Chapter 19: Schemes in the Shadows and Strategies in the Light

Bai Huan smiled. “Your Ladyship’s illness is of a woman’s nature, but it lingers because you are troubled and sleepless, which has delayed your recovery and left you plagued by persistent aftereffects.”

Physician Zheng smiled meaningfully. “Your diagnosis is quite accurate.”

Bai Huan blushed. “I am no physician. Incense alone cannot cure Your Ladyship’s sleeplessness; I must trouble you, Physician Zheng, to devote extra care.”

Physician Zheng sighed. “Her Ladyship is delicate. I dare not use strong medicine, which has delayed her healing.”

Bai Huan understood his implication: the Consort’s miscarriage could not be made public. The Imperial Medical Bureau kept strict watch over all prescriptions and medicines, and outside remedies were forbidden in the palace. Thus, only mild treatments could be administered, as if for ordinary women’s ailments.

Since both shared a common goal, only candor could truly solve the problem.

Bai Huan made no secret of the ingredients, proportions, and method of burning the incense she used for the Consort, explaining everything in detail.

Physician Zheng, too, earnestly recited his prescriptions, and together they discussed how to coordinate herbal, dietary, and incense therapies going forward.

After leafing through several record books and receiving thorough answers to all her questions, Bai Huan finally relaxed. With proper coordination of medicine and diet, the Consort’s sleeplessness would surely be cured.

This also proved that no one had tampered with the medicines or food.

Therefore, the accusation against her father likely stemmed from the chief incense master.

As they conversed, Physician Zheng instructed an apprentice to change Bai Huan’s bandages. The blood had clotted, and it took considerable effort to peel away the white silk.

Bai Huan’s face turned pale from pain, yet she gritted her teeth and remained silent.

Physician Zheng examined the wound and frowned. “The cut has reopened. The skin of the neck is delicate—you must take care or it will scar.”

Bai Huan murmured her assent.

While the apprentice tended her wound, the two continued their conversation. Just as they finished, Qing’er arrived to summon Bai Huan to the Consort’s presence.

The Consort reclined languidly upon a soft couch, dressed in her customary red gauze robe that slipped from her shoulder to reveal a hint of her bosom. A golden cicada shawl, shimmering like morning clouds, draped her arms. Beneath sheer veils, her skin gleamed like snow and jade. Sunlight streamed through carved lattice windows, sketching her graceful form in undulating golden waves.

In her loosely knotted black hair nestled a golden dragon rose, while another adorned her brow with delicate golden filigree, glowing like dawn’s blush above her eyes. Her brows arched like spring mountains, her lashes trembled like butterfly wings, and her red lips seemed painted with pomegranate bloom—she was a beauty to steal hearts and kingdoms, as if she had stepped from a master’s painting.

Physician Zheng lowered his gaze. Bai Huan dared not look for more than an instant.

Noting the Consort’s healthy color, Bai Huan felt reassured.

The Consort regarded Bai Huan, who bowed deeply, and with a gentle smile said, “I slept well last night.”

Bai Huan detected her good mood. “Your Ladyship’s health is my greatest fortune.”

“How is your father?”

Bai Huan bowed until she was nearly doubled. “Replying to Your Ladyship, Physician Zheng has tended my father’s injuries. Aside from two broken vertebrae, he is otherwise unharmed. Thanks to Your Ladyship’s graciousness in sending another physician to our house.”

The Consort sighed softly. “Punishments in the palace are never administered gently. With two physicians, he will recover in time. You need not worry.”

This meant Physician Zheng and the bone-setting doctor would continue treating her father, and that for now, the Consort would not seek further accountability.

Tears welled in Bai Huan’s eyes as she knelt. “Thank you for your mercy, Your Ladyship.”

Her grateful, tearful display pleased the Consort, who lifted her hand tenderly. “You have not slept all night and must be exhausted. Go home and rest.”

Qing’er stepped forward to help her up.

“I shall go at once. The sachets and incense pillows, as well as the next batch of aromatics, must be made anew by my father. We will seek to ease Your Ladyship’s cares.”

The Consort smiled. “Very well. Qing’er, escort Lady Bai home.”

Bai Huan bowed and withdrew discreetly.

Physician Zheng did not follow. Bai Huan, eager to see her father, paid it no mind.

Qing’er spoke softly, “Zhi Auntie has arranged a carriage for you at the Vermilion Phoenix Gate. Tell the coachman when you wish to enter or leave the palace. For now, Yu Zhu will accompany you—should you need anything at Chaohua Hall, just instruct her. And you must always wear this palace dress when you enter.”

“Thank you, Qing’er.”

Bai Huan glanced at the sachet tied to Qing’er’s waist and asked quietly, “You don’t care for perfume? Only mint?”

Qing’er blushed, surprised she had noticed. “I get drowsy easily, so I keep mint in my pouch. When I’m tired, I sneak a piece to chew. The incense here can make you sleepy after a while.”

Bai Huan understood. The scent in Chaohua Hall was indeed heavy, and prolonged exposure dulled the senses.

Besides, Qing’er was a girl of fifteen or sixteen—the age when girls are prone to drowsiness.

“I’ve made a refreshing aromatic balm—light and gentle, not interfering with your service to Her Ladyship. I’ll bring you a box to try.”

Qing’er smiled. “Thank you, Lady Bai.”

The sachets Bai Huan usually gifted were rare treasures of the Bai family, but over-gifting cheapened their value. It was important to match the gift to the recipient’s rank; otherwise, one might foster unwarranted ambition.

Though Bai Huan resented the rigid hierarchy of high and low, that was the way of the world. Unable to change it, one could only adapt.

She noticed a large group of palace maids and eunuchs carrying all sorts of items into Chaohua Hall—likely new beds, cabinets, and screens made of sandalwood and agarwood.

Inner chambers.

The Consort dismissed her attendants with a wave. “How was she injured?”

Zhi Yuan leaned in to whisper, “The Jinwu Guards attacked the Bai household. She threatened suicide and was wounded in the process. On her way back to the palace, assassins were sent, but she happened to encounter the Minister of Works, so their plan failed.”

The Consort laughed softly. “The little girl is quite fortunate.”

Her gentle laughter turned cool. “Send word: since a single blow cannot settle the matter, there must be no rash action. Bai Huan has already appeared before His Majesty, and Dong Yi has now intervened. If she were killed now, it would only draw attention. If the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Justice can quickly resolve the incense case, all the better; if not, let it rest. Do not let the matter come to light and offer others a handle to exploit. The risks outweigh the benefits.”

“Yes, Your Ladyship.”

The Consort paused, then added, “Let them focus on the upcoming Incense Competition on the ninth of September. With Bai Chongyi unable to participate, the Xue family must secure first place this year.”

“I understand.”

The Consort’s eyes flashed with amusement. “Perhaps there’s another way. Without much upheaval, the Bai family might fall into my hands of their own accord.”

Zhi Yuan smiled, too. “If Bai Huan were to serve Your Ladyship, that would be ideal—she is indeed clever.”

The Consort admired her painted nails, raising her slender fingers. “We shall see if she knows what’s best for her. By the way, send Huaian in—I wish to converse with her.”

“As you wish.”

After a pause, Zhi Yuan asked softly, “What of His Majesty? How does Your Ladyship wish to proceed?”

The Consort’s eyes dimmed and she was silent for a moment. “I will go see him soon and, as the records prescribe, choose an auspicious day.”

Zhi Yuan breathed a sigh of relief.

Avoiding His Majesty was no solution; imperial favor was fickle.

Zhi Yuan recalled Bai Huan’s words. “Bai Huan said someone deliberately switched the incense pills to harm Your Ladyship.”

The Consort nodded. “I suspect as much. Bai Chongyi would never be so foolish as to plot against me. Previously, to quickly conclude the incense case, I feigned illness, inciting His Majesty’s wrath and bringing about Bai Chongyi’s downfall. But Bai Huan disrupted the plan and won His Majesty’s favor, so there’s no need to pursue it further.”

Zhi Yuan agreed. “Then I will investigate quietly.”