On this day, when Xiao Jingheng left the Feng Luan Palace, Zhao Hua carefully tied the pouch to his imperial jade belt around his waist.
He treasured it so much that even as he was leaving, his naturally drooping right hand would occasionally fiddle with the pouch.
Yun Shan, observing this, said softly to Zhao Hua:
"It seems the Emperor is quite fond of the Lady's good intentions."
Zhao Hua scoffed disdainfully, "One who has schemed his entire life, how could he cherish the worthless intentions of others?"
Indeed, upon returning to the Chaoyang Palace, it was at that moment when Judge Zhang came to feel Xiao Jingheng's pulse for his wellbeing.
After finding no issues with the pulse-reading, Xiao Jingheng then removed the pouch and handed it to Xiao Yinzi, saying:
"Take a look at this item and see if there is anything amiss with it."
Judge Zhang received the pouch, carefully inspecting and examining it before bowing to Xiao Jingheng and reporting:
"Your Majesty, this pouch is in no way flawed, and the faint Auspicious Brain Fragrance on it can refresh and awaken the mind, beneficial to Your Majesty's dragon body."
Xiao Jingheng nodded calmly and waved his hand, dismissing Judge Zhang.
After the man left, he instructed Xiao Yinzi, "Take this pouch and have the Secret Agency examine it again."
Xiao Yinzi asked doubtfully, "But Your Majesty, did you not just have Judge Zhang inspect it?"
Xiao Jingheng said, "I am not suspicious of anyone, but for items used so close to the body, one must have them thoroughly examined many times before feeling at ease."
Thus, Xiao Yinzi did not raise any further objections and, following Xiao Jingheng's orders, secretly had the Secret Agency re-examine the pouch.
The next day, after Xiao Jingheng finished court, Xiao Yinzi brought the Secret Agency's people to report back to Xiao Jingheng.
Their words matched Judge Zhang's: the pouch was flawless and even beneficial to the dragon body.
Only then did Xiao Jingheng feel at ease wearing the pouch.
Having received such a thoughtful gift from Zhao Hua, Xiao Jingheng felt he should reward her in return to show his affection.
He thus instructed Xiao Yinzi to open the treasury and take out all the remaining pearls, sending them all to the Feng Luan Palace.
When the entire bushel of pearls arrived at the Feng Luan Palace, Zhao Hua was idly chatting with Consort Yin in the main hall.
Seeing these treasures, Zhao Hua selected one pearl, holding it up to the light and admiring its luster, remarking in praise:
"Truly exquisite items. However, this entire bushel of pearls is worth a fortune, and I feel unworthy receiving them."
She carefully pocketed the one pearl she had selected, then pushed the rest away from her, saying:
"Now that the North Tribe has submitted to the Qi Dynasty, becoming a vassal state, the North Tribe's people are also subjects of the Qi Dynasty. I just heard from Consort Yin that the court has begun relief efforts for the North Tribe people. As the nation's mother, I too must contribute my part to aid the people.
Xiao Yinzi, please relay to the Emperor that I wish to exchange these remaining pearls for silver to distribute to the North Tribe people. It is one thing for the common people to have food and clothing, but having actual silver in their hands will give them a true sense of security, allowing them to live stable and peaceful lives."
Since Xiao Jingheng had bestowed these pearls to Zhao Hua, she naturally had the authority to dispose of them as she wished.
Thus, Xiao Yinzi respectfully agreed and heaped praises on Zhao Hua's benevolence.
Consort Yin, too, was moved to grateful tears, rising to bow deeply to Zhao Hua and attempting to express her gratitude through choked sobs.
Zhao Hua helped her up with a gentle hand and said warmly:
"You need not thank me, but rather the Emperor. I am merely the messenger - first there must be a gift to deliver. The Emperor's favor towards the North Tribe and his employment of your father are great blessings from the imperial family that you must never betray. Do you understand?"
The nation may be broken, the mountains and rivers remain; cities still see the spring grass and deep woods.
Who truly bestowed blessings upon the North Tribe, and who had ulterior motives - Ada Kehan and the entire North Tribe people understood this clearly in their hearts.
At this, Consort Yin spoke through gritted teeth, her words insincere:
"The North Tribe is deeply grateful for the Emperor's boundless favor. This subject, along with my father and the hundred thousand North Tribe people, will forever remember this kindness and never forget."
Zhao Hua simply pretended to be an ordinary person, feigning comprehension of only the surface meaning of her words as she smiled and nodded:
"Since you understand, then take these pearls and go thank the Emperor first."
After sending Consort Yin away, Zhao Hua noticed Xiao Yinzi still lingering and asked:
"Do you have something else to say to me?"
Xiao Yinzi approached with an ingratiating smile and whispered conspiratorially:
"Your Majesty, the Emperor seems to have grown suspicious of you. The pouch you sent him - not only did he have Judge Zhang inspect it, but he even had this servant summon the Secret Agency to examine it thoroughly as well."
"And what is the purpose of telling me this?" Zhao Hua scoffed coldly. "Is it not proper procedure to carefully inspect anything the Emperor uses, especially items so close to his person? Have you not been serving the Emperor for years to know this? Is this even worth mentioning to me?"
Xiao Yinzi had flattered the wrong subject and felt abashed, laughing awkwardly.
Zhao Hua continued, "What I sent the Emperor are all fine items that can withstand any scrutiny. The Emperor's inspection does not necessarily mean he suspects me of anything. If even you cannot discern this, Xiao Yinzi, then perhaps I truly must reconsider whether you are an intelligent man."
"This servant was foolish, this servant was foolish..." Xiao Yinzi slapped himself twice before saying, "There are many things this servant does not understand. But anything the Emperor does related to Your Majesty, this servant will report to you immediately."
Zhao Hua gave him a sidelong glance with a faint smile, not addressing his words, and merely said flatly:
"I am weary. You may leave."
