Chapter 42: Seeking Help

“Cousin.” Old Madam Ye gave a slight curtsey, her manner now much more restrained and proper than before. “You’ll know when you get there.”

Liu Chuyan hadn’t expected to glean anything from her, so with a faint, wry smile, she set off together with the Han sisters.

By the time they reached the Parasol Court, Liu Chuyan had already composed herself, performing her greeting with quiet decorum, asking no questions about why the eldest Madam Han had summoned them. All she saw was that behind the eldest madam stood Madam Rong, wearing a deliberately sweet smile, her eyes, however, glinting with calculation.

“Aunt, may I ask why you’ve called us sisters here?” Han Shuwei, the more impatient of the sisters, asked as soon as she’d sat down.

The eldest Madam Han glanced back at Madam Rong. “Daughter-in-law, I’ve brought everyone here as you asked. Since this is your business, you’d best speak for yourself.”

So Rong Mingxiu wanted something from them? Liu Chuyan’s heart gave a jolt and her fists clenched tightly within her sleeves.

Rong Mingxiu, with a demure smile, stepped forward. “Dear sisters, I truly wish to ask for your company into the palace.”

“The palace?” The three young women exchanged shocked looks.

“You know, my elder sister has been in the palace for four years now, and she was only recently promoted to the rank of consort. Her birthday is approaching, and she wishes to see her family. The emperor has permitted her to hold a banquet in the palace, inviting relatives and noblewomen alike. She would like to personally embroider two robes as a token of filial piety for our parents, but with only half a month left until the celebration, she has yet to start. She refuses to let the servants help, so she asked me to assist her. But you know my embroidery is utterly unpresentable. Consort Li thought highly of the embroidery skills of the young ladies of Han Manor, and wishes to invite you into the palace for a time, to help her complete some pieces.”

“This…” Han Shujing stared at her in hesitation, but Rong Mingxiu met her gaze openly. Han Shujing looked to Liu Chuyan and Han Shuwei, who both frowned but said nothing.

Liu Chuyan did not fear what Consort Li might do to her, but she dreaded the Ninth Eunuch. The Ninth and Lady Fengxian held sway over all; these consorts were but decoration. With them in power, the palace was a place that devoured people whole. Memories of her previous life were branded into her mind; every time she awoke from nightmares, drenched in cold sweat, she dared not sleep again. Now Rong Mingxiu wanted her to enter the palace at Consort Li’s invitation—how could she refuse?

The Han sisters, too, had no desire to go, but with a summons from the palace, how could they decline?

Seeing their reluctance, Rong Mingxiu gestured to an old matron sitting nearby. “This is Madam Zhu, trusted by Consort Li herself. She has come to fetch you at the consort’s behest.”

Liu Chuyan had noticed the matron earlier, calmly sipping tea, her attire ostentatious and her bearing one of superiority, despite her status as a servant. Liu Chuyan had thought she might be from a duke’s or prince’s household, but never expected she was from the palace.

When all eyes turned to her, Madam Zhu finally lifted her gaze. “Consort Li instructed me to ensure the three young ladies are brought into the palace. She is anxious about those two robes—there must be no mistakes.”

Liu Chuyan’s heart pounded with terror, the fear showing clear on her face.

The eldest Madam Han muttered, “Such poor manners,” and kept her eyes fixed on Han Shujing, inwardly amused. So, you wish to marry again? Let my sister choose a worthy husband for you—let’s see you try to steal her man again!

Han Shujing could not hear her thoughts, but she knew full well what scheme was at play. Back then, Rong Mingli—now Consort Li, Rong Mingxiu’s elder sister—had been the flower of the capital, but lacked the dignified bearing of Lady Xian, Lin Wanyong, who had recommended Han Shujing for her own brother instead. Rong Mingli, unable to swallow her anger, had even approached Second Master Lin in private, but was scolded for her impropriety and sent away. Yet fate is fickle—Second Master Lin died suddenly just three months after his wedding, while Rong Mingli entered the palace and, three months ago, was elevated to consort, now standing equal to Consort Xian.

Now, the Zhou family had come to propose marriage; Rong Mingxiu must have informed Consort Li. Still harboring a grudge, Consort Li seized this opportunity to summon her into the palace, hoping to ruin her match.

Only today had Han Shujing learned of Zhou Fuyun’s affections, and her own heart was now set on him—she would not let anyone interfere. Yet Consort Li was vengeful and would not let her off simply for refusing the summons. Better to face matters directly. She glanced at Liu Chuyan, who sat visibly tense, hands slick with sweat; Han Shujing silently grasped her hand. “Yanyan, I’m here with you. Don’t worry.”

Are you really going? Liu Chuyan’s eyes trembled like a butterfly’s wings.

How could I not? Han Shujing blinked with resignation. We’ll face whatever comes.

While the three girls fretted, Madam Zhu left them no chance to object. At her call, several palace maids entered, carrying the young ladies’ belongings; even Songling and the other maids were already prepared for departure.

Clearly, they were being herded along with no choice in the matter.

Madam Zhu raised a hand. “Ladies, Consort Li is anxious and sent me early, but you weren’t at home. I had to ask Madam Han to prepare your things so you could leave as soon as you returned. If there are any oversights, I beg your pardon.”

“Elder sister-in-law!” Madam Han the Second rushed in, having just heard that someone from the palace had come. While they were away, the eldest madam had packed their things without permission, nearly driving her mad with worry. She hurried to the Parasol Court, just in time to hear Madam Zhu’s words, and seized the eldest madam’s sleeve. “Sister-in-law, what is the meaning of this?”

Stepping forward, the eldest madam bent her knees in a slight curtsy. “Aunt, this is Madam Zhu, trusted by Consort Li. Consort Li heard of the girls’ fine embroidery and wishes to invite them into the palace to assist her. Madam Zhu is ready to depart with us.”

“They’re just young girls, unversed in courtly ways. If they enter the palace so rashly, I fear they may offend Consort Li. How can this be?” She glanced anxiously at Han Shujing, her voice trembling. Would her daughter ever return from such a place? Rong Mingli would never forgive her, and the Zhou family proposal—if anything went wrong…

Madam Zhu smiled, eyes narrowed, stepping up to Madam Han the Second. “Second Madam, your daughters are so accomplished, their embroidery is renowned, and you are truly blessed. Consort Li has also heard that the three girls are gentle, courteous, and well-mannered—famous throughout Jinling. The palace staff are all highly trained; Consort Li will assign some to assist them, so there will be no mistakes. Please set your mind at ease.”

Her words only deepened the second madam’s worry. She said nothing, face drawn with anxiety.

Han Shujing squeezed her wrist and whispered a few words in her ear.

Reluctantly, the second madam nodded, acquiescing, though still troubled. Watching Rong Mingxiu and the girls leave, she hurried to take her leave of the eldest madam and followed after.

“Madam, won’t this anger the Second Master and Second Madam?” Qing Ying, seeing the eldest madam sitting smugly on the couch, sipping tea and eating cakes, knelt to massage her legs and flatter her. She knew the eldest madam had long been oppressed by the matriarch and was just waiting for the second branch to take their revenge on Rong Mingxiu. Eager to let her vent, Qing Ying prompted her to boast.

Sure enough, the eldest madam gave a dark smile, heedless that Qing Ying was the Old Lady’s spy. “That Madam Rong, relying on her status as a marquis’s daughter, thinks nothing of me as her mother-in-law. I’m too good-natured to argue, so she’s climbed right over my head. Now she’s angered the second branch—let’s see how she fares. That family looks easygoing, but they’re sharp. As for Madam Rong’s future, well, let’s just wait and watch the show.”

“Indeed, Madam is wise—you can sit back and enjoy the spectacle.”

The eldest madam gave Qing Ying a meaningful look but did not reply, her mind already spinning with schemes. Recently, because of Luzhi, Han Ruoyu was still in disgrace and couldn’t be relied upon, so Qing Ying had come to curry favor instead. Such a person, always watching for the wind to change—she must be sent away before Han Ruoyu was allowed out.

Liu Chuyan was whisked away without a chance to inform the Old Madam, hustled onto a carriage with Han Shuwei under the watchful eyes of Madam Zhu and her maids. Han Shujing and Rong Mingxiu rode in the carriage ahead, their awkward silence easy to imagine.

Consort Li, anticipating their attempts to evade, had hurried things along, not even allowing them to change clothes. But Han Shujing had promised she had a plan, and Liu Chuyan believed her. Besides, once the Old Madam heard, she would not let them be at the mercy of the palace. For now, she must face the situation calmly: first, not anger Consort Li; second, avoid the Ninth Eunuch at all costs; and above all, steer clear of Lady Fengxian. The latter, though paired with the Ninth Eunuch, bore a particular hatred for beautiful women; if she noticed them, ruin would be inevitable.

She silently reminded herself, spoke quietly to Han Shuwei, and gave careful instructions to Songling and Qingya. Taking deep breaths, she forced herself to appear calm, determined not to panic.

Was that Qinghe, Liu Chuyan’s maid, by the carriage? Could it be that Liu Chuyan was truly entering the palace?

Xue Ao was leaving the imperial study and heading for the palace gates when he spotted two carriages approaching, already past the checkpoint. The group was silent, but one maid caught his eye. He recognized Liu Chuyan’s two maids, Songling and Qinghe. If they were here, she must be in the carriage.

“Whose household is entering the palace?” Xue Ao called to a nearby eunuch.

“Oh, that must be the young ladies of Han Manor. Consort Li’s birthday is near, and hearing that their embroidery is exquisite, she invited them to help.” The young eunuch, quick-witted and well-informed, replied crisply.

Liu Chuyan heard Xue Ao’s voice and twisted her handkerchief anxiously. Should she? Should she not?

Uncertain if it would work, she nonetheless lifted the carriage curtain and, spying Xue Ao watching their carriage, gave him a covert wink.

Was she seeking his help?

Xue Ao’s heart gave a twist. It was rare for Liu Chuyan to reach out to him—surely she was desperate. But he still had to deal with Zhao Panyu’s matter, which was urgent. Yet since she had set aside her pride to ask, he must handle it well. After a quick mental calculation, he strode toward the palace gate, instructing his attendant, “Qin Su, go tell the master that Lady Fengxian has been in a foul mood lately. The Ninth Eunuch is not in the palace now, but will return soon. Also, Consort Li’s birthday is near—today, she’s summoned the three young ladies of Han Manor.”

“Yes, understood.” Qin Su winked at him.

“You rascal, what do you know!” Xue Ao took a swing at him, but Qin Su dodged and mounted his horse, galloping off. Turning back, Xue Ao saw Liu Chuyan alight from her carriage and switch to a sedan chair, glancing back at him, perhaps to make sure he would act on her behalf.

— Author’s note:
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Thank you to Feishangwangbuke and silen for the “mines”—mwah~
Feishangwangbuke threw a mine at 2014-01-31 23:49:52
silen threw a mine at 2014-02-01 04:54:59