Chapter Thirty-Nine: A Miserable Life

Qin Ruyan grew more and more agitated as she spoke, glaring at the empress dowager’s beautiful, seductive face, nearly overcome by the urge to rush forward and avenge her sister by killing her on the spot.

The empress dowager, however, listened in silence. She had believed these matters were long since drowned beneath the waves, never to surface again, yet she was astonished that Qin Ruyan had uncovered the truth so thoroughly. Indeed, the old saying was right: if you would not have your deeds known, you must not do them.

“Later, when the Fusang delegation arrived to pay tribute, you met Kimura Xinghen at a banquet. You found him pleasant company and, in your conversation, probed to discover that he, too, harbored intentions to challenge the Ling Dynasty. You resolved to draw him in, met with him repeatedly, and conspired together. In fact, you had already formed your plans, but still feared the emperor’s power, so you were waiting for the right moment.”

The empress dowager clapped her hands twice in a show of appreciation. “Since you know everything, Miss Qin, may I ask what is the purpose of your speech tonight?”

“I’m here to advise you to stop, lest you bring ruin upon yourself. If you persist in your schemes, I won’t care whether you are a fallen princess or not—I will make your crimes known to all.”

“And if I remain stubbornly defiant?”

“Then I will act in the name of justice!” With that, Qin Ruyan leapt forward. In an instant, she was beside the empress dowager, her hand tightening around the woman’s throat.

“You?” The empress dowager’s eyes flashed with a cold, sharp light, her interest piqued by Qin Ruyan’s audacity. With a twist of her wrist, she wrenched Qin Ruyan’s arm, sending a jolt of pain through her. Shocked, Qin Ruyan realized too late that she had underestimated the empress dowager’s martial skills.

She quickly gathered her inner strength, aiming a palm strike at the empress dowager’s shoulder, hoping to make her release her grip. The empress dowager, unfazed, blocked the strike with her other hand, adjusted her stance, and retaliated with the same technique, landing a powerful blow on Qin Ruyan’s shoulder.

Her hands subdued and her martial skills outmatched, Qin Ruyan was sent flying several meters before crashing heavily to the floor. A bitter taste rose in her throat and she spat out a mouthful of blood.

The empress dowager stood, gracefully walking over to Qin Ruyan, a smile playing on her lips. “Miss Qin, you underestimate me. I have survived in this deep palace for so long—what sort of person have I not encountered? You, a mere consort, dare threaten me? Today, I’ll cripple your martial arts and leave you a useless shell—how does that sound?”

“Wretch,” Qin Ruyan spat, hatred blazing in her eyes. Though she had known the empress dowager was formidable, she now realized she had misjudged her completely.

“Hmph.” The empress dowager snorted coldly. “You alone will not disrupt my plans.” With a fierce glint in her eyes, she summoned her inner force and struck at Qin Ruyan.

But just as her palm was about to land, a shadow swept in, blocking the blow. With a surge of inner energy, the figure forced the empress dowager back several steps.

“Who dares?” The empress dowager narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing the masked, black-robed intruder, recognizing his formidable skill.

The stranger said nothing, swiftly scooped up Qin Ruyan, and leapt from the hall, vanishing into the night.

Realizing his prowess, the empress dowager did not dare to pursue recklessly. There would be time enough; this debt with Qin Ruyan would be settled, one way or another.

The masked man, seeing that the empress dowager was not pursuing, leapt from the rooftop and set Qin Ruyan down, then turned to leave.

“Wait,” Qin Ruyan called out, clutching her shoulder in pain. “May I ask your name, so that I might repay your kindness someday?”

The man glanced back at her, silent, then melted into the darkness.

Watching his elusive figure, Qin Ruyan felt a chill in her heart. She had not expected there to be such a master in the palace. Whether he was friend or foe, only time would tell, but for now, it left her deeply uneasy.

***

Qin Ruyan managed to make her way back to Muchu Palace alone, barely supporting herself. She found her healing elixirs and swallowed one. Though the empress dowager’s blow had been fierce, it was clear she had not intended to kill her, holding back some of her strength. With rest and care, her injury would be of little consequence in seven or eight days.

Still, the empress dowager would not let her go so easily. That would be a troublesome matter; she would have to be far more vigilant in the days ahead.

The next morning, when Feng Qiuji awoke, she found herself alone in bed. It seemed Ling Zetian was busier than she’d thought. Even as emperor, he was up before the roosters and to bed after the dogs. Truly, there was no one in this world for whom life was truly easy.

After washing and breakfasting, she was about to stroll through the gardens for some fresh air when a eunuch arrived, summoning her to Changxin Palace at the empress dowager’s command.

When it came to the empress dowager, Feng Qiuji often found herself at a loss. The woman was always scheming for reasons unknown. Last time, she’d only just tossed out that slow-acting poison, and now the empress dowager had summoned her again—most likely to ask if she’d drugged Ling Zetian. What was she supposed to do? Life was truly unbearable.

“Greetings, Your Majesty.”

“Rise.” As always, the palace was empty of attendants, all dismissed.

“May I ask what important matter brings me here today?”

“I want you to help me get rid of Qin Ruyan.”

“What?” Feng Qiuji’s mouth fell open at the empress dowager’s bluntness. She had no idea what Qin Ruyan had done to provoke such wrath. “Your Majesty, Qin Consort is the emperor’s favored concubine. If you did away with her and the emperor found out, well, that…”

“Are you afraid?”

“It’s not about fear!” It was about life and death! “May I ask what offense Qin Consort has given you, that you dislike her so much…” She watched the empress dowager’s expression carefully. Qin Ruyan had only entered the palace a few days ago—how could she have angered the empress dowager so quickly?

“Why do you care?” The empress dowager shot her an irritated look. “If you don’t get rid of her, then I’ll get rid of you.”

“What?” Feng Qiuji’s eyes widened further. This was a naked threat! Had she truly sunk so low, reduced to being the empress dowager’s lackey?

“This maid will be of assistance to you. Deliver her to Qin Ruyan’s palace.” With a glance, the empress dowager indicated the maid who had been standing silently by her side.

“Oh.” At least she was being given a helper. Perhaps the empress dowager knew Feng Qiuji was hopeless at these tasks and needed a little assistance.

“If there’s nothing else, you may leave. I wish to rest.” With obvious impatience, the empress dowager dismissed her coldly.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Feng Qiuji could only hang her head and withdraw from Changxin Palace.

At last, the sun had come out. Though it was still cold, its golden rays brought a measure of warmth. Yet Feng Qiuji was in no mood to appreciate the beautiful day. In truth, she was too exhausted even to complain about the empress dowager. Why was her life as empress so miserable? She had no status, was bullied by everyone, and still had to endure it all without protest. Why wouldn’t Ling Zetian just let her go? Why?

She longed to cry out to the heavens.

“Your Majesty, there’s a tree ahead,” came a cool voice from behind her.

***

“Hm?” Feng Qiuji returned to herself just in time to hear a dull “thud” and feel a sharp pain in her forehead. At the same moment, a clump of cold snow fell from the tree above, slipping down the back of her neck. “Ah! It’s freezing!” She reached back to scoop it out, but most of it had already melted against her skin.

“You’d best go change your clothes,” the maid advised.

“What’s your name?” Feng Qiuji asked, hopping about and grimacing as she looked back at the maid.

“My name is Xuehua.”

“A lovely name, truly fitting,” Feng Qiuji replied with an awkward smile. The name—it meant “snowflake”—was certainly apt. “Xuehua, you’ll accompany me to Consort Qin’s Muchu Palace. From now on, you’ll serve her well.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Shall I discuss our plan with you first?” The maid’s tone and expression were both utterly calm, betraying no emotion. She was clearly trained by the empress dowager and had likely served her for years.

“There’s no need. Do as you see fit.” With that, Feng Qiuji led her toward Muchu Palace. The sooner she rid herself of this woman, the better. Keeping the empress dowager’s people in her own quarters was simply too dangerous.

When Qin Ruyan saw Feng Qiuji approaching, suspicion flickered in her eyes. The two of them were not especially close, and Feng Qiuji rarely visited. Her appearance now could only mean trouble.

After exchanging the necessary courtesies, they got to business.

“Your Majesty, may I ask what brings you to Muchu Palace today?”

“Consort Qin, I noticed your palace is a bit short-handed, so I’ve brought you a maid from the palace staff.”

“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty, but that’s hardly necessary.” Qin Ruyan’s gaze swept over Xuehua, noting her calm and composed air—utterly unlike the other maids who kept their heads down in fear. Suspicion arose at once.

“There’s no need to be too polite, Consort. I have other matters to attend to, so I won’t keep you.” With a bright smile, Feng Qiuji stood and glanced at Xuehua again. “Xuehua, from now on, Consort Qin is your mistress. Serve her well, do you understand?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

And so, the matter was settled. Feng Qiuji’s first priority was to see Ling Zetian and have him assign someone to protect Qin Ruyan. If anything happened to her because of Xuehua, she herself would be doomed. She was now caught between the emperor and the empress dowager, and whichever she offended would mean her death. She truly dared not displease either of them.

Such a wretched fate!

--- A side note: Volume One is drawing to a close, and Can Yang will soon be heading off to school...