After Zhu Cheng ordered someone to take Fu Li away, she looked at Fu Ping’an, hesitating to speak.
Fu Ping’an understood what she meant and spoke first. “I know. Words spoken in drunkenness can’t serve as evidence, nor are they necessarily the truth.”
“No,” Zhu Cheng said. “This subject merely felt that Her Majesty already seemed to have an answer in mind.” That was why the questions asked were so targeted.
Fu Ping’an murmured an “Mn” in acknowledgment and didn’t say much more, only signaling Zhu Cheng to come closer and giving a few more quiet instructions.
The several thousand people in the livestream room had guessed for an entire night and finally summarized just these few questions. Fu Ping’an had also thought to ask these before anything else.
But just as they finished asking, Fu Li had passed out. Who could have predicted that?
Now the livestream room was all mocking her, saying she had poured too much alcohol and hadn’t gauged the dosage properly.
Fu Ping’an simply pretended not to see it.
Lately, she had become rather capable of ignoring certain danmaku comments.
She naturally still had some thoughts of her own—thoughts she no longer shared with the danmaku now.
Actually, the reason she had gone to see Fu Li was also to determine whether he truly hated her that much.
In the past, she had once thought Fu Li might share similar feelings with her. That period of floating and sinking within the deep palace, living by the will of the Empress Dowager and the Prince Regent—wasn’t the life they had lived the same?
It turned out it was completely different.
Because they were not the same; Fu Li still had Prince Jin.
Exiting the dark room, Luo Qionghua saw Fu Ping’an’s gaze drift to the distant mountains, then retract and fall upon the stone steps, blankly fixed, as if thinking of something unknown.
Somehow, Luo Qionghua felt Fu Ping’an was in a poor mood.
But she wasn’t sure why. Thinking it over, she figured it had to be because of Fu Li. Recalling again, she remembered that Fu Li had actually cursed Ping’an, calling her a bastard without parents to raise her. At the time, the strong liquor had distracted her, and she hadn’t reacted.
Fuming with anger, she looked towards Her Majesty and said, “Your Majesty, you—you must discipline that Hermit well.”
Fu Ping’an was briefly taken aback. Turning her head, she saw that Luo Qionghua’s face was flushed bright red with fury, like sunglow illuminating her cheeks. Not understanding the reason, she simply answered, “Alright, naturally.”
Luo Qionghua felt that bringing the matter up repeatedly would only make Ping’an sad again, so she changed the subject. “The scholars are holding a Dao Discussion Conference at Vast Waters Palace today. Would Your Majesty like to go?”
Fu Ping’an had thought today would take some time. Now, looking at the sky, it was still early.
She considered it and said, “Then let’s go take a look. Will the Empress come along as well?”
Luo Qionghua’s eyes lit up. She nodded her head like a chick pecking grain. The enthusiasm and joy in her expression infected Fu Ping’an.
The corners of her lips curled up, and she couldn’t help but smile too.
The Empress was someone who loved excitement and had been so since childhood.
Different from herself.
But very interesting.
Inside Vast Waters Palace, the various officials were seated around the pavilion, engaging in spirited debate.
As they talked, the topic turned to Her Majesty.
“Is Her Majesty not coming today?”
“What happened yesterday? Why such a big commotion?”
“Her Majesty mobilized the Department of Rites yet kept it from us. In a while, there will probably be no place for us in the Imperial Court.”
The one who spoke was Zhu Wei, the Director of the Imperial Manufactories under the Privy Treasury. His words dripped with sourness. His eyes rolled over and glanced towards Sun Lüzhi, who was seated at the very edge.
Even more sour.
Who didn’t know that the matter of the epidemic had been fully entrusted to her?
Among the officials present, many were of prestigious lineage and renowned talent. Yet Her Majesty had skipped over them all and used a palace attendant.
They couldn’t not be sour.
If this were in Weijing, they would have rallied the officials to petition and impeach. But because they were at Qianliang Mountain, and had just passed through the shadow of the epidemic—under the miracle of Her Majesty’s divinely blessed protection—no one dared to stick their neck out and speak.
“Her Majesty likes to employ the mediocre. It’s simply because they are obedient and useful, like dogs wagging their tails for a bone. But governing the world and ruling the people—ultimately, only we can do that.”
These words were too caustic. Even those who agreed couldn’t help showing slightly awkward expressions.
Someone smoothed things over. “Who cares? Now that our fortunes have reversed, this is the time for drinking. The autumn scenery in the mountains is at its peak. Do any of you lords feel poetic inspiration?”
Zhu Wei had drunk a bit of wine. He glimpsed Ah Zhi still drinking with her head lowered, unmoved, as if she hadn’t heard his words. A wicked anger inexplicably rose in his heart. Raising his wine cup, he stood and walked up to her, saying, “Attendant Sun, I’ve heard you are also broadly learned. I wonder if you have any insights on the naming of this Temporary Palace?”
Ah Zhi had originally wanted to ignore this. Now she had no choice but to stop what she was doing, raise her head, and say evenly, “Director Zhu must have misheard. I have merely read a few books and recognize some characters. Claims of broad learning truly have nothing to do with me.”
The people around stopped what they were doing and cast their gazes over as if watching a show.
They, too, had long been displeased by Sun Lüzhi. Now, though they themselves dared not take the lead, seeing someone else dare to ridicule her, they were happy to stand by and watch.
Zhu Wei grinned crookedly. “Attendant Sun is too modest. Ah, such beautiful scenery calls for a commemorative poem! I’ve yet to see Attendant Sun’s calligraphy. Come, broaden our horizons.”
Ah Zhi said nothing.
She only recognized characters from the little Tian Fen had taught her in childhood. She had only practiced calligraphy as an adult and did not write well.
But she had grown used to such provocations. She just had to listen.
If it truly became unbearable, she could simply leave.
Just as she was about to excuse herself on account of feeling unwell, a familiar voice came from nearby—
“The scenery may be beautiful, but someone’s mouth is spewing foul words, unbearably stinking. It’s no longer beautiful. How could one possibly compose poetry?”
Gazes converged. It was Bo Mengshang.
Bo Mengshang had originally wanted to sit next to Ah Zhi, but Ah Zhi had refused, saying the seating was arranged in order according to regulation and could not be disrupted.
Bo Mengshang had no choice but to sit in her assigned spot. After hearing Zhu Wei’s pointedly sarcastic remarks, she was already fuming. Seeing the other party unsatisfied, even walking right up to Ah Zhi, she finally couldn’t hold back anymore and stood up to speak.
Bo Mengshang held a high official rank and came from a prestigious family. Even when cursed at, Zhu Wei dared not retort. He froze in place, and an awkward silence stretched. After a while, someone spoke up. “Director Zhu is straightforward by nature and meant nothing else. Yet Governor Bo utters malicious words. The one who stinks unbearably might not be Director Zhu, after all?”
The tone was mocking and frivolous.
Bo Mengshang looked over and saw Wang Huiyu.
Wang Huiyu was of the Wang Clan and had grown up with Bo Mengshang since childhood. Naturally, he didn’t need to fear her, because in terms of official rank, although he was slightly lower, currently only serving as Left Chief Clerk, he was a capital official. In terms of lineage, the Bo Clan had declined, while the Wang Clan was at its peak.
Wang Huiyu looked at Bo Mengshang meaningfully and said, “Governor Bo has probably been in the wild borderlands too long and no longer knows what good things are. Her standards have fallen considerably. Or perhaps, after eating delicacies for so long, she wants a taste of plain congee?”
This was hinting that Bo Mengshang’s relationship with Ah Zhi was too close.
Hearing this, Ah Zhi pursed her lips slightly and lowered her gaze to the desk.
Bo Mengshang stared icily at Wang Huiyu. “This humble one doesn’t know what ‘delicacies’ or ‘plain congee’ is supposed to mean. A person can broaden the Dao; the Dao does not broaden the person. The Sage said: ‘A gentleman would rather be unrestrained than be narrowly correct.’ Today, this humble one shall be unrestrained. Over these past days, Attendant Sun has traversed hundreds of miles in the surrounding area, not fearing hardship or infection. That day when Her Majesty issued the decree, all of you were present. I clearly remember no one answered. It was Attendant Sun who stepped forward to accept the order. What were all of you afraid of that day? Death?”
“You!” Wang Huiyu’s face flushed red.
“Fearing death is human nature. But as ministers, service to the sovereign and the people is merit. Not daring to speak before Her Majesty, yet ostracizing a colleague behind their back—the conduct of rats and petty men.”
Wang Huiyu’s eyes widened in anger. “She, a palace attendant, is worthy of being called our colleague?”
The words had just left his mouth when a voice rang out, cold as shattering ice. “Oh? The official rank bestowed by my decree is invalid—does it require your approval?”
Wang Huiyu’s movement froze. The wine cup in his hand clattered to the floor. Panic-stricken, he knelt and prostrated himself.
The surrounding ministers were thrown into confusion as well. They put down their things and all prostrated themselves on the ground.
Fu Ping’an stepped forward, kicked the wine cup before Wang Huiyu aside, and stared at him for a long moment. Then she declared, “So arrogant, so frivolous—how can one bear great responsibility? Men, strip him of his official robes. Drag him away and give him forty strokes of the cane.”
She turned to Zhu Wei beside him. “You were laughing quite happily just now. What, do you think he makes a good point?”
Zhu Wei said in a trembling voice, “This subject wouldn’t dare. This subject absolutely had no such intention.”
Fu Ping’an snorted coldly. “Demoted one rank. Pay forfeited for one year.”
Zhu Wei acknowledged the order, momentarily relieved. But cold sweat soon broke out again.
No, Wang Huiyu would certainly take his anger out on him.
Fu Ping’an, however, couldn’t be bothered with these petty concerns of her subjects. She swept past the crowd and sat at the chief seat left vacant at the head. “I wish to see how your Dao discussion has progressed. Very well, take ‘Prejudiced Mind’ as the topic and write an essay to submit.”
“Prejudiced Mind” held a significant position in Daoist thought, with much of the predecessors’ philosophy revolving around it.
The most common interpretations of “Prejudiced Mind” were: one, referring to the natural original heart; two, meaning prejudice and bias.
Clearly, Her Majesty was pointing to the second meaning now, wasn’t she?
The wine and dishes were removed. Attendants brought up paper and brushes. Everyone began writing furiously.
Luo Qionghua sat by Fu Ping’an’s side. At first, watching the various expressions on everyone’s faces was fairly amusing. But gradually, the quiet atmosphere made her drowsy. The bitter consequences of not sleeping the latter half of the previous night finally caught up with her. She couldn’t help but yawn, and then her head began to nod little by little, tilting to the side.
Finally, it landed on Fu Ping’an’s shoulder.
Fu Ping’an, who had casually taken a classic text to read, was startled. Turning her head, she saw the sleeping Luo Qionghua and immediately didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Qin He hurried forward, about to help the Empress up, but Fu Ping’an raised a hand. “Bring a bamboo screen to block the view.”
The bamboo screen was pulled up, separating them from the ministers. Only then did Fu Ping’an pat Luo Qionghua’s hand and whisper, “Go back to sleep.”
Luo Qionghua didn’t wake.
It seemed she truly was exhausted.
From Fu Ping’an’s angle, she could see a section of snow-white neck, smooth and delicate, gleaming with a luster like white jade.
Fu Ping’an raised her arm, intending to push Luo Qionghua away, but Luo Qionghua reached out and wrapped her arms around hers, settling in more comfortably.
Fu Ping’an stopped her hand.
She thought: This must be because she didn’t sleep well last night due to that nightmare, which is why she’s so sleepy now.
Thinking further, this was also because the person she had arranged wasn’t good.
Forget it, let her sleep for a while.
She looked around. Seeing that the surrounding attendants had their eyes focused straight ahead, not a single glance askew, she nodded approvingly and continued reading.
About half an hour later, her arm was a bit sore. The essays had all been handed in one after another.
She actually couldn’t be bothered to read them; it was merely to knock some sense into the officials before her. Thus, she instructed Wang Ji: “Post all these essays on the announcement boards at the palace gate. Let them evaluate for themselves which piece is the best. Also, regarding everything they argued about today, write it out later and submit it…”
As she spoke, Fu Ping’an turned her slightly sore arm. But these sounds finally roused Luo Qionghua awake. She jolted upright, freezing.
She-she-she-she fell asleep?
In front of so many people?
But looking ahead, she saw a bamboo screen in front of her, blocking the ministers’ line of sight.
She breathed a sigh of relief, but quickly looked at Fu Ping’an with an accusatory gaze. After she finished giving instructions, she said, “Why didn’t Your Majesty wake your servant wife?”
Fu Ping’an said with all seriousness, “I called for ages, but you simply wouldn’t wake up.”
Hearing this, Luo Qionghua’s face flushed bright with embarrassment. She hung her head, but belatedly realized the position she had been in earlier, recognizing that she had actually been leaning on Ping’an’s body.
Now, the reason for her red face had an additional layer.
Seeing her cheeks pink like ripened fruit, Fu Ping’an felt again as if a feather were brushing against her heart. She felt restless and irritable.
She silently recited the Daoist Scriptures in her heart, stabilizing her mind, then spoke. “Forget it. Let’s go back and rest.”
Luo Qionghua thought Fu Ping’an was telling her to go alone and was about to refuse. Fu Ping’an said to Qin He, “Remove the screen. I and the Empress will leave first. Let the beloved ministers continue their discussion freely.”
Luo Qionghua felt only warmth and comfort in her heart.
So Ping’an saw that she was sleepy and prepared to leave together with her.
It felt as if something at the bottom of her heart wanted to break through the soil and bloom into a flower.
Fu Ping’an led Luo Qionghua through the crowd once more, but instead of walking directly to the palace gate, she made a turn and walked to Ah Zhi’s desk.
Ah Zhi was not skilled at essays. In all that time, she had only written a little. Seeing Her Majesty approach, she lowered her head somewhat ashamedly.
Fu Ping’an, however, spoke. “In my view, good governance is naturally good, but good administration is what defines a capable minister.”
Ah Zhi’s heart stirred, and she raised her head.
Fu Ping’an smiled at her and said, “What does my beloved minister think this Temporary Palace should be called?”
Ah Zhi bit her lip. After a long moment, she summoned her courage and said, “Qianliang Mountain is enveloped in clouds and mist, just like an immortal mountain. The books say there is an immortal mountain in this world called Penglai. Why not call it Penglai Palace, then?”
It was truly straightforward.
Fu Ping’an, however, nodded in approval. “This name is most excellent, just to my liking. Let it be called this, then. Attendant Sun has rendered merit in naming this palace. Reward her.”
With these words, everyone immediately cast envious gazes towards Ah Zhi.
Luo Qionghua thought: Actually, Ping’an treats all the ministers she likes very well.
Her specifically coming to ask Ah Zhi such a question was simply to demonstrate her favor and prestige towards Ah Zhi in front of everyone.
A thought couldn’t help surfacing in her mind—was Ping’an’s kindness to her… different in any way?
She couldn’t dwell on this thought for long, because Fu Ping’an had already walked ahead. Luo Qionghua hurriedly followed, walking with her to the palace gate.
However, before they had taken more than a few steps, they saw someone running swiftly from afar, shouting, “Greetings to Your Majesty! Urgent report from Weijing!”
Fu Ping’an raised an eyebrow. She opened the urgent report right there on the spot. Afterwards, her expression sank.
The epidemic was spreading in Weijing as well.
