That evening, as Ajiao lay in Liu Che’s arms, she found herself in a surprisingly good mood. Sensing that she hadn't pushed him away for once, Liu Che was equally pleased. "What is it? Are you truly that happy to have seen an old friend?"
After a brief moment of stunned silence, Ajiao realized that Liu Che, being the Emperor, likely already knew everything about Yan Zheng’s background. She gave a soft huff. "I thought Your Majesty was unaware."
Liu Che smiled faintly. "When have you ever shown such a kind face to one of my concubines? I naturally had to look into it."
Ajiao accepted this explanation.
As the days passed, Ajiao realized she had to find an opportunity to get rid of this fake pregnancy. If she didn't, the eventual exposure would be disastrous. She considered the figures in the Weiyang Palace she disliked: currently, there was Wei Zifu and Lady Xing. Wei Zifu was an old grudge; Lady Xing was a new enemy.
If Wei Qing hadn't stopped Chen Yang in time, that fool would have brought ruin upon the entire Chen family by storming the palace gates. Though the family was safe for now, Wei Qing had also earned Liu Che’s suspicion because of it.
In that particular move, Lady Xing had clearly intended to leave the Chen family no path of retreat.
Ajiao knew a fair amount about the deceptions and intrigues of the palace, but she had never personally orchestrated them. She was at a loss as to how to proceed. According to the letter sent by Huan Jiujun, this "child" could not be lost in vain; it would be best if its passing could bring down a major figure.
Huan Jiujun had weighed the options: Wei Zifu had the Crown Prince, and Lady Xing was raising the Fifth Prince. Either would be a perfect target.
Ajiao, however, was not as optimistic. Wei Zifu was the current Empress, and Lady Xing was currently pregnant. If she tried to frame them and the palace conducted a rigorous investigation, what if her own ruse was exposed?
Touching the fresh blood bags that Huan Jiujun had secretly sent in, Ajiao felt a wave of distress.
According to Zhongyu, in order to make Ajiao’s "miscarriage" look as realistic as possible, Huan Jiujun had specifically bought a pig to slaughter. He then filled small bags made of sheep intestines with the pig's blood, keeping them warm in water to prevent them from congealing in the cold.
The pig blood wouldn't last many days, so Huan Jiujun was urging Ajiao to make a decision quickly.
When the news of the Emperor praising Li Yan of the Music Bureau spread throughout the Weiyang Palace, a plan began to form in Ajiao’s mind.
It was a day of heavy snow. Word arrived that while the Emperor was returning from the Tianlu Pavilion to the Greenhouse Hall, he encountered Li Yan. Dressed in thin clothing, she was purportedly praying for the imperial heirs. The beauty had poured out her deep affection for the sovereign before softly collapsing into his arms. Greatly moved, Liu Che had lifted her into his carriage.
Ajiao received this news forty-five minutes after it happened. Lady Sui, the most talkative woman in the palace, arrived at Ajiao’s quarters and recounted the story with vivid flourishes.
Looking at the women who had rushed to the Cloud Light Hall with various expressions on their faces, Ajiao was speechless.
They might as well have written the words "here to see a joke" on their foreheads. Ajiao chased everyone out except for Yan Zheng, then kicked off her shoes in a huff and curled up on the brocade couch.
The charcoal fire crackled. It had taken Yan Zheng several days to accept the fact that "Chen Wan" was the "Empress Chen" her mother always spoke of, but once she did, she became much closer to Ajiao. "My Lady, there is no need to be angry. The Emperor didn't actually favor her. After summoning the imperial physician, he sent Li Yan back."
Ajiao looked at Yan Zheng and blinked. "I’m not angry about that. I’m angry at the looks on those women's faces just now—gloating and chattering non-stop. It’s irritating." In the past, who would have dared to be so blatant in her presence?
Yan Zheng smiled. "That is simply how it is in the palace." According to her mother, Empress Chen had never liked the Emperor obsessing over other women. Yet this Li Yan, relying on the support of the Grand Princess, had supposedly "encountered" the Emperor many times. Although the Emperor had not yet spent the night with her, he hadn't shown any displeasure either, which suggested he was interested.
Ajiao picked up a golden dried apricot from the small plate in front of Yan Zheng and tasted it, nearly setting her teeth on edge with its sourness. "Sigh, I only hope the child in your womb stays healthy. That’s enough for me," Ajiao said lazily.
Yan Zheng lowered her head and smiled. "I hope for the same. It’s just that His Majesty..."
A spark of inspiration hit Ajiao. The Emperor! He was the perfect target. If she were to list the people she hated most, Liu Che, that fickle and heartless man, ranked second—even Wei Zifu couldn't claim the top spot. Moreover, as Lin Gao had said, the man had no conscience. Thinking of this, Ajiao’s guilt vanished instantly.
"Don't worry about her. We’ll just live our lives peacefully," Ajiao comforted Yan Zheng, her mind already calculating. "Once you have a son, you'll have someone to rely on. You won't have to care about anyone else."
***
After conveying her thoughts to Huan Jiujun, Ajiao received a reply the following morning.
The letter laid everything out clearly: how she should time her "interruption" of Liu Che and Li Yan’s tryst, how she should leave in a state of tragic sorrow, and how she should "accidentally" take a fall... Huan Jiujun was a meticulous man; he had even scripted the words she should say. She only needed to act the part.
She couldn't help but feel that, compared to spiritual cultivation, this Master Huan was significantly more passionate about storytelling and acting.
Such a major event could not be hidden from her personal maids, Nan Ke and Mian Fu. Ajiao decided to tell them a portion of the plan. The two girls simply assumed it was a scheme to regain the Emperor's favor and accepted it readily. Ajiao was quite surprised by their composure.
Yu Li, after all, was the Emperor’s person. Ever since Ajiao knew her pregnancy was a sham, she didn't feel safe using her. For this occasion, she simply had Yu Li "fall ill" to deal with her later.
On the other side, Huan Jiujun took the opportunity to bribe the assistant physician and the female doctor on the night shift at the Imperial Medical Department. He informed Ajiao that if they failed tonight, they would have to wait for the next time those two were on duty. He also mentioned he would find a way to keep Wei Zifu occupied. He was being extremely proactive.
Ajiao allowed the two maids to strap the blood bags to her legs. She only needed to wait for the right moment to burst them.
Under the effective guidance of Liu Ying, Huan Jiujun, and Ajiao, Liu Che "unexpectedly" encountered Li Yan again that evening—though it wasn't exactly a chance meeting, as Li Yan had come specifically to deliver a newly composed piece from the Music Bureau.
Carrying a box of "hand-made" pastries and accompanied only by Nan Ke and Mian Fu, Ajiao walked through the snow to deliver snacks to Liu Che, who had claimed he "would not return to the Cloud Light Hall tonight due to busy official business." Along the way, she plucked a sprig of plum blossom.
Watching the people from the Music Bureau exit while Li Yan remained inside, Ajiao waited patiently for another fifteen minutes before gracefully leading her attendants toward the Greenhouse Hall.
Yang De-yi, seeing that the Emperor had kept Li Yan behind privately, thought to himself that after so many days, perhaps this Lady Li would finally receive imperial favor tonight.
Before he could even feel happy for his master, he spotted a graceful silhouette in the distance. He cursed inwardly: *Oh no.*
This time, the Emperor hadn't hidden the fact that "Chen Wan" was Empress Chen from him. Though he had been shocked, he was also moved by what Master Huan called "Empress Chen’s deep devotion."
But here was the Emperor, keeping Li Yan alone in the hall, just as Empress Chen arrived. What a mess!
He hurried forward to greet her, smiling. "It is so cold out, why has My Lady come out?"
Ajiao smiled. "Did His Majesty not say he was busy with state affairs? I was worried he wouldn't eat well and might be hungry in the night, so I specifically made some pastries to bring over."
Yang De-yi gave a hollow laugh. "My Lady is truly thoughtful, but His Majesty..."
"Is His Majesty alone inside? My shoes and socks are wet from the walk; I might as well go in to warm up," she said, attempting to bypass Yang De-yi.
Yang De-yi didn't dare let her in. He hurriedly said, "My Lady, His Majesty is... occupied at the moment..."
As luck would have it, a strain of melodious singing drifted out from the hall. Yang De-yi watched as the lady before him suddenly turned deathly pale.
"My Lady, His Majesty is busy today. Perhaps you should head back first? I will call for a palanquin for you!" Yang De-yi asked cautiously, noticing that Empress Chen was no longer as prone to jealousy or outbursts as she used to be.
But she said nothing. She simply stood there, dazed, staring toward the hall.
"My Lady!" Yang De-yi called softly.
Ajiao turned her head, her face full of bewilderment. Looking at her, Yang De-yi actually felt a pang of pity. He had followed the Emperor since childhood, which meant he had watched Empress Chen grow up as well. Such a profound devotion...
Ajiao picked up the food box and walked forward, step by step.
The door was pushed open, and a gust of cold wind rushed in. Liu Che shivered from the chill and barked, "Yang De-yi!"
There was no response. When he looked up, he saw Ajiao standing at the door, her face ashen.
He was struck with shock and reflexively pushed away Li Yan, who had been singing in his arms. For some reason, a sense of guilt surged in his heart.
He thought that if Ajiao started crying or making a scene, he would go to her, hold her, and coax her. If she wanted to hit or scold him, he wouldn't stop her. He would give her whatever she wanted. Her temper had improved so much lately; surely this would be fine.
But Ajiao didn't say a single word. She just stared straight at him.
Li Yan burst into tears and threw herself at Ajiao’s feet. "My Lady, I beg you not to blame His Majesty! Please, just punish this servant alone!"
Liu Che’s palms grew inexplicably sweaty. He felt that he couldn't stand up, yet he couldn't remain sitting either.
Mian Fu took the opportunity to weep at her side. "Your Majesty, you have been so busy with state affairs lately. My Lady specifically made these pastries and even plucked plum blossoms to bring to you, yet who would have thought..."
Liu Che hurriedly stood up and took a few steps forward, only to stop. He thought to himself: *Why isn't Ajiao making a scene? She should hurry up and cry, hurry up and scream!*
He watched as Ajiao quietly set the food box on the ground. He heard her say, "Liu Che, is it true that in your heart, no amount of devotion can ever compare to a pretty face?"
She was clearly asking him, yet her tone was as flat and detached as a simple statement of fact. He stood inside the room while Ajiao stood outside the door, as if they were in two different worlds.
Ajiao turned to leave. According to Huan Jiujun’s design, she had to walk very, very slowly so that Liu Che would have the chance to chase after her.
When she reached the stairs, Ajiao planned to walk down a few steps before falling. However, her wrist was suddenly seized.
"Jiaojiao, let me explain." Liu Che gripped her, large flakes of snow falling upon both their heads.
Ajiao lowered her eyes, her expression one of total indifference. "Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven; there is no need to explain anything to anyone!" She tried to pull away.
He had heard those words before. Back then, when the Wei woman was pregnant for the second time, Ajiao had grabbed his sleeve and cried, "Che-er, explain it to me. If you explain it, I will listen."
At that time, he had been immensely impatient and snapped, "I am the Son of Heaven; there is no need to explain anything to anyone." He suddenly hated himself for remembering his past with Ajiao so vividly.
Ajiao didn't know why Liu Che’s expression changed so drastically the moment she spoke, assuming only that Huan Jiujun’s script was well-written. Thus, she maintained her cold facade and continued her attempt to leave.
Liu Che softened his tone. "Ajiao, your hands are so cold. Come inside and warm up first, alright?" Ajiao only stared into the distance, expressionless. She thought to herself that after walking all this way and standing in the snow for so long, it would be a miracle if she *weren't* cold!
As the two of them struggled, Nan Ke and Mian Fu spared no effort in shouting from the side, "Your Majesty, be careful! My Lady is still pregnant!"
Liu Che didn't dare use force. Somehow, he felt his grip suddenly go empty, and the person before him tumbled down the steps.
Ajiao felt a warm liquid flowing out from beneath her. She moved her legs, thinking to herself: *The blood bag didn't even break!*
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 李妍 | Li Yan | A beauty from the Music Bureau (historically Lady Li). |
| 隋七子 | Lady Sui | A concubine of the "Seventh Child" (Qizi) rank. |
| 天禄阁 | Tianlu Pavilion | An imperial library/archive. |
| 温室殿 | Greenhouse Hall | Wenshi Hall; the Emperor's private living quarters. |
| 云光殿 | Cloud Light Hall | Yunguāng Hall; Ajiao's current residence. |
| 南客 | Nan Ke | One of Ajiao's maids. |
| 棉凫 | Mian Fu | One of Ajiao's maids. |
| 玉鲤 | Yu Li | A maid serving Ajiao, loyal to the Emperor. |
| 杨得意 | Yang De-yi | The Emperor's head eunuch. |
| 医丞 | Assistant Physician | A rank within the Imperial Medical Department. |
| 女医 | Female Doctor | A female medical practitioner in the palace. |
