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apothecaryscript · 5 months ago

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Episode 11 : Reducing Two to One / 第11話『二つを一つに(Futatsuo Hitotsuni)』

風明「玉葉妃からの文？」

Fonmin “Gyokuyo-hi-karano fumi?”

Fengming “A letter from Concubine Gyokuyou?”

猫猫「ええ。直接お届けするようにと」

Maomao “Ee. Chokusetsu otodoke suru-yonito.

Maomao “Yes. I was ordered to deliver it directly.”

風明「阿多様は茶会に出ているのだけど…」

Fonmin “Āduo-samawa chakaini dete-iruno-dakedo…”

Fengming “Lady Ah-Duo is away on a tea party.”

猫猫「風明様に、お話ししたいことがあります」

Maomao “Fonmin-samani, ohanashi shitai kotoga arimasu.”

Maomao “There’s something I would like to discuss with you, Lady Fengming.”

風明「分かったわ」

Fonmin “Wakattawa.”

Fengming “I understand.”

猫猫（荷物が整理されている…ということは、やっぱり…）

Maomao (Nimotsuga seiri sarete-iru…to-iu kotowa, yappari…)

Maomao (The luggage is all packed up. That must mean, as I thought…)

風明「どうぞ。それで、今日は一体どうしたの？大掃除はもう十分よ」

Fonmin “Dozo. Sorede, kyowa ittai do-shitano? Oosojiwa mo jubun’yo.”

Fengming “Please. So, what did you need today? We’ve finished cleaning this place.”

猫猫「いつ引っ越されるのですか？」

Maomao “Itsu hikkosa-reruno-desuka?”

Maomao “When are you moving out?”

風明「察しがいいのね」

Fonmin “Sasshiga iinone.”

Fengming “You’re a smart one.”

猫猫「大掃除は、表向きの理由ですね？新年の挨拶と共に新しい上級妃を迎えるために、阿多妃はこの宮を去らねばならない。阿多妃は、もう子を産めないのですね…。出産時に何があったのですか？」

Maomao “Oosojiwa, omote-mukino riyu desune? Shin-nen-no aisatsuto tomoni atarashii jokyu-hio mukaeru tameni, Āduo-hiwa kono miyao saraneba naranai. Āduo-hiwa, mo ko’o umenaino-desune… Shussan-jini naniga attano-desuka?”

Maomao “The big clean-up was an excuse. In order to welcome a new high-ranked concubine during the new year’s celebration, Concubine Ah-Duo must leave this palace. Concubine Ah-Duo can’t have children anymore, can she? What happened when she gave birth?”

風明「あなたには関係のない話じゃなくて？」

Fonmin “Anata-niwa kankeino nai hanashija nakute?”

Fengming “I fail to see how that’s any of your business.”

猫猫「関係ない話ではないです。出産の場にいたのは、私の義父なので」

Maomao “Kankei-nai hanashi-dewa naidesu. Shussanno bani ita-nowa, watashino chichi nanode.”

Maomao “It is my business. The doctor who attended that birth was my father.”

風明「ハッ…！」

Fonmin “Ha…!”

猫猫「不幸なのは、その頃、東宮妃だった阿多妃の出産が、時の皇后の出産と時期が重なったことでしょうか」

Maomao “Fuko nanowa, sono-koro, togu-hi datta Āduo-hino shussanga, tokino kogo-no shussanto jikiga kasanatta koto deshoka.”

Maomao “My guess is the misfortune was that Concubine Ah-Duo, the prince’s concubine at the time, gave birth at the same time as the empress dowager.”

ーーーーー

風明「医官はまだ戻ってこれないの？！」

Fonmin “Ikanwa mada modotte korenaino?!”

Fengming “When is the doctor coming back?!”

侍女「まだ皇后さまのところに…」

Jijo “Mada kogo-samano tokoroni…”

Lady in waiting “He’s still at the empress dowager’s.”

風明「阿多様！阿多様、大丈夫です。風明がおそばにおります！」

Fonmin “Āduo-sama! Āduo-sama, daijobu desu. Fonminga osobani orimasu!”

Fengming “Lady Ah-Duo! Lady Ah-Duo, it’s all right! Fenming is by your side!”

猫猫「皇后と天秤にかけた結果、阿多妃の出産は後回しにされた…」

Maomao “Kogoto tenbinni kaketa kekka, Āduo-hino shussanwa ato-mawashini sareta…”

Maomao “The empress dowager was given higher priority, and Concubine Ah-Duo’s childbirth had to wait.”

風明「阿多様…」

Fonmin “Āduo-sama…”

Fengming “Lady Ah-Duo.”

ーーーーー

猫猫「その時ですね。阿多妃が子宮を失ったのは…。その後、阿多妃のもとに生まれた子は、幼くして亡くなってしまった。風明様は、責任を感じているのではないですか？当��、出産後の体調が芳しくない阿多妃に代わって、赤子のお世話をしていたのは、あなたのはずです」

Maomao “Sono toki desune. Āduo-higa shikyuo ushinatta-nowa… Sonogo, Āduo-hino motoni umareta kowa, osanaku-shite nakunatte shimatta. Fonmin-samawa, sekinin’o kanjite-iruno-dewa nai desuka? Toji, shussan-gono taichoga kanbashiku-nai Āduo-hini kawatte, osewao shite-itanowa anatano hazu desu.”

Maomao “That must have been when Concubine Ah-Duo lost her uterus. The child that was born to Concubine Ah-Duo then passed away soon after. Lady Fengming, are you blaming yourself for that? You must have been the one taking care of the baby instead of Concubine Ah-Duo.”

風明「何もかも知ってるのね…。阿多様を助けることもできなかったヤブの娘なのに」

Fonmin “Nanimo-kamo shitteru-none… Āduo-samao tasukeru kotomo deki-nakatta yabuno musume nanoni.”

Fengming “You’ve figured it all out, despite being the daughter of the quack who couldn’t help Lady Ah-Duo.”

猫猫「…そうですね。赤子の死因は、この間の毒おしろい事件と同じだと思われていますが、それは違いますよね？あなたの言うそのやぶ医者は、おしろいを使うのを禁じてたはずです。聡明なあなたが、それによって赤子を死なせることはない。本当の死因は…これです」

Maomao “…So desune. Akagono shiinwa, kono-aidano doku-oshiroi-jikento onaji-dato omowarete imasuga, sorewa chigai-masu-yone? Anatano iu sono yabu-ishawa, oshiroio tsukauno’o kinjiteta hazu desu. Someina anataga, soreni yotte akago’o shinaseru kotowa nai. Hontono shiinwa…kore desu.”

Maomao “You’re right. It’s thought that the cause of the baby’s death was the same toxic make-up from the other incidents, but that’s not the case, is it? That doctor you call a quack must have banned that powder. You’re a wise person. You wouldn’t have let the baby die from that. The real cause of death was this.”

猫猫「花の中には、毒のあるものも多い。鳥兜や蓮華つつじのように、その蜜にも毒性がある」

Maomao “Hanano naka-niwa, dokuno aru monomo ooi. Tri-kabutoya renge-tsutsujino-yoni, sono mitsu-nimo dokuseiga aru.”

Maomao “Many flowers have poison in them, like aconite or azalea. Their nectar can be poisonous, too.”

風明「知っているわ」

Fonmin “Shitte-iruwa.”

Fengming “I am aware.”

猫猫「でも、あなたは…知らなかった。毒を含まない、ただの蜂蜜が、滋養にいいと与えていた薬が、赤子にとって毒になること」

Maomao “Demo, anatawa…shirana-katta. Dokuo fukuma-nai, Tadano hachi-mitsuga, jiyoni iito ataete-ita kusuriga, akagoni totte dokuni naru-koto.”

Maomao “But back then… you weren’t. You didn’t realize regular honey with no poison, the medicine you thought was good for health, can be harmful to a newborn baby.”

阿多妃「いつもすまない、風明」

Āduo-hi “Itsumo sumanai, Fonmin.”

Concubine Ah-Duo “Thank you for your help as always, Fengming.”

風明「いいえ、阿多様はお体を休めて、早くお元気になって下さいませ」

Fonmin “Iie, Āduo-samawa okaradao yasumete, hayaku ogenkini natte kudasai-mase.”

Fengming “It’s no trouble at all, Lady Ah-Duo. Please rest and recover soon.”

猫猫「そして、阿多妃の子は息絶える。死因は謎として、当時医官だった私の義父・羅門は、出産時の処置も含め、度重なる失態により、後宮を追放されました。それからあなたは偶然にも、阿多妃の子の死因を知ることとなる。ある人物が、蜂蜜は赤子にとっては毒になると教えたんですね。」

Maomao “Soshite, Āduo-hino kowa iki-taeru. Shiinwa nazoto-shite, toji ikan-datta watashino chichi Ruomenwa, shussan-jino shochimo fukume, tabi-kasanaru shittaini yori, kokyuo tsuiho sare-mashita. Sorekara anatawa guzen-nimo, Āduo-hino kono shiin’o shiru kototo naru. Aru jinbutsuga hachi-mitsuwa akagoni tottewa dokuni naruto oshietan-desune.”

Maomao “And thus, Concubine Ah-Duo’s child passed away. The cause was treated as a mystery. My father Luomen, the attending doctor at that time, was blamed for the repeated mistakes, including the one at childbirth. He was expelled from the rear palace. But later on, you accidentally learned the true cause of the baby’s death. Someone taught you that honey can be poisonous to infants, didn’t they?”

猫猫「阿多妃だけには知られたくなかった。自分が唯一の子を殺した原因だと…。だから、消そうと考えた」

Maomao “Āduo-hi dake-niwa shirare-taku nakatta. Jibunga yuiitsuno ko’o koroshita gen’in dato… Dakara, kesoto kangaeta.”

Maomao “You had to make sure Concubine Ah-Duo didn’t find out. She couldn’t know you were the one who killed her only child. So, you tried to eliminate them.”

猫猫「その人物こそが、里樹妃です。先帝の時代、里樹妃は年上の嫁である阿多妃に懐いていた。阿多妃も里樹妃のことを可愛がっていた。親元から離れた幼い娘と、もう子供を持つことのできない女性…一種の共依存が生まれていたのかもしれない」

Maomao “Sono jinbutsu-kosoga, Rīshu-hi desu. Senteino jidai, Rīshu-hiwa toshi-ueno yomede aru Āduo-hini natsuite-ita. Āduo-himo Rīshu-hino koto’o kawaigatte-ita. Oyamoto-kara hanareta osanai musumeto, mo kodomo’o motsu kotono dekinai josei… Isshuno kyo-izonga umarete-itano-kamo shirenai.”

Maomao “That person is… Concubine Lishu. During the previous emperor’s reign, Concubine Lishu was close to Concubine Ah-Duo, who was her elder. Concubine Ah-Duo was also fond of Concubine Lishu. A young girl, taken from her parents, and a woman who could no longer give birth. There may have been a type of codependency developing.”

猫猫「そのうちにあなたは里樹妃から、赤子の頃に蜂蜜を食べて死にかけたと知らされる。阿多妃にそれを聞かせないために、里樹妃を柘榴宮から追い返すようになった。やがて、先帝が崩御して、里樹妃は追い返された理由も分からぬまま、出家してしまう。風明様は、安堵されたでしょうね…。しかし、二度と会うことはないと思われた里樹妃は、再び後宮に現れる…同じ上級妃として…阿多妃を追いやる立場として。図々しくもその小娘は、母親を求めるように、何度も阿多妃に会いに来ようとする。子を産めない阿多妃の立場を守るため、そして、蜂蜜の件を隠すために、あなたは、里樹妃のスープに毒を入れた…」

Maomao “Sono uchini anatawa Rīshu-hi-kara, akagono koroni hachi-mitsuo tabete shini-kaketato shira-sareru.

Āduo-hini soreo kikase-nai-tameni, Rīshu-hio Zakuro-Kyu-kara oikaesu-yoni natta. Yagate senteiga hogyo-shite, Rīshu-hiwa oikae-sareta riyumo wakaranu-mama shukke shite-shimau. Fonmin-samawa, ando sareta deshone. Shikashi, nidoto au kotowa naito omowareta Rīshu-hiwa, futatabi kokyuni arawareru… onaji jokyu-hito-shite… Āduo-hio oiyaru tachibato-shite. Zuzushikumo sono komusumewa, hahaoyao motomeru-yoni nandomo Āduo-hini aini koyoto suru. Ko’o umenai Āduo-hino tachibao mamoru-tame, soshite, hachi-mitsuno ken’o kakusu tameni, anatawa Rīshu-hino sūpuni dokuo ireta…”

Maomao “During that time, you learned from Concubine Lishu that she almost died eating honey as a baby. To make sure Concubine Ah-Duo never heard that story, you started to chase Concubine Lishu away from the Garnet Pavilion. Later, the previous emperor passed away, and concubine Lishu was forced to leave the rear palace, unaware of why she was chased out. You must have felt quite relieved. But Concubine Lishu, who you thought you’d never see again, returned to the rear palace. As another high-ranking concubine. As a threat to Concubine Ah-Duo’s status. That insolent child tried to visit Concubine Ah-Duo many times, as if trying to be with her mother. To protect Concubine Ah-Duo, who is incapable of childbirth, and to hide the issue with the honey… You poisoned Concubine Lighu’s soup.”

風明「欲しい物は何？」

Fonmin “Hoshii monowa nani?”

Fengming “What do you want?”

猫猫「そんな物はありません」

Maomao “Sonna monowa arimasen.”

Maomao “There’s nothing.”

風明「何でもいいのよ？」

Fonmin “Nandemo iinoyo?”

Fengming “Anything. Just ask.”

猫猫「そんなの意味がないことを、ご自分で分かっているでしょう」

Maomao “Sonnano imiga nai koto’o gojibunde wakatte-iru desho.”

Maomao “You must know that’s meaningless.”

風明「フウ…。ねえ、あなたは一番大切な人の、一番大切なものって分かる？」

Fonmin “Fu… Nee, anatawa ichiban taisetsuna hitono, ichiban taisetsuna monotte wakaru?”

Fengming “Hey. Do you know what’s most precious to the person most precious to you?”

風明「阿多様に初めてお会いした時から、この方以外に仕えるべき人はいないと感じていたの。女でありながら、しっかりした意思を持ち、東宮と同じ目線で話せる。阿多様を心から尊��していた…」

Fonming “Āduo-samani hajimete oai-shita toki-kara, kono kata igaini tsukaeru-beki hitowa inaito kanjite-itano. Onnade ari-nagara, shikari-shita ishio mochi, toguto onaji mesende hanaseru. Āduo-samao kokoro-kara sonkei shite-ita…”

Fengming “The moment I met Lady Ah-Duo, I knew I would never serve anyone else again. Despite being a woman, she had a strong will, and the ability to speak on even grounds with the prince. I had nothing but the deepest respect for Lady Ah-Duo.”

風明「親の言うことを聞き、言われるがままに侍女になった私と比べて、どれほど衝撃を受けたことか…」

Fonmin “Oyano iukoto’o kiki, iwareruga-mamani jijoni natta watashito kurabete, dore-hodo shogekio uketa kotoka…”

Fengming “Compared to me, who just followed my parents’ orders to become a lady-in-waiting, she was such an astonishing person.”

風明「なのに私は…阿多様の一番大切なものを…この手で…奪ってしまったのよ！！阿多様が��のように大切にしてきた赤子を！！！この手で…！」

Fonmin “Nanoni watashiwa… Āduo-samano ichiban taisetsuna mono’o…kono tede…ubatte shimatta-noyo!! Āduo-samaga tamano-yoni taisetsuni shite-kita akago’o!!! Kono tede…!”

Fengming “Despite that, I… I took what was most precious to her with my own hands… I took him away! The baby that Lady Ah-Duo loved so dearly! With these hands!”

風明「あの時…阿多様は私たちにこう言ったの…」

Fonmin “Ano toki… Āduo-samawa watashi-tachini ko ittano…”

Fengming “Back then… Lady Ah-Duo told us this.”

阿多妃「皆が気に病む必要はない。子供は七つになるまで分からないものだ。少しの病気で、ころりと死んでしまう。子は、天の命に従ったのだ…」

Āduo-hi “Minaga kini yamu hitsuyowa nai. Kodomowa nanatsuni naru-made wakaranai monoda. Sukoshino byokide kororito shinde-shimau. Kowa tenno meini shitagatta-noda…”

Concubine Ah-Duo “Do not blame yourselves for this. Babies can die for any reason until they’re seven. Even the slightest illness can easily kill them. My baby simply followed the will of the heavens.”

風明「阿多様が毎夜泣き明かしていることを、私は…知っていたのに…」

Fonmin “Āduo-samaga maiya naki-akashite-irukoto’o watashiwa…shitte-itanoni…”

Fengming “And yet, I knew she cried herself to sleep every night!”

猫猫（この16年間、どのような思いで仕えていたのだろう…。伴侶を持つこともなく、ひたすら、阿多妃のために…。分からない、私には。そこまで他人を大切に思える心がない。私の話を聞けば、壬氏様は風明を必ず捕まえる。何があろうと、極刑は逃れられない。賢い彼女には、全てが分かっているはずだ…）

Maomao (Kono juroku-nenkan, dono-yona omoide tsukaete-itano-daro… Hanryo’o motsu kotomo naku, hitasura, Āduo-hino tameni… Wakaranai, watashi-niwa. Soko-made tanin’o taisetsuni omoeru kokoroga nai. Watashino hanashio kikeba, Jinshi-samawa Fonmin’o kanarazu tsukamaeru. Naniga aroto, kyokkeiwa nogare-rarenai. Kashikoi kanojo-niwa, subetega wakatte-iru hazuda…)

Maomao (What was her mental state like, as she served Lady Ah-Duo for the past sixteen years? Without having her own partner, sacrificing everything for Concubine Ah-Duo… I can’t relate. I don’t have in my heart to keep someone so close. If he hears my story, Master Jinshi will surely apprehend Fengming. There’s no way she’d escape capital punishment. She’s a smart woman. She knows all of that.)

猫猫「私に提案があります。私にできるのは、二つあった動機を、一つにすることだけです。結果は変わりません。それでもよろしければ、受け入れてください」

Maomao “Watashini teianga arimasu. Watashini dekiru-nowa, futatsu atta dokio hitotsuni suru-koto dake-desu. Kekkawa kawari-masen. Sore-demo yoroshi-kereba, uke-irete kudasai.”

Maomao “I have a suggestion. The only thing I can do is to take your two motives and make it one. It won’t change the results. But if that’s still preferable to you, please hear me out.”

ーーーーー

猫猫「疲れた…！湯あみ…はできないし、せめて着替えるか」

Maomao “Tsukareta…! Yuami…wa dekinaishi, semete kigaeruka.”

Maomao “So tired… A bath…No, it’s too late for that. Guess I can at least get changed.”

猫猫「もしものために、油紙を重ねて固定していたが、必要なくてよかった…切られたら痛いからな」

Maomao “Moshimono tameni, abura-gamio kasanete kotei shite-itaga, hitsuyo nakute yokatta… Kiraretara itai karana.”

Maomao “I wore layers of stiffened oil paper, just in case. Glad I didn’t need it. Getting slashed would hurt.”

ーーーーー

壬氏「フゥ…。というわけで、風明が自首してきたのだが、何か知らないか？」

Jinshi “Fu… To-iu-wakede, Fonminga jishu shite Kitano-daga, nanika shiranaika?”

Jinshi “And so, Fengming turned herself in. Do you know anything about it?”

猫猫「何のことでしょう？」

Maomao “Nanno koto desho?”

Maomao “What do you mean?”

壬氏「高順に書き物を集めさせていたようだが」

Jinshi “Gaoshunni kakimono’o atsume-sasete-ita-yodaga.”

Jinshi “I heard you had Gaoshun collect some information.”

猫猫「ええ、何か分かるかと思いましたが、無駄になってしまいました」

Maomao “Ee, nanika wakaru-kato omoi-mashitaga, mudani natte shimai-mashita.”

Maomao “Yes. I’d hoped to figure something out, but it was all for naught.”

壬氏「風明の動機は、お前の言った通り、阿多妃のため。四夫人の座にとどまれるようにするためだったそうだ」

Jinshi “Fonmin’no dokiwa, omaeno itta-toori, Āduo-hino tame. Yon-fujinno zani todomareru-yoni suru-tame datta-soda.”

Jinshi “Fengming’s motive, as you said, was to try to make sure Concubine Ah-Duo could stay in the position of one of the four concubines.”

猫猫「そうですか」

Maomao “Sodesuka.”

Maomao “I see.”

壬氏「しかし阿多妃は、上級妃を降りることが決定している。後宮を出た後、南の離宮に住まうことになった」

Jinshi “Shikashi Āduo-hiwa, jokyu-hio oriru kotoga kettei shite-iru. Kokyuo deta ato, Minamino rikyuni sumau kotoni natta.”

Jinshi “But Concubine Ah-Duo has already been determined to leave the rear palace. She’ll live in the detached palace to the south.”

猫猫「今回の件が原因でしょうか？」

Maomao “Konkaino kenga gen’in deshoka?”

Maomao “Does this incident have anything to do with that?”

壬氏「いや、もともと決まっていた。皇帝の判断だそうだ」

Jinshi “Iya, moto-moto kimatte-ita. Koteino handanda-soda.”

Jinshi “No, the decision was made a while ago. It was the emperor’s call.”

猫猫「そうですか…。この花…」

Maomao “Sodesuka… Kono hana…”

Maomao “I see. …This flower.”

壬氏「さっき紅娘が飾っていたぞ」

Jinshi “Sakki Hon’nyanga kazatte-itazo.”

Jinshi “Hongniang came by earlier to put it on display.”

猫猫「ええ。狂い咲きですね」

Maomao “Ee. Kurui-zaki desune.”

Maomao “Yes, it’s out of season.”

壬氏「ん？んっ、甘いな！」

Jinshi “N? N, amaina!”

Jinshi “It’s sweet.”

猫猫「毒ですけどね」

Maomao “Doku desu-kedone.”

Maomao “Poisonous, though.”

壬氏「ぶっ！！！」

Jinshi “Bu!!!”

高順「ああっ…」

Gaoshun “Aa…”

猫猫「死ぬことはないの��大丈夫ですよ」

Maomao “Shinu kotowa nai-node daijobu desuyo.”

Maomao “It’s not lethal. Don’t worry.”

ーーーーー

猫猫（あの時の、風明への提案。里樹妃の毒殺、赤子の死の原因、二つの動機を一つにすれば、赤子の死の原因を阿多妃に知られないようにすることはできる。自身の死は免れなくても…。それが、何の権力もない小娘にできる、最大限だった）

Maomao (Ano tokino Fonmin’eno teian. Rīshu-hino doku-satsu, akagono shino gen’in, futatsuno doki’o hitotsuni sureba, akagono shino gen’in’o Āduo-hini shirare-nai-yoni suru-kotowa dekiru. Jishinno shiwa manugare-nakutemo… Sorega, nanno kenryokumo nai komusumeni dekiru saidaigen datta.)

Maomao (My suggestion to Fengming, back then… The poisoning of Concubine Lishu. The cause of death for the baby. If these two motives become one, she could hide the cause of the baby’s death from Concubine Ah-Duo. Even if her won death is inevitable… That was the best I could do, as a girl with no power.)

ーーーーー

猫猫「眠れない…。散歩でもするか」

Maomao “Nemure-nai… Sanpo demo suruka.”

Maomao “I can’t sleep. Maybe I’ll take a walk.”

猫猫（風明の処刑は終わった。明日には、阿多妃が後宮を去るという）

Maomao (Fonminno shokeiwa owatta. Asu-niwa, Āduo-higa kokyuo saruto iu.)

Maomao (Fengming was executed. Concubine Ah-Duo is set to leave the rear palace tomorrow.)

阿多妃「おや、先客かい？この間、手伝いに来ていた侍女だな？」

Āduo-hi “Oya, senkyaku kai? Kono-aida, tetsudaini kite-ita jijo dana?”

Concubine Ah-Duo “Oh, someone beat me here? You’re that girl who came to help clean the other day.”

猫猫「すぐに帰りますので」

Maomao “Suguni kaerimasu-node.”

Maomao “I’ll leave right away.”

阿多妃「いや、一杯付き合わないか？」

Āduo-hi “Iya, ippai tsukiawa-naika?”

Concubine Ah-Duo “No. Care to join me for a drink?”

猫猫「えっ…おおっ、酒～！」

Maomao “E… Oo, sakeee!”

Maomao “Whoa! Booze!”

阿多妃「フッ」

Āduo-hi “Fu.”

猫猫「ありがとうございます」

Maomao “Arigato gozaimasu.”

Maomao “Thank you very much.”

阿多妃「フッ、男のようであろう？」

Āduo-hi “Fu, otokono-yode aro?”

Concubine Ah-Duo “Pretty masculine, aren’t I?”

猫猫「そのように振る舞っているように見えます」

Maomao “Sono-yoni furumatte-iru-yoni miemasu.”

Maomao “I feel like you’re giving that impression on purpose.”

阿多妃「ハハッ…正直者だな」

Āduo-hi “Haha… Shojiki dana.”

Concubine Ah-Duo “You’re an honest one.”

阿多妃「息子がこの手からいなくなってからずっと、私は妃ではなく、皇帝の友人だったんだ。いや、友人に‘戻った’のかな…。まさか妃になるなんて思わなかった。お情けで、飾りの妃をやっていただけ…早く誰かに受け渡したかった…。どうして、すがりついていたのだろう…」

Āduo-hi “Musukoga kono te-kara inaku-natte-kara zutto, watashiwa kisaki-dewa naku, koteino yujin dattanda. Iya, yujinni ‘modotta’nokana… Masaka kisakini naru-nante omowa-nakatta. Onasakede kazarino kisakio yatte-ita-dake… Hayaku darekani ukewatashi-takatta… Doshite sugari-tsuite-itano-daro…”

Concubine Ah-Duo “After my son left me, I became the emperor’s friend, not his concubine. Or rather, I returned to being his friend. I never thought I’d become a concubine. I was a concubine in name only, given the role out of pity. I wanted to hand it off to someone else as soon as possible. Why cling to it for so long…?”

猫猫（きっとここにいたのが誰であっても、同じ話をしたのだろうな…）

Maomao (Kitto kokoni itanoga darede attemo, onaji hanashio shitano-darona…)

Maomao (She probably would have said the same things to whoever she’d met up here.)

阿多妃「水の中は寒かっただろうな…苦しかっただろうな…」

Āduo-hi “Mizuno nakawa samukatta-darona… Kurushi-katta-darona…”

Concubine Ah-Duo “It must have been cold in that water. It must have been painful.”

猫猫「そうですね…」

Maomao “So desune…”

Maomao “You’re probably right.”

阿多妃「バカだよな…」

Āduo-hi “Baka dayona…”

Concubine Ah-Duo “Stupid, don’t you think?”

猫猫「そうかもしれません」

Maomao “So-kamo shire-masen.”

Maomao “Perhaps she was.”

阿多妃「みんな、バカだ…」

Āduo-hi “Minna, bakada…”

Concubine Ah-Duo “We’re all stupid.”

猫猫「…そうかもしれません」

Maomao “…So-kamo shire-masen.”

Maomao “Perhaps we are.”

猫猫（なんとなく分かった。やはりあの下女は、自殺だったのだ。阿多妃はそれに気づいていた…。風明は、自殺に加担していたのかもしれない。阿多妃に嫌疑がかからぬようにと、冷たい水の中に沈んだ下女…。知られたくない秘密を守り、自ら絞首台に上がった風明。阿多妃の意思に関わらず、彼女のために命を懸ける者たちがいる）

Maomao (Nanto-naku wakatta. Yahari ano gejowa, jisatsu datta-noda. Āduo-hiwa soreni kizuite-ita… Fonminwa, jisatsuni katan shite-itano-kamo shirenai. Āduo-hini kengiga kakaranu-yonito, tsumetai mizuno nakani shizunda gejo… Shirare-taku-nai himitsuo mamori, mizukara koshudaini agatta Fonmin. Āduo-hino ishini kakawarazu, kanojono tameni inochio kakeru mono-tachiga iru.)

Maomao (I think I get it now. That servant was indeed a suicide. Concubine Ah-Duo noticed that. Maybe Fengming helped set it up. To take suspicion away from Concubine Ah-Duo, the servant chose to sink down into the cold water. To keep her secret hidden, Fengming chose to step up to the gallows. Regardless of Concubine Ad-Duo’s own wishes, There are those who sacrifice their lives for her.)

猫猫「私も、そろそろ降りよう」

Maomao “Watashimo, soro-soro oriyo.”

Maomao “I should go now, too.”

壬氏「何をしている？」

Jinshi “Nanio shite-iru?”

Jinshi “What are you doing?”

猫猫「えっ？うわっ！！」

Maomao “E? Uwa!!”

猫猫「あっ、イテテ…誰だよ？いきなり」

Maomao “A, itete… Dare-dayo? Ikinari.”

Maomao “Ow… Who’s that? You startled me.”

壬氏「悪かったな」

Jinshi “Waru-kattana.”

Jinshi “My bad.”

猫猫「えっ…うわっ、壬氏様、なぜここに？」

Maomao “E… Uwa, Jinshi-sama, naze kokoni?”

Maomao “Master Jinshi? Why are you here?”

壬氏「それは俺の方が聞きたい」

Jinshi “Sorewa oreno-hoga kikitai.”

Jinshi "I should ask the same of you.”

猫猫「すみません。今どきます…」

Maomao “Sumimasen. Ima dokimasu…”

Maomao “I’m sorry. I’ll get up now―”

猫猫「離して頂けますか？…離してください」

Maomao “Hanashite itadake-masuka? Hanashite kudasai.”

Maomao “Could you let go? Let go, please.”

壬氏「寒いから、やだ」

Jinshi “Samui-kara, yada.”

Jinshi “Don’t wanna. It’s too cold.”

猫猫「上着もなしでは、風邪をひきますから…部屋に戻って下さい。お酒を飲んでいるのですか？」

Maomao “Uwagimo nashi-dewa, kazeo hikimasu-kara… Heyani modotte kudasai. Osakeo nonde-iruno-desuka?”

Maomao “You’ll catch a cold without a coat. Please go back to your room. Are you drunk?”

壬氏「付き合いだ。仕方ない」

Jinshi “Tsukiaida. Shikata nai.”

Jinshi “I had to. I was sharing a drink with someone.”

猫猫「付き合いねえ…」

Maomao “Tsukiai-nee…”

Maomao “Sharing, huh?”

壬氏「家主は俺を先に誘って、飲ませるだけ飲ませたあげく、どこかへ出かけてしまった。戻ってきたと思ったら、すっきりしたから帰れと追い出された…」

Jinshi “Yanushiwa oreo sakini sasotte, nomaseru-dake nomaseta ageku, dokokae dekakete shimatta. Modotte-kitato omottara, sukkiri shita-kara kaereto oidasareta.”

Jinshi “The host invited me to drink, loaded me up full of booze, then just took off. When she finally came back, she told me she was satisfied now, and threw me out.”

猫猫（このお方をそんな風に扱える人間が、この後宮にもいるのだな…。でも、それとこれとは関係ない！べたべたひっつく酔っ払いに付き合っていられない！いや？よく考えると…もとは私が落ちてきて、受け止めてもらったんだから、礼も言わずさっさと離せというのは失礼かもしれない）

Maomao (Kono okatao sonna-funi atsukaeru ningenga kono kokyu-nimo iruno-dana… Demo, soreto kore-towa kankei nai! Beta-beta hittsuku yopparaini tsukiatte irare-nai! Iya? Yoku kangaeruto… Motowa watashiga ochite-kite, uketomete morattan-dakara, reimo iwazuni sassato hanaseto iu-nowa shitsurei kamo shirenai.)

Maomao (I didn’t know anyone in this rear palace could treat this guy like that. But that’s not related to this right now. I don’t want to put up with a clingy drunk. Wait… Come to think of it, he did catch me as I fell. Maybe it’s rude to just make him let go of me without even thanking him.)

猫猫「壬氏様…あっ…」

Maomao “Jinshi-sama… A…”

Maomao “Master Jinshi…”

壬氏「もう少しだけだ。少しだけ、温めてくれ」

Jinshi “Mo sukoshi dakeda. Sukoshi-dake, atatamete-kure.”

Jinshi “Just a little longer. Keep me warm, just a little longer.”

猫猫「ハア…フゥ…」

Maomao “Haa…Fu…”

ーーーーー

猫猫（二人とも、二日酔いの心配はなさそうだな。阿多妃は後宮を出るため、淑妃の証である冠を返す。あの冠はしばらくの��ち入内してくる娘に渡されることが決まっている）

Maomao (Futari-tomo, futsuka-yoino shinpaiwa nasaso-dana. Āduo-hiwa kokyuo deru-tame, Shuku-hino akashi-de-aru kanmurio kaesu. Ano kanmuriwa shibarakuno nochi judai shite-kuru musumeni watasareru-kotoga kimatte-iru.)

Maomao (Neither of them seem hungover. Concubine Ah-Duo, in order to leave the rear palace, returns the crown signifying her as Pure Concubine. That crown will be bestowed on another girl who will join the rear palace later.)

猫猫（ああ、そうか…誰かに似ていると思ったが、壬氏様のことだったようだ。あの二人、服装を入れ替えたほうがよっぽど……入れ替える？）

Maomao (Aa, soka… Darekani nite-iruto omottaga, Jinshi-samano kotodatta-yoda. Ano futari, fukuso’o irekaeta-hoga yoppodo…… Irekaeru?)

Maomao (Ah, I see. I knew she resembled someone. It’s Master Jinshi. Those two might as well swap outfits… Swap…)

阿多妃「息子がこの手からいなくなってからずっと…」

Āduo-hi “Musukoga kono te-kara inaku natte-kara zutto…”

Concubine Ah-Duo “After my son left me…”

猫猫（“いなくなってから”？死んでからではなく？まるでまだ生きているようにも捉えられる言い方だ。同時に生まれた阿多妃の子供と、当時の皇后の子供。2人がもし、取り替えられていたとしたら…出産の際に、阿多妃は身に染みて分かっただろう）

Maomao (‘Inaku natte-kara’? Shinde-kara dewa naku? Marude mada ikite-iru-yonimo torae-rareru iikatada. Dojini umareta Āduo-hino kodomoto, tojino kogono kodomo. Futariga moshi, torikae-rarete-itato-shitara… Shussanno Saini, Āduo-hiwa mini shimite wakatta-daro.)

Maomao (‘left me’, she said. Not ‘died’? I can almost interpret that to mean he’s still alive. Concubine Ah-Duo’s child and the then-empress dowager’s child… What if the two babies were swapped? It must have been clear to Concubine Ah-Duo, through her experience in childbirth.)

ーーーーー

羅門「何をする！まだ阿多様が…」

Ruomen “Nanio suru! Mada Āduo-samaga…”

Luomen “What are you doing?! I must tend to Concubine Ah-Duo…”

宦官「皇后様が優先だ！」

Kangan “Kogo-samaga yusenda!”

Eunuch “The empress dowager takes priority!”

風明「そ…そんな！」

Fonmin “So… Sonna!”

Fengming “N-No!”

ーーーーー

猫猫（所詮は乳母の娘。乳姉妹である妃にすぎない自分のもとより、当時の皇后のもとに生まれた赤子の方が、庇護を受けるということを。何が正しいのか、判断などできなかったかもしれない。だがその結果、己の息子が助かったのであれば、それは阿多妃の本望だっただろう。後日、赤子が取り替えられたことがバレたとする。もしそれが、赤子が死んだ後であれば、気づかなかったおや��が肉刑まで受けたことにも、納得がいく）

Maomao (Shosenwa ubano musume. Chi-kyodaide aru kisakini suginai jibunno moto-yori, tojino kogono motoni umareta akagono-hoga, higo’o ukeruto iukoto’o. Naniga tadashii-noka, handan-nado dekinakatta-kamo shirenai. Daga sono kekka, onoreno musukoga tasukattanode areba, sorewa Āduo-hino honmo datta-daro. Gojitsu, akagoga torikae-rareta kotoga baretato suru. Moshi sorega, akagoga shinda atode areba, kizuka-nakatta oyajiga nikukei-made uketa koto-nimo nattokuga iku.)

Maomao (After all, she was just a nurse’s daughter, a childhood friend of the price. Her son would live a better life as the empress dowager’s son. Maybe she wasn’t in a state to decide what was right or wrong. But if the decision resulted in her son surviving… That would have been all that Concubine Ah-Duo could have wished for. What if people found out the babies were swapped later? If that was after the one baby had died, that would explain why my dad would be physically punished for not noticing.)

猫猫（もしそうなら、皇帝の弟が今、微妙な立場にあることも、潔いはずの阿多妃が後宮を去らずとどまり続けた理由も分かるが…フゥ…実にくだらない。バカバカしいくらいの妄想だ）

Maomao (Moshi so-nara, koteino ototoga ima, bimyona tachibani aru kotomo, isagiyoi hazuno Āduo-higa kokyuo sarazu todomari-tsuzuketa riyumo wakaruga… Fu… Jitsuni kudaranai. Baka-bakashii-kuraino mosoda.)

Maomao (And if that were the case, it would explain why the emperor’s younger brother is in a delicate position, and why Concubine Ah-Duo, who’s supposed to be a realist, stayed in the rear palace for so long… Complete nonsense. An idiotic delusion of a story.)

里樹妃「お待ちください！！」

Rīshu-hi “Omachi-kudasai!!”

Concubine Lishu “Please wait!”

河南「里樹様！」

Kanan “Rīshu-sama!”

Kanan “Lady Lishu!”

猫猫（相変わらずですな…。孤独な妃に、信頼のできる侍女がいるということ。それは、どれほどの救いになるだろうか）

Maomao (Aikawarazu desuna… Kodokuna kisakini, shinraino dekiru jijoga iruto iu-koto. Sorewa, dore-hodono sukuini naru-daroka.)

Maomao (As always. As a lonely concubine, to have a lady-in-waiting she can trust… How reassuring that must be.)

里樹妃「ああっ！」

Rīshu-hi “Aa!”

河南「里樹様！」