Chapter 106 – The Evil Mother-in-Law
People in the palace are extremely sensitive. Some may dismiss this as mere paranoia and unnecessary worry, but if one’s ears and eyes aren’t sharp enough, it’s unlikely they would survive long in a high position.
Noble Consort Shu had been in the palace since the emperor was still a prince. Even though the original empress, the Grand Empress, had been dead for many years, Noble Consort Shu continued to enjoy favor and prosperity. The fact that she had survived for so long wasn’t due to any lingering affection from the emperor.
In recent days, Noble Consort Shu sensed some unusual movements. The events that transpired in the emperor’s chambers were sealed off with a gag order; the emperor, empress, crown prince, and crown princess had all been present, and no one knew what had been said. However, it was clear that after the incident, Consort Lian had received a generous reward—this was something that couldn’t be hidden.
Seated in her chair, Noble Consort Shu’s gaze was hidden as she silently observed the people in the room.
Today, Chu Jinyao had come to pay her respects to the Empress, and upon entering, she found Noble Consort Shu and Zhao Lanhui already present. With fewer consorts residing in the summer palace, Noble Consort Shu often spent her time here, and Zhao Lanhui, being her daughter-in-law, naturally wouldn’t miss the opportunity to accompany her.
Chu Jinyao took a quick glance before lowering her gaze. She respectfully greeted the Empress, and after the customary pleasantries, she stood quietly to the side, waiting.
Like Zhao Lanhui, Chu Jinyao was part of the imperial family. While they could sit during formal court gatherings with external noblewomen, in a family setting like this, neither of them had the right to take a seat. Zhao Lanhui stood beside Noble Consort Shu, while Chu Jinyao positioned herself on the Empress’s left, keeping a measured distance.
It was clear that the Empress harbored deep resentment towards Chu Jinyao, and Chu Jinyao similarly had no desire to look at the Empress. The strange tension between the Crown Princess and the Empress was palpable, but everyone in the room feigned ignorance and continued to chat softly.
It had been nearly a month since Consort Lian’s miscarriage. Despite her reluctance, she was now obliged to pay her respects to the Empress. If she continued using “recuperation” as an excuse, she would be accused of arrogance and entitlement. Although Consort Lian had aligned herself with the Eastern Palace during the last political skirmish for the sake of her future, she still had to humble herself before the Empress for the time being.
Consort Lian, trembling with fear, respectfully bowed to the Empress. The Empress, making no effort to hide her disdain, let out a cold laugh but did not acknowledge Consort Lian. The sound of the Empress’s laugh was so pointed that everyone in the room heard it clearly, and the atmosphere immediately became tense. Consort Lian, still bowing, began to tremble even more visibly.
Chu Jinyao understood what was happening. This spectacle was being put on for her benefit. However, Chu Jinyao remained calm, her eyes lowered as she focused inward, showing no outward reaction. The silence in the room stretched on for an indeterminate time until the Empress finally seemed to notice Consort Lian. She spoke as though she had just seen her: “Oh, it’s Consort Lian. You just lost a child, and His Majesty was so kind as to grant you permission to rest. What brings you here today to pay your respects?”
Consort Lian’s forehead was drenched in cold sweat as she replied, “Your Majesty, I wouldn’t dare. As the Empress, you’re my superior. Even if I were given all the courage in the world, I wouldn’t dare show you disrespect.”
The Empress sneered, her words clearly aimed at Chu Jinyao: “Not dare? From what I can see, you’re quite bold.”
This remark was clearly an indirect attack on Chu Jinyao. Consort Lian, now reduced to a mere concubine, was trembling with fear and unconsciously glanced at Chu Jinyao.
The Empress, noticing the glance, grew even angrier. Without waiting for Chu Jinyao to speak, the Empress’s fury erupted: “Oh? I asked you a question, and yet you’re looking at the Crown Princess? Does this mean my words are no longer as important as the Crown Princess’s?”
Chu Jinyao felt utterly disgusted by the Empress’s unreasonable behavior. As the dignified Empress of a nation, she had now devolved into behaving like a petty, quarrelsome woman. However, since the Empress had already put her in this position, Chu Jinyao had no choice but to respond: “Your Majesty, your words seem strange. Everyone in the palace shows you the utmost respect, and I’ve always been respectful towards you. Where did you get the idea that the palace servants are being disrespectful?”
Chu Jinyao deliberately left her response vague, extending the context to include all the palace women present. By doing so, she implicated the other consorts and concubines in the room, who were now forced to act as if they were part of this situation. The Empress, realizing that Chu Jinyao had skillfully deflected the topic, narrowed her eyes, the cold glint in them becoming almost tangible. Ever since Chu Jinyao entered the palace, she had always addressed her as “Your Majesty” rather than “Mother.” At first, the Empress hadn’t noticed this, but after the emperor pointed it out recently, she realized that Chu Jinyao’s behavior wasn’t out of respect—it was an expression of disdain. Chu Jinyao had never regarded her as her true mother-in-law; in her heart, only the original Empress, the Grand Empress, was worthy of that title.
The Empress was so furious that she could only let out a cold laugh. When Chu Jinyao first entered the palace, the Empress had thought she was gentle and submissive, which is why she had initially shown her some leniency. But looking back now, the Empress felt like a fool. From the beginning, Chu Jinyao had never taken her seriously. Every time Chu Jinyao addressed her as “Your Majesty,” she was likely laughing at her behind her back for being a low-born woman who had entered the palace without the proper rites.
Consumed with rage, the Empress’s eyes gleamed with malice as she spoke with bitter sarcasm: “The Crown Princess is indeed eloquent. No wonder the Crown Prince and even His Majesty listen to you when they listen to no one else. I’m no match for you. As the Empress, I wouldn’t dare to discipline someone like you.”
“Your Majesty is mistaken. Who could possibly speak with more authority before the emperor than you? Your eloquence far surpasses mine, as you’ve truly won His Majesty’s favor. As for me, I merely speak the truth.”
The Empress’s face instantly darkened. Chu Jinyao’s words were a direct jab at the recent incident involving Consort Lian. Despite the gravity of her crime, the Empress had managed to smooth things over with His Majesty by playing the victim. And Chu Jinyao’s parting remark—“I merely speak the truth”—was nothing short of a slap in the face.
Seething with fury, the Empress desperately wanted to teach Chu Jinyao a lesson, but with Noble Consort Shu and other concubines present, she refrained from making a scene. After all, she didn’t want to expose her shortcomings to her long-standing rival. So, with a quick glance at Noble Consort Shu, she forced herself to suppress her anger.
Noble Consort Shu remained seated, her expression warm and composed. However, her brows arched ever so slightly. Chu Jinyao’s words had sounded innocent enough, but to someone as experienced as Noble Consort Shu, the underlying tensions were clear. Even more surprising was the fact that the Empress had swallowed Chu Jinyao’s veiled provocation without retaliating.
This only solidified Noble Consort Shu’s suspicions that something significant must have happened recently between the Emperor, the Empress, and the Crown Prince’s household. She was more determined than ever to uncover the truth about what had transpired in the emperor’s palace that day.
The Empress continued to seethe internally, deeply vexed by Chu Jinyao’s veiled jabs. In the past, the Empress had prided herself on her ability to manipulate others through intricate schemes, considering herself far above the crude tactics of common mother-in-laws who tormented their daughters-in-law with overt displays of power. However, her carefully laid plans had been repeatedly dismantled by Chu Jinyao, leaving her feeling humiliated. She finally understood that sometimes, the simplest and most direct methods, though unsophisticated, were often the most effective.
The Empress raised a hand to her mouth, pretending to cough. Other concubines, eager to curry favor, quickly inquired about her health: “Your Majesty, are you unwell?”
“The weather has been unpredictable these past few days, and I caught a bit of a chill last night. I’ve been feeling a bit of a headache,” the Empress replied with a faint smile. “But it’s nothing serious; I’ll just bear with it.”
“Oh, Your Majesty, you mustn’t take such things lightly!” Zhao Lanhui chimed in. “Your health is of utmost importance, as it affects not only the inner palace but the entire empire. If Your Majesty is feeling unwell, it’s no small matter. How about I summon the imperial physician for you?”
“Princess Consort Su is so thoughtful, truly a worthy daughter-in-law from the prestigious Prince Wei’s household. I must remember to mention your filial devotion to the Eldest Princess next time I see her,” the Empress remarked, casting a sidelong glance at Chu Jinyao.
But Chu Jinyao remained composed, showing no reaction to the Empress’s thinly veiled jabs. The Empress was clearly trying to provoke her by praising Zhao Lanhui’s noble background, but Chu Jinyao couldn’t care less. To her, family status was merely an accessory; it was one’s character and actions that truly mattered.
Zhao Lanhui, pleased by the compliment, smiled demurely and shot a quick glance at Chu Jinyao.
The Empress was deliberately praising Zhao Lanhui to provoke Chu Jinyao, but since Chu Jinyao didn’t show any jealousy or anger, the Empress didn’t seem too pressed and merely rested her fingers against her forehead, slowly saying, “Princess Consort Su, your filial piety is much appreciated. But there’s no need to trouble the imperial physician over such a small matter.”
“Your Majesty mustn’t undervalue your health,” added Lanyu, the palace maid standing near the Empress. “If I may suggest, since the Empress doesn’t wish to call the imperial physician, perhaps a light pigeon soup would help. Pigeon soup nourishes the body and is particularly beneficial for easing headaches. However, it should be carefully prepared under close supervision.”
The room fell into a sudden hush. Serving the Empress a nourishing soup was not just a task; it was an honor and a testament to one’s filial piety. Zhao Lanhui’s expression stiffened at the suggestion. Preparing pigeon soup was a time-consuming task, and the kitchen, with its heat and smoke, was hardly a place a noblewoman like her would want to spend time. But, driven by the need to appear dutiful, she reluctantly offered, “If Mother doesn’t mind, I can oversee the preparation of the soup.”
The Empress smiled but said nothing, instead casting a sidelong glance at Chu Jinyao. As the Crown Princess and the elder daughter-in-law, it would be inappropriate for Zhao Lanhui to handle the task while Chu Jinyao stood by doing nothing. More importantly, the Empress’s suggestion had been directed toward Chu Jinyao all along.
Chu Jinyao understood the unspoken command. Without any need for more veiled exchanges, she took the bait directly, “Princess Consort Su’s devotion is admirable, but as the Crown Princess, I can’t possibly let my younger sister-in-law take on this task. Your Majesty, I’ve never made pigeon soup before, so if I fail to get it just right, I hope you will forgive me.”
“How thoughtful of the Crown Princess,” the Empress said, her lips curving into a slow, pleased smile. “I’ve heard that the Crown Princess is quite skilled in such things, whether it’s sewing or cooking. You’re definitely more suited for the task than anyone else here.”
Zhao Lanhui caught the hidden meaning and smiled faintly. A noblewoman doing household tasks? It was beneath her. The Empress was clearly mocking Chu Jinyao’s upbringing, hinting at her past in a commoner’s household, where she likely learned such skills out of necessity. Zhao Lanhui, by contrast, had never even stepped into a kitchen.
Chu Jinyao, however, remained unfazed by their smug behavior. She saw no shame in her past; if anything, she was proud of the life skills she had acquired while living as a commoner. These skills had helped her survive and had led her to cross paths with Qin Yi in the first place. Besides, she had no patience for their elitist attitudes—being born into wealth and never having to work a day in their lives was a privilege they took for granted. They failed to see that labor and effort were virtues, not marks of shame.
Smiling, Chu Jinyao simply replied, “It’s my honor to show filial piety to the Empress. As long as Your Majesty enjoys the soup, nothing else matters.” With that, she left the room gracefully, disregarding the smug or curious glances of those around her.
The Empress had cornered Chu Jinyao into preparing the pigeon soup, knowing full well that it was a laborious task meant to degrade her. But being the Crown Princess, Chu Jinyao had no choice but to comply. She headed to the kitchens, where even the head maids were trembling in fear of her presence, doing their utmost to handle the preparation of the pigeon soup. Chu Jinyao didn’t need to physically make the soup herself, but she had to supervise and make sure everything was done perfectly, following palace protocols.
Pigeon soup was known for its nourishing properties, especially beneficial for women. The longer it was simmered, the better its effects. Even though Chu Jinyao wasn’t directly cooking, standing in the smoky and steamy kitchen for two hours was no easy feat. By the time the soup was finally done, Linglong, one of her personal maids, stepped forward to carry the porcelain bowl of soup.
“Be careful,” Chu Jinyao quietly reminded her.
“Yes, Your Highness,” Linglong responded promptly.
They headed back to the Empress’s palace, and by now, the sky had darkened. What had started as a relatively calm morning had quickly turned into a stormy afternoon, with ominous clouds gathering overhead. The wind sweeping through the palace corridors was sharp and chilly, heavy with the scent of impending rain.
“It looks like it’s going to rain,” murmured one of the palace attendants, quickening her steps as they approached the Empress’s main hall. Upon arriving, Chu Jinyao was unexpectedly stopped by a maid at the entrance. “Crown Princess, Her Majesty is currently seeing a guest. Please wait a moment.”
A guest at this hour? Chu Jinyao’s sharp gaze fell on the maid, who seemed nervous under her scrutiny. The girl stammered out a hasty explanation and then scurried off before Chu Jinyao could question her further.
More time passed, and the wind picked up, bringing with it the first faint drops of rain. As thunder rumbled overhead, Linglong, unable to stand it any longer, called over a maid and asked, “Has Her Majesty finished meeting her guest? The Crown Princess personally oversaw the preparation of the pigeon soup, and if we wait any longer, it will get cold.”
The maid, caught between a rock and a hard place, could only nod and rush inside to deliver the message. A few moments later, Princess Rong’an and Zhao Lanhui emerged from the Empress’s chambers. Upon seeing Chu Jinyao, Zhao Lanhui’s eyes flickered, and she smiled demurely as she greeted her, “Crown Princess.”
Chu Jinyao returned the gesture with a nod. The Princess observed the interaction thoughtfully. They had all known that the Crown Princess had been waiting outside, but since the Empress had said nothing, they had all pretended not to notice. The Princess was aware that Chu Jinyao had been intentionally kept waiting outside while the Empress entertained her guests inside, which gave her a sense of satisfaction, considering her daughter, Zhao Lanhui’s recent grievances with the Crown Princess. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Chu Jinyao, she departed with an air of quiet triumph.
Linglong, watching this, could barely contain her anger. Clearly, the Empress and her guests had been enjoying a leisurely meal together while the Crown Princess had been left waiting outside! After a while, the same maid who had gone to check earlier returned with another message: “The Empress is feeling unwell and has retired to rest. The Crown Princess may need to wait a little longer.”
At that, Linglong could hold her temper no longer. Normally the calmest among the maids, even she was now visibly upset, ready to step forward and demand an explanation. But before she could, Chu Jinyao calmly raised a hand, stopping her. Chu Jinyao’s eyes glimmered with a hint of mockery as she said, “Since the Empress needs her rest, we shall wait.”
And so, they waited. And waited.
The skies finally opened up, rain pouring down in sheets as thunder boomed and the wind howled through the corridors. Chu Jinyao stood in a particularly exposed spot, and the wind blew rainwater into the hallway, soaking the hem of her robe.
Linglong, both furious and heartbroken for her mistress, passed the now-cold pigeon soup to one of the other maids and stood by the railing, trying her best to shield Chu Jinyao from the wind. But there was only so much she could do. Despite Linglong’s efforts, Chu Jinyao’s clothes were damp, and a deep chill seeped into her bones. Having spent the entire morning in the smoky kitchen, and now standing in the cold rain, Chu Jinyao felt an uncomfortable pressure building in her lower abdomen, a dull pain spreading through her body.
The palace maids from the Eastern Palace made repeated attempts to speak with the Empress’s attendants, but each time, they were told that the Empress was still resting. Linglong, growing more desperate, quietly dispatched someone to inform the Crown Prince. But given the storm, it was unlikely that the message would reach him quickly. As they waited, Lanyu finally emerged from the Empress’s chambers with a smile, saying, “Crown Princess, I must apologize for the delay. Her Majesty, hearing that you had been waiting outside, was quite surprised. Despite her headache, she insisted on seeing you.”
Chu Jinyao’s expression didn’t change, though her tone dripped with sarcasm. “The Empress is finally awake?”
Lanyu, maintaining her polite demeanor, replied, “Indeed, but as the Empress has only just woken, she’ll need a moment to fix her hair. Please wait just a little longer.” Her eyes landed on the cold pigeon soup in the maid’s hands, and she chuckled, “The Crown Princess truly is filial. But such soups are best consumed hot. Now that it’s gone cold, I’m afraid we’ll have to discard it. Someone, please take this soup away.”
In that moment, Linglong had an urge to throw the bowl of soup in Lanyu’s face. A maid from the Empress’s palace stepped forward to take the white porcelain jar. Coincidentally, a group of eunuchs approached from behind, and somehow, they bumped into each other, causing the soup to spill. Linglong, quick to react, shielded Chu Jinyao, preventing the pigeon soup from splashing onto her. However, the sudden shock caused Chu Jinyao to experience severe pain in her abdomen for some unknown reason.
The group of eunuchs, upon realizing they had collided with the Crown Princess, rushed over to apologize. They were on their way to replace the ice blocks in the Empress’s palace. One of the eunuchs had slipped, crashing into another, which caused a basin of ice to be overturned, and the blocks scattered noisily across the floor.
Several ice blocks inevitably struck Chu Jinyao, the chill causing her complexion to turn even paler. Sensing something was wrong, Linglong immediately forgot about assigning blame and rushed to support Chu Jinyao. “Crown Princess, are you alright? Your Highness!”
“Quick, summon the imperial physician! The Crown Princess has fainted!”
