Yu Zi Heng

CHAPTER 6:

32

A whole bunch of young girls had entered the palace. There were so many that the Empress Dowager couldn't even take in all their faces as they paid their respects. She looked at them with hopeful anticipation and said, “You must all strive to produce heirs for the Emperor.”

Then, she turned to the older concubines, including the Xián Fēi and the Shū Fēi, and encouraged them: “Continue your efforts, my dears.”

The two Noble Consorts responded with the practiced, polite smiles they'd honed over years in the palace.

Shú Pín claimed illness, and Wèi Zhàoyí remained silent, clutching her handkerchief. Xú Pín, who had become the ‘invisible woman’ after the previous Róng Pín was banished, offered a sarcastic reply: “We will all ‘strive’ to do our best.”

The Empress Dowager continued: “Zi Heng, I always trust you with matters like this. Arrange these new girls well, and you all listen carefully—treat my seal as if you see me, show it respect.”

“Yes,” the girls replied, their voices soft and melodious like the chirping of birds.

No one could have predicted that on the very day the new girls arrived, the Emperor would choose to spend the night with me.

I had just returned to my chambers, the ‘Shuyue Residence’, after handling some affairs with the Internal Affairs Department. I was still wearing my loose-fitting, comfortable robe with its dragon embroidery and leather boots. My hair was unbound, flowing in waves, and my maid, Fu Bao, was massaging my temples.

The Emperor's sudden appearance startled me. “Your Majesty, what brings you here?” I asked.

As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted them. It was the middle of the night, and the Emperor was in a concubine's quarters. Could he possibly be seeking a midnight snack?

“Fu Bao,” I instructed, “serve the Emperor tea.”

Fu Bao practically flew out of the room.

The Emperor approached me, gently lifting a strand of my hair. “Your hair is so beautifully curled…” he murmured.

“It's a family genetic,” I replied.

The Emperor's hand slid down, settling on my shoulder. His eyes held a predatory gleam, like an animal spotting its prey.

“I've been holding back for a month, since New Year's Eve…” he said.

“Oh, you think you've been holding back? I've been holding back for a whole year!” I thought to myself.

My face remained impassive as I pulled him closer by his sash. “Then don't hold back anymore.”

Once a year, for one night, I, Yí Guì Pín, was back on duty.

33

The moment Chen Xi turned five, I began searching all of Daye for a tutor for him.

Yes, the Emperor already had three sons, the youngest, Chen Xi, was five years old, and he still hadn't set up a study for his sons to read.

Unbelievable!

Of course, there were historical reasons behind this—the eldest prince's awkward status, the second prince being spoiled by Shū Fēi and injuring three tutors, and Chen Xi being too young for reading. But ultimately, it boiled down to one thing:

He simply didn't care about his three sons.

No wonder. The Emperor's only three sons were all born under less than ideal circumstances. Especially now, with so many beautiful girls entering the palace, he felt constantly drained, with no time to think about them.

So, when I went to report about choosing tutors for the princes, he looked at me in surprise. “Xi'er is ready for his first lessons?”

He chuckled. “No rush, no rush. The spring hunt is about to begin. I'll take Yang'er and Xi'er to the imperial estate for a few days. We'll figure it out when we get back.”

I had forgotten about the spring hunt, something Chen Xi had been looking forward to for a long time. “Then we'll start his lessons after the spring hunt. But we need to choose the tutors first. The harem cannot interfere with government affairs, so please order the Ministry of Rites to handle it.”

“You're right, you're right. Yí Guì Pín is always so thoughtful.”

The Emperor looked at me, as if saying: Okay, I get it, you can go now.

I walked to his desk, picked up a brush, and handed it to him. “Today's matters should be dealt with today. Please issue the order now.”

Just then, the Empress Dowager entered the study, her face beaming. “Such a romantic scene, the Emperor and Zi Heng enjoying each other's company. I've come at a bad time!”

My hand shook, almost dropping the brush.

You're basically the ultimate palace timing master, aren't you...

34

I didn't go on the spring hunt. I had to handle palace affairs, choose tutors and companions for Xi'er, and a million other things. I simply couldn't spare the time.

“Don't be upset, Niangniang. By next spring hunt, you'll have learned how to ride. Then you can take the Third Prince with you!” Fu Bao brought me a cup of warm goat's milk.

“Nonsense. Ben Gong simply caught up with palace matters.”

“Yes, yes, Niangniang is devoted to palace affairs.”

After finishing my milk, someone from the Internal Affairs Department came to report that several buildings in the Cold Palace were in disrepair, likely to collapse on the palace servants. But they didn't know where to find the funds for repairs.

I had never been to the Cold Palace in all the time I'd been here. It was the perfect opportunity to take Fu Bao for a tour.

Most of the favored concubines had gone to the spring hunt, taking their senior maids with them. The palace was a lot quieter. I've never enjoyed riding in a sedan chair, so I walked there.

The Cold Palace superintendent knew I was coming and was waiting at the entrance. As soon as I stepped inside, a chilling atmosphere enveloped me.

The women in the Cold Palace stood in rows, heads bowed, all dressed in coarse linen. At a glance, I could tell that even though the material was rough, it was warm enough. This superintendent was clearly a smart man.

The superintendent came forward and reported the number of prisoners, servants, and buildings in the Cold Palace, the contents of the storerooms, their value, and a description of the dilapidated buildings and the estimated cost of repairs.

My eyes lit up. “You're a capable one.”

“Niangniang is too kind.”

“What was your previous post?” His demeanor, appearance, and way of speaking suggested he wasn't just an ordinary eunuch.

“I served in the Qiwu Palace before.”

No wonder… This was a eunuch from the late Empress's palace. He must have been implicated in her affair.

Suddenly, a woman rushed out from the ranks of banished concubines. She was even thinner than the women in the Cold Palace, who were already malnourished. She was practically skin and bones. Even more terrifying was the scar that ran from her brow to her lips, almost splitting her face in two.

“Poisonous woman! Don't you dare steal! Mine! It's all mine!”

She hadn't taken a few steps before the Cold Palace guards intercepted her. A slap sent her sprawling to the ground, unconscious.

I already knew who she was and was surprised she was still alive.

The superintendent knelt down to apologize.

I waved my hand. “If you can manage a madwoman, you shouldn't be here. Go to the Imperial Medical Department.”

Another woman, at the spot where the fallen woman lay, gently used her foot to keep her from lying directly on the cold ground. I recognized her—Róng Pín who had caused Wèi Zhàoyí to miscarry last year.

Her face was clean, her hair perfectly groomed. She looked more composed than when she was surrounded by silks and jewels.

“Is that Róng Pín?”

Fu Bao rushed forward to look. “Yes, Niangniang, it's Róng Pín.”

Rong knelt down and paid me respects. “This criminal, Rong, greets Yí Guì Pín.”

“How are you doing in the Cold Palace?”

“I'm well, Niangniang.”

I've never been known for my kindness, but I remember when Shū Fēi was in favor, everyone in the palace laughed at me. Only Róng Pín would still talk to me when we greeted the Empress Dowager each day.

“Your family was sent to the Bǎi Yuè. Though the land is rife with insects and miasma, the fruits and grains are delicious. Ben Gong has a cousin stationed there. Ben Gong mentioned it to him when I sent him New Year's gifts. You can live a simple life if you're content.”

“Niangniang…” Rong's eyes welled up as she tried to kneel again.

“Don't thank me. You've suffered what you deserved. Ben Gong will use funds from my private treasury to renovate the Cold Palace. Live well.”

“Yes!”

I left with Fu Bao. As we were leaving, I looked at the Cold Palace superintendent. “Once the Cold Palace is renovated, report to the Shuyue Residence to receive your new assignment.”

The superintendent knelt down. “Your Highness, I am an unlucky person…”

“How unlucky can you be?”

I'm not looking down on you. In terms of misfortune, all of you here are garbage.

35

Shuyue Residence was located east of the Imperial City's central axis, while the Cold Palace was in the north. As I was returning, it was time for the Jinlin Guards to change shifts in the heart of the Imperial City. I didn't want to retrace my steps, so I chose to circle around to the west and then head back.

But despite my efforts, I couldn't avoid them. Not far from the Yinglong Gate, I saw a flash of golden armor.

“When did the Jinlin Guards start guarding the Yinglong Gate?”

Fu Bao shook her head. “I don't know, Niangniang."

The Jinlin Guards were the Emperor's personal guard. Only a small contingent was left to guard the very center of the Imperial City. They shouldn't be here—the Cold Palace was part of the inner palace, and no men were supposed to enter.

The Jinlin Guards also noticed my entourage. Several third-rank guards quickly knelt down to pay their respects. Closer to the Yinglong Gate, a man in the armor of a Jinlin Commander, with a python-patterned sash, approached me with a child.

Fu Bao gasped. “Niangniang…”

Silly girl, she was so scared she'd regressed to her eighteen-year-old self.

The man was tall and imposing. His armor made him look even more muscular and upright. He wore a pure black long sword at his waist, and he held a boy dressed as a eunuch in his left arm. The boy's eyes were a deeper shade than usual, and there was a hidden current in them that I couldn't decipher.

He drew closer, so close I could almost smell the sandalwood fragrance on him.

He grinned, revealing a set of pearly white teeth, like a stupid but ferocious wolf.

Fu Bao quickly backed away, taking the other palace servants with her, leaving me facing him alone.

“It's been a long time. Niangniang has risen to great heights. I almost didn't recognize you. Please don't hold it against me.”

“Shen Duo, speak properly.”

Shen Duo stared at me intently, tilting his chin up in a way that was incredibly annoying—he was so tall, anyone talking to him had to look up. “My apologies, I can't speak properly.”

“Then go somewhere cooler.”

“This place is pretty cool.”

“Try talking to me like that again.”

“Try me.”

I was so angry I was about to roll up my sleeves when the boy, who had been held in Shen Duo's arms the whole time, suddenly spoke.

“ …Can you put me down first?”

36

“Who is this?”

Shen Duo set the child down, and I finally got a good look at him. He was a rather delicate-looking boy, but he had a faint shadow of beard on his chin, indicating he wasn't a eunuch.

“This is the First Prince.”

The First Prince?

“I'm not! You've got the wrong person!”

Shen Duo crossed his arms. “If Niángniáng doesn't believe me, you can send a palace servant to confirm.”

He dared to say that. This child was undoubtedly the First Prince, Chen Yuan.

“How did you end up at the Yinglong Gate with the First Prince?”

Shen Duo replied, “I was wondering the same about Niángniáng. I saw your entourage pass through the Middle Palace earlier this morning and come this way. I thought I might catch a glimpse of you during the shift change. Tsk, it seems Niángniáng was avoiding me.”

I didn't! I wasn't! You're lying!

Fu Bao, standing not far behind, coughed lightly, reminding me that the First Prince was still there.

Indeed, Shen Duo's blatant disregard for decorum meant even a fool like Chen Yuan knew what was going on.

I smiled at Chen Yuan. “First Prince, why are you here?”

Chen Yuan mumbled, “I… I was just taking a walk.”

“Taking a walk that got the Jinlin Guards involved?”

Chen Yuan looked at me, then at Shen Duo. “You let me go, and I won't say anything about seeing this.”

“Perhaps it would be easier for me to simply kill you.”

“You…” Chen Yuan took a step back in fear.

“Do you want Commander Shen to take you to your father, or should I take you back to the inner palace?”

“Very well. Come with me.”

Shen Duo suddenly interjected, “Did I say you could take him, Yí Guì Pín?”

I didn’t even turn around. “Shen Duo, what Ben Gong does doesn’t require your approval.” 

“What if I insist on stopping you?”

“You can try. Don’t waste Ben Gong’s time with pointless words. Don’t be so picky about it!”

I heard him chuckle softly. “Yu Zi Heng, you haven't changed a bit.”

I ignored him and quickened my pace, leaving him behind.

37

Chen Yuan lived alone in a small, lakeside dwelling behind the Qiwu Palace. It had a poetic name, but in reality, it was a converted stage, isolated and uncomfortable, cold in winter, hot in summer, and plagued by mosquitos.

He was only attended to by a wet nurse and a eunuch. As a prince, his situation was a stark contrast to Chen Yang and Chen Xi.

“Yí Guì Pín, will… will Emperor Father find out about today?”

“He will.”

Chen Yuan lowered his head. “Can Niangniang keep it from him?”

“It's no use. He's the Emperor. Ben Gong can't hide it from him.”

Chen Yuan, dressed in a eunuch's uniform, stood amidst the dilapidated lakeside dwelling. The air was thick with the scent of long-neglected moss. An elderly, hunched-over wet nurse peered out at him from inside.

——

The scene was so pathetic it was almost comical, and Chen Yuan had been living like this for over three years.

Ever since the Empress passed away, his life had been like this.

“Think carefully about how you'll apologize to the Emperor when he returns. A prince escaping from the palace is unheard of. This isn't going to be easy to fix.”

I didn't want to get too involved with Chen Yuan.

But he stopped me. “Niangniang, am I not ridiculous? Just now, I was actually thinking about using your relationship with Commander Shen to threaten you into sending me out of the palace.”

Fu Bao, seeing that I was about to respond, shook her head slightly in a pleading gesture.

But I answered him anyway. “Your idea is actually feasible, but with your current abilities, you can't pull it off.”

Chen Yuan expected me to laugh at him, but I didn't. His face, which bore a five-point resemblance to the Emperor's, showed surprise. At that moment, I suddenly saw a glimpse of Chen Xi's grown-up self in his features.

“Your biggest mistake isn't wanting to escape, but attempting to escape when you're not capable of doing so. It's not about knowing something is impossible and doing it anyway; it's about running away.”

“Chen Yuan, you're the First Prince. That title is enough for you to make a comeback. Read more, observe more. The path within the palace is long. You haven't finished walking it.”

Chen Yuan stared at me as if I were a monster. A blush of color crept onto his pale, fragile face.

“By the way, Ben Gong just came out of the Cold Palace. Ben Gong saw your mother. She's still alive.”

Whoosh—

The blush intensified, and a storm erupted in Chen Yuan's eyes. “She's alive? Is she alright? What did she say?!”

“She's not alright. She's much worse off than you. If Ben Gong were you, I wouldn't give up just like that, even for her sake.”

My daily dose of kindness had been dispensed. I wasn't planning to continue giving Chen Yuan ‘words of encouragement.’

“Fu Bao, let's return to the palace.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Chen Yuan didn't ask any further questions. He simply prostrated himself before me, his forehead hitting the ground with a dull thud.

Bang—

________________

Translator Note:

If you've noticed, for several chapters, I've only used 'Ben Gong' when the female lead is talking to her subordinates or the prince. Otherwise, I always use 'I' and 'you.' There's no important reason, I'm just lazy and don't want to look up what she should say to the Emperor or Empress Dowager instead of 'I.' In the first chapter, the author said she should use 'Ben Gong' instead of 'I,' so I just followed their instructions. I'm such a good translator, haha.

To be honest, all the concubine rank names have already drained my energy. If you don't like it, just leave this story alone. It's simple, no need to exhaust your brain or anything. Peace ✌️

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