Chapter 276: Unplanned Convergence
Grand Tutor Dong finally returned to the capital, but he had caught a cold on the way and needed to rest and recuperate.
The Empress was very worried upon hearing this and immediately ordered Imperial Physician Wu to personally visit the Grand Tutor’s mansion to take his pulse.
She also ordered Yu Lu to take supplements and dim sum from the palace.
Yu Lu returned to the palace after dark and reported to the Empress, “Your Ladyship, please do not worry. The Grand Tutor only has a mild cold and it is not serious. He is also tired from the journey and wishes to rest.
The Grand Tutor already knows all about Prince Zhao’s affairs from his journey. Tomorrow, have the Imperial Uncle come to the palace to discuss it with Your Ladyship.”
The Empress felt a little relieved upon hearing this.
The next day, the Empress’s brother, Dong Sicheng, entered the palace.
The Empress first inquired about Grand Tutor Dong’s illness and then about the events of the journey.
Only at the end did she mention Ying Tong’s troublemaking.
Dong Sicheng said, “My sister came to our home yesterday and made a scene. Father has already reprimanded her, calling her willful and impatient, and saying she ruined important matters.”
“It was also my carelessness. She had vaguely mentioned Prince Chu’s side to me before. Each time I sternly rebuked her, thinking it would be fine. I never expected that they would reach such a point of irreconcilable conflict behind my back,” the Empress sighed. “But no matter what, the deed is done, and we can only find a way to balance things.”
As she spoke, she recounted the plan Wen Mingqian had told her and asked Dong Sicheng, “Do you think this plan is feasible?”
Dong Sicheng listened and said, “Your Ladyship is wise. This is quite similar to what Father thought. As long as the foundation is not destroyed, Prince Chu and the others are nothing to fear.”
The Empress breathed a sigh of relief and said, “If that’s the case, we should also try to gauge the King of Fenye’s intentions and see if he is still willing to betroth Ying Tong. However, Duan Min and I are at odds, and she is now currying favor with Qi Sihe. It’s not convenient for me to ask her directly.”
Dong Sicheng then said, “Why not ask the Grand Princess to inquire? She and Princess Duanmin can always talk to each other.”
The Empress, however, said, “The Grand Princess happened to leave the palace yesterday. Oh well, I’ll find someone else!”
After chatting for a while longer, Dong Sicheng said, “Father said that once he recovers a bit, Ying Bai should have moved out of the palace by then. He will visit him personally. Prince Chu and Princess Consort Chu will give him face no matter what. If everyone makes concessions afterward, it will be fine.”
After Dong Sicheng left, the Empress called Yu Lu to her side and asked him, “Who do you think should go and probe Princess Duanmin’s thoughts for me?”
Yu Lu scratched his head and said, “This is such a big matter, I wouldn’t dare to speak rashly.”
The Empress gave him an annoyed look. Yu Lu shrunk his neck and said, “I am useless, please forgive my offense, Your Ladyship.”
Yu Lu’s master, Feng Jiang, was originally the chief eunuch of the Empress’s palace, but unfortunately, he died of illness the year before last.
This Feng Jiang was excellent in every way, and the Empress never had to worry about any major or minor matters. After his death, the Empress, out of sentimentality, let his disciple Yu Lu take his place.
This Yu Lu is naturally not as capable as his master, but he is loyal.
Yu Lu said to the Empress cautiously, “Your Ladyship has been talking with the Imperial Uncle for half the day and must be tired. Why not take a nap before lunch?”
The Empress thought for a moment and said, “Go to the back and see what the Imperial Kitchen has prepared for His Majesty’s lunch. Then, summon Mingqian.”
Wen Mingqian entered and first paid her respects. The Empress said, “Come and give me a massage. My neck feels so stiff.”
The Empress was already over forty, and with the constant worry, she couldn’t sleep well, making her feel tired and weak.
Wen Mingqian agreed, washed her hands, and lit some incense.
The Empress closed her eyes and said, “What you said the other day actually coincided with the Grand Tutor’s plan.”
Wen Mingqian replied, “The Grand Tutor thinks so too? Then I must have stumbled upon the right idea.”
“Now that the Grand Princess is not in the palace, who should probe Princess Duanmin’s thoughts?” the Empress said faintly. “Tell me.”
Wen Mingqian was silent for a moment and said, “Why not ask Her Ladyship Consort Hui?”
The Empress shook her head, “Consort Hui won’t do. Duan Min can’t even exchange a few words with her.”
Wen Mingqian pondered for another moment and said, “I have thought of someone, but I don’t know if it’s appropriate.”
The Empress asked her who it was.
Wen Mingqian said, “Is Her Ladyship Consort Yun suitable? I often see her with Princess Duanmin, so I believe they can get along well.”
The Empress mused, “Consort Yun… she does have a good relationship with Duan Min.”
Wen Mingqian further elaborated, “I have also observed that Princess Duanmin has a stubborn personality. If she doesn’t get along with someone, she won’t listen to them. If Your Ladyship invites Consort Yun here and speaks with her directly, I believe she will not refuse you.
I foolishly thought that if Your Ladyship also offered some benefits, she would be even more willing to do Your Ladyship’s bidding.”
The Empress knew very well that Consort Yun was afraid of her. For many years, she had lived in seclusion, precisely to avoid displeasing her.
And Duan Min had brought her out as soon as she returned to the palace. But Duan Min would always return to the grassland, and then she would have to live like a frightened mouse again.
So she said, “This idea is quite feasible. I’ll talk to her later.”
She then sighed, “Alas, I am also helpless now, with more will than strength. Everyone has their troubles, and in the end, all the troubles are piled before me for me to deal with. Who truly cares about me?”
“Your Ladyship is destined to be the Phoenix, so it is natural that you bear more,” Wen Mingqian said while massaging the Empress. “Even watching from the side, I feel you are truly working hard and wish to share your burdens, but my abilities are limited.”
“You are already very good. Since you entered the palace, you have relieved me of much worry,” the Empress said. “Before, I always had a few people around me who could help with planning and strategizing. But in recent years, the old have died, and those remaining by my side are only loyal but incapable.”
“The most important thing for a servant is loyalty. Otherwise, what is the use of capability?” Wen Mingqian said, then hesitated.
The Empress sensed it and said, “Just say whatever you have to say!”
Wen Mingqian said, “I thought of something, but I’m afraid of being presumptuous.”
The Empress said, “You are too cautious. Just say it. You also know that I get a headache whenever I think about things. You are helping me share my worries, so even if you say something wrong, I won’t blame you.”
Only then did Wen Mingqian say, “I was thinking about the palace servants in Prince Chu’s Heir Apparent’s palace who died of illness. The Imperial Physician Su was the first to examine them when they fell ill. At that time, he was careless and said it was poisoning. Now he is imprisoned and it has not been decided how to punish him. It would be better to have him change his statement, to avoid future trouble.”
“This Su Qingyun is truly careless. In my opinion, he should be dismissed and exiled,” the Empress was not a soft-hearted person.
“Your Ladyship is right, but I was thinking that if we forgive him this time, he will surely be grateful and can atone for his crimes by meritorious service,” Wen Mingqian lowered her voice slightly.
