The eunuch escorted Ye Jiao into the palace, offering continual apologies along the way. "Chief Steward Gao heard that young Chen spoke insolently and punished him with a hundred self-inflicted slaps, then assigned him to clean the latrines in the imperial gardens.""He was only recently promoted and unfamiliar with Doctor Ye; please do not take offense.""How could that be?" Ye Jiao replied solemnly, "Without an official edict from the Secretariat, I have no right to present myself before His Majesty. Yet, my concern compelled me to inquire further.""Yes, yes," the eunuch bowed his head, "but Chief Steward Gao has already reported to His Majesty that the doctor is in the palace, and His Majesty immediately wished to see you."
A warmth stirred in Ye Jiao's heart. Pressing the item concealed within her sleeve, she concealed a smile and strode forward with measured confidence. To facilitate state affairs, the emperor had recently taken residence in his private chambers behind the Zichen Hall. To the east stood the Bath Hall and the Warm Chamber; to the west, the Yan Ying and Han Xiang halls, grand and imposing when viewed from afar. Unconsciously, the majesty of the Son of Heaven seemed almost tangible, his very presence influencing her demeanor—instilling gravity and restraint.
Treading the square granite stones, she approached the steps leading to the Zichen Hall platform. Instinctively, she lifted her gaze and saw two figures standing atop the steps: Crown Prince Li Zhang and an official clad in scarlet robes adorned with a jade and gold belt. The eunuch guided Ye Jiao to ascend from one side of the steps. Li Zhang stood at the highest point, listening intently to the official's report, occasionally nodding subtly. His gaze shifted slowly from the man's face, resting on the white marble balustrade.
For reasons unknown, Ye Jiao suddenly felt restless, as if a scrutinizing, suspicious, and hostile gaze followed each of her steps up the stairs—a rope of lightning wrapping tightly around her. "What is there to fear?" she reassured herself silently. "It is the emperor who summoned me, not I who intruded. Could he dare strike me twenty lashes?"
With this thought, she reached the platform above the steps. Beyond lay the corridor connecting to the imperial chambers. Her pace quickened, as did that of the eunuch, when suddenly a voice rang out, "Who goes there?"
Li Zhang remained rooted, interrupting the official's report. His narrow, dragon-like eyes fixed on her with inscrutable depth. "Who goes there?" Ye Jiao met his gaze and offered a slight bow. They were scarcely thirty feet apart; unless the prince was blind, he must recognize her. This was a deliberate provocation. Ye Jiao longed to retort that she had once beaten him, but the eunuch spoke first, "Your Highness, this is Doctor Ye, summoned by His Majesty."
The declaration confirmed her identity and the emperor's summons, precluding further questioning from Li Zhang. The prince's response was slow, his eyes assessing Ye Jiao with undisguised disdain and cold detachment. After a protracted pause, he inquired, "Has Father awakened?"Ignoring Ye Jiao entirely, the eunuch answered, "His Majesty awoke at the hour of the Snake today."
Li Zhang nodded, "Very well. Once my duties are complete, I shall pay my respects." The eunuch turned and led Ye Jiao onward, though she had already stepped past him into the corridor. She was determined not to spare the prince a glance.
The emperor lay awake, yet seemingly not. His eyes fluttered weakly, his speech a murmured dream. Occasionally he drew a heavy breath. After several reports from the eunuchs, he slowly turned his head toward Ye Jiao and said, "Come closer... I cannot see well."
Her steps faltered. Was this still the dignified sovereign she revered? How could he have aged so swiftly, fallen so gravely ill? Ye Jiao knelt and bowed, tears falling upon the floor before she spoke.
"My child," the emperor murmured, "why weep? I am not yet gone."
"Your Majesty, what ailment afflicts you?" Ye Jiao pressed, "Has the imperial physician examined you? Are you taking medicine? Have you tried herbal prescriptions, acupuncture, or massage therapies?"
Her words drew a faint smile, light but genuine, and the labored breathing eased somewhat. His pale visage gained a hint of color. He motioned for Gao Fu to help him sit up against his pillow and looked at Ye Jiao.
"I heard you came to the palace and inquired about me, so I wished to see you. Have you brought a gift to cheer the ailing emperor?"
His weakened state reminded Ye Jiao of Li Ce's illness, when he had similarly sought comfort through gifts and companionship. Her throat tightened, and her eyes moistened. Her feelings for the emperor mingled six parts loyalty and reverence with four parts tender dependency born of elder care.
From her sleeve, Ye Jiao produced a thin booklet, presenting it with both hands."Is this a new piece by a master calligrapher?" the emperor asked."No," Ye Jiao glanced around, suddenly embarrassed."Did the Daxing Shan Temple recently translate a new sutra?" he inquired again.
She quickly withdrew the book, sheepishly replying, "Never mind. Let us say I have brought nothing at all."
But Gao Fu had already approached, receiving the booklet respectfully and presenting it to the emperor. Ye Jiao hastened to explain, "It is a recently published play from the capital, performed only once. I managed to procure a copy by some means, hoping it might amuse Your Majesty in your convalescence. A lifted spirit hastens recovery. It is not a calligraphy work or a scripture; I lack such refinement—my tastes are rather superficial."
"Hmm," the emperor extended the sound thoughtfully. "Though not refined, it is your heartfelt offering. I am burdened with state affairs and may lack time to listen, however."
Ye Jiao glanced at the booklet, silently wishing he might return it, but clearly Gao Fu was no one to discern such subtleties. The eunuch carefully shelved the book.
With the gift received, the emperor turned his attention to Ye Jiao's marriage."I hear the Chu Prince's residence is nearly ready; once furnished and warmed, you may move in. How fares your dowry preparation?"
Ye Jiao lowered her head, cheeks tinged with red."My mother, elder sister, and brother are arranging it. I have been too occupied with official duties to inquire."
The emperor cast her a sharp glance. Busy with state affairs? More like busy striking my sons. After beating Li Zhang and Li Chen, two of my sons are bedridden. Ah yes, Li Jing is his own doing. No wonder Ye Jiao has her hands full. Ever since the Heaven Sacrifice, this capital has been restless.
Clearing his throat, the emperor asked, "Have you received any news from your father? The old man should be returning for your wedding, no?"
"None," Ye Jiao shook her head softly, disappointment plain.
"I have heard that the Taoist priest residing at Zhao Wang's mansion is your father's disciple. If you seek news of Ye Xi, you might inquire with him," the emperor spoke gently.
Ye Jiao's heart startled. Her connection with Wang Qianshan was a secret not even family knew. How could the emperor be so well informed? Surely he must have ears at every corner. This thought deepened her reverence and fear for him.
She bowed low, "I am grateful for Your Majesty's concern and convey my father's thanks for your grace."
"Ye Qing, do not be sorrowful," the emperor sensed her mood and, as she had done to him, asked softly, "Are you truly unhappy? Do you miss your father? Have you written to him? Don't tell Xiao Jiu that I caused this."
Tears from a daughter-in-law would make him seem an unkind elder. Ye Jiao replied with a bow that she had not.
The emperor waved his hand decisively. "Enough. I will gift you something to mark this occasion."
He coughed several times, the eunuchs hurriedly bringing a spittoon. Using his sleeve to cover his mouth, he spat, rinsed, then gestured for Gao Fu to remove his supportive pillow so he could lie down again.
"Your Majesty..." Ye Jiao fretted."It is nothing," he assured her, raising a finger.
Gao Fu approached with a square wooden tray, upon which rested a golden-yellow pouch about the size of a palm. The drawstrings were fastened with soft cords tipped with golden beads, appearing precious beyond measure.
Ye Jiao knelt and reverently accepted the pouch with both hands. Inside lay a solid, square object, heavy as if made of gold.
"Do not open it," the emperor said mysteriously, "It holds great purpose."
…