Chapter 8, Sisterhood

Tong Xi's body ached, and she could no longer afford to engage in pretense with Guan Tao. Irritated, she drove her away, only to encounter someone coming to apologize—Nie Qionghua

"Your Majesty." Tongxi turned around to see the Heavenly Sovereign dressed in casual attire. Even without formal clothing, he still appeared so dignified and distant, embodying a sense of nobility.

Dragon Boat Festival

Indeed, this girl is only wearing a thin shirt, and even her belly band can be faintly seen, yet she is dressed in a flamboyant manner; it would not be surprising if the Emperor favored her.

The door to the bedroom was suddenly opened, and Guan Tao appeared before Tong Xi, her eyes blazing with fury

"Sister, what do you mean by that?" Tongxi was unsure whether to feel relieved or angry. Although Guantao was favored, it was not the best. She, being a member of the Linghu family, had a certain degree of pride and arrogance, believing that she could obtain things she should not hope for. Tongxi tolerated her merely to see if she had any value to exploit. It seemed that tonight, she had been completely forgotten by Emperor Tianzheng.

With her brows furrowed, Tong Xi felt that it might not be a bad thing that she lacked the ability to curry favor with those who do not recognize social hierarchies. Coldly, she said to Guan Tao: "Sister, do not forget your own status. Although it is indeed my wish to serve the Emperor together as sisters, it is rather laughable that you, unable to charm the Emperor yourself, have come here early in the morning to blame me. Given the circumstances, it would be wise for you to consider your own position. The other day, Father sent a message saying he missed you; I think it would be best for you to leave the palace today."

I only hope that the Empress can have a child soon, regardless of who gives birth, as long as the child is under her care.

However, this item on him, Tongxi recognized it; it was indeed the same needlework that Mu Zhaowen had given her, but this embroidery depicted a flying dragon in the sky. It was surprisingly not the sachet of Dugu Yuanfeng. Tongxi was uncertain whether this was a good omen or a bad omen

Fortunately, she had prepared in advance, as opportunities are always reserved for those who are prepared. She approached the chief eunuch Jiang Deqi, who served the Heavenly Sovereign, and slightly bowed, saying, "Eunuch Jiang, the noble consort has sent this sachet to the Emperor on my behalf."

"Um, give it to me," Jiang Deqi responded, preparing to take the sachet. However, unexpectedly, Qionghua suddenly withdrew it, saying, "The Empress has instructed that it must be personally delivered to the Emperor."

"Does Your Majesty wish to bathe and refresh?" Tong Xi focused her mind and managed to utter these words. When the Heavenly Ruler arrived at the Tonghui Palace, she had always been one to keep her mouth shut and act with caution.

Aunt, although I do not know this Lady Zhao well, she is certainly not a reckless person. I believe the stakes in this bet are not high, or perhaps the Emperor is already aware of it. Tongxi hopes that she is overestimating Mu Zhaowen. If this round is indeed a trap set by her, then she is truly formidable. If I were not aware, I would have fallen into her scheme. She can also suppress the Empress Dowager's arrogance while simultaneously striking at her. It is likely that during my absence from the palace, Dugu Yuanfeng and Mu Zhaowen were not on good terms; otherwise, why would she have gone to the trouble of inviting me back? If this round is indeed a trap set by her, then she is truly formidable. If I were not aware, I would have fallen into her scheme. She can also suppress the Empress Dowager's arrogance while simultaneously striking at her. It is likely that during my absence from the palace, Dugu Yuanfeng and Mu Zhaowen were not on good terms; otherwise, why would she have gone to the trouble of inviting me back

Your Highness, this servant deserves to die. Last night, it was not my intention. I went to attend to His Majesty's bath, but little did I know that His Majesty..." She hesitated, her face flushed with embarrassment.

Tongxi put down the scroll and sighed, "Alas, she is so frivolous and reckless; next time the Emperor comes, it would be better to cool her down a bit." Tongxi rubbed her forehead, thinking that these people are hopelessly incompetent; should she reconsider her choice? A woman should still be more dignified.

Linghu Tong, you are quite impressive. Gu Tao could no longer care about her status.

Before long, I saw Qionghua stumbling out, her clothes disheveled and her eyes filled with tears

Tong Xi is still smiling, "Sisters, let us enjoy ourselves in private since we have some leisure time, especially as we are celebrating a festival."

This is the reason why Tongxi values the silk ribbons; there is no need for explicit instructions, as she will naturally inquire and gather everything you need.

Qi Yun lowered his head to the side, truly unable to stop this woman who had been gritting her teeth all night long

The Heavenly Sovereign took a sip of tea and said to Guantao, "Are you still in the palace?"

Tong Xi naturally adorned herself in her customary elegance, especially during the festive season. She wore a gown of rosy red palace attire made of cloud-patterned silk, with the hem sprinkled with silver powder, sparkling brilliantly under the lights. Three delicate gold chains hung from her forehead, each adorned with a South Sea pearl the size of a fingernail, adding a touch of charm without appearing overly complicated.

The Emperor of Heaven paused for a moment and said, "That is fine."

"Take good care of this girl; I find her still too frail to fully satisfy the Emperor. Please urge her to study the things that Old Madam Li taught her last time." Tong Xi instructed once more before lying down weakly

The bundle of silk responded and departed

No need, this time it is quite interesting. It is not unreasonable for the sisters to have some entertainment during the festival, why spoil the Emperor's mood. Shubo, you go to Zhaoyang Palace and place a bet of ten taels of silver, to buy the Jin Princess a chance to enter the top three.

This is the Heavenly Sovereign that Tongxi is familiar with, who shows no compassion towards women. When he does not wish to pay attention to you, even if you shed a thousand tears in front of him, he can easily pretend not to see. For a moment, recalling the Heavenly Sovereign's affection and concern for Concubine Zhao, Tongxi secretly mocked herself, realizing that she was almost exhibiting the same symptoms as Dugu Yuanfeng. It seems that Mu Zhaowen is indeed different in the eyes of the Heavenly Sovereign.

However, Your Highness, whether the Emperor wears it or not is of no consequence; if you do not present it, then it would be Your Highness's fault

The Heavenly Emperor went to the "Lan Guang Pool" in the Tonghui Palace to bathe, while Tongxi waited in the inner chamber. The inner chamber of Tongxi was connected to the Lan Guang Pool by a long corridor, which was adorned with twelve flowing curtains made of white clouds and golden silk gauze. On both sides of the corridor were the places where Tongxi's garments were stored. After bathing, as she walked back from the Lan Guang Pool, her gaze would instantly fall upon a garment, and the dark silk and silk ribbons would obediently be presented to her.

Did the Empress not send the Emperor a sachet yesterday? When Xuanxuan was attending to Tongxi's grooming in the afternoon, she discovered that the sachet she had embroidered for the Emperor was still in the box

Tong Xi received the peach of immortality and knelt at the palace gate to welcome Emperor Tianzheng

In fact, the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated in a similar manner every year, but this year there is an additional topic of discussion, namely the dragon boat team organized by the Princess of Jin. People are widely debating, believing that they are merely a supporting role, and finishing in last place would be considered a mere embellishment.

The leading Princess Jin was not clearly visible, but that shadow appeared to be spirited and dashing, evoking a sense of longing in others

Tong Xi did not speak. Last night, she was so overwhelmed with pain that she could not even think about these matters when the Heavenly Sovereign left. Even if she had remembered, she might not have had the mood to give him a sachet. "Even if I gave it to the Emperor, he might not wear it. Did you not see him wearing the sachet from Concubine Zhao?"

The heart sank to the depths as the hanging peach was so high, and tears fell instantly. The Heavenly Sovereign seemed to be oblivious, saying, "I am tired." This meant he wanted to rest

Tong Xi hurriedly got up to undress the Heavenly Sovereign. He ruthlessly pressed Tong Xi beneath him, skillfully binding her hands with cloth and covering her mouth.

"What are you doing here?" Tongxi was taken aback; wasn't that Guantao over there?

The empress does not wish for me to bear the favor you have bestowed, so please speak plainly. Why send a servant to mock me, to ridicule me for not being able to compete even with a lowly maid

Dugu Yuanfeng, even if she were to die, would merely be an empress dowager, posing no threat to her own position. However, Mu Zhaowen could replace her at any moment and become the mistress of the harem of Emperor Tianzheng

"Who is so bold?" Gambling is strictly prohibited in the palace, yet this practice persists among the palace maids and eunuchs, regarded as a pastime during their leisure time

Jiang Deqi glanced at Qionghua, naturally aware that she had once served in the palace. However, he could not ascertain whether this young girl was playing tricks or if the noble consort had truly given such instructions. "Please wait here for a moment."

It was indeed a tiring day; she nearly fell asleep with her arms propped up on the dressing table, only to be startled awake by the rustling sound of clothes behind her

However, there are exceptions. Jiang Deqi recalled the play from three years ago, "The Imperial Concubine." At that time, she was still a Zhaoyi, and was awkwardly carried onto the imperial palanquin by the Emperor. He did not need to guess what had happened; he knew at that moment that this Lady Hu Zhaoyi would surely rise to prominence in the future. As expected, not long after, the Emperor issued an edict to confer upon her the title of Imperial Concubine.

With a gentle smile, Tong Xi said, "What crime is there? If the Emperor has taken a liking to you, it is your fortune. You are a person of my Tonghui Palace, and my honor is also reflected in you. You should stay well in the palace, and when the Emperor comes, you should serve him diligently, which is loyalty to the Emperor and to me. However, since the Emperor has not given you a title this time, I cannot promote you either. Aunt Qi Yun, please prepare a private room for Qionghua to stay in."

Tong Xi sat quietly in front of the dressing table, listening to the sounds from the other side. If Guan Tao were wise, she would understand the need to lower her stance and seize the opportunity to vie for the emperor's favor

Tong Xi is someone who wishes never to see the Heavenly Sovereign again for the rest of her life. She only hopes that he can confidently entrust the harem to her, and she will certainly not let him down. The harem will surely be peaceful and tranquil; even if there are conflicts, they will be of no significant consequence.

It is said that the favored consort of the Zhaoyang Palace took the lead, and many of the ladies have participated, claiming that a little gambling brings joy

The gaze of Emperor Tianzheng was somewhat cold, "Aren't you going to attend to me for the night?"

Nie Qionghua received the fragrant pouch from Tongxi and went to the Huanyuan Hall, filled with immense joy. Although she had no official status and should not have dared to overstep her bounds, such a wonderful opportunity was one she could not afford to miss.

Shu Bo's hands and feet have always been quite nimble. Just as Tong Xi finished her grooming and was about to read a book, she stepped in. "Your Highness, this servant has secretly inquired with other masters. The bets are quite low; even Consort Zhao has only wagered five taels of silver. Liang Chongyuan, Luo Jieyu, Xue Jieyu, Wang Changzai, Xu Xiaoyi, and others have also placed their bets."

Your Highness!" Qi Yun exclaimed

Today, the Taiye Pool is bustling with activity, with the banks adorned with colorful boats, music boats, small boats, painted cabins, and dragon boats, as well as tiger-headed boats for viewing and musical performances. The court orchestra is playing music from the boats to cheer on the festivities, and naturally, there are also competing teams racing for the prize. One can easily spot a particularly unique boat, on which stands a group of valiant women, their attire a vibrant red.

The next morning, at the break of dawn, Guan Tao, disregarding the obstruction of the palace maids, insisted on seeing Tong Xi, and she had no choice but to endure the pain and rise.

Nie Qionghua initially thought that the imperial concubine would be furious, feeling anxious and apprehensive. However, she did not expect such an outcome; the imperial concubine even bestowed upon her a hollowed-out gold bracelet and a pair of jade earrings. She expressed her gratitude and joyfully withdrew.

Tong Xi paid her respects to the Empress Dowager and Emperor Tianzheng, then smiled and began to chat with Dugu Yuanfeng.

Your Highness, there are still people in the palace opening bids. How many places can be obtained by purchasing the fleet of the Crown Princess of Jin?" Xuan Xuan was styling Tong Xi's flying phoenix hairdo.

Sister is tired, so let Qi Yun take you back to rest. Tong Xi does not want to entangle with her here, fearing that the Heavenly Ruler might overhear.

When Tong Xi arrived at the second floor of the Golden Dragon Hall to watch the dragon boat race, Emperor Tianzheng, Huang Fu Yan, was already seated, pointing out the dragon boats on Taiyi Pool with Concubine Zhao at the railing

Tonight, the actions of Emperor Tianzheng were exceedingly rough, having tossed and turned Tongxi three times before finally relenting. Tongxi gritted her teeth and endured, her only confusion being that the Emperor clearly appeared fatigued, especially after their earlier encounter. Why, at this moment, did he still possess such thoughts and continue to torment her in this manner

I believe it is only right to enter the top three. Tongxi did not beat around the bush. However, upon hearing this, Emperor Tianzheng seemed quite interested and turned back to glance a couple of times.

It is of no consequence; the sisters in the harem originally have little entertainment. Today is a rare occasion when they are in high spirits. Shubo, pay attention to how much the other masters are betting.

After Guan Tao was taken out with her mouth covered, Tong Xi began to speculate about who would be favored over there

In the end, I still could not escape this torment

Your Highness, what are you doing? You have already let go of Consort Zhao without pursuing the matter further. Why do you still want to wade into this murky water? If the Empress Dowager finds out...

Tong Xi instructed someone to prepare the bathing utensils. As for everything now, it solely depends on Guan Tao's own fortune; do not blame yourself for not creating opportunities for her

Jiang De reported to the Heavenly Sovereign, and soon summoned Qionghua to enter

"Was it her yesterday?" Tong Xi raised an eyebrow

As Tong Xi was perusing the documents sent by the Sixth Bureau, she listened to Aunt Qi Yun's report, "Qionghua will certainly not succeed; it is foolish."

It seems that this Lady Zhao has a very good reputation among the people in the palace. Tongxi held a piece of mint candy in her mouth; she always liked to do this in hot weather, finding it refreshing

Let Qionghua deliver it to the Hanyuan Hall. Tongxi thought for a moment; such an opportunity should not be wasted

"What rank do you think the Princess of Jin will achieve this time?" asked Dugu Yuanfeng with a smile.

The Heavenly Sovereign supported them in mid-air, allowing the two to stand upright. Guan Tao then stared at the Heavenly Sovereign with a somewhat inappropriate gaze. At this moment, Tong Xi could not avoid the situation no matter what, so she could only stand aside and witness her sister's fate.

Before long, Tongxi had waited for about a quarter of an hour without seeing the Heavenly Sovereign appear. She felt a sense of relief; it seemed that Guantao had succeeded. Faintly, she could still hear the sounds of a woman's moans, causing Tongxi's face to flush slightly. Guantao's voice was indeed too loud. Soon, Tongxi furrowed her brows again. She had always adhered to the principle of silence while eating and sleeping. At such a moment, shouldn't she control her voice even more? How could she produce such lascivious sounds

Jiang Deqi shook his head behind them; these women always sought to tempt the Emperor in the Hanyuan Hall, but unfortunately, none have succeeded to date. The Emperor is quite disinclined to favor women in places other than the bedchamber.

I have heard that there are individuals among the palace concubines who are privately opening gambling establishments. Does the noble consort know of this matter

Your Highness, do you want to ... ... " Qi Yun suddenly spoke up, and Tong Xi naturally understood Qi Yun's meaning. The Emperor does not approve of the palace maids gambling

However, having grown weary of the delicacies of mountains and seas, I have always cherished the simplicity of plain congee and cabbage. Guantao believes that her beauty pales in comparison to Tongxi, so she simply opts for "the lotus emerges from the water, pure and unadorned"

Her eyes were fixed on the sachet tied around the waist of the Heavenly Sovereign. The custom in the palace is to wear sachets to ward off evil spirits around the time of the Dragon Boat Festival. These sachets are filled with fragrant powders made from cloves, herbs, white atractylodes, sweet flag, wormwood, and realgar, which is why the concubines of the palace present sachets to the emperor.

Dugu Yuanfeng placed the teacup in her hand down, startling everyone. "The Emperor has issued a decree prohibiting gambling in the harem. How dare you! The Noble Consort has also gambled ten taels, hasn't she?"