The Empress Dowager had originally been just the daughter of a concubine in a minor official’s family, but she was lucky. Not long after entering the palace, she gave birth to a prince.
What was even more unexpected was that the prince she birthed actually became the Emperor.
So it was only natural that she became the Empress Dowager.
Her upbringing under a concubine had left her with a narrow worldview.
She usually seemed quite formidable, but whenever she encountered a major event, she would become muddled and indecisive.
Just like now.
Although the Empress Dowager already knew that Prince Wu Zhang was highly suspicious, she didn’t know what to do and could only ask Princess Consort Zhen to help her think of a plan.
Hua Qingqing had already devised a plan before she arrived. She said at once,
"The Night Owl Guard now controls everything, both inside and outside the palace.
In my opinion, Wu Wang, the Supervisor of the Night Owl Guard, was won over by Prince Wu Zhang long ago. They are in league with one another.
Even the ministers at court have likely sided with Prince Wu Zhang.
Right now, the only person we can count on is Prince Zhao.
Prince Zhao holds military power. As long as he can rush back, we still have a chance to turn the tables."
The Empress Dowager asked, "But Prince Zhao is far away in Lingnan. How can we get a message to him?"
Hua Qingqing replied, "We can ask the General of the Brave Cavalry, Bian Ziming, for help.
I remember that on the night the Saint fell critically ill, Bian Ziming was not among the ministers who followed Prince Wu Zhang into the palace.
He presumably has not sided with Prince Wu Zhang. He should be trustworthy."
What she said was perfectly logical and sounded quite feasible.
The Empress Dowager couldn’t think of a more thorough plan herself, so she accepted Hua Qingqing’s proposal.
"I will find a way to get the message to Bian Ziming."
Hua Qingqing reminded her, "You must be careful. Don’t let the Night Owl Guard find out, or it will tip them off."
The Empress Dowager nodded. "I understand."
Hua Qingqing put on a straw raincoat and a conical hat, preparing to leave.
"Since you’re innocent, there’s no need for you to remain under confinement. I’ll order your release at once," the Empress Dowager said.
But Hua Qingqing demurred.
"There’s no need. Releasing me so abruptly would surely make Wu Wang suspicious.
What you should be doing right now is visiting the Saint more often. Don’t give anyone another chance to harm him."
The Empress Dowager was startled. "You mean Prince Wu Zhang might try to harm the Emperor again? But... but that’s his father, after all. Would he really dare to commit patricide?"
Hua Qingqing said darkly,
"An arrow, once loosed, cannot be recalled. Now that he’s made his move, he can’t possibly give up halfway.
He’s already walking on a cliff’s edge. I won’t be surprised by anything he does in the future, no matter how crazy."
With that, she turned, stepped over the threshold, and strode into the rainy mist.
The Empress Dowager was left sitting there, stunned. It was a long time before she came back to her senses.
...
The arrival of the spring rain heralded the start of the spring planting.
The farmers on the estate grew busy.
Hua Manman finally received the letter Li Ji had sent.
In it, he wrote that he had won several consecutive victories in Lingnan, and morale was high. He said that if things continued this way, he would soon be able to wipe out the rebel army and return to the capital with his troops.
He also said that all was well with him in Lingnan and he wanted for nothing, so Manman shouldn’t worry.
At the end of the letter, he repeatedly emphasized how much he missed Manman and the baby, and he insisted that she write him back no matter what.
Hua Manman read the letter over and over until she could almost recite it from memory. Only then did she set it down, pick up her brush, and begin to write a reply to Li Ji.
First, she wrote about recent events at court, like the Saint’s grave illness and Prince Wu Zhang seizing power.
Then she started writing about herself.
Lately, the baby had been moving more and more frequently in her womb, and the movements were growing stronger.
Sometimes she could even feel the baby’s tiny hands and feet through her belly.
She had been suffering from insomnia lately. Her belly was too big to lie on her back, so she could only sleep on her side. But lying on her side for too long grew uncomfortable, and it took a great deal of effort just to turn over. It all made for very restless nights.
Her calves were a little swollen, making her look like she’d gained weight.
Once, while looking in the mirror, she thought she had gotten much uglier and felt so awful that she even started to cry.
It had scared everyone around her.
Feihua Zhenren comforted her, saying it was normal. He told her to relax, that everything would be fine after she gave birth.
At the time, Hua Manman had been genuinely devastated, as if her world were ending.
Looking back on it now, she just found it amusing.
She wrote all these little odds and ends in her letter, and before she knew it, she had filled three entire sheets of paper.
Hua Manman folded the pages neatly, slid them into an envelope, and sealed it with wax.
Just then, Si Yun came in and said quickly,
"The General of the Brave Cavalry is here. He says he has something to discuss with you and is waiting in the flower hall."
Hua Manman put the letter away and stood up. "I’ll go see him."
「In the flower hall.」
Qing Huan placed a cup of hot tea by Bian Ziming’s hand and said slowly,
"Please... have some tea. The Princess Consort... she..."
Bian Ziming watched her, but after waiting a long time for the rest of the sentence, he couldn’t help but press,
"What about the Princess Consort?"
Qing Huan said, "The Princess Consort... she... soon..."
Another suffocating pause.
Bian Ziming wasn’t a naturally impatient man, but she was forcing him to become one.
"What on earth are you trying to say?"
At that moment, Si Yun walked in, supporting Hua Manman.
As soon as Bian Ziming saw the Princess Consort arrive, he immediately stood and clasped his fist in a salute.
"Greetings, Princess."
Qing Huan finished, "...will be here."
Bian Ziming was speechless. "The Princess Consort is already here. What’s the point of you saying that now?"
Qing Huan continued at her unhurried pace, "Don’t... be anxious..."
Bian Ziming couldn’t help but retort, "Anyone would be driven mad by you."
Hua Manman smiled. "Qing Huan speaks a little slowly. Please don’t mind her, General Bian."
’A little slowly?’ Bian Ziming thought. ’It’s slow enough to drive a person insane!’
Hua Manman gestured for him to sit.
Once they were both seated, Hua Manman took the initiative to ask,
"General Bian, is there something you needed to see me about?"
Bian Ziming pulled a secret letter from his sleeve. "This is a secret letter that the Empress Dowager had someone deliver this morning. Please take a look."
Qing Huan stepped forward, took the letter, and presented it to the Princess Consort.
Hua Manman curiously opened it.
The letter contained only a few short words, and she finished reading it quickly.
The Empress Dowager stated that there was trouble in the palace, the Saint was in danger, and Prince Zhao was urgently needed back in the capital to provide aid.
Bian Ziming said, "This is a grave matter, and I don’t know what the best course of action is. I’ve come to ask for your opinion, Princess Consort. What specific danger do you think the Empress Dowager is referring to?"
Hua Manman put down the letter and, instead of answering, asked, "Haven’t you already guessed?"
Bian Ziming asked tentatively,
"Are you saying... Prince Wu Zhang?"