Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 17 : Storm

Note:
The “storm” here also refers to a crisis or turmoil.

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It was in the middle of the night that the Empress Dowager draped her clothes over herself and asked through the bed canopy, “What’s that din about?”

Hua Xiangyi nudged the canopy aside and helped the Empress Dowager out of the incense-scented-and-warmed bedding. She replied in a soft voice, “The students of the Imperial College want the Emperor to retract his appointment edict.”

The Empress Dowager got up, and the maidservants on both sides quietly lit the lamps and raised the curtains. Hua Xiangyi helped the Empress Dowager to the Arhat bed with a girdled waist, horses’ hooves legs, and plain boards at the sides. A soft cushion and heater were presented together to the Empress Dowager, while fermented milk2 was warmed up for her.

The Empress Dowager stirred the spoon with a light frown on her face, “How did that happen out of the blue?” She pondered it over for a moment. “The appointment order was only given yesterday, and they came to stir up a ruckus tonight. Isn’t that way too fast?”

“What’s more, the ones creating a commotion are those from the Imperial College.” Hua Xiangyi went along with the Empress Dowager and said, “Auntie, all the literary talents in the world look to the Imperial College. Even the Secretariat Elder himself would find it ill-advised to step in.”
 
The Empress Dowager scooped up the fermented milk. Although her makeup-less face showed signs of aging, it added character to her looks. She gradually put aside the bowl and leaned back against the cushion to stare at the glazed lampshade.

After a short while, she said, “That’s right. Shen Wei is now notorious for his crime. By all sentiment and logic, the Secretariat Elder cannot come forward to rebuke the students. If the students force His Majesty to rescind his order, then I’ll have to swallow this bitter pill in silence this time.” 

“Auntie.” Hua Xiangyi said, “It wasn’t His Majesty’s original intent to release Shen Zechuan. Now that he has earned himself the infamy of being ‘muddle-headed’ for no reason because of this order, I’m afraid it will create a distance between you both.” 

“It doesn’t matter.” The Empress Dowager said, “Once Imperial Concubine Wei is with child Dazhou will have an heir. The imperial heir is the foundation of the empire. As long as I have the heir in my hands, I’m still the Empress Dowager of Dazhou. His Emperor has long been at odds with me ever since he fell ill. Even if he flies into a rage this time, it’s merely a tantrum thrown during a moment of illness. Let him vent.” 

After his illness, Emperor Xiande gradually stopped going along with the Empress Dowager’s will. Although these were all trivial daily matters, it was already an indication of his disagreement. The Empress Dowager had assumed command in the palace with Pan Rugui at her side and Secretariat Elder Hua in the imperial court. If she wanted to ensure the continuation of the growing power and authority of the Hua Clan, then she needed a submissive and obedient Emperor.

If Emperor Xiande could no longer fit the role, then all she had to do was to replace him. 

The sole reason the Empress Dowager did not like Prince Chu, Li Jianheng, was because he had already come of age. He was not a weak child, nor was he a child who had grown up under her. How could such a person, if he were to ascend to the throne, be as obedient as an imperial grandson raised by her?