Chapter 14: Wind and Waves (Part 2)

Translator: Tygris
English proofreader: 247Reader

Suxin entered and performed a wanfu greeting. ^[1]The salute performed by Han women in the olden days. Performed by clasping fists loosely with both hands, moving the clasped hands slightly up and down at the lower right side of the chest, and lowering the head and bending the knees slightly at the same time. “Consort Xian Niangniang, Second Class Attendant Mei, this servant comes, per the instructions of Noble Consort Niangniang, to specifically bring the finest swelling-relief ointment from the Imperial Medical Bureau for Second Class Attendant Mei.”

Ruiji let out a cold laugh. “Noble Consort Hui is quite kind-hearted! Immediately after beating me, she sends medicine over. As if a beating followed by a sweet date ^[2]Similar to ‘first a stick then a carrot’. would smooth the matter over. I truly dare not use this ointment.”

Suxin was caught off guard by those words. Holding the ointment in her hands, she found herself unable to advance or retreat. She could only cast a pleading glance towards Ruyi. “Consort Xian Niangniang…”

Ruyi stretched her hand towards Suxin. “Let me see.”

What landed on her palm was a round porcelain container with a pale pink glaze. Inside was a pale green, slightly translucent ointment. A cool fragrance rose to her nose, with subtle hints of honey, mint, and danqi. ^[3]丹七 (dān qī) is a type of medicine made of danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza – Wikipedia) and sanqi (Panax notoginseng – Wikipedia). She lifted some out and sniffed, and found that it was indeed the usual swelling-relief medicine used in the palace, with nothing unusual about it.

Ruyi nodded. “This is indeed the usual type of ointment used in the palace to reduce swelling. Additionally, ice compresses, rubbing with an egg, eating more cinnamon-vine ^[4]Chinese yam – Wikipedia and coix seeds ^[5]Job’s tears – Wikipedia and powdered sanqi ^[6]Panax notoginseng – Wikipedia can all help to invigorate the blood and disperse bruises.”

Only then was Suxin able to let out a breath of relief. “Consort Xian Niangniang speaks truly. Red bean and coix seed soup can indeed help reduce swelling. Actually, Noble Consort Niangniang was also very regretful after she punished Little Mistress, and was scolded by Empress Niangniang as well, so she hurriedly ordered this servant to bring medicine over, lest when the Emperor summons Little Mistress, Little Mistress be unable to serve him. Little Mistress may rest assured—with this ointment, the swelling will be gone within three days.”

“Three days?” Ruiji scoffed. “Can you guarantee that the Emperor will not summon me during these three days?”

Suxin gave a half-bow. “Empress Niangniang said, should there be a summons, Little Mistress should consider the greater good and refrain from anger or disturbance. After all, Noble Consort has already been severely reprimanded by Empress Niangniang. If further complications arise, one fears that Little Mistress yourself will not be able to escape cleanly from today’s matter!”

Ruiji was speechless for a moment, then sharply replied, “Then thank the Empress and the Noble Consort on my behalf. As long as this face suffers no permanent damage, I will let this matter rest.”

Suxin smiled. “That is as expected. Second Class Attendant Mei has newly obtained Imperial favor, and must surely hope that each and every future step is successful, and each and every matter goes smoothly. Little Mistress is clever and mindful of the greater good—she surely will get what she desires.”

After finishing her words, Suxin withdrew. Ruyi lingered for another short while before rising, saying her farewells, and leaving.

Noble Consort Hui, supported by her maid’s hand, walked slowly back along the long street. Along the way, she observed the snowy scenery with a tranquil expression. While passing through the corridor with Jian’fu Gate, ^[7]On the the map, it is the door to the left of and below 咸福宫/The Palace of Universal Happiness and above 长春宫/The Palace of Everlasting Spring. Map of Forbidden City in English and Chinese. she suddenly saw a green-clothed young eunuch sneaking about and leading two people out from the corner gate ^[8]In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the first gate in the major gates of government offices and residences was the main gate and the second gate was the ceremonial gate. The corner gates were on the same plane as the ceremonial gate and were located on both sides of the ceremonial gate. These were generally used by those who were not public officials. of Xian’fu Palace. Noble Consort Hui startled in surprise, then immediately ordered the maidservant by her side, Moxin, “Go and see who these people sneaking about next to Xian’fu Palace are.”

Moxin strode forward a couple of steps and shouted sternly, “Who is there! How dare you not kneel when you have seen Niangniang! Turn around at once!”

That green-clothed eunuch hesitated in his steps, then, realizing there was no way to escape, turned and dropped to his knees in greeting. “This servant greets Noble Consort Hui. May Noble Consort Niangniang enjoy ten thousand blessings and golden peace.”

“Ten thousand blessings and golden peace?” Noble Consort Hui spoke unhurriedly. “You dart away the moment you see bengong. What peace is there for bengong to enjoy? Raise your head!”

That green-clothed eunuch wavered, but had no choice but to lift his head. Moxin exclaimed in surprise, “Baocheng?”

Noble Consort Hui’s expression darkened slightly. “You are a member of Yan’xi Palace. What business do you have coming over to bengong’s Xian’fu Palace?”

Baocheng knocked his head to the ground and said cleverly, “It is all due to the heavy snow. This servant was freezing cold when walking, and wanted to lean against the base of the wall of Xian’fu Palace to gather a bit of warmth before moving on. Who would have thought that Niangniang would come? This servant feared Niangniang’s scolding, and so turned around and ran.”

Noble Consort Hui furrowed her brows, clearly not believing his words. “Xian’fu Palace is at the far back of the western ^[9]TL Note: Raws say ‘eastern’ side, which is likely a typo as that doesn’t match the map. side, whereas Yan’xi Palace is at the far front of the eastern side. What a far distance to travel just to gather some warmth.” 

She noticed that Baocheng’s hands, pressed into the snow, had left dark black stains. Lifting her gaze, she signaled to Moxin to take a closer look.

Moxin caught her meaning and, moving forward a few steps, pulled Baocheng up with a smile. “All right, so what if you like to come to Xian’fu Palace? Xian’fu Palace indeed has warm earth energy; even the Emperor likes to come here, not to mention you.” She turned her face, nodding towards Noble Consort Hui.

Noble Consort Hui understood and swapped her expression for a warm and gentle smile. “If there is nothing else, then you may leave. Remember to tell your Consort Xian that she should come visit Xian’fu Palace when she has the time.”

Sanbao ^[10]TL Note: For some reason, the name of Ruyi’s personal eunuch changes from Baocheng/宝成 to Sanbao/三宝 starting from here. Sanbao matches the name of Ruyi’s senior attendant in the drama. was frightened and was just worrying that he would not be able to conceal the truth when the matter seemed to be simply brushed over. He hurriedly gave thanks and left. Noble Consort Hui, seeing that they had left, fixed her gaze upon the six black-tinged handprints. With a contemptuous smile, she said, “To dare play tricks before bengong. Moxin, go see what it is.”

Moxin crouched down and took a look, exclaiming in surprise, “Replying to Niangniang, that black tinge is charcoal ash, specifically ash from black charcoal.”

Noble Consort Hui said doubtfully, “Charcoal is hardly anything precious—could Yan’xi Palace truly lack charcoal to the point of theft?” Then, remembering something, she clenched her teeth. “No—she is giving charcoal to Hailan!”

Moxin nodded. Noble Consort Hui grew all the more furious, her fair face flushing purple. “That née Keliyete can be considered formidable! Bengong only used a bit of her charcoal and she dared to run about everywhere crying her grievances! Others even came to help her, making it seem as though bengong had mistreated her!”

Moxin hurriedly followed up. “Is that not the case! Empress Niangniang had always urged frugality in the harem. She only has a few people in her quarters—how much would they even be able to use? Niangniang was merely saving resources on her behalf for the benefit of the palace. Who knew that First Class Attendant Hai would be so ungrateful!”

Noble Consort Hui lightly clenched her pearl-white teeth, then, seemingly casually, said, “She and Yan’xi Palace are of one mind. Bengong has seen this clearly. This treacherous creature who eats inside and climbs outside…” ^[11]吃里扒外 (chī lǐ pá wài) means to betray one’s own people or to bite the hand that feeds you. She pressed her lips together and did not continue.

Moxin subconsciously shivered, and she lowered her head, hastily saying, “Niangniang, it is cold outside. Let us quickly go in.”

Noble Consort Hui gave a slight nod and, with the support of Moxin, entered the palace. Just then, the steward eunuch from the Imperial Household Department, who had already left Yong’he Palace and had just finished hanging up the plaque at Xian’fu Palace, was rubbing his hands together, just about to leave. But when he turned around, he saw Noble Consort Hui coming in. Plastering a series of smiles on his face, he performed a qian’er ^[12]Greeting etiquette usually performed by men, consisting of bending the left knee forward, bending the right leg backward, leaning the upper body slightly forward, and dropping the right fist to the floor. This greeting is considered a midpoint between bowing and kneeling. greeting and spoke many flattering words, coaxing Noble Consort Hui into a delightful mood. 

She instructed the chief eunuch of her palace, Shuangxi, “On such a cold day, they still attend to their duties—see that they are properly rewarded on bengong’s behalf.”

The steward eunuch was thrilled and spoke more words of embellishment. “The Emperor said that the plaque for Xian’fu Palace is inscribed with Zi De He Jia (滋德合嘉), ^[13]滋 (zī) meaning ‘nourish’. 德 (dé) meaning ‘virtue/kindness’. 合 (hé) meaning ‘with/together’ 嘉 (jiā) meaning ‘precious/good/fine/perfect’, i.e., all the good stuff., wishing Noble Consort Hui to enjoy both blessings and virtue. One hears that the Emperor pondered over this wording for a long time before settling on it, saying that the things meant for Xian’fu Palace cannot be written casually and must be the best of the best.”

Noble Consort Hui was in excellent spirits, carefully admiring the Emperor’s calligraphy, her smile blooming like spring flowers. “The Emperor’s calligraphy is a rare treasure. Is this plaque something only bengong’s palace possesses, or does even the Empress also have one?”

The steward eunuch from the Imperial Household Department froze for a moment, not knowing how to respond. Noble Consort Hui cast him a sidelong glance and let out a soft laugh. “What are you afraid of? It is natural and right for Empress Niangniang to have one as well. Could it be that bengong would even be jealous of the Empress?”

That steward eunuch could only harden his scalp ^[14]硬着头皮 (yìng zhe tóu pí) is similar to the saying ‘bite the bullet’, i.e. to grit one’s teeth and cope with doing something reluctantly. and reply, “It is not only Empress Niangniang’s palace that has one. Per the Emperor’s command, all East and West Six Palaces ^[15]六宫 (liù gōng) historically refers to the Empress and her residence, but by the Tang Dynasty, which is before the Qing Dynasty setting of this novel, it more generally referred to the collective Imperial Consorts and their residences. have their own.”

Noble Consort Hui’s smile seemed to have become frostily frozen in an instant. Her brows still carried traces of joy while the corners of her lips already contained flashes of anger. Her smile and her anger were originally both stunningly beautiful in their own ways, but now, they combined into a breathtaking and alluring yet eerie expression, chilling the hearts of those who saw it. “That means… even Yong’he Palace has one, then?”

The steward eunuch felt his scalp tingle, going numb, and could only answer in a trembling voice, “Yes.”

Noble Consort Hui asked coldly, “What characters?”

The steward eunuch responded, “Yi Zhao Shu Shen (仪昭淑慎).” ^[16]仪 (yí) – ceremonial/ritual. 昭 (zhāo) – clear/obvious. 淑 (shū) – beautiful. 慎 (shèn) – prudent.

Noble Consort Hui’s expression was ice cold as she snapped, “Is she even worthy!?”

The steward eunuch was so terrified that he dropped to his knees with a thud, hastily kowtowing, “Second Class Attendant Mei also knows that she is not worthy. She even went to ask Consort Xian, but Consort Xian said that since the plaque was bestowed upon Yong’he Palace, and she resides in Yong’he Palace, then she is naturally worthy. Only then did Second Class Attendant Mei show some joy.”

Xiyue’s expression shifted several times before settling into one of bottomless darkness. Slowly, she said, “You may leave.”

Upon hearing those words, the steward eunuch could not have been more eager to leave, immediately leading the others in withdrawing and retreating.

Noble Consort Hui walked to the front of the main hall and gazed out at the clear and brightening sky. In the west wing where Hailan resided, Yexin was, at this moment, carrying out a brazier and emptying the spent black ashes into a corner by the walls.

Noble Consort Hui gazed out coldly, her eyes icier than even the snow outside. “Shuangxi, you keep a close eye on First Class Attendant Hai for bengong. See how often the people from Yan’xi palace are sneaking over.”

Shuangxi, seeing that Noble Consort Hui’s expression was far from normal and understanding the severity of the situation, hurriedly agreed.

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