Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Since she was already here, Hu Shanwei decided to test Empress Dowager Lu.
As it happened, after a big fight with her son, Empress Dowager Lu had been in a “recuperating” state lately, with Empress Ma sending Court Lady Haitang to Cining Palace daily to pay respects.
Empress Dowager Lu was sick of seeing Haitang’s face, but under pressure from Emperor Jianwen, she couldn’t refuse the Empress’s people. She always had Haitang speak a few words through the curtain before dismissing her.
But this morning, the visitor wasn’t Haitang.
“How does the Empress Dowager feel today?”
Hearing this voice, Empress Dowager Lu felt like seeing a ghost at midnight—somewhat frightened. These days she had been ill, partly due to Emperor Jianwen’s warning, but also because Hu Shanwei had returned.
Upon hearing this explosive news, Empress Dowager Lu immediately regretted everything: If I had known this day would come… I should never have opposed the Empress in the first place! Now look—the Empress can’t do anything to me, His Majesty is tired of constantly returning to the rear palace to handle domestic affairs, so the two of them invited this mountain-suppressing deity Hu Shanwei back!
Empress Dowager Lu could never forget how she had struggled to climb to the position of Eastern Palace Crown Princess Consort, triumphantly hosting peach blossom banquets in the Eastern Palace for noble ladies from major capital families, enjoying their flattery and praise. Years of scheming had finally paid off—a moment of blazing prosperity and blooming flowers—when Hu Shanwei kicked her down from the clouds with one foot.
That kick meant three full years of house arrest in the Eastern Palace.
This bloody lesson gave Empress Dowager Lu what was like Hu Shanwei PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Hearing this person’s name or voice made her blood pressure rise and her body tremble.
Even through the pearl curtain, Empress Dowager Lu could feel Hu Shanwei’s murderous aura. She quickly said: “This dowager feels much better—no need to trouble Palace Director Hu with daily visits. Palace Director Hu handles myriad affairs with busy official duties, yet still finds time to visit this old woman—this dowager feels guilty. Please, Palace Director Hu, quickly return to the Palace Bureau—the Empress still needs Palace Director Hu’s assistance.”
Empress Dowager Lu desperately wanted Hu Shanwei to leave quickly, but Hu Shanwei not only didn’t leave, she invited herself into the bedroom!
The two palace attendants at the door tried to stop her, but Hu Shanwei gave them a look, and they immediately dared not move. Hu Shanwei’s attendants lifted the door curtain, inviting her in.
Three years later, Hu Shanwei’s authority still remained in the rear palace. Moreover, she had been invited back by the Emperor and Empress this time, having previously spent her entire fortune building a silver mountain to rescue people from the Yangtze River. Such boldness and methods won hearts in the rear palace—palace attendants both respected and feared her, none daring to cross her.
Outrageous! Outrageous! Are you still my Cining Palace people or not? Actually listening to her?
Hu Shanwei entered. Three years later, thirty-five-year-old Hu Shanwei had gained more mature charm than before. Perhaps due to three years of travel experience, her eyes carried a broader air than before. At this age, with abundant energy and sufficient experience, she was in her prime career years. Empress Dowager Lu seemed to see “Don’t Mess With Me” written in large characters on her forehead.
An overwhelming pressure approached. Empress Dowager Lu quickly straightened her posture on the arhat couch.
Hu Shanwei simply sat on the embroidered stool beside the couch, leaning close to examine her carefully. “This subject observes the Empress Dowager’s rosy complexion and vigorous spirits—truly much improved. These past days, this subject just entered the palace and was overwhelmed taking over palace duties. Now things are more relaxed, so I came to see the Empress Dowager and pay respects.”
Please don’t come! I’ll be scared sick even if I wasn’t sick before.
Empress Dowager Lu feigned composure, saying: “Actually, nothing serious—perhaps just the weather being too hot, unable to bear the heat, feeling drowsy and listless all day. Now in August, with cooler weather, it’s better. Palace Director Hu needn’t visit this dowager daily in the future.”
“How could that be?” Hu Shanwei feigned affection. “Now the palace has only eight master positions including the Empress Dowager. Those familiar faces all followed Emperor Gaozhu—this subject feels quite lonely. Whenever I have free time in the future, I’ll come chat with the Empress Dowager.”
The more Empress Dowager Lu’s eyes flickered, the more suspicious Hu Shanwei found her.
This is intimidation, isn’t it! Empress Dowager Lu’s little heart could barely take it. She picked up her teacup to drink and mask her panic.
Then Cining Palace attendants also brought fresh tea for Hu Shanwei and served refreshments.
Empress Dowager Lu thought: Who asked you to serve tea and snacks? She was just going to sit briefly and leave—now with eating and drinking, how long must I endure? Such thoughtless creatures—I’ll dismiss you tomorrow!
Hu Shanwei leisurely drank tea, praising: “The Empress Dowager’s tea here is still the best.”
Empress Dowager Lu suppressed the urge to roll her eyes, insincerely praising Empress Ma: “Her Majesty the Empress is filial—whatever good things she has, she sends to Cining Palace first.”
Having learned from last time, Empress Dowager Lu deeply understood her son treasured Empress Ma, unwilling to let his wife suffer grievances. Now she dared not complain about the Empress’s faults to outsiders, only speaking of the Empress’s virtues.
Hu Shanwei said: “Her Majesty the Empress is supremely benevolent and filial. When Palace Director Fan was buried, she bestowed many things.”
Hearing about Palace Director Fan, Empress Dowager Lu’s pupils contracted sharply. She set down her teacup and sighed: “Palace Director Fan served the court for many years—meeting such sudden misfortune pains this dowager’s heart. I only hope Minister Bao of the Ministry of Justice finds the real culprit soon, so Palace Director Fan can rest in peace.”
Hu Shanwei thought: No matter how capable Minister Bao is, can he investigate into the palace?
Hu Shanwei also set down her teacup, saying: “The weather is fine today, and the Empress Dowager has recovered—this subject will accompany the Empress Dowager for a walk. I heard Court Physician Liu say elderly people shouldn’t always sit motionless—they need daily walks until slightly perspiring for best health.”
Empress Dowager Lu quickly waved her hands: “This dowager is somewhat tired today—let’s change to another day.”
Hu Shanwei was greatly alarmed: “The Empress Dowager is tired so early in the morning? Where are you uncomfortable? This subject will immediately summon Court Physician Liu to examine the Empress Dowager.”
Empress Dowager Lu really didn’t want to be “ill” again, quickly saying: “This dowager has recovered, just didn’t sleep well last night—walked around restlessly, only slept two night watches, feeling drowsy now wanting to nap.”
Hu Shanwei showed no consideration, sitting on the embroidered stool like a nail house: “Walking restlessly at night means you definitely shouldn’t sleep during the day, or your day-night cycle will reverse. Long-term, this won’t do. Better let this subject accompany the Empress Dowager for a walk and chat to chase away sleepiness, then rest at noon.”
Hu Shanwei exercised daily with martial arts to strengthen her body—she had great strength, practically half-dragging, half-inviting Empress Dowager Lu out of the palace.
This is truly heaven’s nemesis sent to punish me!
Empress Dowager Lu actually wasn’t old at all—only forty-two this year, just four years older than Hu Shanwei. Continuing to pretend wouldn’t look good, so she reluctantly followed Hu Shanwei to the Imperial Garden.
Autumn was for appreciating chrysanthemums, though they hadn’t bloomed yet—only buds showing. But lotus flowers in the pond bloomed beautifully, so the two walked beside the pond.
The Empress Dowager’s outings were grand affairs—incense bearers, parasol holders, handkerchief carriers, tea servers, those carrying spare clothes—a mighty procession of over fifty people, plus Hu Shanwei’s attendants, making quite a lively scene. But with over sixty people touring the pond to view lotus flowers, besides footsteps, not even a cough was heard.
Hu Shanwei supported Empress Dowager Lu with humble, respectful attitude, but Empress Dowager Lu trembled with fear. Walking on the pond’s pavilions and corridors, treading stable wooden planks, she constantly felt the next step would see Hu Shanwei push her into the water. This wasn’t like walking on corridors, but rather like walking on thin ice.
However, nothing happened.
Walking around the pond once, Hu Shanwei steadily supported the Empress Dowager throughout. Seeing attractive lotus flowers, she had boat ladies pick them as offerings for the Empress Dowager.
Finally reaching the pavilion, Empress Dowager Lu breathed with relief. Hu Shanwei addressed the accompanying crowd: “Look—after walking one circuit, isn’t the Empress Dowager much more spirited? Even her steps are livelier.”
Everyone agreed.
Hu Shanwei smiled: “Seems it really works. This subject will escort the Empress Dowager back to Cining Palace. After the Empress Dowager rests from her afternoon nap, this subject will come again to accompany her walking—with only eight people serving in the palace now, this subject has plenty of leisure. As long as weather permits, I’ll come daily to accompany the Empress Dowager’s walks.”
Twice a day? Every day?
Others walk for exercise—you walk to kill me!
Empress Dowager Lu felt overwhelmed. The two rested in the pavilion, and she dismissed everyone: “This dowager hasn’t seen Palace Director Hu for three years—I want to speak privately. All of you withdraw.”
Hu Shanwei also signaled her subordinates to retreat.
Once everyone dispersed, autumn wind brought pond moisture, immediately cooling the pavilion considerably. Hu Shanwei thoughtfully draped a cloak woven from bird feathers over Empress Dowager Lu. This cloak was light and soft as heavenly clouds—though so light, the moment it touched her shoulders felt like being embraced by a lover, warmly.
Empress Dowager Lu, being beauty-loving, couldn’t help touching the soft, delicate fabric: “This cloak is no ordinary item.”
Hu Shanwei began tying the cloak’s throat ribbons to prevent autumn wind from carrying it away: “Indeed it isn’t. This was bestowed by former Empress Xiaoci to Palace Director Fan. Later, when this subject first served, bestowing the ‘Zhao Song Virtuous Consorts’ Training Records’ to imperial relatives, I first gave it to Prince Yan’s mansion. It was drizzling that day, and hearing Prince Yan’s consort was a general’s daughter with fierce temperament, this subject felt uncertain and somewhat timid. Palace Director Fan gave me this feathered garment for courage.”
“This cloak is light and soft, also serves as rain cape. Unless it’s heavy rain, water falling on it is like falling on lotus leaves—just shake lightly and water rolls off without getting wet.”
As Hu Shanwei finished the last word, she suddenly yanked the ribbon toward Empress Dowager Lu’s throat. Empress Dowager Lu was so frightened that breath stuck in her throat—unable to go up or down, like being hanged.
Fortunately, the ribbon slipped down, stopping at her collarbone.
Empress Dowager Lu’s heart felt punched, her face pale, clutching her chest: “Stop this pretense—this dowager knows you still resent the past rumors about you and Ji Gang having an affair, and now suspect this dowager relates to Palace Director Fan’s death. You hold prejudice against this dowager—I cannot defend myself with a hundred mouths. But since returning to the palace, you’ve seen this dowager’s current state—powerless and without influence, no one listens to this dowager, even manipulated by a mere Palace Director.”
“Palace Director Hu has served the court fifteen years, witnessing great storms and waves. Do you think a mud bodhisattva-like Empress Dowager worshipped by His Majesty and the Empress in Cining Palace has the capability to track Palace Director Fan, sink ships in rivers, and bar room doors?”
“This dowager’s former palace influence was completely eliminated three years ago during Emperor Hongwu’s reign by the Late Emperor. These three years, this dowager recuperated in the Eastern Palace, never leaving the compound. All Eastern Palace old staff were replaced by Palace Director Fan with the Late Emperor’s agents. This dowager is now a declawed crab, unable to harm others. If you don’t believe me, check the Palace Bureau personnel records. You know Emperor Gaozhu’s methods well—all Eastern Palace old staff were expelled. Current Eastern Palace staff have only served three years—this dowager cannot deceive you.”
Hu Shanwei had naturally checked before, but when Empress Dowager Lu was Crown Princess Consort, perhaps she couldn’t bribe palace attendants to risk their lives for her—but after becoming Empress Dowager, everything changed…
Seeing Hu Shanwei’s disbelief, Empress Dowager Lu quickly continued clearing herself: “This dowager truly didn’t kill Palace Director Fan. If Palace Director Hu doesn’t believe… this dowager will tell you a deadly secret.”
Empress Dowager Lu whispered in Hu Shanwei’s ear: “Before the Late Emperor’s death, he once had Palace Director Fan secretly give this dowager a pot of poisoned wine, intending to take this dowager along.”
Hearing this, Hu Shanwei was finally moved: Yes! I knew with Emperor Gaozhu’s character, how could he possibly spare the hidden danger that was Empress Dowager Lu!
Empress Dowager Lu continued: “But this dowager never drank the poison. Palace Director Hu should understand what happened. His Majesty stopped it—this dowager is confused, but still his mother.”
“This dowager indeed wanted to eliminate Palace Director Fan, but lacked the means. As for who actually killed Palace Director Fan—Palace Director Hu is ice-snow intelligent and needs no explicit words from this dowager, right?”