Volume One, Chapter 8: Immersed in the Game

The ginkgo branches rustled in the wind, and all eyes in the courtyard fell upon Ning Yunshu.

“Nanny, you and the others may withdraw first,” she instructed.

Nanny Gui nodded and left with the other palace maids.

Ning Yunshu raised an eyebrow and looked at Ning Moxue. “This concerns matters between my mother, the Empress Dowager, and my elder brother. Outsiders should stay out.”

Ning Moxue’s lips quivered, a look of grievance in her eyes. She nodded slightly and prepared to leave.

“Wait!” Ning Yu hurriedly blocked Ning Moxue’s path, glaring fiercely at Ning Yunshu. “Just say what you mean! Xue’er is our sister too—how can she be an outsider?”

The Virtuous Consort gently held Ning Moxue’s hand, fearful she might suffer any slight: “Yes, Tongtong, since Xue’er entered the palace, I have taken care of her. She calls me ‘mother,’ and you and Yu’er are her siblings.”

Ning Moxue shook her head softly. “Mother, elder brother, sister must have something important to discuss with you alone. Xue’er will wait outside.”

Seeing Ning Yunshu remain silent, after a brief stalemate, the Virtuous Consort could only nod helplessly.

Ning Moxue bowed slightly and then turned to leave.

“Xue’er!” Ning Yu called out, frowning at Ning Yunshu. “It’s been seven years, and you’re still so willful. When will you ever show even a hint of understanding like Xue’er?”

Ning Yunshu smiled indifferently. “Like her? That would disappoint elder brother. I’m afraid I’ll never learn.”

“You—!”

The Virtuous Consort interrupted firmly, “Enough. Tongtong, tell me exactly what’s going on. Why did you go to the Taiji Hall? What did you say to the Emperor?”

Ning Yunshu recounted everything she had said in the hall today in detail. Both women listened, stunned and sweating coldly.

“Tongtong, you dared to seek merit and falsely accuse your sovereign? Do you know the consequences if you are careless?!” the Virtuous Consort’s tone was grave.

Ning Yunshu was well aware of the consequences. If the Emperor decided to condemn her publicly today, her mother and elder brother would also be implicated.

That was their greatest concern.

“Mother, Father will act for the dignity of the imperial house. He will play along today to ensure nothing goes wrong,” Ning Yunshu replied calmly.

Ning Yu shook his head deeply. “I never expected you to become so scheming and cunning!”

Ning Yunshu looked at him and retorted, “Elder brother, why do you think I risked so much?”

Ning Yu was puzzled; the Virtuous Consort suddenly seemed to realize something.

“Tongtong, could it be that you did this for—”

The mother and daughter exchanged a glance, and the Virtuous Consort immediately understood.

She knew her daughter well. To her, the Empress Dowager and elder brother were the most important people in the world. Everything she did was for them.

“For what?” Ning Yu pressed.

“To make elder brother crown prince. Is that explanation enough?” Ning Yunshu said, staring intently at Ning Yu and catching the fleeting panic in his eyes.

“What nonsense are you spouting!” Ning Yu snapped angrily. “To say such treasonous words—do you want to ruin me and mother?”

The Virtuous Consort held Ning Yu’s hand firmly, her eyes grave. “Yu’er, you know your father has been contemplating naming an heir.”

“Mother, how could even you say that...” Ning Yu looked at her in surprise.

The Virtuous Consort took a deep breath and said seriously, “Yu’er, as a prince, this day was bound to come.”

Ning Yu turned away with his hands behind his back. “Mother, you know the legitimate heir isn’t me! Besides, the palace is full of gossip. If Father hears of this, the consequences would be unimaginable. Don’t mention the succession to Yunshu or me again!”

The Virtuous Consort frowned but stepped in front of him, meeting his gaze. “Yu’er, since ancient times, it’s the capable who become king, the failed are cast aside.”

“Mother, be careful what you say!”

She paused, sighed softly, then looked at Ning Yunshu with affectionate eyes.

After seven years away, her daughter’s first act upon returning was to strive for her brother’s future. The Virtuous Consort felt deeply gratified.

“Tongtong means well, but Yu’er cannot understand your good intentions. Your risk was in vain,” she said, lowering her eyes, disappointment barely hidden.

Ning Yunshu nodded slightly. “Mother, your words are too kind. For elder brother, everything I do is worth it.”

Ning Yu scoffed softly and faced her. “For me? Then tell me, how exactly does what you did today help me?”

Ning Yunshu smiled wryly. “Elder brother still doesn’t believe me.”

The Virtuous Consort stepped forward to explain. “Yu’er, though Tongtong took a risk today, the Emperor could only follow her words in front of the ministers and thus bestowed titles upon her to show his immense grace. Now, Tongtong is a princess, and officials and generals will naturally seek her favor...”

She stopped, giving Ning Yu a meaningful look.

By placing herself in this position, she paved the way for Yu’er’s career. She never expected Ning Yunshu to act so boldly.

Ning Yu clenched his teeth, his gaze darkening. “Forming factions and favoritism is an even graver offense!”

Ning Yunshu said nothing.

The Virtuous Consort’s intentions had been clear when she secretly swapped the tokens drawn by Ning Yunshu and Ning Moxue in the study years ago. She hadn’t expected Ning Yu to be so stubborn, oblivious to her schemes all these years. Or was he playing dumb on purpose?

“Yu’er!” the Virtuous Consort’s tone turned sharp, “Tongtong is your sister. She did this for your benefit! The succession isn’t for us to decide, but your mother hopes you will fight hard. You...”

Her voice cracked, tears glistening in her eyes. “Do you want to see your mother despised for life?”

The Virtuous Consort had risen from a palace maid to her current rank, a considerable feat without a powerful family backing. Even as head of the six palaces, the consorts from noble families still whispered criticisms behind her back.

“Mother!” Ning Yu realized he had misspoken. But his words were not aimed at her, only at Ning Yunshu.

She had just returned to the palace and caused such a commotion without consulting them beforehand. Naturally, he was upset.

If it had been Xue’er, she would have planned everything carefully before acting, not recklessly confronting the Emperor with such words. As the Virtuous Consort said, any mistake could mean losing the chance at succession or worse, being sent to some remote, desolate fiefdom.

“Mother, I was wrong. I will remember your words carefully!” Ning Yu said solemnly.

The Virtuous Consort wiped her eyes and spoke earnestly, “Yu’er, I only want you to succeed and become the most honored person in the realm! Only then can your mother, Xue’er, and Tongtong live peacefully.”

Ning Yu took a deep breath. “Mother, rest assured! I will try my best.”

Mother and son were tender and devoted, but suddenly, Ning Yunshu knelt on the ground.

“What are you trying to do now?” Ning Yu said irritably but stopped when he noticed her pale face, sweat pouring from her forehead.

“Tongtong!” the Virtuous Consort rushed forward. “What’s wrong? Someone, quickly!”

“What’s happening?” Ning Yu strode over, pulling her into his arms.

Ning Yunshu instinctively pushed him away, her eyes bloodshot.

Ning Yu was stunned, not expecting such resistance. Was it because his words had been too harsh?

“Princess!” Nanny Gui was the first to rush in, followed by Ning Moxue.

Ning Yunshu struggled to push past the Virtuous Consort and approached Nanny Gui. “I’m fine. I just need to rest. Mother, you don’t need to see me off.”

The Virtuous Consort looked worried. “No, your face is so pale. Send for the imperial physician immediately!”

“No need!” Ning Yunshu refused sharply, clutching her abdomen, her face drained of color. “Mother, I’m fine. Nanny, please make some brown sugar ginger tea.”

Upon hearing this, both the Virtuous Consort and Ning Moxue understood instantly.

Ning Yu was relentless. “What illness can be cured with tea?! You’re like this and still refuse? Go fetch the imperial physician now!”

“Elder brother,” Ning Moxue gently called, “let’s leave first and let sister rest properly.”

Ning Yu looked at her confused.

The Virtuous Consort nodded. “Yes, go. Nanny, take good care of Tongtong.”

“Yes,” Nanny Gui responded.

Ning Yu was led away by the Virtuous Consort and Ning Moxue, while Nanny Gui accompanied Ning Yunshu to her chamber.

“Princess, the pain is so severe. This doesn’t look like your monthly illness,” Nanny Gui observed astutely. “Should I send for the imperial hospital?”

Ning Yunshu was in too much pain to speak, shaking her head faintly.

Nanny Gui understood immediately; refusing the imperial physician meant she did not want the cause known.

She helped Ning Yunshu onto the bed, covered her with blankets, then whispered, “Princess, what would you have me do?”

Ning Yunshu closed her eyes tightly, searching her memory for someone in the imperial hospital she could trust.

“Quan Ren, is Quan Ren still here?” was the only name that came to mind.

She remembered Quan Ren was a disciple of Director Li. When she was in the palace, Director Li personally treated her for minor ailments.

She recalled Quan Ren because he had once been a low-ranking physician, bullied by colleagues for having no backing. Once, when he was mistreated, she happened to defend him. From then on, no one dared to harass him, knowing she looked after him.

In this way, she owed him a kindness.

“Quan Ren? Director Quan Ren?” Nanny Gui was surprised. “Very well, I’ll bring him here immediately!”

Ning Yunshu curled up in pain on the bed, surprised that the once-bullied young doctor had now replaced his master as director of the imperial hospital.

Everything was truly unexpected.