Chapter 83: Crisis of the Empress

Proofreader : Mim

The New Year’s Eve banquet was thrown into turmoil when it was revealed that a palace maid was pregnant. Everyone was on edge, and no one had the heart to enjoy the latter half of the banquet.

 

The Empress Xiao Qi, felt utterly humiliated. Her expression remained sour for the rest of the evening. For over ten years, she had ruled the imperial harem without challenge, long forgetting what it felt like to be restrained or coerced. Now, the palace attendants dared to play tricks on her! It was customary that, if a concubine became pregnant, the news should first be reported to her, the empress, before informing the emperor. Afterward, it would be her role to arrange the concubine’s title. Yet, these servants deliberately exposed the matter in front of the emperor and the entire harem. What was this implying? That she, the empress, might harm the pregnant maid? Empress Xiao Qi was absolutely livid.

 

As the imperial physician announced the pregnancy during the banquet, several ministers, seeing it as a double blessing on New Year’s Eve, kneeled to congratulate the emperor, exclaiming, “Double joy for Your Majesty!” While this seemed like good news to the ministers, the imperial consorts were far from pleased. Their faces were tense, with Noble Consort Li barely holding her temper due to the public setting. Meanwhile, Consort Hui, who had just learned that the pregnant maid was from her palace, could hardly sit still.

 

While the concubines were uneasy and distracted, Chu Jinyao, on the other hand, found her mood quite lifted. Empress Xiao Qi had been manipulating her for so long, and now, seeing the empress simmer with rage but unable to vent, Chu Jinyao couldn’t help but feel a secret delight. Of course, she kept her joy well hidden.

 

The second half of the banquet proceeded rather awkwardly, and when the New Year officially arrived, the sound of firecrackers exploded outside Qianqing Palace. Fireworks shot into the sky one after another, painting the night with vibrant colors. The emperor, in good spirits, led the group outside to watch the display. Court eunuchs, eager to please, brought out boxes of firecrackers to set off in the palace courtyard. The noblewomen stepped outside, though they remained inside the marble railings, watching the display with reserved decorum.

 

For Chu Jinyao, it was her first time seeing such an elaborate and colorful fireworks display. Each explosion made her gasp inwardly with awe. She was entirely captivated by the spectacle, though she knew that among the many women watching, she was likely the only one still able to enjoy the show. Empress Xiao Qi, after tolerating the situation for a short while, finally said, “It is late and the wind is cold. I am tired and will retire.”

 

The other concubines quickly came forward to pay their respects. Most of the concubines left with the empress, but Chu Jinyao remained, waiting for Qin Yi. As the fireworks continued to light up the sky, Chu Jinyao held her hand warmer, her focus still on the display above. With the crackling of fireworks filling the air, she didn’t notice when Qin Yi approached until she felt a hand gently brush snow off her shoulder.

 

“You’ve been standing out here the whole time?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Why didn’t you go back earlier?” Qin Yi asked.

 

“I was waiting for you,” Chu Jinyao replied, reaching out to check if Qin Yi’s hand was cold. Fortunately, it was warm.

 

Her words—”I was waiting for you”—were so natural and full of confidence that Qin Yi found himself momentarily at a loss for words. He wanted to say something but ended up sighing instead. “It’s already past midnight, and it’s freezing out here. You didn’t need to wait. You should have gone back earlier.”

 

“The night is so dark. Of course, I would wait for you to return together. Besides, it’s not like I was just standing here doing nothing…” Just as she spoke, a massive firework burst in the sky, illuminating Chu Jinyao’s face. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she pointed up, exclaiming, “Look, Your Highness!”

 

Qin Yi glanced briefly, responding with a soft “Mm,” as he reached out to adjust her cloak. The firework faded quickly, and when Chu Jinyao turned back, she pouted, “You didn’t even look!”

 

“I did.”

 

Chu Jinyao glared at him skeptically, feeling that he was just placating her. Today, she was dressed in full ceremonial attire, her exquisitely painted face framed by the fur collar of her cloak. Her slightly upturned eyes made her look less like she was angry and more like she was playfully teasing. Qin Yi resisted the urge to pinch her cheek, reminded that they were still outside.

 

The two walked side by side, descending the intricately carved marble steps, making their way back to Ciqing Palace. Both of them had sedan chairs, but neither brought it up, instead opting to walk slowly through the winter night in the Imperial Palace. The night was pitch black, and the cold wind carried the faint scent of gunpowder from the fireworks. The towering palace buildings seemed like sleeping beasts in the dark. On a normal night, Chu Jinyao would have been terrified, but tonight, for some reason, she felt completely at peace.

 

Behind them, the eunuchs and maids followed at a respectful distance, far enough to see but not overhear their conversation. Chu Jinyao leaned in closer and whispered, “Your Highness, was it you today?”

 

Qin Yi smiled faintly, “What are you referring to?”

 

“You know exactly what I mean!”

 

“What if I don’t?”

 

Chu Jinyao glared at him in mock frustration. Qin Yi pulled her closer to block the wind, saying, “It’s windy, stay close.”

 

After a pause, Chu Jinyao whispered again, “The imperial physician today, was he your arrangement?”

 

According to the physician, he had been preparing medicine in a side hall when he overheard that a palace maid had fainted. He went to check on her and found that she was pregnant. Not daring to make the call on his own, he had reported the matter directly to the emperor. On the surface, everything seemed logical—during imperial banquets, physicians were often stationed nearby in case of emergencies. It made sense that the physician would tend to the fainted maid, especially since lower-ranking consorts and palace maids were not usually entitled to medical care.

 

Yet, it all seemed a bit too convenient, especially since Chu Jinyao had recently discussed this very issue with Qin Yi. Though she had no direct evidence, her instincts told her this was part of Qin Yi’s plan.

 

Qin Yi remained silent, which was as good as an admission. Chu Jinyao, having confirmed her suspicion, thought back to Empress Xiao Qi’s furious expression and couldn’t help but chuckle. “You really went all out today. You didn’t see Empress Xiao Qi’s face; she was furious but couldn’t do anything about it!”

 

No wonder Empress Xiao Qi had been so enraged. First, she was praised and flattered, but just as she was basking in her glory, the pregnancy news was dropped like a bomb. It was as if the whole incident was staged to make her look like a jealous, scheming woman who couldn’t tolerate others bearing children.

 

The truth might be that Empress Xiao Qi really was that way. Chu Jinyao suspected as much, and so did others like Noble Consort Shu and Noble Consort Li, though they never voiced it openly due to the empress’s power. But now, with Qin Yi’s maneuver, everything had come to light at the perfect moment.

 

Qin Yi’s timing and ability to manipulate people’s perceptions were chillingly precise. For over a decade, no new children had been born in the imperial harem. Many, even in the court, had begun to suspect that something was wrong, with rumors suggesting that Empress Xiao Qi might have had a hand in it. But no one dared to speak out, partly because the emperor himself might have been the issue.

 

Now, with the pregnancy of an unremarkable palace maid, not only was the emperor’s fertility affirmed, but it also intensified the suspicion surrounding Empress Xiao Qi. Without Qin Yi uttering a single word, everyone was left to draw their own conclusions. The empress’s reaction, of course, only confirmed their suspicions.

 

Chu Jinyao marveled at the brilliance of it all. She recalled a time when Qin Yi had taught her about using and discarding allies, and she had feared he might one day turn that strategy on her. Qin Yi had simply laughed off her concern back then, but now she understood—he was indeed formidable enough to justify that arrogance.

 

With sincerity in her voice, Chu Jinyao remarked, “Your Highness, I’m truly fortunate to be your wife and not your enemy.”

 

Qin Yi fell silent for a moment, tightening his hold on her. “Yes, you are lucky.”

 

There had been a time when Chu Jinyao had nearly married into the Prince of Hualing’s household, becoming his subordinate’s wife.

 

“What will happen to that palace maid now?” Chu Jinyao asked.

 

“Are you worried about her?” Qin Yi inquired.

 

“Not exactly…” Chu Jinyao hesitated before admitting, “Well, yes, a little. I’ve seen her before, and she seemed so pitiful—timid and cautious. Life as a palace maid is already difficult, and after being favored by the emperor without a title, she must be living in fear. Now that she’s pregnant with the emperor’s child, who knows if this will bring her good fortune or disaster? Yet, she’s clinging to the pregnancy, even at the risk of her own life. A mother’s love, I suppose, is always selfless. Since it was my doing that exposed her pregnancy, I…”

 

Qin Yi, who was used to treating people as pawns in his schemes, was surprised by Chu Jinyao’s empathy for the maid. He had never considered the palace maid as more than a tool to further his plans, but seeing Chu Jinyao’s concern, he felt compelled to reassure her.

 

“Don’t worry,” Qin Yi said calmly. “It’s been ten years since anyone in the harem has gotten pregnant. Because of that rarity, her rank will be elevated. Many will do their utmost to ensure the child’s safety. If, despite all that, she loses the child, it’s simply fate, and it has nothing to do with you. She would have been discovered sooner or later. You’ve already done your part by helping her reveal her condition at the right time and ensuring she’ll receive a decent title.”

 

Of course, ensuring her elevation to a decent title would require some behind-the-scenes maneuvering.

 

Hearing that the maid would be given a proper rank, Chu Jinyao felt a weight lift off her shoulders. Everyone is responsible for their own lives, and while Chu Jinyao felt no obligation to ensure the maid carried her pregnancy to term, she was glad the situation had played out as it did.

 

Lowering her voice, she asked, “Does this make me soft-hearted? Too merciful, perhaps?”

 

“Not at all,” Qin Yi replied. “If you were as ruthless as some, indifferent to whether others live or die, you wouldn’t be who you are.”

 

The thing that had first captivated Qin Yi about Chu Jinyao was her warmth, her optimism. Even when surrounded by threats on all sides, she still genuinely cared for others.

 

Chu Jinyao smiled and hugged Qin Yi tightly. “Have I ever told you? Meeting you is probably the luckiest thing that’s ever happened to me.”

 

Qin Yi paused, letting out a half-sigh before asking, “Did you drink tonight?”

 

Chu Jinyao blinked, confused. “Why do you ask?”

 

Qin Yi looked into her eyes, noticing their unusual brightness. With a mixture of amusement and exasperation, he lightly tapped her head. “You’re a bit dazed.”

 

The couple continued walking through the palace, taking their time. It seemed like an unusually long walk, but eventually, they reached Ciqing Palace, which was brightly lit with festive lanterns. As they stepped into the courtyard, the palace maids and eunuchs lined up to welcome them, led by Ziyan. In unison, they cheerfully greeted, “Wishing His Highness the Crown Prince a thousand years of longevity, and Her Highness the Crown Princess a life of boundless blessings.”

 

Hearing the festive greetings upon their return filled Qin Yi with satisfaction. He nodded and simply said, “Reward them.”

 

Xiao Linzi, one of Qin Yi’s trusted eunuchs, gleefully accepted the order. The timing of the palace attendants’ greetings was impeccable, undoubtedly with the assistance of Qin Yi’s close attendants. However, it was New Year’s, so Qin Yi overlooked their scheming.

 

Chu Jinyao glanced up at Qin Yi and teased, “Your Highness, it’s New Year’s. If they get a reward, what about me?”

 

Qin Yi was usually composed and authoritative in front of his servants, maintaining an air of detachment. But when he heard Chu Jinyao’s playful request, he couldn’t help but smile. He glanced at her and replied with a hint of amusement in his voice, “You’ll get one too.”

 

Xiao Linzi, trailing behind them, could hardly believe his ears. Was this the same crown prince? His Highness seemed far too indulgent when it came to the crown princess!

 

Inside the palace, Linglong led the other maids in bowing to Chu Jinyao and wishing her a prosperous new year. Following Qin Yi’s example, Chu Jinyao also generously rewarded her servants. With two rounds of rewards, the maids and eunuchs of Ciqing Palace were beaming with happiness, walking with a spring in their steps.

 

After the festivities, Linglong hastened to help Chu Jinyao prepare for bed. Though there was no early court session on New Year’s Day, there would be a grand ceremonial gathering, and as the crown princess, Chu Jinyao was expected to attend.

 

Once ready for bed, Chu Jinyao climbed under the covers and tugged on Qin Yi’s hand, whispering, “Your Highness.”

 

“What is it?”

 

“Promise me you’ll wake me up tomorrow morning.”

 

Qin Yi laughed in disbelief. “What, do you think I’d leave without you and sneak away by myself?”

 

“I would never think that of you, my honorable and just crown prince!” Chu Jinyao shamelessly wrapped her arms around his. “So, it’s a deal?”

 

Her thin nightclothes made her embrace all the more noticeable, and Qin Yi couldn’t ignore the softness pressing against him. His expression shifted, and he warned, “Get some sleep.”

 

“No!”

 

“Seems like you don’t want to sleep at all.”

 

“I do… hey, Your Highness!”

 

…

 

Before dawn had even fully broken, Chu Jinyao was roused from her sleep to begin dressing for the day. Despite her late-night antics, she now had to endure the weight of the elaborate ceremonial robes and the heavy phoenix crown perched on her head. Sleep-deprived, her head throbbed, but she clenched her fists, pressing her nails into her palms to stay awake.

 

When she finally arrived at the grand ceremony, she was relieved to see that everyone else looked just as exhausted. None of the noblewomen, regardless of age, seemed well-rested. As soon as Chu Jinyao appeared, the women rose to greet her with deep bows. The gathering included every titled lady in the empire, even elderly women, who trembled as they rose to give her the proper respect. Seeing them in their full ceremonial attire, struggling to remain steady, Chu Jinyao couldn’t help but reflect on the weight of her own title.

 

A little later, Empress Xiao Qi made her entrance. Unsurprisingly, she didn’t look well either. After all, a maid had just revealed her pregnancy, and the empress had been caught completely off-guard. How could anyone sleep peacefully after that?

 

On top of feeling that her reputation as empress had taken a hit, Empress Xiao Qi was plagued by a deep sense of losing control. Pregnancy was not something that happened overnight. How had she not known about it until now? How had someone else managed to uncover this before her?

 

The New Year’s Day ceremony was an exhausting ordeal. Though the noblewomen below her were uncomfortable, so too were the empress and Chu Jinyao, who couldn’t afford to show any signs of fatigue. Despite the hardship, many of the noblewomen considered it the highest honor to attend the imperial New Year’s ceremony, no matter the toll it took on their bodies.

 

As the empress and Chu Jinyao withdrew from the ceremony, the younger members of each family rushed to support their elders. While Empress Xiao Qi could retreat to the inner hall of Kunning Palace to rest, Chu Jinyao had no such respite. She still had to serve her mother-in-law, the empress. Dutifully remaining at Empress Xiao Qi’s side, Chu Jinyao caught the empress’s narrowing gaze.

 

The empress scrutinized her closely. After last night’s events, there was no way Empress Xiao Qi believed that there wasn’t someone behind it all. The question was—who had orchestrated it?

 

Empress Xiao Qi had spent the entire night thinking, and the more she considered it, the more apparent it became. Could a woman who had risen from such humble origins to marry into the Eastern Palace truly be as harmless as she appeared?