In the eighth day of the third month of the tenth year of Qiyuan, during the seven-day mourning period for Emperor Qilong, the court officials knelt to escort the former emperor to his tomb.
Before the court, the chief eunuch Xiao Yinzi presented the late emperor's testament, which stated:
"Crown Prince Cheng Xu, virtuous and filial, endowed with wisdom since youth, is fit to ascend to the throne. Let all civil and military officials inside and outside the court assist him wholeheartedly to fulfill my aspirations."
Crown Prince Cheng Xu was appointed by the late emperor himself, and the testament bore the late emperor's own handwriting, with the chief eunuch as witness, leaving no doubt for the ministers.
On that day, Crown Prince Cheng Xu ascended the throne in front of the late emperor's spirit.
Empress Zhao Hua was also honored as the Empress Dowager on the same day, with the posthumous title of Kind and Diligent Empress Dowager.
Empress Zhao Hua, at the age of twenty-two, was the youngest empress dowager since the founding of the Qilong Dynasty.
As the funerary chamber of the late emperor was enshrined in the imperial tomb, Empress Zhao Hua showed unusually sorrowful emotions, nearly fainting in deep grief.
The civil and military officials all praised the deep affection between the emperor and empress, but few knew that Zhao Hua's tears were not shed for the emperor but for the guilty concubine, Ning Wanshuang.
Imperial Noble Consort Ning Wanshuang poisoned the former emperor, and the evidence was irrefutable, leaving no room for doubt.
Although Ning Wanshuang had taken her own life out of fear of punishment, her remains were still cold.
The next day, Xiao Yinzi entered the Xian Shou Palace to seek Empress Zhao Hua's decree on how to bury Ning Wanshuang.
Zhao Hua said, "Ning Wanshuang poisoned the former emperor with a wicked heart. How can she still be honored as the Imperial Noble Consort? Let her be demoted to a commoner, not listed in the records of imperial consorts, and buried hastily in her family's ancestral tomb."
Xiao Yinzi agreed repeatedly, "Empress Dowager's mercy is giving Ning Wanshuang some dignity after death."
Seeing his anxious expression, it was obvious he had a lot on his mind. After some hesitation, he finally mustered the courage to say to Zhao Hua:
"Empress Dowager, this humble servant dares to ask about one matter. The position of chief eunuch serving in the imperial court is yet to be decided... "
His words were a subtle reminder to Zhao Hua of the promise she had made to him earlier.
Zhao Hua smiled faintly and said slowly,
"The selection for the position of chief eunuch has been made. Xiao Fuzi will assume the role next month."
"Xiao Fuzi?" Xiao Yinzi was taken aback, feeling somewhat out of place. "But Empress Dowager, you clearly said..."
"You need not remind me of what I said to you in the past. I have an excellent memory and do not forget. But now, I have a question for you. Did you know about the incident when the blood of Princess Gu Lun was extracted by the late emperor?"
"Well..." Xiao Yinzi stuttered, his gaze becoming evasive. It was obvious he dared not answer the question directly.
He knew about the blood extraction from Jin Yue and Ruo Xin, as he served Xiao Jingheng up close.
But at that time, he chose to conceal the matter and not inform Zhao Hua.
Calculating privately, if he were to inform Zhao Hua about this matter, she would surely find a reason to keep Jin Yue and Ruo Xin away from Xiao Jingheng, and with Xiao Jingheng's suspicion, he would inevitably suspect something about Zhao Hua.
Apart from Xiao Jingheng, only Xia Ze and he knew about the use of virgin blood to cure the dragon body.
When the truth came out, Xiao Jingheng would definitely suspect him.
This time, considering the immense danger involved, it might be wiser to feign ignorance and stay silent.
After all, it's just a matter of drawing blood, unlikely to result in loss of life.
The treatment will only last a month, and as long as we can keep this hidden for that duration, Zhao Hua may never find out about it in her lifetime.
From Xiao Yinzi's perspective, handling the situation in this manner minimizes risk and maximizes benefits, avoiding offense on either side.
Seeing him remain silent for a while, Zhao Hua spoke first,
"The key to survival in the palace is to understand when to steer with the wind and to protect oneself wisely. I understand all this. You've been following me in secret, but in reality, you're like a reed swaying with the wind, trying to please both sides. I can understand your position. But for someone like you, do you think I can trust leaving you by the new emperor's side?"
Although Xiao Yinzi hadn't been with Zhao Hua for long, he knew her to be decisive, more so than many men.
Now that Zhao Hua had seen through his thoughts, he paled with fear, immediately kneeling before her and repeatedly kowtowing,
"Your Majesty, please spare my life! I know my mistake!"
Zhao Hua glanced at him, her tone calm as she said,
"Get up. I won't kill you. Instead, I'll give you enough money to ensure a comfortable life for the rest of your days, allowing you to leave the palace and live with dignity. Serving in the palace for a lifetime, even if it's glamorous, is still just being a servant. With this matter between us, there will inevitably be resentment, and you'll have to constantly worry about your own safety. Isn't that exhausting?
You're a smart person; you should know when the play is over. Some can continue to stay on the stage, while others must exit."
What do eunuchs seek during their lifetime in the palace?
Isn't it just to live as decently as possible, earn as much as they can each month, and when the time comes to retire, to enjoy their remaining years?
Now, Zhao Hua has granted Xiao Yinzi everything he sought in life. Naturally, he accepted with gratitude.
Seeing his tearful gratitude towards her, after repeatedly kowtowing seven or eight times, he sincerely said,
"Your Majesty, many officials from the previous dynasty have some reservations about your assumption of power behind the curtain. You need to be careful in dealing with them."
Zhao Hua smiled lightly and nodded, "Thank you for reminding me of these matters. You may leave."
As Xiao Yinzi bowed to take his leave, Yun Shan passed by him, standing before Zhao Hua, bowing respectfully before saying,
"Miss, the consorts are all here. They are waiting for you in the main hall."
