Prolonging the visit until dusk, Chi Ying finally asked: "Lingfang, why did you bring me into the palace?" "Didn't I say in the carriage? I missed you and wanted to chat," Zhangsun Lingfang placed a black piece on the chessboard. Chi Ying suddenly felt annoyed, unwilling to continue the charade, tossing the chess piece back into the box, showing her displeasure:
"You think I would believe you just because you say so? Lingfang, we grew up together, and since childhood, you've never hidden anything from me, nor could you. Are you not considering me as your sister anymore, or are you simply taking me for a fool?"
Her tone was stern. Changsun Lingfang's fingers fumbled in the chess box a few times before she let go with a sigh. "Sister, you will always be my sister, even if our husbands are sworn enemies. Our bond as sisters born of the same mother cannot be changed."
Chiyong's expression remained grim. Sensing this, Changsun Lingfang reached out to hold her hand gently and said, "If one day I am taken to Yan Prefecture, and everyone is eyeing me greedily, would you stand by and watch me suffer or even join them in harming me?"
"…No." Chiyong replied helplessly.
Changsun Lingfang smiled in relief. "That's exactly how I feel too. Even if everyone in the palace despises you, I will still protect you. Sister, I am your younger sister. If you can't trust me, who else can you trust?"
Her words struck a chord with Chiyong. If one day Cui Jie were defeated and died, and Baili Zan demanded the execution of Lingfang as the empress, Chiyong would absolutely not allow it. No matter which side they were on, she couldn't bear to see her own sister die.
But... relying solely on this didn't put her mind at ease.
"But you still haven't told me what you're really planning to do."
This time, Changsun Lingfang couldn't smile anymore. Her eyes showed sadness, and Chiyong knew her suspicions were correct. Her sister indeed had some ulterior motives. Although it might not involve her life, it might very well involve Cui Yi's life.
"Do you want to pay respects to the Empress Dowager? You keep preventing me from doing so. Is it because you don't want her to know I'm back?" Seeing her silence, Chiyong continued, "What will happen if the Empress Dowager knows I'm back? I don't think she'll kill me. If meeting her posed a threat to my life, you wouldn't have gone through all this trouble to stop me. Does seeing her mean your plan can't proceed as scheduled? What are you using me for, bait?"
As she spoke, Chiyong observed her sister's expressions. Changsun Lingfang was still young and not adept at hiding her emotions. By the time Chiyong finished speaking, she had already guessed the general direction. Whatever their parents and sister planned involved something that the Empress Dowager Rong would definitely not agree to, hence the need to prevent them from meeting.
As Empress Dowager, Lady Rong naturally sought benefits for her son and her family. The Changsun family seemed to still be on Cui Jie's side, so there was no immediate conflict with her son's interests. On the contrary, the Changsun family was helping her son wholeheartedly. This meant that whatever her parents and sister were planning must harm the Empress Dowager's family.
Changsun Lingfang held her hand nervously. "Sister... let's have dinner first."
Chiyong's thoughts were still racing, but she nodded absentmindedly. Changsun Lingfang sighed in relief and immediately ordered food to be served, pulling her to sit down and serving her dishes attentively. Chiyong ate while thinking, her mind running through countless possibilities, only to discard each one. Eventually, she felt dizzy and confused, unable to come up with a plausible guess.
After dinner, Changsun Lingfang suggested, "You look tired, Sister. Why don't we soak in the hot springs for a while?"
During their journey south, Chiyong hadn't had a proper bath. Thinking of the hot springs in Yaohua Palace made her tempted. She agreed, "I am indeed tired. Let's go soak for a bit."
Seeing her agreement, Changsun Lingfang almost gleefully turned to instruct the maids to prepare everything. Chiyong's unease deepened. Could this plot be related to bathing? It couldn't be poison in the bathwater, right? Or maybe someone would sneak in after she undressed? No, this was the Empress's chamber; there shouldn't be any men around. Even if there were, it wouldn't just affect her alone. Such an incident would likely result in severe punishment for all servants involved, making it too risky.
The hot springs were soon ready. Changsun Lingfang led her sister through the corridor, saying, "I had calming incense lit. After soaking, you can sleep well, and tomorrow you'll feel refreshed."
Chiyong responded absentmindedly. As they entered the steamy room, the faint scent of sandalwood filled the air. She glanced around, knowing the layout of Yaohua Palace's hot spring room better than her sister. Seeing no suspicious figures, she felt more at ease.
Maids came forward to help them change into robes, and then Changsun Lingfang waved them away. "You may leave. I'll call if I need anything."
Chiyong instinctively looked at the golden bells placed at each corner of the pool. For the Empress's convenience, these bells could be rung to summon attendants. With a clear sound, the maids outside would hear immediately.
"Sister?" Changsun Lingfang noticed her gaze.
Chiyong went along with it. "What are these bells for?"
Changsun Lingfang explained and demonstrated by ringing one. A maid came in to ask for instructions, and Changsun Lingfang asked for some snacks and wine.
"This is indeed convenient. I wonder who thought of it," Chiyong commented as she followed her sister into the pool. The warm water enveloped her body, instantly relaxing every pore, making her feel drowsy.
In March, the capital wasn't particularly warm, but the hot spring room was comfortable. The sisters leaned against the edge of the pool, with Changsun Lingfang reminiscing about their childhood. Chiyong listened but remained alert. After tasting the food and wine herself, she concluded that poisoning was unlikely.
Changsun Lingfang wasn't much of a talker, and after chatting all day, fatigue set in. Gradually, she spoke less, and Chiyong also felt sleepy but dared not fall asleep.
Throughout their conversation, Changsun Lingfang avoided mentioning her miscarriage and instead asked many questions about little Cui Xian, her eyes filled with envy. Chiyong sensed something was wrong but couldn't figure out what. As she floated in the warm water, her thoughts wandered until she recalled something.
"By the way, yesterday when I returned, I saw someone on the street," Chiyong casually mentioned.
This was the first time she brought up something voluntarily, and Changsun Lingfang was indeed interested. "Oh? Who?"
Chiyong smiled at her. "It was Father's student, Zhong Shuji."
Changsun Lingfang's face turned pale, and her speech became disjointed. "Zhong... Zhong... he..."
"I saw him enter the Carved Flower Building with a few people his age. I was quite surprised. Father always strictly disciplined his students. How could he dare go to such a place?" Seeing her reaction, Chiyong continued her bluff.
Changsun Lingfang sat trembling in the pool, her lips white. Whether from shock or anger, Chiyong couldn't tell. She almost pitied her sister's naivety and wondered if she should laugh at Cui Jie being cuckolded. "Lingfang, what's wrong?"
Just then, the door opened, and a maid named Yayi hurried in, looking anxious. "Your Majesty, someone from the Empress Dowager has come with a message for you."
Chiyong's first thought was whether the Empress Dowager knew about Changsun Lingfang secretly bringing her into the palace. Her heart raced.
"Tell him to wait. I'll be right there," Changsun Lingfang calmly instructed, ringing the bell. Maids rushed in to help her dry off and dress.
Chiyong debated whether to follow or stay. Surely the messenger wouldn't barge into the hot spring room. Changsun Lingfang, now dressed and groomed, reassured her, "Stay here and rest. I'll be back soon." Chiyong nodded and sat back.
Once Changsun Lingfang left, the hot spring room fell silent. Chiyong felt drowsy again, losing track of time. Checking the ice in the fruit tray, she realized it hadn't melted completely yet.
Why was she so sleepy? Was it the warmth of the water? She rubbed her temples, deciding to get out and clear her head. Falling asleep in the water wouldn't be pleasant.
Beside the pool stood a Nanmu Luohan bed with soft reed mats from Jiangzhou. Chiyong dried herself and put on a single layer of clothing before lying down.
Instead of feeling refreshed, she felt even sleepier. The strong scent of sandalwood in the room made her dizzy. She got up to extinguish the incense and applied some ice to her forehead. Opening the windows helped somewhat, though the scent lingered.
Just as she yawned and approached the window to open it, she kicked something. Looking down, she saw a small beast-shaped incense burner. The ashes and unburnt incense spilled out, dirtying her shoes.
Chiyong's alarm bells rang. There was white sandalwood burning, why another type of incense? What was this? She picked up the green incense piece, sniffed it, and felt dizzy. This incense was laced with something! She dropped it immediately.
Changsun Lingfang had burned a substance that induced drowsiness and lethargy, masking it with sandalwood. What was her intention?
Shaken awake, Chiyong quickly swept the ashes and submerged the incense in water. She opened all the windows. Outside, no one was guarding, probably confident in the effects of the incense. She grabbed some ice to stay alert and pondered her next move.
Escape? She knew the palace well, but familiarity didn't guarantee escape. Climbing over ten-foot walls wasn't easy, especially without clothes. The maids had taken her clothes, leaving her in a single layer. Running around like this was practically naked.
While trying to figure out her sister's plan and a way out, the screen behind her creaked open.
A man walked in, uttering a questioning sound. Chiyong broke out in cold sweat. In the Empress's quarters, only eunuchs and maids appeared, not men. Even Cui Jie's young son wouldn't visit late at night, let alone enter the hot spring room.
Where did this man come from? What was he doing? Did he know someone was here? Did he recognize her? Questions raced through her mind. She clutched her robe, preparing to flee if necessary.
Unfortunately, the man didn't leave. He stepped closer, and Chiyong felt her hair stand on end. The hot spring room offered no hiding places. Earlier, she'd been relieved there were no hidden dangers; now, she regretted the lack of cover.
His footsteps drew nearer. Through the screen, she saw his shadow. Realizing the light behind her cast her silhouette, she hastily blew out the lamps.
The man paused, standing by the pool. Chiyong's heart pounded. She quickly put on her shoes, ready to run.
He stopped advancing but spoke. "Even Anxi incense couldn't make you sleep. Who are you?"
Chiyong's mind exploded.
It was Cui Jie! How had she overlooked the possibility of him being here? Who could freely enter the Empress's chambers without suspicion? Of course, it was the emperor!
Cui Jie's presence drastically altered the situation. Even fully prepared, she wouldn't want to meet him alone, let alone in a single layer of clothing.
Before she decided whether to speak, Cui Jie said, "Not talking? Then I'll come over."
Instinctively, Chiyong shouted, "Don't come!"
Cui Jie halted. Chiyong's heart raced, hoping he hadn't recognized her voice.
"Are you Queen's family?" Cui Jie's tone was gentle. "Don't worry. I won't harm you. Queen invited you here to apologize to me, didn't she?"
Panicking, Chiyong adjusted her voice. "I'm Queen's cousin, visiting the palace at her invitation, but haven't paid respects to Your Majesty yet."
Cui Jie's tone softened further. "I see. Just a few questions, then I'll leave. Queen used Anxi incense here. You probably don't know what it is."
Chiyong cautiously answered, "No... What is it?"
"A fragrance that makes you lose consciousness and sleep till morning."
So it was a sedative! Chiyong's anger flared. Changsun Lingfang had brought her here, used sedative-laden incense, and then lured Cui Jie here. Her intentions were clear!
She never imagined her parents would offer her to Cui Jie!
Was this some twisted loyalty test? Were they inspired by the Xie family, who tried to return their daughter to Cui Jie? She had assumed the Xie family acted alone, but now she reconsidered. Did Cui Jie not only usurp Cui Yi's throne but also steal his women? Throughout history, she had never heard of such madness.
Cui Jie continued, "You must feel sorry being brought here unknowingly. I won't break my word."
Chiyong wanted to scoff. Didn't he once sweet-talk her into believing they'd grow old together, only to burn her alive in the cold palace?
"Queen never expected I'd discover her theft of Anxi incense from the Imperial Medical Institute. She's probably gloating now," Cui Jie's tone dripped with sweetness. "I don't want to hurt her feelings, so let's chat here."
Chiyong remained silent. Cui Jie talked about his past with the Empress. "When I was Crown Prince, I married Queen. She was a good girl, at least she seemed so then. I liked her a lot, and even after what happened, I couldn't bring myself to hate her."
Clearly, he hinted at something. Recalling her earlier conversation about Zhong Wei, Chiyong deduced that "what happened" referred to Changsun Lingfang's affair with Zhong Wei.
Pretending curiosity, she asked, "Did Queen do something to hurt Your Majesty?"
Cui Jie sighed deeply. "You might find it hard to believe. Someone informed me of a strange young man seen in Queen's palace. At first, I doubted it, but repeated sightings forced me to investigate. Sure enough, that person often sneaked in with Queen's mother's carriage to meet her."
Chiyong's breathing quickened. She gripped her robe tightly, telling herself not to believe Cui Jie's words. This smiling snake couldn't be trusted. Changsun Lingfang's youthful indiscretion aside, her mother wouldn't aid such foolishness. Impossible!
Yet another voice argued: Changsun Lingfang and Zhong Wei were genuinely in love in their previous lives. Being separated because of her, and now desperate for a child, increased the likelihood of infidelity.
Cui Jie continued, "I don't understand. I treated her so well. Why does she still harbor feelings for another man? You might not believe this, but every time she met him, it was the day after I visited her. Do you know what that means? She wanted me to raise her lover's child!"
"Queen is young, and I intended to wait before having children. Each time I visited her, I had the imperial physician send her contraceptive tea. But she was impatient, wanting another man's child. I, the emperor, wore the cuckold's horns, pretending joy at her pregnancy news!"
Recalling the assassination attempt at the palace, Chiyong lowered her eyes. So, the child Changsun Lingfang carried back then...
(Translation ends here due to the original text ending abruptly.)
The child was indeed Zhong Wei's. Under Shan Jian's scheming, although Cui Jie did indeed eliminate the illegitimate child and his competitive younger brother in one fell swoop, he must have felt terrible about it.
"Later, something happened, and that child was gone. I thought they would recognize their setback and be more discreet in the future, but instead, they became bolder. That adulterer—actually infiltrated the Imperial Medical Hall! Every day under the pretense of checking on my health, he openly entered and exited Yao Hua Palace. As long as I wasn't there, they spent all their time together!" Cui Jie said, taking a deep breath. The black shadow on the screen made a wiping motion across its face.
No wonder Ling Fang had such an expression when she heard Zhong Wei went to a brothel. She must feel that despite her arduous love for him, she was betrayed, and she must feel very aggrieved! Chi Ying wandered aimlessly in her thoughts. The guilt she had felt towards her sister since before her marriage now became intensely vivid. Although she had been tricked by Guo Shi at the time and had no choice, it was still true that she had wronged Ling Fang. She escaped from the dragon's den and tiger's lair, while her sister missed out on her true love forever.
Cui Jie, not hearing her response, asked somewhat strangely, "Miss?"
Chi Ying hurriedly responded, "Your subject is here."
Cui Jie continued, "Do you know why the Changsun family was so eager to bring you into the palace? Did they ignore you and your family in the past and only recently started showing interest in connecting with you, making your parents feel honored that you were noticed by them?"
Chi Ying smiled bitterly. Cui Jie's words were mere guesses, but if there really was such a "cousin," it would likely be like this scenario. To maintain their positions and power, her parents could even offer her to a minor son-in-law. What wouldn't they do?
"My parents are indeed happy, thinking I can follow Her Highness and become a palace maid."
Cui Jie chuckled, saying, "A palace maid? It sounds like something they would say. Since they are so eager for you to enter the palace, how about I assign you to Wan Sheng Palace tomorrow?"