The early morning light broke through the open lattice of the window at Changchun Palace, casting a gentle warmth over the Empress as she rested in her chair. Her breathing was slow and measured, the illness that had taken its toll on her body not yet released its grip, but the signs of improvement were undeniable. She looked out at the courtyard in silent contemplation, her hands resting over a folded silk shawl across her lap.
By her side, was Tong , who stood faithfully, her hands folded, every bit the vigilant and dutiful maid she had been from the start. Her quiet presence was both calming and reliable, and in that moment, the Empress was glad for her unwavering loyalty.
With a small sigh, the Empress broke the silence. "Tong," she began softly, "what news is there from the palace? I feel so much has happened while I've been away from the central matters."
Tong's gaze lowered, her face tinged with hesitation. She knew it was not her place to reveal all of the chaos that had erupted in the Forbidden City, yet to withhold it from the Empress would be equally wrong. With careful deliberation, she began recounting each piece of news—the various incidents, the quarrels in the shadows. And finally, she hesitated, then mentioned the upheaval surrounding Consort Xian.
The Empress listened in silence, her expression becoming grave as Tong spoke of Wanying's betrayal, the accusations, and the scandal that had rocked Chengqian Palace. She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling a pang of sorrow she kept well-guarded.
"It is a familiar path," she said with a small, weary smile. "A servant who loses her place, vying desperately for favor and standing… only to fall by her own doing. I know it well." Her voice grew softer, almost reflective. "Still, such betrayal must be handled carefully."
"Your Highness," Tong began, "shall I arrange for a quiet investigation? Perhaps there's a way to understand Wanying's motivations, maybe even a way to uncover any hidden hands in this affair."
The Empress inclined her head. "Yes, Tong. Go to the Office of Careful Punishment. Wanying must be questioned, even if I am not in full health to handle the matter myself. She may not be entirely at fault… sometimes pawns don't see the board they stand upon."
Tong nodded, her heart filled with a renewed determination as she quietly departed. Her respect for the Empress had only deepened over the years, and she carried that loyalty with her as she made her way across the palace grounds.
---
When Tong arrived at the Office of Careful Punishment, she braced herself for whatever state Wanying might be in. The guards stood at attention, their expressions still as she approached the cell. However, upon unlocking and stepping in, her gaze fell upon a sight that froze her in place.
There, slumped over the small vanity in her cell, lay Wanying—lifeless.
Tong's mouth opened, but no words came at first. Her chest tightened, and she felt an unfamiliar rage simmering within her. She turned sharply toward the guard stationed outside. "How could this happen?" she demanded, her tone carrying an edge sharp enough to make the guard visibly flinch. "How did you allow her to die?"
The guard stumbled back, his eyes wide with fear and bewilderment. " Tong Momo, I swear… we know nothing! She was fine, she ate the food given to her, and she showed no signs of distress. We… we didn't realize until now…"
Tong narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing his face. "Food, you say?" Her voice dropped to a low, dangerous tone. "And who brought it?"
The guard hesitated, but sensing the weight of her gaze, quickly replied, "A… a shadowed figure, bearing a tray. I thought little of it, she's had visitors before…"
Tong's voice lowered further, becoming almost icy. "A visitor. You allowed an unknown visitor to come here, without checking credentials or reason?"
The guards exchanged nervous glances, too caught in their lack of vigilance to answer. Tong sighed, exasperated, and turned away. The realization was sinking in: someone had taken great care to silence Wanying, and with it, to bury any trail leading back to them.
She turned back, her expression unreadable. "Remember this well," she murmured, her voice ominous. "Should I uncover that any of you allowed this to happen through negligence… there will be no shadows for you to hide in. I am not only a servant of the Empress, I am her eyes and ears. Do not test me."
With that, Tong made her way back, anger and frustration boiling just beneath her calm surface. The Forbidden City held no mercy for the weak-hearted; she had seen its cruelty firsthand. By the time she returned to Changchun Palace, her steps were measured, her gaze firm with purpose.
--
The Empress looked up as Tong entered, her expression neither surprised nor outwardly sorrowful. She gave Tong a calm, almost knowing glance, as though she had expected such an outcome.
"Niang naing ..." She hesitated
"Wanying is dead," Tong confirmed, kneeling at her side.
The Empress took a slow breath, allowing a moment to pass. "It was to be expected," she finally said, her voice carrying a faint hint of sorrow. "The Forbidden City has never forgiven disobedience, let alone betrayal. She was silenced, the mastermind acted quite fast I must say".
The simplicity of her tone did little to cover the gravity of the truth behind it. The Empress may have been temporarily out of power, but she remained the center of wisdom and understanding within the palace, her mind as sharp as ever.
"She was silenced… but by whom?" Tong asked, her voice laced with curiosity and anger. "It seems clear that whoever arranged this feared what Wanying might reveal."
The Empress met Tong's gaze, the hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Tong, I need you to look into this, quietly and thoroughly. No official orders, just quiet inquiries. Wanying's death was not an accident. Someone feared the light that she could cast upon them." Her eyes gleamed with a fire that illness hadn't extinguished. "And I would know who dares to bring such shadows into the forbidden city."
Tong gave a solemn nod, determination blazing within her. "As you wish, Your Highness. I will find the truth."
The Empress nodded approvingly. "Good. Be discreet, and remember, sometimes truth wears many faces. Be sure that you don't miss the one hidden in plain sight."
"Yes naing naing"..Tong replied again .
The empress turned as if remembering something,"and how is Xian Fei?... this must have taken a toll on her ..go, send her a gift from one my belongings and express my concern to her "the Empress commanded with pity all over her eyes.
"But what particular gift , Niang naing?"..Tong asked
"Pick anyone that is best suiting for this occasion...I trust your instincts "..The empress concluded , gesturing for her to go ahead with it .
With those words echoing in her mind, Tong left to convey her mistress concern and words to Chengqian Palace and to begin her investigation. She would have to be careful, but she knew one thing: she would not fail her mistress. Not when there were so many who would benefit from Wanying's silence, and even fewer who dared to see justice done.