the concubine in the Eastern Palace was like a stone thrown into a lake, causing hardly a ripple before fading away without a trace. Soon, no one mentioned the woman whose life was as fragile as paper. Instead, the Crown Princess, only a few days into her marriage, faced this taboo, yet she handled it with grace, taking personal charge of every detail. Not only did she manage affairs aptly, but she also displayed kindness and wisdom, enhancing her reputation once more. The prestige of the Zhang family also increased.
After half a month, on the occasion of the Crown Princess's mother's birthday, all female relatives of officials above the fourth rank in the capital came to congratulate her. Even the Empress, Lady Zhou, sent gifts and allowed Lady Zhang Fengtong to return home for the day to visit her family. Lady Zhang's face shone with happiness as she entered the palace to express her gratitude.
After the guests left, Lin Mama entered the hall. Lady Zhou knew she must have come to report on the progress of the investigation into Xiao Lie's whereabouts on the night of the Crown Prince's wedding. She dismissed the palace attendants and eunuchs before speaking with Lin Mama privately.
Lin Mama whispered, "Reporting to Your Majesty, I searched through my people in private, and a couple of days ago, I finally managed to gather some information. It's said that on that night, a group of people left through the North An Ding Gate. One of them was cloaked, covering their face, seated on a horse without touching the ground, so their face couldn't be seen. Several attendants accompanied them. Even the on-duty city guards didn't recognize them, but one person among them showed a palace token to open the gate. From the description, it seems to be a young eunuch from the palace. They left the city heading north, and their whereabouts are unknown. If my assumptions are correct, that person must have been His Highness. On that night, Li Yuan Gui went to congratulate the Pei family, and it was Cui Yinshui who served His Highness. The appearance of the young eunuch matches that of Cui Yinshui."
Madame Zhou furrowed her brows.
"His Highness's trusted guards and attendants are naturally beyond our reach for inquiries. So, I attempted to test Cui Yinshui's response. I mentioned to him that the empress knew of his diligent service to His Highness and intended to reward him. However, that cunning eunuch proved to be very crafty. He claimed to be unworthy and said that serving His Highness was his karma from a past life. He dared not accept rewards directly from me and suggested that his 'godfather' receive them instead. That castrated wretch, slippery as an eel. I realized after a few exchanges that it would be futile to extract information from him. I didn't dare push too hard, fearing he might report to Li Yuan Gui. If His Highness were to find out, it would only bring trouble for me. So, I withdrew. It's all my uselessness. Please, Your Majesty, punish me."
Lin Mama spoke, observing Madame Zhou's increasingly furrowed brows. She quickly prostrated herself, begging for forgiveness. Madame Zhou remained silent for a while, her gaze fixed ahead, seemingly lost in thought. Lin Mama dared not make a sound, holding her breath. After a while, she finally heard the Empress say, "Are you sure His Highness went north that night?" Lin Mama nodded vigorously. "Most likely, that group was indeed them!"
Madame Zhou instructed, "Send more trustworthy individuals to the Cien Temple in the north to discreetly inquire about any special visitors that night and where they went."
As Lin Mama was Madame Zhou's nursemaid from her childhood, accompanying her when she was married to Xiao Lie, she knew some secrets not meant for others. A chill ran down her spine as she remembered something. "Your Majesty, are you saying that His Highness went to that place at the Cien Temple that night?"
Madame Zhou's facial muscles twitched slightly as she gritted her teeth. "In the dead of night, secretly leaving the palace, and heading north... If not there, then where? After all these years, I thought he had let go of it long ago. I never expected that he still couldn't forget. Just a few days after entering the capital, ignoring the living, he went to mourn the dead..."
She abruptly stopped, her lips trembling slightly. Even as her ten sharp nails dug deep into her palms, she felt no pain. After taking a long breath, she stood up and said coldly, "You must investigate immediately. Report to me as soon as you have any news."
Lin Mama quickly responded, getting up from the ground and retreating out of the room.
...
On the day of Madame Zhang's birthday celebration and the return of the Crown Princess to her family home, the front of the Zhang residence was bustling with activity. Lavish carriages and horses were constantly arriving and departing, carrying the noblewomen from various households. With the Crown Princess also expected to attend to celebrate her mother's birthday, the Zhang family took precautions to avoid any congestion. Early in the morning, they had the entire street blocked off. As dusk approached, the entire street was illuminated by a continuous array of bright lanterns, casting a glow as bright as daylight. Noblewomen from different families arrived one after another, their carriages and sedan chairs lining the street, filling it to the brim. Onlookers from afar craned their necks to catch a glimpse, marveling at the opulence and grandeur of the magnificent carriages and horses, a sight too extravagant to describe.
Though there was no personal interaction between Pei You'an and Xiao Yintang, they maintained cordial relations in public. With Xie Lie's arrival in the capital, the Pei, Zhang, and Zhou families had become the most prominent in the city. Interactions among them were frequent, especially on occasions like Madame Zhang's birthday. Early in the day, Madame Zhang had sent invitations to the Pei household, inviting Mrs. Xin, Mrs. Meng, and the newly arrived Mrs. Pei to join them as guests.
As the clock approached dusk, Jiafu had already finished dressing, accompanying Mrs. Xin and Mrs. Meng as they departed. Mrs. Xin rode in her own carriage, while Mrs. Meng and Jiafu shared another. Servants trailed behind, and in a separate carriage followed more attendants and maidservants. They made their way towards the Zhang residence, where upon arrival, they were greeted by the steward's wife at the gate, who ushered them inside. Before they could reach the second gate, Madame Zhang herself emerged, accompanied by her servants, personally welcoming her guests.
Madame Zhang was dressed in a brand new dark crimson embroidered silk robe, adorned with auspicious characters for longevity. She wore a forehead ornament embellished with various colored gemstones, exuding an air of wealth and splendor, with a radiant smile adorning her face. Upon approaching, she warmly took Mrs. Xin's hand, exchanging pleasantries before saying, "I'm just having a lively birthday celebration, nothing too grand. I hadn't intended to trouble you distinguished guests, but the Empress Mother insisted that the Crown Princess, who has been working hard recently, should take a break at home and enjoy the festivities. So, I thought, since Her Majesty emphasized it, why not set up a stage in the garden at home and invite all the noble ladies who are usually friendly with us to come and enjoy the opera together? It would be more meaningful that way. As for your household, with the Young Lord being highly regarded by His Highness, and your mansion receiving distinguished guests daily, I thought Mrs. Xin might not have the time to visit our humble abode today. Yet here you are, gracing us with your presence, truly making our humble home shine brightly."
Jiafu noticed that Mrs. Xin's smile didn't quite reach her eyes, though others couldn't discern it and didn't pay much attention. Madame Zhang then greeted the other ladies before finally casting her gaze upon Jiafu, giving her a brief appraisal. Jiafu respectfully returned the gesture, and Madame Zhang smiled warmly, saying, "You must be the esteemed grandmother bestowed by His Highness. You're as graceful as a jade beauty. I took a liking to you at first sight. Let's not linger here any longer; let's go inside!" With that, she ushered Mrs. Xin and the others inside, chatting and laughing along the way. Passing through several gates, they noticed the absence of any male servants; only maids and attendants were present. Finally, they entered the banquet hall, specially decorated for the occasion. Inside, they found many guests, all adorned in elegant attire, exuding a fragrance of cosmetics and perfumes. The women from various households were lively in conversation, enjoying tea and laughter. When Madame Zhang personally led the guests inside, everyone turned to look.
This was Jiafu's first appearance in the social circles of the noblewomen in the capital after marrying Pei You'an.
Xiao Lie's favoritism towards Pei You'an even surpassed that towards the Duke of Wei in the past. Because of Pei You'an, the Pei family had risen to become one of the foremost noble families in the capital, just as they had when Pei Wenjing took control of the Imperial Palace years ago. Among the women present, everyone recognized Mrs. Xin and Mrs. Meng. Upon the Pei family's arrival, they were greeted with warm smiles from all around.
Today, as a newcomer to this circle, Jiafu's attire naturally wouldn't be overly ostentatious, but she couldn't afford to be neglectful either. Knowing her appearance tended towards youthful, she aimed for a more mature and stable look. After bathing, she lightly applied makeup, with soft eyebrows, a thin layer of powder on her face, a touch of rouge, and her lips tinted red. Her hair was elegantly coiled into a bun, adorned with golden hairpins and jade earrings. Her dress was made of twelve panels of fabric, sewn with golden thread. Each panel was embroidered with different flowers and birds representing the four seasons, combining elegance with magnificence. Walking, she resembled a phoenix tail, graceful and unmatched.
Although Pei You'an's marriage lacked the honor of being bestowed by the emperor and was not as prestigious as the prince's simultaneous wedding, marrying a cousin from a Quanzhou merchant family had attracted considerable attention even before Jiafu's appearance. Now, as she followed behind the other women, though her position was towards the back, she was immediately the focus of many eyes upon entering the hall.
Among the women in the hall, Jiafu recognized some, such as the wife of the Duke of Zhu and the wife of the Marquis of Anyuan, both of whom had visited the Pei family before. However, many others were unfamiliar to her, so introductions and conversations were inevitable. She smiled politely, speaking sparingly but with great tact. Despite any underlying condescension regarding her family background, given Pei You'an's current status, no one dared openly offend her. Those of higher status were exceedingly kind, while those of similar status were careful to flatter, even to the point of showing deference. Such was the nature of being a wife to a prestigious husband.
Among them were Madame Liu Jiushao and Madame Zhang Zhengdao. Madame Zhang owed her current wealth and status entirely to Pei You'an's recommendation. As for Madame Liu Jiushao, she had been captured during the Wu Ding Uprising. Without Pei You'an's intervention, not only would her current status be unimaginable, but her entire family might have become victims of the Prince of Shunan's wrath. Without waiting for introductions, both ladies approached Jiafu and engaged her in conversation, expressing their gratitude profusely.
While conversing with the two ladies, Jiafu suddenly noticed Madame Meng bringing along another woman, who was inching closer to her. Clad in a brand-new oil-purple brocade gown with jewels adorning her hair, her eyes carried a flattering smile. Jiafu immediately recognized her as none other than Madame Song, her elder brother's maternal grandmother.
During the reign of the Prince of Shunan, the Song family enjoyed a period of prosperity. When Xiao Lie took over the capital, it was rumored that among the first officials to secretly pledge allegiance to him was someone from the Song family. Although Xiao Lie ascended the throne without holding the Song family accountable, he seemed to harbor a dislike for them. Their official positions plummeted, with Mr. Song, once a second-rank official, now reduced to the insignificant position of a sixth-rank sub-deacon in the Ministry of Rites. It was thanks to Madame Song's networking and generosity that they secured invitations to such events.
Madame Meng greeted Jiafu with a smile, leading Madame Song to her side. As she turned away, she furrowed her brows and leaned in to whisper to Jiafu, "Ah Fu, this woman has been pestering me the whole time, asking me to bring her over to speak with you. I've grown tired of her, so I had no choice but to bring her along. Just say a few words and send her away."
When Jiāfú was preparing for her marriage, Madame Song shamelessly visited with gifts. Despite bringing back some precious items from her own family, she also added many more things. How could Madame Meng accept her kindness? As soon as she left, she ordered someone to take back all the extra items.
Remembering how her mother had once endured humiliation and compromise for her sake, Jiafu suppressed her disgust and forced a smile, saying, "Godmother has always been well?"
Mrs. Song hurriedly waved her hand and smiled, "How dare I deserve such a title from Grand Madam? What kind of godmother am I? If Grand Madam calls me 'Madam,' I would be honored! I heard Madam is still in the capital? I've been thinking of paying Madam a visit, but I know she's busy, so I'm afraid of disturbing her unexpectedly. Is it convenient these days?" Her words were full of flattery, with none of the arrogance she had shown before.
After hearing that her marriage to Pei You'an had been arranged by the Emperor and the news had reached Quanzhou, Jiafu's older brother, Zhen Yaoting, set out for the capital. Upon meeting, he would accompany their mother, Mrs. Meng, back to Quanzhou. Judging by the dates, it would be in a couple of days.
Jiafu wouldn't intentionally humiliate this opportunistic woman in public just to vent her anger, but she also wouldn't allow her to cling on like a snake to a stick. She said, "My mother is indeed quite busy these days, with continuous visitors leaving her with no time to rest. She's also feeling very tired. If Madam has no urgent matters, I'll gladly accept your kind intentions on her behalf."
Mrs. Song nodded awkwardly, "Yes, yes, if Madam is tired, then she should rest well..."
Jiafu smiled faintly, then turned away, no longer engaging with Mrs. Song.
Suddenly, a eunuch from the palace swiftly entered and announced that the Crown Princess had arrived. Immediately, everyone in the hall stopped what they were doing and followed the order of precedence to greet her, led by Lady Zhang.
Jiafu followed the others to the second gate, where she saw the grand display outside: the full complement of attendants, palace maids fanning and holding handkerchiefs, and a young eunuch bowing to open the curtains of the palanquin. Zhang Fengtong stepped out from the palanquin, and Lady Zhang, accompanied by all the female members of the family, welcomed her in, creating a grand spectacle.
Jiafu and the others stood on both sides of the corridor, watching as Zhang Fengtong was surrounded by people, her face beaming with smiles as she walked towards them. She was dressed in palace attire, exuding elegance and splendor under the brilliant lights, embodying the demeanor of the future Empress of Great Wei. As she approached closer, the lower-ranking wives and their accompanying young ladies bowed to her one after another.
Jiafu, positioned in the forefront, observed as the Crown Princess passed by without needing to kneel in respect. When Zhang Fengtong turned her head, seemingly catching sight of Jiafu, she smiled and halted her steps, walking over to where Jiafu stood.
Jiafu greeted her with the usual courtesy, but Zhang Fengtong waived the formality and even asked those kneeling by the side to rise together. She smiled at everyone and said, "Madam Pei and I have been old acquaintances, though regretfully, our busy schedules have prevented us from deepening our friendship. Tonight presents a wonderful opportunity for us to chat and catch up." With that, she took Jiafu's hand and invited her to accompany her inside. Then she turned to Lady Zhang and added, "Mother, please remember to place Madam Pei's seat close to mine later."
Witnessing the favor shown by the Crown Princess towards Jiafu, the admiration in the eyes of the onlookers grew even stronger.
Jiafu initially declined politely, citing her lower status, but Zhang Fengtong sincerely insisted on her company. Knowing she couldn't easily refuse, Jiafu smiled and expressed her gratitude.
Inside the banquet hall, seating arrangements were made, and indeed Jiafu found herself seated at the table with Zhang Fengtong, the highest-ranking table. Those seated were either high-ranking officials or respected elders. As the youngest present, Jiafu occupied the lowest position, directly opposite Zhang Fengtong.
The feast commenced, and everyone began eating with their chopsticks. Given the occasion, Jiafu had already eaten before coming and wasn't particularly hungry. Therefore, she was modest in her servings, following the lead of Lady Qin, who sat beside her, and only took a small portion from the dishes in front of her.
Zhang Fengtong spoke with a smile, "Today, my mother celebrates her birthday, and I am grateful for the presence of all the esteemed guests. Though I hold the title of Crown Princess, I am still young and dare not assert myself in the presence of my elders. Allow me to propose a toast to everyone."
As she finished speaking, a palace attendant approached with a wine jug and began pouring wine for the guests at the table, starting with the Crown Princess and then moving on in sequence.
The other ladies at the table politely deferred to one another.
Jiafu's gaze swept over the wine jug in the palace attendant's hand, initially without much thought. However, her heart stirred slightly as she took a closer look.
The wine jug had a round belly and a pointed mouth, indistinguishable in shape from ordinary wine jugs. However, its base color was the distinctive imperial bright yellow, and it was adorned with exquisitely painted dragon and phoenix auspicious cloud patterns. The dragons and phoenixes appeared lifelike, indicating its exceptional craftsmanship. It was unmistakably a royal item.
Jiafu couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity with the wine jug, as if she had seen it somewhere before. However, she couldn't recall exactly where. As the palace attendant approached her with the wine jug, she racked her brain trying to remember, and just as the jug was about to be passed to her, she finally recalled where she had seen it before.
In the year following his ascension to the throne in my past life, Xiao Yintang conferred a consort named Liang. The Liang family was then showing signs of rising power and was constantly at odds with the Zhang family. This Liang Consort was renowned for her virtue and talent. Within half a year of entering the palace, she became the second-ranking consort, just after Zhang Fengtong. However, on the Mid-Autumn Festival that year, during a grand palace banquet attended by the harem and court ladies, the Liang Consort got drunk. Not only did she lose control of her speech, but she also went berserk, insulting the empress and even stripping off her clothes, causing chaos at the banquet. The news spread beyond the palace, greatly tarnishing the reputation of the Liang family, and Xiao Yintang grew extremely disgusted with her.
The Liang Consort, however, repeatedly claimed to be framed, saying that she lost her senses after drinking. Xiao Yintang, being a shrewd man, sensed that something was amiss and ordered a thorough investigation. Eventually, it was revealed that it was a consort named Zhu who harbored jealousy towards the Liang Consort. She had bribed palace servants to use a specially crafted wine jug named the "Mandarin Duck Universe Jug." While it appeared no different from an ordinary jug on the outside, it had a hidden mechanism inside. With a concealed button on the handle, it could dispense a different type of alcohol without anyone noticing. The Liang Consort had unwittingly consumed the drugged wine, leading to her public disgrace.
Upon learning the truth, Xiao Yintang ordered the interrogation of Consort Zhu, but she had already taken her own life out of fear of punishment. The wine jug was later given to Jiafu by Xiao Yintang for her entertainment, to help her pass the time.
Suddenly, everything became clear to Jiafu.
Why the invitation specifically insisted on her attendance at the banquet, and why Zhang Fengtong wanted her to sit at the same table.
Jiafu maintained a calm demeanor, wearing the appropriate smile, as she watched the palace attendant pour wine for the Duchess of Qin sitting beside her, just as before, with no difference, as the jug was extended towards the wine cup in front of her.
She watched closely as the palace attendant's thumb, at the moment of pouring the wine, subtly pressed a small button on the handle. The movement was extremely subtle, and if she hadn't been paying close attention, it would have been impossible to detect.
The golden-colored liquor was smoothly poured into her wine cup. At this point, everyone at the table had been served. The palace attendant gently placed the wine jug in front of Zhang Fengtong and then departed.
Jiafu suppressed the intense emotions swirling in her heart and slowly lifted her eyes. She saw Zhang Fengtong stand up, raising her wine cup with a smile in her eyes. She swept her gaze across the whole table before finally landing on Jiafu's face. Zhang Fengtong spoke, "This cup, I first toast to the prosperity and longevity of Great Wei, may it last forever. Please join me in drinking."
