The Heart Given to Brighten the Moon - Chapter 18

Shen Danxin instinctively clutched her chest, her voice full of disbelief. “Does that mean all the talk about our ‘Great Revenge Plan’ was for nothing!?”

Song Mingyue was clearly taken aback. Her face flushed with embarrassment, and she immediately turned away, muttering, “Your grand plan feels like it will take until the next century to bear fruit. Besides, this matter is looming over my head right now; I have no luxury to worry about much else.”

Shen Danxin patted her flat chest, feeling a pang of heartache as she spoke with earnest persuasion. “Setting aside whether marrying into the Chu family truly gets you out of this misery, have you thought about what will happen to Mingjue? In the past, you two at least looked out for each other. If you leave, Mingjue remains in the palace as Zhao Zongqian’s collateral to keep you in check. At that point, you’ll be forced to swallow the bitterness and act as his spy, you won’t even be able to complain. Furthermore, do you truly believe Zhao Zongqian would be so kind as to bring Duke Lu back just to annoy himself?”

Shen Danxin had been reluctant to voice these words. She had known the name Zhao Zongqian since her first night in this world, but to this day, forget meeting him, she hadn’t even caught a distant glimpse. Everything she said was conjecture. Throughout history, how many of those in high positions of power had met a good end? If Song Mingyue bet herself on this marriage in hopes of revenge, what would happen if the Chu family was executed for treason before she could strike? The fear was that Song Mingyue, blinded by hatred, would refuse to listen and insist on gambling this game of life and death.

But Shen Danxin had underestimated Song Mingyue. Growing up in the Imperial Family, the girl had seen more than enough treachery and intrigue. With just a small nudge, she could see things clearly. She remained silent for a long while, her face clouding with difficulty. “You speak with reason. I was too rash. But now I have no way back; aside from marrying into the Chu family, I can only resist with my death.”

Seeing the situation turn around, half of the stone in Shen Danxin’s heart finally dropped. She began to discuss a strategy in earnest. “Mingjue didn’t risk his neck to recommend me to the Qingmo Academy for nothing. Old Man Cai may be a strict teacher who’s tormented me for days, but he’s still a ‘cute’ old man with a shred of conscience left. Tomorrow, I shall go to see the Empress under the guise of delivering a painting.”

“Empress Wuzhao?” Song Mingyue rarely mentioned the Empress who favored Cai Xun. She whispered in surprise, “Why see her?”

Shen Danxin rubbed her chin and pondered. “I hear the Empress truly embodies the role of Mother of the Empire, with a keen sense of right and wrong. They say before Zhao Zongqian conquered Longcheng, this legendary Empress was highly regarded among the people, known as the ‘Chivalrous Lady Lexi.’ If that’s true, she is the only person who can save you.”

“A pipe dream,” Song Mingyue said ruthlessly.

Shen Danxin didn’t care. She leaned in closer, her smile exceptionally cryptic. “I also hear that the one who convinced that dog-thief Zhao Zongqian to show mercy and spare your lives back then was this, Empress Wuzhao. Is it true?”

Song Mingyue glanced at her, somewhat startled. “Where do you get so much gossip and hearsay?”

“Don’t worry about that.” Shen Danxin straightened up, her eyes gleaming with pride. “It’s truly a pity such a virtuous woman is paired with Zhao Zongqian. But without her, you wouldn’t be alive today. What is that? That’s ‘destiny’! Only she can save you!”

Song Mingyue’s expression remained cold. She sneered, “Back then, she was merely momentarily soft-hearted, a woman’s trivial mercy. Now, she is the Empress, high above in a golden palace of glass, while I am but a prisoner in a shack. Why would she care about the life or death of an ant?”

Shen Danxin delivered a sharp slap to the young beauty’s thigh and cried out in joy: “It’s exactly that ‘woman’s trivial mercy’ we need! They say a man conquers the world with blood and bone, while a woman cleanses the world with a bodhisattva’s heart. That is why the world is divided into Yin and Yang, and why a King follows heaven’s mandate to appoint a Queen. It’s the same logic!”

What kind of logic is that!? Song Mingyue nearly roared. If Shen Danxin’s nonsense actually worked, she would start a vegetarian diet and pray to Buddha every single day!

Seeing her “you’ve-seen-a-ghost” expression, Shen Danxin curled her lip, her interest fading. “Fine, don’t believe me. Tomorrow, you just wait at home for my good news. I’m off. Don’t bother seeing me out.”

In the winter night, once a person leaves, the warmth leaves with them, making the empty hall feel even colder. Song Mingyue stared blankly at the stool where Shen Danxin had just sat. When Song Mingjue pushed the door open, she looked up with a dazed expression.

“Did Miss Shen come up with a plan?” Song Mingjue asked in a low voice, a flicker of hope in his eyes.

Song Mingyue snapped out of it and said irritably, “Not really. Just more of her well-spun nonsense.”

“Eh?” Song Mingjue didn’t understand. He sat on the stool and offered comfort. “Sister, I feel that although Miss Shen’s actions are eccentric, she has a kind heart. Her words are not entirely without reason.”

Song Mingjue had been keeping watch outside and hadn’t heard their conversation. But after Shen Danxin left, his sister’s expression had returned to normal. Regardless of what “nonsense” plan she had, as long as it worked, it was fine.

Song Mingyue didn’t argue. Resting her chin on her hand, she merely sighed, “Do not forget, she is ultimately an outsider.”

The “outsider” Shen Danxin woke up exceptionally early. She acted with great decorum, drinking only a small bowl of porridge before heading out to water and fertilize the plants. This behavior terrified the table-full of young attendants; usually, Master Shen wouldn’t feel full even after three bowls, and she possessed zero respect for the elderly or the young, often leaving them hungry. What was wrong with her today?

Old Man Cai was nowhere to be found. Shen Danxin searched the courtyard but didn’t see a trace of him. She had no choice but to take the sandalwood box and leave the Qingmo Academy alone. Lately, the old man had grown quite fond of nagging her; now that it was suddenly quiet, she found she wasn’t used to it. Walking along the long path, cradling the box she had double-checked a thousand times, she felt incredibly depressed.

Having learned from past mistakes, Shen Danxin had not only mapped out the route but had also forced the attendants to draw a crude map for her. The poor boys had received no thanks for their effort, only a round of mockery from Shen Danxin: “With brushwork like this, how do you have the nerve to call yourselves members of the Qingmo Academy?”

Looking at the crooked map in her hand, the corner of Shen Danxin’s mouth lifted slightly.

Among the palace complexes, the most striking was Jitian Palace. Glass roof tiles, gold-plated pillars, six-angled eaves, it boasted eight courtyards and the wondrous sight of a hundred birds flying together. Every flower and tree in the garden had been personally planted by the Empress. The interior was luxurious yet not gaudy, simple yet refined a perfect reflection of the Empress’s character. Jitian Palace was formerly the Fengyi Palace of the previous dynasty; once Empress Wuzhao moved in, she changed the name to “Jitian” [Saving the World]. Legend has it that the previous Emperor Song Hui was incompetent yet a romantic; he spent his life devoted to Empress Gao. In the final years of the dynasty, he spent ten thousand gold pieces to build this palace for her. But she hadn’t lived there for six months before Zhao Zongqian’s army stormed the city. The current Empress disliked luxury and ordered a month of renovations, keeping only the glass tiles and gold pillars.

Under the sunlight, the glass tiles looked like a surging tide of multicolored light. Shen Danxin squinted upward for a moment; not only did her neck ache, but her eyes hurt too. She adjusted the sandalwood box in her arms, took a deep breath, and walked with bold strides.

A young eunuch, hearing Shen Danxin’s name, bowed politely. “I trouble Master Shen to wait here a moment; I shall go to report.”

Like master, like servant. Look at those arrogant attendants at Luanqi Palace, then look at Jitian Palace. That young eunuch only spared her a single glance without staring, and his etiquette was impeccable. How could such a virtuous Empress raise a tyrannical daughter like Zhao Hui? And I hear she’s the biological mother?

Shen Danxin was halfway through her musings when an older eunuch stepped out from the gate. The younger one followed behind, gesturing toward her. “This is Master Shen, the disciple of Master Cai of the Qingmo Academy.”

The older eunuch’s face was lined with deep furrows, and his expression was like a pool of stagnant water. However, his narrow eyes were exceptionally sharp. He spared Shen Danxin a glance, offered a cold smile, and bowed. “This old servant, Chang Ping, is willing to lead the way for Master Shen. Pray, follow me.”

Shen Danxin didn’t say much, offering a perfunctory smile and a bow. “I trouble you, Eunuch Chang.”

By the time they were halfway there, Shen Danxin’s head was spinning from the sights. These flowers, these plants, the ponds and pavilions were far more pleasing to the eye than the Qingmo Academy! No wonder so many women dreamed of being Empress; even if it was restrictive, wouldn’t a life accompanied by such beauty be wonderful!?

Shen Danxin was busy considering whether to convince Song Mingyue to drop the revenge and just become a concubine. Why make things hard for herself? Then Shen Danxin could ride her coattails wouldn’t that be the dream come true?

“Master, watch your step,” Chang Ping suddenly reminded her.

Lost in her daydream, Shen Danxin nearly stumbled. She looked at the steps beneath her feet—made of ordinary stone yet exquisitely carved. Every step was a masterpiece of plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, or chrysanthemums. She froze in place.

Chang Ping didn’t say a word, standing a pace away and waiting silently.

Once Shen Danxin had seen enough and clicked her tongue in wonder, she asked, “Eunuch Chang, does the Empress love birds and flowers this much?”

Even though the person before him was the disciple favored by Master Cai, Chang Ping showed no hint of flattery. He said stiffly, “This old servant has served Her Majesty for ten years. Every day, regardless of wind or rain, she spends half a day tending to them without fail.”

“Then why does Her Majesty uniquely favor my Master’s portraits?”

Chang Ping narrowed his eyes slightly and smiled. “Master Shen should ask Her Majesty that yourself. Though I fear there is no chance for that today.”

Shen Danxin was taken aback, and her heart began to hammer like a drum. Before she could ask, Chang Ping seemingly reading her mind said, “Her Majesty just went to the Chaofeng Yard to feed the birds. I fear Master Shen won’t be able to see her for quite some time.”

Any normal person would have made a wise exit at this point. But Shen Danxin was Shen Danxin. She flashed her most “warm and radiant” smile and said irritably, “Excellent. Not just anyone can enter Jitian Palace. I haven’t seen enough of the garden’s beauty yet. I trouble Eunuch Chang to pass a message whenever Her Majesty is happy with her bird-feeding, she may come and see me at her leisure.”

Chang Ping remained expressionless and silent. He merely gave a slight bow and turned to leave.

Chaofeng Yard had no water or flowers, only tall trees and thick grass. A woman of striking beauty, wearing a white fox-fur cloak, stood in the center of the yard. She was surrounded by countless birds of various sizes and colors. With a toss of her hand, dozens of birds rose in a chorus of song, vying for the food in the air. Chang Ping stood at the edge for a long while. It was only when the woman had finished the food in her hand that she walked slowly toward him.

“Did he truly say that?” Empress Wuzhao, He Lian Wanyan, gave a tranquil smile.

Chang Ping kept his hands folded over his stomach and his head low, his expression utterly humble. He replied, “It is one thing for Cai Xun to be unrestrained by convention, but how did he raise such an unreasonable disciple? If Your Majesty does not wish to see him, I shall have him driven out once the lamps are lit.”

He Lian Wanyan took a food box from a maid. While walking back into the yard, she said:

“There are few in this world who gain Master Cai’s favor. Bring him to me.”

Chang Ping dared not say more. He bowed lowly. “Yes.”