Chapter 13: Ruiji [Section Two] (Part 3)

Translator: Tygris
English proofreader: 247Reader

Everyone woke from their stupor and hurriedly bowed down their bodies, saying in unison, “May Empress Niangniang enjoy ten thousand blessings and golden peace.”

The Empress did not have a good expression, and for a moment, did not respond with “You may rise.” Looking down upon the crowd, she said, “Bengong originally wanted to go to a’ge’suo to visit the princess and princes. Who knew that, after such a short walk, there would come the sounds of you people noisily clamoring and being rowdy and disruptive—utterly lacking in decorum!”

Her gaze swept across the figures of the Noble Consort, Consort Xian, and Second Class Attendant Mei, containing a few points of solemnity. “This is the Imperial Garden of the Imperial Palace, not your own personal execution ground. How dare you disgrace the dignity of the Imperial Clan?!” 

Noble Consort Hui shot a hatred-filled glance at Second Class Attendant Mei, then forcefully squeezed out a smile and replied, “May Empress Niangniang calm her anger. Niangniang may not know—Second Class Attendant Mei spoke with reckless arrogance, brazenly defying rank. Not only did she mock this concubine’s baoyi origins, but she also ridiculed this concubine for being a pearl that has lost luster…” ^[1]人老珠黄 (rén lǎo zhū huáng) is used to describe a woman who has aged and is no longer considered beautiful or desirable, i.e. under the social expectations of youth and femininity back then. The phrase itself is saying ‘the person has aged and the pearls have yellowed’.

Second Class Attendant Mei did not show the slightest hint of submission. She lifted her face, revealing the two bloodstains at the corners of her lips, which, on her snow-white visage, looked particularly wretched and hideous. “May Empress Niangniang see clearly. This concubine indeed said that Noble Consort Hui had baoyi origins, but it is exactly because Noble Consort has baoyi origins that she is able to enjoy the favor and glory she has today—these words are not false. But with regards to Noble Consort Niangniang saying that [this concubine said that] she was akin to ‘a pearl that has lost luster’, this concubine had never said those four words, ^[2]It is four words/characters in Chinese. TL Note: Will just translate it this way so I don’t feel I am lying to you readers about what the raws actually say lol and had only sighed that time was as unforgiving as ever.” 

She turned her head to look at Ruyi. “If Empress Niangniang does not trust [this concubine], [you] can ask Consort Xian.”

Ruyi listened to the rebuttal—indeed, although her meaning was that Noble Consort was akin to a pearl that had lost its luster, she in truth had not used those four words—and could only respond, “Just now, Second Class Attendant Mei undoubtedly made disrespectful remarks, but the four characters ‘a pearl that has lost luster’ indeed did not pass her lips.”

Noble Consort Hui was indignant. “Although she did not say those four words, she absolutely had this meaning in mind. Consort Xian, you are so tolerant and indulgent [of her wrongdoings], if someone were to say that you and Second Class Attendant Mei had no connection, Bengong truly would not believe it!”

Ruyi’s heart lurched in alarm. She was on the verge of an explanation, but, thinking that Noble Consort Hui had already made up her mind and that it would be of no use no matter how many words she said, she simply turned her face away and paid no attention. 

The Empress’s expression darkened. Authoritatively, she rebuked, “That is enough. Each person has their own meanings and interpretations. A momentary misunderstanding is also normal.” She softened her anger, and said benevolently, “Second Class Attendant Mei is a newly promoted concubine. It is natural for her to lack the expected etiquette. You are the Noble Consort, ranking just below Bengong, and have the right to discipline and restrain her. Since the face-slapping punishment has been served, and her face has been beaten to such a state, let it rest—you all may rise.”

Everyone hurriedly said their thanks and stood up. 

Second Class Attendant Mei stubbornly held on. “Empress Niangniang, this concubine indeed made errors in her speech, but Noble Consort Niangniang, in a fit of anger, ordered for [this concubine] to be struck on the face. This concubine has served the Emperor for such a short time and [this concubine’s] visage has already been damaged. If the Emperor asks about this, this concubine does not dare not to answer.”

The Empress’s gaze upon her did not contain the slightest bit of warmth. “If the Emperor were to ask you and find that you all have your own version of events, the Emperor would not listen to anyone. Bengong will only speak frankly and impartially. 

“Your mistake was to verbally disrespect your superiors. It was not wrong for the Noble Consort to punish you, it is only that the punishment was a bit too harsh. If you insist on being restless and making frequent trouble, Bengong will not tolerate you!”

It was exceedingly rare for the Empress to speak in this kind of tone. Ruyi understood the severity of the situation, and expeditiously and secretly pulled at Second Class Attendant Mei’s cloak from behind. Second Class Attendant Mei, upon hearing the Empress’s tone of voice, also did not dare to speak for the moment.

The Empress, seeing that everyone was silent, gently said to Ruyi, “Consort Xian, you have not been deeply involved in this matter. How about this—you escort Second Class Attendant Mei back and give her a few words of advice.”

Initially, Ruyi did not want to accept this task, in case everyone thought that she truly had some connection with Ruiji, but since there were some matters that had not been clarified earlier, and since the suspicion had already landed upon her and she could not avoid it for the moment, she acquiesced to the order.

Noble Consort Hui, seeing that the two had already walked some distance, could not help but angrily say, “Empress Niangniang is kind and magnanimous, but this kind of base maid is of humble origins and is frivolous and willful. If she were not carefully taught the rules, one fears that she would take advantage of the Emperor’s favor and overturn the skies.” ^[3]翻了天 (fān le tiān) means to cause a huge disturbance/disrupt order, usually due to arrogance or otherwise unchecked behavior.

The Empress glanced at her coldly. “You have already punished her physically and also made her kneel in the snow. What else do you want? If her face were truly disfigured or her knees were actually injured, when the Emperor came looking for accountability, how would you respond?”

Noble Consort Hui spitefully said, “This concubine would just speak the truth. In any case, it was Second Class Attendant Mei who was first in the wrong.”

The Empress looked at her and then shook her head. “She indeed was in the wrong, but you are a Noble Consort. You, as the higher-ranking one, should have the capacity to tolerate and accommodate others. Creating this kind of outburst and quarrel over just a few words—even if it was indeed Second Class Attendant Mei who was in the wrong, the Emperor would still only feel that you are narrow-minded.”

The Empress continued to speak sincerely, ^[4]推心置腹 (tuī xīn zhì fù) is a metaphor for treating others sincerely or to give your sincere heart to others. This idiom has a positive meaning. “Dear younger sister, it is not that Bengong wants to blame you, but she is the Emperor’s new favorite. No matter what, you should endure for the moment. As time goes on and the Emperor’s favor cools, whether you want to beat her or punish her, the Emperor would not feel the slightest heartache and would even feel that you are in the right. Do you understand?”

Only then did Noble Consort Hui reveal a few points of dejection. “But now that this concubine has already beaten her face into such a state, will the Emperor blame this concubine?”

The Empress gave a slight sigh. “Oh, you! Very well, if the Emperor were to inquire about this matter, Bengong will smooth it over for you. Additionally, Bengong will have people go to the Imperial Medical Bureau and procure some cooling and swelling-reducing ointment and have it sent over for you. She is also at fault in this matter. If she were to understand the stakes, she also would not dare to casually go cry to the Emperor.”

Only then did Noble Consort Hui feel slightly relieved. Happily and sincerely, she said, “With Empress Niangniang making the decisions, this concubine feels at ease.”

The Empress turned her head and ordered, “Suxin, you immediately go to the Imperial Medical Bureau and send some ointment to Yong’he Palace. Do not delay.”

Suxin agreed and left. Noble Consort Hui gratefully said, “This concubine thanks the Empress.”

The Empress smiled with a trace of satisfaction and said, “Enough now. If you have the time, why not accompany Bengong and come to a’ge’suo?”

Noble Consort Hui hurriedly moved to support the Empress’s arm. The two walked hand in hand across the snow.

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