It had been more than half a month since Song Zhao had seen Xiao Jingheng.
But she did not take it to heart.
After all, the more Consort Yin relied on her maternal family due to Xiao Jingheng's favor, the more likely she would end up like Ning Wanshuang. What was the hurry?
These days the Empress Dowager was ill, so Song Zhao would bring Cheng Yu to visit her every other day.
The Empress Dowager appreciated her filial piety, and was also moved.
"You are with child, yet still come here daily to trouble me. Be careful not to overtire yourself."
Song Zhao smiled. "Serving the Empress Dowager is my duty. I am not tired."
She peeled a milk orange and handed it to the Empress Dowager, but she did not eat it. Instead, she threw it aside in irritation.
"You know your place, yet others seem to have forgotten theirs. The consorts are all currying favor with Consort Yin. When she came to greet me today, she had the look of smug satisfaction, only concerned about her own favor, completely disregarding the people still suffering in Jiangnan. "
Song Zhao advised, "Empress Dowager, do not be angry with Consort Yin. She still comes daily to serve you out of consideration for you."
The Empress Dowager was astute. She gave a cold laugh and shook her head.
"Pretense and affectation, just for appearances. I have heard you handed management of the six palaces to Consort Yin? As mother of the imperial prince, your status is much higher. Why must you defer to her in everything?"
Song Zhao replied, "It is not that I deferred to Consort Yin, but Imperial Concubine manages the six palaces. But her health is frail, so she cannot handle much. I am also with child, and really cannot manage. It is Consort Yin who kindly helped me."
Look how she phrased it. Clearly Consort Yin lorded over her, yet from her it sounded like she had no complaints, and that everything was to help Consort Yin save face.
The Empress Dowager held her hand, increasingly doting. "I see everything you do, thinking of the emperor. He does as well."
Song Zhao knew Xiao Jingheng saw all this too. Otherwise her graciousness would have been wasted.
Leaving the Empress Dowager's palace that day, as Song Zhao passed the Yonghe Palace, she dropped in to visit Ning Wanshuang.
Inside, she saw the furnishings were very simple, and many of the chrysanthemums in the courtyard had already wilted.
Song Zhao said unhappily, "This cannot do. The eunuchs of the Internal Service dare to neglect my sister so. I must tell His Majesty and punish them."
Ning Wanshuang had been strolling in the courtyard holding Jin Yue and leading Chenghuan. Afraid Chenghuan would frighten her younger brother, she quickly had the wet nurse take Chenghuan away before coldly laughing at Song Zhao.
"Without Consort Yin's approval, how would those eunuchs dare act so improperly? Forget it. I already dismissed half the palace attendants. As long as the children lack nothing, what's the harm? Don't make trouble with Consort Yin for me."
Song Zhao said, "You may not care, but the more you indulge them, the more excessive they will become."
Ning Wanshuang scoffed indifferently. "You mean Consort Yin? Hmph, she was just a useless coward who didn't even dare breathe heavily before me. I've slapped her more times than she's lived years. Why would I fear her? I heard she's been attending the emperor's bedchamber lately?"
Song Zhao slowly nodded. Ning Wanshuang laughed even more.
"No wonder she's so smug. How delightful. What's the difference between her and me back then? A meteoric rise often leads to a catastrophic downfall."
Filled with indifference, she lightly stroked Song Zhao's swollen belly and asked,
"How many months?"
"Nearly seven months."
Ning Wanshuang rolled her eyes. "If it's seven months, stop going everywhere. All the palace is watching that belly of yours. Don't become a joke."
Knowing her prickly but softhearted nature, Song Zhao wanted to tease her, but the child chose that moment to kick her hard, making her abdomen seize up and stumble slightly.
"Zhao'er?"
Yun Shan was right behind her and quickly supported her.
Also helping to hold Song Zhao steady was Ning Wanshuang. That "Zhao'er" had come from her.
Song Zhao looked at her with raised eyebrows and laughed. "What did sister just call me?"
"No...nothing." Ning Wanshuang glanced at her, impatient.
"I'm tired. Don't stand here pestering me. Go back."
After speaking, she turned and left, shy as a young girl, delighting Song Zhao.
On the return trip, Song Zhao happened to run into Xiao Yinzi outside the Changle Gate.
Xiao Yinzi made a bow and said Xiao Jingheng summoned her.
Thinking Xiao Jingheng had not seen Cheng Yu for days either, Song Zhao brought Cheng Yu along to audience.
Xiao Jingheng was also very happy to see his son. He had been head down reviewing memorials, but after hearing a soft childish "Father Emperor", he immediately set down his brush and looked over at the hall below.
Song Zhao set Cheng Yu down to carefully follow him as he toddled toward his father.
Xiao Jingheng rose to meet him. "Come, let Father hold you."
He picked up Cheng Yu and weighed him in his arms, smiling at Song Zhao.
"He seems a bit sturdier."
Song Zhao also smiled. "Children change day by day at this age. Your Majesty is busy with government affairs and hasn't seen Cheng Yu for over half a month, so of course he's grown."
Xiao Jingheng freed a hand to pat Song Zhao's slender shoulder.
"I've neglected you these days. Don't take offense."
"Your Majesty works hard for the country. I'm of no help at all. Why would I be jealous and add to your troubles over such a small thing?"
Xiao Jingheng beamed, very comforted. "I can relax a bit only when alone with Zhao'er. Consort Yin always complains to me about her clan's loyalty. It makes my ears numb. It seems only when alone with you can I unwind."
The two sat on the heated couch. Song Zhao knew not to ask about the flooding when Xiao Jingheng had a rare moment of family happiness amidst his busy schedule.
After about a quarter hour, Jiang Deshun announced the ministers had arrived, so Xiao Jingheng handed the child to Song Zhao and instructed her,
"I had the imperial kitchens prepare some dishes you like. Stay tonight with Cheng Yu."
But Song Zhao remained humble and respectful. As Xiao Jingheng reached the doorway, Cheng Yu in her arms suddenly cried loudly, babbling "Father" between sobs.
Xiao Jingheng glanced back and saw the child crying hard. Heart aching, he turned back.
"What's the matter?"
He had intended to comfort his son, but the moment he stepped over the threshold, the "Diligent Government, Cherish the Worthy" plaque hanging there inexplicably broke free and crashed down heavily toward Xiao Jingheng's fatal spot...
