CH 26

The crowd of concubines have already settled at the side hall of Jiang’zi Palace, waiting.  Meng Sangyu carried A’Bao, sitting by herself to the side, not conversing with the crowd of concubines.  Unlike the murmuring crowd of concubines that have flashes of joy in their eyes every so often, she lifted her head to look toward the main hall every so often.  The expression on her face was full of worry.

Emperor Zhou’wu also stared intently at the main doors of the main hall, waiting for the imperial physician to come out and report on the condition.  Afterall, it was his own son, how could his heart not hurt for him? Witnessing with his own eyes his son’s face turned blue and purple, his breath nearly gone, that type feeling that stabs at your heart where you are unable to do anything – even now remains in his heart.

But the more he worried, the more frustrated he became.  It was no other than his hearing being too good. The words that those concubines were murmuring passed into his ears, not a word was missed.  What do they mean “nosy”? What do they mean “too lucky”? What do they mean “act so well”? This group of death-deserving women!

Emperor Zhou’wu’s nose twitched as he growled viciously.  Suddenly, he felt that all these maybe lively, or cute, or vibrant faces are all so ugly and twisted, making one want to puke.

As they were waiting, the announcement that “His Majesty arrives” was heard from outside the hall.  The concubines all immediately retracted the relaxed expression on their faces and cohesively put on a worried and over-frightened face.  Their motion ridiculously uniform. Their pale faces, furrowed brows, each had their own beauty, each had their own flavor, really making one unable to resist to take care of them.

So they usually deal with us like this? Emperor Zhou’wu’s throat sounded a frustrated whimper, his heart felt uncomfortable like if he ate a fly.

“What’s wrong A’Bao? Are you scared because there are too many people? It’s okay, when the fifth prince is safe we will leave, just a little longer!” Hearing A’Bao’s low whimper, Meng Sangyu lowered her body and whispered in his ear. After, she even gave a little kiss to the tip of his twitching nose.

Emperor Zhou’wu’s high rising killing-intent was immediately broken up by this kiss.  He unknowingly humphed, his voice becoming sweet and oily. He has already progressed from the very start when he had no choice but to tolerate the Virtuous Consort to the later willingly and eagerly try to get on the good side of the Virtuous Consort. Now, he unconsciously tries to get on the good side of the Virtuous Consort, his growth on this path has already transcended.

When the fake emperor came in, the crowd of concubines had already long since been kneeling at the palace doors to greet him.  On the way he had heard a eunuch report on the entire process of the matter. He couldn’t help but feel that the Virtuous Consort’s bravery and intelligence was strange.  In this type of situation, who wouldn’t hide far away? But she just had to charge forward without considering the aftermath, she really is a naïve woman after all!

The fake emperor shook his head, but in his heart he began to appreciate and like the Virtuous Consort even more.  He unknowingly searched for the Virtuous Consort’s figure. Seeing that she was left at the back of all the concubines, with her beloved pet a puffy ball filling up her arms, her appearance really rather silly, a thick laughter bloomed in his eyes. 

“Beloved consort, quickly get up, it is cold on the ground.  Your body is still weak, be careful not to get sick. Today the fifth prince can be safe was all thanks to you.” He walked straight to the side of the Virtuous Consort and lifted her up with his own hands.

This warm and loving gaze, gentle voice, careful consideration stabbed a knife on Emperor Zhou’wu’s heart, with blood flowing non-stop. He grit his teeth and began deeply growling.

Meng Sangyu went with the flow and stood up.  She quickly put her hand over A’Bao’s mouth, smiling bootlickingly at the fake emperor.  The fake emperor smiled, the gentleness in his eyes even thicker, stabbing the crowd of concubines’ eyes.  They had thought that the Virtuous Consort had no chance left, but they didn’t think that she would be able to rise again. And she even used the Worthy Consort mother and son as stepping stones, how sly!

The eyes of a palace maid serving in the side hall darkened, she walked around back inside the inner hall, reporting to the weak-limbed, over-frightened Worthy Consort of the situation.

When Noble Consort Li arrived in the side hall, she made it just in time to see the fake emperor’s actions.  If it was usually, she would definitely be like the concubines on the side and think the Virtuous Consort was in the way, but now that she knew the truth, all she could do was give a mocking laugh.  All the consorts in the main positions came to visit hearing the news, but just your beloved person is currently nonchalantly sitting in Zong’cui Palace, not caring about this matter. What impertinence! Since she’s so capable, why doesn’t she bravely stand out and have a battle? Why so slyly use others as shields against everything?!

While the thoughts in her heart became darker and darker, Noble Consort Li expression became even more gentle.  She gracefully walked over to greet the fake emperor. The fake emperor had already received Shen Huiru’s instructions, he didn’t respond to Noble Consort Li.  All he did was bring Meng Sangyu over to sit beside him and wait for the imperial physician’s diagnosis. Noble Consort Li felt extremely awkward, she forced a smile and sat in the seat below the head seat.

In just a moment, two palace maids helped a pale-faced Worthy Consort who had cleaned up her appearance in.  Seeing the fake emperor, she quickened her pace and softened her body to make a curtsey. They did become husband and wife for a night after all, and the Worthy Consort was a rare beauty, her pale face adding a weakened delicacy to her, making one want to take care of her.

The fake emperor hurriedly pulled her up, taking her into an embrace and patting her in comfort.  The Worthy Consort’s nose became sore and tears began streaming down her face. She choked up as she spoke, “Your Majesty, just now this concubine was scared to death! This concubine thought she would no longer be able to see imperial son anymore, how could this concubine live through the days after…”

The fake emperor held her tighter, comforting her in a gentle voice without stopping.

The concubines in the hall, other than Meng Sangyu and Li Shujing, all looked at the two people in intimate embrace with jealous gazes.  They hated that they weren’t able to switch with the Worthy Consort.

Meng Sangyu pouted her mouth, only caring to lower her head and comfort A’Bao who was very irritated. Li Shujing reached out for a cup of tea and calmly sipped on it, looking at the two people before her with a calm gaze, as if watching a show. 

Emperor Zhou’wu stared intently at the two people who have almost combined into one. Just a quick moment later he gave a deep humph and coldly turned his eyes away.  What was that folk saying again? The sky wants to rain, the mother wants to wed*, he should just let her do whatever she wants! Although these words were a little vulgar, but they really describe Emperor Zhou’wu’s current feelings well.  Other than coldly watch on the side, what else could he do?

The Worthy Consort cried for quite a while, but the intricate makeup on her face didn’t wear at all, instead it became more beautiful, in stark contrast to the pitiful appearance she had at the imperial garden, it was like two completely different people.  She was actually sad at that time, but now she was acting. Her son was still laying inside getting diagnosed, his safety is still uncertain, but she still had the heart to compete for favor, this woman…

Emperor Zhou’wu shook his head, he sighed in his heart and couldn’t help but think: If it were Sangyu, she would probably be watching at our son’s bedside, refusing to take even half a step away.  Even if he came she probably wouldn’t even come out to greet him, much less get even a fraction of her attention!

Just at this time, a servant serving at the imperial physician’s side brought out a prescription, greeted the fake emperor and quickly ran toward the pharmacy.  The fake emperor quickly brought the Worthy Consort with him into the hall to visit the fifth prince, the crowd of concubines only followed in suite after Noble Consort Li and the Virtuous Consort got up to follow.

The fifth prince laid on the bed, tears still hanging off the corners of his eyes.  After seeing the fake emperor, his tears fell more viciously, he weekly called out imperial father, trying to struggle to get up to greet his imperial father.

The fake emperor quickly pushed him back onto the bed, tucking him back in the blanket.  He took his hand and gently comforted, the Worthy Consort sitting at the bedside with his little head in her arms.  The three murmured in conversation, as if a normal commoner’s family. That gentle and moving scene provoked the concubines and their eyes reddened.

The imperial physician knelt at the feet of the fake emperor, calmly describing the conditions. The basic summary of his words was that because he was treated in time and properly, so there are no other serious conditions. It’s just that he was frightened, so he needs to properly rest for several days.

The fake emperor nodded his head, satisfied.  He gazed incredibly gently toward Meng Sangyu, saying to the fifth prince, “Imperial son, it’s all thanks to the Virtuous Mother Consort treating you in time that you were saved today, quickly thank your Virtuous Mother Consort.”

Meng Sangyu lightly smiled. She was just about to shake her hand and speak humbly when the fifth prince made a scared and uneasy expression.  He went straight into the Worthy Consort’s arms, screaming in a sharp voice, “No, it’s all her fault that I choked! She’s been contaminated by misfortunate air, she’s trouble bringer, a jinx! If it wasn’t for her curse, this son, this son wouldn’t be like this! She’s a bad person!”

Is this something a three, four year old child is able to say? Does he understand what is misfortunate air? What a jinx and a trouble bringer is? It’s obvious that someone purposely taught him! Also, with such a small child, even if his words stung even more, what could you do to him? Could you hit him? Scold him? Other than bear with it, you still have to bear with it.  It was precisely because of this the Worthy Consort could so blatantly scheme against her. His Majesty had just been annoyed with the words misfortunate air a little before, hearing the fifth prince’s words, even if he weren’t to think more right now, when he gets back he would still feel put off and continue to be cold to herself. This forbidden palace! It’s too dirty! Even the purity of children is stolen away!

Meng Sangyu sighed in her heart, but her the smile on her face remained.  She had never cared for the Emperor Zhou’wu’s favor, not to mention now that the person before her is a fake, she cares even less.

“It seems that the fifth prince really is has been overly frightened, he doesn’t even know what he’s saying anymore.  It’s best that this concubine leaves first, so as not to provoke him.” Meng Sangyu wrapped up the suddenly enraged A’Bao, curtseyed to the fake emperor asking to take her leave.

The fake emperor had no choice but to wave his hand and let her leave.

As soon as she walked out of the hall, a chilling air billowed toward her, making Meng Sangyu unable to prevent herself from shivering. She quickly used her hand in front of A’Bao to block the cold wind’s attack from hitting him.  The enraged Emperor Zhou’wu immediately calmed down, his boiling heart slowly pacified. Sangyu doesn’t even care, what is he making a fuss about? It’s but only an ungrateful woman, it wasn’t worth it for him to mind so much. It’s just that his fifth imperial son is just too pitiful, still sick yet being used like so by his mother.  What would they do if his personality strayed in the future?

At this time he remembered something Sangyu had said before, if there was no love, then there would be no hate, it was better to love yourself rather than waste emotions on someone that doesn’t matter.  In this palace, even a three, four year old child can stab knives into other people’s bodies, if you were to make a fuss about everything, then you really would not be able to survive! His heart gradually tightened, the continuous extreme pain made Emperor Zhou’wu couldn’t hold back from whimpering.  How disappointed in human character must Sangyu be to have such a thorough comprehension? The times he couldn’t see, how much pain did she suffer? He didn’t dare to imagine.

“Okay, we already got out, don’t be scared A’Bao! We’ll head home right away.” Meng Sangyu scratched the uneasy and restless A’Bao’s chin, comforting him in a gentle voice.

Emperor Zhou’wu’s heart hurt even more for her.  Seeing her in such a happy-go-lucky state, he became deeply annoyed, he bared his teeth and grabbed one of her ice cold fingers into his mouth.  He was afraid to use too much strength. As if to let out his frustration, he used his teeth to grind a little on her finger, wanting to melt this ice cold finger in his mouth.

“Wait a moment little sister Virtuous Consort.” A woman’s gentle voice sounded from behind, breaking up the gentle interaction between the two master and pet.

Seeing that the person coming over was Noble Consort Li, Meng Sangyu curtseyed in greeting.

“No need to be so polite.” Noble Consort Li walked up and took her arm, her attitude intimate.  She spoke in a low voice, “You were reckless today little sister. You clearly knew the Worthy Consort was that sort of ungrateful person, you shouldn’t have stepped in for her matter.  Look at how it is now, you didn’t even get a thank you, but got poured a bucket of dirty water instead.”

“She can say what she will, this concubine will save what this concubine will.  All this concubine asks for is for her heart to be guiltless.” Meng Sangyu lightly smiled, her attitude very open-minded.

A flash of respect quickly rolled through Noble Consort Li’s eyes.  She has the intelligence, the ability, but her good heart has not been dirtied, she kept the most basic principles a person should have.  This kind of person, there were not many in this palace now! But it was exactly because it was like this that she would feel at ease cooperating with the Virtuous Consort.

Thinking of this, Noble Consort Li probed, “Could it be that little sister plans to spend her entire life like this? You must know, without a child, without favor, the days in this palace would not be easy.  Why don’t you cooperate with us, how about when we fulfill our heart’s desire we will look for a child for you to raise by your side?”

Emperor Zhou’wu bared her teeth, he complained unhappily in his heart: Why should Sangyu be tangled in your situation? We will give her however many children she wants in the future – children that actually belong to us!

“Your Ladyship, this concubine is thankful for your consideration, but this concubine’s heart is gray and really no longer has a fight in it.  As of right now, all this concubine wants is to quietly stay in Bi’xiao Palace and to pass the days peacefully in this palace.” Meng Sangyu smiled and waved her hand.

“Is that so, then never mind. If you change your idea, or have anything you need, all you have to do is send someone over to look for us.” Noble Consort Li’s eyes expressed slight pity as she gently said.

“This concubine thanks Your Ladyship.  This concubine also has advice for Your Ladyship, to not fight is to fight.” Seeing Noble Consort Li have a few parts of sincerity towards herself, Meng Sangyu couldn’t resist but to add a few words. 

“To not fight is to fight? Ha~ in our position, how many eyes are staring at my back, how many pairs of hands are pushing at my back, if we were not to fight, then the consequence…” Noble Consort Li kept her last words as she walked away, shaking her head.

Meng Sangyu and Emperor Zhou’wu looked at her frail but firm figure from behind for a long while, both giving a sigh.

*The sky wants to rain, the mother wants to wed

Original: 天要下雨，娘要嫁人 [Tian Yao Xia Yv Niang Yao Jia Ren]

Explanation: It’s a saying that describes a situation that can’t be avoided – it’s bound to happen eventually whether you like it or not. What I translated is the direct translation of this folk saying that has a story behind it.

The story is as follows:

Legend has it that in ancient times there was an intelligent scholar, Zhu Yaozong, who had went to the capital to take the imperial exam and got first.  The emperor saw that not only was he talented, but he was also good-looking, so he wanted to have him as a son-in-law. As tradition goes, Zhu Yaozong returned home grandly. Before he embarked, he had reported to the emperor how hard the life of his mother was and how she had worked to raise him.  He and his mother had come so far interdependent on each other. He begged for the emperor to grant his widowed mother, who has not remarried for many years, a memorial arch in honor of a chaste widow. The emperor was rather happy to hear this, coming to like this new son-in-law even more, and approved.  Zhu Yaozong happily hurried home to see his mother. However, when Zhu Yaozong told his mother of the memorial arch, mother Zhu, who had been exuberant, suddenly froze in shock. She expressed unease on her face, and seemed as if she had something to say but couldn’t, as if she had a difficult situation. Zhu Yaozong was confused, he asked, surprised: “Mother, are you not feeling well?”

“My heart hurts.”

“How come it suddenly start hurting?”

“My child,” mother Zhu cried, “You don’t know how hard it is to be a widow.  My long nights are spent alone, crying until daylight. I’ve finally raised you into a fine adult! All mother wants right now is to have a partner to peacefully spend the rest of my days.  I have to tell you now, mother wants to remarry. I cannot accept this memorial arch.”

“Mother who are you to wed?”

“Your esteemed teacher Zhang Wenjv.”

Hearing his mother’s response, it was as if an exploding thunder on a clear day.  Zhu Yaozong who had no mental preparation was immediately struck down, with a “pu-tong” he fell to his knees before his mother: “Mother, you can’t do this. If you were to remarry, how would I have the face to appear before others? Furthermore, this would be a crime of lying to the emperor, death would be unavoidable!”

Mother Zhu couldn’t respond, she couldn’t balance things perfectly between her son and her lover.

Apparently, when Zhu Yaozong was eight he lost his father.  Mother Zhu, Chen Xiuying, grit through the pain of losing her husband at a young age.  Seeing that her son was intelligent and loved to learn, meticulous about his studies, she especially invited the famous scholar Zhang Wenjv to teach at her home.  Because of Zhang Wenjv’s effective teachings, Zhu Yaozong’s studies progressed quickly. Mother Zhu was very happy, and became even more respectful of Zhang Jv Wen.  As the accompanied each other over the years, Chen Xiuying’s heart was deeply moved by Zhang Wenjv’s character and talent, and Zhang Wenjv fell in love with the gentle and virtuous Chen Xiuying. The two decided, when Zhu Yaozong made a family and is able to be independent, they would officially marry, and be at each other’s side until old age.  But neither could have predicted that this marriage would be unintentionally ruined by the unknowing Zhu Yaozong, and that such an awkward situation would appear.

To untie the bell you would still need the person who tied the bell [TN: The person who made the mistake/made a decision, would be the person who has to resolve the issue]. As they were troubled, mother Zhu could not help but give a long sigh: “Then let’s just see what the heavens have in store for us.” She said as she naturally took off an outer garment, telling Zhu Yaozong: “Wash this dress for me tomorrow, leave it out to dry for one day and one night, if the dress dries, then I will agree not to marry; if the dress doesn’t dry, then it is the will of the heaves, and you don’t have to interfere anymore.”

This day was a clear and sunny day.  Zhu Yaozong thought to himself that this wasn’t hard, so he agreed. Who would have thought that that very night gray clouds thickly gathered, and just as the day dawned, a heavy storm poured down. The dress remained wet and soggy.  Zhu Yaozong grieved bitterly in his heart, but he knew it was the will of the heavens.

Chen Xiuying then said seriously to her son: “Child, the sky wants to rain, mother wants to wed, you cannot go against the will of the heavens!”

The matter was already such, there was no need to say more.  Zhu Yaozong could only report truthfully to the emperor about his mother and esteemed teacher’s marriage, asking the emperor for punishment.  The emperor was fascinated, he sent down a decree: “Those who don’t know are not to be blamed, they are a match made by the heavens, just let her go.”