Chapter 15: Full Moon Orders

Chunyu came in with the letter held in both hands.

She did not look at the bed.

She did not look at the green silk on the floor.

She did not look at the Dowager's bare shoulders, or at the physician's robe on the chair.

Murong Yue pulled the red coverlet to her collarbone and held out her hand.

The seal was purple wax, with a jade-belt pattern pressed into it.

She broke it, read it once, and held it out to Qinglan without a word.

The brush strokes were round and polite.

The Prince, it said, was gravely concerned for the health of his beloved sister-in-law.

He begged that she be examined in the Hall of Audience before all the ministers.

The night was the full moon, the fifteenth of the ninth month.

Two physicians would read her pulse in public, his own man and "the new woman from the south city."

Then the court might be at peace.

If she were found sound, he would kneel and beg pardon.

If she were found unwell, the regency should pass to the one who could bear it.

"Six days," said Qinglan.

"He thinks I will refuse," said Yue. "Then I am afraid, and hiding."

"And if you agree?"

"Then he thinks my pulse will do the rest."

Qinglan looked at her hard.

"Your pulse races for me."

"Yes."

"In front of a hundred ministers, with me holding your wrist."

"Yes."

"That's a problem."

Yue's mouth twisted. "I had noticed."

"Chunyu," Qinglan said, without looking up. "Does the Prince's man still send the tonic?"

"Every second morning, Physician. It is poured away."

"Good. From now on the tea is brewed in my room, by my hand, from my drawers. Nothing from his household touches her cup."

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