Chapter Eight: The Story of Zhen Huan, Summer and Winter's Spring
After it ended, Xia Dongchun hurried home, starving and craving braised pork knuckle, crystal shrimp dumplings, and much more.
As she reached the steps, a voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts.
“Those who wanted to stay couldn’t, but those who didn’t want to stay were forced to remain.”
Xia Dongchun was speechless.
Never before had she felt so dumbfounded. How was it that no matter where she went, that person was there? It was true what they said—people you dislike at first sight tend to become more detestable over time.
She quickened her pace, eager to escape those two oddballs.
But just then, a voice called out behind her, “Two young ladies, please wait.” Xia Dongchun turned to see an elderly lady hastening toward Zhen Jiaoqing. “Congratulations to both young ladies on being granted the title of Palace Concubine,” she said with a smile before escorting the two out of the palace, claiming she was acting under orders.
Xia Dongchun watched helplessly as the old lady carried away the disgraced feet of Zhen Jiaoqing and her companion. Looking around, she saw nothing but emptiness and was utterly bewildered.
Anger swelled up within her like a volcano. She stomped back home, venting fiercely to her parents—a full-blown eruption.
“Someone! Quickly!” she commanded.
“Go! Demand repayment from the Zhen family!” she continued.
Pao Mo, watching her mistress’s distress, felt deeply sorry. Though Xia Dongchun was somewhat willful, she was usually easy to comfort. But this level of anger was unprecedented.
“Miss, please don’t be upset. I’ve prepared so many delicious dishes for you,” Pao Mo pleaded.
Nearby, Pao Zhu also hurried forward, “Yes, yes, Miss, it’s just not worth getting so angry.”
Hearing food mentioned, Xia Dongchun paused for a moment, but her discomfort persisted. “Go, demand the money now.”
“Yes, yes, I’ll send someone immediately and ensure you get justice,” Pao Zhu said briskly as she hurried off.
Xia Dongchun plopped down in her chair, then suddenly shouted after Pao Zhu’s retreating figure, “Double it!”
Xia’s mother frowned slightly but still indulged her daughter. “Oh, my child, don’t be angry. It’s no big deal. Besides, being chosen today is a blessing.”
She coaxed her daughter gently while giving a subtle glance to Xia’s father.
He nodded in understanding. “My child, your mother is right. Entering the palace is a great honor. Don’t be upset.”
Xia Dongchun glanced at her parents. She didn’t want things to be like this, but “I really detest that Zhen Huan. Just looking at her makes me uncomfortable. She even approached me herself. More importantly, why does she receive so many privileges?”
She especially thought of Sun Miaoqing. “Everyone was reprimanded at the palace, yet why is she fine while Sister Miaoqing’s entire family suffers?”
She didn’t have many friends but had become acquainted with Sun Miaoqing through her sister-in-law, and they had a good relationship.
More than anything, she was dissatisfied.
“And why does she have someone to send her off, while no one else does?”
The more Xia Dongchun thought, the angrier she became, her words flowing nonstop.
Finally, her mother coaxed her with food and play, and only after both the elders and the younger couples took turns did she finally fall asleep.
The Xia family was simple. Xia’s father was honest and kind, sincerely doting on Xia’s mother, who was shrewd but willingly devoted herself to him. Their love was deep and genuine.
Her two older brothers were much older than Xia Dongchun and adored her like a treasure. Their wives were gentle and dignified, and since their younger sister-in-law had grown up under their watchful eyes, they naturally cherished her dearly.
After Xia Dongchun fell asleep, the family gathered in the main hall to discuss the situation. Though much of what she said was in anger, they were all intelligent and caught many key points.
Especially Xia’s mother, who found it particularly strange that her daughter’s aura clashed so intensely with that of Miss Zhen. She had never seen her daughter dislike anyone so vehemently.
The Xia family was led by Xia’s mother. All eyes turned to her. She tapped her finger on the cup’s edge and said, “Everyone mobilize. Release all our people and investigate Zhen Huan thoroughly—from birth to upbringing.”
Then she glanced at Xia’s father, serious. “You too. Arrange palace contacts. Once our daughter is in the palace, the inner court must be filled with our people.”
The Xia family had served the Imperial Household Department for generations but had no one currently in the palace. Now they could finally put their influence to use.
“Also, contact that imperial physician we discussed earlier, and do so quickly.”
Her two daughters-in-law were eager to help. The youngest sister-in-law had been raised alongside them by their mother, and since Xia’s mother had long expressed her intentions about concubinage, the two daughters-in-law obeyed her without question.
After exchanging a glance, they said, “Mother, rest assured. We will arrange everything properly.”
Both daughters-in-law were chosen personally by their husbands and came from prominent families. The eldest was the third legitimate daughter of General Xue’s family, and the second hailed from a respected Suzhou household.
Although the Xue family had declined due to matters related to Empress Chun Yuan, their foundation remained strong. Since the new emperor’s ascension, several old military clans had been reinstated, unlike before when the Nian family was favored.
Now the families of Consort Duan, the Qi family, the Xue family, and the Lian family were all being elevated. Even the Fourteenth Prince, who had long been at odds with the emperor, was recalled.
The previous regime was closely tied to the inner court, so the palace dynamics had drastically shifted. Though the Nian clan still held the rank of Noble Consort, the Four Princes’ Mansion no longer stood alone.
Therefore, she must uncover the truth for her daughter. Her daughter was her life. When she gave birth to her amid the fierce struggle for the throne, she, as a direct descendant of the Niohuru clan, had suffered collateral damage.
She clearly remembered that night when everyone else had perished. She thought she would die too, but suddenly a fierce red glow from her womb saved her, and her daughter was born then.
---
Recalling the past, Xia’s mother took a deep breath and returned silently to her daughter’s room late at night.
Looking at her daughter’s tender face, her heart softened.
She knew her daughter was extraordinary from birth. She was her own flesh and blood and had known to protect her mother even before birth. Xia’s mother reached out and touched her daughter. “Mother will protect you.”
After leaving, Xia’s mother summoned Pao Mo. “Pao Mo, accompany the young mistress into the palace. Remember, it’s better to be overly harsh than to let anyone go.”
Pao Mo looked at her lady respectfully. “Yes, I understand.”
On the way back, Xia’s mother thought about the recurring dreams she had these past days. Though the dream was very different from reality—she wasn’t even married to the Xia family in it—it still felt like a warning. After all, her daughter was born extraordinary.
In the dream, “The Xia family’s daughter, Xia Dongchun, is bestowed a vermilion bridal veil.”
Xia’s mother closed her eyes tightly and removed a phoenix feather hairpin from her head. “Zhuye, deliver this to Prince Dun, and tell ‘Brother’ to protect my child.”
“Zhuqin, send a message to the Guoyi Duke’s residence. He must return home tomorrow.”
Hearing this, the two attendants were stunned. Three years after Consort Wenxi’s death, the third young lady, who was just fifteen, was nearly sent off to the palace by the family. But she had fallen deeply in love at first sight with Master Xia, who had just passed the imperial exam. Her two elder sisters, especially the second, had perished in the palace. How could the third lady accept this? She severed ties with her family to marry Master Xia.
After marriage, the families reconciled, especially the mother who had cared for the young lady since childhood. But during the fierce succession struggle, the young lady was used by the Eighth Prince to scheme against the Fourth Prince, nearly costing both their lives. The Tenth Prince knew this but tacitly allowed it.
The young lady confronted her family, but they refused to give up on the Tenth Prince. Disheartened, she has avoided contact since. Despite the Tenth Prince’s explanations and severing ties with the Eighth Prince, she never forgave him.
She had been raised in the Noble Consort’s palace until age seven, then sent home after the consort’s death to live with the Tenth Prince for three years. The two were close like siblings, so this betrayal wounded her deeply. Proud as she was, reconciliation was impossible.
Unexpectedly, now she was willing to humble herself for the young mistress. Even the two young masters had never softened her before.
Despite her thoughts, she answered softly, “Yes.”
Leaning against the railing, Xia’s mother’s mind raced.
“Little sister, brother brought you dragon beard candy. Eat it quickly.”
“Call me aunt.”
“No, little sister.”
“Hmph!”
---
The next day at the Hall of Mental Cultivation, when the Empress arrived, Xuan Ling was reviewing memorials.
“Your Majesty, Empress Dowager requests an audience.”
“Let her in.”
“Yes.”
The Empress Ulanara Yixiu entered and bowed properly. “I come to congratulate Your Majesty on gaining a new beauty.”
Xuan Ling paused mid-stroke but said nothing, strolling to the inner chamber. He lazily leaned on the couch. “What is it?”
The Empress’s smile stiffened briefly before resuming her gentle, virtuous facade. Seeing his low spirits, she handed over a memorial.
“This is the rank and palace assignments for the newly arranged ladies. Please review and advise if there are any issues.”
Xuan Ling glanced casually, his eyes lingering on two names:
Xia Dongchun, Palace Attendant.
Zhen Huan, Noble Lady.
He was so furious he nearly sneered.
After marking with his brush, he handed it back. “The Empress may withdraw.”
He then returned to his desk to continue reviewing documents.
The Empress opened it and gasped sharply.
Xia Dongchun was now Concubine Jia, residing in Zhaohua Palace.
Zhen Huan was Palace Attendant Wan.
She glanced at Xuan Ling’s expression but dared not ask further and quietly exited.
---
“Jian Qiu, investigate what’s truly going on with Xia Dongchun. Something’s off,” the Empress said as soon as she got back to the palace. Since the emperor’s ascension, she found him increasingly inscrutable.
He just didn’t seem right.
---
Jian Qiu looked puzzled. “Is there something wrong with Xia Dongchun?”
The Empress handed her the record. “At the selection, tea service informants reported a candidate of extraordinary beauty. I intended to prevent her from seeing the emperor or, if she did, to suppress her rank. Yet, unlike the other three candidates, she caused no trouble.”
Hui Chun gently massaged the Empress’s head.
Jian Qiu was stunned after reading. “Your Majesty, no matter how beautiful she is, the emperor shouldn’t be this irrational.”
The Empress sighed deeply. “That’s why I’m sending you to investigate.”
Jian Qiu immediately agreed and hurried off.
Hui Chun was puzzled and glanced at the ranks. “Your Majesty, although the ranking is somewhat high... but you are the Empress. There’s no need for such concern.”
Apart from Empress Chun Yuan, she had never seen her mistress this anxious.
The Empress waved her off.
She was his Empress, accompanying him for decades. She loved him and understood him better than anyone. Although the emperor showed little interest in Xia Dongchun outwardly—even speaking less to her than to the sister-like Zhen Huan she had discovered later—she sensed something different. She trusted her instincts.
The emperor’s fascination with this woman was unlike any other.
A man’s heart often starts with curiosity, especially for someone so striking.
---
That night, Jian Qiu returned, shocked, to report to the Empress.
“She is the direct niece of the Late Empress Xiaozhao Ren.”
“The daughter of Niohuru Ziyun, once raised under Consort Wenxi’s care, truly of noble standing.”
But then she added, “However, that third young lady severed ties with her family over a decade ago, let alone this generation’s Xia Dongchun.”
She looked at Jian Qiu, suspecting there was something else she didn’t know.
Jian Qiu racked her brain before suggesting, “Your Majesty, although no one has been placed close to the emperor, there is news that might be related. The day after the selection, Prince Dun visited the Hall of Mental Cultivation.”
The Empress suddenly understood and smiled. “That explains it. It seems the most honored lady in the Forbidden City has humbled herself to the family.”
Niohuru Ziyun had once ruled the palace with an iron fist. The Kangxi Emperor had joked in her youth that she would marry as the Purple Jade Princess—a great honor for a noblewoman—but for some reason, it never came to pass.
After pondering, Jian Qiu asked, “Your Majesty, should we...?”
“No, at least not now. The Xia family has served as palace retainers for generations, and Prince Dun is known for his fiery temper and obstinacy. He was as close as siblings with her little aunt. If a conflict arises, even the Empress Dowager couldn’t contain it.”
“So should we just ignore it?”
The Empress smiled, “It’s fine.”
With this understanding, she could tolerate the emperor’s favors toward Xia Dongchun. As for the differences during the selection, she would find a way to smooth them over in time.
Having resolved this, the Empress sipped her tea. “How is the Noble Consort?”
Before Jian Qiu could answer, Hui Chun complained bitterly, “Thinking about her makes me angry. She grabs everything first, yet you, Your Majesty, are the most honored. Why does she, a mere Noble Consort, always take the lead?”
Jian Qiu silenced her.
“Your Majesty, after seeing the documents today, she nearly uprooted Yikun Palace.”
“I can’t help but laugh at her temper. She really can’t handle it and acts as if she’s still in the prince’s mansion.”
The Empress smiled slightly, “Yes, shining alone amid a garden of spring flowers, the gap is too great. I hope our one and only Noble Consort remains unique forever.”
Though she didn’t understand why the emperor’s personality had changed so drastically since ascending the throne—from cautious and somewhat indecisive in the prince’s mansion to increasingly autocratic and decisive—she knew it was the same man underneath. Even then, she occasionally sensed a dissonance in certain moments.
Now it seemed the prince’s mansion days had been mostly a façade.
The Empress removed her hairpin and reclined on the bed.
No matter how he changed, he was undeniably more captivating.