Chapter Two, Spring Desires to Fade
A person can only encounter true love once in a lifetime, which makes this life worthwhile; this is a truth known to all. However, what is easy for common folk to achieve is as difficult as ascending to the heavens for an emperor. If one possesses enough cunning, and if all parties involved are unable to stir up any waves through their calculations and suppression, then for decades, as people grow older and their passions wane, grievances will eventually fade away. Yet, the emperor is inherently weak, and the excessive favoritism shown to Consort Shao inevitably leads to arrogance and tyranny. When it comes to matters of justice, one cannot be surprised if grievances are repaid with grievances.
The queen descended from the throne, accompanied by two palace maids holding lanterns. In the gentle drizzle, he held an umbrella for her, while the surrounding twilight enveloped them, creating a sense of tranquility. She let out a long sigh, lazily leaning against his shoulder
Empress Zhao's tear stains had not yet dried on her face, and her eyes were somewhat swollen from crying for a long time. She passed through the dragon and phoenix canopy to the outer chamber and summoned the physicians to inquire about the Emperor's condition, asking, "Based on the pulse, when will His Majesty be in good health?"
Then I shall patiently await the good news from the Supervisor. She smiled like a delicate flower, her fingers, stained with rouge, gliding down his face and slipping into the white gauze collar. Her fingertips moved inch by inch, wanting to go further down, but he pressed them down. She smiled; this was his rule, no matter how passionate, not a single piece of clothing would be removed. She was indifferent to it, lingering around her jade-like neck, "Once the time is right, as soon as there is news from the Qianqing Palace, bring the Prince of Rong out of the Chengqian Palace and send him to me."
Once the important matters were discussed, only personal feelings remained. She whispered softly in his ear, "You said you would help me relax my muscles and bones, but how exactly do you intend to do that?"
The attending physician, Chen, shivered slightly and bent down even further, "The Emperor is unwell, and the diagnosis made by the Imperial Medical Institute, along with the prescribed remedies, must all be sealed and archived. Without the Emperor's command, even if we had the courage of a bull, we would not dare to disclose a single word. However, given the current situation, it is imperative to speak frankly; we ministers are indeed filled with trepidation. Since Her Highness has issued a decree, I shall boldly share the details with all esteemed officials. I have taken the Emperor's pulse, which is light and floating, and upon examination, it feels empty, indicating a condition of deficiency due to overexertion, internal injury, and diarrhea. Since Her Highness has issued a decree, I shall boldly share the details with all esteemed officials. I have taken the Emperor's pulse, which is light and floating, and upon examination, it feels empty, indicating a condition of deficiency due to overexertion, internal injury, and diarrhea. This ailment... requires avoidance of female company and a tranquil mind to recuperate. Last month, the Emperor summoned me to take his pulse, and at that time, he already exhibited symptoms of bone-heat and tidal fever. How did this illness arise?" He swallowed hard, "The deficiency of liver and kidney yin fluids is often caused by prolonged illness harming the kidneys, or by insufficient constitution, or excessive sexual activity. I have prescribed a remedy that eliminates warming and drying substances that deplete yin, focusing on nourishing the kidneys and lungs." The deficiency of liver and kidney yin fluids is often caused by prolonged illness harming the kidneys, or by insufficient constitution, or excessive sexual activity. I have prescribed a remedy that eliminates warming and drying substances that deplete yin, focusing on nourishing the kidneys and lungs. As for the matters concerning the imperial harem, I had previously reported to the Emperor, but now that the Emperor's condition has become increasingly perilous, it seems that my counsel has not been taken to heart.
There are many taboos in the palace, and even if one is unwell, one cannot directly ask when death will come. The imperial physician must also avoid giving a straightforward answer, instead bowing and responding: "Your Majesty's pulse is soft and fine. According to medical principles, a deficiency in essence and blood leads to a fine and soft pulse, while a deficiency in yin that cannot contain yang results in a floating and soft pulse. We have previously observed that Your Majesty's hands and feet are warm, the mouth and throat are dry, and the tongue is red without coating. Compared to yesterday, the condition has slightly progressed."
Xiao Duo curled the corners of his lips and said, "Your Highness, please rest assured, I will take care of it."
His hand rested lightly on her shoulder, not daring to apply any pressure. The queen placed her hand over his slender white fingers and squeezed firmly, "How much longer do you think the emperor can hold on?"
Returning to Kun Ning Palace, all the attendants in the main hall withdrew. This had become a habit over the past three years; as long as Xiao Duo was present, there was no need for anyone else to serve beside Her Majesty the Empress.
After fighting for all these years, the emperor cannot do anything to her while he is alive; once he is dead, it will be out of their control. The gloom in the queen's heart dissipated in an instant; fortunately, she has him. Although it is a relationship of mutual benefit, he is ultimately a capable assistant.
The eunuch in charge of lighting the lamps carried a lantern to the eaves, using a long pole to prop it up, hanging each one on the iron hooks. The Hall of Supreme Harmony emerged from the dimness, appearing as the only brightness in a world of desolation, standing there with regal dignity. But it was only for a moment, as the subsequent Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility lit up in succession, forming a continuous line, creating a vast expanse of brilliance; this is the heart of the Forbidden City
The light brightened slightly as he stood by the candlestick, fiddling with the wick. The heavy golden hue reflected on his face, flawless as white jade. He possessed exceptionally beautiful features, often with the corners of his lips pressed into a cool, thin arc, while the slightly upturned tips of his eyes carried a unique charm. When he gazed at you intently, it gave rise to a strange illusion of profound compassion and empathy.
Xiao Duo... the Empress called out to him, and he felt a surge of anger like a mountain
He observed her face in the brass mirror, and gathered himself on her shoulder, "Your Highness, I am aware of the anxiety in your heart. Even if we were to take a step back and consider the worst, should anything happen to the Emperor, you would still be the master of the Six Palaces. So please, take heart; with me here, even if I were to be shattered to pieces, I would ensure your safety and peace of mind."
However, an illusion is always an illusion, and those who have dealt with him know this well. He is skilled at playing chess, and regardless of how underhanded his methods may be, the words he speaks are always grand and dignified. Power is a wonderful thing; it embellishes him and allows him to stand tall. From the days of youthful ambition to now holding great power, having a sharp blade by his side always brings a sense of security
Xiao Duo smiled and said, "Your Highness, have you forgotten my origins? Is it necessary for you to worry about such matters? Shouldn't I be punished instead?"
He caressed her hair, slowly rubbing and twisting the ends between his fingers. "Your Highness, do not ask. I have my reasons. Since she and the Emperor have made a solemn vow, with His Majesty's passing, how could there be any reason for her to survive by relying on favors? Let her accompany the King, and it would be nothing more than allowing her to be named in the offerings, receiving some incense in return."
Upon hearing this, everyone present felt somewhat awkward. The imperial physician's words were quite clear: the reason for the emperor's bedridden condition was his failure to follow medical advice and excessive indulgence. The earlier instance of coughing up blood could be excused, but just now it was not merely a slight trace; he had taken a large gulp, and a torrent surged forth from his mouth and nose, which was truly unsettling
This contradiction, how should the ministers respond? The censors will scold, the military officials will fight, but they cannot manage the queen's grievances against the consort. Now that the topic has been brought up, what should be done moving forward is clear to everyone. However, the emperor has not yet passed away, and it is inconvenient for him to make any commitments.
What is your background? Aren't you just a sycophant! The queen chuckled softly, leaning gracefully into his embrace. After pondering for a while, she felt somewhat troubled, "The favored concubine Shao has a son; she will not be able to be buried with him, so how do you plan to handle this?"
The queen turned around from the stool to look at him, "If one wishes to live comfortably in the future, it is naturally best to use Prince Rong as a pretext. It is only right and proper for a son to inherit his father's position; at most, one can appoint a few regents to take care of the affairs, while the power still remains in one's own hands. However, how should that wretched Lady Shao be dealt with? If she is alive, she must be respected with the title of Empress Dowager, and it will be difficult to handle her then."
The matters of the harem were originally the emperor's private affairs, where he favored whomever he pleased, leaving no room for outsiders to intervene. Minor disputes could be overlooked, but now a significant upheaval has occurred, shaking the very foundations, and it must be addressed seriously. Since the founding of the Great Ye dynasty, the Chengqian Palace has been designated as the residence of the imperial concubine. The current concubine, surnamed Shao, has a deep connection with the emperor. Concubine Shao was originally the fiancée of a guest of the Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace. By chance, she met the then Crown Prince, Emperor Yuanzheng, and they enjoyed delightful conversations, leading to the development of feelings between them. However, the heir taking the wife of a minister is hardly a pleasant tale to tell. This matter reached the ears of Emperor Daizong, who reprimanded them and then let it go. Later, as the couple married and went their separate ways, it was thought that the past was behind them. However, upon ascending the throne, the emperor issued an edict mandating the divorce of Concubine Shao and her husband, and he openly brought Concubine Shao into the palace. Naturally, their reunion was filled with extraordinary affection, and they devoted themselves to a harmonious life together, casting aside the other members of the harem.
The empress is tired. He carefully encircled her with the hand holding the umbrella, "Let me help you stretch your muscles, Your Majesty, you should get a good night's sleep."
The once poised queen has long since vanished without a trace, leaving only these spring-like brows and eyes, this body as delicate as if it were made of no bones, and this heart that has long been parched and desolate
He squinted at the dragon and phoenix lantern stand, his long eyelashes intertwining, obscuring any clear thoughts, creating an air of ambiguity. After a while, he said: "It is merely a matter of these past few days; the Empress must make preparations early. The Emperor has only one son, who is currently being raised in the Concubine's palace. Whether to elevate His Royal Highness the Prince of Rong to the throne or to select a candidate from among the various imperial uncles entirely depends on the Empress's intentions"
As soon as he spoke, everyone hurried to agree: "Lord Xiao's words are reasonable; we shall certainly devote ourselves wholeheartedly to repay the Emperor's grace of recognition." Having hastily expressed their determination, they no longer waited idly in the palace, but instead exited the side hall.
The sky gradually darkens, and the rain seems to have lessened somewhat. At this time of day when night transitions into day, the twilight outside is a faint blue, hazy and indistinct, making it difficult to discern whether it is dawn or dusk
The queen sat in front of the dressing table, undoing her hairpin. A person behind her approached to take the morning sun and five phoenix hanging pearl hairpin from her hand, and took an ivory comb to groom her hair, methodically combing from the beginning to the end, as if they would never grow tired of it. The warmth that the emperor owed her was somewhat compensated here, though still insufficient, it was better than nothing.
The queen paused for a moment and said with resentment, "Such a significant matter, how is it that no one has come to inform me? You have concealed it well, but look at the disaster that has arisen from your secrecy!" As she spoke, she wiped her tears and continued, "I have also advised them; if only they could heed even a word or two, we would not have ended up in this situation today! I have given them counsel face to face many times, repeating the same few words, which eventually made him impatient. As the mother of the nation, I should not have said such things, but look at the several royal uncles and ministers; that person in the Chengqian Palace has been entangled day and night, and now he is utterly exhausted. Who can concoct a miraculous remedy to save him?"
Everyone fell silent, and the atmosphere became somewhat tense. At this moment, a person dressed in crimson robes and adorned with a jade belt stepped forward to ease the situation, saying: "Your Majesty is unwell, and in these past few days, the people's hearts have been unsettled. I believe this is a breach of decorum. We serve our sovereign and it is our duty to alleviate their concerns. The sovereign is temporarily unwell, but that does not hinder our responsibilities. We should continue to safeguard our duties and ensure the security of the realm, so as not to betray the trust placed in us by the sovereign. In my humble opinion, everyone should remain steadfast in their respective posts. We should not delay the proposals that require our respect; those matters that can be approved by our Office of Ceremonial Affairs should be handled on behalf of the sovereign, while significant decisions can wait until the sovereign's health is restored. During this time, the ministers should work diligently, not seeking rewards from the sovereign, but rather seeking peace of mind for themselves." He then bowed respectfully to the Empress, saying, "Your Majesty, please do not worry. The sovereign is blessed with good fortune; this is merely a small hurdle, and once we get past it, everything will naturally proceed smoothly."
The queen let out a faint sigh, "Just a few days ago everything was fine, yet I do not know how it has come to this state." She turned her head and saw that the yellow silk drapes hanging in front of the bed were not fully closed, revealing a pale gray face with half-open mouth and eyes, as if it had already died a great deal. She quickly shifted her gaze, leading a group of waiting princes and ministers into the side hall. The palace maid assisted her in taking her seat on the low screen throne, and she composed herself before addressing the physician in front of her, "I have inquired about the cause of the illness, yet your Imperial Medical Department has always been evasive and has not provided a clear answer until now. At present, all the ministers are here; they are both relatives from the clan and the emperor's trusted close aides. In such a critical moment, there is no need to hold back so much; you may speak freely. Keeping people in the dark is not a solution; should anything happen, I fear the Imperial Medical Department will not be able to bear the responsibility."
His Excellency, with a copper cane, assisted her, skillfully resting her arm on his forearm, "Your Highness has attended to the Emperor all day; it is time for you to rest. Your own health is also important; I shall escort Your Highness back to the palace"