Palace Supervisor Hu from three dynasties was about to fall.

This rumor spread almost simultaneously with the news of Ji Gang’s death by explosion in his treasonous plot.

As a woman, once she achieved some success, the outside world would always fantasize that she had risen through one man, or many men.

Those who knew the inside story scoffed at such notions, but how many were truly in the know?

Most believed that with Ji Gang dead, Palace Supervisor Hu naturally couldn’t continue, and would likely be exiled or executed.

The rumors grew larger as they spread. Hu Shanwei, who had weathered many storms, wasn’t afraid. Having personally experienced even greater tempests, she was only saddened and grieved by Ji Gang’s death.

Every time she saw the bright yellow glazed tiles unique to the imperial palace, in her trance she would see a figure crouching on the roof repairing tiles, with the roof’s holes being made ever larger by his “skillful hands.”

Later, he simply fell through the roof hole, landing on her bed.

He had said: “…I can compensate for anything, but I won’t sell my body. I could never sell my body in this lifetime.”

Everyone could curse Ji Gang, but Hu Shanwei would not.

She even understood Ji Gang’s decision to treat the “Zhu Ming Imperial House” as his final enemy in order to avenge Mao Qiang, because when Palace Supervisor Fan’s corpse was lifted from the sunken ship, Hu Shanwei had sworn an oath to avenge her.

Even when she finally traced it back to the Ming Emperor, she had never been afraid. She lurked in the palace for five years and set fire to burn the true culprit, Emperor Jianwen.

The only difference between her and Ji Gang was that she didn’t harm innocents. She eliminated Emperor Jianwen, but arranged for Empress Ma and her two sons to sail across the ocean and live free.

In his quest for revenge, Ji Gang’s attacks were almost indiscriminate. That well-behaved child Zhu Zhanhe was only fourteen years old, a child she had watched grow up, who would never return.

If I had detected Ji Gang’s problems earlier and dissuaded him in time, could the tragedy have been avoided?

Probably… not.

A sense of powerlessness washed over her. Hu Shanwei felt disheartened and thought it better to return home.

Emperor Yongle looked at the black silk cap and token on the registry. “Palace Supervisor Hu was originally living peacefully in seclusion with her family in Yunnan. It was I who, not planning to establish a successor empress, and with Noble Consort Zhang too young and impetuous at the time to control the harem, issued an imperial decree summoning Palace Supervisor Hu back to the palace to assist Noble Consort Zhang in managing harem affairs. Over these ten years, I am aware of Palace Supervisor Hu’s contributions. Ji Gang harbored wolfish ambitions that even I failed to detect—how much more so Palace Supervisor Hu? If Palace Supervisor Hu bears the crime of failure to detect, then I am even more guilty. Palace Supervisor Hu is innocent and need not call herself a ‘guilty subject.'”

“So…”

Emperor Yongle stood up and placed the black silk cap on Hu Shanwei’s head. “I made an agreement with you back then—the day we move the capital would be the day Palace Supervisor Hu departs. My word is as solid as a mountain of gold; I keep my promises and won’t let Palace Supervisor Hu suffer injustice due to baseless rumors. If Palace Supervisor Hu were to leave like this, wouldn’t that confirm those unseemly rumors?”

Hu Shanwei didn’t care about rumors and said, “This subject thanks Your Majesty for your trust, but now both the court and palace are in turmoil. If I remain in the palace, Your Majesty and Noble Consort Zhang will have to bear considerable pressure. Moreover, Noble Consort Zhang can now handle things independently, and other female officials in the palace can also assume the position of Palace Supervisor. With the Beijing capital nearly completed and the move possible within a few years, it’s time to make room for newcomers and let them gain experience early.”

Emperor Yongle disagreed. “Palace Supervisor Hu came at my imperial summons. During the Jingnan Campaign and my ascension to the throne, I have always remembered Palace Supervisor Hu’s contributions. I also promised Empress Renxiao to treat Palace Supervisor Hu well.”

“Now that Palace Supervisor Hu has been implicated by villains, how can I let her suffer injustice? Remaining in the palace shows that I trust Palace Supervisor Hu, and the rumors will collapse on their own and gradually disappear. If Palace Supervisor Hu were to retire like this, those villains outside would think she had lost imperial favor, and I fear many would trample on you. Having risen from a prince myself, I’ve seen enough of people who fawn on the powerful and trample the weak. I don’t want to see Palace Supervisor Hu suffer grievances.”

Hu Shanwei thought to herself: If our whole family returns to live in seclusion in Kunming, those who want to trample on me won’t even find our door. Even if someone did come calling, who would trample whom would still be uncertain. She then bowed once. “This subject is advanced in years and requests to retire to her hometown for old age.”

Considering past ties, if Emperor Yongle let Palace Supervisor Hu leave like this, wouldn’t it chill the hearts of those Jingnan Campaign veterans? Therefore he refused to agree. However, Palace Supervisor Hu insisted on leaving, and forcing her to stay seemed inappropriate. After thinking it over, he found a compromise solution and said, “I summoned Palace Supervisor Hu back to serve with an imperial decree. Even if she must retire, she should retire with dignity, seeing things through to completion. It’s impossible for Palace Supervisor Hu to request retirement due to baseless rumors.”

“The agreement I made with you about leaving when we move the capital remains valid. Now the Ming Palace in Beijing has taken shape, but moving the palace cannot be accomplished overnight. The new palace urgently needs some new palace staff, so please go to the Beijing palace to oversee the situation and train palace personnel. When the Ming officially moves its capital, I will certainly reward you generously, hosting a banquet and feast to send Palace Supervisor Hu off in retirement.”

Hu Shanwei didn’t care about these empty honors. She didn’t want to stay here another moment, because her heart was not at peace. Whenever she looked up and saw rooftops covered with bright yellow glazed tiles, in her trance she could see a familiar figure climbing onto roofs and removing tiles. She could no longer focus on her duties as she had before.

Going to the Beijing palace would allow her to avoid the controversy and stay away from the capital’s turmoil, giving Palace Supervisor Hu a perfect transition later. Emperor Yongle was still being considerate. Having experienced many vicissitudes, he knew deeply that people’s memories were limited. After a few years, more events would wash away memories—how many would remember today’s storm?

Seeing Emperor Yongle’s insistence, Hu Shanwei found imperial grace difficult to refuse. At this point… Hu Shanwei bowed again and said, “To serve at the Beijing palace, this subject has only one condition.”

Emperor Yongle raised his hand slightly. “Please speak, Palace Supervisor Hu.”

From the corner of her eye, Hu Shanwei glanced at the glazed tiles of the palace buildings outside the window and said, “I hear many court officials have memorialized requesting that the guilty subject Ji Gang’s bones be ground to dust and scattered. Ji Gang’s treason is proven by solid evidence, and this subject has nothing to say about it. However, Ji Gang once saved this subject’s life several times. This subject… owes him a debt. This subject cannot bear to see Ji Gang’s bones ground to dust and scattered. I beseech Your Majesty to show mercy—Ji Gang is already dead; let his ashes be buried.”

Emperor Yongle flew into a rage. “If not for Ji Gang’s treason, how would my grandson have died? How would Palace Supervisor Hu have fallen into rumors, with her reputation damaged and defamed? At this time, instead of drawing a clear line with him, Palace Supervisor Hu actually pleads for him? Don’t be obstinate, Palace Supervisor Hu, and don’t harbor this traitor!”

Hu Shanwei said nothing and removed her black silk cap once again, having made up her mind with no way back.

If I cannot even preserve his ashes, what was the point of being Palace Supervisor all these years?

Everyone could kick Ji Gang while he was down, but I could not.

Some things cannot be compromised on.

For Emperor Yongle, some things needed to be compromised on.

Emperor Yongle finally agreed to Hu Shanwei’s request.

Watching Hu Shanwei, who acted despite knowing it was impossible, Emperor Yongle suddenly understood why the previous two emperors had absolute trust in this Palace Supervisor. It wasn’t just her administrative abilities—all palace female officials had skills—but rather that no matter how much darkness she experienced, how many setbacks she endured, or how many crises she faced, she always maintained a seemingly naive and impulsive nature, not knowing how to protect herself wisely, remaining emotional and persistent.

This personality was unsuited for being an official, especially in the palace. But it was precisely this maintenance of humanity that made people feel she always held to her bottom line and was trustworthy.

At dusk, Hu Shanwei handed over her duties to Huang Weide—she had originally recommended both Huang Weide and Shen Qionglian to Emperor Yongle.

Shen Qionglian came from a wealthy family (nouveau riche), was a brilliantly talented female top scholar, had served as Palace Supervisor for several years, and had sufficient experience and authority. Her only flaw was that when Hu Shanwei returned to Yunnan to care for the severely injured Mu Chun, the Korean female troupe caused trouble, leading to Noble Consort Quan’s death and Emperor Yongle’s poisoning by mushrooms, severely damaging his vitality. Shen Qionglian later took action to remedy the situation after the damage was done.

Huang Weide came from official slave origins, starting as a kitchen maid, achieving success late in life. She had a steady personality and had spent almost her entire life in the palace, managing the imperial seals of three Ming emperors. Whether in character or ability, Huang Weide was reassuring. Her only flaw was being too steady and unremarkable, lacking personality. It was unclear whether she could bear the heavy responsibility of leading the Six Bureaus and One Department.

Given the current situation, stability was paramount. Emperor Yongle appointed Huang Weide.

After Hu Shanwei finished handing over duties and passed the token to Huang Weide, she said, “From now on, forget our past as master and disciple. You are Palace Supervisor Huang now. You’re in Nanjing, I’m in Beijing. We’re both Palace Supervisors with equal rank. Taking over at this critical juncture, you’ll certainly face much gossip, things like ‘the student starves the teacher once trained,’ but ignore all that. Just remember: if you secure your position as Palace Supervisor and do the job well, it benefits me and causes no harm.”

A female official who doesn’t aspire to be Palace Supervisor isn’t a good female official.

From the most lowly kitchen maid to Palace Supervisor—a complete reversal of fortune, finally reaching the summit.

At over sixty years old, Huang Weide had thought her life was finished, never expecting such a day would come.

Huang Weide took the token and bowed deeply. “I will not fail this mission.”

Hu Shanwei bid farewell to Noble Consort Zhang.

Noble Consort Zhang comforted her, “Don’t mind the outside rumors. I have complete faith in Palace Supervisor Hu and look forward to seeing you again in Beijing’s Forbidden City.”

Noble Consort Zhang now truly had the physique of a “noble consort.” People tend to gain weight in middle age, and Noble Consort Zhang had let herself go, focusing wholeheartedly on doing her job as noble consort well, with no other thoughts whatsoever.

For Noble Consort Zhang, Hu Shanwei was a useful assistant. Now with Huang Weide replacing her, they’d have to start the adjustment process from scratch. Noble Consort Zhang was reluctant to let her go, but this wasn’t her choice to make. She wasn’t the empress; she had to obey Emperor Yongle’s decrees in everything.

The current Noble Consort Zhang, like her physique, had had her edges smoothed and had become completely Emperor Yongle’s appendage.

Seeing Noble Consort Zhang, who no longer had yesterday’s sharp spirit, Hu Shanwei was actually reassured. This was actually good—Noble Consort Zhang might be the only noble consort in the Ming palace who could die a natural death. She should be able to escape the palace’s terrible “noble consort curse.”

When Hu Shanwei left the palace, she forbade the female officials of the Six Bureaus and One Department from seeing her off. “With today’s farewell, we’ll naturally meet again in Beijing’s Forbidden City someday. Everyone needn’t grieve over parting. Work well here with Palace Supervisor Huang to assist Noble Consort Zhang together. Let’s wait until everyone gathers in Beijing’s Forbidden City for the handover to hold our farewell banquet. Then I’ll definitely drink heartily with you all until we’re thoroughly drunk.”

Huang Weide led the female officials to bid farewell to Hu Shanwei at the Cangzhen Gate of the Six Bureaus and One Department.

Noble Consort Zhang granted her a carriage to escort Hu Shanwei from the palace interior to the West Gate.

Mu Chun was waiting for her outside.

As soon as Hu Shanwei got in the carriage, she immediately fired three questions: “You’re back so quickly? How is A’Lei? Is this matter kept secret?”

Regarding A’Lei’s adventure, the Imperial Grand Prince had ordered Earl Pingjiang not to tell the Chun Wei couple, to treat it as if it never happened. But Earl Pingjiang Chen Xuan was Mu Chun’s primary “lackey”—how could he hide it from Mu Chun?

Chen Xuan paid lip service while acting contrary to orders. He outwardly agreed to the Imperial Grand Prince but turned around and sent Mu Chun a message by carrier pigeon.

Mu Chun was extremely worried. He hadn’t expected that packing too much luggage for his daughter would nearly harm her. Mu Chun rushed through the night to Yunjian County’s Taicang Port to secretly check on his daughter’s injuries, requiring Earl Pingjiang to cooperate in keeping secrets and sending his daughter away early.

Mu Chun told Chen Xuan about Hu Shanwei’s predicament in the capital being implicated by Ji Gang. “…We absolutely cannot let A’Lei know about our troubles—we can solve them ourselves. This time she was originally supposed to follow Eunuch Zheng He on the voyage to the Western Seas. I spoke with Eunuch Zheng He. As soon as A’Lei reaches Liujia Port, she’ll be sent to Quanzhou to prepare for the long voyage. It’s far from the capital there, with poor information flow, and with Eunuch Zheng He’s people cooperating, we can certainly keep it from her. When autumn comes and the wind and currents change, she’ll set sail with the fleet to the Western Seas. When she returns in two years, everything will have settled, and it won’t matter if she knows the truth then.”

Chen Xuan would naturally fulfill his old leader’s request, so he pretended not to know about A’Lei’s voyage to the Western Seas and told A’Lei to prepare to depart for Liujia Port the next day.

Hearing this, Hu Shanwei felt relieved. “The emperor and I each made concessions. His Majesty agreed not to grind Ji Gang’s bones to dust, and I agreed to go to Beijing’s Forbidden City to prepare for the capital move and train new palace personnel. It’s still according to the original plan—retirement when the capital moves. Mu Chun, we have to move again.”

Mu Chun embraced his wife. “Wherever we are, that’s our home. Working in Beijing for a few years is good too—far from palace disputes, seeking peace and quiet. My wife should retire beautifully even when retiring. Just in time, A’Lei should be back then, and the three of us can return to our old home in Yunnan together, never again wading through these murky waters.”

The couple discussed moving until late at night before resting.

At dawn, a spice merchant caravan departed from Taicang Port.

Zhu Zhanji handed identity documents and household registration papers to Zhu Zhanhe. “Go in peace and live the life you want. I am the Imperial Grand Prince and will inherit the throne. If Prince Han settles down from now on, that’s best—I won’t treat the Prince Han household poorly. If Prince Han remains obstinate and still plots rebellion to seize the throne… I swear I’ll find a way to spare the lives of Prince Han’s family—for your sake. Prince Han tried to kill me, but you saved me more than once. I’ll consider this repaying my debt to you.”

Zhu Zhanhe knew that if he didn’t leave, Zhu Zhanji would only face more difficulties in the future. He put away the identity documents. “I only ask that big brother spare my family’s lives. I don’t want titles, honors, or wealth—as long as they live, this son will be satisfied.”

“It’s a deal.”

The brothers struck palms to seal their oath.

A’Lei gave Zhu Zhanhe the ring-pommel knife that Mu Chun had given her. “This knife brought me luck. If not for it—”

I wouldn’t have known that the person I like actually likes me too.

A’Lei changed the subject. “I wouldn’t have had this most unforgettable experience of my life. From now on, you’ve gained new life, and I hope luck will favor you too.”

When they watched the caravan leave, dawn was already breaking.

“I—”

“You—”

Facing each other, they spoke simultaneously. Zhu Zhanji laughed. “You speak first.”

A’Lei said, “I’m going to Liujia Port today. Earl Pingjiang has prepared carriages and guards. I’ll depart after breakfast. You’re busy with military affairs—no need to see me off.”

Actually, I hope you will see me off. This is our final farewell.

Zhu Zhanji nodded. “Fine.” As he nodded, his head seemed to weigh a thousand pounds. Nodding against his heart became the most difficult physical movement.

A’Lei…

Forget it. I knew that embrace would lead nowhere. When you chose to give the chance to fake death to Zhu Zhanhe, I understood your choice.

A’Lei smiled with difficulty. “You and I really are alike. In the end, we both chose to escape from emotion.”

With these words, A’Lei spurred her horse and rode away in a cloud of dust. Farewell, never to meet again.

Zhu Zhanji also left without looking back, returning to his tent. He didn’t even eat breakfast and went to inspect the treatment situation in the wounded soldiers’ camp, forcing himself to forget the reality of A’Lei’s impending departure.

Eunuch Wang Zhen tried twice to persuade him to eat, both times unsuccessfully, and finally had to take the food box away.

Wang Zhen thought for a moment, abandoned the food box, and walked toward A’Lei’s quarters.

Unlike Zhu Zhanji, A’Lei was eating voraciously, using food to distract from her sadness. She had swept clean all the breakfast on the table and, feeling stuffed, brewed a pot of pu-er tea to aid digestion. “What brings you here, Eunuch Wang?”

Wang Zhen closed all the windows and doors tightly, moved closer, and said in a low voice, “Miss Hu probably doesn’t know about the recent turmoil in the capital. Palace Supervisor Hu, she…”