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墨書 Inktalez
Indeed, beneath the calm surface, turbulent currents surged. Rumors began to circulate in the palace that were detrimental to me. Some said I was cunning and used my medical skills to ingratiate myself with the emperor while eliminating rivals; others claimed I was ambitious and coveted the position of empress. There were even whispers about my identity as the Daughter of a Traitor, declaring that my "bloodline was tainted" and that I was unworthy to raise the imperial heirs.
I knew that Consort Shu was behind these rumors, attempting to tarnish my reputation and sow discord between the emperor and me.
What troubled me even more was that Yan Yu's attitude seemed to have undergone some subtle changes. She visited me less frequently, and each time she came, she appeared hesitant to speak. When I inquired, she merely stated that the Supreme Wardrobe Bureau was busy.
My intuition told me that things were not as simple as they seemed. Had Consort Shu set her sights on Yan Yu again?
I dispatched someone to discreetly monitor Yan Yu's movements. Sure enough, I discovered that Consort Shu frequently summoned her, bestowing gifts and promising to promote her to Head Maid of the Supreme Wardrobe Bureau.
My heart sank. Would Yan Yu betray me for her future? We had once been each other's only support!
I seized an opportunity to meet Yan Yu alone.
"Yan Yu," I looked into her eyes and got straight to the point, "What has Consort Shu told you?"
Yan Yu's gaze flickered, unable to meet mine. "N-nothing..."
"Yan Yu!" I emphasized my tone, "We are sisters; is there anything you can't say directly? Have you forgotten what kind of person Consort Shu is? Everything she offers you is candy coated with poison!"
Tears welled up in Yan Yu's eyes as she replied, "Wei Lan, I... I don't want to... but... I don't want to be just a palace maid for the rest of my life... I want to make something of myself... Consort Shu said that as long as I... as long as I..."
"As long as you what?" I pressed on. "As long as you help her deal with me?"
Yan Yu lowered her head, falling silent.
My heart ached like it had been pierced by a needle. The deepest betrayals often came from those closest to us.
"Yan Yu," I took a deep breath, suppressing my pain, "The path is yours to choose. I just hope you remember that today's choice should not lead to regrets in the future."
I did not press her further. I understood that hearts could easily change, especially in this palace filled with ambition and intrigue. Forcing her would be futile.
But I had to be prepared. Yan Yu had likely become a pawn for Consort Shu against me.
Soon after, the emperor planned a southern tour. Among those left behind in the palace, the empress was gravely ill and thus could not stay. Consort Shu volunteered for the task, arguing that since she had given birth to the Crown Prince, it was only fitting for her to take on this heavy responsibility. Meanwhile, I was also considered by the emperor.
This was yet another power struggle. Remaining in the palace meant wielding temporary supreme authority.
Consort Shu would not let this opportunity slip away. She portrayed herself as virtuous and composed before the emperor while secretly spreading rumors about me being young and inexperienced, claiming that I would struggle to command respect and that my background posed issues for such a significant responsibility.
Just when the emperor hesitated, an incident occurred. The Crown Prince—Consort Shu's son—suddenly fell gravely ill with a high fever and red rashes covering his body. The imperial physicians were at a loss.
Consort Shu was frantic and distraught, crying out for the emperor to save her son.
Naturally, the emperor was anxious beyond measure. He immediately thought of me.
" concubine Hui, your medical skills are exceptional. Please go and take a look!"
I accepted the order and made my way to the Crown Prince's chambers. Upon arrival, I saw that the child had a flushed face, rapid breathing, and was covered in fine red rashes, with some areas even beginning to ulcerate. I carefully examined the child's symptoms and inquired about recent dietary habits and daily activities.
These symptoms... resemble... Smallpox!
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