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I Let The Concubine's Son Be Named Heir. Then I Gave Birth To Dragon-Phoenix Twins — Transcript

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0:00The night before my due date, I bribed
0:02the imperial physician to give me a
0:03draft that would hold back my labor. My
0:05maid was shaking. Your highness, this
0:07medicine will harm your body. I gritted
0:09my teeth against the cramping. Let her
0:10give birth first. The next day, the
0:12prince announced to the whole manner.
0:14The secondary consort has delivered my
0:16eldest son. He shall be named a parent.
0:18The estate erupted in cheers. I let out
0:20a breath of relief. Good. That was
0:22exactly the plan. 3 hours later, I gave
0:25birth to twins, a boy and a girl. I
0:27cradled them and smiled. Someone go to
0:29the palace and announce the good news.
0:31He wanted a concubine's son to outshine
0:33my legitimate heir. Sorry, your
0:34highness. I had just delivered the omen
0:36of good fortune. The emperor himself had
0:38been praying for. Outside the birthing
0:40room, red silk lantern swayed in the
0:42wind. I lay propped against the bed,
0:44hand pressed to my belly, riding wave
0:46after wave of pain. Chingha came in with
0:47a bowl of medicine, her face pale. Your
0:50highness, the physician says you may go
0:52into labor tonight. I didn't take the
0:54bowl. What about the secondary consort?
0:56Chingha bit her lip. She won't be long
0:58either. The prince is keeping watch at
0:59Elon Courtyard. He hasn't budged an
1:02inch. I closed my eyes. The prince had
1:04made a declaration once in front of the
1:06whole household. Whoever gives birth to
1:08a son first, I will petition to have the
1:10child named a parent. At the time, Lady
1:12Su had lowered her head, one hand
1:14resting on her belly, a soft, sweet
1:16smile on her lips. I had stood at the
1:18head of the hall and said nothing. On
1:19the way back, Chingha had wept with
1:21fury. Your highness, what kind of rule
1:23is that? You're the principal consort.
1:26Your child is the rightful heir by
1:27birth. The title should naturally. She
1:29conceived two months before I did. I cut
1:31her off. The prince couldn't wait.
1:33Chingha fell silent. I had lived in this
1:35estate for 3 years. The first year, the
1:37prince would still come sit in the main
1:39courtyard for a while. The second year,
1:41after Lady Sue arrived, he couldn't be
1:43bothered to sit there at all. Lady Sue
1:45was clever. Her tears fell at exactly
1:47the right moment. Her smiles could melt
1:49anyone's heart. The prince fell for it.
1:51I didn't. And so, my life in this estate
1:53grew harder by the day. Then I got
1:55pregnant. The prince came to visit
1:56exactly once. He sat just long enough to
1:58drink half a cup of tea, asked what did
2:01the physician say, and left. The very
2:03next day, I heard Lady Sue was expecting
2:05two. She was 2 months ahead of me. From
2:07that day on, Elon Courtyard supplies
2:09were doubled. The main courtyard's
2:11monthly allowance wasn't cut, but the
2:12people who used to come pay their
2:14respects slowly stopped coming. I knew
2:16exactly what was happening. I summoned
2:18the Imperial physician, Lu Hung. Is
2:20there a medicine that can delay labor?
2:21Lu Hung knelt, sweat beating on his
2:23forehead. Your highness, such a medicine
2:25exists. But it is harmful to the body.
2:28How harmful. You would need at least
2:29half a year to recover. Write the
2:31prescription. His hands trembled as he
2:33wrote it. Chingho went to fetch the
2:35medicine. When she came back, her eyes
2:36were red. She set the bowl before me,
2:38her voice shaking. Your highness, this
2:40medicine will hurt you. I lifted the
2:42bowl. The dark liquid was bitter with a
2:44pungent fishy reek. Let her give birth
2:46first. I downed it in one go. The pain
2:48in my belly changed. Instead of aching,
2:51it turned into a heavy downward pressure
2:52as if something was forcing the baby to
2:54stay put. I clutched the edge of the
2:56quilt, nails digging into my palms.
2:58Chingha rushed to support me. Your
3:00highness, don't call anyone. I forced
3:02the words through clenched teeth. No one
3:04enters the main courtyard. Tonight, tell
3:06them I've retired for the night. Chingha
3:08nodded, weeping. From Elon courtyard
3:10came faint shouts. Hot water. Hurry.
3:13Lady Sue had gone into labor. I lay in
3:15bed listening while pain racked my
3:17belly. The medicine was holding the baby
3:19back. My body was fighting it. Every
3:21contraction was a knife churning inside
3:22me. I bit down on my handkerchief. Not a
3:25sound. It was a long night. At daybreak,
3:27an infant's cry rang out from Elon
3:29Courtyard. Chingha had kept vigil all
3:31night. At the sound, she went rigid. I
3:33opened my eyes. After a night of agony,
3:35my throat was too dry to speak. Chingha
3:38poured a cup of water and handed it to
3:39me, hands still trembling. Your
3:41highness, the consort, has given birth.
3:43A boy or a girl? A boy. I took a sip of
3:46water and set the cup down. I see.
3:48Chingha looked at me, tears spilling
3:50down her face. Your highness, how can
3:52you still smile? Was I smiling? I
3:54suppose I was. The commotion outside
3:56grew louder. Maids and matrons hurried
3:58past, all heading toward Elon courtyard.
4:00After the time it takes an incense stick
4:01to burn, someone came to the main
4:03courtyard with a message. It was Joan,
4:05the prince's personal attendant. He
4:07stood outside the doorway, not even
4:09crossing the threshold. The prince has
4:10instructed me to inform. Your highness,
4:12the consort has given birth to a son.
4:14Both mother and child are safe. Chingha
4:17gritted her teeth answering him. She
4:18came back and told me, "He didn't even
4:20offer you a word of congratulations.
4:22Stuck up little toad for an errand
4:24runner like him. The direction his nose
4:26points follows the direction of his
4:27masters." I propped myself up. My belly
4:29still achd, but better than during the
4:31night. The medicine had it under
4:33control. I touched my belly. The baby
4:35kicked just a little longer. I whispered
4:37it, though I wasn't sure if I was
4:39talking to the child or to myself. That
4:41afternoon, the estate held a banquet.
4:43The prince entertained guests in the
4:44front hall. I listened as Chingha ran
4:46back and forth with reports. The prince
4:48held the baby up for his advisers to
4:50see. The consort's family has arrived
4:52loaded with gifts. The prince has given
4:54everyone in Elon courtyard a month's
4:55extra wages. I leaned against the daybed
4:57and listened to it all. By evening came
4:59the last piece of news. Chingha stood in
5:01the doorway, her lips pale. Your
5:03highness, the prince announced in the
5:05front hall that he intends to submit a
5:07memorial to the throne, asking that the
5:08consort's son be named heir. Apparent, I
5:11looked out the window. Dusk was falling.
5:13Elon courtyard was strung with lanterns
5:15glowing so bright it was dazzling here
5:17in the main courtyard. Not a single
5:18extra candle had been lit. Has the
5:20memorial been submitted yet? Not yet.
5:22They say it will be submitted tomorrow.
5:24Tomorrow I swallowed the word. There was
5:27still time. That night the pain in my
5:29belly returned. The medicine was wearing
5:31off. I couldn't hold out much longer. I
5:33sent Chingha to fetch Lu Hang. He took
5:35my pulse, his expression grim. Your
5:37highness, you can hold on for one more
5:38day at most. You cannot take any more
5:41medicine. It would endanger both you and
5:43the child. One day is enough. I looked
5:45at him. At what time tomorrow will the
5:47delivery begin? Lu Hung calculated
5:49quickly. If no more medicine is used,
5:51labor should begin tomorrow afternoon.
5:53Good. I had Chingha bring out a small
5:55chest and handed it to Lu Hung. Take
5:56this secret to the grave. He accepted
5:58it, knelt, cowed out, and left. Chingha
6:01closed the door and came back to tuck in
6:02my quilt. Your highness, what exactly
6:04are you thinking? Tell me. between the
6:07eldest son of a concubine and the son of
6:09the principal wife who should be the
6:10heir apparent the son of the principal
6:12wife of course but what if the son of
6:14the principal wife is born after the son
6:16of the concubine chingha froze he would
6:18still be the legitimate heir but his
6:20highness his highness declared that
6:21whoever is born first shall be named
6:23heir I closed my eyes since he set that
6:26rule let him go ahead and elevate the
6:28concubine son elevate him the higher he
6:30lifts him the harder he falls early the
6:32next morning the estate was buzzing the
6:34prince had ordered a memorial drafted to
6:36formally request the investature of the
6:38era apparent. The news spread through
6:39the entire estate. Just past the hour of
6:41the dragon, BTA, the headmade serving
6:43Lady Sue, arrived at the main courtyard
6:46carrying a food box. She stood in the
6:48courtyard with a bright smile. Your
6:49highness, our consort sends her regards.
6:52Since she has just given birth and can't
6:54leave her bed to pay respects in person,
6:56she sent me specially to bring you some
6:57birds nest soup to nourish your body.
6:59Chingha stepped in front of her. Her
7:01highness is resting. Bau tilted her
7:03head. Oh, still resting. Well, that
7:06makes sense. You're quite far along. You
7:08ought to rest more. By the way, when is
7:10the baby due? Our consort was saying she
7:12should prepare a gift for when you give
7:14birth. Her tone was soaked in smug
7:16mockery. I could hear every word from
7:18inside the room. Let her in. Chingha
7:20reluctantly stepped aside. Bau entered
7:22curtsied and set the food box on the
7:24table. You look radiant, your highness.
7:26Her eyes flicked to my belly, a smile
7:28playing on her lips. I stayed leaning
7:29against the daybed, making no move
7:31toward the box. Thank your consort for
7:33me. very thoughtful of her. It's only
7:36right. We're family after all. Bau
7:38smiled. Oh, and your highness. You may
7:40not have heard. His highness has named
7:42the little young master Chinui. It means
7:44inheriting good fortune from heaven. His
7:46highness is overjoyed. He says, "This is
7:49his first son. His first son, the child
7:51in my womb, not yet born, was already
7:53written out of that count." Chingha's
7:55hands clenched into fists. I picked up
7:57my teacup and took a sip. A fine name.
7:59Please convey my congratulations to the
8:01consort. Bau seemed takenback by my
8:03composure. She paused, then smiled
8:05again. In that case, I'll take my leave.
8:08The consort is waiting for me. She
8:09walked to the doorway, then turned back.
8:12Oh, your highness. His highness
8:13mentioned he plans to take the little
8:15young master to the ancestral hall this
8:17afternoon to have him entered into the
8:18clan. Register. If you're feeling up to
8:20it, perhaps you'd like to come watch. I
8:22won't be going. That makes sense. You're
8:24heavy with child. You shouldn't
8:26overexert yourself. B left. Chingha
8:29slammed the food box onto the table. the
8:31nerve coming all the way here to throw
8:33her weight around. Dump out that bird's
8:35nest. Your highness, you'd actually eat
8:37something sent by that Su woman. Chingho
8:39was taken aback, then carried it away. I
8:41sat up. A heavy dragging pain returned
8:43to my belly. It hurt worse than
8:45yesterday. The medicine was wearing off.
8:47That afternoon, news came from the
8:49ancestral hall. The prince had
8:51personally carried Sue's son there and
8:52had him entered into the clan genealogy
8:54first. Among the offspring, several clan
8:57elders were present. No one raised an
8:59objection. Of course, no one did. The
9:01principal consort hadn't given birth
9:02yet. Who knew if the child would be a
9:04boy or a girl? If it was a girl, Sue's
9:06eldest son, born of a concubine, would
9:08be the undisputed heir. Even if it was a
9:10boy, he'd be a step behind. And with the
9:12prince's earlier declaration, the matter
9:14was irreversible. Everyone thought so.
9:17Sue thought so, too. That was exactly
9:19what I wanted her to think. Around the
9:21hour of the Shen, a group of visitors
9:22arrived at the estate. It was Su-in-law
9:25bringing several cartloads of gifts to
9:27congratulate her. Chinga peered out from
9:28the doorway and came back to report.
9:30Quite a spectacle. Gifts carried on.
9:33Eightman litters streaming into Elon
9:34courtyard without end. And the main
9:36courtyard. No one came. I nodded. The
9:39main courtyard was so quiet you could
9:40hear the wind whistle. Servants gave the
9:42main courtyard a wide birth as if
9:44catching bad luck by association. The
9:46head maids who had come to pay respects
9:47yesterday were nowhere to be seen today.
9:49Chingha's eyes turned red with anger. I
9:51took her hand. Go fetch Chuguay. Chuguay
9:54was a maid who had come with me from my
9:55family home. I'd always kept her
9:57stationed in the outer courtyard. She
9:59arrived quickly and knelt the moment she
10:01entered. Your highness was the letter
10:03sent. It was I sent it last night using
10:06our family's connections inside the
10:07palace. It went straight to the Empress
10:09Daajager. What did the Empress Daager
10:11say? Nanny son who serves the Empress
10:13Daager sent back a message. Understood?
10:16Just three words, but those three words
10:18were enough. The Empress Daajager is my
10:20paternal aunt. It was her wish that I
10:22marry into the prince's estate. The
10:23prince knows this well. That's why he
10:25dares not divorce me or depose me. He
10:27can only treat me with cold
10:29indifference. He thought coldness alone
10:31would be enough. What he didn't know was
10:32that the Empress Daager had been hoping
10:34for one specific thing these past two
10:36years. Last year, the Imperial
10:38Observatory declared that if a member of
10:39the royal clan gave birth to boy girl
10:41twins this year, it would be an
10:43auspicious omen from heaven, a sign of
10:44the nation's prosperity. The emperor has
10:46no heirs. The Empress Daager took those
10:49words to heart. And I I am carrying boy
10:51girl twins. The Imperial physician
10:53confirmed it three months ago. I kept
10:55the news under wraps. No one in the
10:56entire estate knows, not even the
10:58prince. I touched my belly and the two
11:00children inside kicked in unison. Just a
11:02little longer. It won't be long now. As
11:05night fell, the pain became so intense I
11:07couldn't stand straight. The effect of
11:08the medicine had completely worn off.
11:10The two children thrashed inside me as
11:12if protesting. I slumped against the
11:14bed, sweat drenching my forehead,
11:15fingers clutching the sheets until my
11:17knuckles turned white. Chingha knelt
11:19beside me, wiping my sweat. Her hands
11:21trembled worse than mine. Your highness,
11:23shall I summon the imperial physician?
11:25No, but the state you're in. I said no.
11:27I gritted my teeth and swallowed a cry.
11:29I couldn't give birth yet. The memorial
11:31hadn't been submitted. The prince said
11:33he would submit it tomorrow. So, I had
11:35to wait until tomorrow. Wait until he
11:37sent the document. Until the court
11:39accepted it, until everyone knew the
11:40concubines eldest son was to be named a
11:43parent. Then I would give birth. If I
11:45gave birth too early, he could still
11:46find an excuse to change his mind. If I
11:49gave birth too late, he couldn't back
11:50out. and making sure he couldn't back
11:52out. That was exactly what I wanted. The
11:54pain raged for most of the night. In the
11:56small hours, it eased a little. Lu Hing
11:58used to say this was the calm before the
12:00storm. I leaned back against my pillows
12:02and grabbed a few moments of sleep. Just
12:03as the sky began to pale, Chingha gently
12:06shook me awake. Your highness sent word,
12:08"The prince intends to submit the
12:10memorial at the hour of the dragon." So
12:12soon, they say, he drafted it last night
12:14and sent it to the Imperial Clan court
12:16first thing this morning. I sat up. A
12:18heavy dragging sensation returned to my
12:20belly. Worse than yesterday. I took a
12:22deep breath and pressed my hands against
12:23my abdomen. Go fetch. Chuguay arrived
12:26quickly. I looked at her. Is there any
12:29further news from the palace? Chiui
12:31nodded. Nanny son sent word before dawn.
12:33She said the empress daajer met with the
12:35emperor last night and spoke of the
12:36auspicious omen of the boyirl twins. The
12:38emperor consulted the imperial
12:40observatory. Their exact words. If the
12:42imperial clan welcomes boygirl twins
12:44this year, it should be proclaimed to
12:46the realm to reassure the people. What
12:48did the emperor say? The emperor said,
12:49"If such an auspicious event truly comes
12:51to pass, we shall personally bestow the
12:53titles. There is one more thing."
12:55Chuguay lowered her voice. Nanny son
12:57said, "The empress Daager wants you to.
12:59No, there is no need to rush and no need
13:01to hold back. Give birth when the time
13:03comes. The palace is fully prepared to
13:06handle it. A lump formed in my throat.
13:08My aunt truly cares for me, but I can't
13:10simply let it happen. I can't give birth
13:12before that memorial is submitted. I
13:14have to force the prince to personally
13:15elevate that concubine-born son to raise
13:17him up where everyone can see until the
13:20prince himself has no road of retreat
13:21left. Only then do I cut off his escape
13:23route completely. Chuguay, keep a close
13:25watch on the imperial clan court. The
13:27moment that memorial enters their gates.
13:29Report back to me immediately. Yes, your
13:31highness. Chuguay left. I leaned back.
13:34My belly was tightening in waves. The
13:36two children couldn't wait. Neither
13:38could I. Just past the hour of the
13:40dragon. Hoof beatat sounded outside. It
13:42was the prince's men leaving the estate.
13:44Chingha peered out the window and came
13:45back. The prince saw them off in person
13:47at the second gate. He's riding to the
13:49imperial clan court himself. I nodded.
13:51About an hour later, Chuguay came
13:53running in from the outer courtyard. She
13:55had even lost a shoe in her haste, your
13:57highness. The formal petition has been
13:59submitted to the Imperial Clan Court.
14:01Was it accepted? It was. The Imperial
14:03Clan Court seal has been affixed. I let
14:05out a breath of relief. A pain sharp as
14:08a cleaver struck my lower back and
14:09dragged down toward my thighs. My body
14:11doubled over. My forehead slammed into
14:13the bed frame. Chingha screamed, "Your
14:15highness! Summoned the imperial
14:17physician." I gripped her arm, my voice
14:19already shrill. "Hurry," Chingha
14:21scrambled out in a panic. Chiui rushed
14:23over to support me. I clutched her hand,
14:25my nails digging into her flesh. "Go to
14:27the front courtyard and spread the word.
14:29Say the princess is going into labor.
14:31Tell someone to inform the prince."
14:32"Yes," Chiui ran off, too. I was alone
14:35in the room. I lay flat on the bed,
14:37sweat soaking through my clothes. The
14:39child inside was pressing down, each
14:41surge more violent than the last. I bit
14:43my pillow and stifled every cry. I had
14:45endured a day and a night. I could hold
14:47on a little longer. Lu Hung arrived
14:49first. He burst in carrying a medicine
14:51chest and knelt by the bed to take my
14:52pulse. His face was drained of all
14:55color. Your highness, the baby is in the
14:57correct position for delivery. But
14:58because of that medicine, your vital
15:00energy and blood are severely depleted.
15:02You will likely suffer greatly during
15:04the birth. Let it be. I grabbed the bed
15:06post and hauled myself upright. Where is
15:08the midwife? She is on her way. By the
15:10time the midwife arrived, the pain had
15:12stolen my voice. The door to the
15:14birthing chamber closed. Chinga stayed
15:15by my head, weeping without stop. I no
15:18longer had the strength to scold her.
15:19Someone arrived outside. It was a matron
15:22sent by the prince, a woman named Chin,
15:24a personal servant of Lady Su from Elon
15:26Courtyard. Standing outside the door,
15:28matron Chen shouted at the top of her
15:30lungs. The prince sent the servant to
15:32check on your highness. Please take good
15:34care of yourself. The prince has guests
15:35in the front courtyard and cannot step
15:37away. When the secondary consort gave
15:39birth, he had kept vigil for a day and a
15:41night. When I gave birth, he had guests.
15:44Chingha's eyes went red. Her lips
15:45trembled as if she was about to lash
15:47out. I grasped her hand and shook my
15:49head. No need for angry words. The labor
15:51lasted for hours. A daughter was born
15:54first. The midwife lifted the infant and
15:56cut the cord. The baby let out a lusty
15:58whale. Her cry was clear and ringing.
16:00Chingha, standing nearby, laughed
16:02through her tears. It's<unk> a little
16:03princess. It's a little princess. Matron
16:06Shien heard this from outside the door
16:07and took to her heels. She was going to
16:09spread the news. The news that the
16:11princess consort had given birth to a
16:13daughter was to the Sue family the best
16:14news imaginable. My daughter could not
16:17contend for the title of a parent. Stop
16:19her. I lay in bed, my voice already.
16:22Chuguay stood in the doorway blocking
16:24matron. Matron Xien grew agitated. What
16:26are you doing? I need to report this to
16:28the prince. Chuguay stayed silent,
16:30simply refusing to let her pass. Matron
16:32Xian began to shout. A mirror made dares
16:34to stop me. I was sent by the prince.
16:37The delivery isn't over yet. Matron
16:39Shien froze. Silence fell over the room.
16:41Then the midwife cried out. There's
16:43another one. Your highness push. I had
16:45no strength left. That medicine had
16:47drained most of my vitality. Delivering
16:49the first baby had already exhausted me
16:51completely. Luhung knelt beside me,
16:53administering acupuncture with trembling
16:55hands. Your highness, please hold. On a
16:58little longer, I bit down on my
16:59handkerchief, tearing the fabric to
17:01shreds. The metallic sweet taste of
17:02blood filled my mouth. Chingha held my
17:04shoulders, sobbing uncontrollably. Your
17:06highness, push, please, just one more
17:08push. I clutched her hand using the very
17:11last of my strength. The baby emerged.
17:13Another cry rang out louder than the
17:15first. The midwife picked the baby up
17:17and glanced at it. Her voice changed
17:19with excitement. It's a young master.
17:21Twins, a boy and a girl. It's a boy and
17:23a girl. The delivery room erupted in
17:25commotion. Chingha slumped to the floor,
17:27weeping with her hands over her mouth.
17:29Chiui leaned against the door frame, her
17:31legs gone to jelly. Lu Hung knelt and
17:33cowed out, his voice quivering.
17:35Congratulations, your highness. A joyous
17:37occasion. Truly a joyous occasion.
17:39Matron Shien stood in the doorway, face
17:41ashen as though she'd been slapped.
17:43Twins. The principal consort had given
17:45birth to twins. Once this news spread,
17:47the concubine's eldest son would amount
17:49to nothing. I lay in bed, utterly
17:51drained, my vision swimming with black
17:52spots. But I fought to stay conscious.
17:54Bring the two babies here. Chingha
17:56placed both infants beside me, a boy and
17:58a girl, wrinkled and flushed red, their
18:01tiny fists clenched tight. I reached out
18:03and touched my son's face. Then my
18:05daughters tears fell. The tears I had
18:07held back for a day, and a night came
18:09pouring down all at once. It was worth
18:11it. I wiped the tears away and lifted my
18:13head. Chiua, yes, your highness, go to
18:16the palace and announce the good news.
18:18Chiua was startled. Now, now, this very
18:21instant, I looked at her and spoke
18:23slowly, enunciating every word. Go to
18:25the empress. Daajager's palace. Tell her
18:27the princess consort has given birth to
18:29boy girl twins. Both mother and children
18:32are safe. Ask for her instructions.
18:34Chiui turned and ran. Matron Xian
18:36finally snapped out of her days. She too
18:38moved to run to carry the news to Lady
18:40Su. Let her go. I didn't stop her.
18:43Everyone who ought to know would know
18:44soon enough. Chingho wiped the sweat and
18:46tears from my face and helped me settle
18:48into a comfortable position. Your
18:49highness, what about the prince? No need
18:51to summon him. He'll come on his own.
18:53scarcely had the words left my lips when
18:55footsteps echoed from outside. Hasty,
18:58rapid footsteps, more than one person.
19:00The door was pushed open. The prince
19:02stood in the doorway. He wore his formal
19:04receiving attire, yet his sash was ascue
19:06and his hair slightly disheveled. It
19:08looked as though he had run all the way
19:10here. He gazed at me on the bed, then at
19:12the two infants beside me. Twins, a boy
19:14and a girl. Twins, a boy and a girl. I
19:17looked at him, my voice steady.
19:19Congratulations, your highness. The
19:21prince's expression shifted. He looked
19:23happy yet flustered. He walked over and
19:25reached out to hold the babies. I didn't
19:27stop him. He picked up the son and
19:28looked at him, then picked up the
19:30daughter and looked at her. His hands
19:32were trembling slightly. Why didn't you
19:33say anything sooner? A fair question.
19:36Bracing against the pain that racked my
19:37body. I forced a faint smile. Say what,
19:40twins? Such a momentous event. Why
19:42didn't you tell me sooner? You were at
19:43Elon Courtyard everyday, your highness.
19:46To whom was I supposed to tell it? The
19:47prince's face stiffened. He opened his
19:49mouth but couldn't get a word out.
19:51Chinga stood nearby, head bowed, not
19:53daring to make a sound. Silence filled
19:55the room for a moment. The prince placed
19:57the baby back beside me, stood up, and
19:58smoothed his robes. I shall have the
20:00finest. Tonic sent over. There is no
20:03need. Your highness ought to consider
20:04the matter of that memorial first. The
20:06prince paused in his stride. Without
20:08looking back, he stroed out. Less than
20:1010 minutes after he left, the news had
20:12spread through the entire estate. The
20:14principal consort had given birth to boy
20:15girl twins. Those words hit the
20:17household like a ladle of water thrown
20:19into a pot of boiling oil. The whole
20:20place erupted. The first to arrive was
20:23the steward. He brought a crowd of
20:25people carrying tonics, medicinal herbs,
20:27and fabrics, enough to fill half the
20:29courtyard. Congratulations, your
20:31highness. Heartfelt congratulations.
20:33Ziaoan bowed low, grinning so broadly
20:35the wrinkles on his face could have
20:36crushed a mosquito. Yesterday, he had
20:38given the main courtyard a wide birth.
20:40Today, he knelt outside the threshold,
20:42cowing. I did not see him. I had Chingha
20:45go out to accept the gifts and send him
20:46away. Next came the head matrons.
20:49Yesterday, not a single one had come to
20:51pay respects. Today, six of them arrived
20:53in a flurry. They stood in the
20:54courtyard, glancing at one another, none
20:56daring to speak first. Finally, the
20:58leader, Matron Fong, knelt down.
21:00Greetings, your highness. We ought to
21:02have come yesterday, but the estate was
21:03so busy, we simply couldn't get away.
21:06Chingha stood on the steps, looking at
21:07them coldly. Busy yesterday, but not
21:10today. The women looked abashed.
21:11Listening from inside, I called out, let
21:13them go back. I am tired. The matrons
21:16left looking crestfallen. Chingha closed
21:18the door and said to me, "A bunch of
21:19snobs. It is human nature. No need to
21:22take offense. Your highness is too
21:24forgiving. It isn't about being
21:25forgiving." I looked at the two infants
21:27beside me. It simply isn't worth it.
21:29They were not the ones worth fretting
21:30over. That afternoon, there was finally
21:33movement from Elon Courtyard. Bau, the
21:35headmade servant to Lady Sue, arrived.
21:37This time, she carried no food box, nor
21:39did she smile. Her face was pale as
21:41paper. She stood at the courtyard gate,
21:43her voice wavering. Our consort says she
21:46heard the princess consort has given
21:47birth to boy girl twins. She has come
21:50specially to offer her congratulations.
21:52Chingha blocked the doorway refusing to
21:54let her enter. I called out let her in.
21:56Bau entered and curtsied. She kept her
21:58head lowered not daring to look at me.
22:00The consort says the twins are a joyous
22:02occasion as she is indisposed and cannot
22:04come to offer. Congratulations in
22:06person. She sent this servant to convey
22:08her well wishes. Thank your consort on
22:10my behalf. I leaned back against the
22:11daybed. My tone exactly the same as it
22:13had been yesterday. Oh, by the way, I
22:15called out to stop her. Bau's shoulders
22:17gave a slight shudder. Yesterday, you
22:19mentioned that the prince had named the
22:21consort's child, meaning an auspicious
22:23omen received from heaven. Bau fell
22:25silent. Boyg girl twins are the true
22:27auspicious omen. Go back and tell your
22:29consort that the name will likely need
22:31to be changed. Be's face flushed crimson
22:33instantly. Biting her lip, she curtsied
22:35and turned to leave. As she reached the
22:37doorway, she stumbled and nearly fell.
22:39Chingha gave a soft, derisive snort
22:41behind her. I didn't smile. There was
22:43nothing to smile about. Lady Su is no
22:45fool. She must be panicking by now, but
22:47the thing that would truly terrify her
22:49had yet to come. At dusk, Chiui
22:51returned. She had come straight from the
22:53palace, breathless and drenched in
22:54sweat. The moment she entered, she
22:56knelt. Princess Consort, the Empress
22:58Daager is overjoyed. Tell me the
23:00details. When I arrived at the Empress
23:02Daager's palace and reported the news of
23:04the twins, she sat straight up from her
23:06daybed. She grasped Nanny's sons hand
23:08and repeated the word good three times
23:10and then the empress daajger immediately
23:12summoned the emperor to tell him the
23:13news in person. The emperor consulted
23:16the imperial observatory. The officials
23:18knelt and replied that a royal birth of
23:19boy girl twins is an auspicious omen for
23:21the nation something unseen in a
23:23century. What did the emperor say?
23:25Chuguay took a deep breath. The emperor
23:27said he would send someone to the
23:28prince's estate tomorrow to issue an
23:30imperial decree. My hand tightened
23:32around the corner of the quilt. It was
23:34coming. What does the decree say? We
23:36won't know the details until tomorrow.
23:38But Nanny son whispered something to me
23:39in private. What did she say? Chuguay
23:42looked up, her eyes shining. Nanny said
23:43the title of a parent is a sure thing.
23:45It's set in stone. I closed my eyes. A
23:48breath I had been holding since last
23:50night. A weight on my chest was finally
23:52released. Chingho was already in tears.
23:54Your highness. It's done. It's done. Not
23:57yet. I opened my eyes until the decree
23:59is actually in our hands. It isn't done.
24:02Go close the courtyard gate. We aren't
24:04seeing anyone tonight. Yes, your
24:06highness. I lay back down and looked at
24:08the two children beside me. They were
24:10sleeping soundly, tiny fists clenched,
24:12mouse moving softly. I reached out and
24:14gathered them closer to my chest.
24:15Outside, darkness had fallen. The
24:17lanterns over at Elon Courtyard were
24:19still lit, though not as brightly as the
24:20night before. Lights had come on in the
24:22main courtyard, too. Chingha had lit
24:24every candle. Every room was bathed in
24:26brightness. Your highness, tonight it is
24:28our turn to shine. I said nothing, but
24:30the corners of my mouth curled upward.
24:32Tonight it was indeed time to shine.
24:34Tomorrow would be even brighter. Early
24:36the next morning, the prince came to the
24:38main courtyard. It was the first time in
24:403 months he had voluntarily stepped
24:42through its doors. He wore new clothes,
24:44his hair neatly combed, and the jade
24:45pendant bestowed by the empress daager
24:47hung. At his waist, he stood in the
24:49doorway. Instead of walking straight in,
24:51he gave a soft cough first. Chingha
24:53opened the door and paused in surprise
24:54when she saw him. Your highness, is the
24:57princess awake? She is. The prince
24:59stepped inside. He walked to the
25:00bedside, looked first at the two
25:02children, then at me. Did you sleep well
25:04last night, I leaned against the pillows
25:06and looked at him. After 3 months of
25:08absence, his first words were to ask if
25:10I had slept well. It was all right. The
25:12prince sat down on the chair beside the
25:13bed and rubbed his hands together. He
25:15had something to say, but didn't know
25:17how to begin. I offered no help. After a
25:20moment of silence, he was the first to
25:21break. Word has come from the palace.
25:23They are sending someone today to issue
25:25an imperial decree. I know. The prince
25:27glanced at me. You knew. I sent word to
25:30the palace yesterday to share the happy
25:31news. The empress Daajager was
25:33delighted. The prince's expression
25:34shifted. You sent word to the palace.
25:36The birth of boy girl twins is a joyous
25:38occasion. Wasn't it right to share the
25:40news with the empress Daajager? The
25:42prince opened his mouth. He wanted to
25:44say something but swallowed the words
25:45back. He knew, of course, that the
25:47empress Daajer was my aunt. He also knew
25:49that once the palace was involved, the
25:51nature of the matter changed. A private
25:53family affair within the prince's estate
25:54had become a matter for the imperial
25:56court. his memorial requesting that his
25:58eldest son by a concubine be named a
26:00parent was still sitting at the imperial
26:02clan court. Now an imperial decree was
26:04on its way. If the two decrees clashed,
26:06there was no need to guess which one
26:08would take precedence. That memorial?
26:10The prince began, his voice a bit dry.
26:12Which memorial? I asked, figning
26:14ignorance. The prince's Adams apple
26:16bobbed. The one requesting the title of
26:18a parent for my eldest son. I'll have it
26:20withdrawn from the imperial clan court.
26:21Why withdraw it? I looked at him, my
26:23tone flat. Didn't your highness say that
26:25whoever gave birth to a son first would
26:27see him named heir? The concubine's son
26:29was born first according to the rules
26:31you said he should be named heir. The
26:33prince's face flushed red, then turned
26:35pale. He understood. I was using his own
26:38words against him. I spoke imprudently
26:40back then. In what way? There is a
26:42distinction between the legitimate
26:43wife's offspring and those of
26:44concubines. I hadn't considered the
26:46matter thoroughly at the time. I
26:48remained silent. It wasn't a lack of
26:50thorough consideration on his part back
26:52then. He had been certain that Lady Sue
26:53would give birth first, and convinced
26:55that I would never produce a son. That
26:57was why he had made such a declaration.
26:59Now that the tide had turned, he claimed
27:01he hadn't considered it thoroughly. I
27:03lowered my gaze to the child in my arms
27:04and said nothing more. The prince sat
27:06for a while longer, then stood up. The
27:08imperial decree should arrive around.
27:10Midm morning. I've had the front hall
27:12tidied up. Can you get out of bed? It
27:14hasn't even been a day since I gave
27:16birth. Does your highness think I'm
27:17capable of getting out of bed? The
27:19prince's face stiffened again. Then I'll
27:21have you carried over there. No need to
27:23carry me. Just have the messenger come
27:25to the main courtyard. The prince
27:26started to say something but swallowed
27:28the words. Very well. I'll make the
27:30arrangements. He left. Chingha closed
27:32the door and returned whispering. The
27:34prince's attitude has done a complete
27:35180. Compared to yesterday, the memorial
27:38is with the Imperial Clan court, and the
27:39decree is coming from the palace. What
27:41else could he do but change his tune?
27:44Serves him right. I didn't respond to
27:45that. Just as midm morning arrived, a
27:47group of people appeared outside the
27:49estate gates. Leading them was Nanny
27:51Sun, a senior attendant to the Empress
27:53Daager, followed by four Unix carrying
27:55bright yellow trays. It was quite a
27:57grand procession. The prince led the
27:59entire household in kneeling in the
28:00front courtyard to welcome them. Lady
28:02Sue was there, too. She had to be
28:03supported as she walked. Her complexion
28:05was shallow and her lips pale. She had
28:07given birth. Only a couple of days prior
28:09and was still weak. Yet, she dared not
28:11miss such an occasion. Upon entering the
28:13estate, Nanny Sun swept her gaze over
28:15the kneeling crowd. Her eyes lingered
28:17briefly on Lady Su, though her
28:19expression remained unreadable. Then she
28:21walked straight toward the main
28:22courtyard. The prince followed behind.
28:24Lady Sue tried to follow as well,
28:26supported by Bau. But after taking just
28:28two steps, a young unic accompanying
28:30Nanny Sun glanced back at her. Please
28:32stay put, Consort Su. The Empress
28:34Daager's verbal decree is intended for
28:36the princess. Consort Lady Sue froze in
28:38her tracks. Btow supported her and the
28:41faces of both women turned ashen. Nanny
28:43son entered the main courtyard. I was
28:45leaning against the bed unable to rise
28:46and offer proper salutations. As soon as
28:49she entered, Nanny son smiled and
28:50hurried to the bedside first looking at
28:52the two infants. Oh my, look at them.
28:54They take after the princess consort.
28:56Such handsome little ones. She looked at
28:58me, her eyes welling up slightly. The
29:00empress daager said, "You have suffered
29:02greatly." I felt a lump form in my
29:03throat, but I held back the tears. Thank
29:05you for your concern, Aunt. Nanny son
29:07patted my hand, then straightened up,
29:09the smile fading from her face. She took
29:11a scroll of bright yellow silk from an
29:13attendant and unfurled it. The prince
29:14knelt at the doorway, an edict from the
29:16empress daager, the principal consort of
29:18Prince Jing<unk>s manner has given birth
29:19to boy girl twins, a boy and a girl.
29:22This is an auspicious omen from heaven,
29:24a rarity not seen in a century. By the
29:26emperor<unk>'s personal decree, the
29:28legitimate son is named Chen and
29:29invested as the air parent of Prince
29:31Jing<unk>s manner. The legitimate
29:33daughter is named Cheng Hua and invested
29:34as Princess Annel. The principal consort
29:36is granted a golden patent and a phoenix
29:39cornet along with 100 bolts of silk and
29:411,000 tales of silver. Thus it is
29:43decreed. I prostrated myself on the bed
29:45to receive the edict. I thank his
29:47majesty for his boundless grace. And the
29:49empress daager for her benevolence.
29:51Nanny son placed the edict in my hands,
29:53then leaned down and whispered into my
29:54ear. The empress daager had one more
29:56thing to say. Something not written in
29:58the edict. What was it? She said she
30:00knows about that memorial. She warns the
30:02prince to mind his own conduct. My
30:04fingers tightened around the edge of the
30:06edict. I looked up at the prince, who
30:08was still kneeling in the doorway. His
30:09back was held rigid, yet his knees were
30:11trembling. He had heard it, too. As
30:13Nanny son left, she paused for a moment
30:15in the courtyard. She surveyed the main
30:17courtyard, her gaze sweeping over the
30:18weathered pillars and the faded window.
30:20Screams? She said nothing, yet she had
30:23said everything. Did the prince not
30:24realize how dilapidated the principal
30:26consorts quarters had become? He
30:28followed her out of the manor, bowing
30:29three inches lower than when he had
30:31welcomed her in. When Nanny Sun reached
30:33the outer courtyard, Lady Su was still
30:34kneeling there. She didn't even glance
30:36at Lady Su. She simply walked on. As
30:39Lady Su knelt on the ground, the color
30:40drained from her face inch by inch. Bau
30:43moved to help her up, but she pushed
30:44Ba<unk>'s hand away, rose on her own,
30:46and turned to walk toward Elon
30:48Courtyard. After a few steps, her legs
30:50gave way and she nearly collapsed. Bau
30:52hurriedly steadied her. "Your Highness,
30:54please take it slow. Let us go back."
30:57Lady Su<unk>s voice was low, heavy with
30:59a somber weight. She left. She didn't
31:01come to the main courtyard to offer
31:02congratulations, nor did she go to see
31:04the prince. She knew that saying
31:06anything at a time like this would be
31:07feudal. In the afternoon, the prince
31:09came to the main courtyard. It was his
31:11second visit of the day. He brought a
31:13team of men carrying all sorts of
31:14things. New bed curtains, new screens,
31:16new porcelain, even the window gauze was
31:18being replaced. I've ordered the main
31:20courtyard to be refurbished. He stood in
31:22the room watching the craftsman at work.
31:24His tone was almost ingratiating. I was
31:27leaning against the daybed, nursing the
31:29baby without even lifting my head.
31:30You've gone to a lot of trouble, your
31:32highness. It's<unk> only right. He sat
31:35down on a chair and gazed at the sun in
31:37my arms. Changen, did the emperor choose
31:39that name? It was written in the
31:40imperial decree. A fine name. He paused.
31:43Better than Chinu. I looked up at him.
31:45He was disparaging even the name. He had
31:47chosen himself for his son by a
31:49secondary consort. Ching Rui is a fine
31:51name, too. The secondary consort put a
31:53lot of thought into it. The prince's
31:55face twitched. He knew exactly what I
31:57was implying. He opened his mouth as if
31:58to explain, but in the end, he only
32:00managed to say, "We should change that
32:02name later." That is the secondary
32:04consort's child. You should discuss it
32:06with her. Your highness, there is no
32:08need to ask me. The prince fell silent
32:10again. He sat for a while longer, then
32:12rose to leave. He stopped when he
32:14reached the doorway. I've already had
32:16the memorial to the Imperial Clan court
32:17withdrawn. Mm. Did you know all along
32:20that it would turn out this way? I
32:21looked at his retreating figure. Know
32:23what about the twins? You kept it a
32:25secret all along. You had already tipped
32:27off the Empress Dowagger, too. He turned
32:29back, his eyes fixed on me. Did you do
32:31that on purpose? I didn't look away from
32:33his gaze. What do you think, your
32:34highness? His pupils contracted
32:36slightly. He stared at me for a few
32:38moments, then turned and walked away.
32:40Chingha closed the door and let out a
32:42long breath. Did he figure it out? He
32:44did. So what now? And what if he does
32:46figure it out? I looked down at the two
32:48children in my arms. I hold the imperial
32:50decree and the a parent is my son. What
32:53can he possibly do? Chingha thought for
32:54a moment, then smiled. Indeed, what can
32:57he do? By evening, the atmosphere in the
32:59estate had shifted completely. Steuart
33:01Xiaoan personally led a team to spruce
33:03up the main courtyard, bringing out the
33:04finest treasures that had long been
33:06gathering dust in the storehouse. Coral
33:08ornaments, white jade vases, red
33:10sandalwood side tables, item after item
33:12was carried in. Overnight, the main
33:14courtyard transformed from the most
33:15desolate spot in the estate into the
33:17most magnificent. servants would
33:19deliberately deer past the entrance of
33:20the main courtyard, pausing to bow
33:22respectfully from a distance before
33:24moving on. The headm lined up to pay
33:26their respects, each one more eager to
33:27please than the last. Matron Fong knelt
33:29in the courtyard, her voice trembling.
33:31Your highness, I was foolish the other
33:33day. I beg for your forgiveness. I had
33:35Chingha step out to convey a message.
33:37Her highness says that since we are all
33:38part of the same household, the past is
33:40water under the bridge. Just ensure your
33:43duties are well performed from now on.
33:44Matron Fong cowed out three times,
33:46expressed her gratitude, and left.
33:48Chingha returned and pursed her lips.
33:50Your highness, you are simply too
33:52soft-hearted. It's not about being
33:53soft-hearted. I placed my son in the
33:55cradle and rocked it gently. A slap
33:57followed by a sweet treat. That's how
33:59you win their absolute loyalty. What
34:01about the secondary consort? Then do we
34:03give her a sweet treat, too? She doesn't
34:05deserve it. Chingho was taken aback,
34:07then smiled. As night fell, the sound of
34:09things being smashed drifted over from
34:10Elon Courtyard. It was too far away to
34:12hear clearly, but the commotion was
34:14significant. Chingha pricricked up her
34:16ears to listen for a moment before
34:17returning to tell me. It sounds like the
34:19secondary consort is smashing things.
34:21Let her smash. I closed my eyes. She
34:24doesn't have many days left to do so. On
34:26the third day, Lady Sue came to the main
34:28courtyard. She walked on her own without
34:30anyone's assistance. She had applied
34:32powder to her face to mask her haggarded
34:34appearance and rouge to her lips, making
34:35her look reasonably spirited. She wore a
34:38simple baey outer jacket in a soft dusty
34:40pink hue with only a single silver hair
34:42pin adorning her hair. An understated
34:44modest look. This showed her shrewdness.
34:46At a time like this, dressing too
34:48lavishly would be courting disaster
34:49while dressing too shaby would signal
34:51weakness. A simple elegant style was
34:54just right. She stood at the courtyard
34:55entrance waiting respectfully to be
34:57announced. Chingha came to ask if I
34:59would see her. Let her in. Lady Su
35:01entered the room and performed a formal
35:03deep cow, kneeling with perfect
35:04composure. I pay my respects to your
35:06highness, the princess consort.
35:08Congratulations on the birth of the heir
35:09and the princess, a truly auspicious
35:12union of dragon and phoenix. I am
35:13overjoyed for you. Her voice was steady,
35:16no trembling, no weeping. There was even
35:18a hint of a smile. Had I not known she
35:20had smashed half the contents of her
35:21room the night before, I might well have
35:24believed she was genuinely there to
35:25offer congratulations. Rise, Lady Sue,
35:28stood up, her eyes lowered, and her
35:29hands clasped neatly before her. I have
35:31come late. I was unwell these past few
35:34days and could not offer my
35:35congratulations immediately. I beg your
35:37highnesses forgiveness. You two have
35:40just given birth. Your health is
35:41paramount. There is no need for such
35:43formalities. I thank your highness for
35:45your consideration. She paused, glanced
35:47up at me briefly, then lowered her gaze
35:49again. There is one more matter I wish
35:51to discuss with your highness. Speak. I
35:53would like to change Chimu<unk>s name.
35:55The hand holding my teacup paused in
35:56midair. Change it to what? The name
35:58Chimuay was chosen by his highness, the
36:00prince. I ought not to make such
36:02decisions on my own. However, now that
36:04the heir's name Chen has been personally
36:06bestowed by the emperor, it would be
36:08inappropriate for my child to continue
36:10using the name Chinu. Dot. Her reasoning
36:12was impeccable. She wasn't changing the
36:14name because she had lost the contest,
36:15but rather to avoid a clash with the
36:17heirs name, a proactive gesture of
36:19difference. She struck exactly the right
36:21pose. Have you decided on a new name,
36:23Lady Sue? I dare not presume to choose
36:25it myself. I would like to ask your
36:27highness to bestow a name upon him. I
36:29looked at her. She kept her head bowed.
36:31Not even her eyelashes fluttered. This
36:33woman, her mind ran deep. She knew that
36:35stubbornly resisting was feudal. Once
36:37the decree came down, there was no way
36:39for her to overturn it. So, she chose
36:41the smartest path, yielding, yielding
36:43completely and gracefully. There is no
36:45rush regarding the names. We can discuss
36:47that after the baby's one month
36:48celebration. Yes, I shall defer to your
36:50highness's wishes. She curtsied once
36:52more and withdrew. Her steps were
36:54steady, and her back remained straight
36:56as she left. There was not a hint of
36:58disarray. Once she was out of earshot,
37:00Chingha closed the door, her expression
37:01grim. Your highness, was she trying to
37:04make amends? Or was she plotting
37:05something? A bit of both. Then why
37:07didn't you seize this opportunity to put
37:08her in her place? Suppressing her is
37:10easy. Finishing her off for good is
37:12hard. I set down my teacup. She is
37:15yielding now. If I were to drive her to
37:17ruin, the prince would think me
37:18intolerant. It wouldn't look good to the
37:20empress daager either. So, we're just
37:22letting it slide. Who said we were
37:24letting it slide? I looked at Chingha. I
37:26have yet to settle the score for what
37:28she did while I was pregnant. Chinghao
37:30was startled. What did she do? Do you
37:32remember 3 months ago when I drank the
37:34tonic soup from the kitchen and started
37:35spotting? That very night, Chingha's
37:37expression shifted. I remember the
37:39imperial physician said it was due to
37:41catching a chill. It wasn't a chill. I
37:43pulled a small porcelain vial from
37:44beneath my pillow. This is what Lu Hang
37:47detected in that bowl of soup.
37:48Safflower. Chingha gasped. The dosage
37:51was small. Not enough to cause a
37:52miscarriage, but enough to endanger the
37:54pregnancy. Was it Lady Sue? The kitchen
37:56steward is her person. The maid who
37:58delivered the soup that day was
37:59transferred to the estate the very next
38:01morning. I had Chiui investigate. That
38:03maid had been sent here by Lady Su<unk>s
38:05own family. Chingha clenched her hands
38:07into fists. That vicious woman. I've
38:10kept the evidence safe all this time
38:11untouched. I placed the vial back under
38:13the pillow. Now isn't the right time.
38:16Then when will it be? When she slips up
38:18again. I leaned back against the pillows
38:19and gazed at the two infants in the
38:21cradle. A woman like her will never
38:23truly yield. The lower she kneels today,
38:25the deeper the hatred in her heart. She
38:27will strike again. What if she actually
38:29does? It would be better if she did. I
38:31closed my eyes, settling old scores and
38:33new ones all at once. That's the only
38:36way to make a clean break of it. That
38:37evening, the prince came again. He sat
38:39by the bed, watching the child for a
38:41while, then spoke. Did Lady Sue come to
38:43see you? She did. She said she wanted to
38:45change Timu<unk>s name. She spoke to me
38:47about it, too. The prince paused. She
38:49said she wanted you to bestow the name.
38:51I refused. Why? It's her child. She can
38:54name him herself. Why come and ask me?
38:56The prince fell silent for a moment. Do
38:58you harbor some grievance against her? I
39:00opened my eyes and looked at him. Do you
39:02think I ought to be pleased with her,
39:03your highness? The prince's lips parted
39:05slightly. After all, she did bear me a
39:07son. Your highness, I am lying in this
39:09bed with my health severely depleted.
39:11The imperial physicians say, "I need 6
39:13months of recovery." My voice was quiet,
39:15but I enunciated every word clearly.
39:17When I was 9 months pregnant, the
39:20household provisions meant for me were
39:21skimped on. The servants stopped coming
39:23to pay their respects and even a bowl of
39:25hot soup was something bestowed upon me
39:27by Elon Courtyard. I didn't cut your
39:29provisions. The monthly allowance wasn't
39:31cut, but the allocated charcoal was hald
39:33and the seasonal fruits stew to me
39:35didn't appear for a whole month. Did
39:37your highness know that? The prince said
39:39nothing. I never mentioned these things
39:40because they weren't worth the trouble.
39:42I pulled the quilt up higher. If your
39:43highness thinks so highly of the
39:45secondary consort, then go stay at Elon
39:47Courtyard. There is no need to sit here
39:49in the main courtyard feeling
39:50uncomfortable. The prince stood up. He
39:52lingered for a moment, then left.
39:54Chingho watched his retreating figure
39:56disappear through the doorway, then
39:57turned to look at me. Your highness, you
40:00drove him away. I didn't drive him away.
40:02He left of his own accord. Isn't that
40:04the same thing? It isn't. I turned over
40:06facing away from the door. He left on
40:08his own. He<unk>ll come back on his own.
40:10Two, Lady Sue remained quiet for 5 days.
40:13On the sixth day, she made her move.
40:15Chingha entered carrying the herbal
40:16medicine brood for me. A troubled look
40:18on her face. Your pinness, there is
40:20something wrong with the medicine. What
40:22do you mean? Chiuay was keeping watch in
40:24the kitchen. She saw a menial servant
40:26from Lady Sue's courtyard loitering by
40:27the stove and slipping her hand into the
40:29medicine pot. Chyu didn't raise an
40:31alarm. She simply swapped the pot for a
40:34new one and kept the old one aside. I
40:36sat up, have Lu Hung examine it. Lu Hung
40:38arrived quickly. After the time it takes
40:40half an incense stick to burn examining
40:42the contents, he knelt on the floor to
40:44report. Your highness, the medicine has
40:46been laced with safflower in a larger
40:48quantity than last time. A larger
40:50quantity than last time. Last time it
40:52was put into soup. The dosage was small,
40:54enough only to disturb the stability of
40:56my pregnancy. This time it was put into
40:58a medicinal decoction. The dosage was
41:00heavy, and since I was in the midst of
41:02my postpartum recovery, my body was
41:04already frail. Had I drunk it, the
41:06consequences would have been dire.
41:08Hemorrhaging at best, death at worst. I
41:10stared at the bowl of medicine, my
41:12fingers turning icy cold. Keep the
41:13evidence safe. It's all preserved. The
41:16medicine pot remains untouched and
41:17Shyuay has detained that servant in the
41:19kitchen. What does the servant say? She
41:21insists her hand slipped and she merely
41:23bumped the pot. She claims she didn't
41:25put anything in it. Lock her up. I
41:27looked at Chingha. Go ask the prince to
41:29come here. Tell him I have an urgent
41:31matter to discuss. When the prince
41:32arrived, a look of impatience was still
41:34etched on his face. My cool, indifferent
41:36attitude over the past few days had
41:38clearly irked him. He likely assumed I
41:40was about to say something cutting or
41:42hurtful again. What is it? I didn't
41:44speak. I signaled Chingha to place the
41:46bowl of medicine before him. Then I had
41:48Luhan repeat his findings. Finally, I
41:50ordered Chuguay to bring in the menial
41:52servant. Upon seeing the prince, the
41:54servant dropped to her knees with a
41:55heavy thud, trembling violently. Your
41:57highness, please spare me. I did
41:59nothing. I've been wrongly accused. Tell
42:01us about what happened 3 months ago,
42:03too. I cut her off. Chuguay took out the
42:05small porcelain vial and placed it on
42:07the table. This is the safflower found
42:09in the tonic the princess consort drank
42:11three months ago. That bowl of soup was
42:13handled by the kitchen overseer, a woman
42:15loyal to the secondary consort. The maid
42:17who delivered it had been sent by the
42:19secondary consort's own family. The very
42:21next day, she was transferred away to
42:23the estate. The prince's expression
42:25darkened by degrees. He picked up the
42:27porcelain vial to examine it, then
42:28glanced at the bowl of medicine on the
42:30table. Is all this true? Imperial
42:32physician Lou can testify. Chuguay can
42:34testify. And there are witnesses in the
42:36kitchen as well. I looked at him, my
42:39voice steady and calm. My lord, I was
42:41carrying your child, yet she put
42:43safflower in my soup. I was recovering
42:45after childirth, yet she put safflower
42:47in my medicine. I endured it the first
42:49time. I could not endure it a second
42:50time. The prince slammed the porcelain
42:52vial onto the table. Guards, he stood
42:54up, wearing an expression I had never
42:56seen on him before. It was not anger. It
42:58was the shock of a narrow escape. If I
43:00hadn't been on my guard, if Chuguay
43:02hadn't been watching closely, if I had
43:04actually drunk that medicine, his
43:06principal consort, his heir, and his
43:08daughter, all would have been lost.
43:09Bring Lady Su here. Lady Su was dragged
43:12in, held up by others. She likely
43:14already knew something was wrong. Bau
43:16was not by her side. I heard she had
43:18tried to flee, but was intercepted at
43:20the back gate by Ziao<unk>s men. Lady Su
43:22was forced down onto the ground in the
43:23main courtyard. She was still wearing
43:25that lotus pink ba jacket. Her silver
43:27hairpin was ascue and strands of hair
43:29hung loose yet her face remained calm.
43:32There was even a faint smile playing on
43:34her lips. My lord, I do not know what
43:36offense I have committed. The prince
43:37smashed the bowl of medicine down in
43:39front of her. The dark liquid splashed
43:40all over her skirt. See for yourself
43:42what this is. Lady Sue glanced down, her
43:45expression unchanged. A bowl of
43:47medicine. I cannot tell what it is.
43:49Safflower. Your people put safflower
43:51into the princess consorts medicine.
43:52Lady Sue's eyelashes fluttered. Just
43:54once. My lord, I am innocent. Although
43:57that old woman was from my courtyard, I
43:59never instructed her to do such a thing.
44:01It must have been her own doing. And the
44:03tonic from 3 months ago, was that her
44:05own doing too? Lady Sue fell silent. The
44:08prince pulled the porcelain vial from
44:09his sleeve and tossed it at her feet. A
44:11maid sent by your family, a tonic
44:13handled by the steward of your
44:15courtyard, and once trouble arose, the
44:16maid was promptly transferred to the
44:18estate. Lady Sue, do you take me for a
44:20fool? Lady Sue knelt on the ground, her
44:22eyes cast downward. After a moment of
44:24silence, she suddenly looked up. Her
44:26eyes were red and tears began to fall
44:28one by one. She wept beautifully. My
44:30lord, I swear to heaven. I never
44:32intended to harm the princess consort. I
44:34know I am but a concubine. I know my
44:37place. I truly knew nothing of those
44:39matters. I beg you to investigate this
44:41thoroughly. She moved forward on her
44:43knees and reached out to grasp the hem
44:45of his robe. My lord, for the sake of
44:47Chinu, the prince pulled his robe away.
44:49He stood there looking down at Lady Su.
44:52In the past, her tears would have
44:53softened his heart. Not today. His gaze
44:55was as cold as winter river water.
44:57Guards consort Su harbors malicious
44:59intent and has harmed the princess
45:01consort. Effective immediately, she is
45:03confined to Elon courtyard and forbidden
45:05from stepping outside her room. All her
45:07attendants are to be replaced and Btow
45:09is to be handed over to the authorities.
45:11Lady Su<unk>s weeping ceased. She sat
45:13there in a days, her lips trembling. My
45:15lord, you cannot do this. Chingi is
45:17still young. He needs me. Ching Rui will
45:20be cared for by his wet nurse. You are
45:22no longer in charge of him. The prince
45:24turned to leave, took a few steps, then
45:26paused. As for the matter of the
45:27memorial, that was my own folly, but the
45:30fact that you poisoned the princess
45:31consorts medicine that I will not
45:33forget. He walked away. Lady Sue
45:35remained kneeling in the courtyard. The
45:37tears still clung to her face, but the
45:39light in her eyes slowly faded away. She
45:41finally realized that she had lost. The
45:43moment I drank that brew to delay the
45:45birth, she had already lost. She simply
45:47didn't know it yet. Two matrons stepped
45:49forward, seized her by the arms, and
45:51dragged her toward Elon Courtyard. She
45:52struggled twice, but couldn't break
45:54free. As she passed beneath my window,
45:56she suddenly turned her head and glanced
45:58at me. I was sitting by the window,
45:59cradling my son in my arms. She looked
46:01at me, her lips moving. No sound came
46:04out, but I clearly read the shape of her
46:05words. "You won." I said nothing, nor
46:08did I nod. She was dragged away. The
46:10courtyard fell empty and silent. Chingha
46:12walked over and draped an outer robe
46:14around my shoulders. "Your highness,
46:16it's getting cold. Let's go inside. I
46:18sat for a moment longer, then carried
46:20the child indoors. On the day of the
46:21full month banquet, the palace bestowed
46:23more gifts. The Empress Daager sent a
46:25pair of gold lockets, a pair of jade
46:27bracelets, and a handwritten letter. The
46:28letter contained only four characters.
46:30May my nephew be well. The emperor
46:32bestowed brocades, jewels, and an oral
46:34decree. The decree was simple. The air
46:36parent was to enter the palace at the
46:38age of three to serve as a study
46:40companion. Entering the palace at three
46:41to serve as a study companion. That was
46:43a privilege reserved for the crown
46:45prince. The emperor had no sons. He was
46:47considering the succession, and my son
46:49was the first candidate he had chosen.
46:51The banquet was held in the main hall,
46:53attended by noble women from across the
46:54capital. The prince sat in the seat of
46:56honor with me beside him. The two
46:58children were held by their wet nurses
46:59and placed on brocade cushions where
47:01guests took turns admiring them. Boy,
47:03girl twins, truly an auspicious omen.
47:05The era parents features resemble the
47:07princess consorts. The young princess is
47:09a beauty. She'll be stunning when she
47:11grows up. I was showered with a mountain
47:13of compliments. The prince smiled and
47:15exchanged pleasantries, glancing at me
47:16from time to time. His gaze held a mix
47:18of ingratiation, probing, and caution.
47:20He had changed a great deal in recent
47:22days. He came to the main courtyard
47:24everyday to dine with me and watch the
47:26children, asking what I wished to eat
47:28the next day before he left. For the
47:30first time in 3 years, he had asked what
47:32I wanted to eat. I neither refused nor
47:33showed warmth, responding with a polite,
47:35neutral detachment. What he owes me
47:37cannot be repaid with a few meals.
47:39Halfway through the banquet, someone
47:40asked, "Why isn't the secondary consort
47:42here?" A hush fell over the table. The
47:44smile on the prince's face stiffened for
47:46a moment. I took a sip of tea and
47:48answered for him. The secondary consort
47:50is feeling unwell. She is resting in her
47:52quarters. The questioner smiled
47:54tactfully and changed the subject. No
47:56one mentioned Lady Sue again. After the
47:58banquet ended, and the prince had seen
47:59off the last of the guests, he returned
48:01to the main courtyard. He stood at the
48:03doorway looking at me and the two
48:05children inside. Are you tired today? I
48:07am all right. He walked in and sat down
48:09opposite me. There was a moment of
48:11silence. There is something I want to
48:13tell you. Go ahead. For these past 3
48:15years, I have failed you. I put down the
48:17handkerchief I was holding, and looked
48:19at him. He kept his head lowered, his
48:21hands resting on his knees. When you
48:22married into the household, the Empress
48:24Daager told me to treat you well. I
48:26promised I would, but I failed to do so.
48:28After Lady Sue entered the household, I
48:30he paused. I was blinded by her. When
48:33she cried, my heart softened. When she
48:35smiled, I was happy. I believed whatever
48:37she said. In the end, she poisoned your
48:39medicinal brew, and I didn't know. You
48:41were carrying twins, a boy and a girl,
48:43and I didn't know. You suffered so much
48:45and I didn't know. He raised his head
48:47and looked at me. His eyes were slightly
48:49red. I haven't been a good husband. I
48:51looked at him. I looked at him for a
48:53long time. Everything he said was the
48:54truth. For 3 years, he truly had not
48:57been a good husband. But this admission
48:58came too late. If I hadn't given birth
49:00to twins, had the imperial decree not
49:02been issued, had Lady Sue not been
49:04exposed, would he have said those words?
49:06No. I knew it well, but I kept the
49:08thought to myself. What's past is past.
49:11I lifted my son from the cradle and
49:12handed him over. Just be a good father.
49:15From now on, the prince took the child
49:17into his arms, his movement slightly
49:18clumsy. When our son kicked, he panicked
49:20for a moment and hurriedly adjusted his
49:22hold. Watching him fumble, I couldn't
49:24help but let a small smile touch my
49:26lips. My daughter woke in the cradle and
49:28began to cry. I bent down to pick her
49:30up. Outside the window, darkness had
49:32fallen. Lanterns in the main courtyard
49:33were being lit one by one, bathing the
49:35grounds in a brilliant glow. in the
49:37direction of Elon Courtyard. However,
49:38all was dark. Not a single light shone.
49:41Chingha stood under the veranda eaves,
49:42humming a tune as she hung lanterns.
49:44Chiui squatted on the steps, teasing the
49:46courtyard cat. Lu Hung walked out the
49:48side gate with his medicine chest on his
49:50back. Before leaving, he glanced back at
49:52the lights of the main courtyard and
49:54smiled. I stood by the window, cradling
49:56my daughter. This game of chess had
49:58begun the moment I drank that bowl of
49:59medicine. I had wagered my life and the
50:01lives of my two children. I had won the
50:03gamble, but I had no desire to wager
50:05again. Life in this princely estate
50:07would go on for a long time. The
50:08children would grow up, the prince would
50:10age, and Lady Sue would slowly wither
50:12away in that other courtyard. As for me,
50:15I would live out my days here in the
50:16main courtyard, one day at a time,
50:18because this was a life I had earned.
50:20Every step, every inch of it was
50:22something I had won for myself. The
50:24daughter in my arms had stopped crying
50:25and was gazing up at me with wide eyes.
50:27I lowered my head and kissed her
50:29forehead. Don't be afraid. Mother is
50:31here. The lamplight cast a warm, gentle
50:33glow upon the paper window panes. The
50:35end.

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