It’s not just men who like to rise in rank and wealth, for ambitious women, it’s also a potent stimulant.
The Ministry of Military Control Affairs was originally a government office for the emperor to command the imperial guards. Through several dynasties, it evolved into its current structure. With numerous cases handled, whether grievances were righted or not was entirely at the discretion of the one in charge. Su Xinghe managed the Ministry of Military Control documents for the Crown Prince, and after five years of accumulated experience, she was quite familiar with the office. Currently in power aside from the Crown Prince, was Commander Nan Yushu. It was inconvenient for a man to handle women’s cases, so establishing a Deputy Commander to share responsibilities was inevitable. Moreover, she was under the Crown Prince’s wing. If she could truly take up the position even the Commander would not dare to oppose her.
To have rightful authority and not just rely on the favor of her master was her long-term goal. Who doesn’t want to stand tall and proud? Controlling the Ministry of Military Control meant having the power to grip the throats of high officials. Such a coveted position was hard to resist.
A slight smile appeared on her face. “Is Anda’s information reliable?”
Eunuch patted his chest in assurance, “I heard it with my ears, there’s no mistake. When you meet with Zuo Zhaoyi, she will surely mention this matter, to you.”
She gently took a breath and bowed to the Eunuch. “Then I will rely on your good words. If this matter succeeds, I will remember your help.”
Eunuch smiled bashfully, his voice pinched, “With your promise, I will be your informer for life. When you rise, you can also lift me, right?” He said this while leading her into the main hall of the Fengchu Palace.
If an aging beauty can keep a man’s heart, she must have something unique. The palace is filled with women, but there is only one emperor. Over time, not seeing a man, what could they turn to for solace? Some read and practice calligraphy, others raise birds and dogs, but they all have one common trait: they believe in Buddhism. When faith in Buddhism goes deep, it often fills the palace with smoke from incense, with the sound of wooden fish being struck and scriptures being recited all day. Even though the emperor also believes in Buddhism, after a while, it becomes unbearable. Even deities come down to earth to experience life, which is why Zuo Zhaoyi became the source of vital energy. Zuo Zhaoyi was unlike the other concubines; she didn’t love Buddhism, and her body didn’t carry the scent of incense. Her palace was always a scene of bustling beauty, filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers. Red lacquered windowsills were adorned with gilded birdcages, and a large pot of orchids sat on the table beside them. In the spring, autumn-hued curtains adorned the hall. In the summer they were replaced with golden silk and green vine curtains. Every detail of the arrangement was so meticulous that stepping inside felt refreshing and bright. Not just the emperor, but even she, every time she came, felt a different, delightful experience.
Eunuch, bending at the waist, stood outside the screen door and reported, “Your Majesty, Madam Xue is here.”
Zuo Zhaoyi, dressed in a royal blue robe embroidered with golden bamboo leaves and plum blossoms, sat under the window, using a bronze needle to pick out the accumulated charcoal from her hand warmer. The sunlight filtered gently through the Korean paper windows, casting a soft glow on her increasingly graceful face.
Su Xinghe approached with hands at her sides, respectfully bowing, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”
Zuo Zhaoyi, always courteous to the people from the Eastern Palace, put down the bronze needle and excused her from the formalities. “Madam Xue is busy, what brings you to my palace today?”
Su Xinghe bowed even lower. “His Highness the Crown Prince heard yesterday that Your Majesty was unwell. He was very concerned and wanted to come personally to inquire about your health. However, due to a court meeting today, I couldn’t make it and you asked me to check on you instead. How are you feeling now, Your Majesty? Are you well?”
Zuo Zhaoyi knew these were just polite words. Even if the Crown Prince was very busy. he wouldn’t come to her palace. Why? Because of the difference in their status. Even if she was of a different generation, as long as she didn’t ascend to the position of Empress, she was merely a concubine. If they met, he would pay his respects; if not, he wouldn’t even mention her.
To survive in the palace, the most important thing is to be aware of situations and act accordingly. Zuo Zhaoyi leaned forward slightly, appearing very appreciative. “The day before yesterday. took a walk in the garden and must have caught a chill. It flared up at night and troubled me for the entire night. The Imperial Medical Bureau prescribed some medicine, and after taking two doses and sweating it out, I feel better today. Please thank His Highness the Crown Prince for his concern on my behalf, Madam Xue.”
Su Xinghe replied, “This year is colder than previous years, even during the same season. Your Majesty must take care of your health, going out only on sunny days to avoid the cold wind seeping into your bones. Even if you don’t feel it your body might have already caught a chill.”
Zuo Zhaoyi nodded with a smile, and said to Eunuch, “What did I say? Although Madam Xue is an official, he isn’t like those coarse people who only go straight and don’t know how to be tactful. I’ve often heard people say, that Madam Xue is difficult to deal with, but I reckon that’s just a bunch of servants gossiping. Seeing him today, isn’t he genuinely considerate?”
Eunuch chimed in, tapping the edge of a pot, “A tree that stands out in the forest will always attract criticism.”
After a few more lively exchanges, Zuo Zhaoyi finally remembered to invite her to sit. She raised her hand and called for tea, then leaned back on her cushion and instructed Eunuch, “I need to speak with Madam Xue privately. There’s no need to serve us here; everyone, leave.”
Eunuch acknowledged and, before leaving, smiled at Su Xinghe, then led the maids out.
The hall quieted with the occasional sound of the wind rustling the curtains. The cold seemed to freeze everything, making the people and furnishings appear lifeless. Suddenly, the hem of Zuo Zhaoyi’s skirt lifted slightly, revealing a small yellow head. No matter how tense the atmosphere, the sight of this little creature instantly eased it.
The head peeked out, followed by the body. However, the body was so chubby that it waddled as it moved, almost rolling along.
Su Xinghe laughed, “Your Majesty’s cat is well cared for.”
Talking about the cat naturally brought up a cheerful topic, Zuo Zhaoyi’s cat was entirely yellow, with only its belly being white. According to the “Classic of Cat Appraisal,” it was called a “golden coat with a silver bed.” The same type of cat was depicted in the Song Dynasty painting “The Little Portrait of a Cat,” so Zuo Zhaoyi named her cat Linu (Raccoon Slave).
Zuo Zhaoyi picked up Linu, placed it on her lap, and gently stroked it. She tapped its nose and, in a tone gentler than when speaking of Prince Jianping, said, “You have no idea, this little thing is both lazy and greedy, always wanting to taste everything. Last time, the imperial doctors left some opium paste on the table without a cover, and it went up and licked it. Nearly scared me to death…” After finishing the story about her pet, she finally remembered the person, in front of her and asked, “How is your mother’s health recently?” The conversation had shifted from formalities to a more casual and familial tone.
Su Xinghe expressed her gratitude, “Her health is still robust, but her headaches persist and can’t be completely cured.”
“Headaches are the hardest to treat. Maybe once the internal heat is cleared, she will gradually get better. Last month, the palace received a new tribute of dendrobium. I’ll have someone pack some up and send it to your mother,” said Zuo Zhaoyi. Then she shifted the conversation again, “As Nian Shikuan has likely already told you, the Emperor intends to establish a Deputy Commander Nan Yushu. You are the most suitable candidate for this position. Firstly, you have been handling the documents for the Ministry of Military Control for years, so you are familiar with its workings. Secondly, you are favored by the Crown Prince, so recommending you is beyond question.”
There are no unearned benefits in this world and Zuo Zhaoyi’s kindness was not without reason. “Ten years ago it was she who arranged for Su Xinghe to enter the Eastern Palace.”
Placing trusted individuals near political enemies to monitor their every move was a common strategy. However, she had been discreet and diligent in her duties over the past decade, partly because the true master seldom used her for such tasks.
But now, there were major actions to be taken. The higher one climbs, the more one has to risk for life. From now on, it would be to muddle through the days aimlessly.
Zuo Zhaoyi smiled, “I’m giving you a chance to rise high; you should understand my intentions. The incident at Princess Xiaoling’s residence… cannot be dragged on. Reputation is crucial.”
Su Xinghe’s opinion remained unchanged, as keeping the case in her hands was her leverage. If she played her card too early, her position would be fixed, and she might lose her flexibility, in the future.
However, in front of Zuo Zhaoyi, she spoke differently than she did to the Crown Prince. She was extremely considerate of Princess Xiaoling. “The Prince Consort died within the inner chambers of the Princess’s residence. The cause of death is recorded in the Ministry of Military Control’s dossier—it wasn’t due to illness but poisoning. Hastily closing the case won’t silence the rumors, and would be very detrimental to the Princess.” She tucked her hands in and gave a dry smile. “If I were already the Deputy Commander, this case, in my hands would be resolved with just a word. Unfortunately, Deputy Commander Nan Yushu got involved earlier, and he’s a tough nut. Hastily closing the case might lead to him submitting a memorial to the Cabinet, making things even more difficult later. My suggestion is to postpone it. It’s hard to maneuver when things are heated. Once, the fervor dies down we can quietly find someone to take the fall and settle it without a fuss.”
As for who was behind the murder of the Prince Consort, it was almost obvious without even thinking. Besides the overly spoiled Princess Xiaoling, who else would have the audacity? Princess Xiaoling and Prince Jianping were born of the same mother. Zuo Zhaoyi had once fiercely competed with Empress Gong to bear children. The Empress’s two pregnancies produced the Crown Prince and Prince Xìn, while Zuo Zhaoyi gave birth to the emperor’s first daughter, making her extremely precious. Being the first she naturally received extra favors, resulting in an undeniably arrogant princess.
It’s said that strict discipline yields filial children, while indulgence creates trouble. Princess Xiaoling’s marriage was far from smooth. She married a Prince Consort who was completely incompatible with her, and they bickered constantly. Later, rumors began, to circulate about her having an affair with the Prince Consort’s brother. Initially, no one took it seriously, but not long after the Prince Consort suddenly died.
It was merely about removing an eyesore to rightfully and openly be together. The Prince Consort’s father, Minister Gao, had to suffer in silence, unable to complain openly. Although no one was actively investigating the case, it was still a murder, and the Emperor did not cover it up, mainly because he believed his eldest daughter couldn’t have done such a thing. However, those handling the case knew the truth. Su Xinghe seized this opportunity, knowing that Zuo Zhaoyi’s future rise or fall could hinge on the Princess, depending on what the situation demanded.
She spoke tactfully, and Zuo Zhaoyi found her words reasonable. Sighing deeply, she lamented, “That child… truly causes me grief.”
Su Xinghe could only offer vague comfort, “With so many people in the household, it’s inevitable for something to go wrong. Once things settle down, it will all blow over without a trace.”
Zuo Zhaoyi was silent, for a moment before finally inquiring about the Crown Prince’s recent activities. After Su Xinghe reported truthfully, she frowned and sighed, “He is a clever man, always working closely with His Majesty. It won’t be easy to handle him.”
Su Xinghe smiled, “The urgent matter now is for Your Majesty to ascend to the position of Empress. Once the seal of the Central Palace is in your hands, everything else will be trivial.”
“Become Empress?” Zuo Zhaoyi’s eyes shone with unprecedented brightness from her desire. Letting go of the “golden coat with a silver bed” (Linu), she patted her knee and said, “You’re right. That is the key. The master cherishes the past. From those who emerged from the Hidden Dragon Residence, only I remain. My current status is due to the master’s fondness for our shared past. At over forty, I’m no longer young; in terms of beauty, every concubine in the palace is as lovely as a flower. I can’t compete with them in looks. I rely on that sentiment, which is more precious than gold. The master cannot bear to part with me.”
But she seemed to forget that the Emperor’s fondness for the past extended, not only to her but also, to the late Empress. That’s why, despite leading the harem for so many years, she remained only a “substitute Empress,” not even considered a deputy.
The wealth and honor were tied to someone else, and the titles she bore were like stamps on her face. The higher she climbed, the more it proved that she was the concubine who best understood how to cater to others’ whims. In Su Xinghe’s view, this was not only devoid of real glory but also somewhat, pitiable.
