On the day the Empress held her first banquet, Mo Zi returned from the palace looking utterly exhausted.

“Did you get into a fight? You look worn out.” Yuan Cheng was waiting at the gate.

“It wasn’t a physical conflict, but here.” Mo Zi pointed to her head. “The atmosphere was strange, the pressure was enormous, body and mind couldn’t relax, so the day felt like a year. Having to think three circles around before saying one word—my hair’s going to turn white.”

Yuan Cheng looked at her adorable yet pitiful expression and reached out to massage her temples. Since coming to Great Zhou, this action had become a habit.

“Any gains?” Though he felt for her, he still had to rely on her, so he asked.

“When you see Xu Jiu, tell him for me that many eunuchs are hunchbacked because they bow and scrape all day long. As for pigeon-toed feet, that’s not unique either. Thick waist and small bottom—I’d have to see them change into women’s clothing to notice that.” After wandering around inside, that fellow Xu Jiu’s portrait was completely useless.

Yuan Cheng had great difficulty suppressing his laughter.

Mo Zi suddenly changed the subject. “Two of the head palace maids by the Empress’s side have new faces. And during the meal at the banquet, I kept having a strange feeling, as if someone was constantly watching me. Later I found time to ask a familiar cleaning eunuch. He said that many of the palace maids serving Empress Niang Niang had reached age and were released, so a new batch was brought in. Guess when this happened?”

“Four months ago.” Yuan Cheng’s gaze sharpened.

“Exactly. I told the little eunuch that I owed a debt of gratitude to the head palace maid Miss Yan’er, and this time coming to Great Zhou, I brought gifts I wanted to give her, but didn’t know how to find her. As it happened, this little eunuch was familiar with Yan’er and told me her address. You’d better send someone to investigate. She served the Empress for many years—she might know something. If we can’t find her, that person is probably gone. At that point, we can be certain the Empress has schemes.” Mo Zi still remembered the palace maid who had led her onto the boat years ago.

“The first round already yielded quite a bit.” Yuan Cheng knew she was clever. “Did you see Consort Chen?”

Consort Chen was Xiao Mingrou.

Mo Zi yawned and shook her head. “No. Consort Xian and Consort Hui were both there, but not her. The Empress said she’s just become pregnant, her appetite isn’t good, and her body is weak. The imperial physician said it’s best she move as little as possible.”

“It’s good she wasn’t there. If you see Consort Chen in the future, you must be especially careful. I think what the Emperor is most wary of right now is precisely this kind of conspiracy.” If Xiao Mingrou’s child were lost because of Mo Zi—Yuan Cheng furrowed his brows.

“I know. I’m on guard against that move of hers.” After washing and changing clothes, Mo Zi climbed into the inner part of the bed. “Conserving energy and spirit—continuing the battle tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” The Empress was truly hospitable now, though before Noble Consort Ying arrived, she had turned a blind eye to Mo Zi.

“To strengthen the friendly relations between our two countries and one territory, she’s already arranged the itinerary. While you men are negotiating, we women will have an extremely fulfilling time. Tomorrow, viewing red leaves at Tian’en Temple.” Mo Zi closed her eyes. “Have you seen the King of Daqiu?”

“Not yet, but he and the Emperor spoke privately for an hour. We don’t know yet what they discussed.” This time the other side came with thorough preparation—gathering intelligence wasn’t easy.

“Yuan Cheng, aren’t you afraid the Great Zhou Emperor will turn around and deal with us?” She had once seen the Emperor’s cruelty beyond his gentleness.

“The King of Daqiu’s reputation is already ruined. Even if he’s truly reformed, it will take time.” He wasn’t afraid. “Compared to Daqiu, Song Land is a better alliance partner. The Emperor could also pivot, but then he won’t get back the five hundred thousand troops he lent us, and Pingcheng still has Great Zhou’s top scholar. If the King of Daqiu is a fool, he might believe Great Zhou would join him in dealing with Song.”

“I thought Yang Ling stayed in Pingcheng for my sister.” So there was this explanation.

“I don’t concern myself with his private affairs.” Yuan Cheng clearly was Yang Ling’s superior.

“So when exactly will the peace negotiations begin?” Being among a group of “wicked women,” she needed something to look forward to.

“After the Double Ninth Festival, the tenth day of the ninth month—a very auspicious day.” Just a few more days.

Mo Zi didn’t respond. She had fallen asleep.

Yuan Cheng extinguished the lamp and also lay down. He felt Mo Zi’s hands and feet beside him were very cold, so he gently moved closer.

Mo Zi hadn’t fallen into deep sleep yet. She pulled back her icy feet and mumbled, “I don’t know what’s wrong. After giving birth to Yuanbao, my hands and feet get cold especially easily. Don’t come closer—you’ll freeze away my sleepiness.”

Yuan Cheng wouldn’t let her hide. “Tomorrow I’ll be idle and can sleep in.”

Mo Zi let his body warmth comfort her and sighed. “My husband is truly wonderful. Actually…”

Yuan Cheng didn’t hear clearly, but seeing how drowsy she was, he couldn’t bear to ask anything more.

Tian’en Temple was located at the foot of a mountain in the southern city. Though it wasn’t an imperial temple, it was extremely renowned, its incense offerings perpetually abundant. It was said the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha here was very efficacious—even the Empress Dowager and the Empress came twice a year to pray for blessings for Great Zhou and the Son of Heaven.

Mo Zi felt the carriage stop. Looking outside, they weren’t inside the temple yet. Both sides were cordoned off with yellow brocade, and common people were craning their necks and standing on tiptoes to look this way.

“Reporting to Lady Sikong, Empress Niang Niang says today there will be no clearing of the area to avoid disturbing the people. Please exit the carriage and walk with her into the temple.” A palace maid conveyed the message.

Pretending to be close to the people? Mo Zi smiled inwardly and replied that it was fine.

Xiao Yi had many complaints about the Empress and pouted. “Really making a fuss. If you don’t want to disturb the people, don’t cordon them off on both sides. If she’s so capable, walk among the common folk. How can such a pretentious woman still have everyone saying she’s good?”

“Those who don’t understand her are either deceived by appearances or follow what others say, calling her good. Those who understand her don’t dare not say she’s good. She needs to pretend flawlessly, only before one person—the Emperor.” Whoever the Emperor says is virtuous is virtuous. Mo Zi bent to exit the carriage.

Her carriage was after Great Zhou and Daqiu. To certain people, this had ulterior meaning, but to most common people, they couldn’t see the underlying implications. The Empress brought eight head palace maids and twenty-four palace attendants. Noble Consort Ying was surrounded by eight Daqiu noble ladies. Only she had just two people by her side, one of whom was even male. Yet her entrance was no less impressive than anyone else’s, all because of two accessories.

One was a twenty-four-colored gilded openwork ball pendant. Inside, a gem moon rabbit jumped within the ball as she moved, making tinkling sounds. The other was a longevity lock for ten thousand good fortunes. The chain was entwined with golden peonies. The jade lock appeared flawlessly white, but when sunlight hit it, green threads appeared within, making it seem transparent.

Moreover, Mo Zi’s clothing had no excess embroidery or inlays. The colors were like pear and peach blossoms together, with wide sleeves flowing in the wind. The style was dignified and elegant, making her appear both noble and beautiful. Her tall figure and graceful form, combined with the southern charm and gentleness, attracted more gazes than the Empress whose headdress alone weighed five or six catties, and Noble Consort Ying who was dressed too gaudily at the temple entrance. After all, the sun cannot be looked at directly, Buddhist temples are pure and tranquil places—flowers are still the most beautiful to behold.

Xiao Yi noticed and whispered in Mo Zi’s ear with a smile, “Your husband dressed you, didn’t he?”

“Do you think I would choose such jewelry and clothes myself?” Mo Zi knew she didn’t understand fashion.

Among the common people, some who had seen her before blurted out “Song Female Official,” immediately receiving her friendly smile. Soon the fact that the Great Zhou First Female Official had become Song Land’s First Lady spread. A maid’s origins, celestial craftsmanship—wave after wave of embellished tales about her beauty and kindness made the common people feel extraordinarily close to her.

“Madam, let my baby touch your shoes. I hope my little girl can be as clever and capable as you in the future.” A young woman held a four or five-year-old daughter.

Mo Zi walked over. “The shoes aren’t good—the sleeve is fine.”

The little girl shyly reached out her small hand and grasped Mo Zi’s sleeve.

Ha, a small handprint on the powder white, especially conspicuous. Mo Zi had a mischievous idea.

The young woman was startled and was about to kneel and beg forgiveness when she heard Mo Zi say—

“May I hold your daughter for a moment?”

How could the young woman dare disagree?

Mo Zi brought the little girl before the Empress. “Little girl, this is Empress Niang Niang. Shake hands with her, and you’ll have even more blessings.”

The Empress said she wouldn’t disturb the people, but actually wanted to show off imperial grandeur. She had been pampered since childhood and fundamentally wouldn’t touch lowly commoners. Seeing that little girl’s palm was covered in grime, she wished she could flick her sleeve and leave. But with so many eyes watching, and being the virtuous mother of the nation, she suppressed her disgust, quickly grasped and released the hand, then withdrew her own into her sleeve where she rubbed it vigorously.

Xiao Yi crossed her arms and looked askance at the Empress’s strained smile, secretly amused.

The people’s eyes are sharp as snow. With Mo Zi being generous and approachable first, followed by the Empress being reluctantly forced, they could immediately tell the difference.

Mo Zi returned the little girl to the young woman’s arms. “What a blessed child—even Empress Niang Niang has bestowed blessings. You must raise her well.”

The young woman repeatedly agreed.

The Empress, afraid Mo Zi would attract more children, didn’t greet her anymore and deliberately only got close to Noble Consort Ying, holding hands, but walking very quickly into the temple gates.

Mo Zi and Xiao Yi winked at each other and followed behind unhurriedly.

In being close to the people, Empress Wang lost; Mo Zi won.

Behind Tian’en Temple was an artificially carved mountain path. On the mountain were several quiet courtyards specially for wealthy families’ use. The mountain was nameless, but famous for its red leaves covering the entire mountain. Being in such an environment was intoxicating.

After eating a vegetarian meal, Empress Wang said she was tired and wanted to rest briefly. Mo Zi then took Zan Jin and Xiao Yi to stroll through the woods.

Xiao Yi hadn’t been able to indulge her tree-climbing hobby in recent years. Seeing a mountain full of trees, how could she not be excited?

Mo Zi let Xiao Yi go play on her own.

Zan Jin followed, always maintaining a moderate distance.

“Lady Sikong.” Noble Consort Ying slowly walked over from the opposite direction.

Zan Jin immediately came to Mo Zi’s side.

“I’ve seen too many people who, once gaining power, undergo earth-shaking changes. Yet you alone—besides the title of First Lady, the people around you haven’t changed, and you yourself haven’t changed either.” Noble Consort Ying instructed the guards behind her to retreat. “Don’t worry, even if I wanted to harm you, I absolutely wouldn’t do it in Great Zhou.”

Mo Zi gave Zan Jin a look.

Zan Jin withdrew.

“I’m not necessarily unchanged, but you’ve certainly changed.” Mo Zi twisted the red leaf in her hand. “Every time I see you, you’re different from before. First a noble lady, then Noble Concubine Ying, now Noble Consort Ying. Next time, it should be Empress, right?”

“May your auspicious words come true. When that time comes, I’ll repay you double for your support.” Noble Consort Ying’s smile was confident.

“You’ve already thanked me.” Consort Xiang’s downfall by Noble Consort Ying’s hand greatly pleased her heart. “However, I’ll give you one more saying: a centipede with a hundred legs doesn’t fall stiff when it dies, much less when it hasn’t died yet.”

The Cold Palace was a place one could enter and exit.