Chapter 561: Dark Clouds

Dark clouds massed over the sky above the Forbidden City, the cloud layer so heavy it seemed about to collapse entirely.

The Chongzhen Emperor stood beneath the eaves outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, staring absently at the silhouette of the palace city opposite.

"Your Majesty, Yang Sichang has submitted a memorial. He says he departs for his post in three days and requests a palace farewell audience before leaving the capital."

"We shall personally see him out of the capital."

Wang Cheng'en lifted his head for a look. The Emperor's expression was very calm; he truly could not guess what the Emperor was thinking.

That day, Yang Sichang had been abruptly appointed Five-Province Supreme Commander. A day later, Fu Zonglong arrived in the capital, Yang Sichang began handing over his duties, and then prepared to leave for his post.

Everything was rushed. Yang Sichang had arrived weathering a storm of impeachment memorials from the Remonstrance Officials, and he was leaving weathering the same storm of memorials. From the soaring ambition of the Ten-Faced Net to his present bedraggled state — thirty months seemed to pass in the blink of an eye, and everything had returned to its starting point.

The Emperor had always placed great trust in Yang Sichang. No matter how the Remonstrance Officials impeached him, the Emperor never wavered. The Eastern Invaders had breached the border, shattered over fifty cities, and caused a catastrophic Defeat costing over a million lives — yet that only resulted in Yang Sichang being stripped of rank while remaining in office to handle his original duties, and he was promptly restored to his original rank on merit, the Emperor unwilling to let Yang Sichang suffer the slightest grievance.

So the scene that day was, for Wang Cheng'en, a rare one. Since the Eastern Invaders breached the border, the Emperor's moods had become even harder to predict than before. Prior to that day, even a close minister like Wang Cheng'en had never detected the slightest sign that the Emperor had begun to detest Yang Sichang.

What the Emperor truly felt about Yang Sichang in his heart — Wang Cheng'en was now uncertain. But just now the Emperor had said he would personally see him out of the capital. This was a special mark of favor. Previously, when Liu Yuliang, the Chief Grand Secretary, had left the capital as Imperial Inspector, the Emperor had not personally seen him off.

This showed that the Emperor in fact still valued Yang Sichang. Why had he suddenly sent him away from court that day? Wang Cheng'en felt it was a moment of impulse, but now there was no way to change it, because the Emperor had almost never admitted he was wrong, and what he needed to worry about was far more than this one matter.

For the Emperor, the Roving Bandits and the Eastern Invaders required worry. The drought conditions reported from everywhere required worry. The mounting back pay owed to every military unit and battalion across the garrisons also required worry.

Beyond these, there was yet another worry — Wang Cheng'en knew it also weighed on the Emperor's heart: the illness of the Fifth Prince. The Fifth Prince's sickness showed not the slightest improvement; it was clear he would soon not make it. Apart from the bonds of flesh and blood, this also involved entanglements with the imperial relatives.

The rumors in the palace grew worse by the day. The Emperor might have no choice but to yield to the imperial relatives. Whatever form that yielding took, to outsiders it would appear an admission of fault, and to the Emperor this was a supreme humiliation.

Once the Emperor's face was wounded, who knew who would ultimately be blamed. The one who proposed the idea was Xue Guoguan — now it seemed a rotten idea. The ones who ruined it were Li Guorui and Zhou Helmet. Li Guorui was already dead. This fury might be vented on Zhou Helmet, or it might be vented on Xue Guoguan — truly difficult to predict.

"Did the Empress send someone over just now?"

"Yes. She said it has been several days since she last saw you, and invites Your Majesty to the Palace of Earthly Tranquility for a word."

The Chongzhen Emperor gave a soft snort. "More likely Zhou Helmet had her carry a message, asking to exempt the imperial relatives from contributions."

Wang Cheng'en dared not speak. A young Eunuch Official ran across the plaza before the gate, circled around to Wang Cheng'en's side, whispered a couple of sentences by his ear, then immediately withdrew to the side.

The Chongzhen Emperor turned around. Wang Cheng'en hesitated a moment, then said, "Someone from the Palace of Heavenly Favor came to report. They said that when Tian Fei paid her routine respects to the Empress, the wait was somewhat long, and after returning to her palace she fainted."

"Wang Cheng'en, do you now need to speak to Us in riddles?"

Wang Cheng'en knelt and said, "This slave would not dare. They said she stood waiting for nearly an hour."

The Chongzhen Emperor's eyes narrowed slightly. "Someone from the Imperial Academy of Medicine has seen her?"

"They have already seen her. They said that Tian Fei has been distressed lately over the Fifth Prince's illness, and waiting that hour likely exhausted her strength. After some rest, she is already much better."

The Chongzhen Emperor said coldly, "Didn't the Empress want to talk? Have her come to the Hall of Union to see Us. At once!"

……

On the plaza outside the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Lin Dengwan followed behind several Eunuch Officials. Apart from the Overseer at the very front, everyone else carried a basket of Red Basket Charcoal. Their pace was quicker than usual. As he walked, Lin Dengwan looked up at the sky, worried that raindrops might suddenly fall.

This was for the tea room of the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. This tea room also prepared light snacks in the evening, mainly to supply the Eunuch Officials and Palace Attendants on night duty — all people close to the Empress, not to be slighted. Even boiling tea required the use of Red Basket Charcoal. If it got wet and then spattered and scalded someone, the Fuel Office could not bear the responsibility. Or if the red clay got wet and dissolved, dirtying the hands of those Eunuch Officials and Palace Attendants would also earn a scolding.

Just as he was thinking this, a spot of coolness suddenly touched his forehead, then another. The Overseer up ahead felt it too and called out in a low voice, "Everyone walk faster."

The five men lined up in a column. When they reached the side of the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Overseer slowed his steps again and said to the others, "Everyone be careful. Keep a firm grip. Don't drop anything and startle the imperial presence."

By now the raindrops drifting down from the sky were gradually thickening. Lin Dengwan carefully covered the basket with his Sleeve, trying to shield as much as possible and keep water from pooling on the charcoal.

He had passed by the front of the Palace of Heavenly Purity many times, but he had never dared to glance toward the main gate. This was also a Rule of the Fuel Office. This office was inherently weak within the inner palace and carried a special caution in everything it did.

In the corner of his eye he could make out some figures, seemingly walking out. Lin Dengwan's heart pounded fiercely. Fortunately, the stretch in front of the Palace of Heavenly Purity was not long, and he somehow got past it. Ahead, past the Hall of Union, was the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.

Suddenly someone barked in a low voice, "All of you, kneel to the side."

The Overseer hastily took the lead, and the several men knelt down in unison. Lin Dengwan was walking at the very back and did not catch it clearly at first. The man in front of him suddenly knelt, and Lin Dengwan, caught off guard, had his legs knock into that man. He Staggered and nearly fell; the basket in his hands tilted, and charcoal pieces began to fall toward the ground.

At that moment, it was utterly silent outside the Hall of Union. If those several dozen charcoal pieces inside the basket fell, Lin Dengwan's head would likely fall with them. In desperation, he clamped his arm tightly against the slipping charcoal, hugged the basket with both hands, but could not control his body's Stagger.

With a muffled thud, Lin Dengwan's two knees slammed hard against the ground. His Waist bent down, just managing to steady the tilted basket. But the basket was tilted, and Lin Dengwan was straining to clamp the charcoal pieces. If even a single piece fell, it could be utter disaster. He dared not shift to adjust, and could only use all his strength to hold the basket steady.

The surroundings were so silent a falling needle could be heard. Lin Dengwan's forehead oozed dense beads of Sweat. Before his eyes was only the flagstone made of Pyrophyllite. A cool sensation kept coming to the exposed nape of his neck. The fine rain rustled onto the ground, and the splashed-up dust gradually diffused all around.

His ears caught someone speaking in a low voice: "His Majesty is coming."

Then came the sound of footsteps hurrying over from the direction of the Palace of Heavenly Purity. The Gate Leaf of the Hall of Union to his right made a few soft sounds — it had probably been opened.

Lin Dengwan breathed heavily, his whole body straining to clamp that tilted basket. The footsteps were very hurried. The very first one landed heavily. Lin Dengwan was prostrate, face down; he dared not tilt his head to look. His eyeballs swiveled over, and in the corner of his vision he vaguely glimpsed a pair of dark-colored shoes, the toes slightly upturned and bearing some gold.

The gold-toed shoes strode past in large steps. Behind them was a dense expanse of black straight-stitched leather boots.

Lin Dengwan dared not look anymore. He only stared at the golden-brick flagstones before him. The charcoal pieces at his arm seemed to be slipping. Lin Dengwan quickly exerted more force. If something dropped and made a sound while the Emperor was present, his head would be gone.

Under the tension, Lin Dengwan's body went rigid. The Sweat from his forehead trickled down his cheeks; some flowed into his eyes, causing waves of stinging pain. Lin Dengwan dared not wipe it away. He could only lower his head further, letting the Sweat drip onto the flagstones.

A voice from the steps said, "All of you, leave. We have words to speak with the Empress."

After a flurry of footsteps, the Gate Leaf finally made a soft sound. Lin Dengwan let out a breath. The Emperor had finally entered the hall.

……

Inside the empty Hall of Union, the Gate Leaf had just closed. Empress Zhou's bow of greeting was not yet complete when the Chongzhen Emperor, his tone calm, opened his Mouth and said, "What does the Empress wish to speak to Us about?"

Empress Zhou studied the Emperor's expression, then lowered her gaze to the floor and said softly, "I have heard that Your Majesty has been staying in the Warm Pavilion these days. Worried that Your Majesty is overworking yourself, I made some light snacks myself and thought to invite Your Majesty to my palace to sit for a while — at least it would be some rest."

"In this troubled autumn of the realm, We do indeed toil. The chaos outside is one thing, but this palace is not tranquil either — how could We not toil?" The Chongzhen Emperor Turned Around and looked coldly at the Empress. "Tian Fei paying respects to the Empress is routine. It is one thing that you ordinarily detest her, but now, knowing full well that Cihuan is gravely ill, if you did not wish to see her you should have sent her back. Why did you make her wait so long outside the palace? What exactly was your intent?"

The Empress's expression turned cold, her gaze still fixed on the floor. "Your Majesty is troubled by affairs of state. Do not trouble yourself over these trifling palace matters. Even if you have heard rumors, you must at least give me room to speak."

The Chongzhen Emperor's tone rose slightly. "Since you are the mistress of the inner palace, have you managed the palace well? Do you think We have so much free time to listen to such filthy matters? How many great affairs under Heaven must be handled — do you truly think We are so idle?"

"It was Yuan Fei who first sent someone to ask about the time. I first agreed to Yuan Fei. In the past, when I first agreed to Tian Fei, Yuan Fei also waited. So if Tian Fei waited a moment, she is wronged? Your Majesty says I detest Tian Fei — what proof is there? Since I have managed this inner palace, for many years I have treated all the consorts equally..."

"When has Yuan Fei ever waited an hour?"

Empress Zhou looked somewhat embarrassed. She paused a moment, then said, "There is word from inside and outside the palace that Tian Red Edict of Arrival, relying on his daughter the Imperial Consort being favored by Your Majesty, has committed many unlawful acts. Making her wait a little longer was also a hint — her father still needs to be reined in."

"Tian Red Edict of Arrival has unlawful acts — does Zhou Helmet have none?"

The Empress's face instantly turned Iron-blue. She slowly raised her head and looked at the Emperor. "Has my father committed any crimes or offenses? If there is solid evidence, I will not say a single word more whether he is tried or executed. But I ask Your Majesty to make it clear."

The Chongzhen Emperor met the Empress's gaze. "We, on the contrary, feel that the Empress should make things clear. Do not use these insinuating tricks again."

"I do not know whom I have insinuated against."

"Empress, do not play at being clever. You brought up Yangzhou Thoroughbreds — it is nothing more than an insinuation against Tian Fei, an attempt to drive a wedge between Us and Tian Fei."

"So His Majesty has come to reproach me on Tian Fei's account after all. She is from Yangzhou. I inadvertently mentioned the Slender Horses; there was no intent to insinuate anything. It is rather His Majesty who, in hearing it, read something into it."

Chongzhen's face flushed red. "Then I ask you this as well — is Tian Fei the only one tainted by the suspicion of being a Slender Horse?"

The Empress's face was like frost. She took two sharp breaths and said, "According to His Majesty's opinion, who else in this palace is there?"

Chongzhen stepped closer, looking down into the Empress's eyes. "What is the story with our family's third-place palace graduate?"

A silence fell over the hall. Empress Zhou's mouth twitched twice. Her eyes, unblinking, stared back at the Emperor, her face full of indignation. "Only because Chen Renxi had old ties with my family, you stripped him of his post and have not reappointed him to this day. Now what more do you want!"

Chongzhen gave a cold laugh. "What old ties with your family? You say Chen Renxi and your father hit it off at first meeting — as if I do not know what sort of man Zhou Helmet is, a Suzhou marketplace Green-Skin. What sort of man is Chen Renxi? A capable talent of the Donglin, the third-place palace graduate of the second year of Tianqi. By what means could Zhou Helmet make Chen Renxi hit it off with him at first meeting? And how did he, without cause or reason, come to the Capital, enter the Capital's registry, and only thus enable you to stand as candidate for Princess of Letter!"

Tears streamed from the Empress's eyes. In a shrill voice she raged, "Does His Majesty intend to brand me a Slender Horse peddled by the Donglin Party!"

Chongzhen, yielding not an inch, roared, "Then you tell me — is it so or is it not?"

Empress Zhou's face went crimson. She stared at the Emperor for a long moment, then spoke through gritted teeth. "Would His Majesty dare go ask Zhang Yan this same question?"

"Insolence!"

Chongzhen bellowed. An unnatural red appeared on his face. Both hands seized the Empress by the shoulders and shoved her violently backward. Empress Zhou let out a shriek. With a bang she crashed into the pillar behind her, then her body lurched sideways and collapsed seated on the floor.

……

Note: Ming History, Biographies, Chapter 2: "The Emperor once, in the Hall of Union, had words of disagreement with the Empress, pushed the Empress to the ground, and the Empress in anger refused food." The incident originated from the conflict between the Empress and Tian Fei. Chongzhen intervened and clashed with the Empress. It likely occurred around the end of the twelfth year of Chongzhen.