Chapter 18

Ever since Zhao Yuyan left the imperial presence, Sang Qingyun had felt a sense of relief. No longer did she have to live under the weight of Zhao’s probing and guarded gaze. She had not expected that the sudden departure was due to other reasons.

However, Zhao’s arrival had never been motivated by pure intentions, so it was only natural that she could no longer wait. Sang Qingyun could see that she harbored romantic aspirations toward the Emperor, possessing an air of someone determined to get what she wanted. Furthermore, with a powerful aunt backing her, such arrangements were to be expected.

Yet, as Eunuch Tan had wisely noted, the human heart is impossible to fathom. Back then, despite their vastly different backgrounds, they had stood as equals, and the Emperor had favored her more than Zhao Yuyan. Over this past year, Zhao must have harbored deep resentment. If they were to meet again in the palace, their stations would be vastly different; she would have to be exceptionally cautious and humble to highlight Zhao Yuyan’s nobility and distinction.

Sang Qingyun nodded. "I understand. I have troubled you, Eunuch. But Zhao Yuyan knows I am favored by the Emperor; surely she would not make things difficult for me."

Under the flickering candlelight, Eunuch Tan let out a long, heavy sigh. "You lived together for a year, and she never did anything to you, which suggests her heart was not originally wicked. But people change. You don't know—ever since you went to serve before the Emperor, my heart has never been at rest. You must remain vigilant in all things and protect your own life."

Every time they met, Eunuch Tan worried for her. He reminded her over and over that preserving her life was the most important thing and that she must be careful in all matters. Sang Qingyun knew that he had been in the palace for too long, having witnessed the collapse of many grand houses and the shifting of countless fates. Thus, he knew how difficult it was to remain true to one's original self within such a vortex. He worried that she was exhausted from navigating the Emperor’s side, that the concubines were eyeing her, and, most of all, he worried for the Emperor himself.

But all of this remained an unknown. It was precisely because it was unknown that her heart felt so uneasy. Both of them were mere servants; even with their relatively high status, they were insignificant entities in this vast Imperial City. The only advice he could offer was "be careful."

Life in the inner palace was so arduous, yet to have someone hold your safety in their heart every single day—how could Sang Qingyun not be moved? She took hold of Eunuch Tan’s wrinkled hand. Though she smiled, her voice choked with emotion. "I know, I know it all. But you must also look after your own health and stop worrying so much about me. You are getting on in years, and it is inevitable that your body will feel unwell. You must take care of yourself and wait for me to provide for you in your old age. Didn't you say you wanted to taste our Taizhou osmanthus cakes again? When we leave the palace in three years, we shall buy a small house in Taizhou, shall we?"

Eunuch Tan stroked Sang Qingyun’s hair, his smile finally returning. "Very well, whatever you say is fine."

Afterward, they shared a simple evening meal in the servant quarters and talked for a while longer before Sang Qingyun took her palace lantern and left. Her relationship with Eunuch Tan was not a secret within the Directorate of Palace Servants; after enough time in the palace, some were bound to know. However, Eunuch Tan insisted on keeping a low profile, believing that the fewer people who knew, the better, to avoid unnecessary trouble given their current positions. Since she had started serving the Emperor, their opportunities to meet had actually become fewer.

At least she could still see Eunuch Tan; it was even harder to find time to speak with Li Xixi. She wondered how Xixi had fared with the meat dumplings Eunuch Tan had sent over. She had only just come of age and still possessed a childlike nature; she must be terribly homesick.

***

In a few days, it would be the Dragon Boat Festival. All the imperial concubines, royal relatives, and high-ranking officials would attend the banquet—a day of great importance. The Noble Consort would be present, and Noble Lady Xu might not be willing to lose the Emperor’s favor because of Lady Tong; another storm would likely be brewing.

Sang Qingyun walked along the palace path, her footsteps light and quick. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps approached from the other side, accompanied by low voices. She glanced up. It was the imperial physician who served the Fengyi Palace, accompanied by his medical apprentices, walking from the direction of the Imperial Medical Office. She was standing on the path directly in front of the Fengyi Palace; the physician was likely headed for the Empress’s quarters. The last time she had returned from visiting Xixi, she had encountered a physician heading to the Fengyi Palace as well—that time, it was because the Second Prince had fallen ill. But the Second Prince had just been with the Emperor for the evening meal; could something have gone wrong again? She dared not linger and lowered her head, disappearing into the night.

***

Time slipped by until the day of the Dragon Boat Festival. At the first light of dawn, the sound of gongs and drums filled the air. Paper kites of all colors were hoisted high, and the palace was adorned with colorful sachets and mugwort, brimming with the festive atmosphere.

Sang Qingyun rose early to wash and dress, donning crisp new garments, waiting to serve the Emperor upon his return from the ancestral and deity sacrifices at Yunguang Mountain. For such a grand occasion, protocol dictated that she and the other female officials remain by the Emperor’s side, serving him from his return until he retired for the night.

When she finished dressing, she stepped out just as the dawn’s rays touched the horizon, the sky fading into a soft blue. By her calculations, the Emperor should be on his way back. Upon his return, he would first join the concubines at the Tingzhou Water Pavilion by the Taiye Pool to watch the military officers compete in the dragon boat races, awarding prizes to the top three, followed by the grand noon banquet. During the banquet, any concubines with exceptional talents could present their programs to the Empress beforehand, hoping to use their skills to win the Emperor's favor—this was the moment the concubines cared about most.

Inside the Tingzhou Water Pavilion, Sang Qingyun followed the Emperor as he entered. The concubines were already gathered. It was a lively day; even Consort Yu, who rarely left her quarters, had brought the First Prince. The concubines were all meticulously painted and dressed in magnificent court attire, showing the great effort they had put in.

The Empress wore a perfectly poised smile as she spoke with the concubines, maintaining the dignity befitting the mother of the nation. Seeing the Emperor enter, she immediately led the concubines and the princes and princesses in a salute: "Your servant greets the Emperor. May the Emperor live ten thousand years in peace."

Once seated on the dragon throne, Xie Yanhong raised his hand with a faint smile. "Today is a state banquet as well as a family banquet. There is no need for formality; please, be seated."

The Empress sat down gracefully, the Second Prince standing obediently by her side. She held his hand and said, "The Emperor has arrived at the perfect time. The dragon boat preparations are underway on the Taiye Pool. Look, Your Majesty, how lively it is."

"The annual dragon boat race is a grand event. Seeing how brave and elite these men are, one can see that the nation’s strength is flourishing. This is all the result of your tireless efforts, Your Majesty."

Xie Yanhong looked out. The young men on the Taiye Pool were full of vigor, the sound of gongs and drums ringing in their ears. Immersed in the scene, a sense of heroism stirred within him—it was truly magnificent. He did not hide his pleasure and spoke firmly, "It is said that a wise sovereign makes for virtuous ministers; the stability of the realm is not my achievement alone. However, the bravery of these men and the strength of our nation are the blessings of our society. I celebrate this day with you all."

Seeing that the Emperor had not responded to the Empress’s clumsy flattery, the Noble Consort, whose mood had been low for many days, finally felt a sense of relief. She raised her cup and said softly, "Only when the sovereign and his subjects are of one heart can there be harmony. To have such a ruler is the fortune of our land. It is a true honor for us to celebrate this Dragon Boat Festival with you, Your Majesty. I offer you a cup."

Xie Yanhong looked at the Noble Consort. She seemed a bit haggard, yet her temperament remained as gentle and docile as before. He had been cold to her these past days, and she had remained in seclusion, never causing trouble, which suggested she had reflected on her faults. Since that was the case, and many days had passed, it was time to move on.

"Since you offer a toast, A-Yu, I shall certainly drink." With that, Xie Yanhong finished his cup in one draught.

At this sight, the Noble Consort nearly wept with joy. The Emperor had not seen her for days, and she had been heartbroken, unwilling to go out or face the whispers of others. Although she knew the Emperor would not hold a grudge over a trifle, a woman in love is always anxious. Seeing the Emperor treat her as usual, her heart settled, and her entire demeanor brightened.

She glanced at the Empress, her lashes lowered, and she bit her lip slightly. She had only been away for half a month, yet the Empress seemed to have improved. Given the Empress’s old temperament, it was difficult to get her to say anything pleasant, but today she actually knew how to say what the Emperor liked to hear. But a leopard cannot change its spots; she was born that way, and even if she tried to change, how far could she go? In the end, it would still fail to please the Emperor.

The Empress, hearing the Emperor’s response, showed no sign of anger and continued to smile with great dignity. "I am happy for you and the Noble Consort that you are in harmony. After all, we are all sisters in the inner palace, serving the Emperor together; we should support one another and be as one family."

"To celebrate the festival, many concubines have told me they wish to perform. The palace banquet has never been as lively as it is this year. After watching the exciting dragon boat race, I wonder if the Emperor has the interest to witness the grace of his daughters."

Xie Yanhong answered warmly, "Since you have all put in the effort, I shall certainly do you the honor."

The Empress’s words brought the atmosphere to its peak, and the concubines below became even more focused. Sang Qingyun looked toward Li Xixi’s seat. She was sitting at the very end, secretly eating her feast. Each person of the "Chongyi" rank was allotted two rice dumplings and several small dishes; the fist-sized dumpling was already gone.

When she had visited Eunuch Tan, he had secretly given her the list of concubines who would perform. Consort Yan was skilled in dance, Noble Lady Xu in the zither, and Attendant Pei in the konghou. Consort Yan’s "Green Waist Dance" was particularly beautiful, which was how she had originally gained the Emperor’s favor. Li Xixi never cared to learn such things, so she could not possibly participate. Lady Tong was also not participating, which likely meant she truly lacked the skill.

At this moment, the drums on the Taiye Pool became even more impassioned, and the men stood in perfect, orderly formations, their shouts deafening. Almost everyone’s eyes were focused on the dragon boat race. Sang Qingyun stood not far from the Emperor; from her vantage point, she could see the movements of everyone below clearly. The Emperor never concerned himself with the minor affairs of those below, but she did.

With a slight turn of her head, she saw Noble Lady Xu whisper something to her personal maid, and moments later, she lowered her head and hurried away.