“How old are you this year, Madam Xue?
Su Xinghe slightly bowed, “To answer Your Ladyship, I am twenty-two years old this year.”
Zuo Zhaoyi exclaimed softly, “Twenty-two… you’re not young anymore.”
Like girls outside, generally by sixteen or seventeen, they start, talking about marriage. They’re considered a leftover if they’re twenty-two and still not engaged. But it’s different in the palace. The age of female officials here is often overlooked. Typically, after serving in the palace for fifteen years, as long as there’s no specific order from above to stay, they can still arrange their marriages while continuing their official duties.
Zuo Zhaoyi had always been curious about her private affairs. They didn’t meet often, but each time she would inquire. Perhaps it was natural for women to be interested in such matters, or maybe she had heard some gossip. She even neglected to warm her hand stove, leaving it on the heated kang table, smiling gently as she straightened up and calmly looked at her.
Su Xinghe felt uncomfortable being scrutinized like this. Deep down, he knew he couldn’t be too honest with someone like her. The more truthful he was the more suspicious she might become.
“Does Your Ladyship have any instructions?”
Zuo Zhaoyi said it was nothing, dabbing at the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief. Then, she folded her hands on her knees. The armored cuffs, embedded with red gold and jade drops, caught the light in a shimmering band, with subtle ripples along the edges, giving them a majestic and rugged appearance.
“There are many people in the palace, as you know. With many people comes much gossip, spreading and distorting the truth… I’ve heard that the Crown Prince isn’t inclined towards the female officials around him, but he seems to regard you differently.” She couldn’t resist dropping a hint but quickly moved on with a diplomatic smile. “It could have been a good thing originally. After all, which girl wouldn’t want to climb higher? Especially with the Crown Prince… But Madam Xue, don’t forget, the Prince and your family have connections, and you’re wise. Don’t let trivial matters between men and women jeopardize your future. Madam Xue understands what I mean, right?”
Su Xinghe quickly stood up. “I will never forget Your Ladyship’s teachings. Sometimes the Crown Prince acts disrespectfully, but he is the master, and I dare not defy him. Yet, precisely because of this, I understand that someone like me is just a plaything. Who would want to be a plaything? Please, Your Ladyship, understand my situation.”
Zuo Zhaoyi’s smile shifted from a subtle, meaningful speculation to a more all-encompassing, compassionate understanding.
“I know you have high ambitions. Your grandfather was a good official who would rather break than bend. It’s a pity what happened later…” She then extended her hand, lightly patting Su Xinghe on the back. “The women in the palace, especially those who stand out, often have such fates. I sympathize with you, Madam Xue. The Crown Prince’s temper is difficult to deal with. The one he was initially betrothed to passed away, and within a year, he’ll be engaged to another. No matter how deep the feelings, he can’t stay unmarried forever, can he?”
Su Xinghe nodded in agreement. “Regarding this matter, even I cannot understand. Initially, the Emperor designated the daughter of a prime minister as the Crown Prince’s consort, but this intended consort passed away tragically before the marriage. If there were feelings between the Crown Prince and her, it would be understandable for him to mourn and refuse another marriage. But they barely met a few times—if he remains unmarried after that, it’s hard to justify.”
Zuo Zhaoyi was naturally not genuinely concerned about the Crown Prince’s marriage. In her view, it would be better if he remained unmarried for life. Originally, she speculated whether it was between him and Su Xinghe, but then dismissed the idea. After all, it’s not difficult for the master to have a woman; if he’s interested, he would take her as his consort directly. Furtive, secretive affairs—where’s the fun in that?
Since everything was temporarily unclear, she didn’t waste her energy figuring it out. Glancing at the time clock, it was about time. “After talking for so long, we shouldn’t arouse suspicion. It’s settled then, you may go now. Serve the master diligently.” With that, she lightly waved her hand, as she had birds to feed.
Su Xinghe again shouldered the blame, realizing that perhaps no one in the palace, except the Crown Prince himself, truly believed in her innocence.
She walked through the corridor, sleeves rolled up. The sun wasn’t dazzling, but the golden embroidery on her cuffs, heated by prolonged exposure, felt warm, to the touch. Deeply sighing, she exhaled a breath that turned into a mist before her eyes, dissolving to reveal the majestic red walls and green tiles of the palace, towering like mountains, just as cold and magnificent as when she first entered.
Zuo Zhaoyi mentioned her grandfather, a figure whose face had long become blurry in memory but whose form remained sharply etched in her mind. A tall, slender old man a gentlemanly stature that surpassed even those who stood upright. He had few hobbies—occasionally enjoying a sip of wine, playing a game of Go, and in his later years, doting on his grandchildren, with very few social engagements. Yet, despite his demeanor, he was unjustly accused and spent a month in prison. Upon release, he struggled internally and soon passed away.
The saying “Accompany the monarch as you would a tiger” remained timeless throughout the ages. the current political situation, where the sunlight illuminated one area brightly but left another, like the shadows beneath this wall, cold and murky.
Her grandfather had served as the magistrate of Jingzhao at the time, presiding over cases within the imperial city with the utmost integrity and prudence, earning an impeccable reputation. He was known by the alias Shenzhai, and people in the capital referred to him respectfully as Lord Shenzhai. Even today, elderly folks who once crossed paths with him would still praise him wholeheartedly. However, cases in the imperial city were difficult to judge impartially. While adhering to the law seemed straightforward, sometimes the law was merely a facade. the Emperor desired someone to live or die one needed to gauge his intentions. If one’s luck ran out or there were biases in the Emperor’s favor, and the master of the palace couldn’t be appeased, who else could fill that gap? Of course, it would fall upon oneself.
Lord Shenzhai filled that gap, and his release was due to the Emperor recognizing his “minor contributions,” not a full, exoneration. However, the Emperor knew the truth, so he continually bestowed promotions upon his descendants. These individuals had to forget grievances, continue living without resentment, and be grateful for the Emperor’s great favor.
Su Xinghe chuckled mockingly, even her position was attained by standing on Lord Shenzhai’s shoulders. Originally not needing special favors, it entangled her whole family with Prince Jianping. When Zuo Zhaoyi said, “Go and do your duties well for the master,” she didn’t mean the Crown Prince but Prince Jianping.
Being a good servant meant listening to the master, but she had no intention of being a servant. Since entering the Ministry of Military Control, she had gradually tasted the benefits of power. Initially just circling paperwork, the real moment to stretch her legs came once she grasped actual authority.
Glancing at the sun, which had risen high, she hastened steps back to the Eastern Palace. Passing through the Jade Gate was the Zhongjiao Hall, where the Crown Prince handled state affairs. Chunfang pavilions stood on either side, guards in armor stationed at the palace gates, displaying a formidable presence. Generally, palace maids were not allowed to enter or exit from there, but female officials faced no such restrictions. Although Su Xinghe didn’t belong to these two institutions, she often accompanied the Crown Prince and was familiar with his entourage like his fellow scholars and advisors.
On the way, she happened to a Judicial Officer who inquired about the Crown Prince’s whereabouts. The officer replied with a sigh, “His Highness is in a bad mood today. Just earlier, he flew into a rage and kicked Dequan. Right now, he has returned to the Lijing Hall.”
She didn’t know what sparked his anger, appropriate to ask too much. Her mind filled with doubts, she hurried her steps towards Lijing Hall.
Upon reaching there, she saw His Majesty Dan standing with his head held high, while Dequan held the dusting cloth, squinting under a dripping eave. He didn’t say anything when she arrived, his expression sour. He pointed inside with a finger, indicating that the Crown Prince was in the hall. Erratic temperaments were common among those in power, they couldn’t interject. After receiving a kick, they couldn’t even massage the bruised ego of the Crown Prince.
Su Xinghe lifted her robe and entered the hall. The chamber was deep, with doors and windows wide open, sunlight casting diamond-shaped reflections of various sizes on the golden bricks. The main Hall was silent, several maids standing with bowed heads, barely daring to breathe audibly. To the west, in the warm pavilion, was the Crown Prince’s study. Su Xinghe glanced at the gatekeeper standing outside the curtain and received a nod in response, allowing her to pull aside the soft curtain.
When things were about to explode, there had to be someone to light the fuse, and whoever got involved would inevitably suffer. Su Xinghe steeled herself and entered, catching sight of the corner of a black robe by the window. Without scrutinizing further, she approached with hands folded and reported, “I have returned from Fengchu Palace. Zuo Zhaoyi is in good health and spirits. I have come to report to Your Highness.”
The person by the window remained silent, standing motionless. Su Xinghe raised her eyes slightly and noticed the intricate patterns of brocade hanging before the window. Fine dust particles danced in the light, creating a dreamlike melancholy.
“Your Highness…” Unable to wait for further instructions, she gathered her courage and said, “If there are no other commands, I will take my leave.”
The figure by the window spoke briefly, “Don’t hurry.”
The floor was covered with a plush carpet of fine lotus-patterned velvet, soft underfoot like walking on clouds. The Crown Prince paced with hands behind his back, his robe trailing, in a serene sweep. The fragrance of white plum blossoms mingled with the gentle aroma emanating from the burning furnace.
“Today, I listened to someone recite a poem,” his voice, like precious metal, carried a faintly cool undertone, unhurriedly intoning, “In the official’s path, meticulous work is key; Trust from the capital is constant, offerings abundant. Avoid discussing current affairs to show heroism; In myriad human affairs, ambiguity is needed. Arguing is futile, discussing is futile.”
Su Xinghe raised her eyes in surprise. “Where did Your Highness hear this?”
“Where did I hear it? It’s been widely circulated outside,” he scoffed coldly. “What alarms me isn’t others; it’s the stench of self-preservation and decay in this poem. For this dynasty to flourish, the loyalty of the capital officials alone isn’t sufficient. Those overseeing the salt policy and finances in the provinces, if they fall short, the court will be constrained.”
Su Xinghe’s heart skipped a beat. She bowed and said, “Your Highness, please don’t worry. I will immediately order the Ministry of Military Control to conduct a thorough investigation and root out the person responsible.”
“Not only individuals will be dug out, His Majesty has ordered an investigation into the backgrounds and assets of all high-ranking officials as well,” he added.
“It’s going to be tricky,” Su Xinghe pondered hesitating. “Should we proceed openly or discreetly? Doing it discreetly might make it difficult to uncover everything…”
The Crown Prince glanced at her impassively. “Even if we proceed openly, we might not uncover everything. In my opinion, focusing on the officials dispatched outside the capital is crucial. By pulling out the radish, we naturally bring out the mud. But this court is like a pond—when the water is clear, there are no fish. Investigating requires delicate handling; a heavy-handed approach will surely cause widespread repercussions. Pull out one or two as examples, and punish them severely to warn the others. Tell Comander Nan Yushu not to stir up panic; the decree from the Hall of Government is for covert investigations. If it causes a storm across the city, it won’t look good before His Majesty.”
Su Xinghe hurriedly nodded in acknowledgment. “I will go deliver the message immediately.”
However, as she stepped back half a pace, the Crown Prince furrowed his brow again. “I haven’t finished speaking,” he said.
Since he hadn’t finished, she naturally had to continue listening. Su Xinghe stepped forward again, standing respectfully with her hands down and head bowed, resembling how he would listen attentively to his father’s teachings in the palace.
Sitting down on the southern Kang, the Crown Prince continued, “Today, His Majesty mentioned selecting a Crown Princess again. What do you think we should do?”
This question caught her off guard. How would she know what to do? She was still thinking about the task the Ministry of Military Control had taken on this time. Following the regulations precisely, she responded, “Your Highness may not like to hear this… His Majesty hopes you to marry and start a family, just like every parent, in the world. You are indeed at the age to do so, and as the heir apparent, establishing a family early and having descendants is important for the stability of the state.”
He seemed to find her reasoning plausible, fiddling with his prayer beads as he murmured, “A man without a household is not a good thing…”
She nodded gently. “Not to mention princes, even the sons of high-ranking officials in the court shouldn’t delay starting a family. Your Highness, His Majesty is concerned, but some things are difficult to discuss openly…”
He made a sound of agreement. “Like what?”
“For instance, His Majesty worries about your personal preferences.”
“That’s not a big deal. Everyone in the palace and court knows about that.”
Su Xinghe’s face turned slightly pale and awkward. ” those aren’t the most important. What’s crucial is that Your Highness needs to have an heir. In imperial families, offspring are vital; your status is exceptional, and His Majesty has high expectations of you.”
She felt her words were carefully chosen, leaving no room for misunderstanding. The truth be told, she also hoped the Crown Prince would marry a Crown Princess soon. This way, if he ever inexplicably targeted her, there would be some restraint. Unexpectedly, a vague smile appeared on the Crown Prince’s face as he replied warmly, “That’s why I’ve already agreed with Father. When Madam Xue’s belly shows any movement, I will promptly send someone to report to the Emperor. It shouldn’t be long now. Please ask Father to wait for my good news.”
