LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 112: Pass Away

In the days following Lantern Festival the Dowager's illness worsens. She sleeps most of the day and no amount of medicine appears to help. The Emperor is given to more and more fits of anger. You do your best to lift her spirits when you see her, but in the end you cannot drive away the illness that is afflicting her body. In the end the Emperor forbids everyone except himself, the Empress and the Imperial Physician from entering the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility, to allow the Dowager to rest.

Shi Lian: Don't worry, my Lady. The Dowager will be okay.

Xiu Ying: Then why won't my nerves give me any peace?! Come, let's go for a walk.

As you pass through the Long Corridor, taking in the gloomy vista, you hear two maids from the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility speaking in an alcove.

Maid A: [Grumbling] Our Lantern Festival bonus this year was so small!

Maid B: The Dowager is very sick. The Emperor has ordered a skeleton-staff. That's why the bonus was small this year.

Maid A: How long is this going to drag out? She's not getting better. When will it end?

Maid B: Shhh. You never know who might be listening.

You cannot believe what you're hearing – you've been so worried about the Dowager's health, you can't believe these two maids could be so heartless, especially given where they work.

MC: [Storming into view] Outrageous! How dare you speak of the Dowager in that way!

Your sudden appearance startles them, but when they see it is you, they quickly regain their composure.

Maid B: Greetings, County Lady.

Maid A: We did not mean anything by it, my Lady. Please forgive us.

Xiu Ying: You admit you were wrong, so you agree a punishment is in order then.

You can tell from the disinterested look on her face that she isn't sorry at all. Just as you are about to chastise her further she bridles at your intrusion.

Maid A: [Maliciously] It's because the Dowager's sick – she's afraid she'll have no one to protect her! That's why she's so sensitive! Haha! We tremble before the Great Lady!

This maid serves in the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility, a relatively high position, and shows no fear of you.

Xiu Ying: [Face darkening] Great Lady? I am a County Lady. You think you outrank me?

Maid A: Surely you're joking. I would never challenge you. But as a County Lady, what right do you have to go around punishing servants?

Xiu Ying: Let me assure you, I am not joking. Guards! Take her away. Twenty strokes of the paddle.

The maid clearly never expected someone with your fame for kindness to be so tough. She starts to panic. Out of the corner of her eye she spots a familiar figure, and calls out for help.

Maid A: Matron Feng! Matron Feng! HELP ME!!!

Matron Feng has served the Dowager for many decades – even the Emperor gives her respect. Her gravitas is beyond question.

Matron Feng: [Coldly] I am sure the County Lady would not punish you without good cause. Own your mistakes and take your punishment!

Maid A: [Panicking] Mercy Lady! Mercy!

The idea that someone could speak in such a way of your beloved Dowager fills you with sorrow and rage. You remain totally unmoved by her cries.

Matron Feng: [Looking at you] County Lady, the Dowager is awake. She wants to see you.

You are about to ask Matron Feng what is she doing here, and are pleasantly surprised by her message.

Xiu Ying: She's awake? Excellent, I'll go right away... Shi Lian, go and fetch my new book of humorous anecdotes. The Dowager might want me to read to her!

In your joy you fail to notice the redness around Matron Feng's eyes. She is about to speak, but noticing your smile she holds her tongue. You follow her back to the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility. It is very quiet, with not a soul in sight.

Matron Feng: The Dowager just woke up. I have not informed the Emperor or Empress yet. She asked to see you first.

Xiu Ying: [Nodding] Very well. It's better not to crowd her if she's just woken. The Emperor and Empress can be informed presently.

Incense fills the chamber. It is still and peaceful. The Dowager is propped up on some pillows, her face is tranquil and she is smiling.

Empress Dowager: There you are, Yongqing. Come and sit next to me.

Xiu Ying: You really are awake! I've been so worried... Call the doctor. There might be some medicine you can take!

Empress Dowager: [Watching you and smiling] Don't worry about that. Come, let's have a chat first.

The Dowager has sent all her servants away. You are the only two people in the hall. Suddenly you feel very uneasy. Perhaps... the Dowager is not on the mend, but rather saying her final goodbyes.

Empress Dowager: When I have gone, you must promise me one thing, okay?

Xiu Ying: [Angrily] You're not going to die! Just stop it, will you?! I'll promise you anything you like, once you get better!

Tears sit in the Dowager's eyes. She pulls your hand towards her.

Empress Dowager: [Insistently] No matter what happens, always put the people first. Do you understand?

You look at the Dowager, confusion written all over your face.

Empress Dowager: [Urgently] Xiu Ying! Promise me!

The Dowager doesn't use your title, but your given name. Her eyes bore into you, as if the fate of whole world turned upon your question. You have no idea what you are promising, but you don't want to let her down either.

Xiu Ying: [Solemnly] I swear. I swear it.

Empress Dowager: [Patting your hand] Good child. Good child. Good. You can go now. I've already summoned the Emperor and Empress.

You leave the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility in a daze. When you have gone, Matron Feng approaches the Dowager.

Empress Dowager: Well? What do you make of the child?

Matron Feng: Lady Yongqing is very clever, but more importantly, she has a good heart.

Empress Dowager: You're right. She has a long road ahead of her. I have a favor to ask you... When I am gone, live well and keep an eye on Yongqing. Keep her safe. I have one last command. Go and get a calligraphy brush.

The sky darkens. Cold wind whistles through the palace courtyards, blowing snow into piles. You kneel in outside the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility. More and more people arrive and kneel down next to you. Moments after the Emperor enters the hall, the sound of Matron Feng's wailing pierces the air. At that moment you feel like you have fallen through ice, that this winter is the coldest winter that has ever been.

Old Eunuch: [Mournfully] The Empress Dowager is dead!