Chapter 9
Two months later, Consort Shu miscarried.
A bloody purge swept through the inner palace. Consorts and servants alike were punished or killed if the slightest suspicion fell on them. Eunuchs carried buckets back and forth to wash the blood from the floors. No one could have counted their trips.
But Mother had remained shut away, pleading illness, and had kept her servants clear of every dispute. What had seemed misfortune proved a blessing.
Aunt Chen regarded Mother with still greater respect. I thought her foresight miraculous too. None of this could be spoken of outside, however. If anyone learned that Mother had known Consort Shu’s child would not survive, everyone in our palace might fare even worse than those outside.
A few days later, His Majesty came.
Mother was painting at her desk. The instant he entered, she dropped her brush, pouted, and turned away. “So my lord Xiao still remembers I exist.”
The emperor caught up in a few strides and wrapped his arms around her from behind. “Ruanruan.”
She let him hold her. Bowing her head, she shed hot tears in streams, each tear a pearl of dew, as though an immortal were weeping. Her reddened eyes only made her more beautiful and fragile. “It is my fault. My body has failed you.”
The emperor sighed deeply. “It is not your fault, Ruanruan. I am the unfortunate one.”
Mother abruptly covered his mouth. “Don’t say such things. Your Majesty’s fortune is the fortune of all your people. How can you call it poor? Quick, spit those words away.”
Caught off guard, he stared. He plainly did not want to do anything so childish. But Mother pouted at him stubbornly, refusing to yield, until he gave a helpless smile. “All right, all right. Pah, pah, pah.”
When he really did it, Mother smiled, mischief showing through. Where had that stern expression gone?
Seeing them grow affectionate again, I began thinking of withdrawing. I had barely moved when the emperor suddenly looked over. “Rourou is eleven this year? She’s beginning to look quite the young lady.”
Startled, I lowered my head. “Thank you for remembering, Your Majesty. I turned eleven two months ago.”
“Ah, now I remember.” He looked as though realization had dawned. “Affairs of state kept me busy all that day, and I couldn’t attend your birthday feast. What would you like as a present? Just tell me. I’ll give it to you.”
I stood frozen, at a loss. I tried to steal a glance at Mother, but his tall figure blocked her completely. All I could say was, “I receive an allowance for my clothes, food, and daily needs. I… I lack nothing…”
The emperor came closer, slowly bent his head, and smiled at me. “I only asked what you wanted. Why so nervous? Are you afraid of me?”
I was close to tears when Mother stepped forward and pushed him. “Silks, gold, silver, jewels—send them all. Of course Rourou will like them. Must you tease a child?”
He looked thoroughly helpless and let her beat his shoulder. “Very well. Convey my order: Princess Jiarou is to receive ten bolts of tribute satin and an assortment of pearls and jade. Let her choose the patterns herself from the private treasury. Satisfied?”
Mother smiled with closed lips, then poked a finger against his chest. “Your Majesty always knows how to coax people.”
“Not half so well as you, Ruanruan.” He suddenly swept her into his arms. “Beside you, I’m no better than a mountain boor.”
Mother rested her head on his shoulder, charming whether she smiled or pouted. But the moment she turned toward me, her expression changed. Her eyes flicked toward the door, telling me to leave at once.
I hurried out. The servants on either side were looking at me strangely, as though their eyes held a thousand unspoken meanings.
I hastened toward my side hall, but halfway there I heard servants whispering ahead.
I slowed down and listened closely.
One said, “I wondered why His Majesty didn’t mind that Her Highness had been married before, and even brought her daughter into the palace. So that’s what he has in mind… My, my.”
The other sounded shocked. “You mean… he wants both mother and daughter? But the princess is only eleven…”
“Shh! Is that something you can say aloud? Do you want to die? I’m only guessing. Still, His Majesty was so generous today, and he’s even letting the little princess into the private treasury. Can it really be nothing more than his affection for her mother extending to her?”
I did not dare make a sound and let them discover me. Clinging to a pillar, I slid weakly to the ground. My vision darkened, and I had no strength left to rise.