บท 32: Empress Dowager
Han Aeng shifted in her bed, slowly turning onto her side.
I can't believe I'm awake again. I don't want to be awake.
Reluctantly, she opened her eyes.
"Li wangfei, you're awake!" Ruyi's footsteps quickened to her side as she sighed in relief. "Nubi was so worried about you. How do you feel?"
Disapproval of merely existing seeped through her weary gaze.
"I'm fine. Why do you ask?" Han Aeng's exhaustion lingered in her tired tone, but she attempted to shake it off.
"Wangfei," concern etched on her face, Ruyi stepped forward. Her brows furrowed as she gently reached out to help Han Aeng sit up, providing much-needed support."You were asleep for two whole days."
"Two days..." Han Aeng mumbled.
Wow, I must have set a new record for the longest beauty sleep. Bet the maids are going to gossip about this for weeks. I hope they come up with some good stories for why the new bride slept after her first day at the place. "Why did I collapse all of a sudden?"
"While the physicians concluded you were simply travel-worn. Grand Physician Gu said you'd most likely be..." Ruyi hesitated, the image of her mistress collapsing without warning fresh in her mind. She leaned in close, her breath barely brushing against Han Aeng's ear as she whispered the unsettling news, "...poisoned."
Han Aeng tilted her head. "Poisoned?"
Her nonchalant reaction gave away she wasn't scandalized by the idea. However, Ruyi was too nervous to grasp the expression as she earnestly explained what the physician said.
Meanwhile, Han Aeng was making luxurious guesses at what happened without caring she was the party involved.
Is it the one that they used at Mt Keun, I thought it was dispelled already. Maybe it's some sort of response. Is water a trigger of some sort? Are the waters here contaminated with the poison? Just who is after me so desperately? Can't they give me a break, I just got married in a high-profile wedding, are they stupid or what!
Ultimately, she was too lazy to delve deeper into her speculations and reluctantly listened to Ruyi's rambling.
"Ah, I hope you didn't get into trouble because of my wandering?" she abruptly cut in.
Ruyi dropped her head, her silence speaking for her.
"I'm sorry," Han Aeng's voice carried a tone of remorse. She knew what it was like to bear the weight of another's actions and be held accountable for the consequences. If their roles were reversed, Han Aeng might have harboured some resentment. "I did not intend to cause you any trouble by wandering off like that."
"Nubi was at fault, and Wangye corrected me. There is no reason for Wangfei to worry." Ruyi assured her, their eyes briefly meeting, a silent understanding passing between them.
Suddenly, a mama's voice rang out, announcing the arrival of esteemed guests. "The Empress Dowager and Noble Consort Rong have arrived!"
The two women entered the room gracefully, their robes sweeping the floor.
Inadvertently, Han Aeng felt the pressure of their sudden visit and rushed to her feet, only to collide with the bed frame and tumble down to the floor just as her mother-in-law and Empress Dowager entered the room.
Her initial reaction was a mixture of surprise and amusement at her own clumsiness. She couldn't help but find the situation absurd and held back her fit of laughter.
Ruyi hurried to Han Aeng's aid while Noble Consort Rong swiftly stepped in to cover her embarrassment. "You surely do seem more lively than yesterday."
Heart pounding in her chest, Han Aeng brushed off her disheveled appearance and shook her leg free from the tangled blanket. "Chenqie apologizes for showing such a disgraceful sight." She straightened herself out, attempting to regain composure.
So much for a good first impression, she thought.
With a bright smile on her face, she greeted, "May the Empress Dowager live for thousands of years. It is an honor to be in your presence."
"Well, child, you sure know how to cause an uproar. Two out of three days you slept sleeping after getting into trouble," the Empress Dowager commented, her ever-downturned lips carrying subtle pressure. "Even the Emperor wasn't this aggressive in the first year of his reign."
Han Aeng mustered her wit to maintain a warm and friendly smile, determined not to feel the weight of the Empress Dowager's words.
While she needed more time to scope the power dynamic of the palace, she was sure of one thing: it was a petty grudge at best, but she didn't like the aftertaste of her run-in with the Mei Fubai.
Therefore gaining the Empress Dowager's approval held even greater weight for her than before.
As a woman, it would be tactless of her to run to the Emperor or husband with a petty grievance. However, with the Empress Dowager's support as a stepping stone, she could establish her position and wield influence in her own right, making a lasting impact on the affairs within the Harem.
Her voice carried a respectful and light-hearted tone as she responded, "Chenqie believes every cloud has a silver lining."
"The silver lining in this situation is your act of bravery for saving A'Li."
Han Aeng maintained her smile, keeping her head tilted downwards.
"Oh, Mouhou, don't scare my daughter-in-law like that," Rong Shuman interjected, coming to Han Aeng's defence.
The two exchanged a meaningful smile exchanged. Noble Consort Rong's words melted away the icy reserve that had initially shrouded the Empress Dowager, her stern expression softening ever so slightly.
"My child, this old woman was teasing. It seems you possess the same tenacity as my Shuman." Her formidable aura didn't dilate as her stern expression tinged with amusement.
Han Aeng had anticipated the Empress Dowager's scrutinizing gaze, instead, was met with hospitality. "Thank you for your kind words, Empress Dowager. Chenqie is humbled and honoured to be compared to Noble Consort Rong," Han Aeng replied, her voice a subtle mixture of humility and self-assurance. Being compared to a daughter-in-law, the dowager liked was a great impression to have!
Noble Consort Rong, standing nearby, silently observing the two. She had witnessed firsthand Empress Dowager's discerning nature and knew that as long as she approved of Han Aeng's character, she needed to worry about nothing.
A glint of mirth flickered in her eyes like a ray of sunshine breaking through storm clouds. "This mother-in-law of yours may be a never-ending river, but I am a closed reservoir. Sincerity and loyalty are what will grant you access to my fountains. If you stay true to principles, you will find a place in my heart."
Han Aeng's gaze fixed upon the matriarch shimmered with innocent determination. She had been granted an opportunity to prove herself worthy of Empress Dowager's favor. She would seize it with both hands and tread carefully on her path.
Flattering earned momentary favour and calculated humility earns respect. Meanwhile, it's sincere loyalty combined with genuine intentions that build lasting connections and admiration, not just from Empress Dowager but also from others within the palace.
How easily would the empire collapse if gaining Empress Dowager's support required a mere few words and gestures?
You could never build a strong foundation with loose sand.
"Empress Dowager, please rest assured, chenqie will always strive to uphold sincerity and loyalty in everything she does," Han Aeng replied, her voice filled with a rare determination that felt foreign to her own ears. When was the last time she had to be this mindful of her words? "As long as Empress Dowager is willing to teach, this granddaughter-in-law is willing to learn with an open mind."
The Empress Dowager's gaze softened further, her stern facade giving way to a look of friendliness. "Very well, child. I will be watching closely. Remember as long as you are good, you will have allies supporting you."
Oh, allies supporting me? I guess the Han Aeng Appreciation Society is opening up in Shangwei's palace too.
As they continued to talk, Han Aeng quickly concluded the true purpose of their visit.
On one hand, personally visiting her was to assert Empress Dowager's authority as the head of the family to Han Aeng. On the other, her presence displayed her intent to support Han Aeng, using herself as a bridge to foster a more peaceful and harmonious environment in hopes of creating an atmosphere of cooperation and goodwill among the members of the imperial family and their courtiers to the latest addition to the family.
After all Han Aeng's position was not just a new bride but a sign of peace between Shangwei and Jeontu, and their collaboration.
As Empress Dowager and Noble Consort Rong prepared to leave, Han Aeng decided she should show her appreciation so as not to look ignorant. "Empress Dowager, chenqie is ever so grateful for your support. Thank you."
The Empress Dowager paused momentarily, slightly taken aback by Han Aeng's unreserved expression of gratitude. She studied Han Aeng with a discerning gaze, her eyes searching for any hint of insincerity.
But she only found a young girl who had earned her attention with her unclouded eye.
A smile tugged at the corners of the Empress Dowager's lips. The hard lines on her face officially relaxed, replaced by a gentle smile that radiated fondness and approval. "Stay true to yourself, and you will find your place in my heart."
A place in her heart? Well, that's a good sign.
I'll become the protege-in-law she never knew she wanted.
Han Aeng's face lit up with an infectious smile that belied her sense of accomplishment. Her humility remained her guiding light as she bid farewell to the Empress Dowager and Noble Consort Rong.
As they walked away, a twinkle of satisfaction lit up the Noble Consort Rong's eyes. "I told you she was cute."
"Hehe. Not as cute as my daughter-in-law."The Empress Dowager nudged Noble Consort Rong playfully, and they shared a conspiratorial wink, their laughter echoing through the corridor.
Two in the bag, and two more to go.
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