The next day, news spread from the Eastern Palace that Consort Cao, who had just been promoted to the Crown Prince’s Side Consort, had died suddenly of illness the previous night. It was said that the Crown Princess had been startled awake from her dreams, hastily slipping on her shoes with her hair still loose, and urgently summoned the Imperial Physician for treatment. She kept vigil by Consort Cao’s side until dawn.

Unfortunately, Consort Cao had previously suffered from chronic abdominal pain while in Wuding. Although she had received various treatments then, the illness had never been fully cured. This time, it struck suddenly and violently, and ultimately she could not survive and passed away. The Crown Princess, restraining her grief, sent someone to inform the Imperial Clan Court. By daybreak, the news reached the Cao family.

The entire household was stunned and wept incessantly. Consort Cao’s mother was specially permitted to enter the palace. By the time she was brought in, her daughter’s body was already lying in state at the Jile Hall, which was specifically prepared for the funeral of deceased palace consorts. She only saw a coffin made of nanmu wood. The hall was draped in white mourning cloths, and palace maids and eunuchs dressed in hemp mourning garments knelt around the coffin, weeping sorrowfully.

The Crown Prince did not make an appearance, but the Crown Princess personally met with Cao’s mother. Her eyes were red and swollen, and tears fell before she could even speak. She said that back in Wuding, Consort Cao had served the Crown Prince before herself, and had always been respectful, prudent, virtuous, and kind. At that time, she had not yet entered the household but had already cherished Cao and formed a sisterly bond with her.

Now that they had finally come to live together in the Eastern Palace, she had hoped they would work together in harmony to serve the Crown Prince, but unexpectedly, Cao had fallen ill suddenly the previous night. The Imperial Physician’s medicines had been ineffective, and she had stood by helplessly as Cao passed away, separated forever, leaving her grief-stricken beyond words.

Before she could finish speaking, she choked up several times, to the point that she could not continue. She was supported by her female attendants as her tears flowed endlessly.

Madam Cao had never before heard that her daughter suffered from any chronic abdominal pain. Upon hearing the tragic news, amidst her grief, she was also shocked and suspicious. However, since her daughter had entered the Prince’s mansion, she had never seen her again, only receiving gifts sent from the Prince’s household during seasonal festivals. Now that His Majesty had ascended like a dragon, and the Prince had been named Crown Prince, her daughter’s status had risen accordingly. The day after the Crown Prince’s grand wedding, her daughter had been established as a Side Consort to share in the joy. She recalled the family’s celebration and pride at that time, never dreaming that before the glory had even faded, just a few days later, the news would be that her daughter had suddenly died in the palace, and she couldn’t even see her one last time.

Though Madam Cao had her doubts, how could she dare to question anything? She only blamed her daughter’s thin fortune, unable to enjoy the imperial family’s wealth and honor, as tears streamed down endlessly. She also heard the Crown Princess say that Cao’s virtuous conduct could be reported to request an honorary posthumous title, to add to her mourning glory. Madam Cao tremblingly knelt before the Crown Princess, who again offered words of comfort.

Emperor Xiao Lie, busy with state affairs, was surprised when he received news of a death in the Eastern Palace, but didn’t think much of it. With a stroke of the imperial brush, he approved the Crown Princess’s request. Consort Cao was granted a posthumous title and buried in the imperial tomb. Four palace maids and four eunuchs who had previously served her closely willingly followed her in death, and the funeral was conducted with great ceremony. The Cao family was later also given compensation.

The unexpected death of the Side Consort in the Eastern Palace was like a stone thrown into a lake, barely causing ripples before disappearing without a trace. Soon, no one mentioned that woman whose life was as thin as paper anymore. As for the Crown Princess, who had only been married for a few days and should have been at the height of happiness, she had instead encountered a mourning taboo. Yet despite her young age, she hadn’t minded at all. Not only had she handled everything properly and personally attended to every matter, but she had also shown kindness and generosity, further enhancing her reputation, and adding glory to the Zhang family. Half a month later, it happened to be the birthday of the Crown Princess’s mother. All female relatives of officials of the fourth rank and above in the capital came to offer their congratulations. Empress Zhou also sent someone with gifts and specially permitted Zhang Fengtong to return home that day to visit her mother. Lady Zhang, with her face glowing with honor, went to the palace to express her gratitude.

After everyone had left, Lady Lin entered the hall. Empress Zhou knew she had come to report on the progress of her secret investigation into Emperor Xiao Lie’s whereabouts on the night of the Crown Prince’s wedding, so she dismissed all the palace maids and eunuchs.

Lady Lin said in a low voice: “Your Majesty, I have privately investigated among our people, and finally two days ago I learned some news. That night, a group of several people left through the Anding Gate in the north of the city. Among them was a person wrapped in a cloak, with his face covered, sitting on horseback without his feet touching the ground. His face could not be seen, and the guards on duty at the city gate did not recognize any of the attendants. Only one of them showed a palace token and ordered the gate to be opened. Judging by his appearance, he seemed to be a young eunuch from the palace. After those people left the city, they headed north and their whereabouts became unknown. If I’m not mistaken, that person must have been His Majesty. That night, Li Yuangui had gone to the Pei family to offer congratulations, and Cui Yinshui was attending to His Majesty. The description of that young eunuch matches Cui Yinshui perfectly.”

Empress Zhou frowned slightly.

“Those few close guards around His Majesty cannot be questioned, of course. So I tried to sound out Cui Yinshui, saying that Your Majesty knew how hard he worked serving the Emperor and wanted to reward him. Unexpectedly, that eunuch was extremely cunning. He said he was lowly and that serving His Majesty was a blessing from his previous life. He didn’t dare accept Your Majesty’s reward, but if Your Majesty insisted on rewarding him, he asked that his godfather receive it instead. That castrated rabbit is as slippery as an eel. I only said a few words and realized that trying to get information from this eunuch was likely hopeless. I didn’t dare make my intentions too obvious, fearing he might report to Li Yuangui, which could cause trouble for Your Majesty. So I came back. It’s all my incompetence, please punish me.”

As Lady Lin spoke, she saw Empress Zhou’s frown deepen. She quickly prostrated herself and begged for forgiveness. For a long time, she didn’t hear the Empress speak. Secretly looking up, she saw the Empress staring straight ahead, seemingly lost in thought, with a strange expression. Lady Lin didn’t dare make a sound, just held her breath and waited. Finally, she heard the Empress ask: “Are you certain that His Majesty left through the north gate that night?”

Lady Lin nodded vigorously: “I’m ninety percent sure it was them!”

Empress Zhou said: “Send reliable people to quietly inquire at Ci’en Temple in the north of the city. Ask if any special visitors came that night, and where they went.”

Lady Lin was Empress Zhou’s wet nurse. When Empress Zhou was married to Xiao Lie by the decree of the old Emperor, she had already followed her and knew some secrets not to be told to outsiders. She was startled, remembering something, and drew in a cold breath: “Your Majesty, are you saying that His Majesty went to that place at Ci’en Temple that night?”

Empress Zhou’s facial muscles twitched slightly. She gritted her teeth and said: “In the middle of the night, secretly leaving the palace, and to the north of the city—if not there, where else would it be? After all these years, I thought he had let go, but I never expected that even now, he still can’t forget. Just a few days after entering the capital, instead of looking at the living, he rushed to mourn the dead…”

She suddenly stopped, her lips trembling slightly. Her ten sharp fingernails dug deeply into the flesh of her palms, but she felt no pain. She just took a long breath and finally stood up, saying coldly: “Go and investigate immediately. Report to me as soon as you have any news.”

Lady Lin responded, got up from the ground, and backed out.

…

For Lady Zhang’s birthday, the Crown Princess was granted permission to return home to visit her mother. That day, outside the Zhang family’s gate, jade carriages and fine horses came and went without cease. Since all the visitors were ladies from various households, and the Crown Princess would also leave the palace to return home to celebrate her mother’s birthday, the Zhang family, fearing any conflicts, had the entire street cordoned off early in the morning. By evening, long strings of lanterns were lit at both ends of the street, making it as bright as day. As the ladies from various households arrived one after another, the carriages and sedan chairs lined up end to end, filling the entire street. Onlookers watched from a distance, seeing the jeweled horses and ornate carriages, splendid and luxurious beyond description.

Although Pei You’an and Xiao Yintang had no private contact, they maintained a cordial relationship in public. After Emperor Xiao Lie entered the capital, the Pei, Zhang, and Zhou families could now be considered the most prominent households in the capital. They maintained all the usual social courtesies. For Lady Zhang’s birthday today, invitations had been sent to the Pei household early on, inviting Lady Xin, Second Lady Meng, and the newly married Madam Pei to attend.

By late afternoon, Jiafu had finished dressing and left with Lady Xin and Second Lady Meng. Lady Xin had her carriage, while Second Lady Meng shared one with Jiafu. Servants accompanied them on all sides, with maids and female servants following in the carriage behind as they made their way to the Zhang residence. Upon arrival, they were greeted by the Zhang family’s housekeeper’s wife who had been waiting for them. Before they reached the second gate, Lady Zhang appeared with her servants, personally coming out to welcome them.

Lady Zhang wore a new brocade robe in dark vermilion with longevity patterns. On her forehead was a gold-embroidered headdress inlaid with various precious stones. She looked wealthy, elegant, and radiant. She came forward and warmly took Lady Xin’s hand. After exchanging a few pleasantries, she smiled and said: “I’m just celebrating my birthday for some liveliness. I hadn’t intended to trouble distinguished guests like yourselves. But the Empress said that the Crown Princess had been working hard these past days and told her to come home for a rest, to make it more festive. Since Her Majesty gave such instructions, I might as well set up a theater stage in the garden at home and invite all the ladies and madams I’m friendly with to listen to the opera together, which would be more enjoyable. As for other families, it’s fine, but your eldest son is now favored by His Majesty. I hear that your household receives distinguished guests every day. I thought you might not have time to visit my humble home today, yet you came. It truly brings glory to my dwelling.”

Jiafu noticed that although Lady Xin smiled at the mention of her eldest son’s glory, she didn’t seem particularly pleased, though others might not have noticed or paid close attention. Lady Zhang then greeted Second Lady Meng, and finally turned her gaze to Jiafu, examining her briefly. Jiafu bowed in greeting, and she smiled and said: “This must be the daughter-in-law bestowed by His Majesty’s marriage decree. Like a jade person, I like her at first sight. Don’t stand here, let’s go in!” With that, she led Lady Xin and the others inside, chatting and laughing along the way. They passed through several gates, seeing not a single manservant along the path, only maids and female servants. Finally, they entered the birthday hall, specially arranged for today’s occasion. It was filled with precious pavilions and beautiful buildings, festooned with flowers and brocade. Inside were already many people, a scene of fragrant clothes and beautiful hairstyles, gleaming with pearls and jewels. There was also the scent of powder and rouge everywhere. The ladies from various households were all dressed in splendid and bright attire, some conversing, some drinking tea, with laughter never ceasing. When they suddenly saw Lady Zhang personally leading guests in, they all looked over.

This was Jiafu’s first appearance in the social circle of noble ladies in the capital since her marriage to Pei You’an.

Emperor Xiao Lie’s reliance on Pei You’an even surpassed that of the Duke of Wei in the past. Because of Pei You’an, the Pei family had risen to become one of the most prominent families in the capital, as illustrious as they had been years ago when Pei Wenjing entered the palace as Empress. All those ladies recognized Lady Xin and Second Lady Meng. Seeing the arrival of the Pei family, they all came forward with smiling faces to welcome them.

Today, Jiafu was merely an accompaniment, so her attire was naturally not deliberately ostentatious, but she dared not be negligent either. Knowing that her appearance tended toward the youthful and delicate, she dressed to appear more dignified. After bathing, she lightly drew her eyebrows and applied light powder to her face, a touch of rouge, and red pigment to her lips, with her hair coiled high and adorned with gold and jade ornaments. Her dress consisted of a twelve-panel skirt sewn with gold thread. Each panel was embroidered with birds and flowers from the four seasons, elegant yet luxurious. When she walked, it was like a phoenix’s tail, graceful and unparalleled.

Pei You’an’s grand wedding was not only blessed by the Emperor’s bestowed marriage but also shared the honor of being on the same day as the Crown Prince. Yet he had married a merchant’s niece from Quanzhou. Even before Jiafu appeared, she had already attracted much attention. Now, following several matrons, though positioned behind them, she found herself the focus of many gazes as soon as she entered the birthday hall.

Among the ladies in the birthday hall, Jiafu recognized some, such as the Duchess of Zhu and the Marchioness of Anyuan, who had previously visited the Pei family. However, she didn’t know most of them, so there was naturally a round of introductions and conversations. She wore a smile and didn’t speak much, but her responses were extremely appropriate. Even if some looked down on her family background, with Pei You’an’s current position, who would dare offend her openly? Those of higher rank than her were all extremely kind, while those of her rank couldn’t help but flatter her, even to the point of bowing and scraping. The so-called “wife’s status depends on her husband’s rank” was just like this.

Among them were the wives of Liu Jiushao and Zhang Zhengdao. Zhang Zhengdao’s current prosperity was entirely due to Pei You’an’s recommendation. As for Liu Jiushao, when Wuding rebelled, he was captured at the front. If not for Pei You’an, forget about his position today—his entire family would probably have already become ghosts under Prince Shun’an’s blade. The two wives didn’t wait to be introduced but came over on their own to chat with Jiafu, their attitudes earnest, with gratitude evident in their words.

As Jiafu was conversing with the two ladies, she suddenly saw Second Lady Meng bringing a woman over, squeezing through the crowd toward her. The woman wore a new set of lustrous purple clothes, her head adorned with pearls and jades. She looked at Jiafu with eyes full of a pleasing smile. Jiafu immediately recognized her—it was none other than Quan’s maternal grandmother, Lady Song.

The Song family had enjoyed a few years of glory when Prince Shun’an was emperor. Later, when Xiao Lie’s army approached the capital, it was said that among the first officials to secretly surrender to him were the Song family. After Xiao Lie ascended the throne, he exempted the Song family from prosecution but seemed quite disgusted with them. Their official positions were demoted repeatedly. Lord Song had gone from being a second-rank high official to an unremarkable sixth-rank official at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. On such an occasion, it was only through Lady Song’s lobbying and gift-giving that she finally obtained an invitation card, and could now stand here.

Second Lady Meng smilingly led Lady Song to Jiafu, then turned her back and frowned, whispering in her ear: “Jiafu, this woman has been pestering me to bring her to you to talk. I was really afraid of her, so I had to bring her over. Just respond casually and dismiss her.”

When Jiafu was preparing for her wedding, Lady Song had shamelessly brought gifts to their door. Besides returning those precious items previously sent from their family, she had also added many more gifts. How could Meng accept her favors? As soon as she saw Lady Song off, she immediately had someone return the extra items.

Remembering how her mother had once endured humiliation and the indignities she had suffered in Lady Song’s presence, now seeing her still shamelessly wanting to speak with her, how could Jiafu have a good expression? Suppressing her disgust, she smiled and said: “How have you been, Godmother?”

Lady Song hurriedly waved her hands, smiling apologetically: “How could I dare to accept such an address from Madam? What kind of godmother am I? If Madam would call me ‘Mrs.,’ I would consider it a blessing! I’ve heard that Mrs. Meng is still in the capital. I’ve been missing her and have been thinking of visiting her again, but I know she’s busy, and fear that an unannounced visit might disturb her. May I ask if it would be convenient in the next few days?”

Her words were full of flattery, without a trace of her former arrogance and domineering manner.

After the news of her imperial-bestowed marriage to Pei You’an reached Quanzhou, her brother Zhen Yaoting set out for the capital. After the meeting, he would escort their mother Meng back to Quanzhou. Counting the days, they should be arriving in a couple of days.

Jiafu would not deliberately humiliate this opportunistic woman in public to vent her anger, but she also wouldn’t let her cling on like a snake following a stick. She said: “My mother is indeed quite busy. These days, visitors are constant, and she hasn’t had a moment’s rest. She’s very tired. If you don’t have urgent business, I can accept your good intentions on her behalf.”

Lady Song nodded sheepishly: “Yes, yes, if Mrs. Meng is tired, then she should rest well…”

Jiafu smiled faintly, turned her face away, and no longer spoke to her.

Suddenly, a palace eunuch rushed in, announcing that the Crown Princess had arrived. Everyone in the birthday hall immediately stopped what they were doing and, in order of rank, followed Lady Zhang out to welcome her.

Jiafu followed the crowd to the second gate and stopped. Outside the main gate was a full imperial procession, with eunuchs and palace maids holding towels and fans. A small eunuch bent forward and opened the curtain of the palace sedan chair. Zhang Fengtong stepped out, and Lady Zhang, with all the female members of her family, welcomed her in, creating a most magnificent spectacle.

Jiafu stood with the others on both sides of the path, watching as Zhang Fengtong was surrounded by people, her face full of smiles as she came inside. She wore palace attire, dignified and magnificent. The lamplight illuminated her entire person, making her brilliantly radiant, fully displaying the demeanor of the future empress of Great Wei. As she approached, those wives of officials below the second rank, along with the young ladies who accompanied them, all bowed to her.

Jiafu’s position was in the front row, and it was announced that the Crown Princess had exempted them from kneeling in greeting. Watching her pass by, Zhang Fengtong turned her head as if unintentionally spotting Jiafu, smiled, stopped, and approached Jiafu.

Jiafu performed the usual courtesy to her. She allowed Jiafu to dispense with the formalities and also told those kneeling along the path to rise as well. She smiled at everyone and said: “Madam Pei and I are old acquaintances, but regrettably, we’ve both been too busy for a deeper friendship, which I have always considered a pity. Tonight, on this excellent occasion, I must have a good conversation with Madam Pei.” With that, she held Jiafu’s hand, wanting her to enter together with her, and then smiled at Lady Zhang: “Mother, remember to arrange Madam Pei’s seat close to mine later.”

Seeing that the Crown Princess also favored her, the gazes directed at Jiafu became even more envious.

Jiafu declined, citing her insufficient rank, but Zhang Fengtong sincerely invited her again. Jiafu knew she couldn’t refuse anymore, so she smiled and expressed her thanks.

Entering the banquet hall, seating arrangements were made, and Jiafu was indeed placed at Zhang Fengtong’s table, which was the most honored position. Those seated with her were either wives of the highest ranks or elders of high virtue. Jiafu, being the youngest, was seated at the lowest position, directly across from Zhang Fengtong.

The birthday feast began, and everyone started to eat.

On such an occasion, the purpose was not to fill one’s stomach. Jiafu had already eaten before coming out and was not hungry. Now she was cautious and reserved, following the Duchess of Qin beside her, only taking a couple of bites from the few dishes in front of her.

Zhang Fengtong smiled and said: “On my mother’s birthday today, I am most grateful to all the elders and respected ladies for coming to our home to celebrate. Although I am called the Crown Princess, I am still young. In terms of seniority, I dare not put on airs in front of the elders and respected ladies. Let me first offer a toast to everyone.”

After she finished speaking, a palace attendant holding a wine pot came forward to pour wine for the guests at the table. First into the Crown Princess’s wine cup, then in sequence to the others.

The ladies at the table all politely declined the honor.

Jiafu’s gaze swept over the wine pot in the palace attendant’s hand. Initially, it was unintentional, but after a glance, her heart stirred slightly.

The wine pot had a round belly and a pointed spout, appearing no different in shape from an ordinary wine pot, but its base color was imperial yellow, exclusively used by the royal family. The pot’s belly was decorated with painted dragons and phoenixes amidst auspicious clouds. The dragons and phoenixes were lifelike and extremely exquisite, clearly a palace treasure.

Jiafu felt this wine pot looked somewhat familiar, as if she had seen it somewhere before, but couldn’t recall where at the moment. She struggled to search her memory as the palace attendant poured wine in sequence, gradually approaching Jiafu. Finally, she remembered.

In her previous life, the year after Xiao Yintang became emperor, he had conferred the title of consort on a woman surnamed Liang. The Liang family was showing signs of rising power at that time, often in opposition to the Zhang family. Consort Liang was also known for her virtue and talent. After entering the palace, within half a year, she had become a noble consort second only to Zhang Fengtong in status. But during the Mid-Autumn Festival that year, at a palace banquet hosted by Zhang Fengtong for the imperial harem and the wives of ministers, Consort Liang became drunk. Not only did she speak improperly, but she also went wild, cursing the Empress and randomly undressing, creating a most unseemly spectacle. It disrupted the palace banquet, and when news spread outside the palace, the Liang family lost all face, and Xiao Yintang also became extremely disgusted with her. However, Liang Consort kept crying injustice, saying she had been framed, and that after drinking the wine, she had lost all awareness. Xiao Yintang was a shrewd man. Finding something amiss, he ordered a thorough investigation, which eventually revealed that a consort surnamed Zhu, jealous of Noble Consort Liang, had bribed palace servants during the banquet to use a wine pot crafted by skilled artisans, called the Mandarin Duck Heaven and Earth Pot. Outwardly, this wine pot looked identical to an ordinary one, but inside it concealed a mechanism that divided it into two compartments, allowing different wines to be poured in. Pressing a hidden button on the handle would dispense wine from one compartment, with no one being any the wiser. At that time, Noble Consort Liang had unwittingly drunk wine that had been drugged, causing her to make such a spectacle of herself.

After Xiao Yintang learned the truth, he ordered Consort Zhu to be interrogated, but she had already committed suicide out of fear of punishment. That wine pot was later given by Xiao Yintang to Jiafu as a plaything to amuse herself.

Suddenly, Jiafu understood everything.

Why did the invitation card specifically request her to attend the banquet, why did Zhang Fengtong want her to sit at the same table?

Jiafu’s face remained composed, wearing the appropriate smile, as she watched the palace attendant finish pouring wine for the Duchess of Qin beside her and bring the pot to her side. Just as before, the attendant extended the spout toward her wine cup.

She saw clearly that, at the moment of pouring, the attendant’s thumb pressed a small button on the top of the handle. The movement was extremely subtle—had she not been deliberately watching for it, it would have been impossible to detect.

The golden wine was steadily poured into her cup. By now, everyone at the table had their cups filled. The attendant gently placed the wine pot in front of Zhang Fengtong and then withdrew.

Jiafu suppressed the intense turmoil in her heart and slowly raised her eyes to see Zhang Fengtong stand up, lift her wine cup, smile with her eyes, scan the entire table, and finally let her gaze fall on Jiafu’s face. She said: “This cup, I first toast to our Great Wei’s harmony between weather and seasons, and to His Majesty’s ten thousand years of longevity and boundless prosperity. Please drink together.”