Wish You All the Best - Chapter 52

Chapter 52

The following day, news spread from the Eastern Palace that the newly promoted Lady Cao, the Crown Prince’s secondary consort, had died suddenly of a sudden illness the previous night. It was said that the Crown Princess had been startled awake from a dream and, having thrown on her slippers without even time to secure her hair, had urgently summoned imperial physicians for treatment. She had personally watched over her bedside until dawn. Alas, Lady Cao had suffered from a hidden abdominal ailment back when they were in Wuding. Although she had been treated by many physicians, the root cause was never eradicated. This time, it flared up suddenly with such ferocity that she could not pull through and unfortunately passed away. The Crown Princess, suppressing her grief, sent word to the Imperial Clan Court. By daybreak, the news reached the Cao household, and the family was stunned, weeping uncontrollably. Lady Cao’s mother was granted special permission to enter the palace. When she was brought in, her daughter was already laid out in the Hall of Ultimate Bliss, a place specifically prepared for the funerals of palace concubines. She saw only a nanmu wood coffin; the hall was draped in white silk and plain curtains, and palace maids and eunuchs dressed in hemp and white mourning garments knelt in dense rows before the catafalque, wailing in deep sorrow.

The Crown Prince did not make an appearance, but the Crown Princess met with Lady Cao’s mother personally. Her eyes were red and swollen, and she shed tears before she could even speak. She said that back in Wuding, Lady Cao had served the Crown Prince before her and had always been respectful, cautious, and virtuous. Even before she herself had married into the household, they had already cherished each other and formed the bond of sisters. Now that they were finally living together in the Eastern Palace, she had hoped they could work together with one heart to serve the Crown Prince, yet she never expected such a sudden illness. The imperial physicians’ medicines and stones were useless, and having been by her side, she could only stamp her feet in vain, now separated forever by heaven and earth—her grief was truly unbearable.

Before she could finish, she choked up several times, unable to speak, and had to be supported by her lady-in-waiting, her tears flowing without end.

Lady Cao’s mother had never heard of her daughter having an old abdominal ailment. Upon hearing the tragic news, while grief-stricken, she was also filled with suspicion. However, ever since her daughter had entered the Prince’s manor, she had not seen her face once, receiving only gifts sent out during the four seasons. Now that the Emperor had ascended the throne and the Heir Apparent had been named Crown Prince, her daughter’s status had risen with the tide. She remembered the day after the Crown Prince’s grand wedding, when her daughter was named a secondary consort; the whole family had celebrated with pride and joy. She never dreamed that, before the glory had even faded and after only a few days, the next news would be her daughter’s sudden death in the palace, denied even a final farewell.

Even if Lady Cao’s mother had doubts in her heart, how could she dare to question a single word? She only blamed her daughter’s thin fate for being unable to enjoy the wealth of the imperial family, and she wept incessantly. Hearing the Crown Princess say that she could report Lady Cao’s daily virtues and conduct to request a posthumous title to add to her honor, she knelt shakily before the Crown Princess, who offered yet more words of consolation.

Xiao Lie was busy with a myriad of affairs. Upon being informed of the death in the Eastern Palace, he was surprised but did not think much of it. With a stroke of his vermillion brush, he approved the Crown Princess’s request. Lady Cao was granted a title and buried in the imperial mausoleum. Her four personal palace maids and four eunuchs voluntarily chose to be buried with her. The funeral was handled with great splendor, and the Cao family was comforted afterward.

The accident of the secondary consort’s sudden death in the Eastern Palace was like a stone cast into a lake; it did not even create a few ripples before it vanished without a trace. Soon, no one mentioned the woman with a fate thinner than paper. Instead, the Crown Princess, newly wed for only a few days and in the prime of her joy, had suddenly encountered such a bereavement. It was admirable that, young as she was, she did not fret and instead handled the matter appropriately, seeing to everything personally. Her reputation as a benevolent and virtuous woman was spread once more, adding luster to the Zhang family’s threshold. Half a month later, it was the birthday of the Crown Princess’s mother. There was not a single female relative of an official of the fourth rank or higher in the capital who did not visit to offer congratulations. Empress Zhou even sent someone with gifts and specially permitted Zhang Fengtong to return home for a visit that day. Madame Zhang’s face beamed with pride, and she entered the palace to express her gratitude.

After the guests had left, Nanny Lin entered the hall. Empress Zhou knew she must be here to report on the progress of the secret investigation she had ordered into Xiao Lie’s whereabouts on the night of the Crown Prince’s grand wedding, so she dismissed the palace maids and eunuchs.

Nanny Lin whispered, "Reporting to the Empress, I have privately questioned everyone I trust, and two days ago, I finally uncovered some news. It is said that a group of several men left through the Anding Gate in the north of the city that night. Among them, one person wore a cloak that covered his head and face; he sat on his horse, and his feet never touched the ground, so his face could not be seen. The city lieutenant on duty did not recognize the several attendants either, but one of them presented an imperial token to command the gate be opened. Judging by his appearance, he seemed to be a young eunuch from the palace. Those men left the city and headed north, and their whereabouts are unknown. If my guess is correct, that person must have been His Majesty. Because on that night, Li Yuangui went to the Pei family to offer congratulations, and the one serving His Majesty was Cui Yinsui. The appearance of that young eunuch sounded exactly like Cui Yinsui."

Empress Zhou knitted her brows.

"Naturally, one cannot inquire about the close personal guards around His Majesty. I went to probe Cui Yinsui, saying that the Empress knew he served His Majesty diligently and wanted to reward him. I never expected this eunuch to be so cunning. He claimed he was a lowly servant and that serving His Majesty was a blessing earned in a past life, so he dared not accept the Empress’s reward. If the Empress insisted on rewarding him, he requested that his godfather receive it on his behalf. That rabbit who has had his roots severed is as slippery as a loach. I spoke a couple of times and realized that there is likely no hope of getting any information out of this eunuch. I did not dare to be too explicit for fear he would turn around and report to Li Yuangui. If His Majesty found out, it would only bring trouble upon you, Empress, so I returned. It is all my uselessness; please punish me, Empress."

As Nanny Lin spoke, she saw Empress Zhou’s brows knit tighter and tighter. She hurriedly prostrated herself to kowtow and beg for forgiveness. After a long time without hearing a response, she peeked up to see the Empress staring straight ahead, as if lost in deep, strange thoughts. Not daring to make a sound, she held her breath and waited. Finally, after a long while, she heard the Empress ask, "Are you certain His Majesty left through the north of the city that night?"

Nanny Lin hurriedly nodded vigorously. "Nine times out of ten, that group was them!"

Empress Zhou said, "Send someone else you trust to the Ci'en Temple in the north of the city to continue asking quietly. On that night, did any special people arrive at the temple, and where did they go?"

Nanny Lin was Empress Zhou’s wet nurse. She had followed the Empress when the old Emperor arranged for her to marry Xiao Lie, and she knew some secrets that could not be spoken to outsiders. She was startled and suddenly remembered something, drawing in a sharp breath. "Empress, are you saying that His Majesty actually went to that place at the Ci'en Temple that night?"

The muscles on Empress Zhou’s face twitched slightly, and she gritted her teeth. "In the dead of night, leaving the palace in secret, and in the north of the city—if it is not that place, where could it be? So many years have passed, and I thought he had long since let go. I never expected that even now, he would still be unable to forget. He has only been in the capital for a few days; he doesn't look after the living, yet he runs to the place of the dead to mourn..."

She stopped abruptly, her lips trembling slightly. Her ten sharp fingernails dug deep into the flesh of her palms, but she felt no pain. She let out a long breath, finally stood up, and said coldly, "Go investigate immediately. As soon as you have news, report it to me."

Nanny Lin acknowledged the order, scrambled up from the floor, turned, and retreated.

...

For Madame Zhang’s birthday, the Crown Princess was permitted to return home for a visit. That day, in front of the Zhang residence, one could see nothing but luxurious carriages and fine horses coming and going endlessly. Because the visitors were all female relatives from various households, and the Crown Princess would be leaving the palace to return home to celebrate her mother’s birthday, the Zhang family feared causing a disturbance and blocked off the entire street early in the morning. By dusk, a continuous chain of bright-horned lamps lit up both ends of the street, making it as bright as day. Female relatives from various households arrived one after another, and the carriages and sedan chairs were lined up from start to finish, filling the entire street. Passersby stood far away on tiptoe to watch; they saw fine horses and carved carriages, an extravagance so lush it was beyond description.

Although Pei You’an and Xiao Yintang had no private contact, they were outwardly cordial. After Xiao Lie entered the capital, the Pei, Zhang, and Zhou families could be called the most prominent powerhouses in the capital, and their daily social interactions were plentiful. When Madame Zhang’s birthday arrived, she sent invitations early to the Pei family, inviting Madame Xin, Madame Meng, and the newly married eldest daughter-in-law of the Pei household to visit as guests.

By the end of the Shen period (5 p.m.), Jiafu had finished dressing and accompanied Madame Xin and Madame Meng as they departed. Madame Xin took her own carriage, while Madame Meng shared one with Jiafu. Servants followed in front and on the sides, with maids and matrons following in the rear carriage, traveling all the way to the Zhang residence. Upon reaching the gate, they were welcomed inside by a steward’s wife from the Zhang household who had been waiting. They had not yet reached the second gate when Madame Zhang appeared with her servants, coming out personally to welcome them.

Madame Zhang wore a brand-new brocade robe in dark vermillion with embroidered "longevity" characters, and on her forehead was a headband inlaid with gold threads and various precious stones. She was dressed in opulent finery and wore a face full of spring breezes. She immediately took Madame Xin’s hand affectionately, exchanged a few polite pleasantries, and laughed: "I am merely celebrating a birthday for some lively fun; I never intended to disturb such noble guests. However, the Empress said the Crown Princess has been working hard lately and told her to go home to rest and make it a lively affair. I thought, since the Empress has given such instructions, I might as well build a stage in the garden for everyone to enjoy the opera. Other families are one thing, but your family’s eldest son is currently held in high regard by His Majesty. I heard that your honorable residence has a constant stream of important guests, and I thought you wouldn't have time to come to my humble abode. To have you here truly makes my house shine with glory."

Regarding her eldest son’s glory, Jiafu noticed that Madame Xin’s smile did not seem entirely genuine, though others did not notice or pay close attention. Madame Zhang then greeted the Second Madame and finally cast her gaze upon Jiafu, sizing her up slightly. Jiafu bowed to pay her respects, and Madame Zhang said with a radiant smile: "This must be the eldest granddaughter-in-law bestowed by His Majesty’s marriage decree. She is like a piece of jade; I liked her the moment I saw her. Let’s not stand here; let’s go inside quickly!" As she spoke, she led Madame Xin and the others inside, chatting and laughing along the way. They passed through several gates, and along the way, not a single male servant was to be seen—all were maids and matrons. Finally, they entered the birthday hall specifically prepared for the day, a precious and ornate house filled with flowers and clusters. Many people had already arrived inside; there was the scent of clothes and hair, the brilliance of pearls and jade, and a waft of perfume from rouge and powder that greeted the nose. The female relatives from various households were all dressed in stunningly bright and beautiful clothes, some chatting, some drinking tea, their laughter never ceasing. Suddenly seeing Madame Zhang personally bringing guests inside, they all looked over one after another.

This was Jiafu’s first appearance in the social circle of noblewomen in the capital after marrying Pei You’an.

Xiao Lie’s reliance on Pei You’an even surpassed that of the Duke of Wei back in the day. Because of Pei You’an, the Pei family had leaped to become the most prominent noble family in the capital, as glorious as the peak of the days when Pei Wenjing controlled the inner palace years ago. Among the female relatives inside, who did not recognize Madame Xin and Madame Meng? Seeing that the Pei family had arrived, they all welcomed them with smiles.

Since she was merely a companion today, Jiafu’s attire was naturally not deliberately flashy, but she dared not be negligent either. Knowing her features were on the delicate and youthful side, she chose an outfit that leaned toward a poised and steady look. After bathing, she lightly brushed her eyebrows, applied a thin layer of powder, dabbed on a touch of rouge, stained her lips with cinnabar, and pinned her hair high with gold and jade accessories. Her skirt was made of twelve panels stitched together with gold thread, and each panel was embroidered with bird and flower patterns corresponding to the four seasons. It was elegant yet rich; as she walked, she looked like a phoenix tail, stunningly beautiful.

Pei You’an’s grand wedding had not only received an imperial decree from the Emperor but also the distinct honor of happening on the same day as the Crown Prince’s. Yet, he had married a cousin who was the daughter of a Quanzhou merchant. Before Jiafu had even appeared, she had already attracted a lot of attention. Following the women in front, although her position was ranked toward the back, as soon as she entered the birthday hall, she felt the weight of the many gazes cast upon her.

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, who had visited the Pei residence before. However, there were many more she did not know, so there was naturally a round of introductions and small talk. She wore a smile and did not speak much, but her responses were extremely appropriate. Even if there were those among them who looked down on her background, given Pei You’an’s current status, who would dare to offend her openly? Those of higher seniority than her were all incomparably affectionate, and those of her own generation were all carefully flattering, even to the point of being obsequious. Such is the way of the saying, "A wife is honored by her husband."

Among them were the wives of Liu Jiushao and Zhang Zhengdao. Zhang Zhengdao’s current wealth was entirely due to Pei You’an’s recommendation. As for Liu Jiushao, during the Wuding uprising, he had been captured on the battlefield. Had it not been for Pei You’an, not to mention his current status, his entire family would likely have been ghosts under the blade of Prince Shun’an. The two wives did not wait for an introduction; they came over to chat with Jiafu themselves, their attitudes fawning, their gratitude overflowing in their expressions.

As Jiafu was speaking with the two wives, she suddenly saw Madame Meng leading a woman, pushing and nudging her way toward her. The woman was dressed in a brand-new, lustrous purple robe and covered in pearls and jade. Her eyes were fixed on Jiafu, her face carrying a flattering smile. Jiafu recognized her immediately; she was none other than the grandmother of Quange, Madame Song.

The Song family had enjoyed a few years of glory when Prince Shun’an was emperor. Later, when Xiao Lie fought his way to the capital, before the great army had even arrived, it was said that the Song family was among the first of the officials to secretly defect to him. After Xiao Lie ascended the throne, he spared the Song family from investigation, but he seemed to thoroughly despise them. Their official ranks were lowered time and time again. From a second-rank high official, Master Song had been demoted to an insignificant sixth-rank temple (assistant) at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. For such an occasion, Madame Song had relied entirely on networking, running about, and offering heavy bribes to finally obtain an invitation, allowing her to stand here today.

The Second Madame led Madame Song to Jiafu with a beaming smile, but as soon as she turned her back, she frowned and leaned over to whisper in Jiafu’s ear: "Afu, this woman has been pestering me the whole time, demanding that I bring her to you to speak. I am truly afraid of her, so I had no choice but to bring her over. Just humor her with a couple of sentences and send her away."

Back when Jiafu was preparing for her wedding, Madame Song had brazenly brought gifts to the door, and besides taking back the precious items her family had once sent, she had added many more things. How could the Meng family want her favors? As soon as she sent her away, she immediately ordered people to pick out the extra items and send them back.

Remembering how her mother had once compromised and endured the slights from this woman for her sake, it would have been one thing if they hadn't seen her, but now that she saw her acting so thick-skinned and shameless, wanting to talk to her, how could she have a pleasant expression? Suppressing the disgust in her heart, she smiled. "Godmother, are you well?"

Madame Song hurriedly waved her hands, smiling apologetically. "How could I deserve such a title from the Eldest Granddaughter-in-law? What kind of godmother am I? I would be praying to Buddha if you would just call me 'Madam'! I heard that your mother is still in the capital? I have been missing her and have been thinking about paying her a visit, but I know she is busy and was afraid of disturbing her by calling on her uninvited. Would these next few days be convenient?" Her words were full of fawning, and where was even half of her former arrogance?

After the news of her being bestowed in marriage to Pei You’an by the Emperor reached Quanzhou, her brother, Zhen Yaoting, had set out for the capital. Once they met, he would take her mother, the Meng woman, back to Quanzhou. Counting the days, they should be arriving in a couple of days.

Jiafu would not deliberately humiliate this snobbish woman in public to vent her anger, but she would not let her entangle herself like a snake up a tree either. She said, "My mother is indeed very busy. She has a constant stream of visitors these days and hasn't had a moment to rest; she is also extremely exhausted. If you have nothing urgent, Madame, I will accept the good intentions on my mother’s behalf."

Madame Song nodded sheepishly. "Yes, yes, since the Aunt is exhausted, then she should have a good rest..."

Jiafu smiled faintly, turned her face, and stopped speaking to her.

A palace eunuch suddenly flew inside, announcing that the Crown Princess had arrived. Everyone in the birthday hall immediately stopped what they were doing and, following the order of precedence, followed Madame Zhang to welcome her.

Jiafu followed the crowd to the second gate and saw a full ceremonial guard outside the main gate, with palace eunuchs and maids holding scarves and fans. A small eunuch bent over, stepped forward, and opened the curtain of the imperial carriage. Zhang Fengtong stepped down, and Madame Zhang led all the female relatives of the family to welcome her inside. The procession was magnificent.

Jiafu and the others stood on both sides of the corridor, watching Zhang Fengtong being surrounded and moving inside with a smile on her face. She wore palace attire, looking dignified and luxurious. The lights illuminated her so that she looked radiant and brilliant—the demeanor of the future Empress of Great Wei was on full display. When she came closer, the wives below the second rank, leading the young ladies and maidens following them, bowed to her one after another.

Jiafu’s rank was in the front row, and seeing the Crown Princess, she was exempted from the kneeling salute. Watching her pass by, Zhang Fengtong turned her head and, as if seeing Jiafu unintentionally, revealed a smile. She stopped in her tracks, turned, and came to Jiafu.

Jiafu performed the standard bow, and she told her to forgo the courtesy, subsequently allowing those kneeling by the path to rise as well. She smiled at the crowd: "I have been an old acquaintance with Madame Pei; it is a pity we have both been busy and unable to become close friends. It has always been a regret of mine. Tonight is a rare opportunity, and I should have a good long talk with Madame Pei." Having finished, she took Jiafu’s hand, asking her to enter with her, and then laughed to Madame Zhang: "Mother, remember to arrange Madame Pei’s seat near me later."

Seeing that the Crown Princess held Jiafu in such high regard, the gazes cast upon Jiafu became even more envious.

Jiafu declined on the grounds that her rank was insufficient, but Zhang Fengtong invited her sincerely again. Realizing she could not refuse, Jiafu thanked her with a smile.

After entering the banquet hall and arranging the seating, Jiafu was indeed placed at Zhang Fengtong’s table, which was the seat of highest honor. Those seated at the same table were either peerless noblewomen or elderly and virtuous people. Because Jiafu was the youngest, she was placed at the lower end, directly opposite Zhang Fengtong.

The banquet began, and everyone picked up their chopsticks.

Such occasions were not meant for filling one’s stomach; Jiafu had already eaten before coming out and was not hungry. She was cautious and meticulous, picking up her chopsticks to follow the wife of the Duke of Qin sitting beside her, only taking a couple of bites from the few dishes placed before her.

Zhang Fengtong smiled: "Today is my mother’s birthday. I am very grateful that all the esteemed elders and relatives have come to our home to celebrate together. Although I am named the Crown Princess, I am actually young. In terms of seniority, I dare not act presumptuously before my esteemed elders and relatives. I will offer a toast to everyone first."

After she finished speaking, a palace attendant holding a wine pot stepped up to pour wine for the guests at the table. It started with the cup in front of the Crown Princess and then rotated in order.

The wives at the table declined politely one after another.

Jiafu’s gaze swept over the wine pot in the attendant’s hand. It was unintentional, but after a look, her heart moved slightly.

This wine pot had a round belly and a pointed spout. It looked no different in shape from a regular wine pot, but the base color was the imperial yellow used exclusively by royalty. On the belly of the pot, dragon and phoenix auspicious cloud patterns were painted; the dragons and phoenixes were lifelike and extremely exquisite. One look and it was clear that this must be an imperial item from the palace.

Jiafu always felt this wine pot looked familiar, as if she had seen it somewhere before, but she could not remember. Struggling to search her memory, she watched as the attendant poured wine in turn. As it was about to reach Jiafu, she finally remembered.

In her previous life, the year after Xiao Yintang became emperor, he conferred a title on a concubine surnamed Liang. The Liang family showed signs of rising at that time and were at odds with the Zhang family everywhere. That Noble Consort Liang was famous for her virtue and talent. After entering the palace, within half a year, she became a noble consort whose status was second only to Zhang Fengtong. However, in the autumn of that year, at a palace banquet where Zhang Fengtong hosted the harem and the wives of high-ranking officials, that Consort Liang drank too much alcohol and not only spoke out of turn but also went mad, insulting the Empress and throwing off her clothes in a drunken stupor. It caused a scene at the banquet, and when the news leaked out of the palace, the Liang family lost all face, and Xiao Yintang grew to despise her. Consort Liang kept calling out that she was wronged, saying she had been framed and had lost consciousness after drinking. Xiao Yintang was a shrewd man; he thought about it and realized something was wrong. He ordered a thorough investigation, and in the end, it was discovered that it was a concubine surnamed Zhu, out of jealousy, who had bribed a palace servant during the banquet to use a wine pot crafted by a master craftsman called the "Mandarin Duck Universe Pot." The exterior of the wine pot looked no different from an ordinary one, but there was a hidden mechanism inside that divided it in two, allowing different kinds of wine to be poured into it. By pressing a hidden button on the handle, the specific liquid would be released, and no one would be any the wiser. At that time, Noble Consort Liang had accidentally drunk the poisoned wine, which was why she made such a spectacle of herself in public.

After Xiao Yintang learned the truth, he ordered the interrogation of Consort Zhu, but she had already committed suicide to escape punishment. That wine pot was later given by Xiao Yintang to Jiafu to play with, to help her pass the time.

Jiafu suddenly understood everything.

Why the invitation explicitly stated that she must come to the banquet together, and why Zhang Fengtong wanted her to sit at the same table.

Jiafu acted as if nothing was wrong on the surface, carrying the appropriate smile as she watched the attendant finish pouring wine for the wife of the Duke of Qin beside her. The attendant moved the pot to her side and, just as before, extended the spout toward her cup.

She saw it clearly: at the very moment of pouring the wine, the attendant’s thumb shifted to press a tiny button on the handle. The movement was extremely subtle, and if she had not been specifically paying attention, it would have been impossible to detect.

The golden wine liquid was steadily poured into her cup. By now, everyone at the table had a full glass. The attendant gently placed the wine pot in front of Zhang Fengtong and then departed.

Jiafu suppressed the violent fluctuations in her heart and slowly raised her eyes to see Zhang Fengtong stand up. Holding her glass, eyes smiling, she swept a glance over the entire table, her gaze finally landing on Jiafu’s face. "This glass is to first toast to our Great Wei’s favorable weather for the crops and His Majesty’s ten thousand years of longevity. Let us drink together.”