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墨書 Inktalez
I knew this was the Emperor's test of me, a form of protection as well. He perhaps valued my talents and did not want to push me into the spotlight too soon. The Qing Zhi Pavilion, tucked away from the core of palace intrigues, was the best arrangement for me.
Yan Yu was happy for me but also harbored some concerns. "Wei Lan, the palace is not like the Palace Wing. Your status is different now; you must be more careful."
I grasped her hand and smiled. "Don't worry, I will be cautious. As for you, with your exquisite embroidery skills, if given the chance, you might also stand out."
At that time, we still believed that as long as one had talent, one could secure a place in the palace.
Life in the Qing Zhi Pavilion was calm and fulfilling. I devoted myself to medicine, organizing the fragments left by my father and studying the palace's secret prescriptions. Occasionally, I would be summoned to diagnose concubines who were unwell. Xiao Jingyuan seemed quite interested in me as a "Female Physician," often calling me over to inquire about health practices or discuss difficult medical cases.
He was a wise ruler with some knowledge of medicine. Our conversations often began with medical topics and gradually extended to people's livelihoods and current affairs. I was surprised by his patience towards a mere medical attendant and carefully maintained my boundaries, only discussing what I could without overstepping. I understood he might be using me to hear voices he usually did not have access to.
Such interactions naturally drew attention from the harem, especially from the powerful Consort Shu, Lin Ruoxue. She hailed from a prestigious family as the daughter of the Left Chancellor, was stunningly beautiful, and had a proud disposition. She enjoyed great favor from the Emperor and had given birth to the Crown Prince. Before my arrival, she was the most prominent woman in the palace.
The first time I saw Consort Shu was at a flower-viewing banquet in the Imperial Garden. Dressed in splendid attire adorned with jewels, she sat beneath the Empress like a moon surrounded by stars, her gaze haughty as if looking down on everyone. When the Emperor introduced me, she merely glanced at me with a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Oh? So this is the 'Female Divine Physician'? She looks quite young."
I lowered my eyes and respectfully bowed. "I am Shen Wei Lan, here to greet Consort Shu. I do not dare call myself a divine physician; I merely have some understanding of medicine to alleviate worries for His Majesty and the ladies."
"Alleviate worries?" Consort Shu laughed lightly, her tone sharp. "I fear some people wish to use 'alleviating worries' as an excuse to climb up and attach themselves to power."
Some concubines around us snickered while others reveled in schadenfreude. The Empress gently intervened, "Sister Shu, Shen Head Maid has been personally appointed by His Majesty; she has her own merits. Please do not jest."
Only then did Consort Shu temper her words but her hostile gaze pierced through me like a needle. I knew she regarded me as a potential threat.
Sure enough, trouble soon found its way to me. First, there were repeated errors in the supply of medicinal herbs for Qing Zhi Pavilion—either they were from the wrong year or improperly prepared. Then, when I was commanded to treat a pregnant noblewoman and had just prescribed a remedy, she experienced complications that nearly led to a miscarriage. Fortunately, I had been cautious; my prescription was gentle and I discovered the issue in time to prevent disaster. Yet rumors spread throughout the harem that "Shen Wei Lan's medical skills are lacking and endanger the royal heir."
I understood that Consort Shu was behind this mischief. Her influence was vast; many spies and supporters were scattered throughout the palace. As an unanchored female official, attempting to contend with her was akin to striking a stone with an egg.
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