Chapter 4, Panic and Mistake
Indeed, the green mountains adorned with snow complement your elegance, my beloved consort. Since this is the case, I shall have someone plant a few in your Zhaoyang Palace, so that we may enjoy them together next year
"Your Highness, the maid understands your suffering, but there is nothing that can be done; this is the fate of us women."
Tong Xi then gave Xuan Xun a glance, and they quickly warmed the breast milk they had drunk before falling asleep and brought it in
Mu Zhaowen noticed that Tongxi was somewhat uncomfortable. Although she did not understand why this legendary figure of the harem, Linghu Tongxi, appeared so restrained in front of the Emperor, she still took the initiative to help Tongxi out of her predicament
The Heavenly Emperor Huangfu Yan pressed Tong Xi beneath him, binding her hands to the bedpost with the cotton strips from the brocade box. A storm gathered in his eyes as he watched Tong Xi, clearly terrified and panicked, yet trying to feign calmness.
I am weary," he uttered, before turning into the inner chamber
"Zhaowen, come sit beside me," said Emperor Tianzheng, patting the space beside him with his right hand.
After resting for three full days, Tongxi finally felt that she had regained some strength to go out for a walk
Dugu Yuanfeng sat above, remaining silent for a long time without allowing anyone to rise. Tongxi thought to herself, this is not good; she is using this tactic again. Although it is quite clichéd, it is extremely effective. Tongxi found it very painful to maintain a half-squatting position.
Dugu Yuanfeng smiled with great desolation, indeed, she could never be his wife, let alone become his only wife
Is she showing off and warning herself? Tong Xi couldn't help but chuckle inwardly
"Your Highness, do not be anxious, do not be anxious. This matter will pass if you endure it for a while. You must bear a royal son; you are aware of the fate of palace consorts without children." Qi Yun gently patted Tong Xi's back
Tong Xi was hidden behind the curtain, truly unwilling to let anyone see all of this. "You need not attend to me any longer, go prepare the fragrant bath," she always preferred to bathe alone after receiving kindness, not allowing anyone to serve her.
Well
As long as you understand. At this moment, Dugu Yuanfeng's personal maid, Jin Xiu, also brought in the brewed tea
She truly cannot understand Dugu Yuanfeng. Although Emperor Tianzheng dotes on Mu Zhaowen, his affair with the Empress Dowager, as Tongxi knows, has never ceased. What is she worried about that she would scold herself so impatiently? Naturally, Tongxi does not comprehend the feelings of love that Dugu Yuanfeng harbors.
The two attendants, dressed in dark silk, quietly withdrew after assisting Tong Xi in removing her makeup, leaving the room so silent that one could hear a pin drop.
I humbly respect your esteemed instructions. However, what merit or ability do I possess to dare compare myself with Empress Xiaozhen? The current Holy Emperor is diligent in governance and loves the people; I truly do not dare to equate His Majesty with the historically incompetent Zhongzong. Tongxi spoke in a grand manner, and Dugu Yuanfeng also realized that she had misspoken, how could she compare the current Tianzheng Emperor with the foolish Zhongzong of history
After he left, Qi Yun, Xuan Xuan, and Shu Bo hurried in to attend to her, "Your Highness."
Madam Li also thought that the current imperial concubine, even if placed among a crowd of a thousand people, would still be the most eye-catching one.
After several days of gloomy feelings, my heart has finally cleared up, thanks to the scenery of late spring and early summer.
After the three of them left, Tongxi lay down for a long time before she slightly recovered her strength. Enduring the pain in her body, she walked into the bath.
"I pay my respects to Your Majesty." The Tianzheng Emperor supported himself slightly, and Mu Zhaowen quickly rose to pay his respects, allowing Tongxi to take a seat in the upper position to the left of the Tianzheng Emperor in the pavilion, while she moved from her previous position to sit in the lower position next to Tongxi.
Until his movements became increasingly fierce, Tongxi was in so much pain that she thought she was going to die. Her nails were firmly gripping the bedpost, where traces of her previous scratches remained—deep nail marks. Every night when she fell asleep, she dared not look at the marks on the wooden post, for they were also the marks on her body and in her heart.
"Your Highness, have you forgotten my habits?" The voice of Emperor Tianzheng fell upon Tongxi like a bucket of cold water. She had hoped that he would forget his previous habits, and she had also wished that Consort Zhao had changed Emperor Tianzheng's ways.
Time has swiftly passed, and it is now the first day of April
The Heavenly Sovereign sat leisurely by the bedside, not in a hurry; however, the cup that held the milk was always destined to be empty.
Tong Xi displayed an exceptionally obedient demeanor, "May I ask what Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has summoned this humble servant for today"
I pay my respects to Your Majesty
Changxin Palace
She wanted to moan, to scream, to cry hysterically, but in the end, she transformed into a slight tilt of the head, silently enduring the storm he brought upon her
Shu Bo also added a long silver veil, measuring a zhang in length, to Tong Xi's attire, and together with Xuan Xuan, they accompanied Tong Xi to the Imperial Garden to admire the peonies
The next morning, Xuan Xuan and Shu Bo were finally allowed to enter and tidy up the mess of that bed.
Mu Zhaowen expressed her gratitude. She then asked, "What does Your Majesty like? Why not plant it together in my Zhaoyang Palace?" Mu Zhaowen leaned affectionately towards Emperor Tianzheng, not intending to provoke Tongxi, but simply unable to resist her fondness for being close to Emperor Tianzheng
Why must Your Highness use that Miyiunlong to provoke the Noble Consort? Can she even discern what it is? Do not waste Your Highness's good intentions. " Granny Li felt very sorry for that Miyiunlong.
"Please take a seat," she sighed. "As a noble consort, temporarily acting as the empress and overseeing the inner palace, you neglect all matters of the harem, allowing those seductive women to mislead the sovereign!" Du Gu Yuanfeng's tone was exceedingly sharp
The gates of the Tonghui Palace began to open one by one, and the palace lanterns were lit one by one, signifying the Emperor's visit. The sharp voice of the eunuchs started announcing, "The Emperor has arrived"
The Heavenly Sovereign did not speak, but merely raised his arms. Tong Xi lowered her head to unfasten the clasp on his chest, feeling his breath on her neck, which was ticklish yet she did not dare to scratch.
"Noble Consort, do you know what mistake you have made?"
Tong Xi noticed the difference in the Heavenly Sovereign's demeanor; he had never shown favoritism towards anyone in front of the other concubines, yet now he indeed treated Mu Zhaowen with a distinct regard
Dugu Yuanfeng coldly watched the two of them perform in front of her, yet she had no way to intervene, so she could only instruct Xuanxuan and Shubo to properly attend to Tongxi as she sat down
Recalling, the Heavenly Sovereign has never stayed overnight at the Tonghui Palace
Tong Xi swallowed hard, finally standing up calmly and coming outside the main hall to respectfully welcome the holy presence
As Tong Xi sipped her tea in front of the upturned corners of Du Gu Yuan Feng's mouth, her heart suddenly became as clear as a mirror; this Empress Dowager truly seems to be jealous of anyone.
Tong Xi struggled to rise, intending to kneel, "I do not know, I humbly request the Empress Dowager to clarify." However, with this, Dugu Yuanfeng found it difficult to punish her further and did not wish to ruin their relationship.
Tong Xi showed a look of astonishment, "This servant does not understand the Empress Dowager's intentions"
He slowly tied another piece of cotton cloth over Tongxi's mouth, rendering her unable to speak
Aunt." Tongxi called softly
This time, Tongxi was in so much pain that she had no strength left to speak, merely feeling dazed, uncertain whether she was asleep or fainting
The storm is even more ferocious than before, and Tongxi's teeth are tightly clenched on the cloth strip, allowing her to endure without biting through her own lips
Dugu Yuanfeng has now officially raised this topic, which suggests that she genuinely wishes to ally with me against Consort Zhao. However, she is still aware of the story of the cunning rabbit being hunted and the dog being cooked after its usefulness has ended
After the matter was concluded, Huangfu Yan untied the cloth strips from Tong Xi's body. Tong Xi lay quietly beside him, managing to utter with great effort, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty"
Tong Xi gazed at herself in the mirror with great satisfaction. Shu Bo, looking a bit younger, quickly remarked, "Your Highness is truly more beautiful than the flowers."
Tong Xi also had some understanding of Mu Zhao Wen's cleverness, but upon seeing her come to this Zhi Yu Pavilion, she realized her preferences. "Does Concubine Zhao like it as well"
"Your Highness, how about styling a spirit snake bun today? This hairstyle will make you look particularly spirited." Shu Bo observed Tong Xi with a sullen expression and tried various ways to engage her in conversation.
Tongxi nodded with difficulty
You decide.
Mu Zhaowen's seven-step poem is of such caliber that Tongxi herself feels inferior. Upon seeing the Heavenly Ruler, she felt a sense of fear and awkwardness, and was just about to turn around and leave.
Indeed, however, what I like the most is still that 'Green Mountains Piercing the Snow'
Indeed, indeed, Zhao Wen truly possesses the talent to compose poetry in seven steps. It is remarkable that he could come up with such lines in such a hurried moment. This voice, Tong Xi cannot be mistaken, is indeed that of Emperor Tianzheng, Huang Fu Yan. She did not expect that the usually stern Emperor Tianzheng would accompany the consort to enjoy the flowers, and that his voice could be so pleasant.
With a grand gesture, the curtain embroidered with golden peonies on the fine gauze tightly closed. As she stepped into the dim, narrow passage, she felt a sharp pain in her eyes, daring not to blink, desperately holding back her tears, which was not the demeanor expected of a favored consort.
That story, of course, was heard by Tongxi. Initially, during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong, Empress Shun, Lady Li, did not attend court for several days. Empress Xiaozhen, adhering to the ancestral edict, entered the palace and ordered someone to summon the emperor. Emperor Zhongzong praised her for her virtue and grace, and this matter has always been a topic of great interest among historians. However, Emperor Zhongzong's attitude towards Empress Xiaozhen later cannot be described as particularly good, and Empress Xiaozhen is also one of the few empresses throughout history to have been buried with her husband.
"No need for formalities." The voice was cold and indifferent, and Tong Xi became increasingly tense. She stole a glance at Emperor Tianzheng, who remained expressionless, making it impossible to discern his emotions.
Huangfu Yan lay on his back, but after listening, he suddenly sat up. He grabbed Tong Xi with one hand, causing her to furrow her brows in pain. He pressed her against the bedpost again and bound her wrists.
"Your servant is here to assist Your Majesty with changing clothes." Although Tongxi was frightened, she still timidly stepped forward, lowering her head in preparation to help the Heavenly Sovereign undress
Her identity and the education she received destined her to neither plead, nor cry, nor wail, but to silently endure
She called out softly, falling to the ground with great elegance, letting out a light hum. Xuanxuan immediately came over to assist her, saying, "Your Highness, are you alright? You twisted your ankle yesterday, and I wanted to summon the imperial physician, but you insisted you were fine." Her tone was filled with concern
Alright. Xuanxuan, go to the garden and pick a peony for me, as I will be wearing flowers today. Tongxi also became a bit interested.
Let her bend her body this time to receive his dragon grace
Tong Xi has always had a fondness for peonies, especially the "Yao Huang Wei Zi," known as the king of flowers. Even in the Imperial Garden, these two varieties have only managed to thrive in a few specimens near the "Zhi Yu Pavilion" by the eastern shore of Tai Ye Pool.
"Your Highness, it is absolutely inadvisable. You have just returned to the palace, and it is still uncertain whether the Emperor remembers you. If you continue to refuse to attend to his bedchamber, the Emperor will surely blame you. Moreover, for the sake of offspring, you must endure a little longer."
"Your Highness, the 'Yao Huang Wei Zi' in the Imperial Garden has bloomed. Shall we go and admire it?" Xuan Xuan advised from the side
The Heavenly Sovereign summoned his close attendant Jiang Deqi to serve him, while Tongxi felt a deep yearning for him to leave quickly; at last, this night came to an end
As soon as the sound emerged, Tongxi had no choice but to brace herself and walk out.
Xuan Xuan did not dare to say much, silently taking the three-string pearl bracelet, which was three fingers wide, to put it on Tong Xi, barely covering the marks left by the tightness.
Tonghui Palace
Every day, Tongxi's life is filled with a tight schedule, as there are countless matters in the palace that require her attention as the favored concubine in charge of the harem. Additionally, she must meet with the court ladies who come to pay their respects, presenting their tokens for an audience.
Tongxi trembled as she removed the outer robe of the Heavenly Sovereign and took off the inner garment, "I humbly request Your Majesty to rest." Tongxi's head was lowered so much that she wished she could shrink back into her own belly.
Aunt, why not invite Jin Huifei instead? Tongxi was so nervous that she could hardly speak
"The imperial concubine has also arrived." The expression on Emperor Tianzheng's face had shifted from relaxed contentment to the usual indifference.
Qiyun hurriedly stepped forward, "Your Highness, the medicine has been prepared by the servant."
After Tongxi left, Mama Li approached the Empress Dowager and said, "Your Highness, in truth, even if you do not say it this way, the Noble Consort will not let Zhao Fei off either." Mama Li had a very clear understanding of Tongxi.
When Xuanxuan was assisting her with changing clothes, she noticed the red marks on Tongxi's wrist, and her heart skipped a beat. Tongxi naturally said, "Just wear the pearl bracelet sent by the Nanyue Kingdom." She was already accustomed to such things.
Not knowing what kind the Empress prefers, Xuan Xuan asked carefully, as there are numerous varieties of peonies in the Imperial Garden, and she truly could not ascertain her master's taste
However, even so, it has been many days since the court has convened, and it was only after the Empress Dowager's death that she had the audacity to interfere in the Emperor's affairs of intimacy. The current Emperor, Tianzheng, is certainly not a foolish ruler who neglects state affairs. Tongxi feels that Dugu Yuanfeng's outburst of anger is utterly unfounded. Is she intending to offer herself as cannon fodder to remove the obstacles in the path of the Empress Zhao's ascension? This is contrary to her original intention. Tongxi merely feels that Dugu Yuanfeng's outburst of anger is utterly unfounded. Is she intending to offer herself as cannon fodder to remove the obstacles in the path of the Empress Zhao's ascension? This is contrary to her original intention.
This harem should have been equitable for all, and the Emperor has always acted in this manner. However, as soon as Concubine Zhao entered the palace, she beguiled the Emperor and disrupted the established order. Shouldn't the Noble Consort advise the Emperor to distance himself from such individuals? Shouldn't you counsel the Emperor against indulging in the pleasures of women? Have you not heard the story of Empress Xiaozhen from the previous dynasty, who admonished the Emperor based on ancestral teachings? Not only did Zhongzong not blame her, but he also praised her virtue even more. She is the model for all Empresses throughout history, and only in death could she be buried alongside Zhongzong. What do you consider this?
"Mother, I know. It's just that Linghu Tongxi is too patient, but I am not. The Emperor has been seduced by that wretched Mu Zhaowen and has been neglecting me a lot lately, which makes me feel distressed, Mother." At this moment, Dugu Yuanfeng finally exhibited the demeanor of a daughter of her age
He kept moving rhythmically, making Tongxi wish she could die at that very moment. She kept comforting herself, it's alright, it's alright, it's just one night each month
"Aunt." Tongxi nervously clutched her collar, her eyes filled with panic and confusion
It is not that I, the Empress Dowager, believe that His Majesty is unaware; rather, the current situation with Consort Zhao is indeed not a fortunate matter for the imperial harem. I am merely reminding the Noble Consort of this. Consort Zhao is charming and manipulative; do you not fear that one day she may rise above you?
Tong Xi微微 trembled slightly, yet obediently took out a brocade box from the drawer of the dressing table
The servant offers her greetings to the noble consort. This is precisely Yu Xiang, who has just returned after fetching a cloak for Mu Zhao Wen.
The Heavenly Sovereign took a sip, frowned slightly, and did not continue drinking. Tong Xi, on the other hand, sipped leisurely, hoping to buy some time.
Tong Xi pondered for a moment and said, "Go pick a Zhao Fen flower."
Shu Bo quickly brought out a gown made of double-layered snow cloud gauze in a delicate pink and white color. The white gauze served as the base, complemented by the outer layer of pink gauze sprinkled with silver powder, which appeared particularly elegant and magnificent under the sunlight. Shu Bo also styled Tong Xi's hair into a灵蛇髻 (spirit snake bun), and Xuan Xuan had just returned with Zhao powder to adorn Tong Xi's hair.
I understand the Empress Dowager's concerns, and I will certainly pay attention to them. However, how could Tongxi be unaware of the significant threat that Mu Zhaowen posed to her, being the greatest obstacle on her path to becoming Empress?
Does the Empress also favor this Yao Huang and Wei Zi?
Mu Zhaowen over there smiled shyly, only she knew that she had drawn inspiration from the poetry of ancient people, yet she did not deny it
I, your humble servant, pay my respects to the Empress Dowager. Tong Xi, with bright eyes, performs the greeting
The tea in the Empress Dowager's palace is actually Mi Yun Long, which is the most precious tea of the current dynasty. Each year, only about three to two jin are produced in total. It is the favorite tea of Emperor Tianzheng, and even he finds it somewhat insufficient for his own consumption, let alone to be bestowed upon others. It is unexpected that Dugu Yuanfeng actually received it and used Mi Yun Long to entertain me
I like ... ..." The Emperor Tianzheng's eyes subtly glanced at the Zhao powder on Tongxi's head, and then he said, "I like 'Lantian jade'.
As Tongxi and the others approached the flower bushes in front of the pavilion, they heard a female voice slowly reciting from within the hall: "The peonies in the courtyard are enchanting yet lack grace, the lotuses on the pond are tranquil and possess little sentiment. Only the peony truly embodies the essence of the nation, stirring the capital when in bloom."
Linghu Tongxi is known as the foremost talented woman in the capital. If she cannot even appreciate this tea, then her reputation is indeed undeserved. I merely let her taste this tea to remind her that she should not assume that, as a favored concubine, she can present herself in a manner that is unapproachable to others. I simply cannot stand her arrogant demeanor.