Chapter 6, Initial Loss General
Tong Xi is speaking from the heart; she has never minded how many women the Emperor has. Adding her own sister to the mix does not seem inappropriate to her at all; two sisters are certainly better than one. However, Guan Tao's identity is somewhat awkward, as she cannot enter the palace. It would be like a side dish for the Emperor; if she were to become pregnant, raising the child herself would be a win-win situation.
Tong Xi's face flushed red; firstly, she was fundamentally unable to take an interest in such matters, and secondly, she held herself in high regard. As a dignified imperial concubine, how could she seek guidance from a lowly commoner who came from a brothel? If anyone were to discover this, her position would likely be difficult to safeguard
Apart from her self-esteem, it seemed she had nothing left. She was unwilling to accept sympathy from others; as the legitimate daughter of the Linghu family, marrying into the imperial palace was her destiny
He then asked how it was that, being a family member of the noble consort, I had never been seen before. I replied that the Emperor had just completed a year of mourning. Later, the Emperor took me for a walk in the garden and asked about some family matters. Sister, I truly did not expect the Emperor to be such an amiable person. Later, you will come to know.
Guantao thought for a moment, "That day I was playing in the Imperial Garden, and from a distance, I saw a bright yellow. I was originally going to avoid it, but the Emperor walked straight over, perhaps remembering the silk ribbon, and asked if I was from the Concubine's palace."
Upon returning from Changxin Palace, Guantao overheard a maid saying that Tongxi had encountered the Emperor today, and she could not wait to find Tongxi. "Sister, did the Emperor..." Her hesitance left Tongxi astonished. Although this elder sister was born of a concubine, she had always regarded the status of the eldest daughter as noble and had prided herself on her aloofness. Today, her eagerness regarding the Heavenly Sovereign indeed surprised people.
Tong Xi no longer bothered to speculate, but instead instructed someone to take good care of Guan Tao, ensuring that she must return home only after the Dragon Boat Festival
When Tong Xi went to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager, Dugu Yuanfeng half-mockingly said: "Does Minister Linghu intend to send all his daughters into the palace?"
Tong Xi clutched her heart and approached, feeling a pain that tore at her heart and lungs throughout the night. After enduring this for three times, he finally relented, calling someone in to assist with changing clothes, and departed in the middle of the night
"Your Majesty, what brings you here today?" Dugu Yuanfeng changed the subject.
The Emperor Tianzheng paused for a moment, likely due to his displeasure. Tongxi could not see his expression as he was facing Dugu Yuanfeng at that moment, but Dugu Yuanfeng shot him a resentful glance, which led Tongxi to think this way
The three of them then moved to the backyard of Changxin Palace, where a few Bluefield Jade Eyes could be seen, clearly having been recently transplanted, and it was uncertain whether they would survive until next year
This marriage proposal has caused some distress for Tongxi. Although Guantao is her elder sister, she is a concubine's daughter and a widow, which makes it impossible for her to marry into a prominent family as the legitimate heir. At best, she could only marry a second son with whom they have little connection. This political alliance may not necessarily be beneficial.
Her face flushed with embarrassment, and she lightly scoffed, "Don't you want to?"
When she entered, she was being supported by someone, but her face was flushed and she wore a satisfied smile. Upon seeing Tongxi, she appeared like a frightened little rabbit filled with guilt, breaking free from the hand that supported her and kneeling down, "Your Highness, I..."
The Heavenly Sovereign called out, but he did not respond
The next day, Qi Yun inquired of Tong Xi, whether those palace maids should be recalled. "Your Highness, it seems that the Emperor is not pleased?"
Tong Xi also noticed the disrespect of the young eunuch, but due to the presence of the Emperor Tianzheng beside her, she did not speak out. Instead, she raised her wrist to cover half of her face with a silk fan
The Heavenly Sovereign did not speak, and Dugu Yuanfeng added, "I have heard that both of Minister Linghu's daughters are stunning beauties; I fear that the Empress's sister must also be exceptionally lovely, right?"
Long live Your Majesty. Tong Xi immediately rose and knelt down.
Not long after, Linghu Guantao brought the person Tongxi desired into the palace. Since she was a close relative, Tongxi met Linghu Guantao in the Tonghui Palace
"Did the Empress Dowager not mention a few blue jade plants had been planted in Changxin Palace the other day? I happen to have some free time today, so I came to take a look." Du Gu Yuanfeng felt a surge of joy in her heart, as it seemed he truly understood her painstaking efforts
Tongxi clutched her collar and said, "Nonsense, there is not a single man who is not lustful. Jin Huifei is merely dull-witted." Tongxi was absolutely unwilling to concede defeat, not believing she could be outmatched by the Emperor of Tianzheng.
This is truly a matter of great significance. There is only one day each month when Tongxi serves the emperor, yet the emperor has come at this time; if it is not for a royal favor, then what could it be
Although Tongxi did not understand her excitement, she also felt relieved, "Congratulations, sister"
She is only the second woman to be fortunate enough to be favored by Mu Zhaowen after the first, which is indeed a great misfortune. She touched her head, and it seems that seeking the help of Dugu Yuanfeng in the future will be quite difficult
"Sister, are you alright?" Tongxi asked cautiously
The Heavenly Sovereign rarely revealed a smile, lifting his gaze to peer into Tongxi's eyes. The moment she met the Heavenly Sovereign's gaze, she became flustered and quickly turned her head to Jin Xiu, saying: "Go fetch a cup of hot tea for His Majesty."
The palace maids in the Guifei Palace have become increasingly frivolous, and Qi Yun, being one of the older members of the palace, how does she discipline these maids? The voice of Emperor Tianzheng was as cold as ever
Upon returning to the Tonghui Palace, Tongxi saw Aunt Qiyun kneeling on the ground, while the Heavenly Ruler sat above with a blank expression.
Sister, rest assured, this palace will definitely find you a good marriage this time. Daughters are always the wealth of a family, and there are not many daughters in the Linghu family, so Tongxi will naturally consider this carefully.
The two sisters of the imperial concubine truly share a deep bond. Your sister has been living in the palace for quite some time, hasn't she? You haven't brought her to see me. " She affectionately took Tongxi's hand, "Your sister's mourning period must be over, right? It is truly a pity for such a wonderful person to remain alone in an empty chamber. Why not have the Emperor find her a good match? It would also be considered a reward for the old minister from the Emperor.
I am fine, Your Highness. It is not my intention. I never expected to meet His Majesty and to receive his favor.
Tongxi touched her forehead, realizing that she had misjudged the situation. She had originally held high hopes for Jin Huifei, but instead, she ended up shooting herself in the foot.
Tongxi held the revitalizing tea that Aunt Qiyun had handed her, and it spilled onto her skirt in an instant. She hurriedly stood up, "Are you all dead? Knowing that the Emperor is present, why didn't you take her away from him?"
Aside from the adjective "affectionate" used by Guan Tao to describe the Heavenly Sovereign, Tong Xi really cannot find anything inappropriate. However, the Heavenly Sovereign has always had an astonishing memory; he can recall the names of people he has met after just one encounter. Why, then, does he not mention Guan Tao at all today
Only then did Qi Yun and the other two understand Tong Xi's meaning; it seems she is determined to see it through to the end
"It is all due to my inadequate management; I implore Your Majesty to impose punishment." At this moment, Tongxi did not dare to plead for Qi Yun, and could only take the blame upon herself
"Sister," she stomped her foot and asked again, "How did you capture the heart of the saint that day?" This was what she truly wanted to know, why the Heavenly Sovereign seemed to pay no attention to Guantao at all.
Then, when the servant entered, she heard the Emperor say, "A mere little maid dares to call her 'Concubine Hui', truly too audacious, let her be sent to the laundry bureau and renamed 'Lowly Servant'"
Does the imperial concubine not like the Lantian jade in the Empress Dowager's palace? This question posed by Emperor Tianzheng is quite scholarly; does she dislike the Lantian jade in the Empress Dowager's palace, or does she dislike Lantian jade itself?
"This humble servant pays her respects to Your Majesty." Tong Xi bowed her head in greeting
Your Majesty. Guantao's face became increasingly flushed, "Your Majesty treats this humble servant very well." Guantao may have been in mourning for too long, and now that she has finally encountered some affection, she seems somewhat disoriented.
She also did not understand what the Heavenly Sovereign was thinking; could it be that he had seen through the Empress Dowager's scheme to ally with him against Consort Zhao?
The young eunuch tending to the garden was nurturing her. Upon seeing the imperial presence, he immediately knelt to pay his respects. When he raised his head again, he caught sight of Tongxi, who was beside the Heavenly Sovereign.
"Your Majesty, what brings you here tonight?" Tongxi was reluctant to ask, yet felt compelled to do so, as it was indeed contrary to propriety.
The Emperor approached the table and said, "This move by the Imperial Concubine could lead to a disastrous outcome; the white piece is in danger." He extended his hand to help Tongxi up, and she immediately felt goosebumps all over her body, forcing herself to suppress the discomfort and withdraw her hand.
At home, Miss Linghu Guantao is a daughter of a concubine, and her relationship with Tongxi is not particularly close. Xuanxuan and Shubo are also uncertain as to why the Empress has taken an interest in her.
Miss Guantao encountered the Emperor in the Imperial Garden and was favored by him
The Heavenly Sovereign did not speak and rose to walk towards the inner chamber
What is wrong with her? Tongxi pressed her temple, still not having recovered from the torment of the favor she received a few days ago
Xuanxuan, please take a message and ask my brother to find a knowledgeable matron who is well-versed in the ways of love and romance to accompany my elder sister into the palace
Dugu Yuanfeng feigned innocence with a smile, saying, "It seems that the noble consort's beauty is extraordinary, even the little eunuch is mesmerized." She then scolded the little eunuch, saying, "What are you still standing there for?" The little eunuch hurriedly retreated, almost tripping over his own robe.
And then? Tongxi did not expect this turn of events, but Qiyun did nothing wrong. In her palace, there is a maid who has gained favor, which is also her blessing. If Huifei could give birth to a son or a daughter, and she could take them in and raise them, that would be even better. A child does not necessarily have to be born by oneself
Tong Xi secretly scolded Du Gu Yuan Feng for sowing discord. At this moment, news of a marriage proposal was announced. Would Guan Tao not suspect that it was because she could not tolerate her? If the Emperor truly had something with her in the future, and she whispered a few words in the Emperor's ear, could she still expect to reap the benefits? "Marriage matters should be decided by the parents; how can I, as a younger sister, interfere in such matters?" She felt that the thoughts of Emperor Tianzheng were too strange. Just a few days ago, he had favored one woman, and today he could unhesitatingly choose a husband for her.
You truly are a wise and virtuous consort of your generation
I was just thinking of going to admire the Lantian jade in the Empress Dowager's palace" Tong Xi pulled out a faint smile
Is His Majesty treating you well? Tongxi asked once again for confirmation
"Your Highness, are you not going to listen to what that old woman has to say?" Qi Yun inquired from the side, referring to the person invited by Tong Xi's brother from the brothel, who was quite skilled.
When His Majesty arrived, Aunt Qi Yun instructed that only Hui Fei be allowed to enter and serve tea. None of us knew what had happened, but shortly after, we heard His Majesty calling someone to come in
At this moment, the gaze of Emperor Tianzheng shifted away from the blue jade, "What the Empress Dowager says is final. Does the Noble Consort have someone in mind?"
No matter how Tong Xi looked at it, she did not perceive any signs of panic or pain on Guan Tao's face; instead, there was a sense of satisfaction.
One afternoon, Tongxi sat in the chair almost without changing her position, until the eunuch returned the peach to the Tonghui Palace
Linghu Guantao beheld the woman seated high above, her hair styled in a celestial bun, adorned in a gown of golden and jade feathers with a pleated embroidered skirt, radiating a brilliance akin to the moon, leaving one feeling utterly ashamed of their own appearance
Tongxi felt somewhat fatigued and dozed off for a short while, only to be hastily awakened by Shubo.
Your Highness, this morning a notice was delivered requesting an audience with you. The Master wishes for you to consider finding another marriage proposal for the eldest young lady.
Isn't my elder sister's mourning period supposed to be over these few days?" Tongxi suddenly brought up this question out of the blue, leaving the two housemaids, Xuanxuan and Shubo, somewhat puzzled.
Let us consider my father's intentions. Tongxi thought for a moment. My elder sister, who is as fragile as glass, can no longer seek a martial man; it has likely not been easy for her these years. If it comes to that, she might as well choose a scholar from a prestigious family to marry among the officials. Tongxi understood well the significance of the officials.
Tongxi approached with a smile, "Your Majesty is busy with state affairs, and I have merely come to pay my respects. Sister, you must be thinking of His Majesty, right?" Tongxi skillfully played the role of a younger sister, and in recent days, she had become quite close with Guantao, both inside and out, presenting themselves as sisters.
Tongxi's mood improved significantly in an instant. She allowed Guantao to stay in the palace for a few more days, but afterwards, it was unclear whether it was Guantao's bad luck or if the Emperor simply did not remember such a person, as there were no special gestures made.
Shu Bo could only say that she would accompany me to stroll through the garden. The Emperor commanded me to lift my head... At this moment, Guan Tao was somewhat agitated, which Tong Xi could understand. The Heavenly Ruler had a handsome appearance, and when I first entered the palace, I probably had some youthful infatuation, but now I can no longer recall the feelings I had back then
Shu Bo did not understand what the Emperor meant, but Tong Xi knew that it must be that Hui Fei had failed to entice the Tian Zheng Emperor. This venerable sovereign is exceedingly difficult to please; if you align with his thoughts, even the daughter of a butcher would suffice. However, if you do not meet his expectations, even the daughter of the San Shi Tai Zai family would be regarded as a woman attempting to climb the dragon and attach herself to the phoenix.
Before Tong Xi could speak, she heard a deep, resonant voice filled with magnetism from behind say: "I did not expect the Empress Dowager and the Noble Consort to have such refined interests"
What happened? Tongxi ascended the imperial sedan, with Shubo closely following beside the sedan, "The Emperor is coming"
Linghu Guantao is a person made of water, and upon hearing this, tears began to fall.
Tong Xi heartily remarked, it seems that Dugu Yuanfeng still cannot help herself; she has never liked sharing the Emperor with other women. However, such overt jealousy is likely inappropriate.
Miss Guantao is truly fortunate to have a sister like the Empress. What Qi Yun does not understand is that Tongxi, due to her own suffering, does not wish for her sister to endure the same fate, encountering a rough husband; she fears that her sister would not be able to withstand it even more.
Tong Xi saw that the two were like this and felt very conscious of preparing to take their leave, "I..."
Tong Xi leisurely placed the white piece onto the chessboard. Even if she explained it to Dugu Yuanfeng, she would not believe it was a coincidence. "As long as the Emperor's heart is not biased towards anyone, and everyone receives equal favor, isn't it a good thing for more women to help the Emperor expand his lineage?"
Tong Xi kept the peach for lunch, and they chatted a bit about family matters, bestowing some silk and satin as gifts. In the afternoon, when she took a short rest, she instructed Shu Bo to take the peach to stroll around the Imperial Garden, considering that she, as a younger sister, had done her utmost in kindness and duty
She wore a gown of moonlight white gauze, with flowing long sleeves and a hem embroidered with large peonies in delicate pink. A small, exquisite pink flower made of silk hung down from her brow, swaying gently from the golden phoenix head of her hairpin. The young eunuch had just entered the palace a few days ago and had never seen Tongxi before; naturally, he had never imagined that such beauty existed in the world. He felt as if this woman were the reincarnation of a peony fairy, and for a moment, he was utterly mesmerized.
The sound of the thunderclap was no different from that of a lightning strike in her ears. She shook her right hand slightly, causing the white piece in her hand to slide towards a nearby spot.
"Returning to the Empress, Miss Guantao, Miss Guantao..." Shubo found it somewhat difficult to articulate.
"I wonder what kind of marriage the Empress wishes to arrange for Miss Guantao?" Qi Yun, noticing Tong Xi's displeasure, changed the subject.
The Heavenly Sovereign replaced Tongxi in the position and engaged in a game against Dugu Yuanfeng, while Tongxi stood by observing the match. After several rounds of contention, the situation was finally turned around by the white pieces, securing a stable victory.
"How is it that I cannot come?" His voice echoed coldly.
Tong Xi's heart felt a chill; although she held a high position as a favored concubine, basking in glory and wealth, that particular matter was something she could not disclose to outsiders at all. If the Emperor favored Guan Tao, would it not mean that her relatives would eventually learn of the humiliation endured by their esteemed concubine? This was something Tong Xi could never bear to confront
These years have been hard on the elder sister. Linghu Guantao married General Sikong's son, Sikong Jin, and within a year became a widow, having recently completed three years of mourning.