4 Rumors (1/2)

The next few days, the capital got the news of consort Ning's demise after giving birth to a stillborn and the capture and arrest of all those who attended to consort Ning while she was in labor. Consort Ning would be given a grand burial on an auspicious date and be laid to rest within the imperial mausoleum, which was a great honor, considering that she was only equivalent to the status of concubine and would not have had the right to be put to rest in such a grand mausoleum which was only reserved for the highest ranking of the imperial family. Since she had given birth to a son, conferred the honorary title of Prince Shu Ping, none of the high ranking ministers opposed the emperor's decision.

Soon, rumors began to spread, that consort Ning was perfectly healthy, she would have given birth naturally if the child had not died days before it was due. Some speculated that she had been poisoned, causing the child to die within the womb, leading to the loss of the two lives. Some even say this was due to jealousy among the emperor's harem that led to consort Ning's untimely demise.

There have always been tales of the imperial family that circulated among the people. Tales of the ruthlessness of royal women.

It was said that even when the most naive and innocent flowers enter the palace, it would not take long for her to become a ruthless and scheming woman in such an environment.

~

Within an area beneath a large oak tree filled with leaves turning gold and gently fluttering to the ground at the touch of a strong wind, there were six little wooden tables, cracked and discolored from the elements and worn with age. Those tables were filled with commoners talking among themselves.

This small little restaurant was in the perfect spot, just near the large gates that protected the imperial city and also one of the four main gates that people would come and go from the city.

Visitors who just arrived at the imperial city after a long hard journey would be compelled to sit down at this restaurant and buy some food, possibly drink some tea to rest, before moving along to their next destination. It was also a place to get information, to know everything happening within the imperial capital.

Aside from people who have traveled from beyond yonder to get to the imperial capital, it was also the place where the commoners gossiped and talked about things and events happening in places out of their reach.

”Consort Ning died giving birth due to birth complications, I heard it was a prince.” An old man said as he conversed with his tea buddies.

”The child also died.” A man over the next table seemed to have heard the conversation and decided to also say what he heard.

”Really? I have not heard the fate of the child.”

”Certainly, I have a relative working as a palace guard, he heard it from a superior.”

”Poor consort Ning.” A middle aged woman sighed. It seemed that all women, no matter the age would feel bad that a woman had died giving birth.

”I also heard that all the people that tended to her during her labor were arrested.” The man added on.

”What? Could it her death was not due to labor complications?” A woman asked.