The Job Of An Imperial Concubine

54

TJOAIC 54 – INTERROGATION (审问)

“Your Majesty, this slave has investigated these few slaves. Previously, they had come into contact with some servants of the other masters. However, after investigation, such contact was normal, seemingly innocent.”　　

“The less suspicious it seems, the more problematic it is.” The empress threw down a chess piece, bringing the chessboard before her into disarray. “Since such a matter occurred in the harem, Heyu, summon the other imperial concubines here to examine these daring slaves. When everyone gathers fuel, the flames grow higher. Perhaps we will find the culprit before long.”　　

“Your Majesty is wise.” Heyu performed a ceremony of paying respects. After a moment of hesitation, she asked, “Should we also tell Chongyi Zhao?”　　　　

“Since this involves Chongyi Zhao, naturally we should let her know.” The empress picked up a white chess piece and played with it. “It’s rare to have a child, yet it has already been lost. She should know how she lost it.”

“This slave will now go.” Heyu sneered inwardly. Who knew if Chongyi Zhao could accept reality right now? It was difficult to get pregnant in the imperial harem. Fortunately, His Majesty allowed her to keep it, but she herself was unable to protect the child. And now she involved Her Majesty into receiving the emperor’s questioning. 　　

Once Heyu arrived at Xihe Palace, she was hit with unspeakable sorrow. She recalled Chongyi Zhao’s fox cloak that was stained red that night. Heyu adjusted her expression, and it wasn’t until it was sad enough that she approached the eunuch standing guard at the doors.　　　　

“Isn’t this Miss¹ Heyu? This one will perform a ceremony of greeting foryour honored self²,” said Fu Bao, watching Heyu lead two other palace maids over. He quickly put on a smile and walked forward to receive them. “What kind of special occasion brings your honored self here?”

“Eunuch Fu is too polite. I am under Her Majesty the empress’ imperial decree to visit Chongyi Zhao.” A pause. Deep concern in her eyes, she asked, “How is Chongyi Zhao?” 　

Fu Bao noticed that the two lower-ranked palace maids behind her held trays with items. And he understood those were things the empress bestowed. He allowed those two to enter the palace doors. However, on his face was a trace of bitterness. A sigh left his lips. “What can be done? Originally, it was an extremely joyous matter. Who would have known this would happen?” He scanned the surroundings, lowered his voice, and said, “Our master hasn’t had an appetite these past few days, and she has grown a lot thinner. The hearts of us slaves fill with pain upon seeing it.”  　　　　

“Don’t us servants just hope that our masters do well?” Heyu also sighed. “Recently, Her Majesty the empress has worried deeply about Chongyi Zhao. As such, she had me come visit. If it wasn’t because Her Majesty was busy investigating Chongyi Zhao’s miscarriage these past few days, she would pay a visit herself.”　　　　

“To have dragged Her Majesty into this, this slave will pay respects to Her Majesty here.” Then Fu Bao turned to face Jingyang Palace, performing the full ceremony of paying respects. Afterward, he continued to escort Heyu into the residence. Once they reached the main chamber, he turned to her in a smile. “May Miss Heyu sit and have some tea. I will go inside and inform Master.”　　

“Eunuch Fu, do as you please.” Although Heyu was the head palace maid of the empress, she did not dare to actually sit down in another master’s palace. She only stood in the main chamber in wait, taking in the decorations all around. These decorations didn’t break protocol, but they were all exquisite, and it was evident that the emperor favored Chongyi Zhao immensely.