Chapter 18: A Confrontation with the Six Palace Attendants

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Unexpectedly, a grand procession arrived, a crowd bustling in. Among them, Physician Zheng was familiar, while the others were attendants and stewards from the Bureau of Rites, as well as the managers and stewards of medicines from the Bureau of Food, alongside several female historians.

Each carried themselves with an air of superiority, scrutinizing the unfamiliar young girl who had suddenly appeared, as if she were beneath them. With Zhi Yuan guiding her, she met them one by one, enduring their disdainful, probing gazes and respectfully offering her greetings.

The steward from the Bureau of Rites was the first to speak up, her tone sharp: "What is this, Zhi Yuan? Did you summon us all here just to listen to some little girl’s lecture?"

Zhi Yuan smiled. "Please don’t be angry, Steward. Aren’t we all here for the sake of Her Highness the Imperial Consort?"

The other steward scoffed. "Her father called us here under the pretense of concern, but he’s just trying to cover up his crime of attempting to poison Her Highness! So now, with his daughter here, he’s suddenly a good person?"

The female historian chimed in, stirring the crowd: "Your Chao Hua Palace is too trusting. If something happens to Her Highness, we’ll be implicated as well. We have plenty of other tasks to attend to—rushing over early to hear a child speak, what’s the meaning of this?"

"Exactly. Last time, if the Grand Incense Master hadn’t exposed Bai Chongyi’s toxic incense in time, we’d all have suffered."

Bai Huan lowered her gaze, refusing to look at their faces. Yet their disrespect and slander toward her father cut into her heart like knives.

So it was the Grand Incense Master who framed her father.

Zhi Yuan’s face darkened. She spoke coolly, "If any of you do not wish to serve Her Highness, you may leave at once. Chao Hua Palace is too small to accommodate such illustrious guests."

Usually gentle, Zhi Yuan’s temper now flared, and the group fell silent immediately. As the chief maid of Her Highness, she was not someone they could afford to offend.

The steward of medicines, who had been quietly observing, smiled gently. "Don’t be upset, Zhi Yuan. We’ve all suffered because of Bai Chongyi—His Majesty docked half a year’s silver from our stipends. Everyone fears his daughter might bring trouble again."

Physician Zheng cleared his throat and spoke. "The Bai family’s daughter attended to Her Highness last night with incense, ensuring her restful sleep. She is here today to fully resolve Her Highness’s sleeping troubles, which benefits you all, does it not?"

The steward of medicines quickly agreed, "Of course. I have brought all the records concerning Her Highness’s condition during this period."

A historian beside her presented a booklet. Bai Huan finally lifted her gaze and received it with both hands. "Thank you, madam."

Physician Zheng’s apprentice also handed over a medical case, which Bai Huan accepted. The stewards of rites exchanged glances before one directed a historian to hand over another booklet.

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The steward of rites, her smile cold and insincere, said, "These are the incense records for Chao Hua Palace over the past year. Lady Bai, you must examine them thoroughly—if you can’t uncover anything, how will you clear your father’s name? He is a renowned master of incense. If his skills are lacking, not only his reputation but also the crime of deceiving the emperor will be disastrous."

Bai Huan took it, thanked her, and said nothing more.

Zhi Yuan, wishing to avoid further conflict, whispered to Bai Huan, "If you have any questions, ask freely."

Bai Huan handed the booklets to Qing’er, then turned and respectfully saluted the assembled crowd. She did not wish to waste words with those unrelated. She spoke plainly, "I am unworthy, but incense is my sole expertise. Last night, I examined Her Highness’s condition, and it is indeed related to the incense."

Her words surprised the group.

The steward of rites, sharp-tongued, pressed her, "So you admit your father’s incense caused Her Highness’s fainting?"

Bai Huan glanced at her coolly. "Her Highness has suffered sleepless nights for over half a month. What adjustments has the Bureau of Rites made regarding incense? What actions have the maids taken? Were the attendants careless or lacking in skill? I shall investigate thoroughly."

She paused. "As for the cause of the excessive components in my father’s incense, I will also find out and truthfully report to Her Highness and His Majesty."

With a few words, she placed the Bureau of Rites under scrutiny, subtly attributing Her Highness’s fainting to excessive ingredients, which displeased the bureau’s members.

The steward raised her brow. "Are you implying the Bureau of Rites is at fault? Or that we are unworthy of listening to your so-called excuses?"

Bai Huan lowered her eyes, suppressing her anger.

These people had not come to solve the issue, but to accuse and condemn the Bai family.

Bai Huan straightened, raised her head, and smiled. "Matters concerning Her Highness’s health are not for everyone’s ears."

The steward of rites was furious. "You!"

But the other steward pulled her back and turned to Zhi Yuan. "Zhi Yuan, we know nothing of incense. The Grand Incense Master manages all incense matters in the palace, and we have no authority to interfere. The Bureau of Rites is busy—if there’s nothing more, we shall take our leave."

With that, she departed without waiting for Zhi Yuan’s reply.

Bai Huan noted this carefully.

It seemed the Bureau of Rites did not respect Her Highness much.

The steward of medicines smiled as well. "Zhi Yuan, all of Her Highness’s prescriptions are written by Physician Zheng, and the meals are chosen and approved by him before being presented. We know little of medicine or its principles, and would only cause trouble here."

Zhi Yuan looked to Bai Huan, who nodded. "I intended to review Her Highness’s medical case with Physician Zheng. Thank you all for making the trip."

The steward of medicines regarded her deeply. "If Lady Bai needs us again, we shall serve for Her Highness’s wellbeing without hesitation."

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Bai Huan saluted them. "Thank you, honored ladies."

Zhi Yuan personally escorted the female officials and historians away. Bai Huan turned to Physician Zheng, saluting sincerely. "Thank you, Physician Zheng, for speaking up for my father."

Physician Zheng smiled. "I only spoke the truth. It is Zhi Yuan and Her Highness who are kind-hearted."

Bai Huan’s eyes reddened. "Yes, I am blessed to have met such compassionate people—Her Highness, Physician Zheng, and Aunt Zhi."

Zhi Yuan returned just in time to hear this and smiled. "No need for so many courtesies between you two. Come inside and talk. And, let’s change Lady Bai’s dressing."

Physician Zheng agreed. A palace maid hurried in. "Aunt Zhi, Her Highness has awakened."

Zhi Yuan replied quickly. "I will attend to Her Highness as she rises. You two wait for her summons."

"Physician Zheng, I have questions to ask."

"Certainly."

They entered the side hall. Yu Zhu quickly served them tea and withdrew.

Bai Huan, holding a sachet usually worn by men, offered it to Physician Zheng. "You saved my father’s life. I have nothing to repay such a debt but offer you a Bai family sachet as thanks."

Physician Zheng was about to refuse, but caught a faint trace of ambergris lingering in the air, and, contrary to his intentions, reached out and accepted the sachet, smiling. "A Bai family sachet is a rare treasure. I accept with gratitude."

Bai Huan breathed a sigh of relief—now things would be easier.

She murmured, "The sachet contains mint and borneol, best for clearing the mind."

Physician Zheng understood, nodding. "Excellent, excellent."

"Physician Zheng, I know little of medicine. For the sake of making medicinal incense, I learned some basic pharmacology, and a bit about pulse diagnosis for women’s ailments."

As she spoke, she watched Physician Zheng’s expression; at the mention of diagnosing women’s illnesses, his eyes flickered noticeably.

He knew—he must be close to Her Highness.

Bai Huan now understood, and tentatively said, "Last night, I dared to take Her Highness’s pulse and examine her face."

Physician Zheng looked into her clear, gentle almond eyes. "What did you discover, Lady Bai?"