According to protocol, Su Xinghe not only held the title of the Eastern Palace official but also a second-rank official position in the outer court. In the palace, not even the Empress would casually strike someone of her standing, let alone a consort. Zuo Zhaoyi, desperate and enraged, seemed to have forgotten this; she only remembered that the Su family served Prince Jianping and that Su Xinghe, within Fengchu Palace, was a servant too, thus fair game for her anger. After one slap, she pressed Su Xinghe about whether she could help retrieve someone; when Su Xinghe’s answer was negative a second and third slap followed.
Su Xinghe endured, though her heart twisted with each strike. She had never suffered such humiliation; even her primary master had only ever scolded her as heartless, never laid a finger on her. By rights, the unfairness should have enraged her, but she had to console herself that revenge could wait, revenge was best served cold. She saw it as a temporary calamity; even a mighty figure like Sun Wukong had moments of falling prey to petty schemes. What dignity she lost now, she would reclaim a hundredfold in the future. But for the time being, she had to swallow it, even if it meant biting down hard.
Her face burned fiercely. Eunuch Nian Shikuan, one of Zuo Zhaoyi’s lackeys, had struck her left cheek with full force, making her ear ache too. She could only catch bits and pieces of their continued taunting.
“Don’t blame me; this is your punishment for incompetence.” Zuo Zhaoyi stood on a lotus-patterned step stool, her face lit by candlelight, looking both cold and fierce. “Don’t forget, your Su family and the Prince’s household are bound together. If we rise to heaven, we rise together; if we fall into hell, the entire Su family will accompany us.”
Su Xinghe remained kneeling, bowing her head low in obeisance. “Yes, thank you, Your Majesty. Your teachings will never be forgotten.”
The tone of these words was ominous. Princess Xialing snorted heavily. “Don’t resist, dealing with your Su family isn’t much trouble at all. I’m giving you a death order today. Regardless of whether it costs you your position in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, you must exonerate High Minister Gao Zhiya. This matter affects the honor and dignity of many people. Even if I don’t say it, you should understand that.”
Su Xinghe, still kneeling on the ground, clenched her fists so tightly that they trembled, but her tone only became more respectful and humble. “Your Highness, I will, of course, do my utmost. However, as I’ve said before, any offense committed by court officials, large or small, falls under the jurisdiction of Commander Nan Yushu. I am merely a deputy. If my superior withdraws, I can take over, but if Commander Nan Yushu is determined to handle this personally, I have no choice but to stand by and observe.”
This circular conversation seemed endless, with no conclusion in sight. Princess Xialing was so desperate she began to tear up, shouting in frustration, “Aren’t you capable? Just remove Commander Nan Yushu from his position and take over as Commandant yourself!”
Su Xinghe didn’t respond to her words. Trying to reason with someone about to lose their beloved was simply futile.
Stuck without solutions, the previously high-and-mighty nobles found themselves experiencing helplessness and frustration for the first time, as Su Xinghe’s silence mirrored the dead end they faced. After pacing restlessly, Princess Xialing finally decided that instead of wasting time indoors, she’d be better off heading outside where there might still be a way forward.
She turned and headed toward the exit. Zuo Zhaoyi, chased after her, calling out, “The palace gates are locked where are you going?”
Princess Xialing merely replied that she was returning to the Princess Residence and quickly exited through Fengchu Gate.
With the supporters gone, there was no point in pressing further. Zuo Zhaoyi, cast a look of disdain at the person kneeling before her, gritting her teeth as she spat, “Get out.”
Su Xinghe maintained her composure, performing her formal gestures before slowly backing out of the hall.
Not finishing her off would ultimately leave room for future trouble Eunuch Nian Shikuan seemed to understand this better than Zuo Zhaoyi. Watching her carefully, he personally escorted her out of the palace, murmuring, “Lord Su, I had no choice just now. Please, don’t hold it against me. We’re just servants; if we step out of line, we lose our heads. Unlike you, for me, it’d be as easy to crush me as an ant. Actually, I did it to help you, if I hadn’t followed along, I’m afraid those three strikes wouldn’t have been the end of it. You see…”
Su Xinghe sneered at him. “I’ll remember all the ‘kindness’ you’ve shown me, and I’ll be sure to repay it one day.”
The night was cold as water, and a thin mist chilled her face. The sudden pain of her burning skin meeting the cold was sharp and jarring. She dared not touch her cheek, but she could feel that it was likely swollen. A lone palace lantern hung from the gate, and with the night guards returned to their posts, the pathways were empty, desolate, not even a ghostly shadow in sight.
Eunuch Nian Shikuan made a final attempt to smooth things over. “Lord Su, let me send someone to escort you back to the Eastern Palace…”
Su Xinghe gave him a sidelong look, her gaze icy and unyielding.
Eunuch Nian Shikuan had no choice but to retreat sensibly. As the palace gates closed behind her, she stood alone in the dim light, her slender figure so small and insignificant compared to the imposing palace doors towering over her.
A figure came quickly through the covered walkway of the Thousand Steps Corridor. Su Xinghe, still furious, didn’t have a chance to look clearly before she was pulled along by him. He moved fast, his broad sleeves in the wind billowing as if he could fly. Su Xinghe, struggling to keep up, caught glimpses of his familiar graying hair and the golden dragon swaying on his purple crown. It was him.
Neither of them spoke, but she felt the firm grip on her wrist, steadfast and strong. It seemed this childhood friend of hers was still dependable, always showing up at the right time. Every ten steps along the corridor, a lantern pavilion lit their way, casting enough light to see beneath their feet. Just like this, he led her from outside Fengchu Palace back to the Eastern Palace, walking faster and faster until she could hardly keep up. Finally, they arrived at the Hall of Licheng, and he dismissed everyone inside with a sweep of his sleeve. Only then did he turn to her, eyebrows knit, looking at her with a complex gaze.
There was an unspoken thousand words in his eyes, though she couldn’t decipher them. Under his gaze, she felt a pang of shame and turned her head away.
If only he’d known sooner… The Crown Prince smiled bitterly to himself. Did the Su family still intend to serve such people?
He had known she’d been called to Fengchu Palace, even knew that she’d been scolded and slapped by Zuo Zhaoyi. Yet he couldn’t storm in to retrieve her; what would it mean for the Crown Prince to barge into his father’s consort’s chambers in the dead of night? Right now, he couldn’t afford to give anyone grounds for accusation. Since he couldn’t rescue her, she had to endure, and he had thought, perhaps, it would be good for her to see people’s true nature and recognize the right path. But when he saw the five vivid fingerprints on her face, he suddenly regretted it. He should have stormed into Fengchu Palace and torn the place down, leaving no one standing!
He braced himself on his knee, bending down to look her in the eye. “Does it hurt?”
She continued to avoid his gaze. “No, it doesn’t.”
That was just her nature, stubborn and unyielding, even when suffering in silence.
He understood her discomfort and didn’t press her for details. Just then, someone peeked in from behind the curtain, saying, “Master, the eggs are ready.”
He reached out and took the tray. It had been Dequan’s idea: using a warm egg to roll over the skin could reduce swelling and redness. When the storm was brewing over at Fengchu Palace, Dequan had returned early to prepare for this. He’d hoped it wouldn’t be too severe, but now, upon closer look, he saw a large swollen area on her delicate skin, edged with a faint bruise. By morning, it might look even worse.
The Crown Prince led her to sit on the southern couch, then bent down himself to crack and peel the egg. This was the first time he’d done something like this, or maybe he was simply too angry, his hands trembled uncontrollably. At last, he managed to peel the egg clean, then gently pressed it against her face and began rolling it over the bruise. She winced and drew in a sharp breath, and his heart clenched; it hurt him more than if the blow had landed on himself.
“Bear with it a little longer, it’ll be better soon.” He comforted her in the same casual tone he’d used last night after taking her kick as if it were nothing serious. “It’s not a big deal…”
Su Xinghe, normally resilient and unflinching, had convinced herself it truly wasn’t a big deal. Yet, with him beside her, the sense of injustice surged a hundredfold, and despite trying to hold back, her eyes reddened.
The Crown Prince saw it and felt his heart sink. Her cheek was horribly red; hadn’t they said this would reduce the swelling? So why did her face seem to be getting worse with each roll of the egg? He stopped, assessing the damage, and found it unbearable. In a sudden fury, he threw the egg to the floor, smashing it against the golden bricks, scattering yolk and white everywhere.
This thunderous outburst shocked Su Xinghe. She stammered, “Your Highness…” only to be yanked up by him, who wrapped her in a cloak without a word and led her straight out of Lizheng Hall.
“Announce in my name at Lizheng Hall. I have urgent matters and request an immediate audience with His Majesty.”
This decision came as a complete surprise. After nightfall, palace gates were locked; only urgent military matters warranted an audience at this hour. Anyone entering at this time would be charged with trespass unless it was an emergency. Who knew if the Emperor was even available, and no one but his attendants could be certain whether he was at Lizheng Hall or Fengxian Hall.
Su Xinghe stopped short, “Your Highness, it’s so late what are you planning to do?”
His face was bleak. “That’s not your concern.”
He knew perfectly well where his father was; in a palace under such strict surveillance, one misstep could mean disaster. Though this seemed impulsive, he had weighed it carefully. He was going to see his father for two reasons: first, to seek justice for Su Xinghe, and second, to press the issue of the Princess’s case, forcing his father to take a stand. Zuo Zhaoyi’s three slaps had been an abuse of authority, a private punishment. How could such unchecked behavior be fit for one destined to preside in the Imperial Court?
A midnight audience requested by the Crown Prince was no trivial matter. News quickly reached Lizheng Hall, and by the time they entered the palace gates, Prince Xin was already waiting on the red steps below.
“Brother.” The young prince, always close and warm with his elder sibling, greeted him. When the late Empress passed, he was only six and had since been raised by their father, practically raised single-handedly. If not for the Crown Prince needing to hold court in the Eastern Palace, the two would have grown up side by side. Yet, even the slight distance hadn’t dampened their bond, and when they met, they would often embrace. But tonight, sensing his brother’s dark expression, he adjusted his demeanor accordingly.
“Has Father retired for the night?”
Prince Xin replied, “Not yet he’s still reviewing the reports from the southern border.” He peered at Xinghe, though the lantern light didn’t fully illuminate her face. Curious, he asked, “Urgent enough for a midnight meeting, is there new progress on the Prince Consort’s case? Is it possible there’s someone behind Consort Gao Zhiya?”
The Crown Prince gave a grim chuckle. “Whether or not someone’s behind him, it won’t save him. His death is inevitable.”
This was the first time Prince Xin had seen his brother’s face set in such anger. Perplexed, he followed them into the brightly lit hall, and understanding dawned as soon as he saw Su Xinghe’s face.
The Crown Prince knelt directly and, without hesitation, began, “ Zuo Zhaoyi has struck one of my people, who is entirely blameless and merely fulfilling her duties.”
Even the Emperor was taken aback. He glanced at the recently appointed Jinyi Guard, then, hearing the Crown Prince refer to Su Xinghe as “my person,” came out from behind the throne to examine her face closely.
“This is…” A slap to the face? Palace protocol forbade slapping faces, and this had long been established. Even the lowest attendants of the palace did not endure such treatment, let alone an official.
The Emperor’s face darkened slightly. “What exactly happened? Speak while standing.”
The Crown Prince rose, not forgetting to pull “his person” up with him. Su Xinghe didn’t need to say a word, as he calmly recounted to his father, “Today, the Ministry of Military Control concluded the case involving Gao Yangshan. During the trial, the defendant cried out for justice, claiming the true culprit was Assistant Minister Gao Zhiya. All twelve division heads were present as witnesses, and the case details must have already reached Your Majesty. As the lead investigator in this case, there was no fault in apprehending and questioning the suspect. But tonight, she was summoned by Zuo Zhaoyi to Fengchu Palace for reprimand and came out bearing the marks of abuse… Your son cannot comprehend how anyone from his palace, let alone the Deputy Commander of the Ministry of Military Control, could be struck and insulted at will. She is an official of the imperial court, a dignified second-rank officer, not some peasant woman from the countryside. Although Zuo Zhaoyi oversees palace affairs, using private punishment and striking an external court official deeply perplexes your son.”
While this incident might appear minor on the surface, its underlying implications revealed its gravity.
Before the Emperor could respond, Prince Xin interjected with a mocking tap on a nearby vessel. “Incredible, truly incredible. Perhaps Fengchu Palace will establish its own prison one day. Just look at her; her face was beautiful, and now it’s battered, no wonder my brother’s upset. This girl is his favorite; I suspect it wasn’t Su Xinghe that Zuo Zhaoyi slapped, but rather the Crown Prince himself. I wonder if Father’s heard the rumor that the Grand Princess and her husband are estranged and the real reason behind it might just be this young uncle here…”
He didn’t get to finish before being scolded. The Emperor admonished him, “You’re still young keep your ears out of sordid rumors.”
This indicated that the Emperor was indeed aware, even letting slip such undignified words in his urgency. Prince Xin and the Crown Prince exchanged looks, while Su Xinghe bowed, saying, “I have suffered disgrace, but it’s a personal matter, not worth mentioning. I only ask Your Majesty to allow the Ministry of Military Control to investigate this case thoroughly and bring justice to the late Prince Consort.”
Her request was fair and reasonable, and though the Emperor felt a bit conflicted, it was difficult for him to openly show bias in such circumstances.
It was such a disgraceful affair if it turned out to be true, the royal family’s reputation would be thoroughly tainted. He resented the Princess’s lack of restraint, remembering how dearly he’d cherished her, only for her to become so unruly in the end. With a deep sigh, the Emperor said, “It’s like pulling on ten stubborn oxen to keep someone from rushing headlong into the mire. I order the Bureau of Military Control to investigate this case thoroughly. Anyone who tries to obstruct it will be treated as an accomplice.”
While the official decree was granted, this incident only served to cement her in the minds of Duke Jian’s family as part of the Crown Prince’s faction. This was precisely the cunning of Huoqing the sly way he openly sought justice for her, while secretly backing her into a difficult position. If one were to commend him, he was always calculating; by raising the case to the Emperor, he managed to pressure Zuo Zhaoyi while also making a show to the Su family. Yet if one were to criticize him, it would be hard to ignore the way he’d carefully peeled the egg and pressed it to her face, his gestures seemingly sincere, not just a performance.
Prince Xin accompanied them out of the Licheng Palace, all the way to the Xuande gate, pointing east as he said, “In a few days, I’ll move to Wude Palace on my own. Next year, it’ll be time to set up my residence and household.” Turning past the Crown Prince, he offered Su Xinghe a bow, saying, “Second Sister-in-law, you’ve had a rough day. Make sure Second Brother takes good care of you.”
Xinghe smiled at him, though it pulled painfully at her left cheek, and she winced. “Your Highness, I’m not your second sister-in-law; you’ve got the wrong person.”
Prince Xin ignored her words. “Don’t worry; I’ll personally ensure that whoever struck you will pay. My brother may be the immaculate Crown Prince, the nation’s heir, and he certainly can’t go around calling for retribution, at least not before he ascends the throne. But that doesn’t mean those trifles will go unattended. Who’ll handle it? I’ll take care of it,” he said, patting his chest confidently.
Xinghe’s weak protest went completely unnoticed by either of the brothers. The Crown Prince looked at her face repeatedly, his heart breaking. “You should still use the egg tonight. I’ll apply it for you; don’t worry, it won’t hurt.” he felt a vague sense of foreboding about the eggs… Hopefully, he wasn’t holding a grudge and had forgotten about the careless kick she gave him last night.
