MYUFPC CHAPTER 4
As Cold as snake
Upon her rebirth, Jiashan found that she had many tasks to attend to. The timing of her return was neither ideal nor terrible. Though her mother had passed away, her father, the Emperor, was still in relatively good health. Her arch-nemesis, Zhuang Fei, though holding the authority to assist in managing the six palaces, dared not openly move against her. Most importantly, Zhuang Fei’s son, Zhao Youcheng, had yet to be named Crown Prince.
As long as the position of Crown Prince remained vacant, Jiashan held significant leverage to alter her fate.
After changing her clothes and finishing her breakfast, Jiashan went to her study to practice calligraphy.
Her mother, Empress Pei, hailed from the renowned Pei family of Jiangnan, a lineage celebrated for its literary heritage. When Jiashan was young, Empress Pei would often hold her hand and teach her to write Yan Zhenqing's regular script. This early influence meant that Jiashan had read more books than the average woman, which might be one of the reasons for Emperor Zhanghe’s fondness for her.
After a considerable amount of time practicing, Jiashan put down her brush and called to Dancui, who had recently been promoted, “Where is Zheng mama? Please summon her for me.”
In her previous life, Dancui had only served Jiashan after Su Yu and the others were released from the palace. Now, employing her years earlier made Dancui noticeably uneasy.
Hearing the princess’s command, Dancui responded nervously, “This servant will go immediately.”
“Wait.” Noticing Dancui’s unease, Jiashan glanced at her slowly.
She asked, “Is something the matter?”
The reason Dancui was favored by the princess and kept by her side was due to her straightforwardness and lack of hidden agendas. Now, hearing Jiashan’s question, Dancui breathed a sigh of relief. Had the princess not asked, she wouldn't have known how to bring up the matter.
Dancui knelt and replied, "This servant was able to fill Sister Hanzhu's position thanks to Your Highness's favor. However..." Dancui, being an honest and straightforward person, hesitated before continuing, "However, Sister Hanzhu these past few days..."
Jiashan, understanding the situation, glanced knowingly at Dancui and finished the sentence for her, "What? Is she dissatisfied with my actions?"
Dancui quickly shook her head, "Your Highness overestimates her, she wouldn't dare. Sister Hanzhu only wished for me to speak on her behalf. She said she wants to see you."
Jiashan's gaze was cold and indifferent, like a still pool of water. She curled her lips into a cold smile and asked, "Oh, has she recovered from her illness?"
Dancui nodded, answering softly, "It seems she is almost fully recovered."
Jiashan's expression remained unchanged. She picked up a silver spoon and took a bite of the steamed milk curd with sugar on the table. Only after the cool, slightly tart taste dissipated from her tongue did she speak again, "Let her come."
Dancui responded happily, "Yes."
Among all the old retainers from the late Empress's palace, Hanzhu was the youngest. Su Yu was already nineteen this year and was to be released from the palace next year.
Only Hanzhu was the same age as Jiashan. In the past, when Hanzhu served the Empress, she wasn't particularly favored. She was brought over to Jiashan purely because of a piece of candy.
At that time, the Empress had just passed away, and the entire palace was engulfed in an atmosphere of numbness and sorrow. The Emperor was still grieving, and Jiashan could only rely on her two-year-old brother for company.
Because Hanzhu was close in age to Jiashan, she was assigned to stay by her side and keep the eldest princess company. Both were still very young. Especially Hanzhu, who had never been so close to someone of high status before. Seeing that the eldest princess didn't cry even after losing her mother, she didn't know what to say. She awkwardly handed Jiashan a piece of candy she had kept for many days.
"Before I entered the palace, my mother said that if I missed her, I should eat candy," little Hanzhu said timidly, wiping the sweat from her palm on her skirt before daring to extend her pale hand. "If you miss your mother, you should eat candy too. This is the last piece, I’ve been saving it for you."
Little Jiashan glanced at her, seeing her small, pitiful figure smiling ingratiatingly. She said nothing, took the candy, and placed it in her brother's hand, gripping it tightly.
The next day, Hanzhu joined Su Yu, Zheng mama, and others in being assigned to Fengyang Pavilion to care for the eldest princess. For nearly twenty years, even after Zheng mama retired, people around Jiashan came and went, but Hanzhu remained by her side.
But in the end, what did all those years of companionship amount to? She still lost to a man.
Jiashan thought of Zhan Shaoying's words: "Your Highness’s personal maid climbed into my bed, and you just wanted me to give her a decent outcome." It made her feel that those twenty years were nothing but a mockery.
What reaction did they expect from her? To cry and beg Zhan Shaoying to come back or to angrily kill Hanzhu on his bed?
Jiashan's lips curled into a slight, almost imperceptible smile. She touched her chest, where the heartache still felt as fresh as yesterday. She vowed never to let such a thing happen again. Soon, Hanzhu and Dancui entered, bowing to Jiashan.
Jiashan's gaze lingered for a few seconds before settling on Hanzhu. Hanzhu was beautiful, as were all the women in the palace. However, they were often overshadowed by the various beauties among the concubines.
Hanzhu bowed respectfully, her confidence now much greater than years ago, and said in a clear voice, "This servant greets Your Highness."
Jiashan looked away, "Rise."
Hanzhu obediently stood up. Jiashan had not intended to see Hanzhu so soon, as she hadn’t decided how to handle her. Seeing Hanzhu today suddenly reminded her of the child she had lost.
Regarding that child, Zhan Shaoying was unaware of the full story, but Hanzhu, who was by her side, knew everything all too well. In the end, Hanzhu used the child to stab at her heart!
Jiashan's gaze lingered on Hanzhu's deliberately made-up face. She saw that her complexion was smooth and delicate, her body slender and willowy, possessing the very appearance that would evoke the most pity from men.
Jiashan's eyes flashed as she smiled and said, "I used to think that feelings in good times might not be so reliable, so I depended on you a lot." She stared at the dried ink on the tip of her brush. "Now that I think about it, back then, you only gave me a piece of candy."
Jiashan slowly stood up, picked up a pair of scissors, and began trimming the flowers in the jade vase on the table. Hanzhu and Dancui stood there like frightened rabbits, watching as Jiashan ruthlessly cut away the nearly dead yellow leaves.
Hanzhu's heart skipped a beat. She said, "This servant will always stay by Your Highness's side."
"Mm." Jiashan seemed uninterested. She suddenly turned the scissors, their sharp blades pointing directly at Hanzhu. Jiashan seemed oblivious, as if the scissors were just a toy in her hand, as she silently moved a few steps closer to Hanzhu. Hanzhu's face turned pale. She bit her lip, forcing a smile.
"Su Yu asked for my blessing, and I promised to let her leave the palace next year," Jiashan said, watching the fine sweat on Hanzhu's forehead with indifference. "Strange, why are you shaking? Are you afraid of me?"
Hanzhu finally shifted her gaze from the scissors to Jiashan's stunning face. The eldest princess's skin was fairer than snow, and her eyes, curved with a smile, seemed to see through everything.
Hanzhu was greatly flustered. She stammered, "Your Highness, you're joking. This servant is not afraid."
"Perhaps the heat from last time hasn't fully subsided, and my head feels a bit dizzy."
Jiashan replied, "If you're not well, you should rest more."
"I initially intended for you to take over Su Yu's duties, to help manage my jewelry," Jiashan said gently, looking at Hanzhu. She lightly touched Hanzhu's cheek. The princess's hand was cold as a snake. Hanzhu shivered involuntarily.
Jiashan seemed unaware as she gently pinched Hanzhu's cheek and said with a smile, "Since you're still not feeling well, I'll have to let Dancui take over."
"Take care of yourself and get better," Jiashan finally put down the scissors, lightly patting Hanzhu's shoulder with the hand that had just trimmed the flowers.
A bead of sweat formed on Hanzhu's forehead. Her cheeks were pale. "Yes, I will follow Your Highness's orders."
"Go rest now," Jiashan said, slightly turning aside, but her eyes still following Hanzhu. Hanzhu dared not wipe her sweat. After bowing deeply to Jiashan, she finally withdrew.
Jiashan's expression grew colder as Hanzhu's figure gradually receded. She turned to Dancui and said, "Go to the storeroom and bring the inkstone that Prince Wei once gifted. Then, ask Zheng mama to come over."
Dancui quickly replied, "Yes, Your Highness."
Jiashan then sat back at her desk and penned a letter. By the time Zheng mama arrived, Jiashan had just finished writing. Seeing Zheng mama, Jiashan dismissed the others and smiled, "There are two matters that I can only trust you to handle personally."
Zheng mama naturally responded, "Your Highness, I am at your service, even unto death."
"It's not a matter of life or death," Jiashan said softly, noting the faint excitement in Zheng mama's expression. "My cousin from the Pei family has just achieved second place in the imperial examination. I would like you to find a reliable person to deliver this Shezhou inkstone to the Pei residence as a congratulatory gift."
Zheng mama's face lit up with joy upon hearing this. "Is it true?"
After a moment, she muttered to herself, "It must be true. Only the Eldest young master could have such fortune!"
Jiashan's lips curved slightly. "I wonder how proud he will be."
"He has every right to be proud," Zheng mama said, unable to contain her smile.
Jiashan was also pleased, though she didn't show it outwardly. Despite occasional disagreements with her cousin, they were close due to their similar ages. That was why she was willing to give away this valuable inkstone.
"He has coveted this Shezhou inkstone for a long time. If it weren't for his recent success and even the emperor praising him, I wouldn't have given it to him," Jiashan said, wrapping the precious inkstone and tucking the letter she had just written inside. "There is another matter I must ask of you," Jiashan's tone grew more serious. She leaned back in her redwood chair, her eyes appearing indifferent.
Zheng mama was puzzled. "What is it, Your Highness?"
"For the next few days, keep an eye on Hanzhu's movements," Jiashan said, cracking a melon seed and revealing the kernel inside. She looked at Zheng mama for a moment before speaking, "I want to know if she has been in contact with the Chengqian Palace over the years." Chengqian Palace was the residence of the emperor's concubines, most notably Zhuang Fei, who was Jiashan's rival.
Zheng mama was startled, her body trembling slightly. "Hanzhu… surely she wouldn't have any connections there?"
Jiashan smiled faintly, as if she no longer cared who Hanzhu was involved with. "Whether she has or hasn't, we will find out in due time."
"Please keep an eye on her," Jiashan instructed. "And keep this matter confidential until we have the truth. We don't want to hurt anyone unnecessarily."
Zheng mama understood and sighed softly, "I understand, Your Highness."
After dismissing Zheng mama, Jiashan sat by the window. She rested her chin on her hand, her sharp jawline and graceful neck forming a determined silhouette. She resembled a red plum blossom in a snowy, bitter cold winter—strikingly beautiful yet sacred and untouchable.
Jiashan had asked herself countless times why people's feelings could change so easily despite her never mistreating Hanzhu. Seeing Hanzhu's guilty demeanor today, Jiashan finally understood.
Perhaps from the moment Hanzhu offered her that candy, everything that followed was nothing more than a complete sham. For years, she had believed in it, but now she saw it as nothing more than a bitter joke.
Jiashan's lips curled into a wistful smile.
That day, after finishing his duties in the palace, Zhan Yue emerged to find the once-blazing sun had mellowed. The rain from the previous night had brought a noticeable coolness, as the saying goes, "A fall rain brings a fall chill." In a few days, the full weight of autumn would settle in.
The clear autumn wind and bright autumn moon, leaves that gather only to scatter again, crows that perch only to be startled once more. Who knows when we will meet again? The emotions of this night are hard to bear!
Zhan Yue wondered if there would still be refreshments like mint mung bean soup to drink in upcoming autumn? The thought added a spring to his step.
As he slowly entered the Anguo Mansion, the lively atmosphere in the main hall abruptly turned silent at his arrival. The air was thick with awkwardness and unease.
Zhan Yue squinted slightly, while his attendant, Liu Qi, seemed about to speak. It was Zhan Yue’s sister-in-law, Lady Zhang, the wife of the heir to the Duke Anguo title, who broke the ice. "Fourth Master, you’re back?"
Zhan Yue had no desire to engage with them and merely nodded. Lady Zhang continued, "Today is a happy day. My nephew, Wenchang, from my mother's side has passed the imperial examination. Although he's a distant relative, the Old Madam and the heir decided we should celebrate his success."
Zhan Yue tilted his head slightly, revealing his sharp jawline. With a faint, ambiguous smile, he said, "Grandmother is old, and since you, sister-in-law, manage the household, it's only natural for you to make the arrangements."
"I was on duty in the palace all night and am quite tired. I won't attend this evening," Zhan Yue's fair complexion stood out, his eyes shining like stars even in the dimly lit room. "Please convey my congratulations to Wenchang."
Lady Zhang maintained her smile. "I understand. After all, you are a favorite in the emperor’s eyes. I will explain to the heir."
Her words carried a veiled barb, causing Liu Qi to bristle. Zhan Yue, however, remained unperturbed and signaled Liu Qi to stay silent.
Casually, Zhan Yue moved his right hand, causing Lady Zhang to take a step back. In his hand was a sword, symbolizing the power and prestige of the Jinwu Guard.
He was showing his power to her!
Lady Zhang gritted her teeth, ready to retort, but Zhan Yue had already lifted the curtain and headed toward the rear courtyard without looking back.
After a while, the conversation in the main hall resumed.
"These days, the Fu family is nothing but a fallen house. What’s he so proud of? Does he really think having a marquis grandfather makes him special?" a coarse male voice sneered. "What’s so great about the Jinwu Guard? Let’s see how long his luck lasts."
An older woman added, "He really does look more and more like the late Marquis Yongding."
With a sigh that could have been either envy or resentment, she continued, "Whether it's the women or the men of the Fu family, they always have those faces that even the gods would envy."
"No wonder the Old Duke wanted to bring Fu Shiyu into the family, even in her dire state."
"Shh," the first man cautioned, glancing at Lady Zhang. He signaled for the woman to stop gossiping, especially in the Duke Anguo Mansion.
The man sneered, "What good is it for a man to be that good-looking anyway?"
The woman, realizing her slip, noticed the displeasure on Lady Zhang's face and quickly shifted to flattery. "I heard from the lord that a few days ago, His Majesty specially summoned the Duke to the study to inquire about Ying’er and whether he is engaged."
Lady Zhang's expression softened as expected, and she smiled. "Yes, we don't know what kind of fortune awaits Ying’er."
The woman chuckled. "You’re too modest, Madam. Ying Ge’er is now serving in the Tongzhengsi, which is a most prestigious place."
"I heard from Duan Pin (Concubine Duan) that His Majesty has been troubled lately over the marriage of the Eldest Princess. I guess Ying’er will most likely marry the princess," she said gently.
Lady Zhang's eyes curved with her smile, but she replied, "Sixth Sister-in-law, you speak of things yet to come. I wouldn’t dare to take your words seriously." The woman laughed, exchanging pleasantries with Lady Zhang.
While the front yard was bustling with activity, Zhan Yue lay alone by his bedside. He had changed into simple coarse clothes, his hands leisurely behind his head.
Zhan Yue bore a strong resemblance to his mother, with delicate and refined features. Having just bathed, his hair was slightly damp, and there was a faint scent of herbal soap on him. His handsome profile bore a gentle and approachable softness.
Liu Qi approached and knocked the door gently. "Fourth Master, the Old Madam requests your presence."
Zhan Yue responded in a clear voice, "I’ll be there shortly."
Liu Qi waited quietly outside the room. After a while, Zhan Yue donned a coat. He noticed it had started raining heavily again. Fetching an umbrella from inside, he saw Liu Qi’s hands were empty and handed him another paper umbrella.
The autumn rain fell like countless silver threads.
With an umbrella in hand, Zhan Yue walked through the rain. The rain curtain was like smoke, like mist, forming a barrier that seemed to separate Zhan Yue from the people around him, dividing them into two distinct worlds.
He walked leisurely in his world, yet his figure appeared lonely and desolate.
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Tong Zhengsi- The Chinese phrase "通政司" (tōng zhèng sī) translates to "Bureau of Transmission and Communications" and was a significant government agency during the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. It was one of the Twelve Supervising Boards (十二监, Shí'èr Jiàn) responsible for managing various aspects of the imperial court and government. such as Receiving and Processing Documents, Managing Communication Channels, Overseeing Foreign Relations, Exercising Supervisory Authority.